Alpini: Italian Mountain Troops: 1872 to the Present

The Alpini, Italian mountain troops, have a history of combat from the 1870s to the present, including a crushing defeat at Adwa in 1896 and grueling mountain battles during WWI and WWII. This book provides a comprehensive history of the units, including their organization, missions, uniforms, and equipment, with over 300 photographs. It is the first English-language history of this elite troop.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2023
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd

The history of Italian mountain troops, known as the Alpine infantry "Alpini" and the mountain artillery "Artiglieria da Montagna," spans from the 1870s to the present. These troops played significant roles in various conflicts, including the Ethiopian army's crushing defeat at Adwa in 1896, the intense mountain warfare during World War I, and the grueling mountain battles of the Second World War. The book delves into the organization, development, missions, uniforms, and equipment of these units throughout their history, including both world wars and the Cold War era. Accompanied by over 300 photographs, this is the first English-language history of this elite troop.

The Alpini faced a significant setback in 1896 when they were defeated by the Ethiopian army at Adwa. This battle marked a turning point in their history and showcased their vulnerability in high-altitude terrain. However, the Alpini would not be deterred and continued to train and prepare for future conflicts.

During World War I, the Alpini played a crucial role in the Italian campaign against the Austrian Gebirgsjäger high in the Alps. The war of snow and ice, as it was known, involved some of the most demanding mountaineering and high-elevation combat of the modern era. The Alpini soldiers demonstrated their bravery and resilience in the face of extreme conditions, enduring freezing temperatures, treacherous terrain, and enemy artillery fire.

Despite the challenges, the Alpini continued to fight and contribute to the Italian victory. They played a significant role in the Battle of Caporetto, which marked a significant turning point in the war. The Alpini's mountain warfare skills and their ability to operate in harsh environments proved invaluable to the Italian army.

After World War I, the Alpini remained a vital part of the Italian military. They continued to train and prepare for future conflicts, including the Second World War. The Alpini played a significant role in the Italian campaign in North Africa, where they fought against German forces in the rugged terrain of the Sahara Desert.

During the Second World War, the Alpini faced even more challenging conditions. They fought in the Italian Alps, where the terrain was rugged and the enemy was determined to defend their positions. The Alpini soldiers demonstrated their skill and bravery in battles such as the Battle of Monte Cassino, which was one of the bloodiest battles of the war.

Despite the challenges, the Alpini remained steadfast in their commitment to the Italian cause. They continued to fight through the Cold War and beyond, contributing to various peacekeeping missions and humanitarian efforts.

The book "The History of Italian Mountain Troops" provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the Alpini's history from the 1870s to the present. It covers various aspects of their organization, development, missions, uniforms, and equipment. The narrative history of the Alpini is accompanied by more than 300 photographs, which provide a visual representation of the troops' experiences and contributions to various conflicts.

One of the key themes of the book is the evolution of the Alpini's organization and development. It explores how these troops were formed and trained to operate in high-altitude terrain and how they adapted to changing technologies and military strategies. The book also discusses the various missions that the Alpini have undertaken throughout their history, including peacekeeping operations, counterinsurgency campaigns, and humanitarian aid efforts.

The book also delves into the uniforms and equipment of the Alpini. It discusses the different types of uniforms that the troops wore throughout their history, including the iconic green and white uniforms that they wore during World War I. The book also discusses the various types of equipment that the Alpini used, including mountain rifles, snowshoes, and mountain boots.

In conclusion, the history of Italian mountain troops, known as the Alpine infantry "Alpini" and the mountain artillery "Artiglieria da Montagna," spans from the 1870s to the present. These troops have played significant roles in various conflicts, including the Ethiopian army's defeat at Adwa, the intense mountain warfare during World War I, and the grueling mountain battles of the Second World War. The book "The History of Italian Mountain Troops" provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the Alpini's history, covering various aspects of their organization, development, missions, uniforms, and equipment. The narrative history of the Alpini is accompanied by more than 300 photographs, which provide a visual representation of the troops' experiences and contributions to various conflicts. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of military mountain units and the role that they have played in shaping the course of history.

Weight: 1788g
Dimension: 237 x 312 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780764366543