The 6th Alpine Division "Alpi Graie" () was a short-lived division of the Royal Italian Army during World War II, which specialized in mountain warfare. The Alpini that formed the division are a highly decorated, elite mountain corps of the Italian Army comprising both infantry and artillery units. The divisions name Alpi Graie was chosen as most of its recruits came from the area of the Graian Alps (). History The division was raised in Ivrea on 15 November 1941 by activating reserve units. The division was deployed quickly to Montenegro - the first unit to leave was the 4th Alpini "Valley" Group on 14 December 1941. In March 1942 the full division had arrived at Danilovgrad in Montenegro and began to fight Yugoslav Partisans. The division saw heavy combat in the area of the Durmitor massif. Meanwhile, the 3rd Alpini "Valley" Group had taken up garrison duties in occupied France in the area of Maurienne. It participated in the occupation of Vichy France by Axis forces during Case Anton. In January 1943 the division was moved to Liguria for coastal defense duties. In the first days of September 1943 the division was moved to La Spezia to guard the Royal Italian Navy's base there. After the Armistice of Cassibile was announced on 8 September 1943 the division skirmished with invading German forces of the 65th Infantry Division to allow the Italian battle fleet to leave harbor and sail to ports under allied control. After the fleet had sailed the division dissolved on 10 September and most of its troops managed to evade the Germans and make for their homes. Organization Planned 6th Alpine Division "Alpi Graie", in Ivrea 3rd Alpini "Valley" Group Alpini Battalion "Val Pellice" Alpini Battalion "Susa" (regular battalion, transferred from the 3rd Alpini Regiment/ 1st Alpine Division "Taurinense") Alpini Battalion "Val Cenischia" 4th Alpini "Valley" Group Alpini Battalion "Val d’Orco" Alpini Battalion "Val Chisone" Alpini Battalion "Val Toce" 6th Alpine Artillery Regiment Alpine Artillery Group "Val d’Orco" Alpine Artillery Group "Val d’Adige" Alpine Artillery Group "Val Chisone" XI Mixed Alpine Engineer Battalion Command Platoon 1x Searchlight Section 1x Telegraph and Radio Operators Company 1x Engineer Company 230th Transport Section 310th Medical Section 101st Supply Section 420th Carabinieri Section 422nd Carabinieri Section 103rd Field Post Office Montenegro 1942 6th Alpine Division "Alpi Graie" 2nd Alpini "Valley" Group Alpini Battalion "Val Pescara" Alpini Battalion "Val Leogra" 4th Alpini