Brazilian Expeditionary Force in Italy
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Martin Schenkel
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Brazilian Expeditionary Force in Italy
I'm looking for organisational info on the Brazilian force in Italy, and some basic historical info. Are there any websites?
"Subjugating the enemy's army without fighting is the true pinnacle of excellence" - Sun Tzu
Martin,
There are a few websites about the Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB) and their involvement in operations in Northern Italy in late 1944 / early 1945.
Overall, the participation by Brazil during WWII was the result of the leadership’s desire to strengthen the Armed Forces and to broaden the country’s international projection. Brazilian diplomats believed this participation would assure them a prestigious position in the post-war peace conferences and it would favor the country’s interests in future international negotiations. None of that would ever happen.
The Brazilian Expeditionary Force was judged considerably under equipped and poorly trained upon arrival in Italy. Its role was a tactical one as the bulk of its combat experience was at the platoon level and it never engaged in any strategic level operations. The division's combat diary is said to be largely a summary of patrol actions, as was the case for the Fifth Army generally in the autumn and winter of 1944-45.
While the September mission on the Serchio River was a success, Germans forces were retreating. It is often stated that “actual contacts were light” and when they occurred the FEB was successful in assuming the Germans position "only after [they] withdrew."
Ultimately the FEB was not properly trained / equipped for heavy fighting.
Christian
There are a few websites about the Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB) and their involvement in operations in Northern Italy in late 1944 / early 1945.
Overall, the participation by Brazil during WWII was the result of the leadership’s desire to strengthen the Armed Forces and to broaden the country’s international projection. Brazilian diplomats believed this participation would assure them a prestigious position in the post-war peace conferences and it would favor the country’s interests in future international negotiations. None of that would ever happen.
The Brazilian Expeditionary Force was judged considerably under equipped and poorly trained upon arrival in Italy. Its role was a tactical one as the bulk of its combat experience was at the platoon level and it never engaged in any strategic level operations. The division's combat diary is said to be largely a summary of patrol actions, as was the case for the Fifth Army generally in the autumn and winter of 1944-45.
While the September mission on the Serchio River was a success, Germans forces were retreating. It is often stated that “actual contacts were light” and when they occurred the FEB was successful in assuming the Germans position "only after [they] withdrew."
Ultimately the FEB was not properly trained / equipped for heavy fighting.
Christian
Nobody questioned the horror of war, but you have to realize that the contribution by FEB was insignificant in the big picture. Many regiments lost more men in a couple of days during the battle in the Ardennes, then FEB lost during its entire participation in the Italian campaign.
In my opinion, these men were only sent to Italy to satisfy the Brazilian leadership's international aspirations.
Christian
In my opinion, these men were only sent to Italy to satisfy the Brazilian leadership's international aspirations.
Christian
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Martin Schenkel
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About Brazilians in WW2
Try this site:
http://www.tau.ac.il/eial/VI_2/mccann.htm#foot1
It's one of the best syntesis about the Brazil in World War 2, from Frank D. McCann of the University of New Hampshire.
I want to say that the Brazilians started the operations how a very green force. But, in the last stages of the war, your soldiers, NCO and junior officers show a good capacity in your operations.
But the Americans have a no better fight record in the first battles like Kasserine Pass, too. And the Americans fight in the Great War. The Brazilian Army don't see real operations against a external enemy since the Paraguayan War, in the years 1864-1870. And after the overthrow of the Brazilian Emperor, in a military coup, in 1889, the Army have turned in a actor in the internal politics rather a combat force.
http://www.tau.ac.il/eial/VI_2/mccann.htm#foot1
It's one of the best syntesis about the Brazil in World War 2, from Frank D. McCann of the University of New Hampshire.
I want to say that the Brazilians started the operations how a very green force. But, in the last stages of the war, your soldiers, NCO and junior officers show a good capacity in your operations.
But the Americans have a no better fight record in the first battles like Kasserine Pass, too. And the Americans fight in the Great War. The Brazilian Army don't see real operations against a external enemy since the Paraguayan War, in the years 1864-1870. And after the overthrow of the Brazilian Emperor, in a military coup, in 1889, the Army have turned in a actor in the internal politics rather a combat force.
Hi, people.
If someone have the curiosity to know about the Brazilians in the WW2 (and have knowledge of the Portuguese language), maybe will like of this site:
http://diariodeguerra.zip.net/arch2004- ... 07-03.html
It's the war time diary of a lieutnant (active component) of the Brazilian Army. Since the departure of your regiment (the 6th Infantry Regiment) in July 1944. In the secrecy of your diary, the Lieutnant Tavares talk about your impressions about the Italian people, the German enemy and the senior officers in the Brazilian Expeditionary Force.
Unhappily the site don't have a English translation, but at least it's have very good and inedited photos.
If someone have the curiosity to know about the Brazilians in the WW2 (and have knowledge of the Portuguese language), maybe will like of this site:
http://diariodeguerra.zip.net/arch2004- ... 07-03.html
It's the war time diary of a lieutnant (active component) of the Brazilian Army. Since the departure of your regiment (the 6th Infantry Regiment) in July 1944. In the secrecy of your diary, the Lieutnant Tavares talk about your impressions about the Italian people, the German enemy and the senior officers in the Brazilian Expeditionary Force.
Unhappily the site don't have a English translation, but at least it's have very good and inedited photos.
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sid guttridge
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