The Italian Army of World War I

By David Nicolle

The dilemma of the young Italian kingdom and the experience of her army in World War I (1914-1918) were unique among the combatant nations. Late to enter the war against the Central Powers, she faced a massively defended Austro-Hungarian front in the north, including strong mountain features, as well as distractions in the Balkans and a simultaneous rebellion in her Libyan colony. Costly and repeated battles on the Isonzo front culminated in the disaster of Caporetto in October 1917, followed by a remarkable revival and eventual victory in 1918. This concise study describes and illustrates the Italian Army's campaigns, organisation, uniforms, weapons and equipment - including the famous 'death companies' and Arditi assault troops.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1841763985
• ISBN13: 9781841763989
• Release Date: March 2003
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (UK)
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 7.3" x 10.0"