"LRDG Opponents?" Topic

So…I'm thinking of an LRDG raid on an Italian airfield. What Italian vehicles would they likely run into and be chased by besides Saharianas?

I'm *not* interested in Germans at this time.

Thanks

airplanes?

Several types of vehicles were also used by Italian units that clashed with the LRDG that include the Lince armored car, as well as the Autoblinda 40 and 41 armored car. Italian troops may also be mounted on SPA AS.37 trucks modified for desert use, or Moto Guzzi Alce motorcycles.

Italian troops may also be mounted on SPA AS.37 trucks modified for desert use…

Not meaning to pursue a Mr. Picky award, but since the OP raises the issue of the Saharianas, it might be useful to get a bit more detail into the discussion.

First, for those who don't follow the Italian military of WW2 closely, the Sahariana were troop formations, not vehicle types. They were Italian long-range reconnaissance troops in North Africa.

The AS in SPA AS.37 stood for "Autocarro Sahariano". There were no SPA AS.37s modified for desert use, as the AS.37 was a truck created for desert use.

It was based on the TL.37 artillery prime mover, but added features specifically to fill the needs of the Sahariana in North Africa.

At the beginning of WW2 the Sahariana were truck mounted, using primarily the AS.37, but with various other trucks as well.

In 1942 the Sahariana began receiving the SPA-Viberti AS.42 Camionetta. This is the vehicle most wargamers associate with the term "Sahariana".

It was a further development of the AS.37, with a boat-shaped body and frequently festooned with a variety of guns. A veritable Italian "Rat Patrol" jeep writ large.

-Mark
(aka: Mk 1)

May be of some help generally … lrdg.hegewisch.net/lrdg.html

But as noted a number of vehicles were used by the Italians to run counter-LRDG/SAS patrols/raids. The "Sahariana" being one of the better known.