136th Infantry Division Giovani Fascisti
| 136th Armoured Division Giovani Fascisti | |
|---|---|
| Active | 24 May 1942–May 1943 |
| Country | Italy |
| Branch | Italian Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Division |
| Nickname(s) |
Giovani Fascisti Mussolini's Boys |
| Engagements |
World War II *North African Campaign |
The 136th Armoured Division Giovani Fascisti was an infantry division of the Italian Army during World War II.
The Giovani Fascisti (Young Fascists or "GGFF") Division was formed from volunteers from the Young Fascist University. The volunteers were subject to a power struggle between the Army and the Fascist Blackshirts and of the original 25 battalions only two battalions survived to see action. The Division was sent to Libya in July 1941, the III "A ferro freddo" battalion remained in Italy for training and was later used as a source for replacements.
In May 1942 it was decided to reform them for their conduct during the Western Desert Campaign as an Armoured Division, the 136th Armoured Division Giovani Fascisti, but the division never received its tanks and it remained an infantry division. It was in action during Operation Crusader when the 11th Indian Infantry Brigade was heavily engaged against a strong point near Bir el Gobi, 25 miles south of Ed Duda.
The GGFF made their mark during Operation Crusader. Tasked to defend the small hill known as Bir el Gobi, they fought off repeated attacks by the 11th Indian Brigade and British 7th Armoured Division during the first week of December, 1941. Despite overwhelming odds, they inflicted massive casualties on the Allies and held their ground despite severe hunger and thirst.
The 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 136th Giovani Fascisti Infantry Regiment, held a hilltop position successfully and fought off repeated attacks by the British armour and Indian infantry units during the first week of December 1941.
The Mussolini's Boys began the Gazala battle in May 1942 as part of the army reserve, with four infantry battalions — the two original battalions, plus 9th Independent Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Battalion of the San Marco Marine Regiment (which was later detached to join the Hecker amphibious group). During the course of the battle, the remaining three battalions went forward to assist the 102nd "Trento" Division's penetration of the Allied minefield zone.
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