6th Blackshirt Division (Tevere)

The Italian 6th Blackshirt Division "Tevere" (Tiber) was an Italian Blackshirt militia unit formed for the Second Italo-Abyssinian War by volunteers. However, due to age (World War I veterans), physical disabilities (amputated veterans), lack of military training (Italians living abroad) and lack of supporting machinguns and pack artillery limited combat value. Nevertheless, it saw some combat in minor actions on the Somali front, and performed creditably under the command of Gen. Enrico Boscardi.

Order of Battle 1935-36

6th Blackshirt Division "Tevere"

• 219th Blackshirts Legion "Vittorio Veneto"
  • 219th Blackshirts Battalion (World War I Veterans )
  • 319th Blackshirts Battalion (World War I Veterans )
• 220th Blackshirts Legion
  • 201st Blackshirts Battalion (World War I Amputated)
  • 220th "Arditi" Blackshirts Battalion (World War I Assault Troops)
• 221st Blackshirts Legion "Italiani all'Estero"
  • 221st Blackshirts Battalion (Italians living abroad)
  • 421st Blackshirts Battalion (Italians living abroad)
• 6th Blackshirts MMG Battalion "Curtatone e Montanara" (University students)
• 6th Artillery Battalion (65L17 - Army)
• 6th Special Engineers Company (mixed Blackshirts and Army)
• 2 x Replacements Battalions

Notes:

• The Legions of "Tevere" Division did not have a supporting machingun company or pack-artillery battery.
• Additionally the Blackshirts Divisions had a Medical Section, Logistics Section, and transport of a Pack-Mules unit (1600 mules), and a Mixed Trucks unit (80 light trucks)

Sources

• Ettore Lucas and Giorgio de Vecchi, "Storia delle Unità Combattenti della MVSN 1923-1943", Giovanni Volpe Editore, 1976. pages 63 to 116 plus errata.