Italian Bersaglieri plastic boxed set

Italian Bersaglieri plastic boxed set

The Bersaglieri (sharpshooters) were well-drilled marksmen and superbly trained soldiers, easily recognised by their helmets adorned with large black capercaillie feathers. As light infantry troops, they were encouraged to show a greater degree of independence and initiative than the regular troops of the Italian Army, and this élan served them well in battle.

During WWII, the Bersaglieri became a focus of Italy’s push towards mobile warfare. Several units of these highly motivated, aggressive troops were equipped with bicycles or motorcycles to fight alongside Italy’s armoured and motorised divisions.

In the early years of the war, they saw action in France and Greece and proved their worth in North Africa as well: 12 regiments fought in East Africa, the Western Desert, and Sicily. On several occasions, Bersaglieri units fought to the last man whilst their German allies fled, disproving the modern view that Italian soldiers were largely cowardly. The Bersaglieri also fought on the Eastern Front against Stalin's Red Army.

Avanti Italia!

Box contains 30 highly customisable plastic figures, bases and a waterslide decal sheet.

Models supplied unassembled and unpainted.