The 1st Italian Motorised Regiment

The 1st Motorised Regiment represents the beginnings of the restructuring of the Italian army following 8 September 1943. The new strategy of co-belligerence with the Allies had initially jeopardised the role of Italian troops in the liberation of the country. Thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of the divisions of the 1st Motorized Regiment, under the leadership first of General Vincenzo D'Apino and later of General Umberto Utili, the Italian army took a co-leading role in the liberation campaign.

Direct front-line deployment took place for the first time during the battles for the conquest of the peaks near Mignano Montelungo between 8 and 16 December 1943. The success achieved during the clash of 16 December impressed the generals of the Allied command, which allowed the Italian General Staff to continue the collaboration with a national unit incorporated and subordinate to the command of the Allied armies that had moved along the Gustav Line.

After the first victorious experiences, the 1st Regiment expanded and transformed, taking on the new name of Italian Liberation Corps.

The main divisions that made up the First Motorised Regiment were the 67th Infantry Regiment, the 5th Tank Battalion and the 11th Motorised Artillery Regiment.

The 1st Motorised Regiment ceased operations on 22 March 1944. The divisions became part of the CIL.