5th Heavy Field Artillery Regiment (Italy)

The 5th Heavy Field Artillery Regiment was an artillery regiment of the Royal Italian Army (Regio Esercito) during World War I and World War II.

Organization and Structure (Pre-World War II):

While specific pre-war organizational details can vary, heavy field artillery regiments typically consisted of multiple artillery groups (gruppi), each equipped with heavy artillery pieces, such as 149/19 howitzers. These groups were further subdivided into batteries (batterie). The regiment was commanded by a colonel.

World War II Service:

The 5th Heavy Field Artillery Regiment saw service on various fronts during World War II, including but not limited to, the Eastern Front (likely as part of the Italian Expeditionary Corps in Russia, CSIR and ARMIR). Their role was to provide long-range fire support to infantry and other units.

Fate:

Like many Italian units deployed on the Eastern Front, the 5th Heavy Field Artillery Regiment suffered significant losses during the Soviet counter-offensives of 1942-1943. The unit's fate after the armistice of Cassibile in September 1943 is unclear, and may have involved disbandment, capture, or participation in the Italian Co-belligerent Army. Further research is needed to determine the regiment's specific movements and actions following the armistice.