The maximum number that the Italian army fielded in the ranks of the Axis troops during the war was 2.5 million soldiers. She played a leading role in the North African campaign. In addition, the Italian army launched an invasion of the Balkans. There she bore the brunt of maintaining the occupation order. Italy also sent 250,000 troops to the Soviet-German front. This book is the second of three that make up Philip Jowett's study. It focuses on the organization, uniforms and insignia of Italian and colonial troops who took part in the North African Campaign and the “forgotten” East African War of 1940-1941. Stephen Andrew's detailed color illustrations introduce the reader to the different types of uniforms. The book is addressed to a wide range of readers interested in the history of the army and military uniforms.