Giovanni Messe

ModernGeneralItaly1883 — 1968

Italian field marshal, commanded in Russia and Tunisia.

Compare Giovanni Messe with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1883

Died

1968

Country

Italy

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)45

Political (20%)61

Influence (20%)59

Legacy (20%)47

Leadership (15%)62

Strategy (15%)53

Total Score54.7

Giovanni Messe — Complete Timeline

1942 AD

Commanded Italian Eighth Army in RussiaWar◆ Major

Messe commanded the Italian Eighth Army on the Eastern Front during Operation Barbarossa. His forces were deployed along the Don River and suffered heavy casualties during the Soviet counteroffensive at Stalingrad.

World War IIEastern FrontItalian Army

Impact: regionaltragic

1943 AD

Commanded Axis Forces in TunisiaWar◆ Major

Messe commanded the 1st Italian Army in Tunisia, later taking command of all Axis forces after Rommel's departure. He conducted a fighting retreat but was ultimately forced to surrender to the Allies in May 1943.

World War IINorth AfricaTunisia

Impact: regionaltragic

Surrendered Axis Forces in North AfricaWar◆ Major

Messe surrendered the remaining Axis forces in North Africa to the Allies on May 13, 1943, ending the North African campaign. Over 250,000 Axis soldiers were taken prisoner.

World War IINorth AfricaSurrender

Impact: regionaltragic

Appointed Chief of Staff of the Italian ArmyPolitical Action◆ Major

After the Italian armistice, Messe was appointed Chief of Staff of the Italian Army under the Badoglio government. He worked to reorganize Italian forces and coordinate with the Allies against German forces in Italy.

World War IIItalian ArmyPost-Armistice

Impact: nationalconstructive