CHG ITALIAN UNIT NEW RECRUIT INFORMATION

The California Historical Group Italian Secondary Impression Unit is composed of currently active
CHG members interested in portraying an Italian Sodato at tactical reenactment events. The unit
portrays Italian Bersaglieri light infantry in a mixture of several different Bersaglieri formations
researched to reflect units that are historically correct for the tactical event scenarios appropriate for
Italian participation. The unit portrays both pre 1943 Royal Army and Post 1943 RSI troops. Our
purpose is to educate the public and fellow reenactors on the history and valor of the Italian Soldier in
World War Two. The CHG, founded in 1979 and incorporated in 1992, is a non-profit organization that
is recognized by the Department of Defense as a World War Two educational and reenactment
organization. The CHG's 5th Bersaglieri Unit is a non-political group whose sole purpose is to preserve
World War Two history through uniform, equipment and vehicle restorations, static displays, and
historical reenactments. We do NOT support or CONDONE any activities involving Neo-Nazis,
extremist, or anti-American organizations. We are not involved, nor do we have any involvement with
any anti-government activities. The unit is open to any participants regardless of race, religion, or
gender, so long as they are committed to a serious Italian impression.

The southern California based CHG and northern California based RPS annually provide several
events where Italian troops are historically appropriate. These include an annual Desert Battle
(Tunisian Campaign Theme) and several Italian Front events typically scripted on the Sicily campaign,
the Anzio beachhead, or Gothic Line mountain campaign. The CHG-Italian Unit portrays the 5th
Bersalgieri Regiment at 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.
Contact Info: Gregg DuBois.Phone (209) 952-4830. frenchgreg@earthlink.net
Unit Leader, Unit Contact & Secretary.
UNIT WEB PAGE LINK: http://home.earthlink.net/~frenchgreg/index.html
Important Disclaimer! Reenacting is a potentially hazardous hobby. Participation requires
crossing rough terrain, in all types of weather, which requires good physical fitness and
excludes people with health problems. Participants will be using and in close proximity to,
blank firing firearms, simulated explosives, and large vehicles that are potentially
dangerous. Unsafe or negligent behavior will result in your ejection from an event.
This is a non-political unit and club dealing with the history, equipment, life and campaigns of
World War II soldiers and World War II reenacting. This file is contains historical information
as well as reenacting and living history information. This information includes reenactment
photos, historical information covering operations, equipment and photos of World War II. The
information is catalogued and presented to preserve a clear eyed view of military history. We
do not tolerate or condone any form of racism, radical or extremist activities, or persons with
supremacist, fascist or racist political motives or beliefs. We do not tolerate, support, or
condone any activities of any fascist, Nazi or neo-Nazi party organizations, any extremist, antiimmigrant or Anti-Semitic organizations.
Unit Structure: The 1942-43 Bersaglieri light infantry platoon was truck or motorbike transported and
commanded by a Tenente and two NCO Sergentes. It included two sections of 24 men each (48
Soldatos), with each section subdivided into three Squadra (squads) of eight men each. Each Squadra
was commanded by a Sergente and composed of a light machine gun group (mitragliatori gruppo) of
four men and a rifle group (fucilieri gruppo) of four men, each commanded by a Corporale. Each
Bersaglieri company (3 to 4 platoons) would have been supported by a heavy weapons platoon
composed of a heavy machinegun section, mortar section, an anti-tank gun section (47mm AT Guns), an
anti-aircraft section (20mm AA Guns) and an anti-tank rifle section (20mm AT Rifles). The total 200
man company would be commanded by a Capitano and a commando section, along with medical and
communications sections.
In the field our unit portrays an Italian Bersaglieri rifle squadra The unit rank system reflects NCO and
enlisted ranks to include the following: Sergente (Senior Corporal), Corporal Majore (Corporal),
Corporale (Lance-Corporal). Soldato Celto (Senior Private) and Soldato (Enlisted Recruit). Although a
secondary CHG impression unit the Italian unit has some 15 active members and usually fields at least
ten soldati at the desert events. Rank is 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 that are outlined in a following section.

FOR THE NEW SOLDATI..THE BERSAGLIERI NEW RECRUIT SPEECH: The Italian
Bersaglieri Battalions were a Corp of light infantry, on par with the German Jager and the French
Chasseur units. The Bersaglieri were all volunteers, recruited from all over Italy from hand picked men
of excellent physical condition, better education and outstanding character. Every Bersagliere had to
qualify as an expert marksman with his carbine and received Arditi style Reparto dAssalto training in
special weapons, reconnaissance, attack and defensive tactics. They were chosen to be converted into
the new Italian motorized infantry regiments and were used by the various army divisional commands as
the recon companiesbecause they were the best troops the Italian Army had!
During the desert war the six Bersaglieri regiments that fought in North Africa compiled an excellent
combat record, many times fighting to victory, or to the last round and man while holding their assigned
positions against disproportionate odds. During the desert battles in 1942, single battalions of the 7th
and 8th Regiments of the Ariete and Trieste Divisions were both involved in defensive battles pitting
Bersaglieri light infantry armed with only home-made fire bombs and Italian light AT guns against
British armored attacks of 80 plus Sherman and Grant tanks. At the end of each of those short range
engagements the British had lost 35 to 50 tanks! In spite of the general British military opinion of
Italian troops, the English and Australians did not like to see the feather plumes in front of, or coming at
them. They knew they were in for a real fight with tough troops!
In the Tunisian Campaign the Centauro (Arrow) Armored Division and 5th Bersalgieri Regiment had
more than a year of mountain fighting experience from Greece and the Balkans in 1941-42 and would
have already been fighting in Africa for several months during the Libyan withdrawal and along the
Mareth Line. Their mountain warfare experience made them uniquely qualified for the combat
experienced in the hills and mountains of Tunisia. The 5th Bersaglieri Regiment itself would play a
crucial role in the Axis Kasserine Pass victory in Tunisia in 1943, which has been characterized by
historians as possibly the worst defeat suffered by the U.S. Army in the war. Historians and Reenactors
have sometimes commented about the Red Fez, the Feather Plumes and how ridiculous they look. You
are to disregard this attitude. The Bersaglieri were attack and assault troops. It did not matter how
they were dressedthe enemy was supposed to see them coming!
You are to be PROUD, ARROGANT and AGGRESSIVE in the attack. You will be called on to drive
the Englasee and Americani from Afrika and regain our Colonial Empire for the homeland and the
King! If this can not be done, you will be expected to fight with courage and honor.to the bitter end!
As a part of Kampfgruppe Manteuffel in mid May of 1943 the two surviving Bersaglieri companies
of the 5th Regiment were possibly the last Italian troops to surrender in Tunisia, fighting to the last
round along the Tunisian coastal highway before laying down their arms. If you find yourself
with no ammunition left..you are to close quickly to grenade range with the enemy and smother
them in Bombas, the survivors can have the Baionetta!

During assembly and the attack the NCO will ask: A chi lonore?
And the Bersaglieri will answer: A NOI! AVANTI SAVOIA! ***
*** This was the battle cry of the Arditi and Bersaglieri Assault Battalions, as they left the trenches in WW 1.
A chi lonore? (Who deserves the honor?) A noi! (WE DO!) Avanti Savoia! (Forward.for the KING!)

CHG BERSAGLIERI UNIT UNIFORM AND KIT REQUIREMENTS

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. In order to maintain some unit continuity, the unit
produces certain kit items (rank insignia, collar mostrine, I.D. tags, helmet fregios and some helmet or
pith rebuilds). We have done all the basic work developing needed information and a reasonable
quartermaster system of reliable venders..the rest will be up to the recruit. It will take some time and
money, with the minimum kit (uniform, head gear, boots, weapon, field gear) reflecting a cost in the
range of +-$1,000. The unit has a limited number of loaner weapons, uniforms pieces and gear for
temporary use of new recruits.
11/05/13 The Hiki Shop is now making most all of the Italian Uniform Items: http://hikishop.com/
1) Purchase at HIKI desert battle uniform: WWII Italian Tropical Troops M1940 Camiciotto Saharian
Tunic ($65). WWII WW2 Italian Tropical Troops M1940 Pants Breeches ($53). WWII Italy
Italian M29 Grey Green Wool Leggings Puttee Pair ($35). WW2 Italy Italian M37 M40 Grey
Green Wool Great Coat ($150 Optional).

2) Purchase M-1912 Italian boots from Civil War Boots.

3) Purchase some repro Bersaglieri pattern ammo pouches from Frank Barone. 4) Purchase a post war Italian
M-33 steel helmet in your correct sizeand a repro leather chin strap off of e-Bay and send it to me to
repaint. 5) Purchase your tactical bag from HIKI and canteen (e-Bay), plus e-tool, blade bayonet, mess kit
and what ever other field gear you wish off of e-Bay. Long term you can find a carbine, pith helmet, You
will be provided collar mostrine and collar stars by the unit.

M-1912 Italian Infantry Boots. ($140 to $250) German low boots can be used for RSI events.
The vender Civil War Boots now repros M-1912 Italian Infantry boots for $200 per pair. They are a
good copy that many of the unit members are using. It normally takes several months to receive them
from your order dateso dont wait to long. Web Link: http://www.civilwarboots.com/

CWBs Repro M-1912s (Must be darkened with polish)

Another Option: Sartori Equipe Repro Boots from Italy: (220 Euros and +-6 month wait)

Shirts: Italian pattern Cotton Shirts are available from HIKI SHOP (Gray-Green Version). The best
alternative is a What Price Glory vender repro British Khaki Aertex Shirt (that is what I use). Since
Tunisia is the main scenario we do at our desert event, an Italian enlisted man could have been found
wearing just about any kind of shirt of captured French, English, U.S. or German origin, or a correct
period style civilian pattern shirt. A regular white Wife Beater tank-top type T-Shirt can also be worn
under the tropical pullover tunics.
Socks: Italian soldati mainly wore gray rag wool socks (repro U.S. civil war style), or captured British
pattern socks (What Price Glory) in the desert.
What Price Glory British Uniform Items:
http://onlinemilitaria.com/shopdisplaycategories.asp?id=97&cat=British+Militaria

African campaign the Italians (and the Germans) used a lot of captured weapons, vehicles and gear, right
down to captured uniform items. Enemy shirts, socks, shorts, sandals, blankets and even overcoats
were regularly utilized. For a correct desert impression.it is probably more accurate to be wearing a
British shirt and socks than not to.!
UK Northwest Frontier Socks #203933000, UK Khaki Full Hose #200963000,
UK Khaki Drill Shorts-1941 Pattern #201265000, UK WW2 Aertex Desert Shirt #201214000

HIKI Enlisted M-40 Wool Overcoat

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). THESE HELMETS ARE SIZED 55 to 61mmget one that will fit you!!!!!! Postwar M-33
helmets were used by the Italian army into the 1970s. They are the same as WW2 helmets except for
the usual olive green re-paint and the cloth web chin straps (These chin straps are not WW2 desert
straps.as some venders like to suggest). These helmets can be regularly found on e-Bay in the $30 to
$80 range, along with the repro WW2 type chin straps, feather plumes and plume holders. These
helmets must be disassembled (Easy to do), repainted Gray-Green and have the repro chin strap
installed. Post-war feather plumes and holders are the same as wartime. The unit re-paints, stencils and
installs correct chins straps at cost. The front stenciled Bersaglieri Fregio insignia can be put on.or
left off. They did not paint on the fregios after 1940.

E-Bay Vender who regularly lists repro WW2 leather helmet chinstraps @$15 with the attachment rivets
included....search seller: armyzdar

Pith Helmets:

The standard issue Italian pith helmet was a primary head gear worn by the
Bersaglieri in Africa. These helmets can be found on U.S. and Italian e-Bay, along with the front tri-

color Kocards and brass badges ($30-$40). These piths normally sell in the $80 to $200 range
depending on their condition.

Original Desert Pith.a desert veteran would have only a few feathers left on his head gear.
These piths are SIZED like the steal helmets and the larger sizes are fairly rare to come across.
A size 55 to 57 helmet can be re-sized to fit a larger head by removing the leather sweatband cork spacers
and then re-sewing the leather band back in. In this way the helmet will fit a large size 59-60 head.

Original Pith:

WW2 Brass Badge

Do not waste money on a minty pith.these helmets are actually fairly delicate in construction and were
rapidly beaten, stained, smashed up and crushed under field and combat conditionsso the more beat it
looksthe more period authentic it looks!
It was common for Italian troops to collect enemy unit badges and insignia and attach them to their pith
helmets, including German Pith Badge Plates. Below are some appropriate examples that could have been
taken in Tunisia or at the Kasserine Pass Battle. It was also common for soldati to write battle listings and
patriotic or religious phrases on their piths.

U.S. Engineers Insig.

U.S. Tank Destroyers Insig. Royal Buffs Tank Reg.

Others from earlier campaigns in Africa:

Australian Cap Badge

New Zealand Badge 1st Royal Tank Regiment

FEZ Enlisted Caps: The red FEZ was worn by all Bersaglieri Enlisted Personnel as their soft cap.
NCOs to the rank of Sergente and above (and officers) could wear what ever they wanted (FEZ,
Bustina, or M-42 Bustina). Below is a photo of Wartime (Left) and post war FEZ. The main difference
is the synthetic tassel on the post war Fez. Wartime was pure wool yard. The FEZ was worn tight on
the BACK of the head. You can buy a smaller size (55mm to 57mm) and it will still fit properly. The
post war FEZ show up on U.S. and Italian e-Bay all the time and usually sell in the $20 to $40 range.
For you fanaticsa real pre-war or wartime Fez will be in the $60 to $100 range. I have only seen
five or six real wartime ones over the years.

Original FEZ with a listing of his battle record on the side.

Proper way to wear the FEZ.

Italian Bersaglieri Collar Mostrine

Collar Mostrine (Mostreen): Italian Bersaglieri mostrine had an official pattern and color and pre-war
they were made with cardboard backing. Due to supply and production problems during the war, the
enlisted troops mostrine began to be cut out of thick wool felt...in what ever color felt was available and
closest to the Official color. The men would sew them directly on to the tunic and coat collars, with
rough edges and no backing. Looking at original period photos, you can find many size and pattern
variations, with colors having ranged from the correct pink-red-purple, to red, to crimson, to magenta
and almost a dark burgundy. The color and pattern variations were especially diverse in the African
theater.
The official Bersaglieri color, is a pink-red-violet shade called cremisi (Usually miss translated
as crimson and used by the book artists to color the color plates...which are often wrong!). Pre-War
and early war it was a unique red-purple-pink blend that changed as the war progressed to what most
closely resembles magenta in color during the mid-war period. The correct color was further confused
by the fact the Post 1943 RSI adopted a darker color for the RSI Bersaglieri that was a dark
red/burgundy and worn by the Italia Bersaglieri Division. To confuse things more, as the war
progressed the enlisted mostrine became smaller and smaller, then during the RSI period they became
much larger in size, with longer flashes. Furtherthe RSI Infantry adopted 2 flash flames in red, while
the Italia Division Bersaglieri adopted three flash flames. The flashes could be cut in points, or rounded
on the ends.

(WW1, Pre-War & early war color)

Collar Star Patterns

In the photo above-left, any of the color variations in the top row could have been found being worn by
Bersaglieri during the war, cut out in any of the patterns in the lower row. The mostrine in the lower
row are in an official Mid-War Bersaglieri color. Both the WW1 brass type and WW2 aluminum Collar
Stars (Stellette) could be found being worn in WW2. The pre-war pink-red and mid war magenta colors
are most correct for the desert war period.

The unit supplies new members with collar mostrine and 0ne (1) set of collar stars.

ITALIAN NCO RANK INSIGNIA

Private:
Private 1st Class:
Lance-Corporal:
Corporal:
Lance-Sergeant:
Sergeant:

caporale

caporale maggiore

Soldato
Soldato Celto
Caporale
Caporale Maggiore
Sergente
Sergente Maggiore

sergente

sergente maggiore

Italian E-Bay Search Words: for those of you looking for kit items on Italian e-Baystart your
search on the front web page with bersaglieri. This will bring you to the militaria section and bring up
items like Fez, pith badges, plumes and plume holders..then you can search with the following words.
Be sure they take Paypal, ship to the U.S.and that they are not going to screw you with excessive
postage!!!!
Canteen:
Borraccia
Tactical Bag:
Tascapane or Zaino
Helmet:
Ellmetto
Collar Stars:
Stell or Stellette
E-Tool:
Pala
Poncho:
Telo or Telo Tenda
Rank Chevrons:
Gradi
Caps:
Bustina or Borretto
Fez:
Fez
Pith Helmet:
Casco or Caschetto, Coloniale
Tri Color Roundal: Coccarda
Will Ship World Wide:
Spedizione a: Tutto il mondo

ITALIAN IDENTITY TAGS

WW 2 type I.D. tags, two stamped type Dog Tags & the under collar uniform plate type.

The uniform plate tag is filled out with: Unit (Arabic #s), Battalion (In Roman #s), Name, Classe (Your birth
year), Serial Number (Matricula/MTR), and your home District or City. (It should have the same Info &
Numbering as in your I.D. books) This tag was done in pen, or the info was painted on (I just used a black med.
tip marking pen). *** This tag is sewn on the tunic or overcoat under the left collar flap, on collarless tunics
inside left tunic bottom flap.

Original Tag Examples

WW 1 Type Folded Paper Tag Carrier (Top)

ITALIAN UNIT AWARDS OUTLINE

(Italian War Merit Medals and Badges)
The Italian Army wore campaign and merit awards in the form of ribbon bars on the left upper breast of
the tunic, in the fashion of the English Army. The appropriate ribbon was folded and usually machine
sewn to a gray-green wool backing.that was then hand sewn to the tunic.

Croce al Merito di Guerra (War Merit Cross): Was awarded under several differing conditions. 1)
Awarded after 1 years combat service in the trenches or in contact with the enemy, 2) Severely wounded in
combat, 3) Mentioned for war merit (military performance or promotion), 4) Performance of an act of valor in
combat deemed insufficient for the Medal of Military Merit. This medal can be awarded multiple times, with
multiple ribbons displayed.
Unit Awarding Criteria - War Merit Cross: Awarded after completion of impression, with two years active
service in the unit and 75 percent tactical event participation. In addition, applicant must have displayed extra
effort towards the success of the unit in the form of recruiting, providing loaner gear, or new unit member
training. War Merit Cross with Crown or Star: Crown or Star attachment awarded for Five (5) years active in the
unit with 75 percent-plus continuous event participations. War Merit Cross with Sword & Wreath: Awarded for
bravery in the face of the enemy, i.e., leading a successful assault, single handed elimination of enemy vehicles, or
positions against disproportionate odds. The soldato must survive the action and the action must be witnessed by
two unit, or club members and reported to unit commander. Ribbon bar only, worn over left breast pocket.

Africa Campaign Medal: Awarded for six months service in Afrika 1940-43. Unit Awarding Criteria:
Awarded after completion of desert impression uniform/kit and participation in three desert field reenactment
events. Ribbon is worn over the left breast pocket. The Italians wore the black bar to the right (As Below) and
the Germans wore the ribbon with the green bar to the right.

Minimum Field Gear: The Bersaglieri were light infantry and generally fought in light kit, leaving
their gear in their trucks, or on their motorcycles. Their field kit was minimal, consisting of a pith
helmet or steal helmet, belt and special ammo pouch, canteen, tactical bag & mess kit, a short bayonet
for a blade knife, with a telo poncho-blanket-overcoat roll and perhaps an e-tool back in the trucks.
Required kit reflects a Standard Italian issue belt in gray-green leather (+-$30), Bersagliere Pattern Ammo
Pouch ($40), 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).

Bersagliere Ammunition Pouches: The vast majority of WW2 Bersagliere were issued a non
standard ammo pouch made of brown leather and of a different design then the normal Army green
pouches. These pouches are now being reproduced for us by Frank Barone for $40 per set. They come
in a three clip design that holds a complete cardboard 3-clip box of issue ammunition, or in a similar,
thinner profile version that holds only two clips of ammo. Now that we have a source for these, they are
required kit for the Bersalgiere impression. They were not worn with any neck strap supports.
Franks Repro Pouches

Frank Barone: Repro Bersaglieri Pouches: e-mail: frank-barone@sbcglobal.net

Mailing Address: Frank Barone 3906 Randolph Ave. Los Angeles, CA. 90032

Any of the above canteens and tactical bags can be used. The larger 2 Liter Alpini type canteens were
regularly carried in the desert by those who could get their hands on them.
The dedicated M-38 Tactical Bags (Tascapane) are most appropriate for the Bersaglieri impression
when they can be found. The Army stopped using them early in the war, but the Bersalgieri kept issuing
them. They have the helmet strap hook, exterior front loops for hanging the mess kit and the two
interior pockets for two boxes of reserve Carcano ammunition. The earlier versions have green leather
straps, while the later ones have all canvas straps and loops. HIKI SHOP now repros these for +-$65,
M-29 Cavalry Breadbag!

Italian M-38 Short Blade Bayonet for a blade knife

WW 2 Aluminum Mess Kit and Cup ($30-$50)
The Blade should be this purple plumb color ($60-$100)

British Tin Cups in White or Brown

WW1 & WW 2 Pattern Italian E-Tool (Pala)

WW 2 Italian Flashlights, they use the same batteries as the

German flashlights ($40 to $80).

WW2 Type 6 Liter Water Cans

@ The Sportsmans Guide ($40)

Tents Halves/Ponchos (Telo Tenda): Original Italian camo tent halves are now fairly rare and cost in
the $150 to $200 range when you can find them. No one at this time reproduces the WW2 type
ponchos/tents. Post war telos come in a wide range of colors and several pattern variations, depending
on when they were manufactured. Post war telos made in the late 1940s are fairly close to wartime
variety and can be used to make-up camp tents, if they are approved prior to purchase by the unit.
The Sportsmans Guide surplus vender on the net has recently had some of an acceptable color for $40
each, but they may dry up at anytime. It takes four to make a fully enclosed wedge tent for two men.

Sportsmans Guide Telos

Two wartime telos showing color variations

Original Wartime Telo-Tendas: The Italian Army M-1929 Telo-Tenda was the first camouflage field
gear ever issued by an army on a force wide basis. For reference below are color photos of original
WW 2 telos. They are made from a heavier canvas duck material than post war ponchos and are of a
differing construction. Wartime telos have corner grommets stitched in black or white thread and can be
found with both bakelite and metal buttons.

Wartime telos have a characteristic central seam spine marking from where the two telo panels are
assembled. This feature is missing from most all postwar telos.

Wartime telos have manufacturers markings stenciled in white along the perimeter seams
and often have mismatched panels and pieces.

Period Rations Info: Period Italian RACIO (Field Rations) were generally composed of Tinned Meat
(usually tuna, sardines or beef. The Soldati called it Arabo Morto, or Dead Arabbecause it was of
such High Quality. Also issued was hard bread, canned vegetable soup (minestrone), plus the Elite
troops (Bersaglieri & Aplini) theoretically received extra war rations of chocolate, jam/marmalade, extra
water and cigarettes. The cigarettes were also of high quality, they called them Merda Lavorata i
Tubetti (Shit Re-worked in Little Tubes). San Pelagrino mineral water was widely consumed in the
desert in bottles that look basically like the glass ones it still comes in today!!!
Haircuts & Beards: Due to the need to conserve all water..photo evidence shows that mustaches,
beards, goatees and 14 Oclock shadows were the norm among Italian troops in the desert battle areas,
especially the Bersaglieriso anything goes with the facial hairbut your head hair should still be cut
over the ears and off the neck.

Shirts & Bandanas: Tunic undershirts can be period type repro Italian or civilian shirts, or a looted
Brit or U.S. khaki shirts, or wife beaters in white or looted G.I. Green. Bandanas should be period tan or
Khaki, or civilian purchased in Arab Tribal patterns in predominantly reds, purples, blacks and blues.
The Turegs in Tunisia almost exclusively used bright blue as their tribal color. Bandanas should not
be a modern Tan or khaki Arab Shemaug....like they use in Iraq. They did not have camo khaki
shemaugs in the 1940s! Stick to the blues, purples and reds.Keep it real!
Other allowed Items: Camp field tents made up of wartime or unit approved post war camo telo tent
halves. Canvas and wood framed sleeping cots (U.S.G.I. or British), wartime sand goggles,
wristwatches, period sun glasses (In Camp), Italian pattern wool sweaters, leather sandals with low
profile leather or rubber soles. Up front notice on items not issued: In the interest of authenticity and
continuity at tactical events the following items should not be used by Royal Army, or RSI Bersaglieri.
These items include Camouflage Painted Steel Helmets (Except desert painted Brown (in Tunisia), 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 (except NCOs or machine gunners), Italian 2 or 3 Pocket Green
Leather Ammo Bandoleers were only worn by tank crews or artillery/mortar crews, Bustina Side Caps
(only Officers & NCOs), Camouflage clothing and M-40/41 Long Para Style Trousers.

Unit Basic Weapon: Moschetto Cavalleria M-91 or M-38 Cavalry Carbine with under barrel
folding spike bayonet ($150-$300), along with correct type sling ($30-$80). (All unit members must
have one of these) This weapon was standard issue to Bersaglieri troops throughout the war (along
with artillery troops, paratroopers and most specialty troops). They can have a fixed or folding rear site.
Do not purchase an 8mm weapon, there are no feeder clips available. You will need 3 to 5 of the six
round metal Carcano ammo clips for this weapon ($5 each).

These weapons only have serial numbers on the receiver and rear stock, the bolts are not numbered.
These weapons can be found in both a fixed and adjustable rear site version. The WW2 guns were
mostly of the fixed type.as above. This site was the first multi range fixed site installed on a military
rifle. The site blade was zeroed to 200 meters and the soldato was trained to over or under elevate the
blade for a 100 to 300 meter range variance (The only real practical combat ranges for a carbine). The
adjustable sites were only designed for long range 800+ volley fire (an 1890s & WW 1 idea) and were
dropped from the WW2 weapons. These weapons had progressive rifling where the barrel rifling twist
increased as you neared the barrel muzzle..increasing accuracy. Most of the guns you will encounter
will have a plum-purple colored folding bayonet blade. They were made that way and are supposed to
be that color, along with most detachable Italian bayonet blades. The guns are actually light weight and
quite handy weapons and vary accurate out to 300 yards. In a postwar study of WW2 small arms
carried out at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, these carbines came in 5TH overall for all WW2 issued
small arms in the criteria they were testing!
Carcanos For Sale (Search Carcano): http://www.gunbroker.com/

6 Round Metal Charger Clips in Steel or Brass

Correct Carbine type sling buckle.

You can find replacement firing pen springs at Wolf Gun Springs on the net:
http://www.gunsprings.com/index.cfm?page=items&cID=2&mID=85

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

MAB SMG's: In the Italian tactical scheme of things....the MAB SMG was originally conceived as a
semi-full auto Carbine. The MAB was issued with only one or two spare magazines and a magazine
loader that were carried in the tactical bag. The men were trained to use it most of the time primarily as
a semi-auto carbine (that's why it has two triggers and there are 10 and 20 round magazines...they are
designed for semi-auto fire). No magazine pouches were issued with this weapon prior to 1943. All of
the magazine pouches and samurai vests you see were made during the post 1943 RSI period and were
not used in Africa. The gun was issued with a magazine loading tool as in the photo above. From 1940
to 1943 this weapon was issued only to officers, senior NCO's and to the Regimental Assault
Company. In Italian regiments the first company of the first battalion was designated as an Assault
Company based on the WW1 Arditi format. They were made up of the best men and generally were
more heavily armed with automatic weapons.
M-34 Berreta Pistol: The Army issued this weapon in .380 ACP caliber. The Italian Air Force and
Navy issued it in .32 ACP caliber. Pistols were only issued to Officers, Senior NCOs and MG Gunners.
A very reliable and well designed handgun, it was sometimes carried by German officers and was
afavorite souvenir of G.I.s. Wartime holsters are of gray-green or brown leather, with a single wide
belt loop to the rear. Wartime holsters made of webbing are very rare. 98 percent of web holsters for
this pistol are postwar and made to fit British Mills belts.

M-1934 Pistol

Army Pattern Holster in Brown or Gray-Green Leather

Breda M-1930 Light Machinegun: This weapon was the standard light MG for Italian troops in
WW2. It was fed from an attached 20 round magazine loaded by a special charger clip. The design
used an oil bath lubricating system for cartridge extraction, which tended to collect dirt and grit around
the chamber and made the weapon prone to jams. It was light, mobile and featured a modern quick
change barrel system, but Italian troops regularly used captured British Bren guns in the desert, when
they could get their hands on them.

Bersaglieri LMG Gunners Desert Kit displaying the ammo backpack, magazine charger, spare barrel,
magazine charger carry case, barrel changing glove and tool wrap case.

BREDA M-1937/38 Machinegun: This weapon was the crew manned medium machinegun for the
Italian Army in WW2. This weapon was feeder clip fed in the fashion of the French Hotchkiss MGs. It
featured a tripod mount, a quick change heavy barrel and was chambered in a harder hitting 8mm
caliber. It was generally considered a robust and reliable weapon and well liked by the troops.

Gun tool Kit & Accessories.

CANNONE de 47/32 M35: This weapon was of the Austrian Boehler design, and first introduced in
1935. It has a high rate of fire and can be fired either on wheels or from its platform. It may be used as an
infantry support gun in addition to its antitank role. This gun was the standard Italian antitank weapon and
effective up until 1941. It fired both HE or AP ammunition and could be transported by manpower using
special ropes, drawn by one mule, carried on or drawn behind a truck, or broken down into five man
portable pack loads. General performance was similar to the British 2 Pounder, with the Italian gun
having the advantage of also firing a high explosive round.

MuzzleMuzzle Velocity:
Armor Piercing
High Explosive
Maximum Range: (HE)

2,067/FPS
820/FPS
3,800 Yards

Effective Range: (AP or HE)

220 - 1,100 Yards

Rate of Fire:
Theoretical
Practical
Armor Penetration:

20 RPM
7 to 8 RPM
56mm @ 100 Yards
43mm @ 550 Yards

Weight of Gun in Draught:

660 lbs

Weight of Gun in Action:

582 lbs

Ammo Load Out:

80 Rounds of AP
20 rounds of HE

When deployed in the ground mounted mode the 47mm AT gun presented a very low silhouette and was
difficult to spot. By 1942-43 Italian AT crews faced with the new Grant and Sherman tanks in the
desert were forced to let enemy armor approach to point blank range, or attack from ambush in the
flanks.

Repro Breda Red Devil Grenades and Molotov Gasoline Bombs: Made and issued by unit.

Blank Ammo: Blanks for the 6.5 Carcano rifles will be the individuals responsibility to order and
acquire from Ken Swanson at Motion Picture Blanks. It is an easy on-line order via e-mail, or FAX
using a credit card. He has both the short type (Like we have used in the past), or a new longer
variety that should feed better, but cost more. The price is now in the $65 to $85 per 100 range, as
these have to be individually made by milling down each case. Plan on 30-50 rounds for each event
you wish to attend. He takes credit cards. Shop (928) 715 8868 during business hours @
Monday/Friday - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Home (928) 757 5851, Fax 928 757 9689
Or e-mail anytime: orders@joeswansonsmotionpictureblanks.com
Web Page: http://www.joeswansonsmotionpictureblanks.com/

ITALIAN MILITARY MOTORCYCLES: One of the three battalions of each Bersaglieri regiment was

motorcycle mounted. The three primary types of Italian manufactured motorcycles used by the Royal
Army were the 500cc Moto Guzzi Alce, the Alce tricycle, and the 350cc Bennelli Motorcycle. These
bikes are quite rare now, with only about a dozen registered in the U.S. They typically sell in the $7,000
to $12,000 range when offered.

500cc Moto Guzzi Alce designed to carry two men.

Mot Guzzi Tricycle, used to transport supplies & equipment, mortars and the Breda 37 MG.

Light Bennelli 350cc bike, used by recon and messenger troops.

Basic Italian Morning Assembly & Drill

#1 Command for Assembly: Bersaglieri..ADUNATA!
#2 Command to Sling Arms across back: Bersaglieri.TRACOLLArm!
(Carbine & SMG armed troops generally stand assembly with weapons slung over left shoulder)

#3 Platune Adunata Sinistra a Destra dal Gradi! Platoon lineup left to right by Rank.
Command to Attention: Bersaglieri..a-TENTI!
Command for at-easy, or rest: ri-Poso. (RIPOSO)
Command to break ranks: Rompete le righe MARC!
Command Arms to the Side: Fianc Arms!

Sentry Duty Challenge: Alt! Chi va la? (Halt-Who goes there?)

Position of Attention (a-Tenti)

Position of rest with slung carbine (Riposo) Hand Salute (Hand at an Angel)

ITALIAN FOR SOLDATOS

Commands
Assembly: ADUNATA = Adunata
Position of attention: ATTENTI = a TENTI.
Position of rest [At ease]: RIPOSO = riPOSO.
Right Face: Giri a destra.
Left Face: Giri a sinistra.
About Face: Giri Linverso.
To break ranks [Dismissed]: Rompete le righe MARC.
To begin marching [Advance]: Avanti MARC.
To fix or raise the bayonet: Baionetta.
Position of right shoulder sling arms: Bracc'- ARM.
Position of sling arms across back: Tracoll-ARM.
Position of arms to the side: Fianc Arm.
Move Left: Muovasi a sinistra.
Move Right: Muovasi a destra.
Move Quickly: Avanti.PRESTO!
Halt: Alt. Who Goes There? Chi va la?
Fall/Down: Caduta!
Fire/Shoot!: Spari! (Sparee!)
Take Cover!: Coperti! (Co-per-TEE!)
Down Take Cover!; Giu! (JJewa!)

Useful Phrases
Forward for the King!: AVANTI SAVOIA! (Used when Attacking)
I dont give a damn! : Me ne frego! (The Italian Ardito response to authority figures)
Who deserves the Glory? We do!: A chi lonore? A noi! (The Arditi Assault troops attack cheer)
Field Rations: RACIO,
Tinned Meat: Arabo Morto (Dead Arab),
Cigarettes: Merda Tubetti (Shit Tubes)
Throw Grenades!: Bombe del tiro!
Stretcher Bearer! [If Wounded]: Porta Feriti! (Porta Faretee)
Enemy: Nemico.
Grenade!: Bomba a mano!
Gremans : Tedeski.
German Stick Grenade (Italian slang term for): Ballerinas
Tank!: Carro Armato!
Good Day: Buon Giorno.
Good Evening: Buona Sera.
Welcome: Benvenuto.
Beautiful Women: Belle Donna.
Thank you for everything!: Grazie e Tuttie!
Mona: Venetian for stupid, or youre a pussy.
Merda: Shit.
Stronzo: Piece of shit, turd.
Figlio di puttana: Son of a bitch.
Scemo Imbecile: Stupid.
Coglione: Stupid, and literally male balls.
Li mortacci tua!: Go to Hell.
Buona Fortuna!: Good Luck!

For those beyond the basic kitFINE

Civil War Style Wool Grey Socks.

Greek Fishermans Sandals.

Double socks rolled over boot laces.

TUNING YOUR IMPRESSION

Period Wood Rosaries.

WW1Pattern Collar Stars

for Mostrine were commonly worn.

Proper way to attach Italian waist belt.

Original Aged Pith Plate.

Desert Pattern Sand Goggles

Unit Refinished Helmet.

AN ORIGINAL DESERT TUNIC SHOWING THE LEVEL OF WEAR & TEAR FOR A FIELD
WORN TUNIC: After a few months in the desert your uniform would be very rough!!!!

On my tunic..I power sand the hems, cuffs and pocket corners to rat them up, wash it a few times in
cold water..then painted muddy water on, let it dry, dry brushed it off and set the dirt stains by
spraying the tunic with Scotch Guard. Worn gear and uniforms, sun faded insignia & ribbon bars, and a
mismatched button and buttons with a worn finish on your tunic would have been the norm. For an
Italian Bersagliere in the desert, your uniform should be ratty and faded, but your blade should be
sharp..and your carbine CLEAN!

Desert Camp Site: Our unit camp should look as period as possible. Non period items must be
kept inside your personal shelter. Try to find some cotton camo netting and use it to attach light brush
over your telo tents (Can be made from old 2 square cotton fish netting you can find on e-Bay for
around $10). Air attack was a constant threat! Any period camp gear is OK for our events. In
Tunisia..an Italian soldato could have come across German, U.S. G.I., British, Arab or even French
blankets, pots and pans, food, K-Rations, period wood framed sleeping cots, camo netting, stoves, ect.
At Gafsa and Kasserine Pass the Axis forces captured some 500 Allied vehicles full of gear. There was
only sporatic re-supply in the desert and they used whatever they needed, they had too!!!

Typical period desert camp lager.it looks remarkably like our battle site! Notice the brush on the tents.

An open Italian desert artillery position showing the pains taken to afford some sort of camouflage.

Left photo shows a Bersagliere climbing out of a typical desert one man shelter, an excavated slit, piled
with sand and rocks around the edge and covered with a telo tent panel and some camouflage netting.
Look for wooden crates, period woven rattan baskets, the 6 liter water cans, period camo netting (Can be
made from old 2 square cotton fish netting you can find on e-Bay for around $10). Tents were usually
kept low to the ground and placed in a scattered patternand not in neat rows that could easily be
picked up on the ground by aircraft.

Classic 1941-42 desert Bersagliere soldato with beard, faded pith.festooned with trophy nemico
badges, special bersaglieri pattern ammo pouches, leather leggings, torn trousers and a civilian
pattern shit under his desert tunic.

ORIGINAL REFERENCE PHOTOS

Notice fez, pith with no tri-color, mix of leather leggings and puttees, his knees completely ripped out of
his trousers..no re-supply in the desert! See the very low tents in the background. Upper left photo
shows Bersaglieri armed with a captured English Bren light machinegun.

Italian Cantina truck, selling the troops cigs and mineral water.

TEMPO Magazine was the Italian equivalent of the German SIGNAL Wartime Magazine.

Original photo of Bersaglieri of the 5th inspecting a knocked out M-3 Lee at Djebel, Kasserine Pass in
February-1943. They are wearing wool tunics, tropical trousers and putties. The lower guy appears to
have a mud wash, or camo paint blotches on his helmet.

Another original period photo of 5th soldati in Tunisia. One trooper is again wearing a wool tunic, very
baggy trousers and leggings. The other has on a tropical tunic and a leather ammo bandoleer, both have
carbines.

5th Bersaglieri wearing trousers, puttees, wool overcoats and a mix of FEZ and Piths. The NCO in the
middle appears to have on an M-42 Bustina.

5th in Overcoats and Pithsmost appear to have only a badge on the front of the head gear.
Note the hap-hazard way the corporale on the left has sewn his rank chevron on his overcoat!

This photo is attributed to the 15th Panzer Division during the Kasserine Pass operation on February 22nd
to
-23rd. They are in their recently captured U.S.M-3 halftracks and there is an Italian Bersagliere in his
wool uniform, leather leggings and red Fez sitting on the front hood of the track.

Pictures showing a good mix of desert clothing!

Bersaglieri Breda-30 Machinegunner

Bersaglieri Warrant officer

Bersaglieri Light Infantryman

Bersaglieri Company Officer

Bersaglieri M-30 Breda LMG Team. Gunner has a metal German pith badge on his helmet.

Bersaglieri Sentry. He appears to be wearing a British Pith Helmet.

5th Bersaglieri Mortar Crew showing a mix of uniforms and Officer wearing a Bustina.

5th Bersaglieri Troopers manning a 47mm AT Gun along the Mareth Line, showing piths with only
brass badges on the front. The man in the front has a 2-Liter canteen and no feathers on his pith.

My Favorite Photo.probably taken at the time of the Tobruk surrender.

Classic Motorcycle Bersaglieri: (2 liter canteen, aluminum collar stars, rare Perrelli rubber goggles)

Bersaglieri supported by an AB-41 armored car advance through a sand storm.

Photo dating from 1941-42 showing a Bersaglieri moto trooper talking to some Tedeski allies. He is wearing a wool tunic, cotton
pantaloons, leather leggings and has a carbine, 2 liter canteen and a dispatch riders case over his back. There is a second Bersaglieri
trooper standing to the left. Below is an example of the ITALIAN hand salute.

Centauro Division vehicles soon after their arrival in Africa showing AB-41 armored cars and
Semoventi assault guns in the back ground

Centauro M13-41 tanks advance down a Tunisian roadway in early 1943. A Luce film on U-Tube of the
Centuaro Division parading just before going to Africa shows that each armored battalion painted their
tanks in a different color pattern.one in tan, one in mid brown and one in tan with green overspray!

Views of vehicles from the Lodi recon detachment of the Centauro. inTunisia. The
Italain troops standing on the corner are Bersaglieri in their fez and wool uniforms.

A great period photo above of a complete 6 vehicle Semoventi Assault Gun Battery. A detachment like
this was present during the Kasserine Pass battle. This vehicle was well liked by both the Italians and
the Germans. It had a low silhouette, adequate frontal armor and was armed with 75mm L18 gun that
fired both AP and HE rounds It was capable of knocking out a Grant or Sherman at about 800 yards.
Below left is a period photo of a Centauro Semoventi knocked out along a road to Tebessa, during the
Kasserine Pass battle. Right is a color photo of the same vehicle taken a few years agoIts still sitting
there!!!!!!!

Bersaglieri moving their 47mm AT gun across the desert, wearing both pantaloons and shorts.

Truck mounted Bersaglieri with an AA MG.

Italian desert tank crew.showing the diverse mix of uniforms typically worn in the desert.

Bersaglieri Officer Aspirant, denoted by the tress around his collar.

Book and Film Reference Material

(Search on AMAZON.COM, they will all come up)

Good General Reference Book on Royal Army

Men at Arms Series Desert Army Volume

By Ian W. Walker
Italian Film, Well done about
Covers history of Italian
the Pavia Division.
Armored Divisions in Africa.
Bersaglieri History throughout.

1960s Film, Good action

featuring Bersaglieri &Folgore
in sometimes 60s cheeseee
Acting, but its a CLASSIC!!

HIKI SHOP BASIC KIT LINKS: I recommend you buy one or two sizes larger than you would
wear. They run a size smaller.and should fit you on the baggy side and are more
comfortable to wear in a true desert environment..
WWII Italian Tropical Troops M1940 Camiciotto Saharian Shirt @ $61
http://hikishop.com/wwii-italian-tropical-troops-camiciotto-sahariano-saharian-shirt-p-1057.html

WWII WW2 Italian Tropical Troops M1940 Capri Pants Breeches @ $50
http://www.hikishop.com/wwii-ww2-italian-tropical-troops-m1940-capri-pants-breeches-p-1059.html

WWII Italy Italian M29 Grey Green Wool Leggings Puttee Pair @ $35
http://www.hikishop.com/wwii-italy-italian-m29-grey-green-wool-leggings-puttee-pair-p-1133.html

WWII Italy Italian Grey Green Pantalone Trousers Pants Belt @ $17
http://www.hikishop.com/wwii-italy-italian-grey-green-pantalone-trousers-pants-belt-p-1217.html

WW2 Italy Italian Cavalry Mounted Troops M29 Bread Bag Haversack $65
http://www.hikishop.com/ww2-italy-italian-cavalry-mounted-troops-m29-bread-bag-haversack-p1302.html

WW2 Italy Italian M37 M40 Grey Green Wool Great Coat Cappotto $150
http://www.hikishop.com/ww2-italy-italian-m37-m40-grey-green-wool-great-coat-cappotto-p1138.html

Please.try to take a moment while you are at the event having a good
timeto remember that these men fought and often died for their Country, just
as soldiers everywhere have always done.