132nd Armored Division "Ariete"
The 132nd Armored Division "Ariete" was an armored division of the Royal Italian Army during World War II. It was formed in 1939 as the second armored division after the 131st Armored Division "Centauro". The division fought in the Western Desert Campaign until being destroyed during the Second Battle of El Alamein and declared lost due to wartime events on 8 December 1942.
Mario Balotta (centre) with two officers of the Ariete Division in North Africa
Second Battle of El Alamein
The Second Battle of El Alamein was a battle of the Second World War that took place near the Egyptian railway halt of El Alamein. The First Battle of El Alamein and the Battle of Alam el Halfa had prevented the Axis from advancing further into Egypt.
24 October 1942: British soldiers in a posed attack
Erwin Rommel (left) in his Sd.Kfz. 250/3 command halftrack.
Georg Stumme in 1940
Italian Generals discussing from left to right: General Curio Barbasetti di Prun, General Ugo Cavallero, and General Ettore Bastico.