The Division was formed from former Italian personnel and new conscripts from Northern Italy. The Division was trained in Germany and was ready for combat in July 1944. It was named for
Saint Mark, historically the patron of
Venice and the
Veneto. The 14,000 men strong Division was then sent to
Liguria and was from July to October 1944, part of the
Army Group Liguria under Marshal Graziani. It made defensive preparations against a possible Allied landing and was also engaged in anti-partisan operations. Unlike the
Monterosa Division which was sent to fight against the Americans at the
Gothic Line, most of the San Marco Division remained in Liguria for the rest of the war fighting partisans. In August 1944 a unit was sent to France to fight against the Allies near Toulon, and two battalions were deployed along the Gothic Line to reinforce the Italian-German defence. In Liguria, many soldiers of the Division deserted, and some 2,000 men were killed or wounded in the actions against the partisans. On 24 April 1945 General Farina received the order to retreat from Liguria to the Ticino-Po line. The San Marco Division crossed the Po River and surrendered to the Allies at
Mede, Lombardy on 29 April 1945. ==Commanders==