Dubat

Description:
In 1924 Governor De Vecchi introduced a special unit called “Armed Bands of the Border" better known by the name of "Dubat" (Dub = turbans, AT = white) or Black Bersaglieri.

History
The Dubat were an intermediary troop between the regulars and irregulars. Their main feature was the extreme lightness in armaments and equipment that allowed rapid movement. Known to be vigilant and loyal, they were unparalleled riders of General Graziani, divided in bands led by Italian officers, who were entrusted with the task of monitoring the border. Always ready to react against the incursions of the Abyssinian raiders, they moved through the flooded plains to reach their objectives (the disputed Ogaden), with cleverly improvised makeshift rafts or by swimming, braving the danger of crocodiles. Their training was entrusted to the native graduands from the colonial battalions. The hierarchy consisted of 4 ranks: private, petty officer, leader and commander. The headline news about a clash between a group of Abyssinian armed men and the Italian Dubat at the water wells of Ualual in Somalia appeared on the front pages on Saturday, December 8, 1934. And Mussolini needed just this episode as a pretext to kick off the Campaign in Ethiopia...