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Italian army companies
during World war 2 in Yugoslavia
Special Work Companies (Compagnia speciale lavoratori)
in June 1940, Italian High Command ordered removal of soldiers of Slovene and Croatian nationalities (drafted from Slovene Littoral and Istria which become part of Italy after WW1) from ranks of regular army units declaring them traitors and enemies of Italy. Refusal to carry out this order come from Alpine Division Julia since most of its Cividale battalion was made of Slovenes from Venetia region which become part of Italy 70 years earlier. Removed soldiers were gathered into 1500 strong Special battalions each with 10 companies which began moving to Sardinia (6000 by autumn 1940) since island was considered as smallest chance of escape.
At the beginning of April 1941 just before attack on Yugoslavia, Italy carried out mobilizations of Slovenes and Croats reservists born between 1896 and 1914 which were sent directly to Special Battalions fearing they might aid Yugoslav troops but quick collapse of Yugoslav army resulted in older reservist being sent home while younger being sent to Special Battalions.