XVII Army Corps (Italy)

The XVII Army Corps was a formation of the Royal Italian Army (Regio Esercito) during World War II. It primarily saw action on the Eastern Front as part of the Italian Expeditionary Corps in Russia (Corpo di Spedizione Italiano in Russia, or CSIR) and later the Italian Army in Russia (Armata Italiana in Russia, or ARMIR, also known as 8th Army).

The Corps' composition varied during its deployment, but typically included several divisions of infantry and supporting arms. It participated in major operations alongside the German Wehrmacht, including offensives in southern Russia and defensive battles during the Soviet counteroffensives.

Like the rest of the ARMIR, the XVII Army Corps suffered heavy losses during Operation Uranus, the Soviet encirclement and destruction of Axis forces at Stalingrad. The Corps was largely destroyed during the winter fighting of 1942-1943, specifically during the Soviet offensive known as Operation Little Saturn. Surviving elements were eventually withdrawn from the Eastern Front.

Following its return to Italy, the remnants of the XVII Army Corps were likely reorganized or absorbed into other units, given the substantial losses sustained. Detailed records of its post-Eastern Front activities are less readily available. Its role in the overall strategic defeat suffered by the Italian Army on the Eastern Front is a significant aspect of its history.