212th Coastal Division (Italy)

The 212th Coastal Division was an Italian infantry division active during World War II. It was formed in 1942 and tasked with coastal defense duties in Italy. Like other coastal divisions, its primary role was to protect the Italian coastline from Allied landings and incursions. The division was typically composed of older reservists and less experienced troops compared to front-line divisions. Equipped primarily for static defense, it lacked the mobility and firepower necessary for offensive operations or sustained combat against well-equipped enemy forces. The 212th Coastal Division was likely deployed along the Italian coast and may have been involved in defensive actions during the Allied invasion of Italy in 1943, although specific details regarding its actions and eventual fate are scarce and require further research. Coastal divisions like the 212th were often quickly overwhelmed or dissolved following Allied landings.