55th Infantry Division Savona


The 55th Infantry Division Savona was a North African type auto-transportable Infantry Division of the Italian Army during World War II. It was formed in April 1939 in Salerno and was destroyed 17 January 1942 at Naqb al Ḩalfāyah. Its men were drafted from Naples, Salerno and their surroundings. The Savona was classified as an auto-transportable division, meaning staff and equipment could be transported on cars and trucks, although not simultaneously.

Action

The Savona Division was sent to Libya in September 1939. By 10 June 1940, the Savona was staying on Tunisia-Libya border, therefore it was not used in Italian invasion of Egypt. Instead until April 1941, the division was guarding a camp near Tripoli. The Savona Division reportedly took charge of the fortified towns of Sollum-Bardia-Naqb al Ḩalfāya at the beginning of September 1941. By November 1941, the Savona was at the defensive positions at Bardia-Sīdī ‘Umar.
18 November 1941, the British forces have attacked from Bi’r Qirbah to Naqb al Ḩalfāyah. During November 22 and 23 in the initial fighting of Operation Crusader, nearly 1,500 prisoners from Savona were taken after fierce fighting. The Savona has counter-attacked and regained a lost positions though.
On 4 December 1941, as the Afrika Korps prepared to retreat to the Gazala Line, the Savona was given instructions to cover the Axis withdrawal as much as possible by containing Commonwealth forces on the Sollum-Bardia-Naqb al Ḩalfāyah line. During December, 1941, supply situation gradually deteriorated, with food, water and ammunition becoming scarce. Bardia was lost 2 January 1942, finishing the encirclement of Savona and forcing supply to be air-dropped, Sollum - 12 January 1942.
The remains of the Savona division in Naqb al Ḩalfāyah were allowed by Italian High Command to surrender 17 January 1942, due to lack of food and water. The division was never reformed. Of the divisional commander, Rommel is reported to have concluded, "Superb leadership was shown by the Italian General de Giorgis, who commanded this German-Italian force in its two months’ struggle."

Order of battle