2 Infantry Division Sforzesca
| 2nd Infantry Division Sforzesca | |
|---|---|
2nd Infantry Division Sforzesca Insignia
|
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| Active | 1940 - 1943 |
| Country |
 Regno d'ItaliaKingdom of Italy |
| Branch |
.svg){kind=small} Regio EsercitoRoyal Italian Army |
| Role | Infantry |
| Size | Division |
| Garrison/HQ | Novara, Italy |
| Nickname(s) | Sforzesca |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Disbanded | 1943 |
The 2nd Infantry Division Sforzesca was a mountain Infantry Division of the Italian Army during World War II. The Division was mobilized in June 1940 in Novara, for the Italian invasion of France. The only difference between line infantry divisions and mountain infantry divisions was that the latter's artillery was carried by pack mules instead of the standard horse-drawn carriages. Italy's real mountain warfare divisions were the six alpine divisions manned by the "Alpini" mountain troops.
The Sforzesca Division started an offensive against France between Claviere and Cesana Torinese. It spearheaded the attack to the direction of Briançon, but encountered heavy French fortifications. On 22 June 1940, the area of Bois de Praria fort was secured, and fighting shifted to Bois de Sestriere, with the capture of Montgenèvre commune. On the southern flank, the advance stalled at La Crete (Crete de Chaussard). On June 23, Sforzesca Division has made very modest advance. In the night from 23 to 24 June 1940, the Sforzesca division was moved to reserve and replaced by 58th Infantry Division Legnano.
The Sforzesca Division took part in the Greco-Italian War in 1941, being transferred to Albania in 12–18 January 1941. For this offensive, the Sforzesca Division has the 30th legion CC.NN. attached. The division has assembled in Tepelenë. It had its first encounter with Greek army on 28 January on the ridge over Mali i Shendellise (Scindeli). The heavy defensive fighting, with frequent hand-to-hand combat and trenches lost and re-captured several times, continued until 28 February. During the offense started 1 March 1941, the Sforzesca Division captured Chiaf. By 4 March, it passes Bregu i Buzit, and by 6 March 1941, it captured the Klisura road junction.
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