Rodolfo Graziani - Definition and Overview

Rodolfo Graziani

Rodolfo Graziani (1882 - 1955), during World War II, was an Italian Marshal; who commanded the Tenth Army, stationed in Libya. He resigned his commission in 1943, following the defeat of his army. In 1950, a military tribunal sentenced him to prison for a term of 19 years as punishment for his collaboration with the Nazis, he was released after serving only a few months of the sentence.

Military Career

•  ? - 1918 -- serves during World War I
• 1921-33 -- serves in Libya
• 1935 -- becomes the governor of Italian Somaliland
• 1936-37 -- becomes the viceroy of Ethiopia; promoted to Marshal
• 1940 -- becomes the governor of Libya
• 1943 -- becomes Minister of Defence for the Italian Social Republic

World War II

After the declaration of war, Mussolini ordered Graziani to use his army in an invasion of Egypt. Graziani expressed doubts about the ability of his largely un-mechanized force could defeat the British, however, he followed orders and the Tenth Army attacked on September 13.