6th Alpine Division Alpi Graie


The 6th Alpine Division Alpi Graie was a short-lived light Infantry division of the Italian Army, specializing in Mountain Combat. The Alpini that formed the divisions where from the highly decorated and elite mountain corps of the Italian Army comprising both infantry and artillery units. The divisions name Alpi Graie was chosen as most of its recruits came from the area of the Graian Alps.

History

The division was raised with reserve units on 15 November 1941 and deployed quickly to Montenegro - the first unit to leave was the 4th Alpini "Valley" Group on 14 December 1941. In March 1942 the full division command had arrived at Danilovgrad in Montenegro and begun to fight the Yugoslav Partisans. The division saw heavy combat in the area of the Durmitor massif.
Meanwhile, the 3rd Alpini "Valley" Group had taken up garrison duties in occupied France in the area of Maurienne. It participated in the occupation of Vichy France by Axis forces during Case Anton.
In 1943 the division was moved to the port of La Spezia and tasked with defending it against potential allied raids. After the Armistice between Italy and Allied armed forces on 8 September 1943 the division disbanded two days later.
The names of two Italian men attached to the Alpi Graie Division can be found in the CROWCASS List established by the Anglo-American Allies of the individuals wanted by Yugoslavia for war crimes.

Order of battle

1941