The 18. Infantry Division Messina was mobilized in June 1940 and took part in the invasion of Yugoslavia, capturing Cetinge and Kotor along with much of the Yugoslavian fleet. It was stationed in Herzegovina until it was disbanded by the Germans in September 1943.

Together with the 58. Infantry-Division it provided manpower to the first Italian unit on the Allied side after the Italian surrender, the 1° Raggruppamento motorizzato (First Motorized Combat Group) that was formed on 28 September 1943.

This unit took part in anti-partisan operations in Croatia.

Order of battle

93. Messina Infantry Regiment
94. Messina Infantry Regiment
2. Metauro Artillery Regiment
108. CCNN Legion
18. Mortar Battalion
118. Anti-Tank Company
18. Signal Company
20. Mining Company
48. Pioneer Company
49. Medical Section
190. Heavy Motor Transport Section
23. Supply Section
52. Carabinieri Section
53. Carabinieri Section
44. Field Bakery

Sources used

William Fowler - The Secret war in Italy: Special forces, partisans and covert operations 1943-45
George F. Nafziger - Italian Order of Battle: An organizational history of the Italian Army in World War II (3 vol)

Reference material on this unit

- None known at this time -