Changes

For Mussolini, the Balkans, offered tremendous mineral wealth and strategic geographical position, but more importantly, he wanted to keep pace with Hitler who had already annexed [[Sudeten]] and Czechoslovakia.

For Mussolini, the Balkans, offered tremendous mineral wealth and strategic geographical position, but more importantly, he wanted to keep pace with Hitler who had already annexed [[Sudeten]] and Czechoslovakia.

On October 28, 1941 the Italians invaded Greece, expecting a quick victory. The Greeks, retired from several advanced posts to previously prepared positions. The Italian forces on the Greco-Albanian frontier comprised seven divisions, with a considerable amount of artillery and tankettes, but without proper air support.  This allowed Greek forces to hold their own and counterattack the Italians in Albania, overrunning one-quarter of the country. The later Greeks received reinforcements from the British and planes from the Yugoslavs.

On October 28, 1941 the Italians invaded Greece, expecting a quick victory. The Greeks, retired from several advanced posts to previously prepared positions. The Italian forces on the Greco-Albanian frontier comprised seven divisions, with a considerable amount of artillery and tankettes, but without proper air support.  This allowed Greek forces to hold their own and counterattack the Italians in Albania, overrunning one-quarter of the country.

 

The Italians reinforced their positions with a total of 28 divisions(4 Alpine, 1 Armoured and 23 Infantry) totalling 526,000 men. On March 9, 1941 their ''Operazione Primavera'' (Operation Spring) used seven divisions in a determined attack between the Vijose River and Mount Tommorit. The 14 Greek divisions holding the Albanian front gave some ground until the attack was called off on 19 March after heavy casualties on both sides. This remained the position until April when the second spring offensive captured Koritza and moved through the Pindus, sealing the Greek Army in Albania.

==East Africa==

==East Africa==