Italian bravery
From Mr Niccolo Capponi Sir: I am of Florentine stock, but being most- ly British, Greek and Swiss, I think I can take an objective view of Nicholas Farrell's article (`The Italian book of war heroes', 3 June). Having served in the Italian army, I can tell you that Italians, like most men, are brave when well led and when they feel that they are fighting for something worthwhile. Unfortunately, these two conditions have rarely been met in the history of united Italy.
Italy was united by a small elite in the face of the indifference or hostility of other Ital- ians. The Piedmontese army, whose cannons united the country and fathered the Italian army, was led by a small band of mostly mediocre bureaucrats and courtiers who excelled at repression but failed dismally in battle against other European forces. These individuals laid the foundation for that other, much ridiculed institution, the Italian general staff. Mediocrity among officers became the standard after the so-called Risorgimento when masonic ties and flattery held greater importance than military ability. Italian gen- erals were rightly famous in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, but the military policy of the House of Savoy killed that breed.
There remains a further difficulty, con- cerning the Italian rank and file. It is not easy at times to imbue them with a team spirit. During the second world war, Italian soldiers performed many heroic deeds, but mostly for personal motivations. Conscripts have rarely demonstrated a loyalty to their nation in the manner of 'My country right or wrong'. Thus, the failure of leadership of which Nicholas Farrell writes must also be considered in the light of the fighting soldier's ambivalence towards the state when explaining the poor reputation of the Italian army.
Niccolo Capponi
Florence, Italy
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