Changes

During [[Operation Barbarossa]] (the invasion of Russia) in August 1941, the 3rd Bersaglieri Regiment formed part of the vanguards to secure bridgeheads on the Dnieper and Don Rivers for the panzers units and supporting German infantry, a task which they carried out successfully and suffered heavy casualties defending during the Russian counterattacks in the [[First Battle of Kiev]].

During [[Operation Barbarossa]] (the invasion of Russia) in August 1941, the 3rd Bersaglieri Regiment formed part of the vanguards to secure bridgeheads on the Dnieper and Don Rivers for the panzers units and supporting German infantry, a task which they carried out successfully and suffered heavy casualties defending during the Russian counterattacks in the [[First Battle of Kiev]].

Their contribution with the 7th and 9th Bersaglieri Regiments successfully defending the Gazala Line during [[Operation Crusader]] on 15 December 1941, was also absolutely vital in defeating the British 1st Battalion, Royal East Kent Regiment (''The Buffs'') and other units from the British-officered 5th Indian Brigade, with over 1,000 British Commonwealth soldiers killed, wounded or captured during the Italo-German counterattack.<ref>"So, on the afternoon of 15 December, the Ariete with some 30 M13’s and with Bersaglieri motorcycle troops in close support, counterattacked along with the remaining 23 tanks of the 15th Panzer Division, and the attack was successful as the 1st Battalion, The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) and other troops of the 5th Indian Brigade lost over 1,000 men killed, wounded or taken prisoners."  [http://www.comandosupremo.com/bologna-division.html/6  The Bologna Division: 19 November – 10 December, 1941]</ref>  

 

Their contribution with the 7th and 9th Bersaglieri Regiments successfully defending the Gazala Line during on 15 December, was also absolutely vital in defeating the British 1st Battalion, Royal East Kent Regiment (''The Buffs'') and other units from the British-officered 5th Indian Brigade, with over 1,000 British Commonwealth soldiers killed, wounded or captured during the Italo-German counterattack.<ref>"So, on the afternoon of 15 December, the Ariete with some 30 M13’s and with Bersaglieri motorcycle troops in close support, counterattacked along with the remaining 23 tanks of the 15th Panzer Division, and the attack was successful as the 1st Battalion, The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) and other troops of the 5th Indian Brigade lost over 1,000 men killed, wounded or taken prisoners."  [http://www.comandosupremo.com/bologna-division.html/6  The Bologna Division: 19 November – 10 December, 1941]</ref>  

On 28 June 1942, the 12th Bersaglieri Regiment and supporting tanks from the ''Littorio'' Division surrounded the fortress of Marsa Matruh, ensuring the capture of 6,500 Allied soldiers.

On 28 June 1942, the 12th Bersaglieri Regiment and supporting tanks from the ''Littorio'' Division surrounded the fortress of Marsa Matruh, ensuring the capture of 6,500 Allied soldiers.