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The 40th Infantry Division "Cacciatori d’Africa" (''Hunters of Africa'') was an infantry division of the Italian Army (''Regio Esercito Italiano'') during World War II. It was formed 27 July 1940 and dissolved 15 May 1941. The divisions ''Cacciatori d’Africa'' and 65 Infantry Division Granatieri di Savoia were out of normal chain-of-command, being subordinated directly to Prince Amedeo, Duke of Aosta.,〔(Le colonie italiane - L'Africa Orientale )〕 together with other colonial troops in Italian East Africa. ==Actions of main divisional body== After East African Campaign (World War II) has started 10 June 1940, the supply and reinforcements for Italian East Africa were sporadic to non-existent, resulting in ''Cacciatori d’Africa'' division being severely understrength. For example, the infantry "regiments" contained only two battalions, and artillery "regiment" had only one group (battalion) of Cannone da 65/17 modello 13 light guns.〔http://www.regioesercito.it/reparti/fanteria/redivafrica.htm〕 From the formation 27 July 1940 until end of December, 1940, the ''Cacciatori d’Africa'' was tied defending the fortified walls of Addis Ababa. Form January, 1941, as the ranks of division have grown due recruitment, the division has started to take more positions outside of the walls. After the disastrous Battle of Keren, 23 March 1941, the ''Cacciatori d’Africa'' have transferred its 210th ''Bisagno'' Infantry Regiment and 65-mm artillery to 65th Infantry Division Granatieri di Savoia. 31 March 1941, the 211th ''Pescara'' Infantry Regiment was placed under direct command of Italian East Africa High Command, and sent to Amba Alagi mountain massif. On the same day, the divisional headquarters have moved to Dessie, and the remnants units of ''Cacciatori d’Africa'' were sent in multiple location to come under command of the various other units. Roughly, units of ''Cacciatori d’Africa'' were tasked with the defence of the line Danakil Depression-Amba Alagi-Addis Ababa. After Addis Ababa 6 April 1941 fell to British forces led by Alan Cunningham, the ''Cacciatori d’Africa'' have erected a defensive positions at Kombolcha airbase and at Bati. These defences came under attack from 17 April 1941, by 1st South African Brigade and Campbell's Scouts. By 19 April 1941, the Italian defensive lines were in disarray due air-strikes, allowing multiple sections to be overrun by British armoured forces 19–21 April 1941. Increased shelling by British artillery have forced a full abandonment of the 1st line of defences near Bati 22 April 1941. 25 April 1941 Kombolcha airbase defences have failed, and Dessie was overrun 26 April 1941, forcing the ''Cacciatori d’Africa'' divisional command to transfer to Bati and then immediately to Tendaho in the desert on the east. By 6 May 1941, the survivors of ''Cacciatori d’Africa'' have retreated to Danakil, there have made a last stand. Pressure from the Ethiopian Patriots have mounted up in the period 7–15 May 1941, forcing remaining Italian forces to flee to Assab port, where they remained holed up until 10 June 1941. During 10–11 June 1941, all survivors of ''Cacciatori d'Africa'' division were either killed or taken prisoner by Indian forces in "Operation Chronometer". 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「40th Infantry Division Cacciatori d'Africa」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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