Bolt Action: Neue Italiener

Warlord Games zeigen Neuheiten für Bolt Action.

Italian Army & Blackshirts – €39,60

Mussolini famously boasted that the Italian army had eight million bayonets standing at the ready. In actuality, the standing Italian army was far smaller than that, with huge numbers of troops conscripted into a war they neither believed in nor understood. The fighting ability of units of the Italian army varied greatly, with much of the rank and file lacking proper equipment, transport and even motivation. Still, there were several key battles in North Africa and the Eastern Front where they performed well.

Initially, the standard rifle was the Carcano Model 1891 as used in World War I. A shortened version was introduced in 1941 (the M91/41); this along with the M38 Carbine, was intended to replace the M1891 – the shorter barrels being far more practical for the infantry to carry and manoeuvre. These latter two weapons are represented in our new plastics. Also represented is the M91/38 cavalry carbine – typically issued with a fixed rear sight (set to 200 metres) and a folding bayonet. The excellent 9mm Beretta M38 was the standard sub-machine gun. The Italian light machine gun – the Breda Model 1930 – suffered from a slow rate of fire, the same small calibre ammunition as the squad’s rifles, and a mechanism prone to jamming and breakage.

Camicie Nere (Blackshirts) Militia

The MVSN or Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza Nazionale (Voluntary Militia for National Security) was made by the Fascist Party into a paramilitary organization similar in concept to the German SS. The rank and organizational terminology used by the MVSN was very close to that of ancient Rome, with legions, centuries, cohorts, maniples and so on. Mostly concerned with territorial security and counter-partisan activities, in wartime the Camicie Nere were organized into ‘assault legions’ that were fielded alongside regular army infantry divisions to reinforce them and as a way to ‘politicize’ the Regio Esercito.

The quality of these militia units varied immensely, ranging from barely trained village bullies to veterans of the Spanish Civil War and highly motivated ‘Giovani Fascisti’ (young fascists).

The Sprue

The Italian uniform changed several times during the course of the war and we chose the pattern that could best represent a wide array of troops, at different times during the war, and in different theatres of operation. At 28mm scale, these are ideal to represent M37 or M40 tunics. We have also included the Camiciotto Sahariana pullover smock for added variety.

Weaponry includes the M91/41 rifle, M91/38 Carcano Cavalry Carbine, M38A Beretta SMG, M38 Carcano carbine, M1934, 9mm Beretta pistol and Breda M30 LMG.

A wide variety of headgear for the Italian Army and Blackshirts are included – M33 steel helmets, Bustina cap, M1935 pith helmet, Blackshirt soft fez & Blackshirt hard fez.

Not only that but the sprue contains masses of optional extras such as two types of gas mask bags, goggles, bayonets, combat knives, etc!

Box contains 30 plastic highly customisable Italian Infantry, with decal sheet and assembly guide.

Italy: Soft Underbelly (Bolt Action campaign book) – €24,00

With the Axis Powers ejected from North Africa, the Western Allies look to take the fight to the “soft underbelly” of Europe – Italy. This campaign supplement for Bolt Action focuses on Operation Husky, the airborne and naval invasion of Sicily, the hard-fought battles in the villages and rugged mountain passes of that island, and the advance up the Italian Peninsula towards Rome. With a host of scenarios, new units, special rules & theatre selectors, this new book contains everything players will need to refight these important battles in defence of the Regno d’Italia or to strike at the weak link of Axis Europe to knock Italy out of the war.

With units, theatre selectors and scenarios for players of British (Commonwealth), United States, German and, of course, Italian Armies, this is an essential and fascinating campaign volume. For a little more detail of what you’ll find within, look no further than our preview article.

When pre-ordering this Campaign book, you’ll receive a special edition miniature not available anywhere else – Major General Enrico Francisci. Known as “The Fighting General” for his gallant and inspirational leadership style. Initially fighting in the Greek campaign and on the Russian front prior to being redeployed to Sicily. He was killed whilst leading Gruppo Tactico Venturi in a counterattack against US 3rd Infantry Division and posthumously awarded the Italian Gold Medal for Military Valour – joining a host of previously awarded honours.

Within the pages of Italy: Soft Underbelly you’ll find rules for fielding Francisci (along with a handful of other notable heroes on both sides from the Italian campaigns) as a Veteran Major, where he can bring his ‘Gallant Leadership’ ability to bear on the tabletop.

Quelle: Warlord Games