Sforzesca
The "Sforzesca" in World War II
During World War II, the "Sforzesca" played an important role in several battles. In 1940, it was assigned to the IV Army Corps in France, but did not participate in any battles. In 1941, it was assigned to the XXV Army Corps and sent to Greece to support the Germans in the Italian Campaign in Greece. There, the division was involved in one of Italy's biggest defeats of the war and suffered heavy losses.
In 1942, the "Sforzesca" was assigned to the II Army Corps and sent to the Russian front. There, the division participated in the First and Second defensive battles of the Don, suffering heavy losses. In December of the same year, the division was assigned to the German XXIX Army Corps and sent to Bosnia, where it remained for about six months.
With the armistice of September 8, 1943, the "Sforzesca" tried to escape capture, but much of the division fell into German hands and was interned. Some of the division's men managed to find refuge among the population and join the Italian Resistance.
Commanders of the "Sforzesca"
During its existence, the "Sforzesca" had several notable commanders. Among them, General Alessandro Pino, who commanded the division from 1938 to 1940, General D. Fidenzio Dall'Ora who commanded the division from 1940 to 1941, General D. Luigi Mentasti who commanded from 1941 to 1942, General D. Alfonso Ollearo who commanded from 1940 to 1941, and General D. Carlo Pellegrini who commanded the division from 1941 to 1943. General B. Michele Vaccaro had command of the "Sforzesca" for a few days in August 1943.
Legacy of the "Sforzesca"
Although the "Sforzesca" did not achieve significant military results in World War II, the division's legacy remains important. The division represents the history of a military unit that fought and suffered heavy losses in defense of their country. The "Sforzesca" was an example of courage and dedication by Italian soldiers, as despite the disastrous outcomes of battles, the division's soldiers continued to fight until the end in defense of their country.
In addition, the name "Sforzesca" is still well known today in Vigevano and other parts of Italy, as the division represents an important part of the history of the Lombardy Region and the Kingdom of Italy.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the 2nd Infantry Division "Sforzesca" was an important military unit in the history of the Royal Italian Army during World War II. Despite the disastrous outcomes of the battles in which it was involved, the division represents an example of sacrifice and courage by Italian soldiers. The legacy of the "Sforzesca" is still relevant today, not only from a historical but also a cultural perspective.
