Active 1939–1945 Branch Italian Army Size Division | Country Italy Type Infantry Garrison/HQ Brixen | |
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The 11th Infantry Division Brennero was an infantry division of the Italian Army during World War II. The Brennero Division was mobilized in October 1939, demobilized in October, 1940, and mobilized again in December, 1940. It was transformed to motorized division in February, 1943.
Contents
It was made up of men from the Brenner Pass (a rare case of Italian Infantry Division whose name coincides with the ethnicity or place of residence of its members) and surrounding South Tyrol.
Action
On 4 January 1940, the Brennero division was transferred to Pianezza and San Maurizio Canavese region. By 10 June 1940 it was moved to the border with France, first as reserve unit under 1st Corps command. Parts of Brennero division were used in front line from 19 June 1940, exploiting the breakthrough at Mont Cenis. The repeated attacks to mountain pass of Mont Cenis was not successful until 22 June 1940. The French defence was broken 24 June 1940, with Brennero troops capturing Lanslevillard and Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis. The total loss of life for Brennero was 18 men killed and 74 wounded, half of the deaths attributed to elements exposure.
The Brennero division has landed in Vlorë 24 December 1940, to support an ongoing war with Greece. It was subordinated to 25th Corps, 11th Army that time. Brennero has moved to Tepelenë area until 8 January 1941, with first fight occurring in Kurvelesh municipality 31 December 1940. The full contact with enemy was achieved 2 January 1941. 10 January 1941, the Brennero was used to reinforce the remnants of 37th Mountain Infantry Division Modena near Salari. The Brennero division has helped to beat off a Greek attack on Tepelenë from 9 February 1941 until 12 February 1941, having casualties about two thirds of total strength. From 7 April 1941 until 23 April 1941, the Brennano division has attacked in the Kurvelesh municipality, achieving breakthrough after 4 days of fighting. After the end of war with Greece, it was assigned to 3rd Corps, 11th Army to perform a counter-insurgency and police duties in Greece. One of infantry regiments was subordinated to 41st Infantry Division Firenze, and replacement was received in January, 1942.
The Brennano division was moved to Durrës area in February, 1943. It was subordinated to 4th Corps. After the Italian surrender in September 1943, it chose to side with the German forces. It was then split into smaller units and employed on anti-partisan operations.