Hitlers Birthday Present to the Duce

On July 22nd, a few days before Mussolini's last birthday he received from Hitler a gift of an anti-aircraft train. It consisted of two armoured coaches with 16 anti-aircraft guns mounted on the roofs. It is possible that under certain circumstances it may be a useful refuge for the Duce, but meanwhile he has declared that it is another proof of the indissoluble fraternity of arms binding the great German people to the Italian people in war and peace. The presentation was made by General Ritter von Pohl at a railway station near Rome, and Mussolini personally tested all the guns.

German and Italian soldiers are seen below mounting guard over the armoured train presented by Hitler to Mussolini.​

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Mussolini is seen here leaving the train after inspecting it.​

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Prince Umberto Crown Prince of Italy, who commanded the Italian Army that gained a "victory" over France when she had already been betrayed is inspecting troops and anti aircraft guns on July 12.​

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Gift of an anti-aircraft train, wow ! As it was his last Birth Day but I am uploading a pic when he was a child...