1st Regiment "Granatieri di Sardegna"


The 1st Regiment "Granatieri di Sardegna" is an active unit of the Italian Army based in Rome in Lazio. The regiment is part of the army's infantry corps' Granatieri speciality and operationally assigned to the Mechanized Brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna".
It descends from the Guard Brigade and the Cacciatori Regiment. Since 20 April 1850, it has taken the name of the Grenadier Brigade, taking precedence over the other Infantry Brigades.

Current structure

As of 2019 the 1st Regiment "Granatieri di Sardegna" consists of:
The Command and Logistic Support Company fields the following platoons: C3 Platoon, Transport and Materiel Platoon, Medical Platoon, and Commissariat Platoon. The regiment is equipped with tracked Dardo infantry fighting vehicles. The Maneuver Support Company is equipped with M106 120mm mortar carriers and Dardo IFVs with Spike LR anti-tank guided missiles.

Honors

In its history, the regiment has earned the following decorations:

Symbols

The Regiment wears the Grenadiers frieze. The number "1" is shown in the center in the rod. At the base of the collar is the Stella d'Italia, the symbol of the Italian armed forces. The regimental hymn is also used as a symbol of the Grenadiers.

Holidays

The regiment celebrates two unit holidays. They are celebratwd on the following dates April 18 and February 18. Every year in February, the regiment participates in the solemn mass in arms in memory of Alberto Genovese, Duke of San Pietro, in the Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome. It is the most important event for the regiment and takes place in a very formal manner, with the historical uniform being on display during a regimental military parade through the streets of Rome.

Motto

Grenadier's motto A me le guardie derives from the cry launched by Vittorio Emanuele, Duke of Savoy: A me le guardie per l'onore di casa Savoia!. This was stated during an operation against the Austrians at Goito on 30 May 184i during the First Italian War of Independence. After the proclamation of the Republic, the motto was shortened to its current form. "A me le guardie!".

Band

The first military bands in the regiment were formed in 1786. The present-day music band is made up of volunteers who serve on contract with the regiment. The band carries out musical tasks during the changing the guard at the Quirinale Palace, official state visits by heads of state, international sports competions as well as multiple military and civilian demonstrations. Since 1 January 2002, the band has been led by Sub-lieutenant Domenico Morlungo, a graduate of three Italian conservatories.

Notable people linked to the regiment