56th Infantry Division Casale


The 56th Infantry Division Casale was a regular Infantry Division of the Italian Army during World War II. It was formed in 1939 in Forlì and was dissolved in September 1943 in Aetolia-Acarnania region of Greece. The majority of its men originated from Romagna.

Action

The Casale Division was sent to Albania on 14 March 1941 to reinforce the failing Italian Spring Offensive. It immediately fought in Shushicë. By 20 March 1941, it was assigned to the Italian XXV Army Corps and was fighting in Tepelenë area. Contact with Greek forces was lost soon after the start of the Battle of Greece on 6 April 1941, and Casale engaged in a cautious advance along the Drin valley. On 18 April 1941, it encountered the Greek rearguard at Lumi i Kardhiqit, and by 19 April 1941 had reached Gjirokastër. On 22 April 1941 the division reached the Greek border near Delvinaki, where it met with German patrols. It was used for mopping-up operations in Zitsa, Negrades, and Paramythia.
After this task was completed, Casale was moved to the south of the Ambracian Gulf, with garrisons in Agrinio, Amfilochia and Missolonghi by 1942. The division performed several anti-partisan raids in Agrinio, Kato Achaia, Chrysovitsa, and other locations. After the Armistice of Cassibile was announced on 8 September 1943, parts of the 11th regiment joined Greek partisans while other sub-units of the division melted away.

Order of battle