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Graziani file photo [691]

Rodolfo Graziani

SurnameGraziani
Given NameRodolfo
Born11 Aug 1882
Died11 Jan 1955
CountryItaly
CategoryMilitary-Ground
GenderMale

Contributor:

ww2dbaseThe WW1 veteran of Libya and Italy Rodolfo Graziani was born near Frosinone. He made a name for himself during the interwar years, solidifying his support in the military and on the political scene. In 1935, he was made the governor of Italian Somaliland, then in the following year he was made the Viceroy of Abyssinia with the military title of Marshal, in which role he was known for the brutal pacification of the Senussi rebels.

ww2dbaseDuring the North African Campaign early in WW2 Graziani commanded the Italian 10th Army in Libya where he also reigned as the Italian governor. Under orders from Rome, which he voiced opinion against, he invaded the British colony of Egypt and was eventually defeated in 1941. He resigned his command but continued to be valued by Benito Mussolini. After Italy capitulated in 1943, Mussolini fled to northern Italy and formed the Italian Social Republic with German support; Graziani was named the Minister of Defense of the German puppet government.

ww2dbaseAfter the war, Graziani was charged with high treason for his dealings with members of the Nazi Party post-1943. He was convicted in 1950 and was sentenced to 19 years in prison but only served several months of the sentence. He died in Rome in 1955.

ww2dbaseSource: Wikipedia.

Last Major Revision: Jan 2006

Photographs

Junio Valerio Borghese and Rodolfo Graziani, circa 1940s

Rodolfo Graziani Timeline

11 Aug 1882 Rodolfo Graziani was born.
1 Jul 1940 Rodolfo Graziani was named the Governor-General of Italian Libya.
25 Mar 1941 Rodolfo Graziani stepped down as the Governor-General of Italian Libya, succeeded by Italo Gariboldi.
11 Jan 1955 Rodolfo Graziani passed away.




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More on Rodolfo Graziani
Event(s) Participated:
» Invasion of Egypt
» Operation Compass

Rodolfo Graziani Photo Gallery
Junio Valerio Borghese and Rodolfo Graziani, circa 1940s


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