 The main mechanized arm of the Italian Army (Ariete Armored Division, Littorio Armored Division, and Trento Motorised Division, together composing XX Motorised Corps) was destroyed, as were the divisions of the other Italian corps engaged (X Corps, comprising Folgore Paratrooper Division, 27th Infantry Division Brescia, and 17th Infantry Division Pavia).Many of the Italian units fought bravely and effectively, and their sacrifice allowed the rest of the Axis army in Africa to escape.Italian forces had also been heavily engaged, and taken severe losses, at the First Battle of El Alamein.