Italian Paratroopers, WWII--40 figures in 8 poses--THREE IN STOCK.
$12.95
Item Number: MAF72145
Italian Paratroopers, WWII
After an early experiment with training men from the native infantry battalions in Libya as paratroops in 1938, Italy’s first official paratroop school was opened in Tarquinia in August 1939, and began training recruits in July of the following year. After various reorganisations, the first airborne division was created in September 1941, and would be given the name ‘Folgore’. In 1942, the Folgore were redesignated as 185th Divisione Paracadutisti Folgore, and a new paratroop division, the 184th, was officially created (named ‘Nembo’). Later, still a third (‘Ciclone’) was also formed, but never got past the setup stage. The original impetus for such units was the projected invasion of Malta, from which British forces were making communication with Italian forces in North Africa very difficult, but when this was cancelled, the paratroops were instead shipped to North Africa themselves, and served as elite infantry. The only drop of any size they ever carried out during World War II was on the Greek island of Kefallinia, in April 1941, but this met no resistance. So, like so many paratroops, these men actually served as ground-based troops, and when Italy surrendered in 1943, some went on to fight for the king and the Allies, whilst others joined the RSI and fought in the north, mostly against their own partisans.
Note: Figures are supplied unpainted.
Date Released: 2026
Contents: 40 figures in 8 poses
Material: Plastic (very soft)
Color: Grey
Average Height: 22.5 mm (= 1.62 m)
Released in JANUARY 2026.
Received at Hobby Bunkeer in APRIL 2026.
