Rodolfo Graziani (11 Aug. 1882 - 11 Jan. 1955)
Graziani was serving as Commander in Chief of the Army General Staff, until the death of Balbo in 1940, when he replaced him as Commander in Chief of Italian North Africa, as well as becoming Governor General of Libya. Although Mussolini demanded that he capture Egypt by August, Graziani was more aware of the inability of his forces, delaying an invasion until the final minute. He finally attacked in September. The British countered in November, recapturing what little gains the Italians had made. He would resign and be replaced by Gariboldi in 1941.
Following Mussolini’s overthrow by the Fascist Council and the King, Graziani joined him in the new Italian Social Republic, becoming Minister of Defence. Although he had one military defeat over the Allies, it was not enough. He would be arrested at the end of the war and tried by the Allies.
For more information on Rodolfo Graziani:
“Rodolfo Graziani”, on: http://comandosupremo.com/graziani.html [last accessed 22/04/2012].
Following Mussolini’s overthrow by the Fascist Council and the King, Graziani joined him in the new Italian Social Republic, becoming Minister of Defence. Although he had one military defeat over the Allies, it was not enough. He would be arrested at the end of the war and tried by the Allies.
For more information on Rodolfo Graziani:
“Rodolfo Graziani”, on: http://comandosupremo.com/graziani.html [last accessed 22/04/2012].