Battle of Chazepetovka

In early November 1941, the renewed Italian offensive against the Soviet salient north of Yelenovka was among the grandest local operations conducted by the Italian Expeditionary Corps in Russia. Following an earlier defeat, this offensive was designed to allow for a larger encirclement around the Soviet salient using units of the 9th Infantry Division "Pasubio" and 52nd Infantry Division "Torino", creating a straighter front and driving the Soviets from their bulge into the Italian lines. The fighting occurred under extremely adverse winter weather and very strong Soviet defensive positions, resulting in fierce fighting around several small villages on the way to Chazepetovka.