robot: Create/upgrade articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page. |
further expand formatting per sources additionally and updated info |
||
| Line 5: | Line 5: | ||
|caption= | |caption= | ||
|dates= 1939–1941 | |dates= 1939–1941 | ||
| country = {{ | | country = {{flag|Kingdom of Italy}} | ||
| branch = {{army|Kingdom of Italy}} | |||
| branch = {{ | |||
|type=[[Infantry]] | |type=[[Infantry]] | ||
|role= | |role= | ||
| Line 29: | Line 28: | ||
|mascot= | |mascot= | ||
|battles= [[World War II]] | |battles= [[World War II]] | ||
*[[Italian invasion of Egypt]] | |||
*[[Battle of Sidi Barrani]] | |||
|anniversaries= | |anniversaries= | ||
|decorations= | |decorations= | ||
| Line 34: | Line 35: | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''2nd Libyan Division''' ({{ | The '''2nd Libyan Division''' ({{langx|it|2ª Divisione libica}}) was an [[infantry]] [[Division (military)|division]] of the [[Royal Italian Army]] during [[World War II]]. In December 1940, the division formed, together with the [[1st CC.NN. Division "23 Marzo"]] and [[2nd CC.NN. Division "28 Ottobre"]], the [[XXIII Army Corps (Italy)|XXIII Army Corps]]. The corps participated in the [[Italian invasion of Egypt]] and was destroyed during the [[Battle of Sidi Barrani]].<ref name="Ufficio Storico">{{cite book |title=Bollettino dell'Archivio dell'Ufficio Storico N.II-3 e 4 2002 |date=2002 |publisher=Ministero della Difesa - Stato Maggiore dell’Esercito - Ufficio Storico |location=Rome |page=356 |url=https://issuu.com/rivista.militare1/docs/bollettino-ii-n.3-4-2002-testo |access-date=2 November 2021}}</ref><ref>Jowett, p.10</ref> | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
On 1 March 1940 the 2nd Libyan Division and [[1st Libyan Division (Italy)|1st Libyan Division]] were formed from existing units in [[Italian Libya]]. Both divisions consisted of Italian officers and local non-commissioned officers and troops. In September 1940 the 2nd Libyan Division participated in the [[Italian invasion of Egypt]]. The original invasion plan of a flanking move through the desert had been modified due to the shortage of transport capacity and so the | On 1 March 1940, the 2nd Libyan Division and [[1st Libyan Division (Italy)|1st Libyan Division]] were formed from existing units in [[Italian Libya]]. Both divisions consisted of Italian officers and local non-commissioned officers and troops. In September 1940 the 2nd Libyan Division participated in the [[Italian invasion of Egypt]]. The original invasion plan of a flanking move through the desert had been modified due to the shortage of transport capacity and so the 1st Libyan Division and 2nd Libyan Division were brought close to the coastal road to be the spearhead for the CC.NN. divisions of XXIII Army Corps. The [[Maletti Group]] would operate as a flank guard.<ref>Macksey, p.38</ref> After entering [[Egypt]] the Italian units stopped and built a series of fortified camps around [[Sidi Barrani]]. | ||
The British noted that the Italian camps were dispersed and separated by large distances, which meant they could not support each other if attacked.<ref name="Wav3264"/> Accordingly the plan for [[Operation Compass]] envisioned to defeat the Italians [[Defeat in detail|in detail]] in a five-day raid.<ref>Playfair, p. 264</ref> On 9 December the 2nd Libyan Division was located at [[Tummar]] and <ref>Macksey, p. 68</ref> the British attack commenced on Tummar began at 13.50, after [[7th Royal Tank Regiment]] had refuelled and re-armed and artillery had softened up the defences for an hour. A north-west approach was made and the tanks broke through the perimeter without much difficulty and were followed by the infantry. However, the defenders put up stronger opposition than at Nibeiwa<ref name=pl>Playfair, p.268</ref> but by 16.00 Tummar West had been overrun, except for the extreme north-east corner.<ref name=pl/> The British tanks then shifted their point of attack to Tummar East, the greater part of which was captured by nightfall.<ref name="Playfair269">Playfair p. 269</ref> | The British noted that the Italian camps were dispersed and separated by large distances, which meant they could not support each other if attacked.<ref name="Wav3264"/> Accordingly the plan for [[Operation Compass]] envisioned to defeat the Italians [[Defeat in detail|in detail]] in a five-day raid.<ref>Playfair, p. 264</ref> On 9 December, the 2nd Libyan Division was located at [[Tummar]] and <ref>Macksey, p. 68</ref> the British attack commenced on Tummar began at 13.50, after [[7th Royal Tank Regiment]] had refuelled and re-armed and artillery had softened up the defences for an hour. A north-west approach was made and the tanks broke through the perimeter without much difficulty and were followed by the infantry. However, the defenders put up stronger opposition than at Nibeiwa<ref name=pl>Playfair, p.268</ref> but by 16.00 Tummar West had been overrun, except for the extreme north-east corner.<ref name=pl/> The British tanks then shifted their point of attack to Tummar East, the greater part of which was captured by nightfall.<ref name="Playfair269">Playfair p. 269</ref> | ||
On 10 December the [[16th Indian Infantry Brigade]] was brought forward from the [[4th Infantry Division (India)|4th Indian Infantry Division]] reserve and with elements of the [[11th Indian Infantry Brigade]] were sent forward to attack [[Sidi Barrani]]. Moving forward it was in position barring the south and south-western exits to Sidi Barrani by 13.30. At 16.00, supported by the whole of the division's artillery, the attack, again with the support of 7th RTR, went in. The town was captured by nightfall<ref name="Wav3264">Wavell in {{London Gazette| issue=37628| date=25 June 1946|page=3264|supp=y}}</ref> and the remains of the two Libyan divisions and the [[4th CC.NN. Division "3 Gennaio"]] were trapped between 16th Infantry Brigade and [[Selby Force]].<ref name="Playfair270">Playfair p. 270</ref> By 15 December, Sollum and Halfya had been captured as well as Fort Capuzzo and all Italian forces had been cleared from Egypt.<ref name="Wav3264"/> | On 10 December, the [[16th Indian Infantry Brigade]] was brought forward from the [[4th Infantry Division (India)|4th Indian Infantry Division]] reserve and with elements of the [[11th Indian Infantry Brigade]] were sent forward to attack [[Sidi Barrani]]. Moving forward it was in position barring the south and south-western exits to Sidi Barrani by 13.30. At 16.00, supported by the whole of the division's artillery, the attack, again with the support of 7th RTR, went in. The town was captured by nightfall<ref name="Wav3264">Wavell in {{London Gazette| issue=37628| date=25 June 1946|page=3264|supp=y}}</ref> and the remains of the two Libyan divisions and the [[4th CC.NN. Division "3 Gennaio"]] were trapped between 16th Infantry Brigade and [[Selby Force]].<ref name="Playfair270">Playfair p. 270</ref> By 15 December, Sollum and Halfya had been captured as well as Fort Capuzzo and all Italian forces had been cleared from Egypt.<ref name="Wav3264"/> | ||
The 2nd Libyan Division lost 26 officers and 1,327 men killed and 32 officers and 804 men wounded, with the survivors being taken prisoner.<ref>USSME, ''La prima offensiva Britannica in Africa Settentrionale'', tomo I, allegato 32 (page 375).</ref> The division was declared lost on 11 December 1940.<ref name="Ufficio Storico"/> | The 2nd Libyan Division lost 26 officers and 1,327 men killed and 32 officers and 804 men wounded, with the survivors being taken prisoner.<ref>USSME, ''La prima offensiva Britannica in Africa Settentrionale'', tomo I, allegato 32 (page 375).</ref> The division was declared lost on 11 December 1940.<ref name="Ufficio Storico"/> | ||
| Line 57: | Line 58: | ||
*** I Libyan Artillery Group ([[8 cm FK M. 5|77/28]] field guns) | *** I Libyan Artillery Group ([[8 cm FK M. 5|77/28]] field guns) | ||
*** II Libyan Artillery Group (77/28 field guns) | *** II Libyan Artillery Group (77/28 field guns) | ||
*** 1st Libyan Anti-aircraft Battery ([[Breda Model 35|20/65 | *** 1st Libyan Anti-aircraft Battery ([[Breda Model 35|20/65 mod. 35]] [[anti-aircraft gun]]s) | ||
*** 2nd Libyan Anti-aircraft Battery (20/65 | *** 2nd Libyan Anti-aircraft Battery (20/65 mod. 35 anti-aircraft guns) | ||
** II Libyan Mixed Engineer Battalion | ** II Libyan Mixed Engineer Battalion | ||
*** 1x Libyan engineer company | *** 1x Libyan engineer company | ||
Latest revision as of 20:35, 15 February 2026
| 2nd Libyan Division | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1939–1941 |
| Country |  Kingdom of Italy |
| Branch |  Royal Italian Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Division |
| Nickname(s) | Pescatori |
| Engagements | World War II |
The 2nd Libyan Division (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) was an infantry division of the Royal Italian Army during World War II. In December 1940, the division formed, together with the 1st CC.NN. Division "23 Marzo" and 2nd CC.NN. Division "28 Ottobre", the XXIII Army Corps. The corps participated in the Italian invasion of Egypt and was destroyed during the Battle of Sidi Barrani.[1][2]
History[edit | edit source]
On 1 March 1940, the 2nd Libyan Division and 1st Libyan Division were formed from existing units in Italian Libya. Both divisions consisted of Italian officers and local non-commissioned officers and troops. In September 1940 the 2nd Libyan Division participated in the Italian invasion of Egypt. The original invasion plan of a flanking move through the desert had been modified due to the shortage of transport capacity and so the 1st Libyan Division and 2nd Libyan Division were brought close to the coastal road to be the spearhead for the CC.NN. divisions of XXIII Army Corps. The Maletti Group would operate as a flank guard.[3] After entering Egypt the Italian units stopped and built a series of fortified camps around Sidi Barrani.
The British noted that the Italian camps were dispersed and separated by large distances, which meant they could not support each other if attacked.[4] Accordingly the plan for Operation Compass envisioned to defeat the Italians in detail in a five-day raid.[5] On 9 December, the 2nd Libyan Division was located at Tummar and [6] the British attack commenced on Tummar began at 13.50, after 7th Royal Tank Regiment had refuelled and re-armed and artillery had softened up the defences for an hour. A north-west approach was made and the tanks broke through the perimeter without much difficulty and were followed by the infantry. However, the defenders put up stronger opposition than at Nibeiwa[7] but by 16.00 Tummar West had been overrun, except for the extreme north-east corner.[7] The British tanks then shifted their point of attack to Tummar East, the greater part of which was captured by nightfall.[8]
On 10 December, the 16th Indian Infantry Brigade was brought forward from the 4th Indian Infantry Division reserve and with elements of the 11th Indian Infantry Brigade were sent forward to attack Sidi Barrani. Moving forward it was in position barring the south and south-western exits to Sidi Barrani by 13.30. At 16.00, supported by the whole of the division's artillery, the attack, again with the support of 7th RTR, went in. The town was captured by nightfall[4] and the remains of the two Libyan divisions and the 4th CC.NN. Division "3 Gennaio" were trapped between 16th Infantry Brigade and Selby Force.[9] By 15 December, Sollum and Halfya had been captured as well as Fort Capuzzo and all Italian forces had been cleared from Egypt.[4] The 2nd Libyan Division lost 26 officers and 1,327 men killed and 32 officers and 804 men wounded, with the survivors being taken prisoner.[10] The division was declared lost on 11 December 1940.[1]
Organization[edit | edit source]
- 2nd Libyan Division[1]
- 3rd Libyan Infantry Grouping
- 4th Libyan Infantry Grouping
- 2nd Libyan Artillery Grouping
- I Libyan Artillery Group (77/28 field guns)
- II Libyan Artillery Group (77/28 field guns)
- 1st Libyan Anti-aircraft Battery (20/65 mod. 35 anti-aircraft guns)
- 2nd Libyan Anti-aircraft Battery (20/65 mod. 35 anti-aircraft guns)
- II Libyan Mixed Engineer Battalion
- 1x Libyan engineer company
- 1x Libyan telegraph and radio operators company
- 2nd Libyan Anti-tank Company (47/32 anti-tank guns)
- 2nd Libyan Transport Group
- 1x Medical section
- 1x Supply section
- 27th Field Post Office
Attached to the division in Egypt:[1]
Commanding officers[edit | edit source]
The division's commanding officers were:[1]
- Generale di Divisione Armando Pescatori (1 March 1940 - 11 December 1940, POW)
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Bollettino dell'Archivio dell'Ufficio Storico N.II-3 e 4 2002. Rome: Ministero della Difesa - Stato Maggiore dell’Esercito - Ufficio Storico. 2002. p. 356. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
- ↑ Jowett, p.10
- ↑ Macksey, p.38
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Wavell in "No. 37628". The London Gazette (Supplement). 25 June 1946. p. 3264.
- ↑ Playfair, p. 264
- ↑ Macksey, p. 68
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Playfair, p.268
- ↑ Playfair p. 269
- ↑ Playfair p. 270
- ↑ USSME, La prima offensiva Britannica in Africa Settentrionale, tomo I, allegato 32 (page 375).
Bibliography[edit | edit source]
- Jowett, Philip S. (2000). The Italian Army 1940-45 (1): Europe 1940-1943. Osprey, Oxford - New York. ISBN 978-1-85532-864-8.
- Macksey, Major Kenneth (1971). Beda Fomm: The Classic Victory. Ballantine's Illustrated History of the Violent Century, Battle Book Number 22. New York: Ballantine Books. ISBN 978-0-345-02434-3.
- Paoletti, Ciro (2008). A Military History of Italy. Greenwood. ISBN 978-0-275-98505-9.
- Playfair, I. S. O.; et al. (1959) [1954]. Butler, J. R. M. (ed.). The Mediterranean and Middle East: The Early Successes Against Italy (to May 1941). History of the Second World War, United Kingdom Military Series. Vol. I (3rd impression ed.). HMSO. OCLC 888934805.