Italian Liberation Corps

The Italian Liberation Corps represent the evolution of the 1st Motorised Regiment in what was the reconstruction of the Italian army following the armistice of 8 September 1943 and after the affirmation of the co-belligerence strategy.

The unit, led by General Umberto Utili, was formed on March 22, 1944, with the specific purpose of directly supporting the military operations being carried out by the Allies along the complex area bounded by the Gustav Line. In particular, the new formation was established as part of the operation to conquer the German-occupied peak of Mount Marronne, near the Mainarde massif on the slope of the upper Volturno valley. As a result of that victorious battle, the Allied headquarters, recognizing the contribution and role held by the Italian battalions engaged, attested to the birth of the CIL and consequently conferred greater independence of action on the renewed Italian army. After the operations carried in Molise, the CIL moved up the Abruzzi and again played a leading role in the important battles of Filottrano and Ancona.

The main divisions that made up the CIL were the Nembo Parachute Division, the 68th Infantry Regiment Legnano, the Alpine Battalion Piemonte and the 11th Motorised Artillery Regiment.

The CIL experience ended in September 1944 to spawn the fighting units of the Italian Army that contributed to the capture of positions on the Gothic Line and the achievement of the country's liberation from Nazi-fascism.