Italian Army at Stalingrad (REEDITION) 1/72 Strelets-M082

The Italian Army played a significant role in the Stalingrad Campaign (1942-1943) as part of the German-led Axis effort on the Eastern Front during World War II. Known as the 8th Italian Army (ARMIR), it was composed of more than 200,000 soldiers deployed to protect the left flank of the German 6th Army, which was besieging Stalingrad. Poorly equipped and trained, the Italian army faced severe difficulties. They lacked modern weaponry, adequate artillery and protection against the extreme temperatures of the Russian winter. These deficiencies were exploited by the Red Army during Operation Little Saturn in December 1942, when Soviet forces broke through the Italian lines in a devastating offensive. Despite the bravery of many soldiers, the collapse of the Italian front contributed to the encirclement and eventual destruction of the German 6th Army. The campaign resulted in enormous casualties for Italy and marked a critical point in its participation in the war.