The Year of the Masters of War
Part 13: Technology II, July – December, 1944
As always, military operations are always underpinned by the home front and any events and advances that occur there. Mussolini had begun a drawing down of sorts in Italy’s technological and doctrinal research and development efforts over the past year in favor of funneling more intelligent young men into the officer corps of the Italian armed forces. This, of course, leads to a slowdown of technological development. Mussolini felt, however, that increasing the size of the officer corps, and consequently increasing the effectiveness of the Italian army, navy and air force, was worth the drop in research. In part, this was because less major research remained to be done at any one time, or was worthwhile in doing at any one time, and so fewer resources were needed as there were less projects to devote those resources to. Consequently, Italian technological advances during the latter half of 1944 are sparser than hitherto, but for good reason.
There was but one technological advancement in the latter half of the summer, in July and August. This occurred in late July, and resulted in improved radar technology. At this stage of the war, radar and signals technology was proving to be very valuable. The Balkan operation was in full swing at this point, and signals posts run by the Italian intelligence services were able to pinpoint all Soviet divisions throughout the Balkans, regardless of whether or not they were at the front at the time. This gave the Italians a significant advantage that commanders adeptly turned to their advantage through relational maneuver. As Italian scientists were not yet ready to continue to the next stage of radar and signals development, Mussolini instead decided to fund the development of further improved cavalry anti-tank weaponry. September proved to be busier, however, as on the 12th, the air staff submitted a new version of the manual on logistical strike tactics, then their manual on tactical air command the next day and finally their manual on interdiction tactics on the 14th. Mussolini immediately authorized them to begin working on newer versions still. In late September, funds invested into cavalry small arms bore fruit as a new carbine was developed. Mussolini authorized its distribution through the cavalry divisions and directed funding into industry to further develop their rare materials refining process. October saw further improvements to cavalry armament, in the form of improved support weapons and also light artillery. These two projects were replaced by more industrial projects, into coal processing and coal to oil conversion. The final development in October lay in army technology, as Mussolini’s nascent interest into improving Italian operational speed began bearing fruit. The first army manual on operational level command structure was released on the 19th. Mussolini immediately ordered an updated version.
Operational level command structure, to give the Italians even more advantage.
November began with more cavalry improvements, as the anti-tank weaponry project was completed. Mussolini again turned to industry to provide a new project, which responded by dedicating resources to improving steel production. Soon afterwards, Italian industry reported that they successfully tested a working rocket engine prototype. Originally, Mussolini’s interest in rockets lay in bombarding the Soviet Union into subjugation, but with Italian operational triumph, this option, always suspect, seemed unnecessary. Mussolini would have to define some other use for rocketry within the bounds of Italian strategy. Meanwhile, he ordered industry to improve its oil refining, now that Ploesti was back in Italian possession. These were the last developments of the year, save for three new air force manuals that were released with the new year. The three manuals were, of course, on tactical air command, interdiction tactics and logistical strike tactics. Mussolini again endorsed further revised versions.
Vrrooooooom! Rocket engine!
Italian research and development during the latter half of 1944 had slowed down in favor of more immediate support to the forces on the front. This was also in part because projects to develop further were running out, or the time was not yet ready to initiate them. It remained to be seen, however, whether this trend would continue into the new year or whether, with significant operations concluded for the present and the immediate danger to Italy passed, more resources would again be funneled into research and technology.