The Bersaglieri Corps was constituted on 18th June 1836 on a proposal of General Alessandro La Marmora, with the task of carrying out exploration activities and missions.
The first four companies became part of the battalion in July 1836, January 1837, January 1840 and February 1843. A second battalion was constituted in 1848 on the eve of the war. The number of the battalions progressively increased: 10 in 1852, 16 in 1859, 27 in 1867 and in 1871 the 36 battalions were organized in six regiment commands with administrative and disciplinary tasks.
Protagonists of the conquest of Rome on 20th September 1870, the battalions lost their operational autonomy assumed on 1st January 1871 by the regiments become 10. Since 1882 they have passed to four battalions each. After a regulation in 1910, in every regiment a cyclists battalion was formed and dissolved in 1919. During the First World War (1915-1918) the Corps was organized in 2 special divisions, 7 brigades, 21 regiments and 5 independent battalions.
In 1924 the 12 regiments were transformed in cyclists regiments, before the components were changed in 1936.
During the Second World War the Bersaglieri regiments were organized in armoured, motorized and fast divisions. They fought on all fronts, showing their capabilities and dedication. The Field Marshal Rommel, the Italian-German Army Commander in Northern Africa, said: " the German soldier has astonished the world, the Italian Bersagliere soldier has astonished the German one…"
They participated in the War of Liberation with the 4th Regiment and the "Goito" Battalion; the 3rd Regiment was reconstituted in 1946 followed by the 8th in 1949 that gave rise to the "Garibaldi" Bersaglieri Brigade. At present there are 6 regiments and their Flags are awarded with 7 Knight Crosses of the Italian Military Order, 10 Gold Medals, 8 Silver Medals, 26 Bronze Medals to the Military VAlour and 1 Gold Medal and 3 Silver Medals to the Army Valour.
CELEBRATION: 18th June – Anniversary of the Specialty constitution (1836).