Brixia Model 35

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	Weapon: Brixia Model 35 Type: Mortar Country of Origin: Italy Year Adopted: 1935 Overall Length (mm): 1250.0 Overall Length (in): 49.21 Weight (kg): 11.00 Weight (pounds): 24.25

The Brixia Model 35 mortar was a light mortar developed and used by Italy during World War II. Designed by the Brescia-based company Societa Italiana Ernesto Breda, the Model 35 was unique for its semi-automatic operation and rapid rate of fire compared to traditional mortars. Chambered for 45mm rounds, it was manually loaded but used a lever mechanism to trigger the firing pin, allowing for a faster reload cycle. Its design prioritized mobility and adaptability for infantry units, with a compact and lightweight construction.

Produced from 1935 onward, the Brixia Model 35 was widely issued to Italian infantry units and saw extensive service in campaigns across North Africa, the Balkans, and the Eastern Front. Despite its innovative firing mechanism, the mortar's performance was often criticized due to its complex operation and limited explosive payload. These limitations led to mixed reviews from soldiers in the field, who found it reliable for suppressive fire but less effective for direct strikes compared to conventional mortars.

The Brixia Model 35 gained notoriety as an example of Italian ingenuity paired with practical shortcomings in battlefield conditions. While it could achieve a higher rate of fire than many contemporaries, its effectiveness was hampered by the relatively small and underpowered munitions it fired. The mortar remains a notable artifact of Italian military engineering and is remembered for its unique design and service during one of the most challenging periods in modern warfare history.