Italian & British Heroes Join Stoessi’s World War II Collection

April 9, 2025 by brennon

Stoessi's Heroes recently added two new characters to their collection for you to use during your World War II wargames. As with all of their 28mm miniatures, they have a story behind them and could lead you down some interesting roads during scenario planning for games.

Annibale Bergonzoli // Stoessi's Heroes

The first of the miniatures is for Lieutenant General Annibale Bergonzoli who was a high-ranking Italian officer who served during World War I, the Spanish Civil War and World War II. During World War I, he was awarded the Silver Cross of the Military Order of Savoy for his gallantry and during the Spanish Civil War, he led the Italian Volunteer Legion and helped in the capture of Santander.

Annibale Bergonzoli // Stoessi's Heroes

During World War II, he took command of the XXIII Italian Army Corps in North Africa before being taken prisoner during the Battle of Beda Fomm. He was a great military strategist and a colourful character with an iconic beard and a charismatic demeanour, which made him a strong man to follow. He was also controversial and fiercely loyal to Mussolini’s regime and the poor actions of the Italians in North Africa somewhat tarnished his legacy.

As an interesting character from the period, "Barba Elettrica" could well be a fascinating figure to include as part of your next project. You can find out more about him HERE.

Susan "La Miss" Travers

The second of the characters from Stoessi's Heroes is Susan "Las Miss" Travers, a British woman who joined the French armed forces during World War II.

Susan Travers // Stoessi's Heroes

She initially served as a nurse and ambulance driver for the Red Cross before she decided to join the Free French Legion as a talented driver and chauffeur of General Marie-Pierre Kœnig. She had a distinguished record, being part of the Battle of Bir Hakeim, where she was commended for her bravery and the way she handled the wounded soldiers. She earned the likes of the Croix de Guerre and the Médaille Militaire in her time during World War II.

During the Battle of Bir Hakeim, she drove an armoured vehicle under relentless fire from German and Italian troops and led a convoy out of a besieged position, straight through a minefield. That is one of the pivotal moments that cemented her place in history and makes her one of Stoessi's Heroes. You can find out more about her HERE.

If you're over here in the UK, you can get the miniatures from Stoessi's Heroes from the awesome folks at Great Escape Games.

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"During the Battle of Bir Hakeim, she drove an armoured vehicle under relentless fire from German and Italian troops and led a convoy out of a besieged position..."

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