In November 1915, the Alpini Battalion "Monte Cervino" was raised in the village of Ivrea in northern Italy as reserve unit of the 4th Alpini Regiment. Initially only fielding the 133rd Alpini Company, it was augmented by the 87th and 103rd Alpini Companies, which were reserve companies of the Alpini Battalion "Aosta" of the same regiment. After a short training period in the village of Tirano, the battalion was sent in April 1916 to the Asiago plateau to reinforce the front during the Austrian "Strafexpedition" offensive. On May 15, 1916 the 103rd Company had to surrender at the Borcola Pass after a fierce fight with the Austrians, while the 87th and 133rd companies were able to retreat. With the start of the Italian counter-offensive the battalion fought in the Caldiera e Posina valleys.