This is a Russian 6th Soviet Army SU-76 self-propelled artillery gun complete track wheel hub, recovered in solid relic condition with no structural damage. Although rusty, it remains strong, has been thoroughly cleaned, and is now perfect for display or inclusion in any military history collection a fine piece of Russian armour heritage. The wheel hub comes with an A5 laminated information sheet including photographs. This wheel hub was recovered from the Don River area, the sector where the Soviet 6th Army engaged the Italian Mountain Corps in January 1943 during the Battle of Stalingrad.
On 14 January 1943, the 6th Soviet Army launched its offensive against the Alpini divisions of the Italian Mountain Corps. Positioned on the left flank of the Italian Army, the Alpini had previously remained relatively unaffected by the fighting. However, their position became critical after the collapse of the Italian centre, the Italian right flank, and the Hungarian troops on their left. The Julia and Cuneense Divisions were destroyed; members of the 1st Alpini Cuneense burned their regimental flags to prevent capture. Only part of the Tridentina Division, along with scattered retreating troops, managed to escape encirclement.
On 26 January, after the bloody Battle of Nikolajewka, remnants of the Alpini managed to break through and reach new defensive lines established by the Germans. By then, the Tridentina Division was the only partially operational Alpini unit left, having led the breakout at Nikolajewka. Many survivors were frostbitten, severely weakened, and deeply demoralised.
In total, around 130,000 Italians were encircled during the Soviet offensive. Italian records state that about 20,800 were killed in action, 64,000 were captured, and 45,000 managed to withdraw. Those who returned to Italy were hidden from public view by the Fascist regime, due to the appalling condition of the survivors of the Russian Front.
This is a Russian 6th Soviet Army SU-76 self-propelled artillery gun complete track wheel hub, recovered in solid relic condition with no structural damage. Although rusty, it remains strong, has been thoroughly cleaned, and is now perfect for display or inclusion in any military history collection a fine piece of Russian armour heritage. The wheel hub comes with an A5 laminated information sheet including photographs. This wheel hub was recovered from the Don River area, the sector where the Soviet 6th Army engaged the Italian Mountain Corps in January 1943 during the Battle of Stalingrad.
On 14 January 1943, the 6th Soviet Army launched its offensive against the Alpini divisions of the Italian Mountain Corps. Positioned on the left flank of the Italian Army, the Alpini had previously remained relatively unaffected by the fighting. However, their position became critical after the collapse of the Italian centre, the Italian right flank, and the Hungarian troops on their left. The Julia and Cuneense Divisions were destroyed; members of the 1st Alpini Cuneense burned their regimental flags to prevent capture. Only part of the Tridentina Division, along with scattered retreating troops, managed to escape encirclement.
On 26 January, after the bloody Battle of Nikolajewka, remnants of the Alpini managed to break through and reach new defensive lines established by the Germans. By then, the Tridentina Division was the only partially operational Alpini unit left, having led the breakout at Nikolajewka. Many survivors were frostbitten, severely weakened, and deeply demoralised.
In total, around 130,000 Italians were encircled during the Soviet offensive. Italian records state that about 20,800 were killed in action, 64,000 were captured, and 45,000 managed to withdraw. Those who returned to Italy were hidden from public view by the Fascist regime, due to the appalling condition of the survivors of the Russian Front.
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