The Italian Semovente M41M da 90/53 Tank Destroyer Part II -Training

The Semovente M41Ms were organized into three groups and sent to Nettuno for training in August 1942. There the crews learned to operate their new mounts as the Italian high command debated where best to employ them.

Crewmembers pose for the photographer at Nettuno. Note the vehicle is still finished in overall Gray Green and the unpainted portion of the gun barrel. The radio antenna is folded to the side where it is stowed using a shepherd hook.

A vehicle commander seated in his position. Neither he nor the driver were provided with vision slots or periscopes and had to open their hatches to see out. In the background are a pair of Carri Armati L6/40 Trasporto Munizioni which were allocated one to each Semovente.

A Sevomente and its attending Carri Armati pass a group of Italian officers. The vehicles have received field-applied camouflage over the factory Gray Green. Note the canvas cover over the breach of the 90/53 gun and the Breda Model 1938 machine gun mounted to the carrier.

A column of Sevomente and Carri Armati on a roadway with their crews standing by for inspection.

A fully loaded Carri Armati L6/40 Trasporto Munizioni with a Breda mounted for self-defense.

A crewman poses with a 90mm High Explosive round at Nettuno. The projectile weighed 21.7 pounds (10.3 kg). The 90mm/53 had a muzzle velocity of 2,790 ft/sec (850 m/s) which compared quite favorably to contemporary guns.

A souvenir photo of Sevomente crewmen posing next to their vehicle, an excellent reference for uniform details! The vehicle has also gained an additional camouflage color.

Part III here: https://inchhighguy.wordpress.com/2025/12/17/the-italian-semovente-m41m-da-90-53-tank-destroyer-part-iii-combat/