Bolt Action Italian Army & Blackshirts

Mussolini famously claimed that the Italian army had eight million bayonets ready for action. In reality, the size of the standing Italian army was much smaller, with a large number of troops conscripted into a war they often did not support or fully understand. The combat effectiveness of Italian army units varied widely, with many soldiers lacking adequate equipment, transportation, and motivation. Despite these challenges, the Italian forces had notable engagements in North Africa and the Eastern Front where they demonstrated capability.

Initially, the standard rifle issued was the Carcano Model 1891, originally used in World War I. A shortened version, the M91/41, was introduced in 1941, along with the M38 Carbine, aimed at replacing the M1891 due to its more manageable length for infantry use. These latter two firearms are featured in our new plastic models. Additionally, the M91/38 cavalry carbine, equipped with a fixed rear sight set at 200 meters and a folding bayonet, is also represented. The reliable 9mm Beretta M38 served as the standard submachine gun. However, the Italian light machine gun, the Breda Model 1930, faced challenges such as a slow rate of fire, use of the same small-caliber ammunition as the squad rifles, and mechanical issues leading to jams and breakages.

Camicie Nere (Blackshirts) Militia

The MVSN or Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza Nazionale (Voluntary Militia for National Security) was made by the Fascist Party into a paramilitary organization similar in concept to the German SS. The rank and organizational terminology used by the MVSN was very close to that of ancient Rome, with legions, centuries, cohorts, maniples and so on. Mostly concerned with territorial security and counter-partisan activities, in wartime the Camicie Nere were organized into ‘assault legions’ that were fielded alongside regular army infantry divisions to reinforce them and as a way to ‘politicize’ the Regio Esercito.

The quality of these militia units varied immensely, ranging from barely trained village bullies to veterans of the Spanish Civil War and highly motivated ‘Giovani Fascisti’ (young fascists).

The Sprue

The Italian uniform changed several times during the course of the war and we chose the pattern that could best represent a wide array of troops, at different times during the war, and in different theatres of operation. At 28mm scale, these are ideal to represent M37 or M40 tunics. We have also included the Camiciotto Sahariana pullover smock for added variety.

Weaponry includes the M91/41 rifle, M91/38 Carcano Cavalry Carbine, M38A Beretta SMG, M38 Carcano carbine, M1934, 9mm Beretta pistol and Breda M30 LMG.

A wide variety of headgear for the Italian Army and Blackshirts are included – M33 steel helmets, Bustina cap, M1935 pith helmet, Blackshirt soft fez & Blackshirt hard fez.

Not only that but the sprue contains masses of optional extras such as two types of gas mask bags, goggles, bayonets, combat knives, etc!

Box contains 30 plastic highly customisable Italian Infantry, with decal sheet and assembly guide.