Croatia, Independent State. An Italian-Croatian Legion Badge C.1940

In die-stamped aluminum with twelve red lacquered fields, shield-shaped, obverse bearing the inscription “HRVATSKA” (Croatia) above the Croatian coat-of-arms, plain reverse, unmarked, die-holes in all four corners for uniform attachment, measuring 43.2 mm (w) x 56.8 mm (h), scattered fine chipping in the red lacquered fields, near extremely fine.

Footnote: This type of badge worn from 1941 to 1943 by the Croat volunteers in the Italian sponsored Light Transport Regiment (Legione Croata Autotransportabile). Italian Leadership planed to send this Regiment to the Eastern (Russian) front in 1941, however the plan was changed, as Italians felt more training was needed. Thus, in December of 1941, the regiment was sent to Italy, to Riva del Garda, for more training. In March of 1942, the regiment was sent to the Eastern (Russian) front as a unit within the Third Division "Principo Amadeo Duca d'Aosta". At this time, the regiment's commander was Croat Officer Egon Zitnik. First contact with the Russians Regiment was encountered at Pervomajska, which was followed by steady, continuous fighting. After long and bloody encounters with The Red Army, the regiment perished by the end of 1942, alongside German and Italian troops. Uniforms worn by the members of the regiment were Croatian, headgear and insignia Italian, other then the distinctive Croat aluminum shield sewn on the left arm.