Chapter 14: OPERATION BAD MEDICINE - Spain vs. Italy
24 August 1940
As OPERATION BAD MEDICINE swayed into action in south, the balance of German offensive had shifted in north. Now Germans had finally understood that Bastogne region was a serious weakness in Allied defences. Here Allies were not protected by those damn rivers, but neither Germans could attack from broad front. Only two provinces were not protected by rivers; Bastogne and Arlon, and these could only be attacked from relatively narrow perimeter which Allies could supply with ease. War looked more and more like trench warfare from WW1, which was exactly what Hitler had been trying to avoid.
In September 24 famous Spanish divisions 'Rasputin', 'Tuco' and 'Sierra Madre' were defending the bloody hills of Arlon against particularly skilled German commander named Rommel. It seemed he was trying to go historical and break through all the way to the coast. Unfortunately for him, Spain had enough divisions to spare and offensive quickly died away, along with thousands of German soldiers. At this point German operations seemed apathetic and rather pitiful, as if they did not even try seriously.
Rommel turned out to be much inferior than his reputation, but he had a nice hat.
As amazing as it might seem, the once-infamous Ede was now completely quiet, and Germans did not attack any other part of the front, despite having every possible and impossible numerical superiority.
But at same time Spanish Armada finally received orders to sail and at 27 August they left Marseille under strict orders of silence. The preliminary plan of organizing in Tunis was abandoned on grounds that it might tip-off Italians. Also Spain requested naval and air support from UK, receiving the customary reply "We'll see about it."
And so Spanish sailors and marines said their prayers and sailed into the night, well knowing that they were about to meet enemy much superior to themselves. On positive side, nobody needed to be reminded about his duties. Every sailor acted as if his very life depended upon his own alertness alone, which it actually did. But Spanish soldiers had fought against Italians in Cinderella Line and had absolutely no respect for Italian ground forces; the most common opinion was that they were "Still using javelins."
Italian army had taste for fancy rituals and big hats, but few modern weapons.
In the bellies of hundreds of transport ships festered one of the most extraordinary collections of human scum ever collected by a warring nation; the Spanish marines (along with tens of thousands of horses). As war begun Spain called its population to arms (as it was, again) on egalitarian basis and did not care who you were or who your daddy was. Among marines were the curious results of reconstruction of Spanish social order; sons of former landowners and unemployed priests mingled with dirtiest street-tough that Barcelona could provide. There were even celebrities; football starts and bull-fight heroes had been all drafted and had now become comfortable with their new life. Former captain of Real Madrid was now a squad leader in 'Phineas' marine division.
But still they were all Spanish soldiers and hardened veterans of Cinderella Line, and war created comradeship of its own. There was the strong feeling that they were the elite, and that their contribution would make the difference. Spain had long been a country bitterly divided by ethnical, political and economical differences but common threat, relative prosperity and egalitarian policies practiced by Social-democratic government had gone a long way of uniting the nation.
But there were also other factors; rather interestingly three dictators and one could-be Salazar, Mussolini, Hitler and Franco, had unwittingly worked to unite Spain. Spanish intelligence service RIP had recently uncovered nefarious Italian schemes for turning Spain into an Italian puppet, ruled by that perfidious Franco! And worst of all, Portugal was again plotting against Spanish people, supporting Mussolini. Once published this had caused a major uproar in Spain, and angry voices were calling for a declaration of war against Portugal, just for fun.
Unfortunately it would take neutrality 0 to do so, so Spanish soldiers had to turn against Italy instead.
Dangerous Italian ambitions united Spain against Mussolini and Hitler. Nobody knew why they were written in English.
So by the usual organized confusion of war this odd mixture of human flotsam now sailed in darkness towards the unseen enemy ahead. One thing was certain in uncertain future - Mussolini had to go, and then Hitler.
OPERATION BAD MEDICINE was launched at evening of 27 August.
On way to Sardinia the General Córdon Garcia, the commander of Spanish invasion forces, opened some Fascists writings to find out what kind of people he was fighting against. It was illuminating reading.
"[W]ar is something sublime because it forces every man to face the dilemma of choosing between heroism and cowardice, between the ideal and the stomach, between the spiritual instinct to project life beyond the material, and the pure and simple instinct of animal conversation. It is the brutal discriminator that distinguishes man from man, character from character, constitution from constitution: on the one side the cowardly, the soft, the hysterical, the effeminate, the cry-babies, the mommy's boys; on the other the strong, the aware, the idealists, the mystics of danger, those who triumph over fear and those who are courageous by nature, the hot-blooded heroes and the heroes of the will."
Well, he thought, somebody that simple cannot be difficult to beat.
OPERATION BAD MEDICINE.
Private Luigi Broccoli of 53th 'Arezzo' division of Italian Army was first of his unit to wake up on morning of 29 August. He cursed his bad luck that it was today his turn to gather dry laundry and make coffee. And nothing ever happened in Sardinia anyway, so one could just as well sleep, duty or no duty. Not that it was good to complain, the unofficial word was that war was not going well in Europe. And Ethiopia - he shuddered at mere thought. He could consider himself lucky he had been posted here in Cagliari. There was enough wine and nobody shot at you, which was all a simple soldier could ask for. And those things they said about Spanish...
Suddenly his thoughts were perturbed by something unusual. There was something at sea that should not have been there, like big shadows. His curiosity aroused, he unburdened himself from the pile of clean laundry he had been carrying and picked up powerful naval binoculars. Straining his eyes in slowly gathering dawn he cursed those arrogant idiots of Regia Marina who never bothered to tell them anything. Was there some supply ships scheduled today? Some classified operation? Then first rays of morning sun illuminated the rainbow tricolor of Spain and unfortunate sentry lowered his binoculars as he understood what was before him. The sea was black with transport ships and here and there he could see large forms of battleships and cruisers. Even as he watched, first waves of invasion approached the beaches below.
As first shells of Spanish naval fire begun to explode around him, private Luigi Broccoli turned and run to wake his still-sleeping comrades, cursing Italian Intelligence, cursing Regia Marina, and cursing his own bad luck.
At first light 29 August Spanish marines hit the beaches in and around Cagliari, surprising its unfortunate defenders and Italian commanders. The first waves of marines were on dry land before battle even begun, and defences quickly proved insufficient.
Italian Fascist liked to say "
Molti nemici. Molto onore"; "many enemies, much honor". Now it became obvious to Luigi Broccoli and his half-hearted comrades that practically this mean much pain and casualties, and little else.
Bravely men of 'Arezzo' were fighting back, but they were hopelessly outgunned and outnumbered, having only 7000 soldiers against the massive invasion of 42000 ferocious marines. Italian soldiers were not cowards, but they were facing the best and fittest soldiers Spain could send, and it showed. Beaches were taken by assaults and soon marines were fighting in the streets of city, as endless new waves of supplies and reinforcement poured in.
But then Italians cheered as their torpedo-bombers soared from the sky, attacking nearly helpless invasion fleet. Spain had deployed 400 available fighters in nearby Tunis who now flew to support their comrades, and bloody battle ensued. Invasion became a chaos of strafing planes, gunfire, explosions and twisted steel as transport ships were struck again and again by very skilled Italian pilots. It tells much of bravery of both Spanish marines and sailors that steadfastly both continued to carry out their mission. Crippled and sunk Spanish ships were so close to the shore that casualties remained minimal.
Then Spanish bombers appeared over helpless Italian ships in Cagliari harbor that had been crippled by initial assault. Men of Arezzo division coul only watch helplessly as their comrades were bombed to pieces, and big guns of Italian Navy failed to appear. But in the chaotic situation it was difficult to say if Italian ships were actually destroyed, or if they managed to slip through Spanish screen.
Spanish bombers mauling crippled Italian ships in Cagliari after the initial assault.
But stubbornly Spanish Navy held its ground, firing attacking Italian planes with all available guns and protecting the precious transport ships. At same time marines fought through the streets of Cagliari, wiping away poorly equipped resistance with shocking impunity. Even Spaniards were outraged to find out what kind of weapons Italians were forced to use old and rusty rifles, few useless machine guns with no ammo. It seemed that javelins of Roman Legions would have been more useful. By 1940 Spain was leading nation of infantry warfare, and clearly Italy was not.
Such a singe-sided battle could have only one outcome, and in 12:00 hours 31 August marines declared Cagliari secure, while remains of Italian garrison retreated in disorder. It had been a futile and useless massacre for Italians, with negligible casualties to marines. But now Spanish commanders launched their new tactics they had developed for this very purpose. Two cavalry divisions kept in reserves were giver order to advance.
Luigi Broccoli was limping up the steep terrain of Sicilian mountains, carrying his best pal Mario Zuccini along. Neither of them were wounded, but Mario had been valiant enough to annihilate wine reserves before Spaniards captured them The battle in Cagliari had been a massacre, and they were more than happy to be out of there.
After all the big talk about manliness and valor Mussolini had left them helpless against total onslaught, without any reasonable air- or naval support. And now they had some crazy orders about retreating to mountains and repelling invaders. He begun to hope Spaniards would surround them quickly so that they would have to surrender.
Alarmed by a shout, he tiredly looked backwards and his eyed bulged with sheer surprise. Below he could see long lines of cavalry chasing them, all wearing big cowboy hats and totting six-guns. So this was feared Spanish cavalry he had heard about.
'Form a wagon circle!' Drunken Mario cried. 'The Indians are coming!'
Indeed it was. Cavalry was only Spanish unit capable of expanding beachhead quickly and now two divisions were doing that. In morning of 3 September remains of Italian garrison surrendered (along with Luigi Broccoli and Mario Zuccini) to 'Pony Express' Division and Spanish conquerors surveyed their new holdings. Sardinia was now in Allied hands, and Spanish heartlands were secure.
Actually Spain had joined the war never dreaming of conquering lands and capturing prisoners by the thousands. Now they faced the problem what to do with all this land. After some consideration they simply declared to locals that they were now liberated from Fascist dictatorship and could continue their lives as before, but government officials would now be paid from Madrid instead of Rome. After finding out that Spanish salaries were 86% higher, locals were all too happy to continue their lives with minimal interference.
Italian POWs were transported to Spain where they were put to work, and most proved to be outstanding plumbers. Soon Spanish pipes and sewers were like never before, and Luigi Broccoli and Mario Zuccini opened a prosperous plumbing business in years to come.
At same time Spanish industry was celebrating. USA and UK had finally sorted out their own stupidities and had some coal surplus to spare. It was not certain what had happened before, but it seemed likely that they had poured them to nearest ocean just for fun. But now Spain stroke deals that would save the nation.
Another one with USA formed secure source of coal and oil to Spain, and finally Spanish industry worked with full capacity. There was even enough surplus to recall the regular genius of Spain, José Messia, back to work, since he had been fishing for more than a month. At same session Toribio "Walrus" Martinez was rewarded for outstanding service for making him the Chief of the Army. Naturally this did not prevent him from serving in Holland at same time.
But there were always new fronts to fight in, despite the firm belief of Spanish marines that they had just won the war with their heroic landing. By the way some men talked one could have believed that they had just won the war by themselves. Actually they had beaten only one weak garrison unit with seven to one superiority in numbers.
The men of invasion force would have been all too happy to stay in Sardinia, drinking wine and hanging out with local girls, but Spanish commanders would have none of it. Many transports had been badly mauled and most marines thought they would wait until transports were repaired, which would be months. Instead, they were ordered to embark on another mission soon afterwards.
At same time combined Egyptian-Palestinian-English force had been kicking Italians around African coast. Spanish commanders could not understand why the Brits were sweating, actually walking, through the trackless desert instead of using boats. Then again, rational decision-making had never been their strength. OPERATION BAD MEDICINE was immediately broadened to include additional landings in Africa. This time cavalries had to be left behind due to insufficient transport capacity, since two fleets of mauled transports were send to Marseille.
At 10 September bad luck or bad navigation interfered. After relatively easy sailing touch of overconfidence had seeped into Spanish decision-making and main Armada had been sailing along Mediterranean without care. As this unit was recalled to Sardinia it run into powerful Italian naval squadron 8:00 in the morning. By curious twist of fate Rommel was defeated in Arlon at same time.
Mediterranean was often beautiful but nonetheless lethal combat zone.
General Quarters were sounded and unforgettable
"aa-oo-ga aa-oo-ga" wail send Spanish sailors to the battle stations. Italian force was very powerful, including four modern battleships, and Spanish Admiral Bayo Giraud wisely decided to flee as 305mm shells begun to fall. But then some stupid or drunk, or both, British Admiral sailed into the battle, accidentally ramming Spanish ships. Now Spanish position was only 2% and as they tried to disentangle themselves from the useless British ships Italians had some free gunnery practice.
In disastrous battle Spanish ships had barely any opportunity to fire back, and Italian fire caused heavy damage among light destroyers. One sailor described that destroyer hit by 305mm shell resembled 'truck hitting a puppy.' Others describe the big guns as they "sounded as though they were throwing whole railway trains across the sky." Upon perceiving the great number of enemy ships Italian Admirals seemed to make wrong conclusions and retreated in good order before British planes could attack. Technically Allies had won, but casualties were heavy. One squadron of destroyers were sunk, along with many brave sailors. Bloodied Spanish fleet picked up survivors but continued stubbornly.
Afterwards Ernest Hemingway - old friend of Spain from Civil War - wrote dramatic descriptions of landing on North Africa; "The boatswain lowered the steel-covered barge front, and there, between the grotesque designs of steel obstacles sticking out of the water, was a thin line of land covered with smoke — our Africa, the 'Easy Red' beach."
These were not completely accurate, perhaps because he wrote them in comfort of Marseille hotel lobby, drinking incredible amounts of whisky and soda. Spanish boats had looked lethal enough to persuade him to leave heroics for another time. Despite this his reports of Spanish landings became celebrated and bought Spain much goodwill in USA.
In reality Benghazi was defended only by merchants selling cheap toothpaste, and 42000 heavily armed marines charged the beaches only to find their pockets emptied by local crooks.
Spanish marines 'accidentally' broke most of local infrastructure, despite nil defence.
It was found rather simple to persuade locals to join Allies. Since barren desert outside looked uninviting marines sailed away without even bothering to leave a garrison. The Brits would probably be enraged by the time they arrived, as their 'prize' was taken. Also last Italian supply lines were cut now.
16 September, now by routine, marines took final Italian port in Africa, despite determined attacks by Italian submarines.
But now Spanish navies were badly mauled after weeks of constant action, air attacks and submarine raids. Dozens of smaller ships had been lost and those still floating were dripping blood from gunwales, their hulls punctured by bullets and explosions. Italy had lost three important ports in few weeks, but had taken a high toll as well. Now it had become obvious that Italians were as deadly in sea and air as they were helpless on ground.
Broken Spanish ships limped back for repairs, carrying some very proud marines home.
Spanish ships finally reached safety 18 September.
At same time Tommies had not been idle. Somaliland - even by African standards not the most prosperous place - had turned into a genuine war zone as last Italian forces in Africa were rounded up. By September 18 it was all over. Italian Colonial Empire was no more.
Actually it seemed rather curious how Mussolini had planned to supplu his soldiers since Suez Canal was probably not welcoming Italian ships anymore. Then again, trying to supply 366000 men in 50C heat around whole Africa sounded something Mussolini might do. Spanish soldiers really hated this guy, not because what he did to Spain, but because what he did to his own soldiers.
British reports counted some 366000 Italian soldiers killed or surrendered, but mostly surrendered. It was difficult to believe. No wonder Italian supply lines had broken down so completely. Now Italian soldiers were all too happy to give up their arms, if only they were promised water and food. Mussolini had served his soldiers badly indeed, and his wild rhetorics offered little comfort for starving men.
Italian POWs in Somalia, September 1940.
