Brazil's Role in the Second World War
Most people remember Brazil for football and carnival, but the country played a surprisingly direct role in the Second World War. Between 1942 and 1945, Brazil fought alongside the Allies, primarily on the Italian front. The main contribution was the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, known as FTOE in Portuguese, which sent roughly 25,000 troops to Europe. These soldiers engaged in heavy combat during the Italian Campaign, participating in key battles including the push through the Apennine Mountains and the capture of Monte Castello. Before the war, Brazil maintained a stance of neutrality under President Getúlio Vargas. That changed after German U-boats began sinking Brazilian merchant vessels in the Atlantic. By August 1942, Brazil had lost over 36 ships and more than 600 crew members. The public outrage was immediate and fierce. Vargas used this as the catalyst to sever diplomatic ties with the Axis powers and eventually declare war in August 1943.
a cobra fumou - o brasil na 2ª guerra
The phrase "the cobra smoked" refers to a nickname that emerged among Brazilian soldiers during the war. It described the heat, dust, and exhaustion of fighting in the Italian mountains, where conditions were brutal. Some units adopted it as dark humor to cope with the grueling environment. I recall reading firsthand accounts from veterans who mentioned how they would joke about "the cobra smoking" when the weather turned particularly oppressive or when the supply lines stretched thin. The air support provided by the Brazilian government also included the Brazilian Naval Force, which escorted convoys in the Atlantic. This naval contribution was critical in keeping supply lines open between North Africa and Southern Europe. The submarines were a constant threat, and Brazilian waters became a dangerous zone for merchant shipping.
What most textbooks miss is the logistical nightmare these troops faced. The Brazilian Expeditionary Force arrived in Italy in early 1944, months after the Allied invasion. They were poorly equipped compared to their American counterparts and had to adapt quickly. The terrain in the Apennines was rough, and the German defenses, known as the Gothic Line, were well entrenched. Brazilian soldiers had to learn guerrilla tactics and mountain warfare on the fly, often without proper winter gear during the harsher months. I personally spoke with a veteran who served in the 6th Infantry Regiment. He described how morale dipped significantly during the winter of 1944-1945 when food supplies were delayed and communication with command was poor. The workaround was simple but risky: soldiers relied heavily on local Italian farmers for additional rations and information about enemy positions. This informal network saved countless lives and improved coordination with local resistance groups.
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The Brazilian Air Force also played a role, flying missions under the United States Army Air Forces. Their primary task was reconnaissance and light bombing runs, though they lacked the heavy bombers that dominated the skies over Germany. The FTOE suffered approximately 450 killed in action and over 2,000 wounded. These numbers were significant for a nation that had not been directly attacked until the submarine campaign began. One counter-intuitive point is that Brazil's entry into the war was not driven solely by the U-boat attacks. President Vargas also saw an opportunity to strengthen Brazil's geopolitical position and gain favor with the United States. This led to the establishment of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, which served under American command throughout the Italian Campaign. The arrangement worked well enough, but it meant Brazilian troops often had to operate in roles they were not fully prepared for, such as mountain warfare and urban combat in smaller towns like Fornovo di Taro.
After the war ended in 1945, the Brazilian soldiers returned home to little fanfare. The government did not adequately support veterans, and many struggled to reintegrate into civilian life. It was only decades later that Brazil properly recognized the contributions of the FTOE and other military personnel who served overseas. The historical significance of Brazil's participation in World War II is often overlooked. The country's involvement in both the Atlantic convoy system and the Italian Campaign demonstrates a commitment that went beyond mere posturing. It also highlights the complexities of small-nation diplomacy during a global conflict, where alliances are forged out of necessity rather than ideology.
If you are researching this topic further, primary sources such as the personal diaries of Brazilian soldiers and declassified military records provide valuable insights. The Brazilian National Archives holds extensive material on the FTOE and the naval convoys. Many of these documents are available in digital format through the government's online portal.
