July 1941. The Corpo di Spedizione Italiano in Russia [Italian Expeditionary Corps in Russia] was constituted on 10 July 1941. The C.S.I.R. arrived in Russia during July-August 1941 and was initially subordinated to Generaloberst Eugen Ritter von Schoberts 11th Army. On 14 August 1941, the C.S.I.R. was transferred to the control of Generaloberst Ewald von Kleists Panzer Group 1 (redesignated 1st Panzer Army on 25 October 1941). It remained under von Kleists command until 3 June 1942 when it was subordinated to Generaloberst Richard Ruoffs 17th Army. The original commander, Generale di Corpo dArmata Francesco Zingales, fell ill in Vienna during the early stages of transport to Russia and replaced by Generale di Corpo dArmata Giovanni Messe on 14 July 1941. The initial corps strength stood at 3,000 officers and 59,000 men, 5,500 motor vehicles and over 4,000 horses and mules. (less info)