Desert Stories: Helmet of Captain Emilio Casalgrandi

Desert1

Collector Enzo Faraone shares the experiences of Captain Emilio Casalgrandi of the 39th Infantry Regiment “BOLOGNA” Division during the North African Campaign in World War II. 

After further serious resistance, in which even the square is employed as a desperate maneuver to evade the onslaught that is closing in on them, Captain Casalgrandi  resumes the westward movement on foot without a drop of water.

The helmet issued to Captain Emilio Casalgrandi- 39th Infantry regiment BOLOGNA Division.

The helmet issued to Captain Emilio Casalgrandi- 39th Infantry regiment BOLOGNA Division.

The British penetrate into the void left by the XXIst Corps and advance toward Fuka.

Frontier post at the outbreak of World War II shows Italian soldiers with a variety of sun helmets.

Frontier post at the outbreak of World War II shows Italian soldiers with a variety of sun helmets.

For “Bologna” it is all but over. In this great battle it has fended off multiple attacks.

Then the unit’s Colonel sends two captains to negotiate the surrender, they are Gianni Giacalone and Emilio Casalgrandi. Giacalone said to the British colonel: “We do not make more fire because we ran out of ammunition. For this reason alone. We have the will to fight more than ever.”

Stenciled name of Captain “E.CASALGRANDI”

Stenciled name of Captain “E.CASALGRANDI”

Label of Italian helmet maker G.MELAN.

Label of Italian helmet maker G.MELAN.

And then in a final act of symbolic challenge no-one in Division “Bologna” raised their hands to surrender.

Enzo Faraone

4 thoughts on “Desert Stories: Helmet of Captain Emilio Casalgrandi”

  1. AvatarPaolo

    an amazing story and a fantastic find , thank you for sharing Enzo
    MANCO’ LA FORTUNA NON IL VALORE …

  2. AvatarEnzo

    I know so well Paolo(avid p.helmet’s predator and advanced collector) and his surprising aden collection ….
    i’m very glad for his reply.

  3. AvatarPaolo

    thank you Enzo , but more than a collector … I am simply a buyer !!! Star Wars comparison : I am a child padawan and you are Yoda 😉

  4. AvatarUgo

    Good evening Mr. Enzo. I read it after many years.
    Mistake or in the photo of the border post the 1st on the left is an officer with a colonial helmet of private purchase, the other two are Carabinieri with the Model 1928.

    Ugo

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