First sent as a holding force to shore up the Italian defense of their African colonies, the formation fought on in Africa, under various appellations, from March 1941 until its surrender in May 1943.
Alguses saadeti see Aafrikasse appi Itaalia kolooniatele abiväena, tegutsedes Aafrikas mitmesuguste nimetuste all alates märtsist 1941 kuni selle alistumiseni 1943. aasta mais.