Italy, seeking to secure its place amongst the powers of Europe, began colonization of a number of African countries in the late 19th century, amongst these being Eritrea.
Eritrean Ascari battalions became a permanent fixture of Italian East African colonization, supplied with Italian weapons and equipment. Serving with distinction in WWII, ascari were crucial in the North African campaign. They were well-regarded and fierce fighters who served until the fall of Italian East Africa in 1941.
Italy, like most other European powers, possessed a number of African colonies during the 19th and 20th centuries, including Eritrea. As was common practice, locals of the colonies were recruited as auxiliary troops, commonly known by the local name of Askaris, or other regional terms. Eritrean Askaris formed a large contingent of the colonial troops in Italian East Africa, and were essential to the defence of that region. Fighting hard, often with outdated weapons, they put up stiff resistance before the fall of Italian East Africa in 1941, and were considered brave and skilled fighters, especially when wielding their traditional fighting knives! Wearing their iconic tall fezzes, they cut an intimidating figure on any Bolt Action battlefield and make for a fantastically characterful addition to an Italian force – or the core of an army in their own right! While not as intensely-trained as many European regulars, they are nonetheless Tough Fighters, and more than capable of holding their own in close combat.
This box contains:
- 10 metal figures
- Plastic bases
Note: Models supplied unassembled and unpainted. Metal parts.
Scale: 28mm.
