The Tragedy of the Italian Army in Russia. The Fate of 250,000 Soldiers on the Frozen Russian Steppe During World War II

 

Introduction

One of the lesser known but profoundly tragic episodes of World War II was the fate of approximately 250,000 Italian soldiers who were sent to fight on the Eastern Front in Russia. This deployment, ordered by Benito Mussolini in support of Nazi Germany, resulted in catastrophic losses and immense suffering, as the Italian Army faced the brutal Russian winter and the relentless advance of the Soviet forces.

The Context: Italy's Involvement in the Eastern Front

When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941, Mussolini was eager to demonstrate Italy’s commitment to the Axis cause. Despite Italy’s limited resources and the unsuitability of its army for the harsh conditions, he sent the Italian Expeditionary Corps in Russia (Corpo di Spedizione Italiano in Russia, or CSIR), which later expanded to the Italian Army in Russia (Armata Italiana in Russia, or ARMIR). By 1942, Italian forces numbered over 250,000 men.

The Challenges of the Russian Campaign

The Italian soldiers were ill-prepared for the Russian climate. They lacked adequate winter clothing, modern weapons, and logistical support. The Russians had tanks, the Italians had mules. The Russian steppe, with its vast distances and freezing temperatures that could plunge below -30°F (-34°C), proved to be a deadly adversary. Disease, frostbite, and malnutrition became as formidable as the enemy’s bullets. The Soviets waited them out until they were at their weakest point then destroyed them with brutal frontal assaults.

The Soviet Offensive and the Collapse of the ARMIR

In the winter of 1942–1943, the Soviets launched Operation Little Saturn, which targeted the Italian, Hungarian, and Romanian armies holding the flanks of the German Sixth Army at Stalingrad. The Italian Army was quickly overwhelmed. Soviet armor and infantry broke through the thinly stretched lines, and the Italians, lacking anti-tank weapons and air support, were forced into a desperate retreat.

The Retreat: Suffering and Loss

The retreat from the Don River, often referred to as the "Ritirata," became a story of unimaginable hardship. Italian soldiers, many suffering from frostbite, wounds, and starvation, marched hundreds of miles through snow and ice, pursued by Soviet forces. The lack of transport, food, and medical supplies led to mass casualties. Thousands were captured and sent to Soviet prison camps, where the chances of survival were minimal.

 

In the last several weeks Italian Facebook sites have posted the anniversary of this complete and utter military disaster.  One story retold the story of how the German commander met with his Italian counterpart and ordered him not to retreat and fight to the death.  The Italian commander reminded the German that he had no tanks nor weapons to defend against the well-armed Soviets.  The German smirked and told him that was his problem.  The Italians were assigned to defend open ground without a hill in sight.  Of the 250,000 Italian soldiers sent to Russia, 90% did not return.

 

In the annals of military annihilation this one must be one of the most devastating and the most insane.  Tyrants don’t care how many men they lose.  Certainly, the Russians did not care how many men they lost either.  This is a damming testament to the rule of tyrants.  We still have them today.  Vladimir Putin does not care how many soldiers he loses in Ukraine.  He cares only for his glory.  This is the madness of war.

 

For a good eye witness testimony of what the Italian Army went through, read the first person account of Italian soldier Mario Rigoni Stern in his book “The Sergeant in the Snow