The Italian Elite

Helmets decorated with black feathers, which can be seen on the turret rear, are worn by the Bersaglieri — soldiers of the Italian Army's elite unit.

They were originally created by General Alessandro La Marmora in 1836 for the Army of the Kingdom of Sardinia. The Bersaglieri were initially trained as sharpshooters and tough soldiers and were easily recognizable for their distinctive, wide-brimmed hats decorated with black capercaillie feathers. One version has the feathers protecting the right eye of sharpshooters from sunlight. Wearing the feathers became a tradition over time.

Weapon of Two World Wars

On the right of the tank's fenders are boxes of Carcano Moschetto M38 rifles.

The rifle's designer, Salvatore Carcano, used his experience with the best foreign rifle models of the time — the Mauser M1889 and Mannlicher M.90. The new rifle was tested by elite Bersaglieri and the Alpini units of the Italian Army. Experienced shooters liked the rifle so much they accepted it for service; it was used by the Italian army and during the First and Second World War.

Africa as a Symbol of Italian Valor

Another feature of the style is African motifs. Until 1941, the administrative-territorial entity of Italian East Africa existed on the world map. The Italians intended to stay a long time, but World War II derailed their plans.

Italian troops had unflattering fame in the Second World War. One exception, however, was the Ariete Armoured Division: Many of its soldiers, for instance, showed heroism against the British in the Second Battle of El Alamein. A desperate attack of a dozen L13/40 tanks, under the command of Luigi Pascucci, into the heart of the advancing 8th British Armored Brigade achieved the impossible: It forced the British to retreat.

The difference in the number and quality of vehicles ultimately took its toll. All the attackers were killed and, in subsequent battles, the division was surrounded and all but destroyed. Several vehicles and a squad of the Bersaglieri managed to escape encirclement.

The newly formed Ariete II Division saved the Italian king and the government from being captured by the surrounding Germans, defending Rome from attacks of the 3rd German Panzergrenadier Division.

Dangerous Trophy

In World of Tanks, the Progetto M35 mod. 46 is a true predator! Its accurate gun and high mobility allow it to quickly track down and destroy its prey. The third component of the style emphasizes these skills.

A skull of an African buffalo is a trophy on the tank's hull. Of Africa's so-called Big Five game, the African (or Cape) buffalo is the most dangerous. The animal usually attacks first without waiting for a shot; even when wounded, it always attacks and many a hunter has fallen while pursuing one.

Hunter's Choice

For a hunt to be successful, a powerful and reliable weapon is needed, and it can be found behind the turret.

The lever-action carbine Davide Pedersoli 1886, for which the .45-70 Government cartridge is used, was one of the most powerful rifle calibers at the time when the weapon was designed. The lever-action mechanism ensured a high rate of fire for the carbine, which immediately calls to mind the Progetto M35 mod. 46's gun with its autoreloader mechanism! Equipped with such a gun, the Progetto M35 mod. 46 can hunt even a Maus, the main beast of the World of Tanks.

For the Spirits of Random Battles

Gaining favour with the spirits is a must for a successful hunt. Therefore, several African masks are attached to the turret. Since ancient times, masks were used in Africa for ritual dances before a hunt, before a battle, or in other ceremonies. Charged with positive energy, masks can bring good luck.

If they're attached to the vehicle, perhaps they'll bring favor with the Spirits of Random Battles!