Operation Ataman and the Cossack settlements of Italy

Operation Ataman and the Cossack settlements of Italy

“In September 1944, the Cossack tribes who allied with the Germans left their lands (some for the first time others for a second time), from the advance of the Red Army. They emigrated near the operational and training areas of the German Cossack Cavalry Corps in northern Italy with their wives and children. This operation had the permission of Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler. They were deployed in various roles, including frontline combat, reconnaissance, and security duties. "They did not, however, relish anti-partisan duty against the Italians and only performed it when necessary to defend their community. Despite this problem, the Cossacks again created a self-governing region, established a church and school... These settlements would last until the end of the war and remained under S.S. protection throughout this late war period" (Handel, 1991). Despite a surrender to the British, the Italian communist partisans continued to attack their families.“