The link between the Alpine Corps and the historical traditions of the country is well known and represents the distinctive feature of an elite that has always been accustomed to hard work and, above all, to the predisposition to wear a symbol of brotherhood and solidarity: the black feather headdress, among the most iconic in the Army.
From the renowned 3rd Alpine Regiment of Pinerolo, at the Berardi barracks, a new gesture has started to valorize the history of our Army and the Alpine Corps.
The works, supervised by auxiliary general Vincenzo Stella, received the green light from the historical office of the Army general staff and from the Army logistics command - alienations office.
Thus, on Monday 2 December, the 47 M1948 tank, weighing almost 60 tons, was officially handed over to the Schilpario Military Museum in Val di Scalve (BG). This museum, already visited during a report on the numerous military vehicles passionately cared for by collector Silvano Bettineschi, is now enriching its collection with this prestigious vehicle.
Contacted by us, Bettineschi shared his ambitious cultural perspectives for the museum: “I have been collecting military objects since I was 17, then I moved on to vehicles, and the M47 that just arrived represents the most important piece and the only one in Lombardy.”
Jobs
Monday 2, the enterprise King Oversize of Medolago (BG) used a powerful crane to lift the tank up to a height of 10 meters.
Bettineschi said that, being an American vehicle, the owner of the company, Mr. Manzi, wanted to use a Kenworth imported from the United States as a road tractor. However, the wheelbase of the imposing – and fascinating – truck proved unsuitable for the tight curves that lead to Schilpario. For this reason, a Scania, from the same transport company, was chosen.
Following the work at the Berardi barracks were the commander, Colonel Alberto Salvador, and his men, including Sergeant Major Massimiliano Leo.
The 350-kilometer journey began strategically on Tuesday night and concluded at 4 a.m. the next morning with the arrival of the wagon at the museum.
Bettineschi expressed gratitude to the Army for this opportunity, which includes a two-year stay of the vehicle at the museum, extendable. The news from the 3rd Alpine Regiment, however, does not stop here: today, December 6, Commander Alberto Salvador will hand over command to his successor, Colonel Daniele Simeoni.