In spring 1941 the regiment participated in the Invasion of Yugoslavia. In early 1942 the regiment was sent to Libya to join the 133rd Armored Division "Littorio" for the Western Desert campaign. The regiment entered the line on 20 June 1942 at the end of the Battle of Gazala and was heavily engaged six days later at the Battle of Mersa Matruh. Reduced to a strength of 1,000 men the regiment fought in the Second Battle of El Alamein. Forced to retreat the remnants of the regiment reached Tripoli on 12 November 1942, where on 8 December 1942 the 12th Bersaglieri Regiment was disbanded and the survivors integrated in the 7th Bersaglieri Regiment.