"Italian Combat Groups 1944-45" Topic

I wondered if anyone had some general information on the organisation os these formations?

As I understand it, six were raised and fought largely in the British areas in Italy, who were responsible for their training and equipment.

The only snippet I have on their organisation is each Group had two Infantry Regiments, one Artillery Regiment, an Engineer Battalion and service elements. If anyone can shed a bit more light on the composition of the Regiments and Battalions it would be interesting.

Thanks,

Gary

o.k. this is what I've got

two regiments of three battalions each battalion made up of four infantry companies and one support company. Basically they where equiped by the British (after the Americans refused to supply the equipment) and they seem to be organized just like a British battalion(eg support company contains 6lb a/t and 3 inch mortars)

One artillery regiment with four firing battaries using british 25lbs, one a/t battery with 17lbs and one a/a battery with bofors 40mm a/a guns

my sources has two companies of engineers rather than a battalion per group and a signals company.

The six groups where named
Cremora
legnano
Friull
Folgore
Mantova
Piceno

Basicly they where used by the British to help alleviate their man power problems in 44-45 and so where designed to be infantry heavy. High support functions like heavy artilley and armour where provided by the British.

Hope that helps hopefully someone else can flesh out any details.

Cheers Jon

Thanks very much Jon, that's the kind of detail I was looking for.

Gary