3rd Bersaglieri Regiment

[JLEES]

Hello,
I'm trying to find out if the 3rd Bersaglieri Regiment fought in the Italo-Abyssinian War. Does anyone know if it was there and possibly what unit it was attached too.
Thanks,
James

[Spirow Ewes]

James,

3rd Bersaglieri Regiment fought in Ethiopian War under the "Colonna Celere A. O." which was commanded by Achille Starace, on the North Front.

I've found this OOB:

# Celere Column A.O. (Eritrea) - Ten. Gen. Achille Starace

* 82nd CCNN Legion "Mussolini", motorized
* 3rd Bersaglieri Regiment
* 8th Artillery Group (77mm/28, motorized)
* Light Tank Battalion
* Motorized Anti-Tank Company
* Engineer Company
* 7th Artillery Group (77mm/28, motorized)

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_Or ... sinian_War

[Lupo Solitario]

Yes, in a first time it was attached to 30th Infantry Division "Sabauda" with which fought from october 1935 to february 1936. After that it was splitted in two parts of which one continued to operate with Sabauda and the other was joined to the newly formed "Starace column" to move on Gondar.

[JLEES]

Outstanding information guys! Many thanks!

It was also nice speaking with you again Lupo.
James

[tigre]

Hello to all ; a little complement..............................................

COLONNA CELERE A. O. - Gondar, April 1936. ("Usque ad finem" - to the end).

Introduction.

The march with 400 motor vehicles from Asmara to Gondar, through the inhospitable and inaccessible territory without exploration of the Amhara, constituted in the middle of the month of March 1936, year XIV, a theoretically impossible enterprise.

On April 8 of that year, the spirit, tenacity, courage, sacrifice of a little over 3,000 men, pursued the task once again showing the world how a handful of men can, if they are guided by a will and driven by a spirit tempered by faith, to reach and surpass the goals that the cold thinker believes unattainable.

On March 20, 1936, Colonna Celere A.O. led by S.E. Secretary of the National Fascist Party, Lieutenant General of the Militia Achille Starace, who in four days, crossing the torrid western lowlands of Eritrea through Keren-Agordat-Tessenei and Om-Ager, crossed the Setit river and headed towards Gondar .

The expedition had to reach its goal of occupying Gondar, on April 1, which was arrived at 9 am by the XX and XXV Battalions of the 3rd Bersaglieri Regiment and the 82nd Battalion CC.NN. "Mussolini", while the column of 400 trucks, which had stopped about 40 km from the goal, Gondar had arrived on the 8th, at 17 hours, along with the XVIII Battalion of the 3rd Bersaglieri Regiment.

The column has surpassed a height of 2700 meters above sea level, which covers about 300 km in enemy territory: the road was scarcely marked in the first 50-60 kilometers of route and had to be then completely built between the steppes of the lowlands and the steep slopes of the Chercher Mountain Range.

The bunch of bersaglieri, CC.NN. and the military engineers, assisted by the drivers, made passable about 20 fords, mainly those of the Babàu torrent and those of the Sengi stream.

Above all, it was possible to march in compact column formation, without appreciable stretching and without any significant accident, on the trails often marked in the steppe by the wheels of the same trucks and on the slopes of the mountains only made accessible by a picket that marched a few meters ahead of the column, opening roads at first sight inaccessible.

Wonderful drivers with clenched fists at the wheel, eyes wide open, joints struggling to hold the brakes that threatened to break into the steep slopes of rocky obstacles, sometimes surpassing 30, 35 percent slopes, propelling their engine to the goal!

Sources: MAGGIORE RUSSO CRESCENZO. COLONNA CELERE A. O. ("Usque ad finem") GONDAR APRILE 1936 - XIV.
"THE MARCIA SU GONDAR" DI ACHILLE STARACE 1936.

Just in case, this is a historical fact, not propaganda of any type. Cheers. Raul M .

[JLEES]

Outstanding! Many thanks for your kind analysis of this unit's participation during the campaign. The Italo-Abysinian Campaign is often overlooked by historians and should be studied more.
James

[tigre]

Hello to all ; thanks for your support James . A little more..............................................

COLONNA CELERE A. O. - Gondar, April 1936. ("Usque ad finem" - to the end).

Diary.

Asmara - March 12, 1936:

S. E. Starace assumes the Command of the Colonna Celere A.O. composed by the battalions XVIII, XX and XXV of the 3rd Bersaglieri Regiment, the LXXXII battalion CC.NN. "Mussolini", a motorized machine gun battalion, a 77/28 Artillery Group, with elements of engineers, health and subsistence.

Four hundred drivers form part of the column whose elements are self-transportable. Drivers called for the task are mostly provided by the 12th Autogruppo, whose commander, Maggiore Russo, will be the command adviser.

Other drivers come from the 2º autoreparto autocarrette and 319º autoreparto.

By assuming the command column S.E. Starace issued to the troops the following Order of the Day Nº 1:

A.O., March 12, 1936-XIV.

"By order of the Marshal of Italy S.E. Pietro Badoglio I assume today the command of the Colonna celere A.O.
The comrades who have fallen heroically on the battlefields are at the head of our formations, strengthened in the muscles and more in the spirit.
I expect of you, officers, non-commissioned officers, bersaglieri, black shirts, artillerymen, machine gunners, service workers, frank enthusiasm, iron discipline, relentless resistance and irresistible impulse.

There is no difference between you: all are equally dear to my commander's heart. On my African helmet of Luogotenente Generale of the fascist militia, is my plume of bersaglieri, that never knew the defeat.

One is the purpose: to serve with the arms to the cause of the Revolution, that identifies with the supreme interests of the country.

The arrogant army of the Negus, despite the help of many of our enemies, bowed before our arms, with which we bring the light of the civilization of Imperial Rome to the oppressed peoples by the most hard slavery.

All hope of revenge on their part will be empty and forever when we have fulfilled the new tasks entrusted to us. The motto "Usque ad finem" engraved on our black combat pennant means the determination to fulfill them, with all our energy, with lightning speed, with the overwhelming force of the hurricane.

Comrades with arms in the sun, salute the voice of the Duce, inflexible in the protection of the honor of our flag, our great King Vittorio Veneto, the new fascist Italy, who stands with pride conscious of his duties and his rights, with confident faith in victory. To us! ".

March 13 - 14, 1936.

Campo Polo. The two days are spent in febrile preparations on the machines that will have to thunder their engines across the border. The vehicles that will be part of the column are Chevrolet, Ford, Bedford, Studebaker, Ceriano 50, Spa 25 c.10, Fiat Balilla and Fiat Ardita.

Sources: MAGGIORE RUSSO CRESCENZO. COLONNA CELERE A. O. ("Usque ad finem") GONDAR APRILE 1936 - XIV.
"THE MARCIA SU GONDAR" DI ACHILLE STARACE 1936.

Cheers. Raul M .

[JLEES]

Outstanding information. Most interesting!!!!
James

[tigre]

Hello to all ; a little more..............................................

COLONNA CELERE A. O. - Gondar, April 1936. ("Usque ad finem" - to the end).

Diary.

March 15, 1936 - At 7 o'clock the column began the march from Asmara; the arrow that was to hit the flank of the Abyssinian resistance was launched. The hearts beat in unison with the engines and trusting "Usque ad Finem" in the faith of victory, in the trust of the chief. On the first day of march, 80 kilometers of the route were covered and at night Cheren was reached, regular march without serious accidents. The white and indigenous population of Cheren warmly welcomed the troops, offering gifts. Much enthusiasm, full and serene confidence in everything.

March 16, 1936 - The 80 kilometers separating Cheren from Agordat were quickly traversed by the column, despite the delay that the march has suffered at some point of the route due to the short radius curves that forced the vehicles, especially those of long body to maneuver. Agordat was reached at dusk by all the machines.

March 17, 1936 - On this day the column has passed the longest and most difficult turn of the route that precedes the border. 170 kilometers from the most sandy soil and in an arid and torrid zone. In the early hours of the night all the vehicles were near Tessenèi. No serious accident has disturbed the exhausting march.

March 18, 1936 - Tessenèi - Om-Ager. The firm route and very good road conditions facilitates the rapid march of the column that reaches the western border of Eritrea at night. Tomorrow, perhaps tomorrow, the march will begin in enemy territory.

March 19, 1936 - The column stopped at the bed abandoned by the Setit River. We thoroughly review the engines and reassembly of the sections, water supply and fuel. At dusk, the word of S.E. Starace communicates vibrantly that the next day the river will be crossed. The announcement of the Head to the assembled troop is welcomed as a promise of victory with the most lively enthusiasm. Tomorrow the feathered helmets of the bersaglieri, the black shirts of the militias, the roar of our engines will advance sowing fear among the enemies.

Sources: MAGGIORE RUSSO CRESCENZO. COLONNA CELERE A. O. ("Usque ad finem") GONDAR APRILE 1936 - XIV.
"THE MARCIA SU GONDAR" DI ACHILLE STARACE 1936.

Cheers. Raul M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; a little more..............................................

COLONNA CELERE A. O. - Gondar, April 1936. ("Usque ad finem" - to the end).

Diary.

On March 20, 1936 - The column, crossed the ford of the Setit, and split into echelons vanguard, bulk and rear. On this first day of march, we covered 42 kilometers. The route seems discreet; it is necessary, however, that the men who advance to the head of the column help to facilitate the march of the trucks removing the obstacles that obstruct the road. The night passed on the banks of the stream Sellemet.

March 21, 1936 - The difficulties increase. The teams of engineers, aided by the men of the first echelon, working next to the trucks in several points to allow them to advance. Only 15 km of advance, stopping in the mount where the night surprised the column.

March 22, 1936 - The Sciè stream is reached. 25 km of trails have been opened, although driving difficulties have increased considerably.

March 23, 1936 - 27 km of road were covered by the entire column. It was reached the Mecazzè stream.

March 24, 1936 - From the Mecazzè stream was reached the ford of the stream Sorocà. 27km of very difficult section. Now, almost all the battalion that marches in the first echelon is used to work in the improvement and opening of the route. Indigenous guides indicate the path where the passage is easier. Numerous springs require a lot of work to be done before allowing the machines to pass.

March 25, 1936 - With a new jump of 22 km, the Column reaches the banks of the Angarèb river. The abundant waters of the river restore men. Review of vehicles: especially for bodies hard put to the test by the incidence of the ground of the route.

Sources: MAGGIORE RUSSO CRESCENZO. COLONNA CELERE A. O. ("Usque ad finem") GONDAR APRILE 1936 - XIV.
"THE MARCIA SU GONDAR" DI ACHILLE STARACE 1936.

Cheers. Raul M .

[JLEES]

This is a wonderful collection of images and information from this period!!!! You should consider trying to put this together into a book on the subject written in English. There isn't too much in print on this subject.
James

[tigre]

Thanks for your support James, fully appreciated . Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; a little more..............................................

COLONNA CELERE A. O. - Gondar, April 1936. ("Usque ad finem" - to the end).

Diary.

March 26, 1936 - At night, the town of Sambocco was reached, more than 10 km away. Driver Luigi BENEDETTI, struck by sunshine, dies while leaning over the engine, trying to repair a fault. The tomb was built on the side of the road, almost a milestone on the hard journey to victory.

March 27, 28, 29, 30, 1936 - Only 45 km of travel could be covered through these 4 days. Huge difficulties arise and they force to make remarkable variations in the route of march to allow the trucks to continue, whereas the Bersaglieri, black shirts and sappers worked systematically to improve the road. The sections where the route ascends along the slopes to the top of the heights must be completely rebuilt. The peak and shovel, operated by the strong muscles of these brave men determined to win and overcome insurmountable difficulties, performed the miracle. The roughness of the ground tends to slow the march, but does not stop. The course of the engine moves slowly but relentlessly in the heart of Abyssinia. The news was reported that two drivers, Corporal MUCCI and the soldier FRACASSO, upon reaching the column, coming from the recovery platoon that marched a few kilometers behind, were attacked as they traveled through an area ravaged by the Abyssinian banditry, have fallen after a strenuous struggle.

March 31, 1936 - Three battalions, the XX, the XXV, of the 3rd Regiment of Bersaglieri and the LXXXII of CC.NN. "Mussolini" disembarked from the trucks to get to Gondar on foot, which is about 40 km. In the trucks is the XVIII Bersaglieri Battalion that will have to do the miracle in the next few days to build the route, which will allow 400 trucks to cross the Chercher. In the afternoon, Major RUSSO, commander of the vehicles of the column, assembled with the drivers, commemorates the fallen with tremulous words. After the words of Major RUSSO the drivers are called to cooperate in the road reconstruction work. So the drivers, leaving the wheel, grabbed the shovels together with the engineers and the Bersaglieri to begin the construction of the road that will dominate the Chercher Pass at 2,780 meters above sea level.

Sources: MAGGIORE RUSSO CRESCENZO. COLONNA CELERE A. O. ("Usque ad finem") GONDAR APRILE 1936 - XIV.
"THE MARCIA SU GONDAR" DI ACHILLE STARACE 1936.

Cheers. Raul M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; a little more..............................................

COLONNA CELERE A. O. - Gondar, April 1936. ("Usque ad finem" - to the end).

Diary.

April 1, 1936 - S.E., at the head of the Bersaglieri and CC.NN., arrived in Gondar. The news, broadcast on the radio, has flown to our hearts. We greet with joy the victory that we had the honor to contribute. The safe passage of the Italian soldiers advances in the Abyssinian land carrying the civilization. Now the roar of the engines will echo between the ancient castles of Gondar. The last obstacle for our truck wheels, Mount Chercher, must be overcome as soon as possible.

Between 02 and 03 of April of 1936 - Another step more. At night, the machines, overcoming the difficulty of the route built by filling the slopes of the terrain, cutting the rocky flanks of the mountain, blowing huge blocks that seemed to stop the relentless march, reach the quota 2,000.

April 4, 1936 - Another 7 km was climbed up to Tucul Dinghià. They are small jumps, obtained with miracles of self-denial and faith. The path is lurking on the sides of the mountain; on it, defying the ground that yields under the weight of the wheels, the empty trucks advance. The most loaded machines are fastened with ropes in the most abrupt passages. Strong wrist, safe hearts, can overcome any obstacle.

05, 06 and 07 of April of 1936 - Three days of intense work and the last difficulties manage to be surpassed. The hill was crossed; the track, reached the summit, begins the descent, digging towards Gondar.

Sources: MAGGIORE RUSSO CRESCENZO. COLONNA CELERE A. O. ("Usque ad finem") GONDAR APRILE 1936 - XIV.
"THE MARCIA SU GONDAR" DI ACHILLE STARACE 1936.

Cheers. Raul M .

[Panzergrenadier2967]

3rd Bersaglieri had golden clasp on the m33 helmet and they fought on the Don.