The division was formed on 1 October 1937 in Benghazi in Italian Libya and named for the nearby antique city of Cyrene (Cirene).

[1][2] The division's lineage begins with the Brigade "Liguria" established in preparation for Italy's entry into World War I in Genova on 1 March 1915.

At Italy's entry into World War II on 10 June 1940, the Cirene was at Al Adam (now Tobruk Airport) in the East of Italian Libya.

Afterwards, the Italian 10th Army formed a defensive line composed of big outposts separated by wide desert areas.

[9] The British 4th Armoured Brigade was ordered to cut them off west of Ābār Abū Safāfī (Sofafi), but arrived too late and the Cirene was able to make its way along the top of the escarpment and link up with Italian forces at Halfaya Pass during the retreat to Sallum.

At first, the Cirene division guarded the Marsá al Murayghah (Mrega) zone, which was a part of an 18-mile (29 km) perimeter which had a permanent anti-tank ditch, extensive wire fence, and a double row of concrete strong points.

But soon British bombardment of the front line has increased to an intolerable level, therefore the bulk of Cirene retreated to Bardia city proper.

[15] The majority of Italian units have surrendered without fight, their morale sapped by hunger, thirst, lice and dysentery.