Description
Book SynopsisThe first of two volumes on the Axis campaigns in the Balkans, exploring Mussolini''s fateful decision to move against Greece in October 1940. The Greek President Metaxas rejected the Italian ultimatum with a famous ''Oxi'' (''No''), and what followed was Italy''s first debacle in World War II.
In the wake of Italy''s rapid annexation of Albania in April 1940, Mussolini''s decision to attack Greece in October that year is widely acknowledged as a fatal mistake, leading to a domestic crisis and to the collapse of Italy''s reputation as a military power (re-emphasized by the Italian defeat in North Africa in December 1940). The Italian assault on Greece came to a stalemate in less than a fortnight, and was followed a week later by a Greek counter-offensive that broke through the Italian defences before advancing into Albania, forcing the Italian forces to withdraw north before grinding to a half in January 1941 due to logistical issues. Eventually, the Italians took adva
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I couldn't put this book down — only 96 pages long but packed full of information. -- David Davies * Wargames, Soldiers and Strategy *
Table of Contents
Origins of the Campaign Chronology Opposing Commanders Opposing Forces plus Order of Battle Opposing Plans The Campaign Aftermath The Battlefields Today Further Reading Index
