Changes

The 132nd Tank Regiment’s battalions (initially the VII, VIII and IX, the former two later replaced by the X and XIII) came equipped with M13/40 or M14/41 medium tanks, and, starting in early 1942, with Semovente 75/18 battalions from the 132nd Artillery Regiment.

The 132nd Tank Regiment’s battalions (initially the VII, VIII and IX, the former two later replaced by the X and XIII) came equipped with M13/40 or M14/41 medium tanks, and, starting in early 1942, with Semovente 75/18 battalions from the 132nd Artillery Regiment.

The division maintained its excellent combat record in Libya and Egypt, its contribution was felt everywhere in that theatre. It took part in the second counteroffensive invasion and took part in the battles around El Alamein. During the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]], it consciously sacrificed approximately 120 of its tanks in the attempt to counter the British offensive and cover the withdrawal of the Germans. Its gallantry gained the respect and praise of both the British Commonwealth forces and the Afrika Korps.

The division maintained its excellent combat record in Libya and Egypt, overrunning several Allied units during [[Operation Crusader]]. It took part in Rommel's second desert offensive and took part in the battles around El Alamein. During the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]], the ''Ariete''lost approximately 120 of its tanks in the attempt to counter the British offensive and cover the withdrawal of the Germans. Its gallantry gained the respect and praise of both the British Commonwealth forces and the Afrika Korps.

 

 

 

Ariete Tactical Group kept fighting throughout the long retreat and subsequent battles in Tunisia, and was later forced to surrender along with the whole Axis Army in North Africa.