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Carro Armato Leggero M24 (M24 Chaffee in Italian Service)

Post author By Daniele Notaro
Post date June 3, 2024
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Carro Armato Leggero M24 (M24 Chaffee in Italian Service). Illustration made by by Ardhya ‘Vesp’ Anargha.

Italian Republic (1950-1970s)
Light Tank – 518 Operated

The Carro Armato Leggero M24 (English: M24 Light Tank) was the Italian designation for the M24 Chaffee tanks that were delivered to the Repubblica Italiana (English: Italian Republic) after 1950. The tank had entered service with the US Army in 1944 with the aim of replacing the older M5A1 Stuart and was designed for reconnaissance tasks. Its role remained the same in the Esercito Italiano (English: Italian Army), which used it until the 1970s, eventually allocating it solely for training purposes in the latter section of that period.

Carri Armati Leggeri M24 of the Scuola di Fanteria di Cesano (English: Infantry School of Cesano) during training in the 1960s.
Source: Storia Militare Dossier N. 24

History of the Vehicle

During the campaign in North Africa against the Italians and Germans, the US Army realized that the 37 mm cannon of the Stuart tanks was outdated. Therefore, they initiated a project for a light tank, named T24, on 29th April 1943, which was entrusted to the General Motors Corporation.

The new design featured a completely new vehicle with five-wheel torsion bar suspension and three track supports, powered by a Cadillac engine of the same model used on the M5 Stuart.

The main armament was developed from the 75 mm aircraft cannon T13E1, used on the B25 Mitchell bombers, called the M6 gun. It had less recoil than the M3 cannon used on the M4 Sherman but shared the same ballistics.

The first test of the new tank was conducted at Aberdeen on 15th October 1943. Mass production began in April 1944, and the new vehicle was named ‘Chaffee’ after General Adna R. Chaffee Jr., one of the fathers of the US armored units.

The first prototype of the M24 Chaffee in 1943.
Source: m24chaffee.com

From April 1944 to July 1945, 4,731 M24s were produced, with 3,592 built by Cadillac and 1,130 by Massey-Harris. The new tank saw its first action in France in December 1944, with two participating in combat in the Ardennes with the 740th Tank Battalion. Another 18 were assigned to the 744th Tank Battalion on December 24 and fought during the battles near the River Rhine.

There were immediate complaints about the vehicle because its armor did not provide great defense against German anti-tank weapons, and the 75 mm cannon was rather ineffective against enemy vehicles. As a result, the 744th Tank Battalion was re-equipped with medium tanks M4A3 (76 mm).

However, it was highly appreciated as a reconnaissance tank, considered vastly superior to the Stuarts or the M8 Greyhound armored cars. By the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, the M24s, totaling 1,163, accounted for 24% of all American light tanks deployed on the Old Continent.

A M24 of the 20th Armored Division in Austria, near Salzburg, May 1945.
Source: US Army

The tank was also distributed in small numbers to Britain, France, and the Soviet Union, and after the war, it saw action in the Korean War, proving to be a poor match against North Korean T-34/85s.

A M24 of the 3rd Infantry Division during an action against Chinese forces in Korea in May 1951.
Source: US Army

Nevertheless, it was exported to many NATO countries, as well as to Asian and African nations, and phased out of service in the 1970s and 1980s.

Italy and its Armed Forces after the Second World War

The Kingdom of Italy, later the Italian Republic from 2nd June 1946, emerged from the Second World War as a defeated and devastated nation, stripped of all its colonies and some territories (Istria, the city of Rijeka, and certain areas along the border with France) following the Paris Peace Treaty of 1947.

The Italian army was greatly reduced and temporarily renamed Esercito di Transizione (English: Transitional Army). In 1947, the Esercito Italiano could amass a maximum of 140,000 to 150,000 personnel to maintain public order in a divided country. Italy was plagued by numerous riots, and in Sicily, the issue of brigandry persisted. This was preceded until 1946 by the actions of the Esercito Volontario per l’Indipendenza della Sicilia (English: Volunteer Army for the Independence of Sicily).

However, the Esercito Italiano was by no means prepared to face a potential invasion by communist forces coming from Yugoslavia.

After 1948, due to the dire political situation in Europe, Italian military commanders began to approach the United States for the provision of arms and equipment, which were sorely lacking in the Italian armed forces.

Through the Mutual Defense Assistance Program, the United States sent aid to the Italian armed forces totaling over US$44 million between 1948 and 1949. In the following two years, 1950-51, this figure rose to US$360 million. The aid allocated to the Esercito Italiano consisted of light weapons, spare parts, vehicles, and more.

Officers of the Esercito Italiano review a unit equipped with Bren Carriers at the end of the 1940s. All the tracked vehicles are armed with old Breda Modello 1937 machine guns.
Source: Nicola Pignato – Filippo Cappellano

Service in the Esercito Italiano

In total, 518 Carri Armati Leggeri M24 were acquired by the Esercito Italiano, making Italy the third largest user of the type after the United States and France.

The first Carri Armati Leggeri M24 entered service in the Esercito Italiano in the early 1950s, with the initial 15 units assigned to the Squadroni Carri Leggeri (English: Light Tank Squadron) of the Reggimenti Cavalleria Blindata (English: Armored Cavalry Regiments). The number of Carri Armati Leggeri M24 of the Reggimenti Cavalleria Blindata reached 33 units in 1953.

Two Carri Armati Leggeri M24 of the 8° Reggimento ‘Lancieri di Montebello’ (English: 8th Regiment) during training in October 1960.
Source: Storia Militare Dossier N. 24

Soon after, armored units were also equipped with Carri Armati Leggeri M24. The Brigata Corazzata ‘Ariete’ (English: Armored Brigade) – transformed into a division the following year – had 9 Carri Armati Leggeri M24 in 1951, while the Divisione Corazzata ‘Pozzuolo del Friuli’ (English: Armored Division), established in 1953, had 15 Carri Armati Leggeri M24, which were reduced to 14 the following year.

A Carro Armato Leggero M24 used by Bersaglieri of the Divisione Corazzata ‘Centauro’.
Source: Facebook via Museo Virtuale Bersaglieri

In June 1951, the Scuola di Cavalleria Blindata (English: Armored Cavalry School) and the Scuola Carrismo (English: Tank School) merged to form the Scuola Truppe Corazzate di Caserta (English: Armed Troops School of Caserta), which was equipped with 38 tanks, including 24 Carri Armati Leggeri M24.

Carri Armati Leggeri M24 of the Scuola Truppe Corazzate di Caserta precede some Shermans during a road transfer.
Source: Storia Militare Dossier N. 24

From the early 1960s, the Carri Armati Leggeri M24 were used by the Battaglioni Esploranti Divisionali (English: Divisional Reconnaissance Battalions) attached to the armored regiments of infantry divisions, as well as by reconnaissance platoons of independent armored regiments.

In the 1970s, the few surviving units were assigned to the Bersaglieri for training purposes.

Postcard of the Battaglione Esplorante Divisionale of the Divisione di Fanteria ‘Legnano’ (English: Infantry Division) depicting a Carro Armato Leggero M24 during training.
Source: Ebay

A Bersagliere jumps from a Carro Armato Leggero M24 during anti-tank training in the 1960s.
Source: Storia Militare Dossier N. 24

At present, three Italian Carro Armato Leggero M24 remain. These can be found at the 132^a Brigata Corazzata ‘Ariete’ (English: 132nd Armored Brigade), at the Museo della Cavalleria (English: Cavalry Museum) of Pinerolo (Turin) and at the Museo Storico della Motorizzazione Militare (English: Historical Museum of the Military Motorization) of Rome

Conclusion

The Carro Armato Leggero M24 was highly appreciated by Italian tank crews for its ease of use and reliability. However, unlike other armies, the Esercito Italiano did not consider upgrading the vehicle. Consequently, it was quickly relegated to secondary roles, and as soon as the opportunity arose, it was replaced by a more modern tank. While they provided useful service and were important as training vehicles, the Italian use of Chaffees is largely forgotten today despite the very large numbers received and long service time.

Carro Armato Leggero M24 (M24 Chaffee in Italian Service). Illustration made by by Ardhya ‘Vesp’ Anargha.

Carro Armato Leggero M24 specifications
Dimensions (L-W-H)	5.49 x 2.21 x 2.84 m
Total weight	17.9 tons
Crew	4
Propulsion	Cadillac 3G petrol 110 hp – air cooled
Max Speed on road	56 km/h
Max Range	160 km
Armament	75 mm M6 1x .50 M2 machine gun 2 x .30 M1919 machine guns
Armor	From 9.6 to 37.7 mm

Source

Nicola Pignato and Filippo Cappellano, Gli autoveicoli da combattimento dell’Esercito Italiano. Volume Terzo (1945-1955), Roma, USSME, 2007

Filippo Cappellano, Fabrizio Esposito and Daniele Guglielmi Storia Militare Dossier n. 24 ‘Mezzi corazzati e blindati dell’Esercito Italiano 1945-2012. 1a Parte’ Parma 2016

Steven J. Zaloga, M24 Chaffee Light Tank 1943-85, Osprey Publishing, 2003

Leopoldo Nuti, L’Esercito Italiano nel secondo dopo guerra 1945-1950 Roma 1989

WW2 French Vehicles in Foreign Service WW2 Italian Tanks

Renault R35 in Italian Service

Post author By Daniele Notaro
Post date May 13, 2024
10 Comments on Renault R35 in Italian Service

Renault R35 of the 1° Plotone (English: 1st Platoon) of the 3a Compagnia Carri.

Kingdom of Italy (1941-1943)
Light Tank – 104 Operated

The Renault R35 was a French light tank that was sent to the Italians by the Germans in 1941 to strengthen the armored component of the Regio Esercito (English: Royal Italian Army). The Italians equipped the CI and CII Battaglione Carri (English: 101st and 102nd Tank Battalions), which fought during the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943, with these tanks. However, by that time, the tanks were considered obsolete for modern warfare.

The King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel III, reviews the 131° Reggimento Carri (English: 131st Tank Regiment) in Sicily in January 1943.
Source: digilander.libero.it

The German Capture of French Armaments and Vehicles and their Italian Use

The surrender of France on 25th June 1940, led the German forces to capture a large number of vehicles and armaments from the Armée de Terre (English: Land Army), which were immediately reused by the Germans. The Germans ordered French factories to continue assembling tanks and building spare parts, as well as modifying captured tanks to meet German needs.

French tanks were repurposed for use in the Heer (English: German Army), and in December 1940, the Beute-Panzer-Brigade 100 (English: 100th Captured Tank Brigade) was formed, fully-equipped with captured vehicles by March 1941. In summer 1941, the Beute-Panzer-Brigade 101 (English: 101st Captured Tank Brigade) was formed, consisting of two regiments. Both units underwent training before their regiments were deployed to other units. Additional armored regiments and battalions were formed using French tanks, which saw action on the Eastern Front or were used for occupation duties in occupied territories.

The significant availability of captured vehicles allowed Germany to propose sending French tanks to the Kingdom of Italy, which, after defeats in North Africa, was severely lacking in armored vehicles. In December 1940, General Wilhelm von Thoma proposed sending 350 Renault R35s, 50 SOMUA S35s, and 50 Char B1s tanks to Italy, along with 500 grenades and 5,000 rounds of ammunition for each machine gun.

The Italians accepted the vehicles, which were to be paid for, and in March 1941, Italian soldiers were sent to Wünsdorf for training on these French vehicles. However, the Germans did not uphold their end of the agreement. In July 1941, they stated that they would not send spare parts, and shortly after, the orders were drastically reduced. Only 104 Renault R35s, 32 (or 33) SOMUA S35s, and 2 Char B1s tanks were delivered.

Entry into Service

The first batch of Renault tanks arrived in Italy in April 1941, and the training of Italian tank drivers commenced at the depot of the 4° Reggimento Carri (English: 4th Tank Regiment). Initially, the plan was to form six battalions, but due to supply constraints, only two battalions were mobilized, comprising a total of 124 tanks. Eventually, the number of Renault R35 tanks available for the Italians was reduced to 104.

A Renault R35 of the 3° Plotone (English: 3rd Platoon) with its crew.
Source: live.warthunder.com

CI and CII Battaglione Carri

The first Renaults assigned to the 4° Reggimento Carri. On 3rd April, the V Battaglione Carri (English: 5th Tank Battalion) in Ladispoli and the VI Battaglione Carri (English: 6th Tank Battalion) in Terracina were equipped with them.

On 9th June, the Battaglioni Reclute (English: Recruit Battalions), which were created to train Italian tank crews on the new tanks, were dissolved. The I Battaglione Reclute (English: 1st Battalion) was disbanded and used to create four tank battalions. The II Battaglione Reclute (English: 2nd Battalion) was also disbanded, and using its personnel, the 7^a and 8^a Compagnia Carri (English: 7th and 8th Tank Companies) were formed and assigned to the V Battaglione Carri, and the 5^a and 6^a Compagnia Carri (English: 5th and 6th Tank Companies) assigned to the VI Battaglione Carri.

The Stato Maggiore del Regio Esercito (English: General Staff of the Royal Italian Army) mobilized the 131° Reggimento Fanteria Carrista (English: 131st Tank Infantry Regiment) in Siena on 15th August 1941. It was under the command of Lt. Col. Ciccimarra and consisted of a command unit, the CI and CII Battaglione Carri, which were created from the V and VI Battaglione Carri, and the CC Battaglione Carri (English: 200th Tank Battalion), equipped with SOMUA S35 tanks.

Initially, the regiment was part of the 131^a Divisione Corazzata ‘Centauro’ (English: 131st Armored Division), but in January 1942, it became independent. In July, the Stato Maggiore del Regio Esercito decided to send one battalion of Renault and one battalion of SOMUA S35 tanks to North Africa, but the decision was withdrawn in August, because of the major inadequacies of the units, which lacked transport bogies while the tanks were inadequate to clash with modern enemy armored units.

Instead, the two battalions of Renault tanks were sent to Sicily to strengthen the island’s defenses, reporting to the 6^a Armata (English: 6th Army), while the battalion of SOMUA S35s was sent to Sardinia, to be employed by another tank regiment.

The 131° Reggimento Carri thus remained with only the two Renault battalions, consisting of 58 officers, 616 non-commissioned officers and troops, 55 motor vehicles, 45 motorcycles, and 104 Renault R35 tanks.

131° Reggimento Carri on August 1942
Officers	58
NCOs and troops	616
Motor vehicles	55
Motorcycles	45
Renault R35	104

However, the regiment had several problems. The tanks were not in ideal condition, there was a lack of transport trailers, spare parts, and also a shortage of trucks. As soon as they arrived in Sicily, the regiment had 102 Renaults divided into six companies and three command platoons.

Each company was supposed to have 16 tanks, while the command platoons were supposed to have two tanks. However, the actual numbers varied greatly. The companies were subdivided within the various Mobile Groups, which were units created for the defense of airfields and placed under the authority of the XII Corpo d’Armata (English: 12th Army Corps) and XIV Corpo d’Armata (English: 14th Army Corps).

The CI Battaglione Carri (English: 101st Tank Battalion) was assigned to the XIV Corpo d’Armata, while the CII Battaglione Carri (English: 102nd Tank Battalion) was assigned to the XII Corpo d’Armata.

Tank Company	Gruppo Mobile	Location	Commander of the Gruppo Mobile	Commander of the Compagnia Carri and Command units
1^a Compagnia Carri	E	Niscemi	Captain Giuseppe Granieri	Captain Giuseppe Granieri
2^a Compagnia Carri	F	Rosolini	Major Stefano Argenziano	Captain Andrea Da Conto
3^a Compagnia Carri Command of the CI Battaglione Carri	D	Misterbianco	Lt. Col. Massimo D’Andretta	Compagnia: Lt. Franco Rodriquez Command: Unknown
4^a Compagnia Carri	A	Paceco	Lt. Col. Renato Perrone	Captain Ottavio Mannelli
5^a Compagnia Carri Command of the CII Battaglione Carri	C	Portella Misilbesi	Major Vincenzo Finocchi	Compagnia: Captain Pagliuca Command: Captain Serra
6^a Compagnia Carri	B	S. Ninfa	Lt. Col. Vito Gaetano Mascio	Captain Gabriele Servillo
1° Plotone of the 2^a Compagnia	G	Comiso	Lt. Col. Porcù	Unknown

The Allied Invasion of Sicily: Operation Husky

After the Axis forces surrendered in Tunisia in May 1943 and the subsequent expulsion of Italo-German forces from North Africa, the new objective for the Allies was to penetrate into Europe to dismantle Axis forces. The chosen target was Sicily, a large island in the center of the Mediterranean, part of the Kingdom of Italy and considered the “soft underbelly of the Axis.”

The invasion took place on 10th July 1943, although during the night between the 9th and 10th, paratroopers were dropped on the island to strike enemy communication lines and carry out sabotage. For the invasion, 181,000 personnel, 600 tanks, 14,000 vehicles, and 1,800 cannons were deployed, supported by about 3,500 aircraft and naval fleets.

To defend the island, there were approximately 260,000 personnel, both Italians and Germans, with more than 500 cannons and about 200 tanks, of which only about a hundred were German tanks suitable for combat. There were also around 1,500 aircraft.

The Sicilian coasts were defended by Brigate Costiere (English: Coastal Brigades) and Divisioni Costiere (English: Coastal Divisions), large Italian units tasked with defending the Italian coasts. However, these units were poorly armed and equipped, composed of older soldiers, and often afflicted by illnesses, especially malaria.

Their sole mission was to resist in place indefinitely to allow mobile units, formed by Gruppi Mobili (English: Mobile Groups) and Gruppi Tattici (English: Tactical Groups), as well as Italian and German divisions, to reach the coast and repel the enemy back to the sea.

The Allied landing took place in two sectors: the US 7th Army landed in the central-southern part of the island, while the British 8th Army landed in the eastern zone.

The Allied landings in Sicily in July 1943
Source: liberationtrilogy.com

The resistance of the Italian coastal units was overcome within 48 hours, and counterattacks by Axis mobile forces were repelled. After a tough struggle lasting more than a month, Allied forces occupied the entire island by mid-August 1943.

The CI and CII Battaglione Carri during the Allied Invasion of Sicily (July 1943)

1^a Compagnia Carri

At 3:15 a.m. on 10th July 1943, General Carlo Rossi, commander of the XIV Corpo d’Armata, issued an order for Gruppo Mobile ‘E’ to make itself available to the XVIII Brigata Costiera (English: 18th Coastal Brigade), responsible for defending the city of Gela and the surrounding coastline. The Gruppo Mobile ‘E’, led by Captain Giuseppe Granieri, was organized as follows:

Gruppo Mobile ‘E’
Italian Name	English translation
1^a Compagnia Carri – CI Battaglione Carri	1st Tank Company of the 101nd Tank Battalion
2^a Compagnia – CII Battaglione Controcarro da 47/32	2nd Company of the 102nd Anti-Tank Battalion
4^a Compagnia – 501° Battaglione Costiero	4th Company of the 501st Coastal Battalion
155^a Compagnia Motociclisti	155th Motorcyclist Company
9^a Batteria da 75/18 – III° Gruppo – 54° Reggimento Artiglieria ‘Napoli’	9th Battery of the 3rd Artillery Group of the 54th Artillery Regiment
Sezione della 326a Batteria da 20/65	20 mm Section of the 326th Battery

Gruppo Mobile ‘E’ initiated its advance to provide assistance to the 429° Battaglione Costiero (English: 429th Coastal Battalion), which was surrounded by US forces. By 7:00 a.m., they reached the railroad crossing near Gela. However, they faced heavy fire from the USS Boise light cruiser and aerial bombardment.

Out of the 12 Renaults, only five remained operational. These tanks entered the town of Gela and engaged in a fierce battle with the Rangers of Force X commanded by Lt. Col. Darby. The American forces responded to the Italian assault with a few 37 mm cannons and bazookas. As a result, two of the Renaults were destroyed, while the others retreated to Monte Castellucco at 11:55 a.m.

The attack toward Gela of the Gruppo Mobile ‘E’ on 10th July 1943.
Source: Le operazioni in Sicilia e Calabria

A Sicilian boy observes a wrecked Renault R35 just outside Gela.
Source: invasionofsicily.blogspot.com

One of the tanks destroyed belonged to Second Lieutenant Angiolino Navari and tankman Carlo Cuschini. After Cuschini’s death, Second Lieutenant Navari continued to advance alone and reached the city center, coming within 300 m of the Gela beach. He continued fighting until he was wounded. Despite his injuries, he attempted to exit the tank and engage the enemy with a machine gun, but he was shot in the head. For his bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Medal for Military Valor.

Second Lieutenant Angiolino Navari in the turret of a Carro Armato M13/40 (English: 13-tonne Model 1940 Medium Tank).
Source: il tirreno.it

An Italo-German offensive was planned for the 11th towards the city of Gela. The 4^a Divisione di Fanteria ‘Livorno’ (English: 4th Infantry Division) and the Panzer-Division “Hermann Göring” (English: Armored Division) were to participate in the attack. The remnants of Gruppo Mobile ‘E’ were assigned to the left column of the offensive, under the command of Colonel Martini. The left column consisted of the following units:

Colonna Sinistra
Italian Name	English translation
Gruppo Mobile ‘E’	Mobile Group ‘E’
III° Battaglione – 34° Reggimento Fanteria ‘Livorno’	3rd Battalion of the 34th Infantry Regiment
I° Gruppo – 28° Reggimento Artiglieria ‘Livorno’	1st Artillery Group of the 28th Artillery Regiment
Compagnia Mortai da 81	81 mm Mortar Company

The attack was launched from Monte Castelluccio at 6:30 a.m. The Renaults advanced along State Road No. 117, positioned to the left of the Italian deployment. Around 8:30 a.m., the Italians managed to break through the first line of US defenses, but suffered heavy losses in the process. At 9:00 a.m., the light cruiser USS Savannah began a naval bombardment, further complicating the situation. It was not until 11:00 a.m. that the second line of US defenses was also breached.

Despite facing intense enemy fire, the Italians continued their advance, resulting in significant casualties. However, by 5:45 p.m., the Renaults were forced to retreat. The infantry forces persisted in their advance until 8:00 p.m., but the Italian battalion was left with only 250 men. At 11:00 p.m., they were withdrawn to their initial positions with only 150 men remaining. The following day, the Italian forces were overwhelmed by a subsequent US attack.

American troops and Italian civilians pass by a completely destroyed Renault R35, probably hit by large-caliber artillery.
Source: invasionofsicily.blogspot.com

The last three Renaults retreated to Caltagirone and placed themselves under the command of the XVIII Brigata Costiera. From there, they withdrew to Belpasso on the 14th. On 18th July, the XVIII Brigata Costiera was disbanded, and the Renaults came under the control of the XIX Brigata Costiera (English: 19th Coastal Brigade). The XIX Brigata Costiera was attempting to retreat towards Messina.

On 8th August, the Italian tanks, along with the 435° Battaglione Costiero (English: 435th Coastal Battalion) and the 29th Panzergrenadier Division, were defending the Monte San Fratello area. During the night, elements of the US 3rd Infantry Division landed behind them, and in the morning, the Axis positions came under attack from the US 7th Infantry Regiment from the west and the 2nd Battalion from the east. In an attempt to break through the enemy lines, the three remaining Renaults, accompanied by two Panzer IVs, launched a counterattack. However, they were destroyed in the ensuing fighting.

An American soldier observes an abandoned Renault R35 near Gela.
Source: Facebook via Giovanni Pede

2^a Compagnia Carri

The 2^a Compagnia Carri, under the command of Captain Da Conto, had 10 Renaults and was part of the Gruppo Mobile ‘F’, under the orders of Major Stefano Argenziano.

Gruppo Mobile ‘F’
Italian Name	English translation
2^a Compagnia Carri – CI Battaglione Carri	2nd Tank Company of the 102nd Tank Battalion
1^a Compagnia – CII Battaglione Controcarro da 47/32	1st Company of the 102nd Anti-Tank Battalion
2^a Compagnia – DXLII° Battaglione Bersaglieri	2nd Company of the 542nd Bersaglieri Battalion
3^a Compagnia Motomitraglieri	3rd Machine Gun Motorcyclists Company
2^a Batteria da 75/06 – CXXVI Gruppo	2nd Battery of the 126th Artillery Group

On the morning of 10th July 1943, the Gruppo Mobile ‘F’ received orders to move from Rosolino to Pachino. They arrived at approximately 1 p.m. and encountered the 51st (Highland) Division. A fierce battle ensued, resulting in the loss of five Renaults for the tank company. At 3 p.m., the Group withdrew towards Rosolini.

An hour later, the Scots, in collaboration with the 231st ‘Malta’ Brigade, launched an attack on the positions held by the Gruppo Mobile ‘F’. As a result, the group had to retreat to Bonivini-Modica, a position held by a platoon of the 243° Battaglione Costiero (English: 243rd Coastal Battalion). Unfortunately, all the Renaults were destroyed by 5:30 p.m.

The advance of the Gruppo Mobile ‘F’
Source: Le operazioni in Sicilia e Calabria

An abandoned Renault R35 belonging to the 2° Plotone (English: 2nd Platoon).
Source: live.warthunder.com

3^a Compagnia Carri and Command of the CI Battaglione Carri

The 3^a Compagnia Carri, with 16 tanks, and the Command unit of the CI Battaglione Carri, which had two tanks, were part of the Gruppo Mobile ‘D’ commanded by Lt. Colonel Massimo D’Andretta.

Gruppo Mobile ‘D’
Italian Name	English translation
Comando CI Battaglione Carri	Command of the 101st Tank Battalion
3^a Compagnia Carri – CI Battaglione Carri	3rd Tank Company of the 101st Tank Battalion
1^a Compagnia – CIII Battaglione Controcarro da 47/32	1st Company of the 103rd Anti-Tank Battalion
7^a Compagnia – 76° Reggimento Fanteria ‘Napoli’	7th Company of the 76th Infantry Regiment
2^a Compagnia Motomitraglieri	2nd Machine Gun Motorcyclists Company
10^a Batteria da 75/18 – IV Gruppo – 54° Reggimento Artiglieria ‘Napoli’	10th Battery of the 4th Artillery Group of the 54th Artillery Regiment
Sezione da 20 mm della 354a Batteria	20 mm Section of the 354th Battery

On 10th July 1943, the Gruppo Mobile ‘D’ moved from Misterbianco to Solarino, where significant forces were assembled under the command of Colonel Ronco. They were preparing for an offensive towards Syracuse. At 6 a.m. on 11th July, the Italian tanks, along with Colonel Ronco’s units, departed from Solarino towards Floridia. However, after covering a few kilometers, they encountered the 13th British Brigade, sparking a clash that lasted until 1 p.m.

Following the intense battle, the Italian units retreated to the north of Solarino, where they successfully repelled a British attack at 5 p.m. The next day, at 2 p.m., a group of four Renaults set off towards Solarino. However, they were swiftly halted by a strong British position held by elements of the 69th Brigade. Out of the four Italian tanks, three were destroyed, while the last one managed to break through the enemy lines and rapidly advanced towards Floridia.

Upon reaching the outskirts of Floridia, the Italian tank encountered a Sherman tank blocking its path. The Italian tank crewmember fired a shot at the American vehicle, but realized the ineffectiveness of their 37 mm gun. Eventually, they decided to surrender, and the tank was subsequently destroyed. The remaining Renaults were all destroyed in counterattacks against the British 50th Infantry Division on 13th July.

The Renault R35 of the 1° Plotone (English: 1st Platoon) of the 3^a Compagnia Carri that was abandoned in Solarino
Source: live.warthunder.com

An overturned Renault R35 of the 3° Plotone (English: 3rd Platoon). Another abandoned tank is visible in the background.
Source: Facebook via Alberto Moscuzza

4^a Compagnia Carri

The 4^a Compagnia Carri was part of the Gruppo Mobile ‘A’ commanded by Lt. Col. Renato Perrone

Gruppo Mobile ‘A’
Italian Name	English translation
Comando XII Battaglione Carri L	Command of the 12th ‘L’ Tank Battalion
4^a Compagnia Carri – CII Battaglione Carri	4th Tank Company of the 102nd Tank Battalion
1^a Compagnia – CXXXIII Battaglione Semoventi L40 da 47/32	1st Company of the 133rd L40 Self-propelled gun Battalion
3^a Compagnia – 448° Battaglione Costiero	3rd Company of the 448th Coastal Battalion
2^a Batteria da 75/27 – CX Gruppo	2nd Battery of the 110th Artillery Group
Sezione da 20 mm della 328a Batteria	20 mm Section of the 328th Battery

On 14th July 1943, the Gruppo Mobile ‘A’ was relocated from Paceco to Aragona, with the objective of countering the enemy advance from Licata. However, on the 15th at 5:30 p.m., the unit was redirected to Villalba to protect the flank of the Raggruppamento Schreiber (English: ‘Schreiber’ Group).

A few days later, the Gruppo Mobile ‘A’, along with the Gruppo Mobile ‘B’ and Gruppo Mobile ‘C’, was integrated into the Raggruppamento Mobile Ovest (English: Mobile Grouping West) commanded by Colonel Ricci. Their main task was to defend Villalba, Raffadali, and Chiusa Sclafani, as well as ensure the safe retreat of the 26^a Divisione di Fanteria ‘Assietta’ (English: 26th Infantry Division).

During the night of the 19th, the Gruppo Mobile ‘A’ came under attack by the US 157th Infantry Regiment and was forced to retreat to Valledolmo. However, on the following day, the unit was completely destroyed by the enemy forces.

5^a Compagnia Carri and Command of the CII Battaglione Carri

The 5^a Compagnia Carri and the Command of the CII Battaglione Carri were part of the Gruppo Mobile ‘C’ commanded by Major Vincenzo Finocchi.

Gruppo Mobile ‘C’
Italian Name	English translation
Comando CII Battaglione Carri	Command of the 102nd Tank Battalion
5^a Compagnia Carri – CII Battaglione Carri	5th Tank Company of the 102nd Tank Battalion
2^a Compagnia – CIV Battaglione Controcarro da 47/32	2nd Company of the 104th Anti-Tank Battalion
4^a Compagnia – 448° Battaglione Costiero	4th Company of the 448th Coastal Battalion
10^a Batteria da 75/27 – IV Gruppo – 25° Reggimento Artiglieria ‘Assietta’	10th Battery of the 4h Artillery Group of the 25th Artillery Regiment
Sezione da 20 mm della 78a Batteria	20 mm Section of the 78th Battery

The Gruppo Mobile ‘C’ remained in reserve at Chiusa Scalfani until 14th July, when they received orders to advance to Cammarata. They arrived on the 17th to counterattack along the Valle dei Platani (English: Platani Valley).

On the 18th, the unit clashed with two US infantry regiments of the 3rd Infantry Division south of Casteltermini. The next morning, the group attempted a desperate counterattack, but was repulsed and forced to retreat to Cammarata, where it was destroyed along with Gruppo Mobile ‘B’ on the 20th by the 30th US Infantry Regiment.

Two Renault R35s abandoned after a fight.
Source: live.warthunder.com

6^a Compagnia Carri

The 6^a Compagnia Carri was part of the Gruppo Mobile ‘B’ commanded by Lt. Col. Vito Gaetano Mascio

Gruppo Mobile ‘B’
Italian Name	English translation
Comando CXXXII Battaglione Semoventi da 47/32	Command of the 132nd L40 Self-Propelled Gun Battalion
3^a Compagnia Semoventi – CXXXII Battaglione Semoventi da 47/32	3rd Self-Propelled Gun Company of the 132nd L40 Self-Propelled Gun Battalion
6^a Compagnia – CII Battaglione Carri	6th Company of the 102nd Tank Battalion
1^a e 2^a Compagnia – 448° Battaglione Costiero	1st and 2nd Company of the 448th Coastal Battalion
6a Batteria da 75/27 – CCXXXIII Gruppo	6th Battery of the 233rd Artillery Group
Plotone della 50^a Compagnia Motociclisti	Platoon of the 50th Motorcyclists Company
Sezione da 20 mm della 78° Batteria	20 mm Section of the 78th Battery

On 14th July, the Gruppo Mobile ‘B’ was relocated to Raffadali in preparation for a planned counterattack towards Agrigento. The group, along with the Gruppo Mobile ‘A’ and ‘C’, became part of the Raggruppamento Mobile Ovest.

However, the planned counterattack did not take place. On the 17th, the units of the Gruppo Mobile ‘B’ engaged in a clash with units from the US 3rd Infantry Division in Raffadali. During the clash, the Italian unit managed to capture some prisoners and a few vehicles, successfully repelling the enemy attack.

However, on the night of the 18th, Gruppo Mobile ‘B’ faced a fierce enemy assault and was forced to retreat to Bivona. The following day, the group, along with the Gruppo Mobile ‘C’, was completely annihilated in an enemy attack.

1° Plotone of the 2^a Compagnia Carri

The 1° Plotone of the 2^a Compagnia Carri was assigned to the Gruppo Mobile ‘G’ commanded by Lt. Col. Porcù.

Gruppo Mobile ‘G’
Italian Name	English translation
CLXIX Battaglione – 173^a Legione CC.NN	169th Battalion of the 173rd Blackshirts Legion
3^a Compagnia – CII Battaglione Anticarro da 47/32	3rd Company of the 102nd Anti-Tank Battalion
1° Plotone – 2^a Compagnia Carri – CII Battaglione Carri	1st Platoon of the 2nd Tank Company of the 102nd Tank Battalion
8^a Batteria da 75/18 – III Gruppo – 54° Reggimento Artiglieria ‘Napoli’	8th Battery of the 3rd Artillery Group of the 54th Artillery Regiment

The Gruppo Mobile ‘G’ was deployed to Comiso and fought at Pachino, but no other information is available. All the tanks were probably lost there.

Tanks of the 1° Plotone in Comiso.
Source: militarystory.com

Conclusion

The Renault R35 was an obsolete tank in 1943 and proved it in the field during the fighting in Sicily. Although the Italian tankers had a lot of courage, it was impossible for them to compete with the tanks or anti-tank weapons used by the Allied forces, such as bazookas. All 102 Renaults were lost in the fighting in Sicily, and none managed to be transferred to Calabria during the retreat of the Axis forces.

Renault R35 of the 1° Plotone (English: 1st Platoon) of the 3a Compagnia Carri.

Renault R35 of the 1a Compagnia Carri.

Renault R35 of the 2a Compagnia Carri. All illustrations by David Broquelet

Sources

Alberto Santoni Le operazioni in Sicilia e Calabria (Luglio – Settembre 1943) Roma 1983

http://invasionofsicily.blogspot.com/2019/07/the-battle-of-gela-part-two-first.html

https://www.modellismopiu.it/modules/news/print.php?storyid=1031

Lucio Ceva and Andrea Curami La meccanizzazione dell’Esercito fino al 1943. Tomo I Roma 1994

Lorenzo Bovi, Antonio Tallillo and Andrea Tallillo Carri armati Renault R35 in Sicilia Lorenzo Bovi 2021

Salvatore Reale and Giovanni Iacono Tre giorni vissuti da eroi. Le voci dei protagonisti. Gela 10-12 Luglio 1943 Torino 2020

Cold War Italian Police Vehicles Modern Italian Armor

FIAT Panda Iª and IIª Serie

Post author By Daniele Notaro
Post date April 13, 2024
7 Comments on FIAT Panda Iª and IIª Serie

Panda 4x4 IIa Serie used by the Corpo Forestale dello Stato. Illustration done by Oussama Mohamed 'Godzilla', funded by our Patreon campaign.

Italian Republic (1980-Present)
City Car – 4,000,000+ Built

The FIAT Panda is one of the most iconic cars produced by FIAT of Turin, and to this day, it remains a symbol in Italian culture. The car was produced starting from 1980 and was widely distributed among the police and armed forces. It also had some variants and prototypes specifically for military use.

The Iª Serie (English: First Series) was produced until 1986 and then it was replaced by the IIª Serie (English: Second Series), produced until 2003.

FIAT Panda IIª Serie used by Carabinieri assigned to the Marina Militare (English: Italian Navy) as a military police vehicle.
Source: Fiammeblu

The FIAT Panda – an Italian Legend on Four Wheels

The FIAT Panda I^a and II^a Serie have become some of FIAT’s most iconic cars, second only to the FIAT Nuova 500 (known in Italy simply as the ‘500’) and the FIAT 600. Today, it remains an iconic car among the Italian population, often accompanied by the phrase Se non ci fosse bisognerebbe inventarla (English: If it didn’t exist, it would have to be invented), derived from a 1992 advertising campaign.

Built in hundreds of versions, it accompanied Italians for over 20 years, from 1986 to 2003, and is still widely seen on the roads today.

The initial designs for the FIAT Panda were created by designer Giorgio Giugiaro in July 1976, and the first model mock-up in plaster, known as Progetto Zero (English: Zero Project), was produced in 1977. Shortly after, the first of 30 prototypes were built, and were used for road testing.

The Progetto Zero in plaster in 1977.
Source: Quattroruote

One of FIAT’s main goals was to build an affordable car that would enable a significant portion of the Italian population to buy it. At that time, the majority of the population consisted of workers with relatively low salaries (350,000 Lire per month in 1980, approximately €850 per month in today’s value).

The FIAT Panda I^a Serie was designed in 1978 by the Technical Management of Autobianchi and went into production in 1980 at the Desio and Termini Imerese plants.

FIAT’s goal was to replace cars commonly used by the Italian population, such as the old FIAT Nuova 500, FIAT 600, and Autobianchi Bianchina —models that were at least ten years old— together with the more modern FIAT 126 and 127 that remained in production even after the Panda appeared.

The Panda, unlike the city cars previously produced by FIAT, was very spacious for its time and immediately gained great success, thanks in part to its robustness.

Models and Evolution

I^a Serie

The Panda I^a Serie was produced from 1980 to 1986 in many variants.

Panda 30

Together with the Panda 45, it was the first model to enter the market in 1980. The car weighed about 650 kg and was powered by an air-cooled, 652 cm3, two-cylinder gasoline engine with 30 hp derived from that of the FIAT 126. The engine was positioned longitudinally at the front of the vehicle.

Engine compartment of a Panda 30, with the spare wheel on the right.
Source: Quattroruote

The car reached a top speed of 115 km/h, while fuel consumption was around 13.5 km/l. It had a four-speed gearbox, independent front suspensions with disc brakes, and a solid axle rear suspension suspended by double-leaf springs with hydraulic shock absorbers and drum brakes.

Structure of the Panda 30. It was identical to the Panda 45 except for the longitudinally mounted engine
Source: Quattroruote

Externally, the car had a rather basic and angular body, and at the front, the radiator grille was on the right. The dimensions were quite modest, with a length of 3.4 m and a width of 1.46 m. In 1980, the car was available in eight body colors (ivory, white, blue, light blue, black, brown, beige, and red).

A Panda 30 in an advertisement from the 1980s
Source: www.fcaheritage.com

The interior was spacious, allowing for the transport of a total of five people. Both the front and rear seats could be lowered to accommodate a large amount of cargo. However, the car was not very comfortable, especially for the driver, who had limited space. The instrumentation was straightforward, and for the time, it had many indicators.

A Panda 30’s interior demonstrated by a model. Both front and back seats could be fully lowered.
Source: Quattroruote

In 1980, a Panda 30 cost 3,970,000 Lire (€9,696.44 at present)

Panda 45

The Panda 45 was practically identical to the Panda 30, except for a more powerful four-cylinder engine with 903 cm3 and 45 hp, derived from that of the FIAT 127 and positioned transversely at the front of the vehicle. The car had a top speed of 140 km/h, and fuel consumption was around 11.9 km/l.

A Panda 45’s engine placed transversely
Source: Quattroruote

Externally, the only difference was the radiator grille, which was positioned on the left. Its price stood at 4,702,000 Lire (€11,484.30 at present) in 1980.

A Panda 45 with the radiator grille placed on the left.
Source: Quattroruote

Panda 30 and 45 Super

The Panda 45 Super was introduced at the Mondial de l’Automobile of Paris in 1982 and differed from the previous model due to the new five-speed gearbox and the grille that was modified, formed by five horizontal plastic bars which became common in later Panda models.

The following year, it was followed by the Panda 30 Super, which featured the same modifications.

Panda 45 Super
Source: Archivio Storico FIAT

Panda SIP/ENEL

In 1982, a Panda model was developed for use by the Italian electrical (ENEL) and telephone (SIP) companies. This model had only the two front seats, while in the rear, with the introduction of a plastic extension, a cargo space of 810 dm3 was created.

The compartment could be opened using a plastic shutter located at the rear of the vehicle.

Scale model of a Panda SIP
Source: thesmallbigwheels.blogspot.com

Panda Primavera

In mid-1982, exclusively for the German market, the Panda Primavera was produced, equipped with a double sunroof and featuring the Primavera logo on the rear fender.

The Panda Primavera’s advertisement.
Source: carlodigiusto.wordpress.com

Panda 4×4

In 1983, the Austrian company Steyr-Puch developed a four-wheel-drive system that was immediately adopted for the Panda. In June of the same year, the Panda 4×4 was released on the market.

The car featured a different engine from the previous models, derived from the Autobianchi A112, producing 48 hp with a displacement of 965 cm3. The four-wheel drive could be manually engaged by selecting a ‘low-range’ mode.

A Panda 4×4 while crossing a stream
Source: corriere.it

Panda 34

A variant of the Panda 30, called Panda 34, was sold in the Austrian, Dutch, and German markets. It differed from the Italian model by having a more powerful engine, producing 34 hp and having a displacement of 843 cm3.

A Panda 34 used in Netherlands
Source: Wikipedia

Panda 30 CL College

In 1985, a new version of the Panda was introduced, aimed at a young or female audience, namely the Panda 30 CL College. It distinguished itself from previous models with a two-tone body, modified interiors, and larger tires.

The price, in 1985, was 7,706,580 Lire (equivalent to €9,870.29 at present).

A Panda 30 CL College in an advertisement.
Source: Facebook via Le indistruttibili auto anni 80

Panda 45 V.I.P.

The Panda 45 V.I.P., intended for the British market, was essentially a version of the Panda 30 CL College but with the 45 hp engine and right-hand drive.

An advertisement for the Panda 45 V.I.P..
Source: carlodigiusto.wordpress.com

Nuova Panda 4×4

In 1985, a limited edition variant of the Panda 4×4 was released, called the Nuova Panda 4×4, produced in 5,000 units.

The differences from the previous model included the presence of a black bull bar, a roof rack, and new white rims. The interiors were black, with a red line similar to that on the body, while the seats were red.

The Nuova Panda 4×4 in a FIAT brochure
Source: Facebook

II^a Serie or Nuova Panda

In 1985, FIAT announced the release of a new model of the Panda aimed at modernizing the vehicle, which continued to enjoy great success, especially in the Italian market.

The original design remained, but there were changes to the chassis, abandoning the rigid leaf spring axle in favor of a more modern rigid U-shaped axle, also known as the ‘Omega’ bridge, with a central elastic anchor and two longitudinal struts.

Other changes included the introduction of the Fully Integrated Robotized Engine (FIRE), which became the base engine for many FIAT cars and is still in production for some vehicles today.

Panda 750 L, CL and Super

One of the models of the Panda II^a Serie released in 1986 was equipped with the FIRE, a water-cooled four-cylinder engine, with a displacement of 699 cm3 and a power output of 34 hp. The car could reach a top speed of 124 km/h, with a fuel consumption of 18.5 km per liter.

The FIRE engine of a Panda 750 Super.
Source: Facebook via Massimo Simoni

The Panda 750 was available in three versions:

L
CL
Super

The L was the most economical and still featured interiors very similar to the previous models.

Panda 750 L
Source: Flickr

The CL version had new padded seats, similar to the Autobianchi Y10, and semi-opening rear windows, while the canvas sunroof was available as an optional add-on.

Panda 750 CL
Source: Flickr

The Super version, which was the most expensive, came with many standard features, including the cigarette lighter, the radio compartment, the four-spoke steering wheel, and various other small modifications. It was also possible to choose the five-speed transmission instead of the four-speed.

The Panda 750 Super’s promotional brochure.
Source: Pinterest

Panda 1000 Super

The Panda 1000, produced only in the Super model, was powered by a 999 cm3 FIRE engine with 45 hp and a five-speed transmission. It had a top speed of 140 km/h, while fuel consumption was around 15 km per liter. Externally and internally, it was identical to a Panda 750 Super.

The Panda 1000 Super’s promotional brochure.
Source: Pinterest

Panda 1000 4×4

The Panda 1000 4×4 had a 1,000 cm3 engine upgraded to 50 hp and retained the solid axle rear suspension suspended by double-leaf springs with hydraulic shock absorbers. The car was 20 mm taller than the previous 4×4 models and was equipped with five gears. The interiors were very similar to those of the 1000 Super, and the sunroof was an optional add-on.

Panda 1000 4×4.
Source: Flickr

Panda 1000 4×4 ‘Val d’Isere’

A special version of the Panda 1000 4×4, the Panda 1000 4×4 ‘Val d’Isere’ was produced only for the French market. It differed by the presence of a black bull bar and the sunroof, as well as a distinctive body color formed by the inscriptions ‘Panda 4×4’ and ‘4×4’ on the hood and doors, along with a stripe featuring the French tricolor along the entire vehicle ending, with the outline of a mountain and the inscription ‘Val d’Isere’.

Panda 1000 4×4 ‘Val d’Isere’.
Source: topmarques.it

Panda 4×4 Sisley

A limited edition was produced in 1987 and promoted in collaboration with the luxury cosmetics French company Sisley. The Panda 4×4 Sisley was known for its luxurious features, including faux leather seats with genuine leather trim and a body adorned with a ‘4×4 Sisley’ stripe on the doors and a stylized canoe on the bumper. The car also featured mud flaps and an inclinometer inside.

Panda 4×4 Sisley.
Source: Centro Storico FIAT

Panda D

In 1986, a diesel version of the Panda was also produced, which featured a 1,301 cm3 engine with a power output of 37 hp and a five-speed gearbox.

Diesel engine of the Panda D
Source: Facebook via Enzo de Gennaro

The car had a top speed of 130 km/h and a fuel consumption rate of 18 km per liter. The model was identical to the 750 L, being economical. It went out of production completely in 1989.

Panda D.
Source: Centro Storico FIAT

Panda Young

In 1987, the Panda Young was introduced, equipped with a new 769 cm3 engine, derived from the old 903 cm3, with a power output of 34 hp.

The model was economical and aimed at new drivers and young people, quickly becoming successful to the point that it replaced the Panda 750 L as the base model in 1989. The car was similar to other models but differed from them by the presence of a stripe on the sides ending with the inscription ‘Young.’

Panda Young.
Source: Flickr

Panda Dance

The Panda Dance, introduced in 1990, was powered by a 900 cm3 engine with a power output of 45 hp. The trim was similar to the 750 CL, but on the body, on both sides, there was a colored line ending with the inscription ‘Dance’ in italics. It was then followed by the Panda New Dance, which was identical except for uppercase lettering.

Panda Dance.
Source: Flickr

Panda Van

In 1986, a version for artisans and workers called Panda Van was developed by the Carrozzeria Ilca-Maggiora (English: Body Shop) in Moncalieri (Turin).

This version, available in both gasoline and diesel, had a plastic rear extension. Instead of rear windows, there were two opening doors that could be opened and closed with a lock. The vehicle could transport 330 kg.

Panda Van used by an Italian newspaper carrier.
Source: en.wheelsage.org

Panda Elettra

In 1990, FIAT produced an electric variant of the Panda, becoming the world’s first company to mass-produce an electric car. The car could be conveniently recharged through a standard outlet in eight hours.

The Panda Elettra, built on the basis of the Panda 750 CL, was powered by a 9.2 kW electric motor with a range of 100 km and a top speed of 70 km/h. The Panda Elettra had only the two front seats, with the rear seats replaced by twelve 6 V lead-acid batteries.

In 1992, the Panda Elettra 2 was introduced, featuring an upgraded 17.7 kW motor and nickel-cadmium batteries.

Panda Elettra.
Source: fcaheritage.com

Panda Selecta

In 1990, a model of the Panda with automatic transmission was introduced, developed by FIAT in collaboration with the Japanese company Fuji.

The Panda Selecta had a configuration similar to the 750 CL and was sold in Italy with a 1108 cm3 FIRE engine with electronic fuel injection.

Panda Selecta.
Source: Quattroruote

Panda Italia ‘90

In 1990, Italy hosted the 14th edition of the FIFA World Cup, for which two models were produced: one based on the Panda Young and a convertible based on the Panda 1000 Super, with 40 units produced.

The first model had a body and bumpers in chalk white, enlivened by adhesive stripes in white-red-green, the colors of the Italian flag, running along the sides. The grille was also color-matched, adorned with the tricolored shield. At the back of the vehicle was the World Cup mascot, Ciao (English: Hello). The most distinctive feature was the hubcaps shaped like soccer balls, while the interior predominantly featured the blue of the Italian National Team jersey. Ciao also appeared on the backrests of the reclining seats with headrests. The carpets were blue.

The convertible version featured Ciao on both doors and the ITALIA ’90 inscription on them and on the rear of the vehicle. The interiors were similar to the other model, while the rear could be closed with a soft top.

A Panda Italia ‘90 based on the Panda Young
Source: ruoteclassiche.quattroruote.it

A Panda Italia ‘90 cabrio version
Source: ruoteclassiche.quattroruote.it

II^a Serie Restyling

In 1991, the Panda still accounted for half of the car market in Italy, prompting FIAT to give it a facelift. The most significant change was the introduction of a new front grille, while the engines were updated to comply with emission standards.

Previous models, such as the Young, Dance, and Super remained, undergoing only minor modifications, such as the introduction of catalytic converters in the engines.

Panda CLX

The Panda CLX was the top-of-the-line model in the restyling, available with either a 750 cm3 engine producing 35 hp or a 1,000 cm3 engine producing 45 hp.

The car featured the ‘CLX’ emblem on the body and was equipped with a right-side rearview mirror. Inside, there were components made with new materials, along with a clock and a radio compartment.

Panda CLX.
Source: Centro Storico FIAT

Panda 1000 Shopping

This version was similar to the CLX, but only equipped with a 1,000 cm3 engine. The car featured the word ‘Shopping’ on the rear.

Panda Shopping.
Source: Flickr

Panda Jolly

In 1997, the Jolly replaced the CLX as the most expensive model, featuring a 899 cm3 electronically injected engine with 39 hp. The model was very similar to the CLX’s.

Panda Jolly.
Source: Flickr

Panda Young (1991)

The base version of the Panda built since 1999, with a sticker on the rear that said ‘young’. The interiors were blue with light blue bars.

Panda Young (1991).
Source: Flickr

Panda Hobby

This version of the Panda was produced from 1999 and similar to the Jolly. The word ‘Hobby’ was present on the rear part of the vehicle.

Panda Hobby.
Source: Flickr

Panda 4×4 Country Club, Trekking, and Climbing

In 1991, the Panda 4×4 Trekking was introduced, featuring a 999 cm3 engine with 45 hp. This was the base 4×4 Panda, followed in 1992 by the Panda 4×4 Country Club.

Panda 4×4 Trekking.
Source: Flickr

The Country Club had the same setup as the CLX, except for the ‘Country Club’ decal on the doors and a stripe running along the vehicle.

On the rear hatch, there were ‘Panda’ and ‘4×4’ inscriptions. It had a 1,108 cm3 engine with 51 hp. In 1993, both models started using only the 1,108 cm3 engine, which saw its power increased to 54 hp the following year.

After 1998, the Panda 4×4 Country Club was no longer produced and was supplanted by the older Trekking model, which had the same setups as the discontinued version.

Panda 4×4 Country Club
Source: Flickr

The last version to go into production, in 2002, was the Panda 4×4 Climbing.

License Production – SEAT Panda

In 1980, SEAT began producing under license the Panda 30 and Panda 45, which were named SEAT Panda 34 – as it had a 34 hp engine – and SEAT Panda 45. The car was practically identical to the Italian model except for the logo. Production continued until 1986, when the two automakers terminated the agreement, and SEAT resumed production of a vehicle very similar to the Panda, called the SEAT Marbella.

A total of 463,418 were built, and in addition to the 34 and 40 hp models, a version for use on dirt roads, the SEAT Panda Montaña, and a van version, the SEAT Panda Terra, were built.

Advertising logo of the SEAT Panda produced from 1980 to 1986 for the Spanish market.
Source: autotoday.it

SEAT Panda Terra
Source: wikipedia

SEAT Panda Montaña
Source: seatfansclub.com

SEAT Marbella

With the termination of the agreement between SEAT and FIAT in 1986, the Spanish automaker introduced a model that was virtually identical to the SEAT Panda with some aesthetic modifications to avoid copyright issues.

The main changes occurred in the front end, rear lights, and interiors, while the engine remained that of the SEAT Panda until 1992, when the 34 hp engine was removed to meet new pollution control requirements.

In 1997, the 40 hp engine was replaced by a 899 cc engine with 41 hp and electronic ignition. The transmission was completely revised, with a 5-speed gearbox replacing the previous 4-speed one.

A total of 596,170 units were produced until 1998.

SEAT Marbella
Source: it.motor1.com

Service in the Police and Armed Forces

Italy

Carabinieri

The Carabinieri are the Italian Military Police, but are also used as a civilian police force. In fact, they are the most widespread police force in Italy due to their stations being located even in small towns and villages.

Starting in 1980, the Carabinieri acquired many Panda 45s, which remained in service for many years. After 1983, they also acquired various models of the Panda 4×4 for stations located in rugged areas with poorly maintained roads.The livery, like all Carabinieri cars, was black with red or white lettering.

A Panda 45 used by Carabinieri. Peculiar is the plaque with the words E.I., which stood for Esercito Italiano (English: Italian Army), since the Carabinieri were part of the Army until 2000.
Source: Veicoli dei Carabinieri 200 anni di storia

A Panda 4×4 used by the Carabinieri.
Source: Veicoli dei Carabinieri 200 anni di storia

The Pandas used by the Carabinieri for MIlitary Police duties as part of the Esercito Italiano, Marina Militare (English: Italian Navy), and Aeronautica Militare (English: Italian Air Force) had a dark green color with ‘Carabinieri’ written in white.

A Panda 4×4 II^a Serie Restyling used by Carabinieri in service as a military police vehicle in Marina Militare.
Source: fiammeblu.it

Corpo Forestale dello Stato

The Corpo Forestale dello Stato (English: State Forestry Corps) was a police force dedicated to safeguarding the Italian natural heritage and also carried out public order tasks in mountainous areas. Since the mountainous regions of Italy still have limited infrastructure to this day, often restricted to a few poorly maintained roads, the Corpo Forestale dello Stato was equipped with many Panda 4×4 vehicles, which proved to be extremely useful.

A Panda 4×4 II^a Serie used by the Corpo Forestale dello Stato.
Source: sicurezzaesoccorso.com

In 2016, the Corpo Forestale dello Stato was merged with the Carabinieri, and officers became Carabinieri Verdi (English: Green Carabinieri) while keeping the green color of their vehicles.

A Panda 4×4 II^a Serie used by Carabinieri but previously used by the Corpo Forestale dello Stato.
Source: Facebook via Christian Gallo

Esercito Italiano

Some Panda models were used by the Esercito Italiano as liaison vehicles with dark green coloring and with two stylized Italian flags, one on the hood and the other on the back.

A Panda 4×4 II^a Serie used by the Esercito Italiano.
Source: sicurezzaesoccorso.com

Guardia Costiera

The Guardia Costiera (English: Coast Guard) is the police assigned to control navigation along the Italian coast, combat poaching, and make rescues at sea. It is also equipped with land vehicles, and among them were some Panda II^a Serie Restyling. The cars were completely white except for the words ‘GUARDIA COSTIERA’, the phone number ‘1530’ on both sides, and the Guardia Costiera’s flag on the back.

A Panda Hobby used by the Guardia Costiera in Pescara.
Source: autocentroindivisa.it

Guardia di Finanza

The Guardia di Finanza (English: Financial Police) is the Italian financial police that is also specialized in combating the drug market and customs checks. Like the Corpo Forestale dello Stato, it often operates in rugged areas and was equipped with the Panda 4×4. Some Panda 4×4 and Panda 4×4 Trekking were modified with an Elevox setup for transporting dogs. The cars were dark gray with ‘GUARDIA DI FINANZA’ lettering on the sides

A Panda 4×4 modified with Elevox setup. On the right are the cages for the dogs.
Source: Facebook via Ambulanze nella storia

Local Police Unites

In Italy, there are various local police forces with minor duties across the territory. Common examples include the Polizia Locale (English: Local Police) and Polizia Municipale (English: City Police), which operate within Italian municipalities with tasks related to public order and road surveillance.

The Panda, being a very economical car, saw widespread use in these police forces, and in smaller towns, it is still used today.

A Panda 4×4 II^a Serie used by the Polizia Municipale of Assisi.
Source: Facebook via Emanuele Menichelli

Polizia di Stato

The Polizia di Stato (English: State Police), the Italian civilian police, used various models of the Fiat Panda as patrol cars for their officers since the 1980s. Between 1980 and 1982, they acquired 137 Panda 30s and 70 Panda 45s and Panda 45 Super. In 1982, they also acquired 21 units specifically designed for transporting canine units, known as the FIAT-Elevox Panda 45 or Panda 45 Autocanile.

A FIAT-Elevox Panda 45 for transporting canine units.
Source: Fabrizio Romano

Between 1985 and 1993, 558 Panda 4×4 I^a Serie, Panda 4×4 II^a Serie, and Panda 4×4 Trekking were purchased. This model was used extensively by the Polizia Ferroviaria (English: Railway Police), Polizia di Frontiera (English: Border Police), and Polizia di Frontiera Aerea (English: Air Border Police).

A Panda 4×4 II^a Serie used by the Polizia di Frontiera Aerea with an Alitalia Douglas DC-9 in the background.
Source: Paolo Masotti

In the period of 1987-1988, 120 Panda 1000 Super were purchased, and in 1989, 75 Panda 750 CL and Panda 750 CLX were acquired.

Corpo Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco

The Corpo Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco (English: National Fire Department) is the Italian organization responsible for public rescue operations, fire prevention, and firefighting across Italy, with the exception of Trentino Alto-Adige and Valle d’Aosta, which have regional corps dedicated to these tasks.

The Corpo Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco was initially considered a military organization until 1961, when it transitioned into a civilian corps. In 1991, it became part of the Servizio Nazionale della Protezione Civile (English: National Service of Civil Protection), which has responsibilities for safeguarding life, property, settlements, and nature.

As it often operates in rugged areas, the Corpo Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco was equipped with the Panda 4×4, with entirely red livery with the inscription ‘VIGILI DEL FUOCO’ and the phone number ‘115’ on the sides. However, there are other types of liveries with various white lines on the sides or with the emblem of the Corpo Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco on the doors.

A Panda 4×4 II^a Serie used by Servizio Telecomunicazioni (English: Telecommunications Service) of the Corpo Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco of the Comando Provinciale di Chieti (English: Chieti Provincial Command).
Source: autocentroindivisa.it

Republic of San Marino

Corpo della Gendarmeria della Repubblica di San Marino

The Corpo della Gendarmeria della Repubblica di San Marino (English: Gendarmerie Corps of the Republic of San Marino) is a militarized police force responsible for maintaining public order in the Republic of San Marino. Being an enclave within Italian territory, the use of the Panda also reached here, and units of the police force acquired them.

A Panda 4×4 II^a Serie used by Corpo della Gendarmeria della Repubblica di San Marino.
Source: Facebook via Roberto Pola

Polizia Civile

The Polizia Civile (English: Civil Police) has the duties of civilian police, fire surveillance, and financial police within the territory of the Republic of San Marino. They still use some Panda 4×4s to this day.

A Panda 4×4 II^a Serie used by the San Marino Polizia Civile.
Source: Wikipedia

Spain

Guàrdia Urbana

The Guàrdia Urbana (English: Urban Guard) is the municipal police of the city of Barcelona. In the 1980s it used various models of SEAT Panda, which are distinguished by being completely white except for the blue doors with the Guàrdia Urbana’s symbol and GUÀRDIA URBANA lettering in the center.

SEAT Panda of the Guàrdia Urbana
Source: museoseat.com

Prototypes

Panda Torpedo

In 1990, the Esercito Italiano commissioned the production of a Panda 4×4 for the armed forces. Only two of this model were equipped with a 1,242 cm3 engine producing 71 hp. The car was larger compared to other Panda models and had been reinforced with a metal bumper, while the soft top was made of canvas.

Panda Torpedo.
Source: dannatavintage.com

Panda Repetti & Montiglio

In 1985, the Repetti & Montiglio bodywork company from Casale Monferrato presented an armored version of the Panda 4×4 at the Salone dell’Automobile di Torino (English: Turin Motor Show).

The car featured a 2 mm thick manganese armor, and the glass surface was 27 mm thick, less than that of the Panda 4×4. Gun ports were incorporated under the narrow windshield and in the doors, while the hatch on the roof served for observation or as an emergency exit.

The water radiator was protected by a horizontal grating designed to stop bullets while allowing the passage of air. Internally, the vehicle maintained the same interior as the standard Panda, except for the tailgate.

The weight was 970 kg and the cost in 1985 was over 20,000,000 Lire (€25,615.23).

It seems like one of these Panda was used by a company specialized in recovering tokens and coins from payphones at truck stops service areas on the Autostrada A14 (English: A14 Highway) towards the end of the 1980s.

The Panda 4×4 armored by Repetti & Montiglio bodywork.
Source: Facebook via Cristoforo Alfano

Development after 2003

The Panda II^a Serie Restyling went out of production in 2003 and was immediately replaced by a new series, the FIAT Panda III^a Serie, which had little in common with the previous one, except for the robust FIRE engine that remained unchanged.

The new Panda III^a Serie was more spacious compared to the earlier series and introduced new safety systems such as ABS and airbags, despite having limited range. This series also enjoyed considerable success, with 2,000,000 cars produced, and it was manufactured until 2012.

A FIAT Panda III^a Serie used by Polizia Municipale of Tolmezzo Udine
Source: Flickr

In 2012, the Panda III^a Serie was replaced by the Panda IVa Serie that retained the lines of the previous version but featured a new engine, the Multijet, while the interior was redesigned to be much more spacious. Naturally, there were new modifications to enhance the safety and performance of the car. The Panda IVa Serie is still in production, and as of 2017, one million units have been produced.

Several FIAT Panda IVa Serie ready to be delivered to the Carabinieri.
Source: sicurezzaesoccorso.com

Conclusion

The FIAT Panda Ia and II^a Serie, thanks to their excellent qualities as a car and its affordability, became a reference point for all Italian police forces, remaining in service for over 20 years. Even today, it is often seen in use by smaller police forces.

Over the years, it has been replaced by other Panda series that have little in common with the original, but it still holds a special place in the hearts of most Italians as the “true” Panda.

Fiat Panda. Illustration done by Oussama Mohamed ‘Godzilla’, funded by our Patreon campaign.

Panda 4×4 IIa Serie used by the Polizia. Illustration done by Oussama Mohamed ‘Godzilla’, funded by our Patreon campaign.

Panda 4×4 IIa Serie used by the Corpo Forestale dello Stato. Illustration done by Oussama Mohamed ‘Godzilla’, funded by our Patreon campaign.

Panda Torpedo. Illustration done by Oussama Mohamed ‘Godzilla’, funded by our Patreon campaign.

Panda 30 (45) Specification
Size (L-W-H)	3.38 x 1.46 x 1.445 m
Weight	650 (680) kg
Crew	5
Engine	2-cylinder gasoline, 652 cm3, 30 hp at 5,500 rpm (4-cylinder, 903 cm3, 45 hp at 5.600 rpm)
Speed	115 (140) km/h
Armament	no
Armor	no

A special thanks to Luca Marconetti for his great help

Sources

Illustratofiat, n.2, February 1980

Quattroruote, March 1980

https://carlodigiusto.wordpress.com/panda/panda-speciali/panda-30-cl-college-1985/

Illustratofiat, n.3, March 1980

https://amicapanda.com/

Illustratofiat, n.1, January 1986

https://www.dannatavintage.com/2018/06/22/il-pandone-le-mai-nate/

Giuseppe Thellung and Sergio Puttini, Veicoli dei Carabinieri 200 anni di storia, Nada, 2014

Paolo Masotti, All’inseguimento dei Malfattori. Storia della Motorizzazione della Polizia italiana, Ufficio Storico della Polizia di Stato, 2020

www.museoseat.com

WW2 Italian SPG Prototypes

Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3

Post author By Daniele Notaro
Post date April 3, 2024
No Comments on Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3

Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3. Illustration done by Godzilla, funded by our Patreon campaign.

Kingdom of Italy (1939)
Self-Propelled Gun – 1 Prototype Built

The Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3 was an Italian prototype self-propelled support gun based on the hull of the Carro Armato L3/35 (English: Light Tank 3-tonne model 1935). It was developed during the Interwar period to provide Italian assault infantry units with a light and mobile vehicle. This Semovente was equipped with the standard gun used by Italian infantry divisions during that era.

The Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3 presented at the Centro Studi Motorizzazione (English: Motor Vehicle Study Centre).
Source: Archivio Ansaldo

Origin and Development

Anti-Tank Warfare by the Corpo Truppe Volontarie (English: Volunteer Troop Corps) in Spain

During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), the Kingdom of Italy dispatched a contingent of troops known as the Corpo Truppe Volontarie (English: Volunteer Troop Corps) to support General Franco’s Nationalist forces.

Republican forces received support from the Soviet Union, which sent T-26 light tanks, BT-5 fast tanks, and BA-6 heavy armored cars to Spain. These vehicles were all armed with 45 mm cannons in a turret, which caused significant issues for Franco’s German and Italian allies during the Battle of Guadalajara in 1937. Following this battle, the Italian High Command requested anti-tank weaponry from Germany and even considered sending some FIAT 3000s armed with Cannoni da 37/40 (English: 37 mm L/40 Cannon) to Spain.

For the duration of the conflict, the Corpo Truppe Volontarie was equipped with 343 older Cannoni da 65/17 Modello 1908/13 (English: 65 mm L/17 Cannon Model 1908/13) mountain guns, 30 Cannoni da 47/32 Modello 1935 (English: 47 mm L/32 Cannon Model 1935) anti-tank/support guns, and 40 Cannoni da 37/45, which was the Italian designation for the German 3.7 cm PaK 36 guns.

As the war continued, Italian troops developed a strategy to deal with the Soviet-made tanks using their light Carri Armati L3/33 (the predecessors of the L3/35). These light tanks towed a gun, and when they spotted a Republican tank, either the tank crew or nearby soldiers would position the gun and open fire. While this strategy may appear obsolete, it proved effective. The guns employed for these actions included the Cannoni da 37/45, a few Cannoni da 47/32, and possibly some Cannoni da 65/17.

However, the Cannoni da 65/17 had suspension problems when towed by vehicles, since they were originally designed for horse towing. Additionally, gun crew were highly vulnerable to enemy fire because they often followed the tanks on foot or rode on them.

Carri Armati L3/33 of the Corpo Truppe Volontarie towing Cannoni da 37/45.
Source: andare contro i carri armati

Other solutions were found. The L3/35 L.f. flamethrowing tank proved to be more successful against Soviet-supplied armor, but would have to get extremely close to be effective. Franco’s forces also developed a L3/35 armed with a 20 mm Breda gun with Italian assistance to overcome this lack of firepower. However, the same solution but on a Panzer I was favored.

The Demand for and Birth of an Anti-Tank Self-Propelled Gun

In 1939, after the Grandi Esercitazioni dell’anno XVII E.F. (English: Great Exercises in the 17th year of the Fascist Era), the Corpo d’Armata Corazzato (English: Armored Army Corps) of General Fidenzo Dall’Ora requested the installation of the Cannone da 47/32 Modello 1935 on a self-propelled gun with armor resistant against machine gun fire.

On 12th August 1939, a prototype self-propelled gun on an L3/35 hull armed with a 47/32 cannon was presented to the Centro Studi Motorizzazione (English: Centre for Motor Vehicle Studies).

Design

Hull

The Semovente da 47/32 was built on the chassis of the Carro Armato Leggero da 3 tonnellate Modello 1935 (English: 3 tonnes Light Tank Model 1935).

To make room for the cannon, the casemate was dismantled, and to protect the gun from small arms fire and shrapnel, it was equipped with a foldable shield.

Carro Armato L3/35. Its hull was used as the basis for the new self-propelled gun
Source: la meccanizzazione dell’esercito

Armor

The armor of the chassis was the same as that of the L3/35. Frontally, it was 14 mm thick, on the sides and rear it was protected by 8 mm thick armored plates, the engine compartment had 7.5 mm thick armored plates, while the vehicle’s floor was 14 mm thick.

Engine and Suspension

The Semovente da 47/32 had FIAT Tipo CV 3-005 (English: FIAT Type CV 3-005) petrol engine, the same as the Carro Armato L3/35, equipped with a four-speed gearbox and a reverse gear. The engine could be started using a crank, which could be operated from both inside and outside the vehicle.

The Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3 was equipped with two fuel tanks, each with a capacity of 40.5 liters, positioned on the sides of the engine, above the mudguards. This configuration provided the vehicle with a road autonomy of approximately 7 hours, whereas the Carro Armato L3/35 had an autonomy of only 5 hours due to its heavier weight.

This increased autonomy was made possible by the reduced weight of the self-propelled gun version which weighed about 150 kilograms less than the Carro Armato L3/35. The vehicle could theoretically achieve a maximum on-road speed of 38 km/h.

In order to address a significant issue with track breakage that was experienced with the Carri Armati L3, the Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3 was equipped with a new suspension.

This featured four coil springs, with one for each bogie, while the tracks were constructed using single and short links, totaling 72 links made of pressed steel.

Tipo CV 3-005 petrol-powered engine. It powered all the L3 series tanks.
Source: italie 1935-45

Engine starting crank used from inside the Carro Armato L3/35.
Souce: modellismopiu.it

Armament

The vehicle was armed with the Cannone da 47/32 Modello 1935, which was first introduced in 1935 in Austria by Böhler and later produced under license in Italy and the Netherlands. In the Regio Esercito (English: Royal Italian Army), it was deployed for use both as an infantry support gun and as an anti-tank gun, earning the nickname Elefantino (English: Little Elephant) among the troops.

Initially, the cannon was mounted on a pedestal carriage at the front of the vehicle. However, after initial tests, a shield was added to protect the gun crew from grenade shrapnel and enemy bullets.

The cannon had a traverse of 30°, 15° to either side, while the elevation ranged from -18° to +30°.

Experimental installation of the Cannone da 47/32 Modello 1935 on an L3 hull.
Source: andare contro i carri armati

Front view of the Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3 with the shield that protected the crew from shrapnel and enemy bullets.
Source:Archivio Ansaldo

Three-quarter view of the Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3.
Source: Archivio Ansaldo

Ammunition

The Semovente da 47/32 carried 53 rounds of 47 mm ammunition, which were stored in a metal case located at the rear of the driver’s compartment.

While specific details about the types of ammunition carried are not available, the Cannone da 47/32 had the capability to fire various types of rounds, including:

Ammunition for the Cannone da 47/32 Modello 1935
Name	Type	Muzzle velocity (m/s)	Weight of complete ammunition (kg)	Penetration (mm)
Name	Type	Muzzle velocity (m/s)	Weight of complete ammunition (kg)	@500 m	@750 m
Cartoccio Granata Modello 1935	High-Explosive	250	2.860	//	//
Granata Perforante Modello 1935	Armor Piercing	630	2.035	25	//
Granata Perforante Modello 1939	Armor Piercing	630	2.055	40	35

The ammunition of the Cannone da 47/32 (from left to right): Cartoccio Granata Modello 1935 (with percussion fuse model 1939), Granata Perforante Modello 1939 (with percussion fuse model 1909), Cartoccio Granata Modello 1935 (with percussion fuse model 1935), and Cartoccio Granata Perforante Modello 1935
Source: it.scribd.com

Crew

The crew of the Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3 consisted of only two, a gunner and a driver. However, after initial tests, a significant issue became apparent – the vulnerability of the crew members. They were exposed and unprotected, even from enemy light weapons fire, leaving them vulnerable to artillery barrages and air attacks.

Due to the limited space within the vehicle, there was no room to accommodate additional weaponry, such as an anti-aircraft machine gun or rifles for self-defense. The cramped interior forced the designers to maintain a crew of just two, which posed serious problems.

The gunner had to take on multiple roles. He not only served as the gunner, but also assumed the role of commander. This meant they had to perform a wide range of tasks, including battlefield observation, target identification, aiming, firing, and simultaneously giving orders to the driver, who also served as the loader.

When the driver was engaged in operating the vehicle, the commander had to load the gun on his own, which significantly reduced the rate of fire and overall combat effectiveness of the Semovente da 47/32.

Photograph showing the crew of the Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3 in action with the Cannone da 47/32.
Source: Archivio Ansaldo

Operational Use

The Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3 never entered production. It was presented to the Centro Studi della Motorizzazione on 12th August 1939 for evaluation purposes.

On 26th October 1939, the vehicle was showcased to Benito Mussolini, the Head of Government and Duce of Italy. On the same day, General Alberto Pariani, Chief of Staff of the Regio Esercito, sent a letter to General Manera in which he expressed his opinion that the new 47/32 self-propelled gun was suitable for its intended role. However, he recommended that it be equipped with a Breda machine gun for anti-aircraft defense.

Gen. Manera emphasized that an order for 300 units should be placed with Italian factories, but only if production started immediately and the modifications suggested by him and the Centro Studi della Motorizzazione were implemented.

However, despite the initial interest and evaluations, the development of the vehicle was halted on 21st October 1940. This decision was made following a discussion between General Mario Roatta, who was then the Deputy Chief of the General Staff, and General Mario Caracciolo di Feroleto, the Ispettore Superiore dei Servizi Tecnici (English: Senior Inspector of Technical Services). They jointly decided to abandon the design of the Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3 and instead focus on the development of a new 75 mm self-propelled gun, taking inspiration from the German Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III).

The Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3 was still at the Centro Studi della Motorizzazione in spring 1941. However, beyond this date, information about its fate becomes uncertain, and it is unclear what ultimately happened to the vehicle.

Benito Mussolini, wearing civilian clothes, seated in the gunner’s position of the Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3 while talking with the driver.
Source: forum.warthunder.com via Andrew Hills

Vehicles under study at the Centro Studi della Motorizzazione in spring 1941. The Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3 is visible as the third vehicle from the right.
Source: la meccanizzazione dell’esercito

The Other Semovente da 47/32

At the beginning of 1941, a new light tank, the Carro Armato L6/40, entered production. A new version of a support self-propelled gun was designed based on this new chassis. This vehicle was known as the Semovente L40 da 47/32 (English: L40 Self-propelled gun equipped with a 47 mm L/32 Cannon) and was presented at the Centro Studi della Motorizzazione on 10th May of the same year.

Similar to the earlier Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3, the cannon was mounted on the tank’s hull. However, in this case, the gun was positioned inside a casemate, providing protection to the crew from shrapnel and enemy bullets, although it lacked a roof, like its predecessor. To protect the crew from the elements, such as rain, sand, and snow, a tarpaulin could be added.

The cannon was mounted on the left side of the fighting compartment, with a horizontal traverse of 27°, a depression of -17° and an elevation of +20°. Ammunition was stored in two boxes, with one located at the back of the driver’s seat, providing a total capacity of 70 rounds.

A total of 402 of these small self-propelled guns were produced until 1943. Initially, it was used for anti-tank support within the Bersaglieri regiments assigned to armored divisions. However, as the war progressed, it was deployed for support roles in various divisions, including the scouting divisions of the Army Corps, infantry divisions, and motorized divisions. Additionally, it continued to serve in support roles within armored car units.

After the armistice signed by the Kingdom of Italy with the Allies on 8th September 1943, many of these vehicles were captured by the Germans. The Germans continued production, resulting in a total of an additional 74 until 1944.

A Semovente da 47/32 L40 and its crew.
Source: warspot.net

A Semovente da 47/32 L40 used by the Germans in Croatia in 1944. The vehicle is also armed with a FIAT-Revelli Model 1914/35 machine gun.
Source: warspot.net

Conclusion

The Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3 was nothing more than a useless prototype that, even if it had been mass-produced, would not have efficiently supported the Italian armored forces in countering enemy armored units. This was mainly due to the self-propelled gun’s vulnerability to air attacks. In fact, the inclusion of the Breda anti-aircraft machine gun would not have been very effective defending against fast enemy fighters, infantry, or tank attacks, as the vehicle had weak armor and the gun crew lacked protection other than a light shield.

Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3. Illustration done by Godzilla, funded by our Patreon campaign.

Specifications Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3
Dimensions	3.66 x 1.41 x 1.31 m
Weight	3.3 tonnes
Crew	2 (Driver and gunner)
Engine	Tipo CV 3-005 petrol 42 hp
Maximum road speed	38 km/h
Autonomy	7 hours on road
Armament	1 Cannone da 47/32 Modello 1935
Armor	Hull: 14 mm front and floor. sides and rear 8 mm. engine compartment 7.5 mm
Production	1 prototype

Sources

Filippo Cappellano e Nicola Pignato “Andare contro i carri armati – l’evoluzione della difesa controcarro nell’esercito italiano dal 1918 al 1945” Gaspari Editore 2007

http://www.italie1935-45.com/regio-esercito/materiels/item/210-cv-33-35-et-38

Lucio Ceva and Andrea Curami “La meccanizzazione dell’Esercito fino al 1943” Tomo I e II Roma 1994

Nicola Pignato e Filippo Cappellano “Gli autoveicoli da combattimento dell’Esercito Italiano, Volume I” Roma 2002

Nicola Pignato e Filippo Cappellano “Gli autoveicoli da combattimento dell’Esercito Italiano, Volume II” Roma 2002

T. L. Jentz and W. Regenberg “Panzer Tracts No.19-2. Beute-Panzerkampfwagen British, American, Russian and Italian Tanks Captured from 1940 to 1945” Panzer Tracts 2008

WW2 French Vehicles in Foreign Service WW2 Italian AT Weapons

Cannone da 25/72 (Canon de 25 mm Semi-Automatique Lèger Modèle 1934 and Modèle 1937 in Italian Service)

Post author By Daniele Notaro
Post date January 6, 2024
No Comments on Cannone da 25/72 (Canon de 25 mm Semi-Automatique Lèger Modèle 1934 and Modèle 1937 in Italian Service)

Illustration of the Canon de 25mm Semi-Automatique Modèle 1934 (25mm SA 34).

Kingdom of Italy (1940-1943)
Anti-Tank Gun – 293 Operated

The Cannone da 25/72 (English: 25 mm L/72 Cannon) was the most common captured anti-tank gun employed by the Regio Esercito (English: Royal Army) during the Second World War. The Cannoni da 25/72 were actually captured by French Canon de 25 mm Semi-Automatique Lèger Modèle 1934 and Modèle 1937 (English: Canon de 25 SA-L Mle.1934 and Canon de 25 APX SA-L Mle.1937). These cannons were either captured by the Italians themselves during the Italian invasion of France in June 1940 or handed over by the Germans.

A Cannone da 25/72 Modello 1934 towed by two Italian soldiers.
Source: andare contro i carri armati

Origin and Development

The Birth of the Canon de 25 mm

The company Hotchkiss started developing a new tank gun during the First World War. By the time the project was completed in 1920, the war had ended and it was subsequently abandoned. Later in the 1920s, the French Army needed to replace the Canon d’Infanterie de 37 modèle 1916 Tir Rapide Puteaux (English: 37 mm model 1916 Puteaux Quick Firing Infantry Cannon ), which was now completely obsolete in countering new armored vehicles. Hotchkiss designed a 25 mm cannon, which was adopted by the French Army in 1934 under the name Canon de 25 mm Semi-Automatique Modèle 1934. The French Army immediately placed an order for 200 pieces.

A Canon d’Infanterie de 37 modèle 1916 Tir Rapide Puteaux used by the French during the First World War.
Source: wikimaginot.eu

Fortress and Vehicle Version

The Canon de 25 became the primary anti-tank weapon of the Armée de Terre (English: French Army) in 1934. A fortress version, the Canon de 25 AC Mle.1934, was developed to arm the Ligne Maginot (English Maginot Line) fortifications in a “mixed” mount with two Reibel MAC 31 machine guns.

Model 75R05 turrets, which were created by recycling Model 1905 turrets originally fitted with 75 mm cannons, were used to install the new weapons. The Société d’Ateliers et Chantiers de la Loire (English: Society of Loire Laboratories and Shipyards) converted the turrets in 1934, and they were installed in the Maginot Line works after 1936. The barrel of the Canon de 25 AC Mle.1934 was shortened to 1.5 m and installed above the pair of machine guns. The three weapons could fire independently of each other and each had its own aiming system and an L700 model sight.

In 1935, the Atelier de Poteaux (APX) created the Canon de 25 APX SAL 35 to arm the Panhard 178 armored cars.

Canon de 25 AC Mle.1934 turret model 75R05 for mixed weapons at Ouvrage du Rohrbach (English: Rohrbach structure).
Source: maginot line gun turrets

The breech of the Canon de 25 APX SAL 35 inside the turret of a Panhard 178.
Source: pangea-systems.com

Photograph depicting the turret of the Panhard 178 and the barrel of the Canon de 25 APX SAL 35. The Reibel MAC 1931 machine gun is clearly visible to the side.
Source: pangea-systems.com

The Canon de 25 Mle.1937

In 1937, APX developed a modification of the Mle. 1934 called the Canon de 25 mm Semi-Automatique Modèle 1937. The new cannon was lighter than its predecessor and had a longer barrel. The two cannons were intended for different roles: the Mle. 1934 was meant to equip armored and anti-tank units, while the Mle. 1937 was intended to equip the anti-tank support companies of the infantry battalions.

A Canon de 25 APX SA-L Mle.1937 abandoned during the German invasion of France in May-June 1940.
Source: warspot.net

Brief Use in the French Army and in the British Expeditionary Force

The Canons de 25 mm were originally designed to be horse-drawn, which caused problems when attempts were made to transport them in a mechanized manner. For example, when supplied to the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in France in 1940, the Canons de 25 mm were found to be too fragile, as they could not withstand larger bumps. Even the Canon de 25 Mle. 1937 had problems when towed by horses. In order to solve the problem, the British mounted the cannons onto their vehicles, creating the first portèe versions.

By 1940, a total of 4,225 Canon de 25 Mle. 1934 and 1,285 Canon de 25 Mle. 1937 had been produced. During the German invasion of France in May-June 1940, the two cannons proved to be excellent weapons if used by skilled crew. However, in most cases, they were misused or outright abandoned.

A Canon de 25 S.A.-L Mle.1934 used by French soldiers.
Source: super-hobby.it

A Canon de 25 S.A-L. Mle.1934 being mounted on a Bedford truck to create a portée by some British soldiers from the British Expeditionary Force (BEF).
Source: warspot.net

Design

The muzzle, equipped with a flash hider, was mounted on a two-tailed carriage with tyre wheels and a shield with a hemmed upper edge to make it difficult to detect the weapon when in ambush position. The Cannone de 25/72 Modello 1934 (English: 25 mm L/72 Cannon Model 1934) had a horizontal firing arc of 60°,a depression of -5° and an elevation of +21°.

Although it was a small-caliber cannon, it was very heavy, about 492 kg in battery position, compared, for example, with the 277 kg of the Italian Cannone da 47/32 Modello 1935. One of the advantages was its low profile of 1.1 m.

The Cannone da 25/72 Modello 1937 differed from the previous model by a lower weight, 310 kg, a wider horizontal firing arc, 67°, and also by the presence of a flash hider behind the muzzle brake and wheel rims with holes for lighter weight. The main difference between the two pieces was the way they fired. The Modello 1934 fired while on its wheels, while the Modello 1937 was equipped with a flat prop that rested on the ground, while the rear rested on the two tails of the carriage.

Carriage of the Cannone da 25/72 depicted in an Italian manual.
Source: Istruzione provvisoria sul cannone da 25

Drawings depicting the Cannone da 25/72 Modello 1934 from different angles. The image is taken from an Italian manual.
Source: Istruzione provvisoria sul cannone da 25

A Cannone da 25/72 Modello 1934 depicted in an Italian manual. The writing at the top, Cannone in postazione (English: cannon in position), indicates that the piece was ready to fire.
Source: Istruzione provvisoria sul cannone da 25

Ammunition

The Cannone da 25/72 used 20x194R ammunition that was fired at a muzzle velocity of 920 m/s. It had an average range of 800 m against heavy armored vehicles, 1,000 m against medium armored vehicles, and 1,500 m against light vehicles. The Cannone da 25/72 could fire various types of ammunition, such as the Perforante (English: perforating), the Traceuse-Perforante (English: perforating with tracer), the Ordinaire (English: Ordinary) with steel perforator and, finally, the Portèe Reduite practice shell.

According to a German study from 1941, the Perforante shell could penetrate 47 mm at 100 m at an impact angle of 0°, 40 mm at 500 meters, and 30 mm at 1,000 meters. If the impact angle was 30°, penetration was reduced to 35, 30 and 20 mm, and if it was 45°, it was reduced again to 18, 16 and 12 mm.

In the Italian manual Istruzione provvisoria sul cannone da 25 mm S.A. Lr mod.37 (English: Provisional instruction on the 25 mm S.A. Lr mod.37 cannon) of 1941, all four types of ammunition are listed, whereas in Istruzione provvisoria sul cannone da 25 mm Mod.1934 (English: Provisional instruction on the 25 mm cannon Mod.1934), it is established that the useful range against armored vehicles is 1,500 m.

Penetration of the Perforante shell (armor-piercing)
Distance in m	Penetration in mm at 0° impact	Penetration in mm at 30° impact	Penetration in mm at 45° impact
100	47	35	18
500	40	30	16
1,000	30	20	12

Drawing of a Perforante shell.
Source: michaelhiske.de

Drawing of a Traceuse-Perforante shell.
Source: michaelhiske.de

Drawing of a Ordinaire shell.
Source: michaelhiske.de

Drawing of a Portèe Reduite shell.
Source: michaelhiske.de

Drawings of the two inert shells in an Italian manual.
Source: Istruzione provvisoria sul cannone da 25

Lack of Anti-Tank Weapons in the Regio Esercito

The main Italian anti-tank weapon when the country entered the war on 10 June 1940, was the Cannone da 47/32 Modello 1935, also known as the Elefantino (English: Little Elephant) by the soldiers. This cannon was the Italian licensed version of the Austrian 4.7 cm Bohler. The Elefantino was still an excellent anti-tank gun in 1940, but was not distributed in large numbers. Each Italian infantry division had only eight Cannoni da 47/32. For comparison, a German infantry division in 1939 had 72 PaK 36 37 mm anti-tank guns, while a British one had 48 Ordnance QF 2-pounder guns.

A Cannone da 47/32 Modello 1935 used by Italian soldiers during training.
Source: comandosupremo.com

In 1940, the Regio Esercito also bought some anti-tank rifles, the Swiss 20 mm Solothurn S-18-1000, called Fucili “S” (English: ‘S’ Rifles) or Carabina anticarro “Solothurn” da 20 mm (English: ‘Solothurn’ 20 mm anti-tank carbine). This weapon, although heavy and bulky, was chosen because it had excellent performance and could use the same ammunition as the Cannoni-Mitragliera Breda da 20/65, i.e. 20×138 mm. The first units arrived in the autumn of 1940 and were sent to Libya to equip the units of the 10a Armata (English: 10th Army). The Solothurn S-18-1000 was very successful among Italian soldiers thanks to its excellent qualities, and could be used to fight light armored or unarmored vehicles. They were used by many Italian units deployed in North Africa. Some were even mounted on L3 light tanks to increase their feeble firepower. In 1942, each infantry division of the AS-42 model (English: North Africa model 1942) was expected to be equipped with 12 Solothurn S-18-1000 per infantry battalion.

Bersaglieri use a Carabina anticarro “Solothurn” da 20 mm on the North African front.
Source: Pinterest

However, there was a clear lack of anti-tank weapons in the Regio Esercito, which was thus forced to ask its German ally for help. The Wehrmacht sent the Italians captured or obsolete anti-tank guns, the most numerous of which were the PaK 36 (named by the Italians Cannone da 37/45) and the Canon de 25 Mle.1934 and Mle.1937 (Cannone da 25/72 Modello 1934 and Modello 1937). The Cannone da 37/45 had already been used by the Italians during the Spanish Civil War, and a few were captured from the Ethiopians during the Second Italo-Abyssinian War.

The Germans also sent the Italians 270 Dutch 4.7 cm Bohler and 200 French Canon de 47 mm Semi-Automatique Mle 1937 (called Cannone da 47/50 Modello 1937).

A Cannone da 37/45 used during training in Italy.
Source: Armi della fanteria

A Cannone da 47/50 towed by a truck of the Regio Esercito.
Source: Armi della fanteria

A Dutch 4.7 cm Bohler used by the Italians during the Tunisian campaign in 1943. It differs from the Cannone da 47/32 Modello 1935 by the presence of a flash hider and the wheels having tyres.
Source: Andare contro i carri armati

Use of the Cannone da 25/72 Modello 1934 and Modello 1937 in the Regio Esercito

With the entry of the Kingdom of Italy into the war alongside the Axis on 10th June 10 1940 the first Italian campaign was the attack on French forces deployed in the Alps, which began on 21st June. The campaign did not go particularly well for the Italian forces, who barely occupied the city of Menton and some minor locations beyond the border, suffering heavy losses in both personnel and equipment.

The Kingdom of Italy, after the campaign, obtained the first 43 Cannoni da 25/72. A further 250 were delivered from Germany. With these, the Regio Esercito reinforced the motorized and infantry divisions deployed in North Africa. Each motorized infantry division of the AS-42 type (English: North Africa model 1942), i.e. the 102a Divisione di Fanteria Autotrasportabile “Trento” (English: 102nd Auto-Transportable Infantry Division type AS), 27a Divisione di Fanteria “Brescia” (English: 27th Infantry Division), 17a Divisione di Fanteria “Pavia” (English: 17th Infantry Division), 25a Divisione di Fanteria “Bologna” (English: 25th Infantry Division), 60a Divisione di Fanteria “Sabratha” (English: 60th Infantry Division), as well as the 101a Divisione Motorizzata “Trieste” (English: 101st Motorised Division), were equipped with an anti-tank platoon of Cannoni da 25/72.

In 1943, the 1a Armata (English: 1st Army) fighting in Tunisia still had 36 Cannoni da 25/72. On mainland Italy, in spring 1943, in Civitavecchia, the Comando delle Scuole Centrali Militari (English: Command of the Military Central Schools) was still conducting courses on the use of Cannoni da 25/72.

Unfortunately, no publicly available records currently exist detailing any specific actions during which they were used, nor the opinion of the Italians about the French guns.

After the Italian occupation of Provence and the Côte d’Azur in November 1942, two Panhard 178 armored cars used by the forces of Vichy France were captured. Because of the armistice clauses between the French Republic and Germany in June 1940, the vehicles remaining in Vichy France were deprived of anti-tank armament. The Canons de 25 APX SAL 35 had been removed from the Panhard 178s, which were armed with two Reibel MAC 1931 machine guns. The two armored cars were assigned in January 1943 to the 224a Divisione Costiera (English: 224th Coastal Division), which protected the Côte d’Azur from possible Allied landings.

A Cannone da 25/72 Modello 1937 (right) captured by Italian troops near Mont Cenis during the Italian invasion of France. A Hotchkiss à tir rapide de 47 naval gun (left) is visible to the side.
Source: La battaglia delle alpi

A soldier of the 11ª Divisione di Fanteria ‘Brennero’ (English: 11th Infantry Division) observes a Cannone da 25/72 Modello 1937 captured near Mont Cenis.
Source: Andare contro i carri armati

Bersaglieri use a Cannone da 25/72 Modello 1934 in Libya in 1941.
Source: Andare contro i carri armati

A Cannone da 25/72 Modello 1934 used by Italian soldiers on the North African front. Note the Moschetto 91 Modello 38 or 91/38 (English: Musketoon Model 1938 or 1891 / 1938) of the soldier in the foreground.
Source: Discord via ARTsigismondo

Use in the Repubblica Sociale Italiana

Some Cannoni da 25/72 were also used by the armed forces of the Repubblica Sociale Italiana (English: Italian Social Republic), an allied state of Hitler’s Germany born after the Armistice of 8th September 1943 between the Allies and the Kingdom of Italy. A total of 6 Cannoni da 25/72 were used by the I° Battaglione Bersaglieri Volontari ‘Benito Mussolini’ (English: 1st Bersaglieri Volunteer Battalion), which operated in northeastern Italy and on the border with Yugoslavia.

Bersaglieri of I° Battaglione Bersaglieri Volontari ‘Benito Mussolini’ during an action against partisans on the Italian-Yugoslav border. One soldier is using a Breda Modello 37 machine gun.
Source: lagranderupe.altervista.org

Conclusion

The Cannone da 25/72 had significant use within Italian units, especially those deployed in North Africa, and was employed in a manner similar to the Cannone da 47/32. While a welcome addition to the underequipped Italian divisions, the gun was rapidly becoming obsolete and added yet another logistics link to an already overburdened logistics chain.

It was a reasonably effective anti-tank gun but could not deal with the heavier tanks used by the Americans or British, such as the Matilda. However, it was a good weapon against light tanks and armored cars, which were used in large numbers in North Africa.

Illustration of the Canon de 25mm Semi-Automatique Modèle 1934 (25mm SA 34).

Specifications of Cannone da 25/72 Modello 1934 (Modello 1937)
Caliber	25 mm
Weight in battery	492 (310) kg
Fire mouth length	1,800 (1,925) m
Elevation	-5°/+25°
Traverse	60 (67) °
Muzzle velocity	918 m/s
Maximum range	3,450 m
Firing rate	12 shots per minute

Sources

Wikimaginot.eu
Nicola Pignato and Filippo Cappellano Le armi della fanteria italiana (1919-1945) Parma 2008
Nicola Pignato and Filippo Cappellano Andare contro i carri armati. L’evoluzione della difesa controcarro nell’Esercito Italiano dal 1918 al 1945 Udine 2007
Chris Bishop The encyclopedia of weapons of World war II New York 1998
https://warspot.net/119-canon-25-mm-s-a-mle-1934-a-baby-gun-for-a-grown-up-war
http://www.tbof.us/data/atg/25mm/25mm_mle1934_anti_tank_gun.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/25_mm_Hotchkiss_anti-tank_gun
Clayotn Donnell Maginot line gun turrets and French gun turret development 1880-1940 Oxford 2017
Paolo Crippa and Carlo Cucut Reparti Bersaglieri nella R.S.I Zanica 2019
https://tmg110.tripod.com/ger_id.htm
http://niehorster.org/
Nicola Pignato e Filippo Cappellano Gli autoveicoli da combattimento dell’Esercito Italiano, Volume II Roma 2002
www.quartermastersection.com

WW2 Dutch Armored Cars WW2 Swedish Vehicles in Foreign Service

Pantserwagen M38 (Landsverk 180 in Dutch Service)

Post author By Daniele Notaro
Post date December 13, 2023
5 Comments on Pantserwagen M38 (Landsverk 180 in Dutch Service)

Pantserwagen M38 (Landsverk L-180 in Dutch service). Illustrations by Godzilla funded by our Patreon Campaign.

Kingdom of the Netherlands (1938-1940)
Armored Car – 14 Purchased

Pantserwagen M-38 was the name used by the Koninklijke Nederlandse Landmacht (English: Royal Netherlands Army) to refer to the 14 Swedish Landsverk 180 armored cars it had purchased in 1937.

They were organized into an armored car squadron that fought fiercely during the German invasion of the Netherlands.

After the country’s surrender, some of these armored cars were reused by the Wehrmacht.

Pantserwagen M38 No. 21 of the 4e Peloton (English: 4th Platoon) of the 2de Eskadron Pantserwagens (English: 2nd Armored Car Squadron) photographed in May 1940.
Source: landsverk-m38.nl

The Koninklijke Nederlandse Landmacht after the First World War

Shortly after the First World War, the Netherlands was in a disastrous economic condition, and in the early post-war years, all the country’s resources were used for economic and social reforms. The prevailing belief was that, after the recent catastrophic conflict, which caused millions and millions of deaths, another war would not occur for a long time. This caused the standing army to be heavily underfunded and reduced in size.

A new hard blow came in the late 1920s, with the Great Depression of 1929, which severely affected the Dutch economy. Things did not improve in the early 1930s either, which saw the devaluation of the Dutch guilder and low exports.

With Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in Germany in 1933, the situation improved because the new Nazi economic reforms increased trade between the two neighboring countries.

Only in 1935 did Dutch politicians realize that Hitler’s expansionist policies could lead to a second conflict in Europe (in addition to the danger of Japan attacking colonies in the Dutch East Indies), and the Koninklijke Nederlandse Landmacht began to modernize. However, it was already too late, and modern weapons such as armored cars were only introduced into service after 1936.

On 28th August 1939, a general mobilization was announced, and the Koninklijke Nederlandse Landmacht took positions according to the “Concentration Blue” plan, which had been developed in 1935.

The plan aimed at defending the heart of the country, with the 2nd and 4th Corps deployed in the Gelderse Vallei region, one brigade positioned along the Betuwe Line, and another on the Maas-Waal Line. The 1st Corps was kept in reserve between Hook of Holland and Haarlem, while the Lichte Divisie (English: Light Division) was deployed in the southeast sector of the Noord-Brabant region. Lastly, the 3rd Corps and the ‘Peel’ Division defended the Peel-Raam Line.

Crucial for the Dutch defense was the support of France and Britain, as they could easily land troops in the Zeeland region if needed. However, this did not happen because neither France nor Britain really knew what to do, due to the pre-war Dutch refusal to develop plans, as it would have harmed their neutrality.

In May 1940, French troops marched into Zeeland and Brabant, but cooperation and communication with the Dutch did not go well, mainly due to the lack of planning. The same goes for the British, who only landed a few engineers to blow up some port facilities, against the Dutch’s desire to have entire units landed.

Dutch defensive lines in May 1940.
Source: Deviantart via roguephalanxx

On the eve of 10th May 1940, the Koninklijke Nederlandse Landmacht could count on 280,000 men, of whom few had good training.

Dutch soldiers in training during the 1939 mobilization. They are carrying a 6-Veld cannon.
Source: May 1940 the battle for the Netherlands

Armored Cars for the Dutch Army

At the end of 1934, the Koninklijke Nederlandse Landmacht decided to acquire some armored cars for reconnaissance purposes, and in early 1936, they received the first 12 Landsverk 181, referred to by the Dutch as Pantserwagen M36.

Pantserwagen M36 used in September 1937 during a training session at Zelhem.
Source: Holland paraat!

These vehicles were grouped into the 1ste Eskadron Pantserwagens (English:1st Armored Car Squadron) and were part of the Lichte Brigade (English: Light Brigade), later transformed into the Lichte Divisie (English: Light Division).

In 1937, the defense budget allowed the purchase of 12 Landsverk 180 and two Command versions (without the cannon in the turret), and these were named Pantserwagen M38. On 1st June 1938, the 2de Eskadron Pantserwagens was formed.

Both models of armored cars were modern vehicles, armed with a 37 mm Bofors anti-tank cannon in the turret. In 1938, at the request of the Koninklijke Nederlandse Landmacht, the Dutch vehicle company DAF designed the Pantserwagen M39 ‘Pantrado’.

This new vehicle was essentially an improved version of the Landsverk, with increased armor and improved suspension. More importantly, it featured a monocoque hull, instead of being based on a commercial chassis.

Twelve units were produced, but by May 1940, only eight were in service (the other four being under repair) at the Depot Cavalerie (English: Cavalry Depot) for crew training.

A Pantserwagen M39 ‘Pantrado’ during a trial. Source: Holland paraat!

A Swedish Armored Car: Landsverk 180

The Landsverk 180 was developed from the Landsverk 181 by the Aktiebolaget Landsverk (English: Corporation Landsverk) to solve the engine issue with the L-181. Denmark was the first to place an order, in 1936, for two units. The model for Denmark was armed with a 20 mm Madsen cannon and two 8 mm machine guns. It featured a 6×4 Büssing-NAG type KLA or Büssing-NAG A 5 P. chassis and a Büssing-NAG type L V8 engine with a power output of 150 horsepower or a Büssing-NAG type 5L with a power output of 75-80 hp.

The armored car was later purchased in fourteen units by the Netherlands, one unit by Estonia, and in eight units by Ireland. Ireland had ordered an additional five in 1939, but they were never delivered due to the outbreak of the Second World War. These five units became part of the Swedish army under the designation Pansarbil m/41 (English: Armored Car Model 1941) and were equipped with Landsverk Lynx armored car turrets.

A Pansarbil m/41 with the turret of the Landsverk Lynx
Source: Wikipedia

Design

Chassis and Engine

The Pantserwagen M38 had a Büssing NAG type KLA chassis, and it featured dual driver controls to facilitate quick changes in direction during combat.

The engine was a Büssing NAG type L V8 with a power of 160 hp and a displacement of 7913 cm3, which could propel the seven-tonne vehicle to a maximum speed of 60 km/h forward and 40 km/h in reverse.

The Pantserwagen M38 was equipped with an independent axis on the rear dual wheel-base, which was highly useful on uneven terrain. This feature made this model of armored car more agile on rough terrain compared to the German armored cars.

Some Pantserwagen M38 during maintenance in a workshop. In the foreground, a chassis without its armored body is clearly visible, showing the two steering wheels, one at the front and the other at the rear of the vehicle. Also clearly visible is the Büssing NAG engine.
Source: landsverk-m38.nl

Armored Body

The Pantserwagen M38 had an armored body that was partially welded and placed on top of the chassis. The armor thickness was 9 mm, except for the roof, which had a thickness of 5 mm. This armor allowed it to only withstand light weapons fire.

The armored car had three armored doors for access into the vehicle. Two larger doors were located in the central part of the vehicle, while a smaller door was at the rear of the hull, on the left side.

The three armored doors of the Pantserwagen M-38.
Source: landsverk-m38.nl modified by author

There were three large ventilation shutters designed for engine cooling in the front part of the vehicle, where the engine was installed.

Two Pantserwagen M38 during a parade. Note the large ventilation shutters.
Source: landsverk-m38.nl

Turret

The Pantserwagen M38 had a large turret housing the main armament of the vehicle, and it also had a hatch on the top. The turret was armed with the primary weapon of the vehicle, except for the command version, which was equipped with a machine gun and additional episcopes. To deceive the enemy, a dummy gun was installed on the command version as well.

Turret of a Pantserwagen M38 (civil license plate L-36253).
Source: landsverk-m38.nl

A Pantserwagen M38 command version (civil license plate L-36256) with a regular turret in 1938. The decision to procure special command turrets had been made in March 1938 and these were delivered in April 1939. Also seen is an experimental fitting of a radio device with a large curved antenna.
Source: landsverk-m38.nl

Armament and Ammunition

The Pantserwagen M-38 had a respectable armament compared to contemporary German or other armored cars. The main armament, mounted in the turret, consisted of a 37 mm Bofors cannon and a 7.92 mm M.20 machine gun. Additionally, the hull of the vehicle was equipped with two more 7.92 mm M.20 machine guns, one located at the front and the other in the rear.

Each armored car had 60 rounds of 37 mm ammunition, including 40 Armor-Piercing High Explosive (APHE) rounds and 20 High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) rounds. The three machine guns had a total of nine magazines with armor-piercing ammunition and 17 magazines with regular ammunition.

The 37 mm Bofors was one of the most advanced anti-tank guns of the late 1930s and was widely used by Poland, Denmark, Finland, and many other countries.

The cannon could fire approximately 10 rounds per minute and had various types of ammunition available for use.

Ammunition for the 37 mm Bofors gun
Name	Type	Muzzle velocity (m/s)	Weight of complete ammunition (kg)	Penetration in mm of RHA angled at 30° at
Name	Type	Muzzle velocity (m/s)	Weight of complete ammunition (kg)	400 m	800 m
37 mm sk ptr m/34 slpprj m/38	Armor Piercing	785	0.735	30	24
37 mm sk ptr m/34 slpgr m/39	Armour-piercing High Explosive	775	0.740	//	//

The secondary armament of the Pantserwagen M38 consisted of three M.20 machine guns. These were Dutch copies of the Lewis machine guns, which were adopted in 1920. The Dutch had two different versions of the M.20 machine gun: one for the Koninklijke Nederlandse Landmacht, also called Landmachtmodel (English: Land model), firing 6.5 x 53.3R caliber ammunition, and the other for the Koninklijke Luchtmacht (English: Royal Air Force), also called der Luchtvaart dept (English: of Aviation dept), in 7.92 mm caliber.

Dutch soldiers during the 1939 mobilization with an M.20 ‘Landmachtmodel’ machine gun. Note the large magazine for the 97 rounds of 6.5 x 53.3R caliber.
Source: grebbeberg.nl

A M.20 ‘der Luchtvaart dept’ machine gun.
Source: Facebook via Collectie Nationaal Militair Museum

The Pantserwagen M38 used the version of the M.20 machine gun of the Koninklijke Luchtmacht. The M.20 machine guns used by the Koninklijke Nederlandse Landmacht had a large 97-round magazine developed by the Artillerie Inrichtingen (English: Artillery Establishments) , which was cumbersome and impractical, especially inside a vehicle like the Pantserwagen M38.

Crew

The Pantserwagen M38 had a crew of five soldiers, each with specific roles:

The commander (a sergeant) was responsible for loading the cannon and overseeing the overall operations.
The gunner, who aimed and fired the cannon, also operated the turret-mounted machine gun, reloading it as needed.
The driver operated the vehicle and was in charge of maneuvering.
The machine gunner operated the front-mounted machine gun.
The second driver and machine gunner drove the vehicle from the rear and operated the rear-mounted machine gun.

Each crew member played a vital role in the functioning and effectiveness of the armored car in combat.

The crew of a Pantserwagen M-38. Oddly enough, four out of five soldiers are sergeants.
The number 13 on the hatch indicates that it is the vehicle with the civilian license plate L-36244.
Source: landsverk-m38.nl

Symbols

The Pantserwagen M38 had various symbols on their bodies. In white color, placed above the radiator, on both hatches, the turret, and the rear of the vehicle, each vehicle had a unique number ranging from 13 to 24 (the command armored car of the 2nd Squadron had the number C2). Initially, they also had civilian registration plates, which consisted of a letter (for Pantserwagen M-38, it was ‘L’ for Utrecht) followed by a series of numbers.

Additionally, there was a military identification plate consisting of a rectangle with diagonal red, white, and blue stripes, with the military serial number placed in the center. This plate was positioned above the front machine gun and on the rear of the vehicle. In 1939, this plate was replaced with orange rectangles with black numbers.

Some symbols on a Pantserwagen M-38. The military identification plate is indicated by the red arrow, the vehicle number by the green arrow, and the civilian license plate by the blue arrow.
Source: landsverk-m38.nl modified by author

Furthermore, in 1939, a nationality symbol was introduced, which consisted of a large orange triangle with a black border. This symbol was placed on the hatches, the hood, and the front and rear of the hull.

A Pantserwagen M38 with national symbols. This vehicle is n° 18 (civilian license plate L-36249).
Source: landsverk-m38.nl

Registrations of the 1st Armored Car Squadron
Civilian License Plate	Vehicle Number	Military license Plate
L-36244	13	III-705
L-36245	14	III-706
L-36246	15	III-707
L-36247	16	III-708
L-36248	17	III-709
L-36249	18	III-710
L-36250	19	III-711
L-36251	20	III-712
L-36252	21	III-713
L-36253	22	III-714
L-36254	23	III-715
L-36255	24	III-716
L-36256*	C2	III-717

*Command L-180

Duties

In 1936, the manual titled Pantserwagen Reglement deel II, ‘Het Gevecht’, no. 139b. (English: Armored Car Regulations, part II, ‘The Combat’, nr. 139b) was published, explaining the use of armored cars.

The manual stated that armored cars could directly collaborate with cavalry and cyclists but were considered ineffective for passive defense, only managing to slow down the enemy’s advance. However, it emphasized that they could make a significant contribution by working in conjunction with other military units.

The manual also explained their deployment within the Lichte Brigade. The squadrons could operate as independent units, be integrated into a brigade’s force or used as reserves.

Operational Use

All the Pantserwagen M38 were grouped together in the 2de Eskadron Pantserwagens, which was officially established on 1 June 1938. The squadron was put under the command of Ritmeester (English: Captain) J.L. Bruinier, and its headquarters were located on the outskirts of Amersfoort in the barracks named after Prince Bernhard. The barracks were completed in May 1939, and before that, the squadron was accommodated in an infantry barracks.

Ritmeester J.L. Bruinier, commander of the 2de Eskadron Pantserwagens.
Source: landsverk-m38.nl

Initially, the squadron was not fully equipped, having only eight armored cars in 1938 and with auxiliary equipment almost being nonexistent. The crews were trained by personnel from the 1ste Eskadron Pantserwagens, but even by August 1939, during the general mobilization, not all personnel were fully trained.

Four Pantserwagen M38 in training at Amersfoort in 1938. The Bernhard Barracks are visible in the background.
Source: Facebook via Eddy Monsjou

After enough personnel had been trained, in November of the same year, the 2de Eskadron Pantserwagens was split up, with the first two platoons sent to Barneveld and the other two to Apeldoorn. They were later reunited in April 1940 for a training course in Friesland. With all platoons being moved several times, at the beginning of May, the entire 2de Eskadron Pantserwagens was stationed in Apeldoorn, albeit shortly.

On 1st May, the 2de Eskadron Pantserwagens was divided once again. The 1ste Peloton (English: 1st Platoon) and 2de Peloton (English: 2nd Platoon) were placed under the command of the 4e Regiment Huzaren (English: 4th Hussars Regiment), while the 3de Peloton (3rd Platoon) and 4de Peloton were assigned to the 1e Regiment Huzaren (English: 1st Hussars Regiment). Their purpose was to defend the Grebbe Line.

Meanwhile, the armored cars of the 1ste Peloton had been transported to the city of Delft, to be outfitted with radio equipment. However, on 9th May, the situation had become so dire that they were hastily returned.

The Grebbe Line.
Source: Wikipedia

10th May

On the morning of 10th May, the day of the German invasion of the Netherlands, the 3de and 4de Pelotons were sent to Ede, while the 1ste and 2de Pelotons remained at Apeldoorn to defend the canal, along with the command group (based in Voorthuizen). At 6 a.m. the bridges were demolished, and the 1ste Peloton retreated to Kootwijkerbroek, joining the 4th Battalion of the 1e Regiment Huzaren. Meanwhile, the 2de Peloton reunited with the 1st Battalion of the same unit in Garderen via Vaassen and Uddel. By the evening, all units were positioned on the Grebbe Line, where they blocked all the roads leading to Amersfoort.

The 3de and 4de Pelotons were initially positioned in a rearward position, serving as mobile anti-tank guns. However, in the afternoon, they were transferred to different locations. The 3de Peloton was sent to defend the command post of the 1e Regiment Huzaren at Langenberg. Upon finding the command post abandoned, they retreated and eventually reached Leersum at 9 p.m.

The 4de Peloton conducted patrols until 8 p.m., then returned to Ede, as they had not learned about the overall retreat. During the night, the platoon came under friendly artillery fire and attempted to relocate. During this attempt, armored car No. 19 had to be abandoned after it got stuck in a hole. It was not until the following afternoon that they reached Leersum and rejoined the 3de Peloton.

11th May

On 11th May, the 1ste and 2de Pelotons participated in a reconnaissance mission to the IJssel River in the morning. In the afternoon, they received orders to relocate all the available armored cars to The Hague.

The 2de Peloton followed the order, but the 1ste Peloton had not yet returned by the time the order was received. When it did, it was arranged that it could stay behind to defend the headquarters of the 1e Regiment Huzaren. In the late afternoon, the 1ste Peloton engaged in a skirmish with some German units near Voorthuizen, and retreated after breaking through German fire. One armored car was severely damaged, but could be repaired behind the lines the next day.

The 2de, 3de, and 4de Pelotons arrived at The Hague with the task of defending the General Headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief of the Land and Sea Forces, General H.G. Winkelman, against potential attacks by German paratroopers. In the Hague, headquarters was set up in the Pulchri Studio, near the General Headquarters.

Armored car No. 24 from the 3de Peloton joined an infantry battalion and advanced towards Valkenburg, which was occupied by Fallschirmjäger. There, it was joined by armored cars No. 16 and 18 from the 2de Peloton.

Near Valkenburg, the armored cars opened fire on the buildings occupied by the Germans and then retreated to The Hague at 8 a.m. of 12th May.

12th May

In the morning, the 1ste Peloton was sent on a reconnaissance mission to the east and spotted a German armored force near Zwartebroek. In the evening, it retreated, along with the 1e Regiment Huzaren, to Soesterberg.

At 6 a.m., two armored cars were sent from The Hague to Wateringen to support an infantry company. However, they were attacked by the Germans, and armored car No. 17 was severely damaged by an anti-tank shot, while the commander and gunner were wounded The armored cars managed to retreat to The Hague by 8:30 a.m.

In the morning, four armored cars, three from the 2de Peloton and one from the 3de Peloton, escorted some officers from The Hague to Rotterdam. After the escort, the 2de Peloton was sent on a reconnaissance mission to Overschie and the road between Rotterdam and Delft.

Armored cars No. 18 and 24 from the 2de and 3de Pelotons remained to guard the drawbridge on the road between Rotterdam and Delft, while armored car No. 16 supported a counterattack towards Overschie.

The 4de Peloton had patrolled through Wassenaar, but was later ordered to Utrecht with two armored cars.

13th May

The 1ste Peloton patrolled the areas around Amersfoort, searching for any German paratroopers, but they did not find any. By evening, they retreated to Haarzuilen.

Armored cars No. 18 and 24 supported the attack by elements of the Korps Mariniers (English: Marine Corps) against the German paratroopers on the bridges of the Meuse River near Rotterdam. However, the attack failed, and the Dutch forces were forced to retreat. During the engagement, the two armored cars had a gunner and a driver wounded.

In Overschie, the Dutch forces made another attempt at an attack, supported by armored car No. 18. Nevertheless, they were once again repelled and forced to withdraw to Rotterdam.

Upon the advice of General H.G. Winkelman, Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands left The Hague and was escorted by some armored cars from the 2de Peloton to Hook of Holland. There, she was met by the British destroyer HMS Hereward, which took her to England.

14th May

On 14th May, the Dutch forces surrendered to the Germans. The 1ste Peloton surrendered at Haarzuilen, the 2de and 3de Pelotons surrendered in The Hague, and the 4de Peloton surrendered in Utrecht, where it had already been for two days. Some armored cars from the 2de and 3de Pelotons also surrendered in Rotterdam and Delft.

What remained of the 2de Eskadron Pantserwagens was assembled at the ‘Willem de Zwijger’ barracks in Wezep, and the unit was officially disbanded by the German authorities on 24th June 1940.

Fallen of the 2de Eskadron Pantserwagens
Rank	Name and Surname	Date of death
Wachtmeester	J. van Zuijlen	17-5-1940
Huzaar	L. J. Ramaekers	10-5-1940
Huzaar	van Bergen	11-5-1940
Huzaar	J. D. Lauwers	10-5-1940
Huzaar	J.M.J. van der Sommen	10-5-1940
Huzaar	W. van der Male	10-5-1940

German Use

After the surrender of the Netherlands, the German authorities requisitioned the Pantserwagen M38 armored cars, designating them as Panzerspähwagen L202(h) (English: L202 Dutch armored reconnaissance vehicle).

Apparently, four of these armored cars were assigned to the Aufklärungs Abteilung (English: Reconnaissance Battalion) of the 227.Infanterie-Division (English: 227th Infantry Division), which was initially deployed for coastal defense in France until 1941. However, pictures do not prove that more than two were used. Later, the division was transferred to the Eastern Front.

The German crew of a Panzerspähwagen L202(h).
Source: landsverk-m38.nl

Conclusion

The Pantserwagen M38, along with the Pantserwagen M36 and M39, and a few other vehicles, were the few armored vehicles used by the Koninklijke Nederlandse Landmacht during the May 1940 fighting.

Despite not being able to match the heavier German tanks, like the Panzer III and Panzer IV, the vehicle performed quite well. It excelled in its roles as a reconnaissance vehicle and infantry support. In fact, only armored car No. 19 was abandoned in combat, while all the others fought until the day of the Netherlands’ surrender.

Pantserwagen M38 (Landsverk 180 in Dutch service). Illustrations by Godzilla funded by our Patreon Campaign.

Pantserwagen M38 specifications
Dimensions (L-W-H)	5.87 x 2.24 x 2.28 m
Total Weight, Battle Ready	7 tonnes
Crew	5
Propulsion	Büssing-NAG V8 160 hp engine
Maximum Speed	65 km/h
Range	306 km
Armament	1x 37 mm Bofors 3x M.20 machine guns
Hull Armor	9 mm front, sides and rear, 5 mm roof
Turret Armor	9 mm front, sides and rear
Total Production	14 purchased

Sources

http://www.waroverholland.nl/

https://www.landsverk-m38.nl/M38_inleiding.htm

http://www.kfzderwehrmacht.de/Homepage_english/Motor_Vehicles/Germany/Daimler-Benz_AG/6-wheeled_armoured_cars/Landsverk_180/landsverk_180.html

https://web.archive.org/web/20140321180617/http://www2.landskrona.se/kultur/landsverk/militart/pansarbilar/l180.html

https://www.grebbeberg.nl/

http://www.kfzderwehrmacht.de/Homepage_english/Motor_Vehicles/Germany/Daimler-Benz_AG/6-wheeled_armoured_cars/6-wheeled_armoured_cars.html

Vereeniging Officieren Cavalerie Ter Gedachtenis aan de kameraden die voor koningin en vaderland zijn gevallen. 10-14 Mei 1940 June 1940

Herman Amersfoort and Piet Kamphuis May 1940. The battle for the Netherlands Boston 2010

David R. Higgins Panzer II vs 7TP. Poland 1939 Osprey Publishing 2015

Nigel Thomas Hitler’s Blitzkrieg Enemies 1940 Denmark, Norway, Netherlands & Belgium Osprey Publishing 2014

De Koninklijke Militaire Academie Pantserwagen Reglement deel II, ‘Het Gevecht’, no. 139b. Breda 1936

https://it.topwar.ru/28397-trofeynaya-bronetankovaya-tehnika-vermahta-niderlandy.html

J.A. Bom, Eskadrons Pantserwagens 1936-1940, 1986.

Cold War Italian Armor WW2 US Vehicles in Foreign Service

Carro Armato Leggero M3A3 (M3A3 Light Tank in Italian Service)

Post author By Daniele Notaro
Post date December 9, 2023
2 Comments on Carro Armato Leggero M3A3 (M3A3 Light Tank in Italian Service)

Carro Armato Leggero M3A3. Illustrations by Godzilla funded by our Patreon Campaign.

Italian Republic (1949-Mid-1950s)
Light Tank – Unknown Number Operated

The Light Tank M3, produced by the United States starting in 1941, was delivered to the Esercito Italiano (English: Italian Army) in the late 1940s. The Esercito Italiano, having been reconstituted after the previous Regio Esercito (English: Royal Italian Army) was essentially dissolved during the Second World War, had an immediate need for modern vehicles in the new context of the Cold War. The new army received an unknown but small number of M3A3s, which were used by both mechanized cavalry units and infantry. The Italian designation was Carro Armato Leggero M3A3.

Two M3A3 Light Tank used by Esercito Italiano.
Source: Gli autoveicoli da combattimento dell’esercito italiano

Italy and its Armed Forces after the Second World War

The Italian army was greatly reduced and temporarily renamed Esercito di Transizione (English: Transitional Army). In 1947, the Esercito Italiano could amass a maximum of 140,000 to 150,000 personnel to maintain public order in a divided country. Italy was plagued by numerous riots, and in Sicily, the issue of brigandage persisted. This was preceded until 1946 by the actions of the Esercito Volontario per l’Indipendenza della Sicilia (English: Volunteer Army for the Independence of Sicily).

However, the Esercito Italiano was by no means prepared to face a potential invasion by communist forces coming from Yugoslavia.

From 1948, due to the dire political situation in Europe, Italian military commands began to approach the United States for the provision of arms and equipment, which were sorely lacking in the Italian armed forces. Through the Mutual Defense Assistance Program, the United States sent aid to the Italian armed forces totaling over $44 million between 1948 and 1949. In the following two years, 1950-51, this figure rose to $360 million. The aid allocated to the Esercito Italiano consisted of light weapons, spare parts, vehicles, and more.

Photo taken on 4th November 1953 at the barracks of the 1° Reggimento ‘Granatieri di Sardegna’ (English: 1st Regiment) in Rome, during the anniversary of the Italian victory in the First World War. The sergeant in the foreground is holding a US M1 Carbine. The radio equipment is probably also of American origin.
Source: Andrea Viotti e Stefano Ales

History of the Vehicle

With the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, the US Army became highly invested in tank development. In May 1940, the Americans put the Light Tank M2 into production, which quickly became outdated. Consequently, they developed the new M3, which featured increased armor protection.

From March 1941 to September 1943, a total of 13,859 Light Tank M3s were produced in three versions (M3, M3A1, and M3A3), and these were also supplied to other belligerent countries. By September 1945, the United Kingdom had received 5,473 M3s, the Soviet Union had gotten 1,676, and another 1,926 were distributed to other nations.

The vehicle saw its first combat use on the North African theater of operations with the British Army in the summer of 1942. The British appreciated its ease of use so much that they nicknamed it ‘Honey’. However, it was not highly regarded as a combat vehicle and, by late 1942, its role shifted to reconnaissance duties.

The Light Tank M3 underwent improvements over time and was upgraded with two versions. The A1 version, produced from May 1942, featured an improved turret. The A3 version, produced from September 1942, included hull improvements and a wider turret to accommodate the installation of a radio.

In September 1943, the vehicle ceased production and was replaced by the Light Tank M5. However, it continued to serve until the end of the war and remained operational in many nations even after the conflict.

Service in Esercito Italiano

The first M3A3 tanks, named by the Italians Carri Armati Leggeri M3A3 (English: Light Tanks M3A3), were delivered to the Esercito Italiano in 1949.

The Carri Armati M3A3 were assigned to the Scuola di Cavalleria Blindata (English: Armored Cavalry School), which was established in 1948 starting from the former Scuola di Autoblindismo (English: Armored Cars School). The tanks were allocated to two formations, labeled as ‘A’ and ‘B’, and were utilized by the armored cavalry regiments. These regiments contained a light tank squadron, each equipped with 18 Carri Armati M3A3.

Carro Armato M3A3 of the Divisione di Fanteria ‘Granatieri di Sardegna’ (English: Infantry Division) during a public exhibition.
Source: Storia Militare Dossier n. 24

In 1949, the United Nations General Assembly decided to assign Somalia, a former Italian colonial territory administered by the British since 1941, to the Italians as a trust territory to prepare the country for independence. Italian administration lasted from 1950 until 1960, when Somalia gained full independence.

Some Carri Armati M3A3 were assigned to the Corpo di Sicurezza (English: Security Corps) stationed in Somalia from 1949 to 1956, as part of the Amministrazione Fiduciaria Italiana in Somalia (English: Italian Trusteeship Administration in Somalia). A total of 20 Carri Armati M3A3 were sent to equip four tank platoons, each with five Carri Armati M3A3, assigned to the four armored cavalry squadrons deployed in Somalia:

The 1° Squadrone Blindato ‘Genova’ (English: 1st Armored Squadron) was based in Baidoa
The 2° Squadrone Blindato ‘Novara’ ( English: 2nd Armored Squadron) in Galcaio
The 3° Squadrone Blindato ‘Piemonte’ (English: 3rd Armored Squadron) in Belet Uen
The 4° Squadrone Blindato ‘Gorizia’ ( English: 4th Armored Squadron) in Mogadishu.

Deployment of the four armored cavalry squadrons deployed to Somalia.
Source: rassegnastampamilitare.files.wordpress.com modified by author

On 14th June 1950, two Carri Armati M3A3 from the 3° Squadrone Blindato ‘Piemonte’ were sent to rescue five American passengers from a plane that had crashed around 100 km from Belet Uen.

In 1951, the squadrons were cut down to only two, and, after July 1951, all Carri Armati M3A3 tanks were consolidated into the 1a Compagnia Carristi della Somalia (English: 1st Tank Company of Somalia), consisting of a command platoon and two regular platoons, each with six Carri Armati M3A3. The remaining eight tanks were held in reserve. Since there was no military conflict in Somalia during the Italian trusteeship, these vehicles did not see action.

Carro Armato Leggero M3A3 landing on a beach in Mogadishu.
Source: Vincenzo Meleca

The Italian authorities quickly realized that the Carro Armato M3A3 had become completely outdated. Even as early as an October 1950, a document from the Command of the Brigata Corazzata ‘Ariete’ (English: Armored Brigade) stated that the Carro Armato M3A3 used in the armored cavalry regiments had become obsolete and needed to be replaced with a vehicle armed with at least a 75 mm cannon. By the mid-1950s, all Carri Armati M3A3 had been withdrawn from service and replaced by the M24 Chaffee.

Carro Armato M3A3 while being loaded on a ship bound for Somalia.
Source: Storia Militare Dossier n. 24

Other Versions

Reconnaissance

The Esercito Italiano also utilized the Carro Armato M3A3 reconnaissance variant. This version lacked a turret and was armed with either a .303 Browning M1919 machine gun or a .50 Browning M2 in a ball mount, protected by a metal shield, along with another .303 machine gun in a casemate.

This reconnaissance version was used by the Esercito Italiano as a reconnaissance vehicle in the reconnaissance platoons of tank battalions, as well as by the cavalry and the Bersaglieri units. It is unclear if these were separate vehicles supplied by Italy’s allies, or if these were converted from the previously received M3A3 light tanks that had been withdrawn.

This variant had a fairly long service life, and only in the late 1950s was it replaced as a reconnaissance vehicle in tank battalions by the M24 Chaffee. In 1963, a decision was made to repurpose them as radio vehicles.

Carro Armato M3A3 reconnaissance, armed with .50 Browning M2, used by Brigata Corazzata ‘Ariete’ in 1954. Note an Italian M47 Patton behind it.
Source: Gli autoveicoli da combattimento dell’esercito italiano

Conclusion

The Carro Armato Leggero M3A3 was certainly already obsolete by the late 1940s and was primarily used as a stopgap by the Esercito Italiano in anticipation of its replacement with a more modern and suitable vehicle.

Its main actual use was in Somalia, where it performed decently, but for the most part, it had become ineffective in other contexts.

Carro Armato Leggero M3A3. Illustrations by Godzilla funded by our Patreon Campaign.

Carro Armato Leggero M3A3 reconnaissance. Illustrations by Godzilla funded by our Patreon Campaign.

Carro Armato Leggero M3A3 specifications
Dimensions (L-W-H)	5 x 2.53 x 2.5 m
Total weight	14.2 tons
Crew	4
Propulsion	Continental 7 cylinder petrol 238 hp – air cooled
Max Speed on road	50 km/h
Max Range	192 km
Armament	37 mm M6 3 x .30 M1919 machine guns
Armor	From 13 to 38 mm

Sources

R.P. Hunnicutt Stuart. A history of American light tank. Volume I Novato 1992

http://www.corazzati.it/scheda_m3.htm

Steven J. Zaloga M3 and M5 Stuart Light Tank 1940-1945 Oxford 1999

Nicola Pignato and Filippo Cappellano Gli autoveicoli da combattimento dell’Esercito Italiano. Volume terzo (1945-1955) Roma 2007

Andrea Viotti Struttura, uniformi e distintivi dell’Esercito Italiano 1947 – 1970. Tomo I Roma 2007

Vincenzo Meleca Il Corpo di Sicurezza della Somalia

Filippo Cappellano, Fabrizio Esposito and Daniele Guglielmi Storia Militare Dossier n. 24 ‘Mezzi corazzati e blindati dell’Esercito Italiano 1945-2012. 1a Parte’ Parma 2016

Leopoldo Nuti L’Esercito Italiano nel secondo dopo guerra 1945-1950 Roma 1989

Lorenzo Sebesta I programmi di aiuto militare nella politica americana per l’Europa. L’esperienza italiana 1948-1952 in ‘Italia Contemporanea’ n. 173, December 1988

Has Own Video WW2 Italian Tactics

Italian Armored Units During the Italian Invasion of Albania

Post author By Daniele Notaro
Post date November 29, 2023
3 Comments on Italian Armored Units During the Italian Invasion of Albania

Kingdom of Italy (1939)

On 7th April 1939, the armed forces of the Kingdom of Italy invaded the small Albanian Kingdom. Among the attacking forces, there were armored units that took part in the few clashes that occurred during the three-day invasion.

All units were equipped with Carri Armati L3/35 (English: 3 ton Light Tanks Model 1935), which formed the core of the Italian armored forces until 1940. They were able to hold to reign supreme solely due to the Albanian forces’ lack of anti-tank weapons.

Carri Armati L3/35 of the Raggruppamento Carri d’Assalto ‘D’Antoni’ (English: Tank Assault Group) after having just landed in Durrës.
Source: Wikipedia

Relations between Albania and Italy before 1939

The relationship between the Kingdom of Italy and Albania was close during most of the early Twentieth century. During World War I, Italian forces were deployed in Albania to combat the Central Powers, and the Treaty of London signed between Italy and the Allies in 1915 included a provision for Italian sovereignty over the territory of Vlora. However, in 1920, an Albanian uprising expelled the Italians from Vlora. In 1928, the President of the Albanian Republic, Ahmet Zogu, proclaimed himself King of Albania under the name Zog I, establishing the Albanian Kingdom.

King Zog I.
Source: Wikipedia

From 1933 onwards, King Zog began distancing himself from collaboration with Italy and started leaning towards Greece and Yugoslavia.

This displeased Mussolini, the Head of the Italian Government and Duce, as he had expansionist aspirations in the region.

Starting in 1937 with the various trips of Italian Foreign Minister Galeazzo Ciano, a study of the Albanian territory began in anticipation of annexation. The following year, an “economic colonization” of the country began and, in 1939, a plan for invasion was devised.

The Invasion

On 25th March 1939, Italy sent a proposal of annexation to King Zog, who refused it. On 2nd April, an ultimatum was issued, which was once again rejected by the Albanian king. However, King Zog chose to flee to Greece, leaving the Ushtria Mbretërore Shqiptare (English: Royal Albanian Army) in disarray and unprepared to counter the Italian invasion.

The Albanian Armed Forces

The Albanian armed forces were poorly equipped and lacked motivation. The Italians estimated a force of 45,000 men, but in reality, there were only 15,000, of which 8,000 were considered effective.

The Ushtria Mbretërore Shqiptare was trained and equipped by the Italians while the Xhandarmërisë was trained by the British.

Albanian soldiers during a parade. Note the Italian armament.
Source: Pinterest

The Ushtria Mbretërore Shqiptare was under the command of the Chief of the General Staff, General Xhemal Aranitasi, and was organized into four territorial sectors.

Albanian forces in April 1939
Sector	Command Headquarters	Commander	Forces
First	Milot	Lieutenant Colonel Bega	Three infantry battalions Two batteries One engineering company
Second	Milot	Lieutenant Colonel Vulagaj	Two infantry battalions One Xhandarmërisë battalion Two mountain artillery batteries
Third	Vlora	Lieutenant Colonel Kuku	Two infantry battalions One Xhandarmërisë battalion Two artillery sections One engineering platoon
Fourth	Saranda	Lieutenant Colonel Topalli	Two Border Guard battalions One Xhandarmërisë battalion
Durrës garrison	Durres	Major Abaz Kupi	One Border Guard battalion One Xhandarmërisë battalion One engineering company One platoon of sailors Six cannons

The Albanian defense plan aimed to hold out for at least ten days, awaiting Yugoslav intervention, and its objective was to defend the capital city of Tirana for as long as possible. The defense of Tirana was organized into four defensive lines, with the final line positioned in strong positions along the Dajti mountain range.

Albanian defensive lines meant to protect the capital Tirana.
Source: Le truppe italiane in Albania

The Ushtria Mbretërore Shqiptare, however, quickly disintegrated, while the main resistance came from the Xhandarmërisë, which had approximately 4,000 men, especially around Durrës, where the Albanian Navy Sergeant Mujo Ulqinaku died heroically. Alongside other sailors and armed with only a machine gun, he fought until he was killed by a grenade, inflicting casualties on the Italians.

A group of xhandar (English: gendarmes) photographed in the 1930s.
Source: bunkart.al

Italian Forces

For the occupation of Albania, the Italians had a force of 22,000 men, 64 cannons, 125 Carri Armati L3/35, 860 other vehicles, 1,200 motorcycles, 5,500 bicycles, and 2,500 pack animals included in the Corpo di Spedizione Oltre-Mare Tirana (English: Overseas Expeditionary Corps Tirana) under the command of General Alfredo Guzzoni.

General Alfredo Guzzoni
Source: generals.dk

To transport the troops, the Italian Regia Marina (English: Royal Navy) provided 22 steamers, the seaplane carrier Miraglia (which carried the tanks), and five tanker ships, supported by two battleships, seven cruisers, 16 destroyers, 14 torpedo boats, and other smaller vessels.

The Italian Regia Aeronautica (English: Royal Air Force) had an observation squadron, two bomber wings, and three air transport wings. However, no aerial bombardment was carried out.

Bersaglieri enter an Albanian town.
Source: eastjournal.net

For the invasion, the Italian forces were divided into three waves, but only the first wave actually took part in the invasion, while the others landed after the country was occupied.
The I Scaglione (English: First Wave) was under the command of Colonel Arturo Scattini and was supposed to land simultaneously at Durrës, Vlora, Shëngjin, and Saranda. The wave was divided into four columns, listed below:

I Scaglione
Name	Commander	Objectives	Forces
Colonna Durazzo	General Giovanni Messe	Tirana	Reggimento di formazione ‘Mannerini’ Five Bersaglieri battalions Raggruppamento Carri d’Assalto ‘D’Antoni’ 65 mm battery of the 3° Reggimento Granatieri di Sardegna’ 20 mm anti-aircraft battery of the 14° Reggimento Artiglieria ‘Murge’
Colonna Valona	Colonel Tullio Bernardi	Shkodra and Lezhe	Two Bersaglieri battalions Two Camicie Nere battalions
Colonna San Giovanni di Medua	Colonel Arturo Scattini	Devoll and Valona	Three Bersaglieri battalions Two companies of marine infantry battalion San Marco
Colonna Santi Quaranta	Colonel Mario Carasi	Delvinë and Gjirokastër	Two Bersaglieri battalions III Gruppo Squadroni Carri Veloci ‘San Giorgio’ Two companies of marine infantry battalion San Marco

The II Scaglione (English: Second Wave) had an infantry battalion of the 47° Reggimento di Fanteria ‘Ferrara’ (English: 47th Infantry Regiment), a machine gun battalion, three artillery groups, a garrison infantry company, two engineer companies, and two light tanks squadrons. The III Scaglione (English: Third Wave) had two infantry battalions and the 14° Reggimento di Artiglieria ‘Murge’ (English: 14th Artillery Regiment) of the 23a Divisione di Fanteria ‘Murge’ (English: 23rd Infantry Division) and the Gruppo Battaglioni Camicie Nere ‘Peano’ (English: Blackshirt Battalion Group).

Italian invasion plan.
Source: albanianstudies.weebly.com

The Italian attack began on 7th April 1939, and within three days, the entire country was occupied, though the Italian command made various mistakes and the organization of the invasion was poor.

The Albanian resistance was modest, except for the clashes in Durrës, and the Italian losses were 12 dead and 81 wounded. In Bernd Fischer’s book, Albania at War 1939-1945, the author estimates Italian losses of 200 dead in Durrës alone, for a total of 700 casualties overall.

The Carro Armato L3

The Carro Armato L3 was the only tank used by Italian forces during the invasion of Albania because it was the only armored vehicle produced in large enough numbers by the Italian arms industry. It also equipped all Italian armored units in 1939. The development of these light tanks began in 1928, and the following year, the Carro Veloce 29 (English: Fast Tank 1929), an Italian version of the British Carden Loyd, was adopted.

Carro Veloce 29 pulling a trailer during the Giornata dell’Arma Chimica (English: Chemical Corps Day) in 1935.
Source: Pinterest via ww2photo.se

In 1933, the Carro Veloce 33 (English: Fast Tank 1933) was adopted, which was quite different from the older model and served as the basis for subsequent developments.

A Carro Veloce 33, armed with two Breda Modello 1938 machine guns, captured by British soldiers during Operation Compass in 1941.
Source: Wikipedia

The Carro Veloce 35 (English: Fast Tank 1935), developed and introduced in 1935, was based on the Carro Veloce 1933. It differed from the previous model in terms of its armament, which consisted of two 8 mm Fiat Modello 1914/1935 machine guns (replaced in 1938 by two Breda Modello 1938), and the armor, which was bolted and not welded to the sides.

A Carro Veloce 35 driving onto a truck to be transported
Source: gli autoveicoli da combattimento dell’esercito italiano

The Carro Veloce, then Carro Leggero (English: Light Tank) since 1939, was developed for mountain combat, as Italian commanders believed that a new war would be fought in the Alps.

Consequently, it was a small, light, and fast vehicle armed only with machine guns, making it already obsolete by the mid-1930s, especially for the lack of a turret.

Its use in Ethiopia in 1935 and 1936 and in Spain from 1936 to 1939 highlighted its significant deficiencies when facing other tanks or armored vehicles and its vulnerability to anti-tank weapons or even heavy machine guns.

The Italian Tank Units during the Invasion

Raggruppamento Carri d’Assalto ‘D’Antoni’

The Raggruppamento Carri d’Assalto ‘D’Antoni’ (English: Tank Assault Group) of Colonel Giovanni D’Antoni was part of the first landing wave. It was included in the Colonna Durazzo (English: Durrës Column) under the command of General Giovanni Messe that was supposed to land in the corresponding location and to advance all the way to Tirana, the capital of the Albanian Kingdom.

The Raggruppamento Carri d’Assalto was formed from the VIII and X Battaglione Carri (English: 8th and 10th Tank Battalions), belonging to the 4° Reggimento Fanteria Carrista (English: 4th Tank Crew Infantry Regiment), which had a total of 31 Carri Armati L3

The invasion began on 7th April and the two battalions were transported to Albania by the seaplane carrier Miraglia. However, they were unable to immediately disembark the tanks because the assigned docking pier had been occupied by the Italian steamship Aquitania, which took 12 hours to unload 30 trucks.

At 1:00 p.m., the tank landing began, by which time the resistance of the Albanians in Durrës had been suppressed.

Carro Armato L3/35 while disembarking from the seaplane carrier Miraglia in the port of Durrës.
Source: Istituto Luce

The following day, a mechanized group was formed, which started advancing rapidly towards Tirana at 8:45 a.m. The Albanian forces defending the capital were mainly composed of xhandar, who were caught off guard by the Italian attack, and almost all of them surrendered without a fight. By 9:30 a.m, the Italian column entered the city.

Immediately after the occupation of Tirana, Colonel Giovanni D’Antoni was ordered to advance towards Elbasan.

A new column was formed, consisting of the XVIII Battaglione (English: 19th Battalion) of the 2° Reggimento Bersaglieri (English: 2nd Bersaglieri Regiment), the XIV Battaglione (English: 14th Battalion) of the 5° Reggimento Bersaglieri (English: 5th Bersaglieri Regiment), and the X Battaglione Carri.

A column of Carri Armati L3/35 of the Raggruppamento Carri d’Assalto passes by a truckload of Bersaglieri.
Source: British Pathé

The column departed from Tirana at 4:00 p.m., and after two and a half hours, it reached Qafa Krrabes, where the Albanian defenders, under the command of Prince Hjssein Dolshisti, surrendered without a fight. The Italians captured a significant amount of equipment and two artillery batteries.

The advance resumed, and by 8:30 p.m, they reached Elbasan, covering a distance of 54 km in four and a half hours. The VIII Battaglione Carri remained in Tirana, while one of its platoons was left in Durrës to defend the vital port.

Advance of the Raggruppamento Carri d’Assalto ‘D’Antoni’.
It occupied Tirana and Elbasan.
Source: albanianews.al modified by author

Colonel Giovanni d’Antoni was awarded the Bronze Medal for Military Valor for his actions during the invasion.

Sailors of the seaplane carrier Miraglia disembark an Carro Armato L3/35 with a crane.
Source: British Pathé

III Gruppo Squadroni Carri Veloci ‘San Giorgio’

The III Gruppo Squadroni Carri Veloci ‘San Giorgio’ (English: 3rd Squadron Group of Fast Tanks) was created in 1934 by the Reggimento Scuola Carri Veloci (English: Fast Tank Training Regiment) and was organized into four squadrons, totaling 61 Carri Armati L3.

In January 1935, it was placed under the command of the IIIa Brigata Celere ‘Principe Amedeo Duca d’Aosta’ (English: 3rd Fast Brigade) and, later, the 3a Divisione Celere ‘Principe Amedeo Duca d’Aosta’ (English: 3rd Cavalry Division).

During the invasion of Albania, the III Gruppo Squadroni Carri Veloci was part of the Colonna Santi Quaranta (English: Saranda Column), under the command of Colonel Mario Carasi. Its objective was the occupation of Delvinë and Gjirokastër.

On the morning of 7th April, Italian troops landed in Saranda, quickly eliminating the limited resistance from the Xhandarmërisë. They then began to advance towards Delvinë, which was occupied later that evening, and reached Gjirokastër the following day.

Advance of the III Gruppo Squadroni Carri Veloci ‘San Giorgio’.
It occupied Delvinë and Gjirokastër.
Source: albanianews.al modified by author

The advance was swift and no enemy resistance was encountered, although the poor condition of the roads posed a significant challenge.

Carro Armato L3/35 of the III Gruppo Squadroni Carri Veloci ‘San Giorgio’ during the Second World War.
Source: unitalianoinrussia.it

Reggimento Provvisorio di Cavalleria

The Reggimento Provvisorio di Cavalleria (English: Provisional Cavalry Regiment), commanded by Colonel Raffaele Pelligra, consisted of the I Gruppo Squadroni (English: 1st Squadron Group) of the Reggimento ‘Lancieri di Aosta’ (English: Lancers Regiment), the II Gruppo Squadroni (English: 2nd Squadron Group) of the Reggimento ‘Genova Cavalleria’ (English: Cavalry Regiment), a machine gun platoon of the Reggimento ‘Genova Cavalleria’ and a command unit.

The Reggimento Provvisorio di Cavalleria landed in Durrës as part of the III Scaglione on 14th April and deployed near Devoll and Fier before being divided into two columns with the objective of reaching Peshkopi.

The I Gruppo Squadroni passed through Tirana, Lezhe, and Shkodra, and finally arrived in Peshkopi.

The II Gruppo Squadroni, initially descended towards southern Albania, reaching Berat and Permet, and then headed north, skirting the border with Greece and Yugoslavia, and finally arrived in Peshkopi.

Advance of the Reggimento Provvisorio di Cavalleria. In blue the I Gruppo Squadroni, in black the II Gruppo Squadroni.
Source: albanianews.al modified by author

Considerations on the Use of the Carro Armato L3 in Albania

The Carro Armato L3 had been specifically designed for combat in mountainous terrain, and during the invasion of Albania, it performed relatively well, despite facing some difficulties due to the poor condition of the roads.

Additionally, the lack of anti-tank weapons in the Albanian forces and their limited resistance meant that the Carri Armati L3 faced minimal challenges during their few encounters with the Xhandarmërisë and the small number of Albanian soldiers who fought back.

Due to the poor organization of the operation and the absence of significant challenges, the invasion of Albania did not lead to any improvements in the use of Italian tanks, nor did it make Italian commanders fully realize the obsolescence of the Carro Armato L3.

When the Kingdom of Italy entered the war on the side of Germany on 10th June 1940, the Carri Armati L3 was still the backbone of the Italian armored forces but by then it was virtually useless for modern warfare.

During the early fighting in the Alps or in the Libyan desert, the old Carri Armati L3 still demonstrated its imitated warfare capabilities and was slowly (but never completely) replaced by the new medium tanks.

Carri Armati L3/35 of the Raggruppamento Carri d’Assalto ‘D’Antoni’ during the advance towards Tirana
Source: Gli autoveicoli da combattimento dell’Esercito Italiano

Aftermath

After the Italian invasion, the Kingdom of Albania was annexed by Italy as the Protettorato Italiano del Regno d’Albania (English: Italian Protectorate of Albania), and on 16th April, King Vittorio Emanuele III was crowned as the King of Albania.

Italian rule over the country lasted until 8th September 1943, when, due to the Armistice between the Kingdom of Italy and the Allied forces, Germany occupied Albania and installed some collaborationist leaders, with Balli Kombëtar at the forefront.

German control was short-lived, and by October 1944, the country transformed into the Qeveria Demokratike e Shqipërisë (English: Democratic Government of Albania), which in 1945 became the Republika Popullore Socialiste e Shqipërisë (English: People’s Socialist Republic of Albania).

Conclusion

The contribution of the Italian armored forces to the invasion of Albania was very limited.

With the exception of the Raggruppamento Carri d’Assalto ‘D’Antoni’, which had some clashes with the Xhandarmërisë, the rest of the units were able to reach their objectives without major combat and mostly unmolested.

Sources

Ufficio Storico dello SME Le truppe italiane in Albania (Anni 1914-20 e 1939) Roma 1978
Niccolò Lucarelli Italiani in Albania 1939-1945 Parma 2021
Bernd Jürgen Fischer Albania at war 1939-1945 West Lafayette 1999
Antonello Biagini and Fernando Frattolino Diario Storico del Comando Supremo Volume I Tomo II Roma 1986
Rodolfo Puletti, Dante Saccomandi and Dario Cerbo I Lancieri di Aosta dal 1774 al 1970 Out-of-print edition 1971
Rodolfo Puletti Genova Cavalleria 1683 1983 Padova 1985

Cold War Italian Armor WW2 Canadian Vehicles in Foreign Service WW2 Italian Armored Cars

GM Otter Light Reconnaissance Car Mk.I in Italian Service

Post author By Daniele Notaro
Post date October 16, 2023
5 Comments on GM Otter Light Reconnaissance Car Mk.I in Italian Service

GM Otter Mk.I as seen during a parade of the Esercito Italiano. Illustrations by the illustrious Godzilla funded by our Patreon Campaign.

Kingdom of Italy/Italian Republic (1944-1950)
Armored Car – Unknown Number Operated

The GM Otter Light Reconnaissance Car Mk.I, also known as the Car, Light Reconnaissance, GM, Mk.I, was a Canadian reconnaissance armored car that was utilized by the Esercito Cobelligerante Italiano (English: Italian Co-Belligerent Army) after 1944 and, subsequently, by the Esercito Italiano (English: Italian Army) in the post-war period.

The vehicle was not highly regarded by its crews, and despite the extensive use of surplus Allied vehicles by the Italian armed forces towards the end of the war, it had limited use within the Esercito Italiano and was retired from service within a few years.

GM Otter Mk.I during a parade of the Esercito Italiano.
Source: Gli autoveicoli da combattimento dell’Esercito Italiano

Birth and Use of the GM Otter Mk.I

The GM Otter Light Reconnaissance Car Mk.I was manufactured by the Hamilton Bridge Company in Hamilton, Ontario, in order to fulfill the requirement for a domestically produced reconnaissance vehicle for the Canadian Army.
The vehicle was developed on the chassis of the Chevrolet C15 Canadian Military Pattern truck, which featured a 106 hp General Motors of Canada (G.M.C.) Model 270 petrol engine. Equipped with either a .303 Bren machine gun or a .55 Boys anti-tank rifle in its turret, the vehicle had a crew of three.

A total of 1,761 GM Otter Mk.I were produced by the Hamilton Bridge Company. Of these, 877 were delivered to the First Canadian Army deployed in Europe, while over 100 remained in Canada and were utilized by the 24th Reconnaissance Battalion at Camp Borden and the 31st Reconnaissance Battalion based in British Columbia.
The vehicle did not enjoy a positive reputation, and in Europe, it was employed as a transport vehicle for artillery observation officers, an anti-aircraft escort for columns of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps, and for airfield defense by the Royal Air Force Regiment.

Some of the vehicles deployed in Italy were handed over to the Esercito Cobelligerante Italiano, while in the post-war period, they were used by Belgian (to a very limited extent), Canadian, Dutch, Italian, and British troops stationed in Jordan. Canada continued to employ them until the mid-1950s.

GM Otter Mk.I used by the 11th Field Company of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division in France.
Source: panzerserra.blogspot.com

GM Otter Mk.I used by the Canadians in Italy. Note the aerial identification symbol.
Source: silverhawkauthor.com

Use by Esercito Cobelligerante Italiano

After the Armistice of September 8th, 1943, signed between the Kingdom of Italy and the Allies, numerous Italian units, especially those stationed in Southern Italy, opted to align themselves with the Allied forces, forming the initial core of the Esercito Cobelligerante Italiano.
The first operational unit was the Primo Raggruppamento Motorizzato (English: First Motorized Grouping), established in November 1943.
It participated in the Battle of Montelungo and was later reorganized in March 1944 as the Corpo Italiano di Liberazione (English: Italian Liberation Corps), consisting of two infantry brigades.
In order to replace many Allied units bound for France, Gruppi di Combattimento (English: Combat Groups) were created in summer 1944.

Gruppi di Combattimento
Name	Date formed	Staff
Gruppo di Combattimento ‘Cremona’	25th September 1944	21° Reggimento di Fanteria ‘Cremona’ 22° Reggimento di Fanteria ‘Cremona’ 7° Reggimento d’Artiglieria ‘Cremona’
Gruppo di Combattimento ‘Friuli’	10th September 1944	87° Reggimento di Fanteria ‘Friuli’ 88° Reggimento di Fanteria ‘Friuli’ 35° Reggimento d’Artiglieria ‘Friuli’
Gruppo di Combattimento ‘Folgore’	24th September 1944	Reggimento Fanteria Paracadutista ‘Nembo’ Reggimento di Marina ‘San Marco’ Reggimento Artiglieria Paracadutista ‘Nembo’
Gruppo di Combattimento ‘Legnano’	24th September 1944	68° Reggimento di Fanteria ‘Legnano’ Reggimento Fanteria Speciale 11° Reggimento d’Artiglieria ‘Mantova’
Gruppo di Combattimento ‘Mantova’	1st October 1944	76° Reggimento di Fanteria ‘Napoli’ 114° Reggimento di Fanteria ‘Mantova’ 155° Reggimento d’Artiglieria ‘Emilia’
Gruppo di Combattimento ‘Piceno’	10th October 1944	235° Reggimento di Fanteria ‘Piceno’ 336° Reggimento di Fanteria ‘Piceno’ 152° Reggimento d’Artiglieria ‘Piceno’

The Gruppi di Combattimento did not possess armored vehicles apart from the GM Otter Mk.I, which were utilized as observation vehicles for artillery units or as escorts and command post guardians.

The Gruppo di Combattimento ‘Legnano’ was assigned around seven or eight of these vehicles.

GM Otter Mk.I of the Gruppo di Combattimento ‘Legnano’ enters Bologna on 21st April 1945. The Italian unit was one of the first to liberate the city.
Source: Luigi Manes

Additionally, one platoon of GM Otter Mk.I was utilized by the Brigata Maiella (English: Brigade), a partisan unit from Abruzzo that continued to fight alongside the Allied forces after the liberation of Abruzzo until May 1945.

In anticipation of deployment to the front, the Brigata Maiella was reinforced from November 1944. A Compagnia Armi Pesanti (English: Heavy Weapons Company) was formed, within which there was a Sezione Carri e Blindo (English: Tanks and Armored Vehicles Section) consisting of four GM Otter Mk.I armored cars and four Bren Carriers.

The 1st May 1945 the Sezione Carri e Blindo liberated Asiago.

The vehicles used by the Brigata Maiella were marked with the unit’s emblem, which consisted of two white mountains on a blue background, accompanied by the inscription ‘Maiella’.

Soldiers of the Brigata Maiella along with a GM Otter Mk.I. Visible behind is the brigade symbol on the vehicle
Source: Paolo Crippa – Luigi Manes

GM Otter Mk.I, along with Bren Carrier, of the Brigata Maiella photographed in Santa Maria Nuova on 13rd April 1945
Source: Paolo Crippa – Luigi Manes

Use in the Esercito Italiano

After the conclusion of the Second World War, the Esercito Italiano of the newly formed Repubblica Italiana (English: Italian Republic) faced significant challenges and relied on a substantial number of vehicles provided by the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other Commonwealth states.

Among these vehicles were the GM Otter Mk.I, although they were not highly regarded by their crews because the engine was underpowered and the driver’s visibility was very low, and consequently, only saw limited use within the Italian armed forces.

The GM Otter Mk.I was certainly employed by the Divisione di Fanteria ‘Legnano’ (English: Infantry Division ‘Legnano’), which was established in October 1945 from the Gruppo di Combattimento ‘Legnano’. By the end of 1945, this division had 9 GM Otter Mk.I armored cars in its inventory.

Additionally, at least two armored cars were used by the Reggimento Artiglieria a Cavallo (English: Horse Artillery Regiment), which was established in Milan in November 1946 and assigned to the Divisione di Fanteria ‘Legnano’, these two armored cars were modified in the rear with the addition of a stowage cage.

Furthermore, by the end of 1945, the Divisione di Fanteria ‘Cremona’ (English: Infantry Division ‘Cremona’) had 21 reconnaissance vehicles in its possession, likely including GM Otter Mk.I.

The last GM Otter Mk.I were decommissioned by the mid-1950s.

GM Otter Mk.I of the Reggimento Artiglieria a Cavallo.
Source: Gli autoveicoli da combattimento dell’esercito italiano

Armored cars GM Otter Mk.I, preceded by a G.M.C. C15TA, of the Reggimento Artiglieria a Cavallo during the parade for the celebration of the Republic Day on 2nd June 1950, in Milan.
Source: Gli autoveicoli da combattimento dell’esercito italiano

GM Otter Mk.I in Gorizia in 1947.
Source: Gli autoveicoli da combattimento dell’esercito italiano

Conclusion

Like other Allied vehicles used by the Esercito Italiano in the post-war period, the GM Otter Mk.I was withdrawn after a few years of service. It only saw very limited use and were generally not appreciated. Elsewhere, the GM Otter Mk.I received a similar reputation due to its underpowered engine and a lack of visibility.

Thanks to Arturo Giusti for the help

GM Otter Mk.I as seen during a parade of the Esercito Italiano. Illustrations by Godzilla.

GM Otter Mk.I

GM Otter Mk.I technical specifications
Crew	3 (driver, commander, gunner)
Weight	4404 Kg
Dimensions	Length 4.4 m, Width 2.1 m, Height 2.4 m
Engine	G.M.C. 270 106 hp @ 3000 rpm
Speed	75 km/h
Range	418 km
Primary Armament	.303 Bren machine gun or .55 Boys anti-tank rifle
Armor	8-12 mm

Sources

Nicola Pignato and Filippo Cappellano Gli autoveicoli da combattimento dell’Esercito Italiano Volume III Roma 2007

http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2016/10/otter-mark-i-light-reconnaissance-car.html

http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/vehicles/armouredcars/armouredcars.htm

Luigi Manes Il Gruppo di Combattimento Legnano Bergamo 2020

Ufficio Storico dello Stato Maggiore dell’Esercito I Gruppi di Combattimento: Cremona – Friuli – Folgore – Legnano – Mantova – Piceno (1944 – 1945) Roma 2010

Paolo Crippa and Luigi Manes I mezzi delle unità Cobelligeranti, Italia 43-45 Mattioli 2018

Paolo Crippa and Luigi Manes Carri Armati “Partigiani” Luca Cristini Editore 2022

Carro Armato Leggero M24 specifications

Panda 30 (45) Specification

Specifications Semovente da 47/32 su Scafo L3

Specifications of Cannone da 25/72 Modello 1934 (Modello 1937)

Pantserwagen M38 specifications

Carro Armato Leggero M3A3 specifications

GM Otter Mk.I technical specifications

Italian Republic (1950-1970s) Light Tank – 518 Operated

History of the Vehicle

Italy and its Armed Forces after the Second World War

Service in the Esercito Italiano

Conclusion

Carro Armato Leggero M24 specifications

Source

Kingdom of Italy (1941-1943) Light Tank – 104 Operated

The German Capture of French Armaments and Vehicles and their Italian Use

Entry into Service

CI and CII Battaglione Carri

The Allied Invasion of Sicily: Operation Husky

The CI and CII Battaglione Carri during the Allied Invasion of Sicily (July 1943)

1a Compagnia Carri

2a Compagnia Carri

3a Compagnia Carri and Command of the CI Battaglione Carri

4a Compagnia Carri

5a Compagnia Carri and Command of the CII Battaglione Carri

6a Compagnia Carri

1° Plotone of the 2a Compagnia Carri

Conclusion

Sources

Italian Republic (1980-Present) City Car – 4,000,000+ Built

The FIAT Panda – an Italian Legend on Four Wheels

Models and Evolution

Ia Serie

Panda 30

Panda 45

Panda 30 and 45 Super

Panda SIP/ENEL

Panda Primavera

Panda 4×4

Panda 34

Panda 30 CL College

Panda 45 V.I.P.

Nuova Panda 4×4

IIa Serie or Nuova Panda

Panda 750 L, CL and Super

Panda 1000 Super

Panda 1000 4×4

Panda 1000 4×4 ‘Val d’Isere’

Panda 4×4 Sisley

Panda D

Panda Young

Panda Dance

Panda Van

Panda Elettra

Panda Selecta

Panda Italia ‘90

IIa Serie Restyling

Panda CLX

Panda 1000 Shopping

Panda Jolly

Panda Young (1991)

Panda Hobby

Panda 4×4 Country Club, Trekking, and Climbing

License Production – SEAT Panda

SEAT Marbella

Service in the Police and Armed Forces

Italy

Carabinieri

Corpo Forestale dello Stato

Esercito Italiano

Guardia Costiera

Guardia di Finanza

Local Police Unites

Polizia di Stato

Corpo Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco

Republic of San Marino

Corpo della Gendarmeria della Repubblica di San Marino

Polizia Civile

Spain

Guàrdia Urbana

Prototypes

Panda Torpedo

Panda Repetti & Montiglio

Development after 2003

Conclusion

Panda 30 (45) Specification

Sources

Italian Republic (1950-1970s)
Light Tank – 518 Operated

Kingdom of Italy (1941-1943)
Light Tank – 104 Operated

1^a Compagnia Carri

2^a Compagnia Carri

3^a Compagnia Carri and Command of the CI Battaglione Carri

4^a Compagnia Carri

5^a Compagnia Carri and Command of the CII Battaglione Carri

6^a Compagnia Carri

1° Plotone of the 2^a Compagnia Carri

Italian Republic (1980-Present)
City Car – 4,000,000+ Built

I^a Serie

II^a Serie or Nuova Panda

II^a Serie Restyling

Kingdom of Italy (1939)
Self-Propelled Gun – 1 Prototype Built

Kingdom of Italy (1940-1943)
Anti-Tank Gun – 293 Operated

Kingdom of the Netherlands (1938-1940)
Armored Car – 14 Purchased