28th Infantry Division Aosta


Early history

After the end of World War I the Aosta Infantry Brigade moved to Sicily and was garrisoned in the city of Palermo. In 1926 the brigade gained the 85th Infantry Regiment Verona and changed its name to XXVIII Infantry Brigade. Along with the 22nd Artillery Regiment the brigade formed the 28th territorial division "Palermo". It was reorganized in 1934, becoming the infantry division "Vespri". The Vespri division was renamed Aosta in 1939, replacing simultaneously 85th Infantry regiment for 171st CC.NN. assault legion.

Actions in Second World War

In 1939 the brigade was renamed 28th Infantry Division Aosta and remained stationed in Sicily upon mobilization. In June, 1940, it was tasked with the coastal and airport defence on the west of Sicily to defend the island against landings by Allied forces.

Sicily and Italian campaign

After Allied landings at Syracuse, Sicily the divisional positions were considered untenable and it retreated to the centre of the island to link up with 26th Mountain Infantry Division Assietta.
The division was badly mauled by US Army troops during the Battle of Troina 1–6 August 1943 in the North of the island. During one Italian counterattack, Lieutenant-Colonel Giuseppe Gianquinto's 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment of the 'Aosta' managed to take 40 American prisoners. The remnants of the division were evacuated to Trento in mainland Italy between 9 and 12 August 1943. After the Armistice between Italy and Allied armed forces of 8 September 1943 the division was disbanded by German Forces.
On 20 September 1944 the Aosta was raised again as part of the Italian Co-Belligerent Army. The new unit was named Aosta Internal Security Division and consisted of the III and IV Internal Security Brigades. It has moved back to Sicily in November, 1944, and stayed there until the end of war.

Post-war

On 15 August 1946 the Aosta Internal Security Division renamed and reformed as Aosta Infantry Brigade. With the expansion of the Italian Army after World War II the brigade was expanded to full division on 1 February 1948, but following a revision of strategy the Aosta division was reduced to brigade again on 21 February 1961.
Since then the name and traditions of the division are carried by the Aosta Mechanized Brigade in Palermo.

Order of battle

World War II