Hello to all, a short story dealing with the river Rhin crossing.
IR 444 on the upper Rhin (Colmar) 1940.
The general situation as for Jun 15, 1940, was as follows: Army Group A had forced the river Somme and had taken Paris; Army Group B, carrying out the main effort with mechanized and motorized divisions had forced the river Aisne and was pursuing the French forces towards the Swiss border; Army Group C should carry out attacks with its 1. Army from nearby of Saarbrucken and with its 7. Army across the river Rhin.
The river Rhine, near Colmar, had a width of 225 meters and a speed of 3,5 m/s. To the west another two water courses were located, the Biesheimer-Rhin an old river bed canal and the Rhine-Rhone canal.
It was observed that the french soldiers surveyed the shore line during the night but were less actives at day light. It was decided then to take advantage of this so the attack’s hour was set up at 10:00 on Jun 15.
The IR 444, belonging to the 239. ID should attack with its I. Battalion on the left and the II. Battalion on the right. The II./ IR 444 should occupy an assembly area located southwest of Burkheim, the following formations were attached to it:
1 Pi company (perhaps belonging to the division’s Pi btl).
1 Platoon of infantry Cannons ( 2 guns of 7,5 cm).
1 Platoon of anti tank guns (4 guns of 3,7 cm).
The II./ IR 444 should attack with its 6. Company on the right and its 7. Company on the left; to each frontlines companies were attached 1 ½ Pi Platoon and 1 MG Platoon (4 MG) from the 8. Company (MG).
The 5. Company was Battalion reserve and should follow the assault behind and in the center. The Infantry cannon and anti tank Platoons and the rest of the 8. Company (MG) were in general support under Battalion commander orders.
The night from 14 to 15 Jun 1940 was dark and rainy; the companies movement was delayed by the rain and lasted up to 06:00 hours in the morning. When arriving the companies were leaded by the engineers, towards its crossing points and the waves were organized.
The german troops passed a wet an uncomfortable dawn in its readiness positions. On Jun 15 at 10:00 hours the fire support broke out, the anti tank and anti aircraft guns fired directly on the pill boxes and embrasures, the artillery fire lasted up to 10:10 hours and then the assault boats were launched. The rain had ceased and the visibility was good, the travel through the river lasted 20 seconds. The french advanced posts were totally surprised, nevertheless the attackers suffered great number of casualties due to sharpshooters located ontop of the trees and riflemen placed in fox holes nearby, also at least half of the assaults boats were out of service, some of them due to motor failure.
After reaching the far shore the II./ IR 444 seized the french first line of resistance and then moved up to the Bisheimer-Rhine. After reconnoitering, the engineer company commander informed that the water course was very deep to be forded and the river banks were to soft for employing the neumatic boats (these kind of boats were carried by the reserve company, the 5. IR 444). However a ford was discovered north of Balzenheim, where one destroyed bridge was located. The reinforced battalion crossed there establishing a bridge-head. Early afternoon all the regiment (IR 444) also crossed through this ford.
The Biesheimer-Rhine crossing was over at 20:00 hours (15 Jun 1940) and the Battalion established a vivouac with both of its flanks on the water course. The crossing was a success but the field kitchen was not arrived yet and also fresh water was lacking.
At 21:00 the french positions along the Rhine-Rhone canal, in front of the II./ IR 444, were attacked by the Stukas; by this time the Infantry cannons Platoon and one Platoon of Light Artillery, furnished fire support and shelled Balzenheim, assuring the bridge-head. During the night from 15 to 16 Jun 1940 one Bau Pi Btl reached the destroyed bridge at Balzemheim to build up a new one.
Source: “Ingenieros en Combate”. Brig Grl Paul W. THOMPSON. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
Its follows ASAP. Regards. Tigre.
IR 444 - Upper Rhine 1940
IR 444 - Upper Rhine 1940
- Attachments
-
- image002.jpg (85.09 KiB) Viewed 2848 times
-
David Lehmann
- Member
- Posts: 2863
- Joined: 01 Apr 2002, 11:50
- Location: France
Hello,
On June 15, the Germans launch operation Kleiner Bär against the Maginot line in Alsace, on the Rhine (which will cost them less men than operation Tiger in the Sarre area on June 14).
The Germans engage 8 divisions:
- 6. Gebirgsdivision
- 213. ID
- 218. ID
- 221. ID
- 239. ID
- 554. ID
- 556. ID
- 557. ID
The first five divisions are rather good ones but the 3 last ones are rather second line troops. These troops are supported by more than 5 artillery regiments and strong air support (including 150 Ju 87s). During operation Kleiner Bär, the Germans grouped heavy AA guns (8.8 cm FlaK) to fire directly at the bunkers at less than 200m (many projectiles on the same spots to try to pierce the concrete) while 3.7c m FlaK and 3.7 cm PaK had to blind/destroy the firing and observation holes of the same bunker. In front of each French bunker there were about 4 to 6 AA/AT guns.
Less than 10,000 French troops have to face more than 100,000 German troops and there are only 18 field guns (75mm Mle1897 and a few 155mm) to support them. The French 104e DIF (42e RIF, 28e RIF and 242e RI – 8 battalions) is alone to face the German assault on the Rhine between Rhinau and Neuf-Brisach on a 30 km front. There are also 5 companies in the fortifications (CEO = compagnie d'équipage d'ouvrage) and the 5e DBCPy (5th Chasseurs Pyrénéens half-brigade) with the 9th and 10th battalions. The 18e BCC with its 63 Renault FT17 tanks is in the area but these tanks played no significant role. Instead of being grouped in a counter-attack the tanks are dispersed in villages surrounded by barbed wire networks to support the local defenses.
The French fortifications on the Rhine are only small bunkers and due to the ground water they have no underground levels at all, these were surface fortifications with simplified armament. Due to the small size, there are for example no 47mm AT guns and except a few 37mm AT guns, only 13.2mm HMGs as AT weapons.
Roughly without artillery support the 104e DIF could not efficiently stop the German crossings. The fortifications on the banks were not numerous enough, defending an extended front but the German troops sustained 766 KIAs, 2,567 WIAs and 117 MIAs.
The German assaults on June 15 are at first repulsed or reduced to very small bridgeheads. Several counter-attacks are led by French "groupes francs", which for example manage to take again the town of Vogelgrun. Nonetheless, on the north, in what was initially a diversion attack, the 557. ID manages to establish a bridgehead near Rheinau on the hinge between the 104e DIF and the 103e DIF deployed more north. On June 16, the Germans renewed their assaults and French troops encircled in their bunkers in the first lines continue to fight or withdraw in the woods where they continue to resist. On evening, the German assault engineers have finally managed to break through the French line (the canal and the villages next to it just behind the Rhine itself) in the area of Marckolsheim. They have neutralized the 2 bunkers there with flamethrowers and satchel charges but the village itself is organized in strong point and cannot be defeated. Further assaults are postponed on June 17. Nonetheless, on June 17, the 104e DIF is ordered to retreat to the Vosges heights and valleys, where they will fight until June 25. A 9th German division crosses the Rhine only on June 18 to take Strasbourg. The cities of Colmar, Mulhouse and Strasbourg in the Alsatian plain are occupied by the 7.Armee on June 19.
Regards,
David
On June 15, the Germans launch operation Kleiner Bär against the Maginot line in Alsace, on the Rhine (which will cost them less men than operation Tiger in the Sarre area on June 14).
The Germans engage 8 divisions:
- 6. Gebirgsdivision
- 213. ID
- 218. ID
- 221. ID
- 239. ID
- 554. ID
- 556. ID
- 557. ID
The first five divisions are rather good ones but the 3 last ones are rather second line troops. These troops are supported by more than 5 artillery regiments and strong air support (including 150 Ju 87s). During operation Kleiner Bär, the Germans grouped heavy AA guns (8.8 cm FlaK) to fire directly at the bunkers at less than 200m (many projectiles on the same spots to try to pierce the concrete) while 3.7c m FlaK and 3.7 cm PaK had to blind/destroy the firing and observation holes of the same bunker. In front of each French bunker there were about 4 to 6 AA/AT guns.
Less than 10,000 French troops have to face more than 100,000 German troops and there are only 18 field guns (75mm Mle1897 and a few 155mm) to support them. The French 104e DIF (42e RIF, 28e RIF and 242e RI – 8 battalions) is alone to face the German assault on the Rhine between Rhinau and Neuf-Brisach on a 30 km front. There are also 5 companies in the fortifications (CEO = compagnie d'équipage d'ouvrage) and the 5e DBCPy (5th Chasseurs Pyrénéens half-brigade) with the 9th and 10th battalions. The 18e BCC with its 63 Renault FT17 tanks is in the area but these tanks played no significant role. Instead of being grouped in a counter-attack the tanks are dispersed in villages surrounded by barbed wire networks to support the local defenses.
The French fortifications on the Rhine are only small bunkers and due to the ground water they have no underground levels at all, these were surface fortifications with simplified armament. Due to the small size, there are for example no 47mm AT guns and except a few 37mm AT guns, only 13.2mm HMGs as AT weapons.
Roughly without artillery support the 104e DIF could not efficiently stop the German crossings. The fortifications on the banks were not numerous enough, defending an extended front but the German troops sustained 766 KIAs, 2,567 WIAs and 117 MIAs.
The German assaults on June 15 are at first repulsed or reduced to very small bridgeheads. Several counter-attacks are led by French "groupes francs", which for example manage to take again the town of Vogelgrun. Nonetheless, on the north, in what was initially a diversion attack, the 557. ID manages to establish a bridgehead near Rheinau on the hinge between the 104e DIF and the 103e DIF deployed more north. On June 16, the Germans renewed their assaults and French troops encircled in their bunkers in the first lines continue to fight or withdraw in the woods where they continue to resist. On evening, the German assault engineers have finally managed to break through the French line (the canal and the villages next to it just behind the Rhine itself) in the area of Marckolsheim. They have neutralized the 2 bunkers there with flamethrowers and satchel charges but the village itself is organized in strong point and cannot be defeated. Further assaults are postponed on June 17. Nonetheless, on June 17, the 104e DIF is ordered to retreat to the Vosges heights and valleys, where they will fight until June 25. A 9th German division crosses the Rhine only on June 18 to take Strasbourg. The cities of Colmar, Mulhouse and Strasbourg in the Alsatian plain are occupied by the 7.Armee on June 19.
Regards,
David
-
David Lehmann
- Member
- Posts: 2863
- Joined: 01 Apr 2002, 11:50
- Location: France
-
David Lehmann
- Member
- Posts: 2863
- Joined: 01 Apr 2002, 11:50
- Location: France
The "chasseurs pyrénéens" is a kind of mountain infantry far less known than the "chasseurs alpins" (alpine infantry).
Here is in English the information provided by Lee Sharp's series about the French 1939-1940 Army.
The Pyrenean Chasseur half-brigade (Demi-Brigade de Chasseurs Pyrénéens – DBCPyr) was a relatively new unit in the French army. In fact they did not exist as a peacetime unit but were to be mobilized in south western France from a local regular cadre and reservists of the first reserve (30-35 years old) of the region. They were an idea of general Gamelin in response to concerns of the security of the frontier with Spain after Franco's victory, especially the possibility of foreign troops remaining on Spanish soil. They formation was authorized in February 1939 with 5 two-battalion half-brigades to be mobilized under the command of the "Détachement d'Armées de Pyrénées" and were to be deployed along the frontier blocking the likely avenues of attack across the Pyrenees. However, the initial good relation between Spain and France and the departure of Italian and German troops meant these deployments were never realized. The half-brigades were progressively withdrawn from the Pyrenees, being sent to the Alp sector, replacing units that had been transferred to the North Eastern front. On November 20, 1939, the 3rd half-brigade was dissolved and its 5th anf 6th battalions were assigned to the 4th and 1st half-brigades respectively. The bataillon de chasseurs pyrénéens (BCPyr) was identical in composition to the bataillon de chasseurs alpins (BCA) except they lacked the ski scout platoon. This difference ended for the battalions of the 4th half-brigade when it was assigned to the Army of the Alps and a platoon was formed in each battalion from the SES left behind by the alpine infantry regiment that had moved north.
The initial composition of the Pyrenean Chasseur half-brigade was :
• a half-brigade HQ staff and command platoon
• 2 mountain infantry battalions each with :
---o battalion staff and command platoon
---o a headquarters company
---o 3 rifle companies
---o a support company
The choice of a command platoon for the half-brigade instead of a company like for the alpine troops was a mistake, especially for the half-brigades which had later 3 infantry battalions. The lack of signals, logistics and medical elements produced numerous problems. The lack of a weapons company produced complaints for the commanders of these units.
A pyrenean half-brigade with 2 battalions included 76 officers, 328 NCOs and 3100 corporals and men = 3414 soldier. There were also 492 horses/mules, 6 liaison vehicles, 69 trucks, 35 motorcycles and 31 bicycles.
*****************
The groupes francs were also mentioned in the previous text. The information provided here is a personal compilation from data of various books.
The corps franc is a special infiltration and deep reconnaissance unit. It is the equivalent of the German Stosstruppen. Concerning WW2, these corps francs were created in September 1939 with specially selected volunteers at the battalion, regimental and/or divisional level. These elite troops had the mission to infiltrate behind the enemy lines, to collect information, to organize ambushes or raids and to take prisoners.
The smallest element of a corps franc is a team of 6 men called “l’équipe” (= the team) or “sizaine”. All the members of the team have a combat knife, a handgun (revolver or pistol) and many grenades for close combat. These men are usually armed with the mousqueton (carbine) Berthier Mle1892 M16 and in each team there are usually 1-2 SMGs (typically Erma-Vollmer but also MAS38 SMGs, Suomi M31 from which 150 had been sent on the north-eastern front in 1939 and even German captured SMGs and even German captured SMGs) and 1 FM 24/29 LMG to increase the firepower (some captured MG34s are also used). Some shotguns were also used during the patrols. They carried also satchel charges if the mission required explosives. Several teams could be grouped together, for example a squad of 12 men will include 2 FM 24/29 LMGs and 2-4 SMGs and has therefore more automatic weapons than a regular infantry squad. The bigger unit including several teams is called the “groupe franc” (or “trentaine”) with 5 teams (30 men), it corresponds roughly to a platoon. The “groupe franc” is generally commanded by a lieutenant and is completely independent. Several “groupes francs” can be grouped for a specific mission into a “groupement franc”. Such a “groupement franc” includes usually a maximum of 6 “groupes francs” (180 men), roughly a company.
*****************
About the fortress infantry units:
The fortress infantry units where serving along and in the Maginot line fortifications.
• RIF = regiment d'infanterie de forteresse
• DIF = division d'infanterie de forteresse
The organization of a RIF could vary a lot according to the various "secteurs fortifiés" (fortified sectors) of the Maginot line.
The fortress infantry divisions were the result of the reorganization of fortress troops during the spring of 1940. In all 5 were formed and were conversions of existing secteurs fortifiés and secteurs défensifs.
They were based on the infantry and artillery units already present, supplemented by engineer, signal and transport elements. They were intended to be "static" divisions with no offensive capability. Most had no service units relying on district or army level assets for medical and quartermaster services. The formed divisions were :
• 101e DIF in the Secteur Fortifié (SF) of Maubeuge
• 102e DIF is the SF of the Ardennes
• 103e DIF in the SF of the Bas-Rhin
• 104e DIF in the SF of Colmar
• 105e DIF in the SF of Mulhouse
The fortress infantry division had the following organic units :
• HQ staff
• 1 to 4 fortress infantry, infantry, MG regiments (RIF)
• a fortress infantry training battalion (not the 102e and 105e DIF)
• a fortress divisional training center (not the 102e and 105e DIF)
• a static artillery regiment (régiment d'artillerie de position) (only one group – 12 guns – in the 104e anf 105e DIF and 2 groups – 24 guns – in the 101e DIF)
• a fortress divisional artillery park (103e DIF only)
• a fortress engineer company (2 in the 103e DIF)
• a fortress telegraph company (103e DIF only)
• a fortress radio company (103e DIF only)
• a mixed signal company (104e and 105e DIF only)
• a HQ motor transport detachment (102e DIF only)
• a divisional quartermaster group (102e and 103e DIF only)
• a divisional medical group (102e and 103e DIF only)
The RIF is often composed of :
• HQ staff
• Headquarters company
• 3 MG battalions, each with :
---o a battalion staff and command company
---o a headquarter company
---o 3 MG companies
---o 1 weapons and rifle company
But a RIF can also be organized as following :
• HQ staff
• Headquarters company
• 3 classical infantry battalions each comprising :
---o Battalion staff and command platoon
---o 3 rifle companies
---o Support company
The kind of RIF including 3 MG battalions (e.g. in the Metz fortified area) had 3474 soldiers :
• 96x officers
• 345x NCOs
• 3033x corporals and men
The total number of weapons in each regiment is in that case :
• 105x FM 24/29 LMGs
• 108x Hotchkiss Mle1914 MGs
• 27x 25mm AT guns
• 18x 81mm mortars
This kind of RIF with 3 MG battalions had therefore a higher number of automatic weapons, AT guns and medium mortars than a classical RI but it had less logistics/transport capacities. The logistics equipments issued to a RIF are :
• 130x horses
• 67x wagons
• 7x liaison vehicles
• 27x trucks
• 20x Renault UE
• 67x motorcycles
• 250x bicycles
Regards,
David
Here is in English the information provided by Lee Sharp's series about the French 1939-1940 Army.
The Pyrenean Chasseur half-brigade (Demi-Brigade de Chasseurs Pyrénéens – DBCPyr) was a relatively new unit in the French army. In fact they did not exist as a peacetime unit but were to be mobilized in south western France from a local regular cadre and reservists of the first reserve (30-35 years old) of the region. They were an idea of general Gamelin in response to concerns of the security of the frontier with Spain after Franco's victory, especially the possibility of foreign troops remaining on Spanish soil. They formation was authorized in February 1939 with 5 two-battalion half-brigades to be mobilized under the command of the "Détachement d'Armées de Pyrénées" and were to be deployed along the frontier blocking the likely avenues of attack across the Pyrenees. However, the initial good relation between Spain and France and the departure of Italian and German troops meant these deployments were never realized. The half-brigades were progressively withdrawn from the Pyrenees, being sent to the Alp sector, replacing units that had been transferred to the North Eastern front. On November 20, 1939, the 3rd half-brigade was dissolved and its 5th anf 6th battalions were assigned to the 4th and 1st half-brigades respectively. The bataillon de chasseurs pyrénéens (BCPyr) was identical in composition to the bataillon de chasseurs alpins (BCA) except they lacked the ski scout platoon. This difference ended for the battalions of the 4th half-brigade when it was assigned to the Army of the Alps and a platoon was formed in each battalion from the SES left behind by the alpine infantry regiment that had moved north.
The initial composition of the Pyrenean Chasseur half-brigade was :
• a half-brigade HQ staff and command platoon
• 2 mountain infantry battalions each with :
---o battalion staff and command platoon
---o a headquarters company
---o 3 rifle companies
---o a support company
The choice of a command platoon for the half-brigade instead of a company like for the alpine troops was a mistake, especially for the half-brigades which had later 3 infantry battalions. The lack of signals, logistics and medical elements produced numerous problems. The lack of a weapons company produced complaints for the commanders of these units.
A pyrenean half-brigade with 2 battalions included 76 officers, 328 NCOs and 3100 corporals and men = 3414 soldier. There were also 492 horses/mules, 6 liaison vehicles, 69 trucks, 35 motorcycles and 31 bicycles.
*****************
The groupes francs were also mentioned in the previous text. The information provided here is a personal compilation from data of various books.
The corps franc is a special infiltration and deep reconnaissance unit. It is the equivalent of the German Stosstruppen. Concerning WW2, these corps francs were created in September 1939 with specially selected volunteers at the battalion, regimental and/or divisional level. These elite troops had the mission to infiltrate behind the enemy lines, to collect information, to organize ambushes or raids and to take prisoners.
The smallest element of a corps franc is a team of 6 men called “l’équipe” (= the team) or “sizaine”. All the members of the team have a combat knife, a handgun (revolver or pistol) and many grenades for close combat. These men are usually armed with the mousqueton (carbine) Berthier Mle1892 M16 and in each team there are usually 1-2 SMGs (typically Erma-Vollmer but also MAS38 SMGs, Suomi M31 from which 150 had been sent on the north-eastern front in 1939 and even German captured SMGs and even German captured SMGs) and 1 FM 24/29 LMG to increase the firepower (some captured MG34s are also used). Some shotguns were also used during the patrols. They carried also satchel charges if the mission required explosives. Several teams could be grouped together, for example a squad of 12 men will include 2 FM 24/29 LMGs and 2-4 SMGs and has therefore more automatic weapons than a regular infantry squad. The bigger unit including several teams is called the “groupe franc” (or “trentaine”) with 5 teams (30 men), it corresponds roughly to a platoon. The “groupe franc” is generally commanded by a lieutenant and is completely independent. Several “groupes francs” can be grouped for a specific mission into a “groupement franc”. Such a “groupement franc” includes usually a maximum of 6 “groupes francs” (180 men), roughly a company.
*****************
About the fortress infantry units:
The fortress infantry units where serving along and in the Maginot line fortifications.
• RIF = regiment d'infanterie de forteresse
• DIF = division d'infanterie de forteresse
The organization of a RIF could vary a lot according to the various "secteurs fortifiés" (fortified sectors) of the Maginot line.
The fortress infantry divisions were the result of the reorganization of fortress troops during the spring of 1940. In all 5 were formed and were conversions of existing secteurs fortifiés and secteurs défensifs.
They were based on the infantry and artillery units already present, supplemented by engineer, signal and transport elements. They were intended to be "static" divisions with no offensive capability. Most had no service units relying on district or army level assets for medical and quartermaster services. The formed divisions were :
• 101e DIF in the Secteur Fortifié (SF) of Maubeuge
• 102e DIF is the SF of the Ardennes
• 103e DIF in the SF of the Bas-Rhin
• 104e DIF in the SF of Colmar
• 105e DIF in the SF of Mulhouse
The fortress infantry division had the following organic units :
• HQ staff
• 1 to 4 fortress infantry, infantry, MG regiments (RIF)
• a fortress infantry training battalion (not the 102e and 105e DIF)
• a fortress divisional training center (not the 102e and 105e DIF)
• a static artillery regiment (régiment d'artillerie de position) (only one group – 12 guns – in the 104e anf 105e DIF and 2 groups – 24 guns – in the 101e DIF)
• a fortress divisional artillery park (103e DIF only)
• a fortress engineer company (2 in the 103e DIF)
• a fortress telegraph company (103e DIF only)
• a fortress radio company (103e DIF only)
• a mixed signal company (104e and 105e DIF only)
• a HQ motor transport detachment (102e DIF only)
• a divisional quartermaster group (102e and 103e DIF only)
• a divisional medical group (102e and 103e DIF only)
The RIF is often composed of :
• HQ staff
• Headquarters company
• 3 MG battalions, each with :
---o a battalion staff and command company
---o a headquarter company
---o 3 MG companies
---o 1 weapons and rifle company
But a RIF can also be organized as following :
• HQ staff
• Headquarters company
• 3 classical infantry battalions each comprising :
---o Battalion staff and command platoon
---o 3 rifle companies
---o Support company
The kind of RIF including 3 MG battalions (e.g. in the Metz fortified area) had 3474 soldiers :
• 96x officers
• 345x NCOs
• 3033x corporals and men
The total number of weapons in each regiment is in that case :
• 105x FM 24/29 LMGs
• 108x Hotchkiss Mle1914 MGs
• 27x 25mm AT guns
• 18x 81mm mortars
This kind of RIF with 3 MG battalions had therefore a higher number of automatic weapons, AT guns and medium mortars than a classical RI but it had less logistics/transport capacities. The logistics equipments issued to a RIF are :
• 130x horses
• 67x wagons
• 7x liaison vehicles
• 27x trucks
• 20x Renault UE
• 67x motorcycles
• 250x bicycles
Regards,
David
-
David Lehmann
- Member
- Posts: 2863
- Joined: 01 Apr 2002, 11:50
- Location: France
IR 444 - Upper Rhine 1940
Hello David, thanks for sharing that interesting info, great post as usual. The second and last part of my story.
During the morning, 16 Jun 1940, the II. Battalion sent reconnaissance detachments towards the Rhine-Rhone canal, these detachments informed that:
a) there were several obstacles in the area, most of them barbed wires.
b) the french had retreated from the first line pill boxes, occupying instead positions behind some obstacles (barbed wires entanglements) on nearest shore of the canal .
At 10:20 hours the regiment ordered the following:
“At 11:00 hours aerial bombarment (Stukas); behind the last attack the division (239. ID) should attack toward the Rhin-Rhone canal with artillery support”. Hence the Battalion commander issued the following order:
“ Time and date: 16 Jun 1940 at 10:30 hours.
1. Attacks with Stukas should end at 11:00 hours. Immediately we attack toward the Rhine-Rhone canal.
2. Formation the same that yesterday; 6. Company right, 7. Company left, 5. Company reserve (carrying neumatic boats). Engineers and MG Platoons should remain attached to the frontline companies. The 3. Platoon/ 8. Company should march behind the 7. Company under Battalion orders.
3. In case of ammo lacking, the reserve company should supply it.
4. After crossing the canal the Battalion will gather on the road Durrenenzen - Urschenheim ready to march towards south.
The attack jumped off at 11:01 hours, the 7. IR 444 met two pill boxes (reinforced concrete) linked by trenchs, this obstacle was knocked out and after overrun it, the company reached the canal shore line at 12:10 hours. The 6. IR 444 reached the canal at 12:30 hours. Some German soldiers crossed the canal by means of boats that were found along the bank. On the far shore one french supply depot was found so lack of rations was solved.
On 17 Jun 1940, the Battalion was gathered along the road and marched towards Belfort, following the Rhin valley with the 7./IR 444 ahead, then 6./IR 444, Engineer company, 5./IR 444.
Source: “Ingenieros en Combate”. Brig Grl Paul W. THOMPSON. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
It's all. Regards. Tigre.
During the morning, 16 Jun 1940, the II. Battalion sent reconnaissance detachments towards the Rhine-Rhone canal, these detachments informed that:
a) there were several obstacles in the area, most of them barbed wires.
b) the french had retreated from the first line pill boxes, occupying instead positions behind some obstacles (barbed wires entanglements) on nearest shore of the canal .
At 10:20 hours the regiment ordered the following:
“At 11:00 hours aerial bombarment (Stukas); behind the last attack the division (239. ID) should attack toward the Rhin-Rhone canal with artillery support”. Hence the Battalion commander issued the following order:
“ Time and date: 16 Jun 1940 at 10:30 hours.
1. Attacks with Stukas should end at 11:00 hours. Immediately we attack toward the Rhine-Rhone canal.
2. Formation the same that yesterday; 6. Company right, 7. Company left, 5. Company reserve (carrying neumatic boats). Engineers and MG Platoons should remain attached to the frontline companies. The 3. Platoon/ 8. Company should march behind the 7. Company under Battalion orders.
3. In case of ammo lacking, the reserve company should supply it.
4. After crossing the canal the Battalion will gather on the road Durrenenzen - Urschenheim ready to march towards south.
The attack jumped off at 11:01 hours, the 7. IR 444 met two pill boxes (reinforced concrete) linked by trenchs, this obstacle was knocked out and after overrun it, the company reached the canal shore line at 12:10 hours. The 6. IR 444 reached the canal at 12:30 hours. Some German soldiers crossed the canal by means of boats that were found along the bank. On the far shore one french supply depot was found so lack of rations was solved.
On 17 Jun 1940, the Battalion was gathered along the road and marched towards Belfort, following the Rhin valley with the 7./IR 444 ahead, then 6./IR 444, Engineer company, 5./IR 444.
Source: “Ingenieros en Combate”. Brig Grl Paul W. THOMPSON. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
It's all. Regards. Tigre.
-
David Lehmann
- Member
- Posts: 2863
- Joined: 01 Apr 2002, 11:50
- Location: France
Hello,
From the book mentioned previously:
- More detailed map of the area and the French deployment of the single French battalion (9e BCPy) + several casemates and small coastal bunkers facing the 239th German infantry division.
- An example of the results of the heavy FlaK used against the French casemates at rather short range -- about 200 meters. Here an observation copula of the Marckolsheim South casemate (Lower Rhine) with three 8.8cm projectiles stuck in the armor [they can still be seen today]. One can also see the damaged 50mm mortar.
Regards,
David
From the book mentioned previously:
- More detailed map of the area and the French deployment of the single French battalion (9e BCPy) + several casemates and small coastal bunkers facing the 239th German infantry division.
- An example of the results of the heavy FlaK used against the French casemates at rather short range -- about 200 meters. Here an observation copula of the Marckolsheim South casemate (Lower Rhine) with three 8.8cm projectiles stuck in the armor [they can still be seen today]. One can also see the damaged 50mm mortar.
Regards,
David
- Attachments
-
- Observation copula of casemate 35-3 (Marckolsheim-Sud) with 3 88mm projectiles stuck.jpg (77.67 KiB) Viewed 2731 times
-
- 9e BCPy front - June 15 (facing ID.239).jpg (138.12 KiB) Viewed 2732 times
French deployment
Thank you David, excellent. Regards. Tigre.
Re: IR 444 - Upper Rhine 1940
Hello to all 
; taking advantage of this thread, here's another story that shows the actions of the German sapper troops, in this case during the crossing of the Rhine in June 1940 ..................... ....
Sappers in the Upper Rhine - Colmar June 1940.
General overview.
The overall situation from the German point of view was as follows on June 15, 1940, Army Group A had forced the river Somme, the lower Seine and occupied Paris. Army Group B had forced the Aisne and was chasing the French forces to the Swiss border. In order to neutralize the threat of the French armies deployed in Alsace and Lorraine it was planned that Army Group C carried out two offensives, one with the 1 AOK from Sarre (Operation Tiger) and another with the 7 AOK across the Rhine near Colmar (Operation Luchs, then changed its name to Kleiner Bär).
Opposing forces.
German forces.
On May 28, 1940, General Dollmann knew about the forces at his disposal, will has on hand the 554. ID (General Freiherr von Hirschberg), the 555. ID (General Henrici), the 556. ID (General von Berg) and the 557. ID (General Kuprion). There were assigned four others infantry divisions: the 218. ID (from Poland), the 221. ID (from Austria), the 239. ID (from Poland) and the 213. ID (from Poland, of the Army Reserve). The start date of the operation was set for June 8, but on May 31, 1940 Generaloberst Ritter v. Leeb reported that the offensive was postponed until June 12 and that would also take part the 6. GD under General Schörner, although it will operate in the Vosges after crossing the Rhine.
The Rhine River would be crossed between Schoenau and Neuf-Brisach, in a stretch of 30 kilometers. The mighty river has here a width of 225 meters and a current greater than 3.5 m / s. To the west of the river itself there are two streams: the Biesheimer Rhine and Rhine-Rhone canal. The land between the Rhine and the mountain ranges was flat and forested.
Sources: http://users.skynet.be/fa101291/operati ... -rijn.html
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... t655-R.htm
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... t658-R.htm
ORIG Fotoalbum 112 Fotos Balkaneinsatz 1941 Panzer Bunker Sturmgeschütz. eBay Auction. (11. Feb. 201219:37:34 MEZ).
“Ingenieros en Combate”. Brig Grl Paul W. THOMPSON. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
Cheers. Raúl M
.
; taking advantage of this thread, here's another story that shows the actions of the German sapper troops, in this case during the crossing of the Rhine in June 1940 ..................... ....Sappers in the Upper Rhine - Colmar June 1940.
General overview.
The overall situation from the German point of view was as follows on June 15, 1940, Army Group A had forced the river Somme, the lower Seine and occupied Paris. Army Group B had forced the Aisne and was chasing the French forces to the Swiss border. In order to neutralize the threat of the French armies deployed in Alsace and Lorraine it was planned that Army Group C carried out two offensives, one with the 1 AOK from Sarre (Operation Tiger) and another with the 7 AOK across the Rhine near Colmar (Operation Luchs, then changed its name to Kleiner Bär).
Opposing forces.
German forces.
On May 28, 1940, General Dollmann knew about the forces at his disposal, will has on hand the 554. ID (General Freiherr von Hirschberg), the 555. ID (General Henrici), the 556. ID (General von Berg) and the 557. ID (General Kuprion). There were assigned four others infantry divisions: the 218. ID (from Poland), the 221. ID (from Austria), the 239. ID (from Poland) and the 213. ID (from Poland, of the Army Reserve). The start date of the operation was set for June 8, but on May 31, 1940 Generaloberst Ritter v. Leeb reported that the offensive was postponed until June 12 and that would also take part the 6. GD under General Schörner, although it will operate in the Vosges after crossing the Rhine.
The Rhine River would be crossed between Schoenau and Neuf-Brisach, in a stretch of 30 kilometers. The mighty river has here a width of 225 meters and a current greater than 3.5 m / s. To the west of the river itself there are two streams: the Biesheimer Rhine and Rhine-Rhone canal. The land between the Rhine and the mountain ranges was flat and forested.
Sources: http://users.skynet.be/fa101291/operati ... -rijn.html
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... t655-R.htm
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... t658-R.htm
ORIG Fotoalbum 112 Fotos Balkaneinsatz 1941 Panzer Bunker Sturmgeschütz. eBay Auction. (11. Feb. 201219:37:34 MEZ).
“Ingenieros en Combate”. Brig Grl Paul W. THOMPSON. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
Cheers. Raúl M
.- Attachments
-
- http://batailles-1939-1940.historyboard.net/t1126-kleiner-bar
Last edited by tigre on 09 Sep 2012, 05:59, edited 1 time in total.
Re: IR 444 - Upper Rhine 1940
The map you posted was taken from my web page without my permission - http://mysite.verizon.net/vzev1mpx/magi ... r/id1.html
I made the map myself and have not given anyone permission to use it or alter it - such as changing the army designations from English to Spanish.
I ask that it be removed from this forum and Raúl, if you have anything to do with putting here - http://historiaguerrasyarmas.blogspot.c ... -rojo.html - I ask that you remove it.
Regards,
Marc
I made the map myself and have not given anyone permission to use it or alter it - such as changing the army designations from English to Spanish.
I ask that it be removed from this forum and Raúl, if you have anything to do with putting here - http://historiaguerrasyarmas.blogspot.c ... -rojo.html - I ask that you remove it.
Regards,
Marc
Re: IR 444 - Upper Rhine 1940
Hello to all , Marc done (listo)....I can do nothing about the website which was taken as source for the map, as I have no connection with it, sorry. All the best. Raúl M .
, Marc done (listo)....I can do nothing about the website which was taken as source for the map, as I have no connection with it, sorry. All the best. Raúl M .Re: IR 444 - Upper Rhine 1940
Hello to all ; more follows..................... ....
Sappers in the Upper Rhine - Colmar June 1940.
Opposing forces.
German forces.
The main effort will be carried out by the XXVII. AK (Gen. Alfred Wäger) and its two divisions, the 218. ID (Gen. Waldemar Freiherr Grote) and 221. ID (Gen. Johann Pflugbeil). From north to south the crossing will be developed as follows:
218. ID : a battalion of the IR 397 (Oberst von Busse) will cross from the western side of Weisveil to the south of Schoenau. Two battalions of the IR 386 (Oberst Manitius) from west of Wyhlen, landing on Mackenheim;
221. ID: two battalions of the IR 360 (Oberst Klockenbring) will cross before the old bridge of Limburg; these units together with those of Manitius will attack in the sector of I/42e RIF (Cdt. Coulomb). Two battalions of the IR 350 (Oberst Koch) on the sector adjacent to the road to Artzenheim, defended by the II/42e RIF (Cdt. Gagneux).
The Höheres Kommando z.b.V. XXXIII (General Georg Brandt) with the 239. ID (General Neuling) was to cover the southern flank of Kleiner Bär. Two battalions of the IR 444 (Oberst Hacker), supported by a battalion of engineers will win the shore in the area between Artzenheim and Baltzenheim in the sector of II/42e RIF. Two battalions of the IR 327 (Oberst von Drebber) and a battalion of engineers which were at the height of Kunheim in the sector of 9th BCPyr (Battalion of Hunters of the Pyrenees, Cdt. Ninous).
Sources: http://users.skynet.be/fa101291/operati ... -rijn.html
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... t655-R.htm
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... t658-R.htm
ORIG Fotoalbum 112 Fotos Balkaneinsatz 1941 Panzer Bunker Sturmgeschütz. eBay Auction. (11. Feb. 201219:37:34 MEZ).
“Ingenieros en Combate”. Brig Grl Paul W. THOMPSON. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
Cheers. Raúl M.
; more follows..................... ....Sappers in the Upper Rhine - Colmar June 1940.
Opposing forces.
German forces.
The main effort will be carried out by the XXVII. AK (Gen. Alfred Wäger) and its two divisions, the 218. ID (Gen. Waldemar Freiherr Grote) and 221. ID (Gen. Johann Pflugbeil). From north to south the crossing will be developed as follows:
218. ID : a battalion of the IR 397 (Oberst von Busse) will cross from the western side of Weisveil to the south of Schoenau. Two battalions of the IR 386 (Oberst Manitius) from west of Wyhlen, landing on Mackenheim;
221. ID: two battalions of the IR 360 (Oberst Klockenbring) will cross before the old bridge of Limburg; these units together with those of Manitius will attack in the sector of I/42e RIF (Cdt. Coulomb). Two battalions of the IR 350 (Oberst Koch) on the sector adjacent to the road to Artzenheim, defended by the II/42e RIF (Cdt. Gagneux).
The Höheres Kommando z.b.V. XXXIII (General Georg Brandt) with the 239. ID (General Neuling) was to cover the southern flank of Kleiner Bär. Two battalions of the IR 444 (Oberst Hacker), supported by a battalion of engineers will win the shore in the area between Artzenheim and Baltzenheim in the sector of II/42e RIF. Two battalions of the IR 327 (Oberst von Drebber) and a battalion of engineers which were at the height of Kunheim in the sector of 9th BCPyr (Battalion of Hunters of the Pyrenees, Cdt. Ninous).
Sources: http://users.skynet.be/fa101291/operati ... -rijn.html
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... t655-R.htm
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... t658-R.htm
ORIG Fotoalbum 112 Fotos Balkaneinsatz 1941 Panzer Bunker Sturmgeschütz. eBay Auction. (11. Feb. 201219:37:34 MEZ).
“Ingenieros en Combate”. Brig Grl Paul W. THOMPSON. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
Cheers. Raúl M
.Re: IR 444 - Upper Rhine 1940
Hello to all ; more follows..................... ....
Sappers in the Upper Rhine - Colmar June 1940.
Opposing forces.
French forces.
Against the German 7 AOK deployed the 8th French Army of General Laure (had relieved General Garchery from May 20, 1940) with the following dispositive:
• XXIII CA (General Misserey) with the 104 DIF (Colmar, General Couse) and the 105 DIF (Mulhouse, General Didio) and, in support the 54th DI of General Coradin;
• XXXXIV CA (General Tencé) with the SF Altkirch (General Salvan) and the 63rd DI of General Parvy;
• XXXXV CA (General Daille) with only the 12 RIF and a Spahi brigade; on June 7, 1940, received the 57 DI. The 67th DI of General Boutignon was considered a reserve that moved constantly back and forth through Alsace.
General Laure located in his CP at Giromagny, was convinced that the German offensive would be about Colmar and Mulhouse. The French know at the time that the election of General Dollmann focused in Colmar. The defensive sectors of both fortress divisions are almost identical with a wooded area of 3-5 kilometers wide behind which there is a dam and farmland beyond. For the sector ran the road Basel - Strasbourg parallel to the river Rhine. In the sector of the 105 DIF was the Canal Rhône - Rhine and between that channel and Mulhouse the thick forest of Hardt; there the General Didio gathered 25 artillery batteries. In the area of the 104 DIF ran a tributary of the Rhine, the Ill and behind it, the foothills of the Vosges.
Sources: http://users.skynet.be/fa101291/operati ... -rijn.html
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... t655-R.htm
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... t658-R.htm
ORIG Fotoalbum 112 Fotos Balkaneinsatz 1941 Panzer Bunker Sturmgeschütz. eBay Auction. (11. Feb. 201219:37:34 MEZ).
“Ingenieros en Combate”. Brig Grl Paul W. THOMPSON. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
Cheers. Raúl M.
; more follows..................... ....Sappers in the Upper Rhine - Colmar June 1940.
Opposing forces.
French forces.
Against the German 7 AOK deployed the 8th French Army of General Laure (had relieved General Garchery from May 20, 1940) with the following dispositive:
• XXIII CA (General Misserey) with the 104 DIF (Colmar, General Couse) and the 105 DIF (Mulhouse, General Didio) and, in support the 54th DI of General Coradin;
• XXXXIV CA (General Tencé) with the SF Altkirch (General Salvan) and the 63rd DI of General Parvy;
• XXXXV CA (General Daille) with only the 12 RIF and a Spahi brigade; on June 7, 1940, received the 57 DI. The 67th DI of General Boutignon was considered a reserve that moved constantly back and forth through Alsace.
General Laure located in his CP at Giromagny, was convinced that the German offensive would be about Colmar and Mulhouse. The French know at the time that the election of General Dollmann focused in Colmar. The defensive sectors of both fortress divisions are almost identical with a wooded area of 3-5 kilometers wide behind which there is a dam and farmland beyond. For the sector ran the road Basel - Strasbourg parallel to the river Rhine. In the sector of the 105 DIF was the Canal Rhône - Rhine and between that channel and Mulhouse the thick forest of Hardt; there the General Didio gathered 25 artillery batteries. In the area of the 104 DIF ran a tributary of the Rhine, the Ill and behind it, the foothills of the Vosges.
Sources: http://users.skynet.be/fa101291/operati ... -rijn.html
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... t655-R.htm
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... t658-R.htm
ORIG Fotoalbum 112 Fotos Balkaneinsatz 1941 Panzer Bunker Sturmgeschütz. eBay Auction. (11. Feb. 201219:37:34 MEZ).
“Ingenieros en Combate”. Brig Grl Paul W. THOMPSON. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
Cheers. Raúl M
.Re: IR 444 - Upper Rhine 1940
Hello to all ; more follows..................... ....
Sappers in the Upper Rhine - Colmar June 1940.
Preparations.
The story that follows focuses on the support of the engineers to the actions taken by the IR 444 and IR 327 both belonging to the 239 ID. This division had been organized on August 26, 1939 as a unit of the 3rd wave by the Landwehr-Kommandeur Oppeln, after its participation in the Polish campaign in the spring of 1940 it was transferred to the Western Front.
Apart from the divisional forces of sappers also took an active part in Operation Kleine Bär the PiBtl. 655; here a summary of the activities of the battalion up to the operation described.
On May 15, 1940 took place the enlistment of the battalion in 24 hours. On May 23, 1940 took place a inspection carried out by Inspector of Engineer, General Hopff. On June 1, 1940 came the marching order for June 3, 1940, also was ordered to carry two bridge columns. On June 2, 1940 followed the preparations for the march and the battalion was assembled. On June 3, 1940 the battalion departed from Pirna station on four trains. The trip took about Dresden, Chemnitz and Gera to Saalfeld.
Sources: http://users.skynet.be/fa101291/operati ... -rijn.html
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... t655-R.htm
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... t658-R.htm
ORIG Fotoalbum 112 Fotos Balkaneinsatz 1941 Panzer Bunker Sturmgeschütz. eBay Auction. (11. Feb. 201219:37:34 MEZ).
“Ingenieros en Combate”. Brig Grl Paul W. THOMPSON. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
Cheers. Raúl M.
; more follows..................... ....Sappers in the Upper Rhine - Colmar June 1940.
Preparations.
The story that follows focuses on the support of the engineers to the actions taken by the IR 444 and IR 327 both belonging to the 239 ID. This division had been organized on August 26, 1939 as a unit of the 3rd wave by the Landwehr-Kommandeur Oppeln, after its participation in the Polish campaign in the spring of 1940 it was transferred to the Western Front.
Apart from the divisional forces of sappers also took an active part in Operation Kleine Bär the PiBtl. 655; here a summary of the activities of the battalion up to the operation described.
On May 15, 1940 took place the enlistment of the battalion in 24 hours. On May 23, 1940 took place a inspection carried out by Inspector of Engineer, General Hopff. On June 1, 1940 came the marching order for June 3, 1940, also was ordered to carry two bridge columns. On June 2, 1940 followed the preparations for the march and the battalion was assembled. On June 3, 1940 the battalion departed from Pirna station on four trains. The trip took about Dresden, Chemnitz and Gera to Saalfeld.
Sources: http://users.skynet.be/fa101291/operati ... -rijn.html
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... t655-R.htm
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... t658-R.htm
ORIG Fotoalbum 112 Fotos Balkaneinsatz 1941 Panzer Bunker Sturmgeschütz. eBay Auction. (11. Feb. 201219:37:34 MEZ).
“Ingenieros en Combate”. Brig Grl Paul W. THOMPSON. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
Cheers. Raúl M
.Re: IR 444 - Upper Rhine 1940
Hello to all ; more follows..................... ....
Sappers in the Upper Rhine - Colmar June 1940.
Preparations.
On June 5, 1940 the CP was established and on June 6, 1940 together with the PiBtl. 658 and the PiBtl. 660 was built a bridge over the Rhine with material M36 about 2 kilometers south of Hackenheim, in charge of the whole task was the Commander of the PiBtl. 655.
On 7 June 1940 the PiBtl. 655 was ordered to prepare a second operation of bridges over the Rhine, to that effect three columns of bridges of material M36, were loaded for transport. On June 8, 1940 three other bridge columns with material M36 were loaded. On June 9, 1940 the battalion was prepared to march.
On 10 June 1940 the march began. The HQ marched overland by Mannheim, Karlsruhe and Freudenstadt towards Freiburg im Breisgau . The companies and the light column of engineers, were transported by rail towards there. For accommodation was established Lielienhof for the HQ and the light column, plus Bickensohl am Kaiserstuhl.
Sources: http://users.skynet.be/fa101291/operati ... -rijn.html
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... t655-R.htm
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... t658-R.htm
ORIG Fotoalbum 112 Fotos Balkaneinsatz 1941 Panzer Bunker Sturmgeschütz. eBay Auction. (11. Feb. 201219:37:34 MEZ).
“Ingenieros en Combate”. Brig Grl Paul W. THOMPSON. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
Cheers. Raúl M.
; more follows..................... ....Sappers in the Upper Rhine - Colmar June 1940.
Preparations.
On June 5, 1940 the CP was established and on June 6, 1940 together with the PiBtl. 658 and the PiBtl. 660 was built a bridge over the Rhine with material M36 about 2 kilometers south of Hackenheim, in charge of the whole task was the Commander of the PiBtl. 655.
On 7 June 1940 the PiBtl. 655 was ordered to prepare a second operation of bridges over the Rhine, to that effect three columns of bridges of material M36, were loaded for transport. On June 8, 1940 three other bridge columns with material M36 were loaded. On June 9, 1940 the battalion was prepared to march.
On 10 June 1940 the march began. The HQ marched overland by Mannheim, Karlsruhe and Freudenstadt towards Freiburg im Breisgau . The companies and the light column of engineers, were transported by rail towards there. For accommodation was established Lielienhof for the HQ and the light column, plus Bickensohl am Kaiserstuhl.
Sources: http://users.skynet.be/fa101291/operati ... -rijn.html
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... t655-R.htm
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... t658-R.htm
ORIG Fotoalbum 112 Fotos Balkaneinsatz 1941 Panzer Bunker Sturmgeschütz. eBay Auction. (11. Feb. 201219:37:34 MEZ).
“Ingenieros en Combate”. Brig Grl Paul W. THOMPSON. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
Cheers. Raúl M
.