During World War II, Alpini divisions where used on several fronts. In 1942 the Italian expeditionary force had been delivered regarding Russian front side to guide the Wehrmacht. It included the Alpini Julia, Tridentina and Cuneense divisions. The Italian Alpini took active part during the defense associated with the Don front however they were outnumbered and surrounded by the troops of Red Army. The Alpini divisions had been forced to retreat with an extended and heroic march, in serious conditions, through the cold wastes of the Russian steppe. Throughout the retreat these people were also involved in tough clashes. Probably the most famous is the battle of Nikolajewka that happened on January1943
