To divert German forces away from Stalingrad, General-polkovnik Andrei I. Eremenko launched two attacks along the Don river. One of these attacks was against the boundary of the German XVII.Armee-Korps and Italian XXXV Corps.
The Italian Sforzesca Division which was holding the Yelanskaya-Rybinsky sector was poorly prepared for defense, having only occupied this sector four days earlier and having to defend a 30km front with less than half the troops needed. Furthermore, the supporting Italian artillery had little ammunition and the Germans had suspended fuel deliveries to the entire Italian Eighth Army in favour of their own troops.
Two division-sized shock groups of the Soviet 63rd Army started crossing the 200m-wide Don in small boats on the morning of 20 August. Facing them the Italian 54th Infantry Regiment held some widely spaced strongpoints but lacked sufficient firepower to seriously oppose the Soviet crossing.
On the first day of the attack the 14th Guards Rifle Division advanced only 3km but gained a solid foot hold which grew of the next weeks.The Germans provided no help to their Italian allies. Putting up what resistance they could, the Sforzesca Division was roughly dealt with suffering more than 1000 casualties.
In this painting Soviet infantry are overrunning Italian positions overlooking the Don. Both sides have suffered casualties and sporadic artillery fire is landing in the area. In the background, more Soviet boats are crossing the river.
Although the 63rd Army's advance was eventually stopped, Eremenko had gained a valuable bridgehead over the Don- which would be vital in the coming months.

FROM: Osprey Publishing's: Stalingrad 1942-43 (1)

PRICE: £600.00 (Unframed)
IMAGE SIZE: Approx. H 34cm x W 50cm ( H 13.25 inches x W 19.75 inches)
MEDIUM: Watercolour and gouache