The division was stationed in southern Italy and after the announcement of the Armistice of Cassibile resisted advancing German forces.

[1][2] The division's lineage begins with the Brigade "Piceno" raised on 6 February 1917 with the 235th and 236th infantry regiments.

[3][4][5] In early March 1942 the 236th Infantry Regiment left the division and was sent to Sardinia, where it was tasked with guarding the air base at Milis.

[7] In June 1942 the division was transferred to Apulia and tasked with the coastal defence of the Salento peninsula.

The division's units were garrisoned in Brindisi, Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, Gallipoli, and Leporano.