Italo Balbo

Italo Balbo , 1896-1940, Italian Fascist leader and aviator. After serving in World War I, he joined the Fascist movement and in 1922 was one of the four top leaders of the March on Rome, which brought Mussolini to power. A general of the Fascist militia, he held several cabinet posts and was (1929-33) minister of aviation. He efficiently developed aviation in Italy and led mass flights, the most notable being Rome-Rio de Janeiro and Rome-Chicago (1933). As governor-general of Libya (1933-40) he attempted to gain Muslim support for Fascism. He was killed when his plane crashed at Tobruk, Libya, apparently shot down accidentally by Italian antiaircraft artillery.

Balbo, Italo (b. 6 June 1896, d. 28 June 1940). Italian Fascist After participating in World War I he became a leader of the Fascist blackshirts. He organized the March on Rome in 1922, and in 1923 was appointed head of the Fascist militia. He became the central innovator of the Italian air force first as Under-Secretary (1926–9), then as Chief Minister (1929–33). As governor of Libya from January 1934 he attempted to modernize the colony to turn it into an integral part of Italy. Although opposed to Mussolini's pro-German and anti-Semitic policies, he remained loyal to the regime and led the Italian forces in the North African Campaigns in World War II. He died when his aeroplane was shot down accidentally by Italian batteries.