The Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia (the predecessor of modern Italy) formed the Bersaglieri in 1836. They were a highly mobile light infantry unit which was used in place of the more expensive cavalry units. Recruits had to be in excellent physical condition as they moved at a fast paced jog to make up for lack of horses. They also had to be expert marksmen. The Bersaglieri were easily recognized by their distinctive helmets which were adorned with black capercaillie feathers, a practice that is still upheld in present day.
When Italy entered WWII, the Bersaglieri no longer traveled solely on foot and had been outfitted with trucks and motorcycles. Each of the twelve Bersaglieri regiments had one motorcycle mounted battalion. Members of these battalions primarily rode 500cc Moto Guzzi Alces, the Alce tricycle or 350cc Bennellis. Six regiments served extensively in Africa between 1940 and 1943 with many victories. Their most famous victory came during a joint Axis campaign against the US 1st Armored Division in which they played a pivotal role in capturing the Kasserine Pass in Tunsia.
After years of heavy fighting in Africa, the six regiments of Bersaglieri had been reduced to around 600 men. On May 13th, 1943 they were officially ordered to surrender to the Americans by the Italian High Command. Even though they were out of ammunition and almost out of water, the Bersaglieri did not simply throw down their arms. Instead, their commanding officers, astride motorcycles, marched them over to the US lines. There they were greeted by flanking lines of American soldiers in present arms formation. Such was the respect given to the Bersaglieri, even by their enemies.
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