The original fascist was Italy's Mussolini who, with the help of his 'action squads' (basically thugs)helped to foment dissent in post WWI Italy when most Italians felt they had been left out of the spoils of war following WWI. This group grew into the 'Fighting Faschists' which became a political party and eventually allowed Mussollini to rise to power.

Through all this the 'action squads' became the Blackshirts, which was basically a para-military organization of fascist faithful. These men were not part of the regular army, though in pre-WWII Italy, they were called up to do service in Albania, Ethiopia and in Libya. When civil war came to Spain, many units of Blackshirts were sent to help in the Fascist cause. This was the first real war these men faced and their general lack of proper military training meant that many were killed and even more simply cut and ran.

With WWII, even more of Mussolini's Blackshirts were needed on the various fronts. For the most part, they were poor soldiers and tended to surrender or run more than fight. However, there were exclusive 'M' units who showed great bravery and could be counted upon to provide their best. Regular units were generally given posts in backwater areas of the war where they provided good service. With the surrender of Italy in 1943, most units went to the Allied side, though the special M units tended to go with the Germans.

In this book on the Blackshirts, the authors look at the organization and development of these units, how men were recruited, the weapons that they used, how they were trained and equipped. It also looks at what belief system held these men together and how they did in battle.

It makes for another fascinating look at how these men were able to perform their duties and cope with the war situation. A book that I found eminently readable and fascinating. I know you will as well.

February 2010

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