L40 and AB units in occupied territories.

[Kustosz2137]

Some time ago, in the thread talking about 31. Rgt. light tank battalions, Maurizio asked me to share informations about cavalry armored units, which operated L6 tanks and AB cars in the Balkans. It took me a while, but here's the list I was able to compile. I decided to expand it a little, listing all units, which operated L6 tanks, Semoventi L40 and AB armored cars in the entirety of the occupied territories in Europe. I also decided not to include the I/33. Btg. Carri L, XX. and CXXXI. Btg. Smv. CC, because those units operated in Corsica only temporarily after the Armistice and weren't used as occupational forces there.
I'm posting this list in the separate thread for better clarity.

• I. Gruppo Carri L „San Giusto” (L3, supposed to receive L6):
- In 1941 in Split.
- In 1942 somewhere in Bosnia, later back in Split.
- In August 1943 1. Sq. attached to „Macerata” Division in Croazia.
- In September 1943 most of the Gruppo (command, 1st, 2nd and 3rd squadrons) divided between Fiume - Sussak area and northern Dalmatia, 4th squadron near Zara.
The 3. Sq. was supposed to receive L6 tanks, but probably never did.
- Mostly disbanded after the armistice, only the 1. (according to Tallillos) or 2. (according to Corbatti and Nava) Sq. joined the RSI side and was transformed into Grp. Sq. Cor. „San Giusto”.

• II. Gruppo „Cavalleggeri Guide” (L6):
- Seems like only the 5. Sq. was equipped with 13 L6 tanks. Some sources mention 15 L3 tanks too.
- Formed in mid 1942 in Tirana, Albania.
- Surrendered to Germans in September 1943.

• III. Gruppo „Piemonte Reale Cavalleria” (L6):
- Seems like only the 1. Sq. was equipped with 15 L6 tanks.
- Some sources mention L3 tanks too, but it's doubtful.
- Formed in August 1942.
- In November 1942 deployed in Nice and later French coast (part of the 2. Div. Cel. EFTF).
- Probably disbanded in September 1943, somewhere between French border and Torino.

• III. Gruppo „Cavalleggeri di Alessandria” (L6)*:
- Formed in Codroipo in May 1942 with 13 L6 tanks (only 2. Sq.?).
- At some point deployed in Albania (Tirana?).
- Disbanded in September 1943.

• IV. Gruppo „Cavalleggeri di Alessandria” (L6)*:
- Formed in Albania in May 1942 with 13 L6 tanks (only one Sq.?).
- Later supposedly received 9 more tanks.
- Disbanded in September 1943.
- Its tank supply was supposed to be shared with XL. Btg. Bers. and other armored units of the 2. Armata.

*According to Pignato & Capellano (Gli Autoveicoli...) III. Gruppo was in Codroipo, while IV. in Albania. Tallillos (Carro L6) on the other hand state, that III. Gruppo was in Tirana, while IV. somewhere in Italy.

• IV. Gruppo (Semoventi?**) „Cavalleggeri di Monferrato” (Smv. L40 and maybe L6):
- Formed in January 1942 with headquarters in Berat.
- After the Armistice, it opposed Germans in Devoli – Berat area till September 15.
- Later joined Italian Mountain Troops and continued fighting till mid-November, when it was destroyed.

**According to Pignato & Capellano the unit was named „IV. Gruppo Semoventi da 47” and was fully equipped with Semoventi L40. Tallillos state, that it operated a mix of Semoventi and L6 tanks (30 in total).

• IV. Gruppo Corazzato „Nizza Cavalleria” (AB and maybe L6):
- Formed with one L6 squadron and two AB squadrons.***
- In February 1942 deployed in Albania.
- After the armistice in September 1943, supported „Firenze” infantry division, which joined the Albanian National Liberation Army.
- Dispersed after fights against Germans the same month.

***Pignato & Capellano (Gli Autoveicoli...) and Tallillos (Carro L6) do not mention the tank squadron.

• V. Gruppo Corazzato Complementi „Nizza Cavalleria” (AB):
- Pretty much nothing is known about this unit, some doubt, if it was even formed.
- Possibly operated/supposed to operate in the Balkans.
- Its AB cars supply was supposed to be shared with XL. Btg. Bers.

• XXI. Battaglione Bersaglieri (L6)****:
- Some L6 tanks may've been assigned to its command company in 1943.

****Haven't found any more information on this unit, I'm not even sure where it operated.

• XL. Battaglione Bersaglieri Corazzato (Complementi?) (Smv. L40, AB and L6):
- Formed in February 1942 with 1 L6 tanks company, 1 Semoventi L40 platoon and at least one AB cars platoon.
- Deployed in Montenegro.
- Its armored cars platoon was attached to III/31. Btg. Carri L, in June 1942 stationing in Podgorica.
- In 1943 its 1. Cp. Carri L (25 L6 tanks) and an SPG platoon (1 Smv. L40 CP and 3 Smv. L40) were supporting „Taurinense” alpine division. After the armistice they defected to Germans.
- Battalion's supplies were supposed to be shared between it and IV. Gruppo „Alessandria”, other units of the 2. Armata (L6 tanks), V. Gruppo „Nizza” (AB cars) and CXIII. Gruppo Complementi (Semoventi L40).

• LXVIII. Battaglione Bersaglieri Corazzato (AB and L6):
- Formed in February 1942 with one AB cars company, two L6 tanks companies and one motorcycles company.
- In January 1943 deployed in Toulon area in France.
- In July 1943 moved to Turin, its 1. Cp. Autoblindo was detached for Corsica and renamed 7. Cp. Autoblindo Autonoma.

• LXIX Battaglione Bersaglieri Corazzato (Smv. L40):
- Formed in February 1942 with one Smv. L40 company and an AA company.
- In January 1943 deployed in Toulon area in France.
- In July 1943 moved to Turin.

• CXXXII. Battaglione Semoventi Controcarro (Smv. L40):
- In December 1942 deployed in Greece with 19 Semoventi.
- In July 1943 fought near Mavrinoros and Amphilochia.
- Probably disbanded after the armistice.

• 7. Compagnia Autoblindo Autonoma (AB):
- Detached from LXVIII. Btg. Bers. and deployed in Corsica in July 1943.
- After the armistice fought against Germans.
- In October 1943 its equipment was confiscated by the French.

• 8. Compagnia Autoblindo Autonoma (AB):
- Formed in June 1943.
- Intended for Montenegro, but eventually deployed in Greece with 11. Aramata.

• 9. Compagnia Autoblindo Autonoma (AB):
- Assigned to 11. Armata in Greece.
- Disbanded in August 1943.

• 1. Plotone Autoblindo Autonomo „Nizza Cavalleria” (AB):
- Formed in January 1942 with 4 AB cars.
- Assigned to VI. Corpo d'Armata in Dalmatia-Croatia.

• 2. Plotone Autoblindo Autonomo „Nizza Cavalleria” (AB):
- Formed in January 1942 with 4 AB cars.
- Assigned to VI. Corpo d'Armata in Dalmatia-Croatia.

• 3. Plotone Autoblindo Autonomo „Nizza Cavalleria” (AB):
- Formed in January 1942 with 4 AB cars.
- Assigned to VI. Corpo d'Armata in Dalmatia-Croatia.
- In April 1943 fought at „Stari–Trg” (Stari Targ?).

• 4. Plotone Autoblindo Autonomo „Nizza Cavalleria” (AB):
- Formed in January 1942 with 4 AB cars.
- Assigned to VI. Corpo d'Armata in Dalmatia-Croatia.

• 9. Plotone Autonomo Carri L40 („Cavalleggeri di Alessandria”?) (L6):
- In April 1943 assigned to 11. Armata in Greece.

• Compagnia Autoblinda Ferroviarie Autonoma (AB Frv.):
- Consitiuted in May 1942 on two platoons with task of patrolling the railways in Yugoslavia.
- In October received two more platoons.

• Compagnia Celere Confinaria (AB):
- Operated in Rijeka area.
- In May 1942 received two AB cars.

 

[Dili]

• Compagnia Celere Confiaria (AB):

Should be confinaria ( confine=border).

 

[Kustosz2137]

• Compagnia Celere Confiaria (AB):

Should be confinaria ( confine=border).

Edited, thanks.

 

[diciassette2000]

Great job Kustoz....I'll look in my notes and complete it if possible, then I'll post it on the forum....thanks, great job...it's rare these days to see people doing research like this....thanks
all the best
Maurizio

 

[diciassette2000]

I have transcribed the list adding my notes which come from research at the SME in Rome and from various notes attributable to NARA and BAMA....I hope it is useful...thanks anyway for your attention...
All the best
maurizio

Some time ago, in the thread talking about 31. Rgt. light tank battalions, Maurizio asked me to share informations about cavalry armored units, which operated L6 tanks and AB cars in the Balkans. It took me a while, but here's the list I was able to compile. I decided to expand it a little, listing all units, which operated L6 tanks, Semoventi L40 and AB armored cars in the entirety of the occupied territories in Europe. I also decided not to include the I/33. Btg. Carri L, XX. and CXXXI. Btg. Smv. CC, because those units operated in Corsica only temporarily after the Armistice and weren't used as occupational forces there.I'm posting this list in the separate thread for better clarity.

• I. Gruppo Carri L „San Giusto” (L3, supposed to receive L6):

- In 1941 in Split.

- In 1942 somewhere in Bosnia, later back in Split.

- In August 1943 1. Sq. attached to „Macerata” Division in Croazia.

- In September 1943 most of the Gruppo (command, 1st, 2nd and 3rd squadrons) divided between Fiume - Sussak area and northern Dalmatia, 4th squadron

near Zara.

The 3. Sq. was supposed to receive L6 tanks, but probably never did. (after 17 October 1942 the 3rd Squadron was rearmed with L6 tanks while the 4th Squadron with 21 Ab41s while the 1st and 2nd Squadrons remained on L 3) ( SME historical diary) as of 1 November 1942 the 3rd light tank squadron was at Topusko while the 4th squadron was at Perusic / Karlobag .

- Mostly disbanded after the armistice, only the 1. (according to Tallillos ) or 2. (according to Corbatti and Nava) Sq. joined the RSI side and was transformed into Grp. Sq. Cor. "San Giusto".

• II. Group “Light Cavalry Guides” (L6):

- Seems like only the 5. Sq. was equipped with 13 L6 tanks. Some sources mention 15 L3 tanks too.

- Formed in mid 1942 in Tirana, Albania.

- Surrendered to Germans in September 1943.

Note) The 2nd Armored Group “Cavalleggeri Guide” also operated in Albania, which from 15/5/1942 was in Slovenia and Dalmatia organized into a Command, 2nd Squadron L3/35 (15 tanks) and 1st Squadron L6-40 (13 tanks). It was stationed in Tirana.

• III. Group „ Piedmont Real Cavalry ” (L6):

- Seems like only the 1. Sq. was equipped with 15 L6 tanks.

- Some sources mention L3 tanks too, but it's doubtful.

- Formed in August 1942.

- In November 1942 deployed in Nice and later French coast (part of the 2. Div. Cel. EFTF).

- Probably disbanded in September 1943, somewhere between French border and Torino.

Nota) 1.o Squadrone Piemonte Reale

Created in an unknown location on 5 August 1942, the 1st Squadron 'Piemonte Reale' was assigned to the 2nd Celere Division 'Emanuele Filiberto Testa di Ferro ' , recently reorganized. After November 13, 1942, it was deployed to southern France, with police and coastal defense duties, first near Nice and then in the Menton- Draguignan region , patrolling the Antibes-Saint Tropez coastal sector. In December, it replaced the 58th Infantry Division 'Legnano' in the defense of the coastal strip along the Menton-Antibes stretch. Until the first days of September 1943, it was employed in coastal defense in the same sector. On September 4, the movement for the return home began, destined for Turin. During the transfer, the unit was informed of the armistice and the transfer was expedited. On September 9, 1943, the division deployed its units around the city of Turin to prevent the movement of German troops toward the city. Subsequently, on September 10, it moved toward the French border to block the Maira and Varaita valleys and facilitate the return of Italian units from France to mainland Italy. The division then ceased operations on September 12. The 2nd Celere Division 'Emanuele Filiberto Testa di Ferro' It was disbanded on 12 September 1943 following the events determined by the armistice, while it was in the area between Cuneo and the Italian-French border.

• III. Gruppo „Cavalleggeri di Alessandria” (L6)*:

- Formed in Codroipo in May 1942 with 13 L6 tanks (only 2. Sq.?).

- At some point deployed in Albania (Tirana?).

- Disbanded in September 1943.

• IV. Gruppo „Cavalleggeri di Alessandria” (L6)*:

- Formed in Albania in May 1942 with 13 L6 tanks (only one Sq.?).

- Later supposedly received 9 more tanks.

- Disbanded in September 1943.

- Its tank supply was supposed to be shared with XL. Btg . EBRD . and other armored units of the 2nd Army .

Note) The III and IV TANK SQUADRON GROUP of the Alessandria Cavalry operated autonomously in Albania, the IV from mid-1941 while the III from May 1942. The first had in charge 30 L6-40s organised under command and two tank squadrons while the second had a squadron of 13 L6 tanks and one of self-propelled guns on L6-40 chassis (9 vehicles). The 3rd and 4th Groups remained in Tirana.

* According to Pignato & Capellano (Gli Autoveicoli...) III. Gruppo was in Codroipo , while IV. in Albania. Tallillos ( Carro L6) on the other hand state, that III.

Group was in Tirana, while IV. somewhere in Italy.

• IV. Group ( Self-propelled guns?* *) “Monferrato Cavalry” ( Smv . L40 and maybe L6):

- Formed in January 1942 with headquarters in Berat .

- After the Armistice, it opposed Germans in Devoli – Berat area till September 15.

- Later joined Italian Mountain Troops and continued fighting till mid-November, when it was destroyed.

Note) In May 1942, the armored successor of the Cavalleggeri di Monferrato was born, inserted into the Raggruppamento Celere Speciale: the GRUPPO MONFERRATO. It used L6/40 tanks (30 vehicles) and operated in Albania in Berat with the command and two tank squadrons. The "Cavalleggeri di Monferrato" in Albania resisted until September 21st and then continued the action in the mountains with local formations that opposed the Germans. It will not be more reconstituted. Like other units in the Balkan Peninsula, it was employed in anti-partisan duties and convoy escort until the armistice of September 1943. From September 9 onwards, the soldiers fought against the Germans, losing most of their still operational tanks.

**According to Pignato & Capellano the unit was named „IV. Gruppo Semoventi da 47" and was fully equipped with Semoventi L40. Tallillos state, that it

operated a mix of Semoventi and L6 tanks (30 in total).



• IV. Group Armored „ Nice Cavalry ” (AB and maybe L6):

The IV Armored Group 'Nizza' had two mixed squadrons, one armed with L6/40 light tanks and the other with 18 AB41 armored cars. It was sent to Albania. Some sources do not mention the use of L6/40 light tanks, but mention 36 armored cars. This could mean that one squadron was theoretically armed with tanks, but in reality was equipped with armored cars. The IV Armored Group 'Nizza' was the largest unit equipped with AB41s on the Yugoslav front. It was part of the Raggruppamento Swift .

- Formed with one L6 squadron and two AB squadrons.* **

- In February 1942 deployed to Albania.

- After the armistice in September 1943, supported „Firenze” infantry division, which joined the Albanian National Liberation Army.

- Dispersed after fights against Germans the same month.

***Pignato & Capellano (Gli Autoveicoli...) and Tallillos (Carro L6) do not mention the tank squadron.

• V. Gruppo Corazzato Complementi „Nizza Cavalleria” (AB):

- Pretty much nothing is known about this unit, some doubt, if it was even formed.

- Possibly operated/supposed to operate in the Balkans.

- Its AB cars supply was supposed to be shared with XL. Btg. Bers.

• XXI. Battaglione Bersaglieri (L6)****:

- Some L6 tanks may've been assigned to its command company in 1943.

***Haven't found any more information on this unit, I'm not even sure where it operated.

• XL. Battaglione Bersaglieri Corazzato (Complementi?) (Smv. L40, AB and L6):

- Formed in February 1942 with 1 L6 tanks company, 1 Semoventi L40 platoon and at least one AB cars platoon.

- Deployed in Montenegro.

- Its armored cars platoon was attached to III/31. Btg. Carri L, in June 1942 stationing in Podgorica.

- In 1943 its 1. Cp. Carri L (25 L6 tanks) and an SPG platoon (1 Smv. L40 CP and 3 Smv. L40) were supporting „Taurinense” alpine division. After the armistice

they defected to Germans.

- Battalion's supplies were supposed to be shared between it and IV. Gruppo „Alessandria”, other units of the 2. Armata (L6 tanks), V. Gruppo „Nizza” (AB

cars) and CXIII. Gruppo Complementi (Semoventi L40).

• LXVIII. Battaglione Bersaglieri Corazzato (AB and L6):

- Formed in February 1942 with one AB cars company, two L6 tanks companies and one motorcycles company.

- In January 1943 deployed in Toulon area in France.

- In July 1943 moved to Turin, its 1. Cp. Autoblindo was detached for Corsica and renamed 7. Cp. Autoblindo Autonoma.

Nota)

The LXVII Armored Bersaglieri Battalion was created on 22 February 1942 with units from the 5th Bersaglieri Regiment and the 8th Bersaglieri Regiment . It was composed of 2 L6/40 companies, with a total of 58 L6/40s. It was assigned after 12 July 1942 to the 3rd Fast Division 'Principe Amedeo Duca d'Aosta' (in Italian: 3ª Divisione Veloce), but officially arrived on the Eastern Front on 27 August 1942. It was equipped with a command platoon with 4 tanks and the 2nd Company and the 3rd Company . Each company was composed of a command platoon with 2 tanks and 5 platoons with 5 tanks each. This fast Italian division also had the XIII Gruppo Squadroni Semoventi Controcarri of the 14th Regiment 'Cavalleggeri di Alessandria ' equipped with Semoventi L40 da 47/32. On 27 August 1942, the unit saw its first combat in Russia. Two platoons with 9 tanks contributed to the defensive maneuvers operated by the ' Valchiese ' Battalion and the 'Vestone' Battalion of the 3rd Alpini Regiment , repelling a Russian attack in the Jagodny sector . Only a few days later, however, a company of the LXVII° Battaglione Bersaglieri Corazzato , with 13 L6/40s, lost all but one of its vehicles during an engagement, knocked out by Soviet 14.5 x 114 mm anti-tank rifles. On 16 December 1942, the Soviet Army launched Operation Little Saturn. That day, the LXVII Armored Bersaglieri Battalion had 45 L6/40s in its ranks. Despite strenuous Italian resistance, between 16 and 21 December, the Soviets broke through the defensive line of the 'Ravenna ' Battalion , between Gadjutja and Foronovo , and on 19 December 1942 the Italian units were forced to retreat. The Bersaglieri and the Cavalry had to cover the retreat with the few armored vehicles that had survived the fighting of the previous days. About twenty vehicles from the XIII Self-Propelled Anti-Tank Squadron Group and the LXVII Armored Bersaglieri Battalion were available. Most of these tanks and self-propelled guns were lost during the retreat, which ended on 28 December at Skassirskaja . The few remaining tanks were then dispersed in the disastrous retreat of the ARMIR.

• LXIX Battaglione Bersaglieri Corazzato (Smv. L40):

- Formed in February 1942 with one Smv. L40 company and an AA company.

- In January 1943 deployed in Toulon area in France.

- In July 1943 moved to Turin.

• CXXXII. Battaglione Semoventi Controcarro (Smv. L40):

- In December 1942 deployed in Greece with 19 Semoventi.

- In July 1943 fought near Mavrinoros and Amphilochia.

- Probably disbanded after the armistice.

• 7. Compagnia Autoblindo Autonoma (AB):

- Detached from LXVIII. Btg. Bers. and deployed in Corsica in July 1943.

- After the armistice fought against Germans.

- In October 1943 its equipment was confiscated by the French.

• 8. Compagnia Autoblindo Autonoma (AB):

- Formed in June 1943.

- Intended for Montenegro, but eventually deployed in Greece with 11. Aramata.

Note) On 12 AB41s from 3/6/1943 in Montenegro then assigned to the 8th Army Corps in Greece until the end of the war. The 8th Independent Armoured Car Company with 12 AB41 armoured cars was created in June 1943. It was intended to be sent to Montenegro but, due to the need for armoured vehicles for patrolling and escorting convoys in Greece, the unit was eventually delivered to the 11th Italian Army in Greece
• 9th Independent Armoured Car Company (AB):

- Assigned to 11. Army in Greece .

- Disbanded in August 1943.

Note) The last 12 AB41 armoured cars were delivered to the 9th Independent Armoured Car Company which was assigned to the 11th Italian Army in Greece, as the 8th Independent Armoured Car Company . On 31 August 1943 the company was disbanded and the 12 armoured cars with their crews were assigned to the General Command of the Royal Carabinieri , which commanded the Aegean Independent Carabinieri Group .

19th Independent Armored Company

On 21 AB41s from 10/7/1943 in Slovenia until the end of the war.

• 1. Autonomous Armored Car Platoon “Nizza Cavalleria” (AB):

- Formed in January 1942 with 4 AB cars.

- Assigned to VI. Army Corps in Dalmatia-Croatia .

• 2. Autonomous Armored Car Platoon “Nizza Cavalleria” (AB):

- Formed in January 1942 with 4 AB cars.

- Assigned to VI. Army Corps in Dalmatia-Croatia .

• 3. Autonomous Armored Car Platoon “Nizza Cavalleria” (AB):

- Formed in January 1942 with 4 AB cars.

- Assigned to VI. Army Corps in Dalmatia-Croatia .

- In April 1943 fought at „ Stari – Trg ” ( Stari Targ ?).

• 4. Autonomous Armored Car Platoon “Nizza Cavalleria” (AB):

- Formed in January 1942 with 4 AB cars.

- Assigned to VI. Army Corps in Dalmatia-Croatia .

Note) Other units used in this theater were created on January 13, 1942: the 1st Independent Platoon , 2nd Independent Platoon , 3rd Independent Platoon , and the 4th Independent Platoon with a total of 10 AB41 armored cars arriving in 1942 and 6 in 1943. These units were assigned to the 2nd Italian Army deployed in Slovenia and Dalmatia.
• 9. Independent Platoon L40 (“Cavalleggeri di Alessandria”?) (L6):

- In April 1943 assigned to 11th Army in Greece.

In reality 9th autonomous platoon of bersaglieri

On 4 L6-40s from 5/4/1943 in Greece until the end of the war.

• Autonomous Railway Armoured Company (AB Frv .):

- Consitiuted in May 1942 on two platoons with task of patrolling the railways in Yugoslavia.

- In October received two more platoons.

Note) A total of 20 AB40s and AB41s in the "Railway" version were also deployed in Yugoslavia to prevent partisan sabotage of railway lines in the Balkans. They were assigned to the Compagnia Autoblindo Ferroviarie Autonoma.
• Company Swift Border (AB):

- Operated in Rijeka area.

- In May 1942 received two AB cars.

III Group 'Lancers of Florence'

The III 'Lancieri di Firenze' Group , composed of a Command Company, an Armored Car Company, and a Motorcycle Company, had a total of 18 AB41s and an unspecified number of motorcycles. A squadron group from the 'Lancieri di Milano' Regiment , and four other squadron groups, were transferred to the III 'Lancieri di Firenze' Group . These were intended for training with the aim of expanding them into mixed regiments to be sent to North Africa. The 'Lancieri di Firenze' was created on February 1, 1942 and assigned to the 2nd 'Emanuele Filiberto Testa di Ferro' Fast Division , where it remained for just over a month. On March 10, 1942, the unit was sent to Albania without armored cars but equipped with horses. The armoured cars were transferred in July 1942 to the "Lancieri di Montebello " Armoured Scouting Group .

Other units

Some units received the L6/40 and its variants for training purposes or in small numbers for police duties. The 32nd Tank Infantry Regiment at Montorio, near Verona in northeastern Italy, was equipped on December 23, 1941, with six L6/40 Centro Radios assigned to its battalions.

Their fate is unclear. On 31 December 1941, the unit was disbanded and its soldiers and vehicles were transferred by ship to the 12th Autoraggruppamento Africa Settentrionale in Tripoli after 16 January 1942, where they were used to create the Centro Addestramento Carristi .

Another 5 L6/40s were assigned to the Cavalry School at Pinerolo and used to train new tank crews to operate the L6 light reconnaissance tanks.

On 17 August 1941, four L6/40 light reconnaissance tanks were assigned to the Mixed Company of the Training Battalion of one of the Tank Training Centres on the Italian mainland.

the 8th Driver Regiment of the Motorization Studies Center was equipped with some L6/40s.

A total of three L6/40s were assigned to the Counter-Tank and Counter-Air Accompanying Weapons Training Center at Riva del Garda, near Trento, in northeastern Italy. Another three L6/40s were assigned to a similar center at Caserta, near Naples, in southern Italy. All six tanks were assigned to the two centers on January 30, 1943.

The last two L6/40s used by a unit of the Royal Army were assigned in late 1942 or early 1943 to the 4th Tank Infantry Regiment (4° Reggimento Infanteria Carrista) in Rome to train Italian tank crews in the use of these light tanks before their departure for Africa.

Italian Africa Police

The Italian Africa Police (PAI) was created following the reorganization of the police forces operating in Libya and the colonies of Italian East Africa (AOI). The new force was placed under the Ministry of Italian Africa. During the early stages of the war, the force operated alongside the troops of the Royal Army as a regular armed force. It was equipped only with medium-sized AB40 and AB41 armored cars, so during the North African campaign, the PAI command asked the Italian Army to equip the force with tanks. After bureaucratic delays, six L6/40s (some sources claim 12) were assigned to the 5th Battalion 'Vittorio Bòttego ' , stationed at the Italian Africa Police training school and headquarters in Tivoli, 33 km from Rome. The vehicles were used for training purposes until the armistice in September 1943. The Italian African Police took an active part in the defense of Rome, first blocking the Germans' road to Tivoli and then fighting alongside units of the Royal Army in the city. Nothing is known about the service performed by the PAI L6/40s, but a photo taken on September 9, 1943, shows a column of Italian African Police L6/40s on the road between Mentana and Monterotondo, north of Tivoli and northeast of Rome. At least three (but probably more) survived the fighting against the Germans and were employed, after the surrender, by PAI officers in Rome for public order duties. Three of them survived the war.

 

[Kustosz2137]

Thanks.
I see, that you've used a lot of material from Tanks Encyclopedia articles. Personally, I wouldn't treat their texts as trustworthy sources. I've read most of their articles on Italian equipment and a lot of them contain crucial errors, mostly due to misinterpretation of the sources, or lack of critique.
Also, the Bersaglieri battalion I mentioned was the LXVIII. (68.), while the one your note describes is the LXVII. (67.).
I deliberately didn't include „Lancieri di Firenze” in my list, because they never used their cars in the Balkans, but left them in Italy.

 

[diciassette2000]

Actually, I didn't use anyone's articles...if anything, they may have used parts found in the SME archives. However, the things cited have been validated by my research for years...and I don't think it's right to question them...in any case, use them as you see fit, even if that means throwing them away....But you see, even in your list, which I neither criticized nor corrected, there are various errors, especially in the positioning of the departments....
all the best
Maurizio

 

[Kustosz2137]

I didn't mean it in a bad way, just noticed, that for example this part (and some others):

Other units

Some units received the L6/40 and its variants for training purposes or in small numbers for police duties. The 32nd Tank Infantry Regiment at Montorio, near Verona in northeastern Italy, was equipped on December 23, 1941, with six L6/40 Centro Radios assigned to its battalions.

Their fate is unclear. On 31 December 1941, the unit was disbanded and its soldiers and vehicles were transferred by ship to the 12th Autoraggruppamento Africa Settentrionale in Tripoli after 16 January 1942, where they were used to create the Centro Addestramento Carristi .

Another 5 L6/40s were assigned to the Cavalry School at Pinerolo and used to train new tank crews to operate the L6 light reconnaissance tanks.

On 17 August 1941, four L6/40 light reconnaissance tanks were assigned to the Mixed Company of the Training Battalion of one of the Tank Training Centres on the Italian mainland.

the 8th Driver Regiment of the Motorization Studies Center was equipped with some L6/40s.

A total of three L6/40s were assigned to the Counter-Tank and Counter-Air Accompanying Weapons Training Center at Riva del Garda, near Trento, in northeastern Italy. Another three L6/40s were assigned to a similar center at Caserta, near Naples, in southern Italy. All six tanks were assigned to the two centers on January 30, 1943.

The last two L6/40s used by a unit of the Royal Army were assigned in late 1942 or early 1943 to the 4th Tank Infantry Regiment (4° Reggimento Infanteria Carrista) in Rome to train Italian tank crews in the use of these light tanks before their departure for Africa.

Italian Africa Police

The Italian Africa Police (PAI) was created following the reorganization of the police forces operating in Libya and the colonies of Italian East Africa (AOI). The new force was placed under the Ministry of Italian Africa. During the early stages of the war, the force operated alongside the troops of the Royal Army as a regular armed force. It was equipped only with medium-sized AB40 and AB41 armored cars, so during the North African campaign, the PAI command asked the Italian Army to equip the force with tanks. After bureaucratic delays, six L6/40s (some sources claim 12) were assigned to the 5th Battalion 'Vittorio Bòttego ' , stationed at the Italian Africa Police training school and headquarters in Tivoli, 33 km from Rome. The vehicles were used for training purposes until the armistice in September 1943. The Italian African Police took an active part in the defense of Rome, first blocking the Germans' road to Tivoli and then fighting alongside units of the Royal Army in the city. Nothing is known about the service performed by the PAI L6/40s, but a photo taken on September 9, 1943, shows a column of Italian African Police L6/40s on the road between Mentana and Monterotondo, north of Tivoli and northeast of Rome. At least three (but probably more) survived the fighting against the Germans and were employed, after the surrender, by PAI officers in Rome for public order duties. Three of them survived the war.

is pretty much the same, almost word for word (excluding translation brackets) as the section with the same title in this article:

Carro Armato Leggero L6/40 - Tank Encyclopedia

The Carro Armato Leggero L6/40 was a light reconnaissance tank used by the Italian Regio Esercito from May 1941 until September 1943.

tanks-encyclopedia.com

I'm visiting this site myself from time to time and just wanted to share my expierience with the informations, that can be found here. I wasn't sure if you used it too, or maybe they just copied you, so I mentioned that.
When it comes to wrong locations, dates etc. you have to blame the Tallillos and Pignato for them, as I mainly used their books as sources for my list.

 

[jwsleser]

Some excellent research! Thank you.

Pista! Jeff