Italian ID Help.

[MrEvolution]

Hey guys, my grandpa was in the Italian army during WW2, and he passed away a few years ago here in canada. I took a picture, of his picture in his gear, was wondering if someone can tell me whats what.

Photo is here:


Your help is greatly appreciated.

[Krieg]

I wish I could help you, but my Italian uniform knowledge is limited...

What I know is that the tunic, is "standard" since I've had seen a couple of people trying to put together Italian impressions on www.ww2airsoft.com.
And many of their images showed the same tunic.

Very nice picture though, I wish if I had one of my granfather

[MrEvolution]

figured I would bump this since its been a very long time

[de-mix]

Figured you should check this site out.
http://www.italianfront.com/reproww2militaria.htm

Might have some info or names.
Prices are not cheap.

[MrEvolution]

bumpy bumpy.

Does anyone know what Specific Theatre this was for? or Time Frame?
Im just trying to get an idea of what side he was on, at what time.

I know he was shot in the leg, thats about it.

[MrEvolution]

Back from the dead, again.
Going to the 'old country' in a few days, where would I go to find his service record?

I was thinking City hall in his hometown.

[ColtFarmer]

http://www.italiamerica.org/id132.htm

looks promising?

[MrEvolution]

Necro bump. Some new discoveries I have found.

Well, deducing from this pic and some reference books, My Grandfather was most likely an officer indicated by the hat.


Books are: "The Italian Army 1940-45(parts 1,2,3)"
ISBN:
Part 1: 978-1-85532-864-8
Part 2: 1-85532-865-8
Part 3: 978-1-85532-866-2

Im looking into the stars on his collar for rank. The wrapping around the base of the hat also denotes rank. Im going to guess he is a Sottotenente (2nd LT) as it is one solid wrap, however this is complete guesswork on my part, im just going off a list of rank in book #1.

I enlarged the photo, Might have found out his unit as well.
His collar tab could possibly be maroon with a white stripe (the stripe stands out if you zoom in and play with the contrast a bit).

The list in my book reads: Superga division. Collar tabs Maroon with White Stripe, served in France and North Africa.

In another thread Yorkie explained about the anti tank mine box I found in his house and how that style mine was used in North Africa. I also have this photo:



Yes that is a BAR (or looks like one to me.)

Very interesting indeed. Now if I can only find a repro webgear vendor

Hmm some more interesting facts I googled on Superga.

from: http://www.axishistory.com/index.php?id=8527

1. Infantry Division Superga was raised in 1940 and took part in the campaign against France. It was reorganized for the planned invasion of Malta but was instead sent to Tunisia in November 1942.

It was destroyed in May 1943 fighting against the British forces.

In some sources this division is incorrectly listed as an Assault and landing division.

Order of battle
91. Basilicata Infantry Regiment
92. Basilicata Infantry Regiment
5. Superga Artillery Regiment
2 x Battalion
2 x Battalion (mot)

Mortar Battalion
Anti-Aircraft Battalion
3 x Battery
1. Anti-Tank Battalion
101. Engineer Battalion
1. Signals Company
14. Pioneer Company
1. Carabinieri Section
2. Carabinieri Section (MP's I think. Carabienieri is police)

80. Field Post Office

50. Special Brigade

Published sources used
George F. Nafziger - Italian Order of Battle: An organizational history of the Italian Army in World War II (3 vol)

I know he was wounded in his left leg if I remember correctly (I was probably 6 years old at the time I was told, amazed I can remember that).

If anyone comes across any Uniforms/Webgear please let me know.

[Pockets]

I am sure you have seen this website...

http://www.militariacollection.com/fascistuniforms.htm

[Boche]

Evo, how tall was your Grandfather?? It looks like he's resting his elbow on a bar stool.

[MrEvolution]

Very interesting, I will give that a thorough reading

edit:

Memel, my dad says he thinks he was 5'7" to 5'9". Thats just a really big stool in the pic lol.

[Slow]

Originally Posted by memel

Evo, how tall was your Grandfather?? It looks like he's resting his elbow on a bar stool.

Alot of military and Graduation pictures use a High stool so the person can rest there elbow on it