Bolt Action: Camionettisti, Arditi X & Compagnia Sahariana

The SPA-Viberti AS.42 (more commonly known as the Sahariana) was an interesting vehicle. Unlike the LRDG’s modified jeeps and Chevrolet trucks, the AS.42 was designed specifically for desert operations – ‘AS’ stands for Africa Settentrionale; North Africa – using the chassis of the AB.41 armoured car, with an unarmoured body kit. A rear-mounted engine allowed for a large central troop bay, which could carry five fully-armed men and accommodate a wide variety of weaponry, making for a versatile and adaptable vehicle. Stowage was provided for a large number of jerry-cans to extend the vehicle’s range, with a fully-equipped AS.42 capable of a maximum range of 930 miles – perfect for the vast expanse of desert across which it would be deployed.

The men who crewed these vehicles were known as Camionettisti, and were drawn from the elite Arditi X special forces unit. Trained and equipped in a very similar vein to the British Commandos, these hardy men would oppose the LRDG and SAS in limited operations during the desert campaign, although the British special forces were the more active and successful. Also utilising the vehicles were Compagnia Sahariana, reconnaissance specialists whose activities were hampered by the fuel shortages experienced by Italian forces.