Alfredo Guzzoni

Alfredo Guzzoni (12 April 1877 – 15 April 1965) was an Italian military officer who served in both World War I and World War II.

Early life Guzzoni was a native of Mantua, Italy.

Military career Guzzoni joined the Italian Royal Army (Regio Esercito Italiano) and fought in World War I.

After the Second Italo-Abyssinian War, Guzzoni was appointed Governor of Eritrea. He served as governor from May 1936 until April 1937.

In 1939, Guzzoni had a prominent role in the Italian invasion of Albania and was Commander-in-Chief of the Higher Forces Command Albania in 1940.

In June 1940, after Italy entered World War II, Guzzoni commanded the Italian 4th Army during the invasion of France.

On 29 November 1940, Guzzoni succeeded Ubaldo Soddu as Under-Secretary of War and Deputy Chief of the Supreme General Staff.

In 1943, Guzzoni was General Officer Commanding the Italian 6th Army on Sicily and commander of the Axis troops on Sicily during the Allied invasion of the island. The German–Italian resistance lasted 37 days before the evacuation of the island.

Armistice and prosecution After the Italian armistice of September 1943, Fascist republican soldiers captured general Guzzoni, but he avoided execution thanks to the help of some German officers who appreciated his role during the defense of Sicily.

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