Iron Hulls, Iron Hearts

by Walker, Ian W.

• ISBN13: 9781861266460
• ISBN10: 1861266464
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-03-01
• Publisher: Crowood Pr

Summary

The campaign in North Africa during WWII was one of the most important of the conflict. The allies fought for control of North Africa against the German Afrika Korps led by Rommel. But the part played by Mussolini's Italian troops, and in particular the armored divisions, in support of the Germans is not so well known. This painstakingly researched book looks in detail at the role of Mussolini's three armored divisions - Ariete, Littorio and Centauro - and the invaluable part they played in Rommel's offensive between 1941 and 1943. Indeed, the author is able to show that on many occasions the presence and performance of the Italian armored divisions was crucial to the success of the axis campaign.

Table of Contents

Introduction	5	(4)
1 Mussolini's War	9	(21)
2 The Birth of the Armoured Divisions	30	(24)
3 Baptism of Fire	54	(24)
4 Trial by Combat	78	(30)
5 The Cauldron of Battle	108	(23)
6 The Mirage of the Nile	131	(25)
7 Iron Coffins	156	(26)
8 Last Stand and Retrospective	182	(18)
Appendix I Italian Armoured Divisions: Orders of Battle 1941-42	200	(2)
Appendix II Comparative Performance of Tank Weaponry 1941-42	202	(1)
Bibliography	203	(3)
Index	206