Sdto Enrico Toti, 3e Bersaglieri Bicicletta Bn.
Born in Rome on 20 August 1882, Enrico worked for the Italian Railways until 1906 when he lost his left leg in an accident. Following this, he became a one-legged cyclist from 1911 and travelled to France, Belgium, Holland, Finland, Lapland, Russia and Poland, returning to Italy in July 1912. Soon afterwards he embarked on another cycling feat, this time to Egypt and the border of the Sudan before returning.
Enrico attempted to enlist in the Italian army in May 1915, but he was rejected, so he became a civilian volunteer cyclist near the frontline before being sent home. Refusing to go, he managed to enlist into the 3e Bersaglieri Bicicletta Bn (technically, still a civilian) but he was killed in action near Montfalcone during the Sixth Battle of the Isonzo (famously hurling his crutch at the Austrians). He was awarded the Italian Gold Medal of Military Valour.
6 August 1916
Research by David O'Mara, Croonaert Research Services.
