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1st Bersaglieri Regiment

(Redirected from 1st Bersaglieri Battalion "La Marmora")

The 1st Bersaglieri Regiment (Italian: 1° Reggimento Bersaglieri) is an active unit of the Italian Army based in Cosenza in the Calabria region. The regiment is part of the Italian infantry corps' Bersaglieri speciality and operationally assigned to the Bersaglieri Brigade "Garibaldi". The regiment is the most often decorated unit of the Italian Army with 14 medals for military valor.[3] The regiment was formed in 1861 by the Royal Italian Army with preexisting battalions. During World War I the regiment served on the Italian front.[4][5]

1st Bersaglieri Regiment
1° Reggimento bersaglieri
Regimental coat of arms
Active16 April 1861 — 8 Sept. 1943
1 Jan. 1953 — today
Country Italy
BranchItalian Army
Part ofBersaglieri Brigade "Garibaldi"
Garrison/HQCosenza
Motto(s)"Ictu impetuque primus"
Anniversaries18 June 1836
Decorations

2x Military Order of Italy[1]
1x Gold Medal of Military Valor
2x Silver Medals of Military Valor
11xBronze Medal of Military Valor[2]
Insignia
Bersaglieri gorget patches

During World War II the regiment was assigned to the 2nd Cavalry Division "Emanuele Filiberto Testa di Ferro". In 1953 the regiment was reformed and in 1958 it was assigned to the Infantry Division "Granatieri di Sardegna". In 1964 the regiment was transferred to the Armored Division "Centauro". In 1976 the regiment was disbanded and its flag and traditions assigned to the 1st Bersaglieri Battalion "La Marmora". The regiment was reformed in 1995. In 2005 the regiment was assigned to the Mechanized Brigade "Garibaldi". The regiment's anniversary falls, as for all Bersaglieri units, on 18 June 1836, the day the Bersaglieri speciality was founded.[3][4][5]

History

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On 16 April 1861 the 1st Army Corps Bersaglieri Command was formed in Cuneo. The command had purely administrative functions and consisted of the preexisting I, IX, XIII, XIX, XXI, and XXVII battalions, and a depot battalion. On 31 December 1861 the command was renamed 1st Bersaglieri Regiment, but continued to exert only administrative functions. On 18 December 1864 the Bersaglieri regiments were reduced from six to five and consequently the 4th Bersaglieri Regiment was disbanded and its VI and VII battalions were transferred to the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment. In 1866, in preparation for the Third Italian War of Independence, the regiment formed the XLI Battalion, which was disbanded in December 1870.[4][5]

On 1 January 1871 the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment was reorganized as an operational regiment with the I Battalion, VII Battalion, IX Battalion, and XXVII Battalion, while the VI Battalion, XIII Battalion, XIX Battalion, and XXI Battalion were transferred to the reformed 6th Bersaglieri Regiment. The four remaining battalions were renumbered as I, II, III, and IV battalion. On 16 September 1883 the IV Battalion was transferred to the newly formed 11th Bersaglieri Regiment. On 18 June 1886, all Bersaglieri battalions resumed their original numbering and afterwards the 2nd Bersaglieri Regiment consisted of the I Battalion, VII Battalion, and IX Battalion.[4][5]

The I Battalion had been formed by the Royal Sardinian Army in 1848 and included the 1st Company, which had been formed in July 1836 and was the Bersaglieri speciality's oldest company. In 1848 the battalion fought in the First Italian War of Independence. On 6 May 1848, during the Battle of Santa Lucia, the battalion's 1st Company distinguished itself fighting inside the walls of the city of Verona. For this the 1st Company was awarded a Bronze Medal of Military Valor. On 18 June 1848, the battalion's 3rd Company, which had been formed with volunteer students, distinguished itself fighting on Monte Baldo and was awarded a Bronze Medal of Military Valor. On 22-25 July the battalion's 1st Company distinguished itself in the Battle of Custoza and was awarded its second Bronze Medal of Military Valor. On 5 April 1849 the battalion's 2nd Company and 4th Company helped crush the revolt of the citizens of Genoa against the Sardinian occupation. Each of the two companies was awarded a Bronze Medal of Military Valor for the suppression of the revolt. All five Bronze Medals of Military Valor were affixed to the flag of the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment and added to the regiment's coat of arms, when the I Battalion joined the regiment.[2][4][5]

In 1849 the Royal Sardinian Army formed the VII Battalion and in 1850 the IX Battalion. In 1855 the I Battalion's 1st and 2nd companies were assigned to the I Provisional Bersaglieri Battalion, while the VII Battalion's 25th and 26th companies were assigned to the IV Provisional Bersaglieri Battalion, and the IX Battalion's 33rd and 34th companies were assigned to the V Provisional Bersaglieri Battalion. The three provisional battalions were part of the Sardinian Expeditionary Corps, which fought in the Crimean War. The battalions fought in the Battle of the Chernaya and the Siege of Sevastopol.[4][5]

In 1859 the three battalions participated in the Second Italian War of Independence. On 21-25 May 1859 the VII Battalion distinguished itself during the crossing of the Sesia river and the advance towards Palestro and Borgo Vercelli. Five days later, on 30-31 May 1859, the VII Battalion displayed exceptional bravery during the Battle of Palestro. For the crossing of the Sesia and advance to Palestro the VII Battalion was awarded a Bronze Medal of Military Valor and for its conduct in the Battle of Palestro the VII Battalion was awarded Gold Medal of Military Valor. Both medals were affixed to the flag of the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment and added to the regiment's coat of arms, when the VII Battalion joined the regiment. On 24 June 1859 the three battalions fought in the Battle of Solferino, during which the I Battalion distinguished itself and was awarded a Bronze Medal of Military Valor, which was affixed to the flag of the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment and added to the regiment's coat of arms, when the battalion joined the regiment.[2][4][5]

 
Bersaglieri of the I Battalion and Giuseppe Garibaldi's Redshirts during the Battle of the Volturno

In 1860 the three battalions participated in the Sardinian campaign in central and southern Italy, during which the IX Battalion's 35th Company distinguished itself during the storming of the fortress of Spoleto. For this the company was awarded a Bronze Medal of Military Valor, which was affixed to the flag of the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment and added to the regiment's coat of arms, when the battalion joined the regiment. On 2 October 1860, the I Battalion fought with Giuseppe Garibaldi's Redshirts in the Battle of the Volturno against the troops of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. In 1861, after the conquest of Southern Italy, the VII Battalion was awarded Bronze Medal of Military Valor for its conduct during the campaign. The same year the the IX Battalion was awarded Bronze Medal of Military Valor for having suppressed the anti-Sardinian revolt in Abruzzo after region had been annexed, along with the rest of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies, by the Kingdom of Sardinia. Both medals were affixed to the flag of the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment and added to the regiment's coat of arms, when the two battalions joined the regiment.[2][4][5]

In 1866 the battalions participated in the Third Italian War of Independence, during which the battalions fought in the Battle of Custoza and at Borgoforte. In 1887-88 the regiment's 6th Company was deployed to Eritrea for the Italo-Ethiopian War of 1887–1889. In 1895-96 the regiment provided 12 officers and 274 troops to augment units fighting in the First Italo-Ethiopian War. On 1 October 1910 the regiment's depot in San Remo formed the I Cyclists Battalion. In 1911, the regiment provided 4 officers and 454 troops to augment units fighting in the Italo-Turkish War.[4][5]

World War I

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The 1st Bersaglieri Regiment did not take part in the Italian front. On 19 May 1915 the whole Regiment (with the exception of the I Cyclists Battalion) arrived in Libya. The Regiment gained the LV Battalion (established on 5 January 1915); the Battalion was sent to Misurata and fought in Ras-Bu-Kormar, Funduk ad in Marmarica.[6] In February 1916 the Regimental Command was repatriated leaving the Battalions, now autonomous, in Libya until 1918. A provisional Company drawn from the Regiment was assigned to the expeditionary corps in Palestina in 1917.[6]

On 15 May 1918, the 3 autonomous Battalions were repatriated back into Italy and the 1st Regiment was reestablished and sent to Vicenza, which were reached by the LV Battalion on 7 July 1918; however, I, VII, and IX Battalions were assigned to the various Assault Groups and sent in various locations.[6]

The I Cyclists Battalion fought valiantly and was decorated with the Bronze Medal of Military Valor.[6]

During World War I, the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment was headquartered in Naples, and recruited from Cefalù, Frosinone, Ivrea, Lecco, Mondovì, Pesaro, Pistoia, Reggio Calabria, and Siena Districts, while it mobilized also from Avellino, Benevento, Campagna, Nola, Salerno, and Castrovillari Districts.[6]

The I Cyclists Battalion was disestablished in March 1919.

The IX and VII Battalions were transformed in cadre units in 1920. The VII Battalion was re-established on 30 April 1923. From July 1924 to 1936, the Regiment was transformed into a Cyclists Regiment. In 1926 the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment consisted of the Regiment Command, the I and VII Battalions, and Depot.

In 1939, the IX Battalion was re-established within the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment and a Motorcyclists Company was added to the Regiment. In April 1939, The Regiment took part in the Italian invasion of Albania.[7]

World War II: 1940-1943

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Bersaglieri in Yugoslavia

The 1st Bersaglieri Regiment fought on the Western Front, in Albania, and in Southern France.[4]

With the beginning of World War II, the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment was placed within the Celere Group of the 1st Army, moving its headquarters in Naples.[8]

In November 1940, the IX Battalion crossed the Yugoslavian border; the VII Battalion was assigned to Division "Bari" and employed in border clashes. On 14 November, the I Battalion was assigned to the Alpine Division "Julia"; in Albania, the I and VII Battalions were employed on 17 November.[8]

As a whole, the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment counter-attacked around Vrumbellake mountain, but soon retreated, in order to protect the left flank of the Division "Vicenza". From 29 November 1940 to 28 February 1941 the Regimental Command and the IX Battalion fought on the Greek front in Ezeke, Ocrida and Kalase mountain.[8]

On 22 January 1941, the IX Battalion was assigned to the III Army Corps; on 15 February, the remaining Regiment incorporated the 81st Replacements Battalion of the 5th Bersaglieri Regiment. In early March 1941, the Regiment supported the Armoured Division "Centauro", being tasked with the defence of Scutari.[8]

In April 1941, the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment counter-attacked and on 17 April 1941 it reached Ragusa. After two more months, the Regiment came back to Italy on 24 June 1941. On 31 July 1941, the Regiment was assigned to the 8th Army, tasked with the defence of Southern Italy, and on 15 August 1941 it was moved to Calabria.[8]

A year later, in August 1942, the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment was moved to Piedmont and, in November, into France around Draguignon. From January to August 1943 the Regiment carried out police operations; the II Battalion was moved to Nice on 28 April 1943 in order to deal with public order service, while in late June 1943 the Motorcycles Company participated in an important police operation around Entreveaux.[8]

Bersaglieri in Naples fought against German troops on 8 September 1943.[8] Due to the Armistice of Cassibile, the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment was disbanded in Turin area.[4]

Between 1940 and 1943, the Regiment consisted of:[8]

  • Regiment Command;
  • Regimental Command Company;
  • I Cyclist Bersaglieri Battalion;
  • VII Cyclist Bersaglieri Battalion;
  • IX Cyclist Bersaglieri Battalion;
  • 81st Replacement Battalion;
  • 1st Anti-tank Company.

Cold War: 1953-1976

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After World War II, Bersaglieri Regiments were the infantry element of the armoured brigades, which were considered to be a quick reaction force.[9]p. 60 According to 1951 organic tables, Bersaglieri regiments had a Regimental Command, 3 Battalions and an Anti-tank Company each.[9]p. 58

The 1st Bersaglieri Regiment was re-established on 1 January 1953.[4] The Regiment was subordinated to the Armoured Division "Pozzuolo del Friuli"; the Regiment included the I and VII Battalions and, since 1 March 1954, the IX Battalion. While the Regiment as a whole was headquartered in Viterbo, I and VII Battalions were based in Rome and IX Battalion was based in Civitavecchia.[9]p. 70

In 1956 the Army structure was modified again. The new organization of a Bersaglieri Regiment consisted of a Regimental Command Company (Command Platoon, Signals Platoon, Services Platoon), an Anti-tank Company (with three Platoons) and three Battalions. Each Battalion, in turn, consisted of a Command Company, 3 Bersaglieri Companies and 1 Support weapons Company.[9]p. 117

1958 was a year full of modifications. On 30 April 1958, the IX Battalion became IX Mechanized Bersaglieri Battalion and it was moved to the 4th Armoured Infantry Regiment. The following day, the I and III Tank Battalions were transferred from the 4th Armoured Infantry Regiment, making the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment an armoured unit, with 2 Bersaglieri Battalions (I and VII Battalions) and 2 Tank Battalions (I and III Battalions).

In the late 1958, the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment lost the I Bersaglieri Battalion and the III Tank Battalion to the 182nd Armoured Infantry Regiment "Garibaldi". The remaining structure consisted of Regimental Command, VII Bersaglieri Battalion and I Tank Battalion, with the name of 1st Armoured Bersaglieri Regiment. At the end of 1958, the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment was assigned to the Armoured Division "Pozzuolo del Friuli" in Civitavecchia.[9]p. 121

In January 1959, the Regiment was assigned to the Infantry Division "Granatieri di Sardegna",[4] headquartered in Aurelia, Civitavecchia. The I Tank Battalion was renamed IX Tank Battalion; on 24 May 1961 the 2 Battalions were renamed I Bersaglieri Battalion and XVIII Tank Battalion.

The 1st Armoured Bersaglieri Regiment was moved to the Armoured Division "Centauro"[4] on 1 September 1964; the same day the Regiment incorporated the VI Tank Battalion.

With the 1975 Italian Army reform, on 1 June the XVIII Tank Battalion was disestablished and on 1 August the Regiment was moved back to the Granatieri di Sardegna Division. The 1st Armoured Bersaglieri Regiment itself was disbanded on 31 October 1976.[4]

Post-Cold War: 1995-present

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The 1st Bersaglieri Regiment was re-established again on 18 September 1995, consisting of the 1st Bersaglieri Battalion "La Marmora" within the Mechanized Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna".[4]

The Regiment, reduced in numbers, was disbanded in 2000; in 2002 it was re-established by renaming the 18th Bersaglieri Regiment.[4]

Organization

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As of 2024 the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment consists of:

  •   Regimental Command, in Cosenza
    • Logistic Support Company
    • 1st Bersaglieri Battalion "La Marmora"
      • 1st Fusiliers Company
      • 2nd Fusiliers Company
      • 3rd Fusiliers Company
      • 4th Maneuver Support Company

The regiment is equipped with tracked Dardo infantry fighting vehicles. The Maneuver Support Company is equipped with M106 120mm mortar carriers and Dardo IFVs with Spike LR anti-tank guided missiles.

Operations

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1st Regiment Bersaglieri train in Cincu, Romania on May 19, 2021.

Through its history, the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment took part in several feats of arms.

World War I

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During World War I, the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment fought in:

  • Battle of Piana della Sernaglia (I Cyclists Battalion);
  • Battle of Fogliano (I Cyclists Battalion);
  • Battle of Monte Sei Busi (I Cyclists Battalion);
  • Battle of Sella San Martino (I Cyclists Battalion);
  • Battle of Trincea delle Frasche (I Cyclists Battalion);
  • Battle of Altopiano di Asiago (I Cyclists Battalion);
  • Battle of Coston di Lora (I Cyclists Battalion);
  • Battle of Monte Pasubio (I Cyclists Battalion);
  • Battle of M. Fior (I Cyclists Battalion);
  • Battle of Marchesina (I Cyclists Battalion);
  • Battle of Castagnevizza (I Cyclists Battalion);
  • Battle of Piave (I Cyclists Battalion);
  • Battle of Forcella Musis (I Cyclists Battalion);
  • Battle of Forcella Campidello (I Cyclists Battalion);
  • Battle of Lestans (I Cyclists Battalion);
  • Battle of Sequals (I Cyclists Battalion);
  • Battle of Caposile (I Cyclists Battalion);
  • Battle of Fossalta (I Cyclists Battalion);
  • Battle of Capo d’Argine (I Cyclists Battalion);
  • Battle of Costellazzo (I Cyclists Battalion);
  • Battle of Vittorio Veneto (Regimental Command and I Cyclists Battalion).

Inter-war

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From 1916 to 1939, the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment fought in:

  • 1935-1936: Second Italo-Ethiopian War (the Regiment provided 16 Officers and 215 troops to several units);
  • 1939: Italian invasion of Albania (I Battalion)

World War II

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During World War II, the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment fought in:

  • Western Front
  • Albania
  • Italy
  • Southern France

Cold war to present

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During and after the Cold War, the 1st Bersaglieri Regiment provided resources for:

 
Bersaglieri of the Garibaldi Brigade during Exercise Allied Spirit at 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command, Germany in 2016

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "1° Reggimento Bersaglieri". President of Italy. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d "1° Reggimento Bersaglieri - Il Medagliere". Italian Army. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  3. ^ a b "1° Reggimento Bersaglieri". Italian Army. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q "1° Reggimento Bersaglieri — La Storia". Italian Army. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i F. dell'Uomo, R. Puletti (1998). L'Esercito Italiano verso il 2000 - Vol. Primo - Tomo I. Rome: SME - Ufficio Storico. p. 397.
  6. ^ a b c d e "1° Reggimento Bersaglieri". FronteDelPiave.info (in Italian). Retrieved 12 October 2017.
  7. ^ "Storia dei Bersaglieri – Bersaglieri di Roma". Bersaglieri di Roma (in Italian). Retrieved 18 October 2017.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h "1° Reggimento Bersaglieri". Regio Esercito (in Italian). Retrieved 12 October 2017.
  9. ^ a b c d e Ales, Stefano; Viotti, Andrea (2007). Struttura, uniformi e distintivi dell'Esercito Italiano 1946-1970 (in Italian). Rome: Ufficio Storico Stato Maggiore dell'Esercito. pp. 58, 60, 70, 117, 121.
  10. ^ "Cosenza, i bersaglieri del Primo reggimento tornano a casa". CosenzaInforma. 16 August 2017. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
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