Background
Annibale Bergonzoli was born on November 1, 1884 Cannobio, Italy.
Annibale Bergonzoli was born on November 1, 1884 Cannobio, Italy.
Annibale Bergonzoli was educated locally.
Known as “Electric Whiskers” (Barba Elettrica) because of his flaming red beard, Lt Gen Bergonzoli was highly regarded at the outset of the war in North Africa as a tough, austere field commander. On direct orders from Mussolini he made the British fight for Bardia, 3-4 Jan 1941. but then abandoned four division commanders and 45,000 troops to flee on foot. Reaching Tobruk safely, he was trapped there and taken prisoner on 7 Feb 1941 (the Battle of Beda Fomm).