Major Giuntoli shifted the binoculars, magnified them and brought closer another formation of troops coming up right behind the Germans—about 250 soldiers of the Black Brigades, the Brigata Negra. He recognised them from the black forage caps. A few soldiers had left outer white tunics open at the neck, revealing the black turtle-necked pullovers typical of the Brigades. They followed the Gebirgsjäger formation over the col, making for the higher ground.
“Brigata Negra,” the major said.
The Brigades gathered police, former soldiers and serving soldiers loyal to the Salo Republic that governed Northern Italy after the Italian government deposed Mussolini and signed the Armistice in 1943.
“Small for a brigade, sir,” Fred said.
Brigata Negra came in all sizes, from weak battalions to stro
