2 Libyan Division Pescatori
| 2nd Libyan Division Pescatori | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1939–1941 |
| Country | Italy |
| Branch | Italian Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Division |
| Nickname(s) | Pescatori |
| Engagements | World War II |
The 2nd Libyan Division Pescatori was an Infantry Division of the Corps of Libyan Troops of the Italian Army during World War II. In December 1940, it was in Libya part of the Italian XXIII Corps a together with the 1 Blackshirt Division 23 Marzo and 2nd Blackshirt Division 28 Ottobre, took part in the Italian invasion of Egypt and was destroyed during Operation Compass.
The advance into Egypt started on 9 September, The plan of advance was modified to work around the shortage of transport. A flank move through the desert was cancelled and the 1 Libyan Division and the 2nd Libyan Division Pescatori were brought close to the coast road to act as a spearhead for the infantry divisions of XXIII Corps. The Maletti Group would operate as a flank guard. In essence, Berti was to use his artillery and tanks as escorts to his infantry as his force advanced through hostile territory. Following the Italian advance, the British planned a limited operation to push the Italians back. They had noted that the Italian defensive positions were dispersed with fortified camps separated by large distances which meant they could not provide mutual support. The attack Operation Compass, was originally planned as a five-day raid. On 9 December, the 2nd Libyan Division was located at Tummar. The attack commenced on Tummar at 13.50, after 7 Royal Tank Regiment had refuelled and re-armed and artillery had softened the defences up for an hour. Here too a north west approach was made and the tanks broke through the perimeter without too much difficulty and were followed twenty minutes later by the infantry. However, the defenders put up stronger opposition than at Nibeiwa but by 16.00 Tummar West was overrun, except for extreme north east corner. The tanks shifted their point of attack to Tummar East, the greater part of which was captured by nightfall.
...
Wikipedia