Changes

On 1 November, the 3rd Bersaglieri Regiment defeated 3 Russian divisions defending [[Rykovo]] and conquered that city.<ref>" Il 1° novembre il 3° bersaglieri conquistò Rykovo; lo stesso giorno la Torino si attestò sul fiume Krinka, in zona Im. Karova-Korsuni, a protezione del fianco meridionale della Celere."La Storia della Dottrina e degli Ordinamenti dell'Esercito Italiano: t. 1. Da Vittorio Veneto alla 2a. Guerra Mondiale. t. 2. La 2a Guerra Mondiale (1940-1943), Stato maggiore dell'Esercito, Ufficio Storico, 1985</ref>  

On 1 November, the 3rd Bersaglieri Regiment defeated 3 Russian divisions defending [[Rykovo]] and conquered that city.<ref>" Il 1° novembre il 3° bersaglieri conquistò Rykovo; lo stesso giorno la Torino si attestò sul fiume Krinka, in zona Im. Karova-Korsuni, a protezione del fianco meridionale della Celere."La Storia della Dottrina e degli Ordinamenti dell'Esercito Italiano: t. 1. Da Vittorio Veneto alla 2a. Guerra Mondiale. t. 2. La 2a Guerra Mondiale (1940-1943), Stato maggiore dell'Esercito, Ufficio Storico, 1985</ref>  

On 1 December, the ''Trieste'' Division, reinforced by the 9th Bersaglieri Regiment, cut off the supply route the 2nd New Zealand Division had established with the Tobruk garrison.  

On December 1st, the ''Trieste'' Division, reinforced by the 9th Bersaglieri Regiment, cut off the supply route the 2nd New Zealand Division had established with the Tobruk garrison.  

The successful defense of the Gazala Line on the part of the 7th and 9th Bersaglieri Regiments on 15 December, was also absolutely vital in the defeat of 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 Imperial troops killed, wounded or captured during Rommel's 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>  

The successful defense of the Gazala Line on the part of the 7th and 9th Bersaglieri Regiments on December 15th, was also absolutely vital in the defeat of 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 Imperial troops killed, wounded or captured during Rommel's 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 December, the 25th Bersaglieri Battalion along with the 63rd Blackshirt Battalion captured Kolkhoz Voroshilova & Rassipnoy on the Russian Front.<ref>"The Italo-German force in the Celere Division's sector experienced more success,as German paratroopers captured the stretch of double railroad track at Kulinatskiy, and the 63rd Blackshirt Battalion, captured Kolkhoz Voroshilova, which was below the commanding height at Kurgun Ostriy. The German 318th Regiment captured the village of Greko-Timofeyevskiy from the Rifle Division, while the XXV Bersaglieri Battalion took Rassipnoy." Three Kings: Axis Royal Armies on the Russian Front 1941, Patrick Cloutier, p. 140, 2015</ref>  

On December 28th, the 25th Bersaglieri Battalion along with the 63rd Blackshirt Battalion captured Kolkhoz Voroshilova & Rassipnoy on the Russian Front.<ref>"The Italo-German force in the Celere Division's sector experienced more success,as German paratroopers captured the stretch of double railroad track at Kulinatskiy, and the 63rd Blackshirt Battalion, captured Kolkhoz Voroshilova, which was below the commanding height at Kurgun Ostriy. The German 318th Regiment captured the village of Greko-Timofeyevskiy from the Rifle Division, while the XXV Bersaglieri Battalion took Rassipnoy." Three Kings: Axis Royal Armies on the Russian Front 1941, Patrick Cloutier, p. 140, 2015</ref>  

On 28 June, the 12th Bersaglieri Regiment and supporting tanks from the ''Littorio'' Division surrounded Mersa Matruh, with the British garrison attempting to break out under the cover of darkness largely frustrated. The next day, the 7th Bersaglieri Regiment (under Colonel Ugo Scirocco) also met with success when the 10th and 11th Bersaglieri Battalions stormed the British fortress and took 6,500 prisoners in the [[Battle of Mersa Matruh]].  

On June 28th, the 12th Bersaglieri Regiment and supporting tanks from the ''Littorio'' Division surrounded Mersa Matruh, with the British garrison attempting to break out under the cover of darkness largely frustrated. The next day, the 7th Bersaglieri Regiment (under Colonel Ugo Scirocco) also met with success when the 10th and 11th Bersaglieri Battalions stormed the British fortress and took 6,500 prisoners in the [[Battle of Mersa Matruh]].  

In July 1942 the spearhead of the 8th Italian Army, 6th Bersaglieri Regiment, captured Krasnij Lutsch and Ivanowka with 30,000 Russians  (mainly through desertion) falling into Italian hands in the following weeks.<ref>"Ma la gran massa dei prigionieri che in certe fasi delle operazioni affluivano a questi campi rese praticamente difficile, se non impossibile, un sostanziale miglioramento: ricordo, ad esempio, che nei mesi di luglio-agosto del 1942 nel campo di Millerowo, con un'organizzazione logistica molto primitiva, furono concentrati oltre 30.000 prigionieri, con le conseguenze che è facile immaginare." La Guerra al Fronte Russo: il Corpo di spedizione italiano in Russia (CSIR), Giovanni Messe, p. 87, Mursia, 2005</ref>  

In July 1942 the spearhead of the 8th Italian Army, 6th Bersaglieri Regiment, captured Krasnij Lutsch and Ivanowka with 30,000 Russians  (mainly through desertion) falling into Italian hands in the following weeks.<ref>"Ma la gran massa dei prigionieri che in certe fasi delle operazioni affluivano a questi campi rese praticamente difficile, se non impossibile, un sostanziale miglioramento: ricordo, ad esempio, che nei mesi di luglio-agosto del 1942 nel campo di Millerowo, con un'organizzazione logistica molto primitiva, furono concentrati oltre 30.000 prigionieri, con le conseguenze che è facile immaginare." La Guerra al Fronte Russo: il Corpo di spedizione italiano in Russia (CSIR), Giovanni Messe, p. 87, Mursia, 2005</ref>  

During the [[First Battle of El Alamein]], the 7th and 9th Bersaglieri Regiments along with the ''Sabratha'', ''Trento'' and ''Trieste'' Divisions showed great courage, derailing both the 9th Australian Division advance developing from Tel el Eisa on 11 July and the 2nd New Zealand Division attack against Ruweisat Ridge on 22 July.<ref>[http://www.comandosupremo.com/1elalamein.html First Battle of El Alamein COMANDO SUPREMO/ITALY AT WAR]</ref>  

During the [[First Battle of El Alamein]], the 7th and 9th Bersaglieri Regiments along with the ''Sabratha'', ''Trento'' and ''Trieste'' Divisions showed great courage, derailing both the 9th Australian Division advance developing from Tel el Eisa on July 11th and the 2nd New Zealand Division attack against Ruweisat Ridge on July 22nd.<ref>[http://www.comandosupremo.com/1elalamein.html First Battle of El Alamein COMANDO SUPREMO/ITALY AT WAR]</ref>  

During the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]], the 12th Bersaglieri Regiment fought especially hard, manning the Italian 47mm and 90mm guns (often confused with the German 88mm ''flak'' guns) and field guns of the ''Littorio'' Armoured Division in defence of El Aqqaqir Ridge, destroying 70 tanks from the British 9th Armoured Brigade in the process.<ref>[http://www.ilprimatonazionale.it/cultura/el-alamein-battaglia-folgore-32837/ El-Alamein: la battaglia che consacrò il valore del soldato italiano]</ref> Berlin Radio acknowledged that in this sector the ''"British were made to pay for their penetration with enormous losses in men and material. The Italians fought till the last man."''<ref>Rolling Thunder: A Century of Tank Warfare, Philip Kaplan, p. 139, Pen and Sword, 2013</ref>  

During the [[Second Battle of El Alamein]], the 12th Bersaglieri Regiment fought especially hard, manning the Italian 47mm and 90mm guns (often confused with the German 88mm ''flak'' guns) and field guns of the ''Littorio'' Armoured Division in defence of El Aqqaqir Ridge, destroying 70 tanks from the British 9th Armoured Brigade in the process.<ref>[http://www.ilprimatonazionale.it/cultura/el-alamein-battaglia-folgore-32837/ El-Alamein: la battaglia che consacrò il valore del soldato italiano]</ref> Berlin Radio acknowledged that in this sector the ''"British were made to pay for their penetration with enormous losses in men and material. The Italians fought till the last man."''<ref>Rolling Thunder: A Century of Tank Warfare, Philip Kaplan, p. 139, Pen and Sword, 2013</ref>  

The Bersaglieri fought again during the [[Battle of Kasserine Pass]] as the Axis spearhead, with the 5th and 7th Bersaglieri Regiments capturing around 2,450 British, American and French troops and covering Rommel's withdrawal. Field Marshal Erwin Rommel had special words of praise for the  Bersaglieri, with their senior commander, Colonel Luigi Bonfatti killed leading the attack.

The Bersaglieri fought again during the [[Battle of Kasserine Pass]] as the Axis spearhead, with the 5th and 7th Bersaglieri Regiments capturing around 2,450 British, American and French troops and covering Rommel's withdrawal. Field Marshal Erwin Rommel had special words of praise for the  Bersaglieri, with their senior commander, Colonel Luigi Bonfatti killed leading the attack.

On 3 March, the 10th Bersaglieri Regiment supported by 30 tanks attacked the British lines, hoping to repeat the success at Kasserine Pass.<ref>"On February 22— facing poor terrain for mobile operations, increased Alled resistance, and a lack of cooperation from Arnim— Rommel withdrew artfully to prepare for a similiar operation against General Bernard L. Montgomery's British Eighth Army on the Mareth Line to the east." George S. Patton, Earle Rice, pg. 78, Infobase Publishing, 2009</ref> According to Associated Press war correspondent Don Whitehead:{{cquote|Last night three companies of Italians followed by 30 tanks and lorried infantry attacked the Highlander's advance screen. The Jocks “mowed 'em down”—and didn't lose a man. The tanks and infantry scurried back to the safety of the hills. Half the Italians were killed.<ref>Combat Reporter: Don Whitehead's World War II Diary and Memoirs, pg. 125, Fordham Univ Press, 2006</ref>}}

On March 3rd, the 10th Bersaglieri Regiment supported by 30 tanks attacked the British lines, hoping to repeat the success at Kasserine Pass.<ref>"On February 22— facing poor terrain for mobile operations, increased Alled resistance, and a lack of cooperation from Arnim— Rommel withdrew artfully to prepare for a similiar operation against General Bernard L. Montgomery's British Eighth Army on the Mareth Line to the east." George S. Patton, Earle Rice, pg. 78, Infobase Publishing, 2009</ref> According to Associated Press war correspondent Don Whitehead:{{cquote|Last night three companies of Italians followed by 30 tanks and lorried infantry attacked the Highlander's advance screen. The Jocks “mowed 'em down”—and didn't lose a man. The tanks and infantry scurried back to the safety of the hills. Half the Italians were killed.<ref>Combat Reporter: Don Whitehead's World War II Diary and Memoirs, pg. 125, Fordham Univ Press, 2006</ref>}}

During the [[Battle of Maknassy Pass]], the 10th Panzer Division and supporting 7th Bersaglieri Regiment attacked Lieutenant-Colonel Robert H. York's 1st Battalion from the 18th Infantry Regiment (US 1st Infantry Division) and the Panzers penetrated the valley between the US 1st and 3rd Battalions, reaching a position about six miles behind the 1st Battalion.<ref>''"On March 23, Lieutenant Colonel Robert H. York commanded the 1st Battalion of an Infantry Regiment of the First Division, which was in position on the northeastern slopes of Djebel Berda, generally facing Hill 369, about seven miles east of El Guettar. At dawn that day, the German 10th Panzer Division and elements of the Italian 7th Bersaglieri Regiment attacked the 1st Division with at least two hundred vehicles. Colonel York's regiment, owing to its position, bore the brunt of the attack. The enemy tanks succeeded in penetrating the valley between the 3d and 1st Battalions which held the high ground on either side and some of the enemy tanks reached a position about six miles to the rear of the 1st Battalion before the attack was finally broken down."'' Infantry Journal, Volumes 54-55, p. 42, United States Infantry Association, 1944</ref> The Panzer Division with the help of the Bersaglieri riding in half-tracks, trucks and motorcycles overrun the US 32nd Field Artillery Battalion and part of the US 5th Field Artillery Battalion, with the Italian Supreme Command reporting that 170 Allied troops had been captured in the counterattack.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1955&dat=19430324&id=M4ohAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dZgFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2523,3907893&hl=en Yankee Units Within Hour's Drive of Sea; Blast 30 Nazi Tanks, Reading Eagle, 24 March 1943]</ref>   

During the [[Battle of Maknassy Pass]], the 10th Panzer Division and supporting 7th Bersaglieri Regiment attacked Lieutenant-Colonel Robert H. York's 1st Battalion from the 18th Infantry Regiment (US 1st Infantry Division) and the Panzers penetrated the valley between the US 1st and 3rd Battalions, reaching a position about six miles behind the 1st Battalion.<ref>''"On March 23, Lieutenant Colonel Robert H. York commanded the 1st Battalion of an Infantry Regiment of the First Division, which was in position on the northeastern slopes of Djebel Berda, generally facing Hill 369, about seven miles east of El Guettar. At dawn that day, the German 10th Panzer Division and elements of the Italian 7th Bersaglieri Regiment attacked the 1st Division with at least two hundred vehicles. Colonel York's regiment, owing to its position, bore the brunt of the attack. The enemy tanks succeeded in penetrating the valley between the 3d and 1st Battalions which held the high ground on either side and some of the enemy tanks reached a position about six miles to the rear of the 1st Battalion before the attack was finally broken down."'' Infantry Journal, Volumes 54-55, p. 42, United States Infantry Association, 1944</ref> The Panzer Division with the help of the Bersaglieri riding in half-tracks, trucks and motorcycles overrun the US 32nd Field Artillery Battalion and part of the US 5th Field Artillery Battalion, with the Italian Supreme Command reporting that 170 Allied troops had been captured in the counterattack.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1955&dat=19430324&id=M4ohAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dZgFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2523,3907893&hl=en Yankee Units Within Hour's Drive of Sea; Blast 30 Nazi Tanks, Reading Eagle, 24 March 1943]</ref>