CHG ITALIAN UNIT BASIC INFORMATION

Contact Info

Unit Leader
Unit Contact & Secretary
Gregg DuBois
Phone (209) 952-4830 frenchgreg@aol.com

Secondary Unit Leader
Authenticity & Safety Officer
Brian Abela
Phone: (559) 303-7182
biochembri@yahoo.com

The California Historical Group Italian Secondary Impression Unit is composed of currently active CHG unit reenactors and members of other U.S. reenactment organizations interested in portraying Italian Sodatos at tactical reenactment events. The unit portrays Italian Bersaglieri light infantry in a mixture of several different Bersaglieri formations researched to reflect units that would have historically existed at the tactical event scenarios available for Italian participation. The unit portrays both pre-1943 Royal Army and Post 1943 RSI troops. The unit is open to any participants regardless of race or gender, so long as they are committed to a serious Italian impression within the guidelines of the unit.

We have done all the basic work developing needed information and a reasonable/affordable quartermaster system of reliable venders…..the rest will be up to the recruit. It will take some time and money. The unit has some loaner weapons, uniforms and gear for temporary use of new recruits. The unit is not interested in portraying a Garage Sale Italian Soldato impression. We do not attend reenactment events festooned in whatever Italian gear is on hand, chirping in pizza parlor Italian, drinking wine and surrendering. Our purpose is to educate the public and fellow reenactors on the history and valor of the Italian Soldier by presenting a researched and top notch field impression, and of course…….to have some fun!

Units Portrayed

The CHG annually provides several events where Italian troops are historically appropriate. These include an annual Desert Battle (Tunisian Campaign Theme) and several Italian Front events typically centered on the Anzio beachhead, or Gothic Line mountain campaign. The CHG-Italian Unit portrays the 5th Bersalgieri Regiment at the tropical/desert events, the 3rd Bersaglieri Regiment for pre 1943 Eastern Front events and the Reggimento Bersaglieri Volontari (1st Bersaglieri Volunteer Regiment) 2nd Bersaglieri Battalion Mameli at post 1943 Italian Front RSI events.

Unit Structure

The standard infantry platoon was commanded by a Tenente and assistant (batman) and included two squads of 20 men each (40 Soldatos). Each squad was subdivided into two sections, an 11 man rifle squad and a 9 man machine gun squad.
At this time in the field the unit portrays an Italian Bersaglieri 11 man rifle squad section led by a senior corporal. The unit rank system reflects NCO and enlisted ranks to include the following: Seargente (NCO), Corporal Majore (Senior Corporal), Corporal (Lance-
Corporal). Soldato Celto (Senior Private) and Soldato (enlisted recruit). Rank will be determined by length of time in the unit, event participation, general performance and unit ZEAL. The unit has developed a limited awards structure reflecting merit and campaign awards based on certain qualifying criteria.

Basic Unit Uniform and Kit

Since the Italian unit is portraying a secondary impression, the unit uniform and kit has been designed to be historically correct, while still remaining as economical as possible. The basic unit uniform and kit is also correct and adaptable to any pre 1943 or post 1943 event scenario including Africa/Tunisia, Sicily, the Balkans, the Russian Front or the post 1943 Italian Front….with minor modifications of insignia and equipment.

The unit has a number of venders we have found and/or developed and from whom most needed items can be purchased. These venders reflect individuals from which we have had successful transactions in the past, but their listing and use is not any official endorsement by the unit or the CHG. A list of venders will be supplied to new recruits for their potential use, but the new recruit is free to acquire the needed items from whom ever they wish, subject to minimum authenticity requirements. In order to maintain some unit continuity, the unit will supply certain kit items (Insignia, collar mostrine, helmet fregos, helmet rebuilds, original buttons). The entire minimum kit (uniform, head gear, boots, weapon, field gear) will reflect a cost in the range of plus or minus $1,000.

CHG BERSAGLIERI UNIT UNIFORM AND KIT REQUIRMENTS

The following information reflects minimum requirements and probable $ cost. Venders have been developed by the unit and contacts will be supplied to the recruit (Example Reference Photos of these items are available).

Or….M-40 collared enlisted pattern tunic in gray-green wool ($105-$350). Standard enlisted wool tunic commonly worn in Tunisia by Bersaglieri troops and can be worn at east front events.

M-1940 Giubba a Vento: To portray the unit’s pre 1943 European Theater, or post 1943 RSI Mameli Battalion impression the Giubba was pullover wind jacket made of canvas, or duck that was widely issued to Bersaglieri troops in Russia and on the Italian front. It was worn as the field tunic with all rank and awards displayed. A change of collar insignia can convert it from Royal Army to RSI. Reproductions are now available from several venders in the $120 to $250 range.

M-40 Pantaloons in gray-green wool ($75-$150). These are the short style trousers worn with wool leg wraps. Recruits can also purchase these trousers in tropical cotton if they desire, but soldatos can use a single pair of wool trousers for both the desert and European theaters if cost is an issue.

Gray-Green Wool Leggings. ($25-$40) (The Italian leggings were “U” cut).

Insignia: Bersaglieri Collar Mostrine, with enlisted style flat aluminum collar Stars ($15) and RSI Gladis insignia ($15). Rank insignia per unit rank on both upper arm sleeves. Bersaglieri Feather Cockerel Plume for steel helmet, or pith helmet ($30-$50). The Helmet will require a special plume holder ($15-$30). (The unit makes its own collar mostrine)

Head Gear: M-33 Steel Helmet is the basic unit required headgear in correct gray green color with correct gray green leather two piece chin strap ($60-$100) used with feather plume and holder (+-$75). The unit repaints, stencils and installs correct chins straps at cost. Italian helmets are sized, do not purchase one that is to small for your head. (Helmets that are painted olive green, or have web chin straps are post war and must be rebuilt.)

Red Wool FEZ soft cap with blue tassel ($25-$40). The fez was worn on the back of the head and needs to fit tight, so a smaller than usual size fits best. (Post War Fez are used, all enlisted and NCO Bersaglieri wore the red Fez as the off duty cap. Only senior NCO’s and Officers wore the Bustina side cap)

M-1912 Italian Infantry Boots. ($140 to $250) German low boots can be used for RSI events.

Other Uniform Items: Standard Italian army pattern long sleeve shirts ($35-$45) in khaki or gray-green. White cotton tank-top style undershirts, cotton boxer shorts, thick gray wool sox (Civil War style/type).

Weapons: Moschetto Cavalleria – M-91 or M-38 Cavalry Carbine with under barrel folding spike bayonet ($150-$300), along with correct type sling ($50-$80). This weapon was standard issue to Bersaglieri Troops through-out the war. Can have fixed or folding rear site. Do not purchase an 8mm weapon, there are no feeder clips available. You will need 4 to 5 of the six round metal Carcano ammo clips for this weapon ($5 each).

Moschetto Automatico Beretta – MAB: M-38 Beretta sub machinegun (Rental Gun).

Repro Breda Red devil Grenades: Made and issued by unit ($5-$10 each).

M-34 Beretta Pistol: Only used by Officers and MG Gunners.

German MG-34: Post 1943 RSI Unit Weapon

Minimum Field Gear

Standard Italian issue belt/double ammo pouch/neck strap rig in gray-green leather (+-$60). Standard 1 or 2 liter canteen covered in gray-green wool with shoulder strap (+-$40). M-33, M-35 gas mask bag (+-40) or M-38 dedicated pattern tactical bag ($75 to $100).

ADDITIONAL ALLOWED ITEMS

M-35 pattern cork pith helmet ($100-$200) with feather plume and front Bersaglieri Corps Badge (+-$25). (These usually must be modified and resized for bigger heads)

Italian Pattern Wool Sweater: Italian troops long sleeve turtle neck pattern wool sweater under the Giubba in various shades of gray commonly worn in cooler weather ($50-$100). Also: M-34 Pattern gray-green wool enlisted overcoats (Single breasted with upper chest hand warmer pockets). Standard WW 2 pattern Italian Mess Kit and aluminum cup. M-39 pattern pack. M-38 short blade bayonet….for blade knife. M-29 pattern camouflage tent half, or poncho ($100-$175). (1960’s-70’s camo patterns are not allowed.) WW 2 pattern sand goggles, field flashlights, cotton bandanas, personal items, WW2 style wrist watches.

Up front notice on items not issued

Up front notice on items not issued: The units we are portraying have been well researched. In the interest of authenticity and continuity at tactical events the following items should not be used by Royal Army, or RSI Bersaglieri troops. These items include Camouflage Painted Steel Helmets (Except desert painted Tan (which was not common) or mud-sand washes), Italian combat daggers including MVSN, Youth Knives, Arditi Trench Daggers….the Bersaglieri were not issued them (M-38 short blade bayonets or folding bayonets allowed as a blade knife), Pistols (use by enlisted troops), Italian 2 or 3 Pocket Green Leather Ammo Bandoleers, Bustina Side Caps, Camouflage clothing, M-40/41 Long Para Style Trousers, or M-41/42 Collarless Style Tunics.

Grooming Standards

A translation by Jeff Leser from 'Il nuovo Libro del Soldato' (1936):
"Must the soldier devoutly follow the military cut for the moustaches and hair? The soldier is allowed to grow the moustaches or to shave them, and he can have a beard of whatever manner, provided that it is [kept] short. Hair must be cut short so to leave the neck, ears and forehead open [free]."

WWII Italian photos supports the statements from 'Il nuovo Libro del Soldato' . Many photos show soldiers with beards. Unlike many WWII reenactor units, the WWII Italian Association of Reenactors does allow beards and moustaches, as long as they are kept neat and trimed (close cut). Hair is always kept short, off the ears and neck (follow current US military standards).

Tropical M40 camiciotto sahariano type II enlisted pull over style tunic in cotton for Africa/Tunisia events. This was the most popular and in most wide spread use in Afrika ($75-$150).

What Are Bersaglieri?

Bersaglieri are a Italian light infantry elite corp similar to French "chasseurs" or German "jagers". The name Bersaglieri literally means "shooters". They were initially formed in the Sardinian Army in 1837 subsequently the Italians formed a unit of Bersaglieri in 1861. It is a corp with a strong tradition in battle using symbols such as wearing black feathers on a cap or helmet or having a running parade pace (sprinting excercises to emphasize the mobile nature of the unit). The Bersaglieri have become one of the symbols of Italian independence. During WWII the Italian army deployed 13 Bersaglieri regiments, some independent battalions, others territorial units. Bersaglieri units were usually bicycle, motorcycle or motorized but during the war some armored units had been formed as well (such as AB41/43 armored cars). They fought on every front where italian forces deployed.

The 5th Bersaglieri Regiment's WWII History

For North Africa and Tunisia, our proposed annual event, we are planning on representing the 5th Bersaglieri Regiment as it was present in both North Africa and Tunisia. For potential East front events we will portray 3rd Bersaglieri Regiment, 3rd Division 'Principe Amadeo Duca D’Aosta' 3rd Motorized Division. The 3rd Bersaglieri Regiment consisted of a regimental command company, XVIII, XX and XXV lorried Bersaglieri batalions.

The 5th Reggimento in Africa: During the desert war of 1940 to 1943, six of the 12 Bersaglieri regiments fought in various formations and compiled an excellent combat record. In Africa the 5th Bersgalieri Regiment was a component of the Centauro Armored Division. The Centauro Division was composed of the:

131st Tank Regiment (13th, 14th & 15th Armored Battalions)
5th Bersaglieri Regiment (14th, 22nd & 24th Bersaglieri Battalions)
131st Artillery Regiment
132nd Anti-Tank Artillery Regiment
“Lodi” Recce Battalion (AB41 Armored Cars)

After campaigns in Albania in 1940 and Yugoslavia in 1941, the Centauro Division arrived in Benghasi, North Africa in November of 1942. The Axis and Italian situation in the desert was desperate by this time, with the destruction of most of the Italian and much of the German Africa Army at El Alamein just completed. The Centauro was sent to Mersa Brega to join the remaining Italian forces in Africa. At this time the primary remaining Italian formations were the La Spezia and newly reinforced Giavanni Facisti Infantry Divisions, the newly arrived Centauro Armored Division and the Ariete Battle Group (composed of the remnants of the surviving XX Italian Corps from El Alamein). The Centauro Division and 5th Bersaglieri Regiment fought throughout the remaining six month Tunisian Champaign against U.S., British and Free French forces, until the eventual Axis surrender on May 14th, 1943. The unit was engaged in numerous combats and several larger battles, with the high and low points outlined below.

Most Notable Victory in Tunisia: The 5th Bersaglieri Regiment’s most notable victory came during the February 13th to 22nd period of 1943, when portions of the Centauro Division, including the 5th Bersaglieri Regiment, were incorporated into the DAK Assault Group. This unit was a typical ad hock formation of the time for the Axis, composed of 53 panzers from the DAK 15th Panzer Division, 23 M-14 tanks from Centauro, 2 Italian artillery battalions, the three light infantry battalions of the 5th Bersaglieri Regiment, and a group of attached Italian Semoventi assault guns.

On February 19, 1943 this Axis formation was ordered to capture Kasserine Pass from elements of the U.S. 1st Armored Division. On February 20th, during the opening attack on the key American position of the town of Djebel, the 5th Bersaglieri Regiment made a frontal assault on the U.S. positions that lasted most of the morning and finally carried the position, loosing the Regimental commander in the process. This action cracked open the Allied defenses, opening the road to Thala and Tebessa. By midday the accompanying Axis armored units poured through the pass, routing U.S. forces into one of the worst U.S. defeats of the Tunisian Champaign. The 5th Bersaglieri Regiment was complimented for their élan by General Bulowius, commander of the DAK Assault Group, who sighted their actions as the instrumental event of the Axis victory.

Most Notable Defeat in Tunisia: On March 20th, elements of the Centauro Armored Division were in a defensive position along the north side of Gumtree Road, just below the Djebel el Ank Mountains, once again facing elements of the U.S. 1st Armored Division. In a planned flanking assault during the evening of March 20th 500 U.S. Rangers and 70 mortar men and their tubes approached the Italian positions from the rear, after a laborious 10 mile night hike along 3,700 foot mountain peaks and ridges. The Americans arrived above and behind the Italian positions early on the morning of March 21st, in time to observe the Italians for some time.

At dawn on March 21st the Americans launched their attack with an intensive mortar barrage followed by a downhill bayonet attack that struck the Italian rear areas and ran directly into the 5th Bersaglieri’s night camp. The Italians were caught completely by surprise, with the Rangers killing many and capturing many more. The U.S. 1st Armored Division mounted a simultaneous frontal assault on the facing Italian lines, breaking through the key positions. The surviving Italian armor retreated down Gumtree Road, leaving the 5th Regiment strung out behind them. By the end of the day, some 700 5th Bersaglieri Regiment soldatos had been killed or captured. One of our RSI impressions will be the 4th (later 1st) Bersaglieri Division "Italia". Most of the combat for RSI units involved antipartisan duty. Some did see limited action against American and British forces notably in 1944 at Anzio.

It is also possible to develop allied based Italian impressions. Bersaglieri wore the distinctive feathers on both allied and axis sides.