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MariaB -> RE: School history lessons and propaganda (8/19/2012 10:59:34 AM)
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ORIGINAL: vincentML
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We were taught at school that the Italians were the cowards of the war. Unfortunately the word 'coward' is still very much attached to the Italians amongst the older generation in the UK.
Mussolini dragged his country into a disastrous war, which the Italians were unwilling and unready to fight. When Mussolini was sacked imprisoned by the Italian king, Churchill insisted that Italy couldn't become neutral. Italian troops hence became cannon fodder for the Germans.
I think you pretty much nailed it spot on. the Italian army of that era is regarded here in the States as well as a unit from a Benny Hill video. Ironically, Hitler greatly admired Benito early on but later became disillusioned with him. Benito, I read, was extremely jealous of Hitler's early successes and afraid Italy would not get its shares of the spoils, so he ventured an attack into Greece which was a terrible blunder. I understand Italian troops fought bravely against the British and Americans in North Africa, however. But yes, you are right about the lingering impression of their desire and ability to fight. There is a wonderful film about the occupation of Sicily by the Germans. Don't know if it is available in UK but don't see why not. The title is Malena, if you are interested. [:)]
Thanks vincent, I will look out for it.
I was in Kefalonia in Greece when they were filming Captain Corelli's Mandolin. We ventured up into the hills where we found abandoned Greek villages that had bullet holes in many of the walls and still the remains of German graffiti. I don't know if you have read the book? Apart from being a love story it also gives you the feel of what it must of been like for the Italian soldiers trapped there.
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