Changes

The 1st "Centauro" Armoured Brigade was raised in April 1937, and, along with the 132nd "Ariete" Armoured Division, formed part of the Italian Armoured Corps. The two units took part in the first corps-level exercises in the Po Valley in the late 1930s. In February 1939, the "Centauro" was re-designated a division.

The 1st "Centauro" Armoured Brigade was raised in April 1937, and, along with the 132nd "Ariete" Armoured Division, formed part of the Italian Armoured Corps. The two units took part in the first corps-level exercises in the Po Valley in the late 1930s. In February 1939, the "Centauro" was re-designated a division.

==North Africa==

==North Africa==

''Late in the morning, a superior enemy force launched an attack on Combat Group Ariete, which was located south-west of El Agheila, with its right flank resting on the Sebcha Chebira and its left linking up with 90th Light Division. Bitter fighting ensued against 80 British tanks and lasted for nearly ten hours. The Italians put up a magnificent fight, for which they deserved the utmost credit. Finally, in the evening, the British were thrown back by a counter attack of the Centauro's armoured regiment, leaving 22 tanks and 2 amoured cars burnt out or damaged on the battlefield. The British intention of cutting off the 90th Light Division had been foiled.'' <ref>The Rommel Papers, US version, p. 373</ref>  

''Late in the morning, a superior enemy force launched an attack on Combat Group Ariete, which was located south-west of El Agheila, with its right flank resting on the Sebcha Chebira and its left linking up with 90th Light Division. Bitter fighting ensued against 80 British tanks and lasted for nearly ten hours. The Italians put up a magnificent fight, for which they deserved the utmost credit. Finally, in the evening, the British were thrown back by a counter attack of the Centauro's armoured regiment, leaving 22 tanks and 2 amoured cars burnt out or damaged on the battlefield. The British intention of cutting off the 90th Light Division had been foiled.'' <ref>The Rommel Papers, US version, p. 373</ref>  

The armoured division took part n several actions in Tunisia and according to US historian Brian John Murphy (after leading the Axis armoured advance through Kasserine Pass), overran a good part of the US forces deployed along Highway 13 that were blocking the route to Tebessa during the Battle of Kasserine Pass:

The armoured division took part in several actions in the [[Tunisian Campaign]] and according to US historian Brian John Murphy (after leading the Axis armoured advance through Kasserine Pass), overran a good part of the US forces deployed along Highway 13 that were blocking the route to Tebessa during the [[Battle of Kasserine Pass]]:

''Axis forces also made a breakthrough on Highway 13, where the Italians of the Centauro Division spearheaded the attack. In the early morning hours, the Italians pressed their offensive, broke through the remains of the American line, and continued up Highway 13.''<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20090131023222/http://www.americainwwii.com/stories/facingthefox.htm Facing The Fox]</ref>  

''Axis forces also made a breakthrough on Highway 13, where the Italians of the Centauro Division spearheaded the attack. In the early morning hours, the Italians pressed their offensive, broke through the remains of the American line, and continued up Highway 13.''<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20090131023222/http://www.americainwwii.com/stories/facingthefox.htm Facing The Fox]</ref>