Changes

The Bersaglieri regiments expanded to three battalions each during the Second World War, but the ''Comando Surpemo'' (Italian Supreme Command) resisted temptations to water down their quality, and recruits had to be of above-average height and stamina. The recruits endured intense physical training, just as their fathers and great-grandfathers had, and had to qualify as excellent marksmen.   

The Bersaglieri regiments expanded to three battalions each during the Second World War, but the ''Comando Surpemo'' (Italian Supreme Command) resisted temptations to water down their quality, and recruits had to be of above-average height and stamina. The recruits endured intense physical training, just as their fathers and great-grandfathers had, and had to qualify as excellent marksmen.   

In all, six of the 12 Bersaglieri regiments fought in North Africa, compiling an excellent combat record. During the Tunisian Campaign, Bersaglieri units often fought to the last man to hold a position while German units retreated or surrendered.

In all, six of the 12 Bersaglieri regiments fought in North Africa, compiling an excellent combat record. During the Tunisian Campaign, Bersaglieri units often fought to the last man to hold a position while German units retreated or surrendered.

Bersaglieri units also fought on the Eastern front against the Red Army.

Bersaglieri units also fought on the Eastern front against the Red Army.

The Bersaglieri fought in the [[Greco-Italian War]] and invasion of Yugoslavia. The first Bersaglieri to see combat in North Africa was the Special Armoured Brigade. They arrived in Libya in late 1940. It met fought well in defence of Derna, when British tanks and armoured car units were ambushed.

The Bersaglieri fought in the [[Greco-Italian War]] and invasion of Yugoslavia. The first Bersaglieri to see combat in North Africa was the Special Armoured Brigade. They arrived in Libya in late 1940. It met fought well in defence of Derna, when British tanks and armoured car units were ambushed.