The Saharan companies were first formed in 1923 with the purpose of patrolling the space among the Italian forts in the Libyan Sahara desert. In 1938 the five existent companies were reorganized as motorized units with their own aerial support. The companies received new off-road vehicles and a light aircraft section (manned by Regia Aeronautica personnel). In March 1941 five new Compagnie Sahariane were formed. The Mannerini Raggruppamento fought hard in the area of Mareth and Sfax (Operation Pugilist), till the final Italian surrender in Africa in May 1943.