Italian Military Internees: Forgotten Captives, The Untold Story of WWII Detainees

By Fouad Sabry

What is Italian Military Internees

The Italian troops who were seized, picked up, and deported in the territories of Nazi Germany during Operation Achse in the days immediately following the armistice that separated Italy and the Allied armed forces during World War II were referred to as "Italian Military Internees" by Germany. This was the official term given by Germany to these individuals.

How you will benefit

(I) Insights, and validations about the following topics:

Chapter 1: Italian Military Internees

Chapter 2: Military history of Italy during World War II

Chapter 3: European theatre of World War II

Chapter 4: Italian resistance movement

Chapter 5: Italian war crimes

Chapter 6: April 1945

Chapter 7: July 1944

Chapter 8: List of concentration and internment camps

Chapter 9: September 1943

Chapter 10: Dodecanese campaign

(II) Answering the public top questions about italian military internees.

Who this book is for

Professionals, undergraduate and graduate students, enthusiasts, hobbyists, and those who want to go beyond basic knowledge or information for any kind of Italian Military Internees.

• Language: English
• Publisher: One Billion Knowledgeable
• Release date: Jun 22, 2024

Book preview

Chapter 1: Italian Military Internees

Italian Military Internees (Italienische Militärinternierte in German, The Italian version of the Internati Militari Italiani, abbreviated as IMI) was the official term that Germany gave to the Italian soldiers who they had captured under their control, in the days immediately following the armistice that was signed between Italy and the Allied armed forces during World War II (September 8), individuals were gathered up and deported within the territory of Nazi Germany as part of Operation Achse, 1943).

Following the disarmament undertaken by the Germans, the Italian soldiers and officers were faced with the decision of whether or not to continue fighting as allies of the German army (either in the armed forces of the Italian Social Republic, the German puppet regime in northern Italy led by Mussolini, or in Italian volunteer units in the German armed forces), or whether or not to be sent to detention camps in Germany. In addition, civilian detainees were taken from those soldiers and officials who refused to acknowledge the republic that Mussolini had established. Just ten percent of people decided to sign up. for the purpose of them being forced to perform laborious tasks without the protection of the Red Cross.

Italians were not considered prisoners of war by the Nazis; rather, they were thought to be traitors. The former Italian troops were forced to work in various businesses, including agriculture (14.3%), heavy industry (7.1%), mining (28.5%), construction (5.9%), and war industries (35.6%). The circumstances of employment were quite deplorable. There was a lack of proper food and clothing for the Italians throughout the winter in Germany. A great number of people fell ill and passed away.

The mortality rate of military internees, which ranged from 6 to 7 percent, was only second to that of Soviet prisoners of war, despite being far lower.

One hundred thousand Italian soldiers were disarmed and seized by the Germans, out of a total of nearly two million soldiers who were legitimately serving in the army. Of these, 196,000 fled during the deportation. In addition, more than 13,000 people lost their lives while being transported from the Greek islands to the mainland, and 94,000 people, including almost all of the Blackshirts of the MVSN, made the decision to immediately accept the offer to fight alongside the Germans. Of the remaining approximately 810,000 people, 58,000 were captured in France, 321,000 in Italy, and 430,000 in the Balkans. After this, there were roughly 710,000 Italian soldiers who were deported into German prison camps and given the status of Italian military prisoners (IMI). It was estimated that over 103,000 individuals had announced their readiness to service in Germany or the Italian Social Republic, either as soldiers or as auxiliary laborers, by the spring of 1944. Therefore, between 600,000 and 650,000 soldiers declined to continue fighting alongside the Germans. This was the entire number of soldiers who refused!.

It is estimated that between 37,000 and 50,000 people have lost their lives as a result of the IMI. The following were the causes of death::

the unforgiving nature and perilous nature of forced labor (10,000 fatalities)

disease and hunger, particularly in the final months of the war (23,000) among the population

4,600 people were put to death inside the camps.

the bombings made by the allies of the institutions where they were employed (2,700).

others (between 5,000 and 7,000) lost their lives on the Eastern Front.

At the conclusion of the war, many thousand former members of the International Military Intelligence (IMI) found themselves in the custody of the French, Soviets, or Yugoslavs. Instead of being released, they were held captive for a period of time after the war was over.

On September 23, 1943, the ship Rhodes was sunk by HMS Eclipse, resulting in the deaths of 1,796 people.

On September 27, 1943, the Argostoli, which had 779 people aboard, was sunk by a mine in Ardena.

1,302 people were murdered when the Royal Air Force (RAF) sank the ship Mario Roselli on October 11, 1943.

Whether it was a mine or a Royal Navy submarine (either HMS Unruly or HMS Trooper), the ship Maria Amalia sank on October 13, 1943, at Kefalonia, resulting in the deaths of 544 people.

Air assaults by the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force sank the Sinfra on October 20, 1943, in Crete, resulting in the deaths of 2,098 people.

The number 89 is Aghios Antonios, Nov.

19th 1943, Karpathos, 110 killed, sunk by ORP Sokół

780 people were killed when the Amorgos was sunk by an air assault from the Royal Air Force on February 2, 1944.

HMS Sportsman sank the Souda on February 8, 1944, resulting in the deaths of 2,670 people.

In a storm on February 12, 1944, the ship Cape Sounion sank, resulting in the deaths of 4,074 people.

Milos, 72 years old, was sunk by an air strike from the Royal Air Force on March 4, 1944.

Tanais, Crete, June 9, 1944, HMS Vivid sank, resulting in the deaths of 213 people

There were a total of 13,939 fatalities.

Giovannino Guareschi

Tonino Guerra

Alessandro Natta

Mario Rigoni Stern

Gianrico Tedeschi

Giuseppe Tontodonati

Italian Military Internees: A Military Science Perspective

Introduction

The term Italian Military Internees (IMIs) refers to Italian soldiers captured by German forces during World War II after Italy's armistice with the Allies on September 8, 1943. Instead of being treated as prisoners of war under the Geneva Conventions, these soldiers were designated as military internees and subjected to forced labor under harsh conditions. This unique status has significant implications in the study of military science, particularly in areas such as military ethics, strategic decision-making, and the treatment of soldiers under international law.

Historical Context

After the fall of Mussolini in July 1943 and the subsequent armistice with the Allies, Italy found itself in a precarious position. The Germans, anticipating the armistice, quickly occupied Northern and Central Italy. They viewed the Italian military as traitors and disarmed over 600,000 Italian soldiers, who were then transported to internment camps in Germany and occupied territories.

The Germans refused to classify these soldiers as prisoners of war, which would have granted them certain protections under international law. Instead, they labeled them as Italian Military Internees, a status that denied them the rights and privileges accorded to POWs, leading to severe hardships, including forced labor, inadequate food, poor medical care, and brutal treatment.

Military Science and Ethics

The treatment of IMIs raises crucial ethical questions within military science. Military ethics explores the moral principles and rules of conduct that govern the behavior of individuals and institutions involved in warfare. The German decision to classify Italian soldiers as internees rather than POWs violated the Geneva Conventions, highlighting a blatant disregard for international law and human rights.

This situation serves as a case study in the abuse of power and the moral obligations of military leaders. The deliberate mistreatment of IMIs underscores the importance of ethical considerations in military decision-making. It prompts military scientists and ethicists to examine how legal frameworks can be reinforced to prevent such violations and ensure the humane treatment of all combatants, regardless of changing political alliances.

Strategic Decision-Making

From a strategic perspective, the handling of Italian soldiers by the Germans was influenced by a mix of pragmatic and punitive motivations. By stripping these soldiers of their POW status, the Germans aimed to exploit their labor for the war effort, thereby bolstering their economic resources. This strategic decision also served to punish the Italians for their perceived betrayal.

In military science, strategic decision-making involves evaluating the long-term consequences of actions on both the operational and moral levels. The German strategy of using IMIs as forced labor ultimately backfired in several ways. It not only fostered resentment and resistance among the Italian soldiers but also strained the resources needed to guard and manage these internees. Moreover, this strategy damaged Germany's international reputation and further galvanized Allied opposition.

Impact on Italian Military Doctrine

The experience of the IMIs had a profound impact on Italian military doctrine and post-war military reforms. The plight of these soldiers highlighted the need for a military that could protect its personnel and maintain operational coherence even in the face of political upheaval. Post-war Italy sought to rebuild its military with a renewed emphasis on adherence to international laws and the protection of human rights.

Military science examines how historical experiences shape military doctrines and practices. The lessons learned from the IMIs' ordeal informed Italy's approach to military training, emphasizing the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a clear understanding of soldiers' rights under international law. This shift aimed to ensure that Italian soldiers would never again be left vulnerable to such exploitation.

The Role of International Law

The IMIs' status as neither POWs nor civilians placed them in a legal gray area, exposing weaknesses in international law's ability to protect soldiers in complex wartime scenarios. Military science includes the study of how international legal frameworks are developed, interpreted, and enforced.

The Geneva Conventions were designed to provide comprehensive protections for individuals during armed conflict. However, the Germans' creation of a new category for Italian soldiers demonstrated how these laws could be circumvented. This situation underscored the need for more robust and enforceable international legal mechanisms.

In response to such challenges, post-war international efforts have focused on closing legal loopholes and enhancing the enforcement of humanitarian laws. Military science contributes to these efforts by analyzing past conflicts to identify gaps in legal protections and advocating for reforms that strengthen compliance with international standards.

Legacy and Commemoration

The legacy of the Italian Military Internees is commemorated in Italy and beyond, serving as a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of upholding ethical standards in military conduct. The experiences of IMIs are studied in military academies and research institutions, contributing to a broader understanding of the complexities of warfare and the necessity of ethical decision-making.

In military science, the study of historical events like the IMIs' internment helps to develop doctrines and policies that promote the humane treatment of all military personnel. This historical perspective fosters a commitment to preventing future atrocities and ensuring that the rights and dignity of soldiers are respected in all circumstances.

Conclusion

The story of the Italian Military Internees offers valuable insights into the intersection of military ethics, strategic decision-making, and international law. Their experience underscores the importance of protecting human rights and adhering to legal standards even amid the chaos of war. For military scientists, the IMIs' ordeal serves as a poignant reminder of the ethical and strategic considerations that must guide military actions, ensuring that the conduct of war remains within the bounds of humanity and justice.e

{End Chapter 1}

Chapter 2: Military history of Italy during World War II

The participation of Italy in the Second World War was marked by a complex framework of philosophy, politics, and diplomacy, while Italy's military activities were frequently highly influenced by elements from the outside world. With the intention of concentrating Italian forces on a major offensive against the British Empire in Africa and the Middle East, also known as the parallel war, Italy joined the war as one of the Axis Powers in 1940, at the same time that the French Third Republic surrendered. This was done with the expectation that British forces in the European theater would collapse. The Italians were initially successful in their attempts to occupy British Somaliland, their invasion of Egypt, and their bombing of Mandatory Palestine. Nevertheless, the British launched a counterattack, which ultimately required the assistance of the Germans in order to avert the collapse of the Italian military in North Africa. The Italian strategy to force Britain to agree to a negotiated peace settlement was unsuccessful as the war continued and as measures taken by Germany and Japan in 1941 led to the entry of the Soviet Union and the United States of America, respectively, into the war. All of these events occurred simultaneously.

Benito Mussolini, the dictator of Italy, was well aware that his country was not prepared for a protracted conflict. This was due to the fact that its resources had been depleted as a result of successful but expensive conflicts that occurred prior to World War II. These conflicts included the pacification of Libya, which was undergoing Italian settlement, intervention in Spain, where a friendly fascist regime had been installed, and the invasion of Ethiopia and Albania. The imperial objectives of the Fascist state, which aimed to reestablish the Roman Empire in the Mediterranean (the Mare Nostrum), were partially met by late 1942, but with a great deal of support from Germany. Despite this, he made the decision to continue fighting in the war.

Italy constructed the puppet nations of Croatia and Greece while simultaneously annexing Ljubljana, Dalmatia, and Montenegro. This occurred concurrently with the invasion of Yugoslavia and the Balkans by the Axis powers. Italy took control of the French provinces of Corsica and Tunisia after the collapse of Vichy France and the Anton case against the French government. Italian forces had also gained wins over insurgents in Yugoslavia and in Montenegro. Additionally, Italo-German forces had conquered areas of Egypt that was controlled by the British during their progress toward El-Alamein, which they had accomplished following their victory at Gazala.

The gains of Italy, on the other hand, were always fiercely resisted, not only by a variety of insurgencies (most notably the Greek resistance and Yugoslav partisans), but also by Allied military troops, which fought the Battle of the Mediterranean throughout and beyond Italy's participation. As a result of the country's imperial overstretch, which included creating many fronts in Africa, the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and the Mediterranean, the Italian empire ultimately crumbled as a result of terrible defeats in the Eastern European and North African wars. This ultimately led to the country's defeat in the war. In the aftermath of the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943, Mussolini was taken into custody by order of King Victor Emmanuel III, which ultimately led to the outbreak of a civil war. After the defeat of Italy's military forces outside of the Italian peninsula, German forces took control of the seized and annexed regions of other countries. Italy surrendered to the Allies on September 3, 1943, under the leadership of Pietro Badoglio, Mussolini's successor. However, Mussolini would be liberated from captivity by German forces a week later without encountering any opposition. Additionally, on October 13, 1943, the Kingdom of Italy officially joined the Allied Powers and declared war on Germany, which had been its former partner in the Axis powers. Italian resistance movement partisans, many of whom had previously served in the Royal Italian Army, operated over the entirety of Italy. These partisans adhered to a variety of political views. Mussolini was murdered by Italian partisans in Giulino on April 28, 1945, two days before Hitler committed himself. The death of Mussolini occurred on April 28. There were no war crimes courts established for Italian military and political leaders, in contrast to Germany and Japan; however, the Italian resistance carried out the summary execution of some political members at the conclusion of the war.

Benito Mussolini, the Prime Minister of Italy, spoke with an increasing sense of urgency about imperial expansion throughout the latter part of the 1920s. He argued that Italy required an outlet for its surplus population and that it would therefore be in the best interests of other countries to assist in this expansion.

It was anticipated by Carlo Favagrossa, who served as Mussolini's Under-Secretary for War Production, that Italy would not be able to be ready for major military actions until at least October 1942. This had been made very plain during the discussions between Italy and Germany for the Pact of Steel, in which it was agreed that no signatory was to go to war without the other before the year 1943.

Beginning in 1936 and continuing until 1939, Italy provided the Spanish Nationalist troops, which were fighting under Francisco Franco during the Spanish Civil War, with a significant quantity of weaponry and supplies for a price that was almost completely free.

This selective blockade of Italy was established by the British government in September of 1939. It was determined that the coal that originated in Germany and was transported out of Rotterdam was illegal. In exchange for Italian munitions, the Germans made a commitment to maintain the flow of shipments by train and over the Alps, while Britain made an offer to