From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. D in Barbarossa 1941.

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tigre
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From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. D in Barbarossa 1941.

#1

Post by tigre » 24 Mar 2007, 16:06

Hello folks, here goes my tiny cent about this unit as it was told by Hans Kissel in his book "Gefechte im Russland".......

About the 101 Leichte Infanterie Division.

Organized in the Wehrmachts-Befehlshabers Prag on Dec 10 of 1940 as one division of the 12 wave with one third of the 35 ID, border troops and fortress formations. Its first Commander was General der Artillerie Erich Marcks (10 Dec 1940 to 26 Jun 1941) then Generalleutnant Brauner von Haydringen.

OoB:

Infanterie-Regiment 228
Infanterie-Regiment 229
Artillerie-Regiment 85
Panzerjäger-Bataillon 101
Aufklärungs-Bataillon 101
Feldersatz-Bataillon 101
Pionier-Bataillon 101
Divisions-Einheiten 101

It took part in the Balkans Campaign (Op. 25 - Yugoslavia) under the LI AK (2º AOK) framework. Then was conveyed to Poland and deployed in the Przemysl area under the LII AK (Generalleutnant v. Briesen) / 17º AOK framework.

About the Infanterie Regiment 228.

Organized in the Wehrmachts-Befehlshabers Prag on Dec 10 of 1940 as part of the 101 Le. ID (12 wave) with elements of the IR 34, IR 109 and Festungs-Stamm-Bataillons 5.

Raised during the last days of Mar 1941 at Brdy woods then shifted southwards to Graz. On Apr 07 1941 started the Balkans Campaign thru the lower Steirmark and Slovein the Regiment moved on Marburg, the Drau river, Pettau and Krapina ending its movement on the Sava river west of Agram (Zagreb).

About the Infanterie Regiment 229.

Organized in the Wehrmachts-Befehlshabers Prag on Dec 10 of 1940 as part of the 101 Le. ID (12 wave) with troops of the Wehrkreises V. Balkans Campaign idem IR 228.

About the Artillerie Regiment 85.

Organized in the Wehrmachts-Befehlshabers Prag on Dec 10 of 1940 as part of the 101 Le. ID (12 wave) with the following elements: Staff from Artillerie-Regiment 300, its groups from Artillerie-Regimenter 300, 35 and 71. The I. to III. Abteilung (groups) with 7,5-cm l.FH (light howitzers) and 10-cm cannons, the IV. Abteilung with 15-cm. s.FH (heavy howitzers).

About the Pi Btl 35.

Organized in the Wehrmachts-Befehlshabers Prag on Dec 10 of 1940 as part of the 101 Le. ID (12 wave) with the following elements: Staff and the 2./ Pi Btl 35 (35. Infanterie-Division) and parts of Festungs-Pionier-Bataillon 305.

About the Panzerjäger-Abteilung 101

Organized with parts of Panzerjäger-Abteilungen 35 and 474 (two companies).

Aufklärungs-Abteilung 101

Organized with the Reiterschwadron (Cavalry) of Aufklärungs-Abteilung 111, the 2. Schwadron (Radfahrschwadron) was newly raised subunit.

Unternehmen Barbarossa - 22 Jun 1941.

The III./ IR 228 (Oberstleutnant Hans Kissel) had been deployed at Przemysl since 14 Jun 1941; the city was located on the San river, roughly 10 kilometers to the west of the point in which the river turns due north. The battalion was fully manned (more than 800 men from Baden - Wurttemberg mainly) and was organized with 3 rifle companies, 1 MG company (2 MG Platoons and 1 Mortar Platoon) and 1 support company (1 cannon 75 mm and 1 engineer Platoon).

The battalion had its bivouac at the school building, located in the town center on the north bank of the river which was approximately 60 meters wide on that point; to the west one destroyed road bridge could be seen and 200 meters to the east one rail bridge crossed the river; its structure, square in shape, was metallic.

On Jun 18 1941, the battalions commanders knew about “Barbarossa”; as was planned one battalion from another regiment (IR 229 ?) was to seize the rail bridge by means of one coup de main. The III./ JR 228 was to furnish fire support with its heavy weapons and carry out a mock attack through the San river. The II./ JR 228 to the left had the same mission; the I./ JR 228 was to act as reserve.

On Jun 20, the coup de main was cancelled, however the mock attack was to be accomplished.

On Jun 21 all the commanders knew that the operation “Barbarossa” would start on Jun 22 at 03:30 hours. At 23:00 hours the Battalion had reached its readiness area, at midnight the “Call to the Soldiers of the East Front” was read.

On Jun 22 at 03:00 hours a train, a large one, crossed the San river towards the german side; it was fadding slowly in the middle of the dark. The faithful hour was closer.

Source: Gefechte im Russland. Hans Kissel. and http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... 01leID.htm

It follows. Regards. Tigre.
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From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. ID in Barbarossa 1941.

#2

Post by tigre » 29 Mar 2007, 01:52

Hello folks, Barbarossa first stage.......

The attack.

At 03:30 hours sharp, the artillery opened up and the four divisional groups' shells of 105 mm and 150 mm, past whistling above us towards its targets on the opposite river bank. One hour later the infantry started to fulfill its task and our machine guns and mortars fired upon the hostile river bank.

The Regiment sent one reconnaissance patrol led by one Officer (1 Lt and 9 men) towards the russian bank with the following task: to cross the river and reach the key ground of Point 352 in order to obtain some information about the enemy actions and movements. The engineers Platoon brough forward 3 inflatable rubber boats, then, the patrol got across and pressed on towards its objective surpassing it. After that a short fire fight with infantry weapons could be heard on the distant beyond the hill.

At 06:00 hours the patrol went back and this time, 13 men could be counted for 3 enemy soldiers were taken as prisoners, one officer among them; seemingly he was the artillery chief on that spot. When was asked why did not open the fire he answered that they had not the order to do so.

In the meantime new orders had been issued, now the railway bridge was to be taken and one bridgehead should be established on the far river bank, so the Battalion Commander issued the following oral order:

Enemy: one infantry squad watch the bridge, it could be blasted anytime onwards.

The Pi Platoon was to storm the bridge wiping out the hostile squad in order to avoid its destruction.

The 14./ IR 228 was to furnish fire support with its machine guns and mortars. Own artillery was to lay one barrage on the bridge’s far end and the houses nearby.

The 11./ IR 228 should be ready at the bridge access and was to follow behind the Pi Platoon, surpassing it 200 meters after reaching the far bank in order to establish one bridgehead there.

The attack’s hour would be set up later.

The CP nearby the bridge access.

Finally the attack’s hour was set at 09:00 hours. When the artillery opened fire the Pi Platoon / IR 228 jumped off and raced towards the bridge’s end. The assault proceeded seemingly well but before the pioniers could reach the guard’s blockhouse, the enemy fired upon our men with machine guns and rifles. Especially accurate was the sharpshooters fire. The pioniers took cover as best as they could on the bridge and the firsts cries calling for help could be heard. The hostile fire increased and the assault Platoon was checked on its tracks.

The bridge destruction was expected at anytime, but it still lay there. One wounded Gefreiter went back and told that the mission was accomplished and that the Platoon Commander fell, among the firsts, due to headshot. He could neutralised the explosive devices shortly before his arm was hit; this explained why the bridge remained intact. But yet the Pi Platoon could be wiped out so the Divisional Commander, which was observing the assault from the Heavy Artillery Group OP together with the IR 228’s Commander ordered that the III./ JR 228 was to ford the San and establish one bridgehead between the road bridge (destroyed) and the railway bridge (intact), one Pi company was attached to the battalion.

Source: Gefechte im Russland. Hans Kissel and http://wojnawp.republika.pl/uderzenia/ud1.html

It follows. Regards. Tigre.
Attachments
anti tank gun IR 228 firing upon Przemysl 1941.jpg
Fire support on Jun 22 1941. To the left, the railway bridge could be seen.
anti tank gun IR 228 firing upon Przemysl 1941.jpg (35.5 KiB) Viewed 8098 times


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From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. ID in Barbarossa 1941.

#3

Post by tigre » 01 Apr 2007, 14:08

Hello to all people; here goes the III. Battalion's assault.......

The whole Battalion was assembled behind the school building and the following oral order was issued:

The enemy deployed in the buildings close to the guard’s blockhouse could wipe out the Pi Platoon.

Our Battalion was to attack across the San river together with the 1./ Pi Btl. 101. Our mission was to establish and maintain one bridgehead in order to secure the rail bridge.

The 11./ IR 228 (reinforced) was to lead the assault establishing one bridgehead of about 200 meters in depth. Then was to cover the battalion crossing. The 12./ IR 228 was to follow, then the battalion Staff, the antitank cannon and at last the 13./ IR 228 and the 14./ IR 228.

Initial Point, the school’s yard entrance.

The artillery was to support the crossing shelling the buildings located on the far bank; the 14. Company and the antitank gun were to furnish fire support till its embark.

CP, first in the school building, then in that red building on the opposite river bank. The Signal Platoon was to link all the companies by radio.

Shortly after that the heavy artillery (150 mm) opened fire but the shells fell long. The Divisional Commander told you haven’t shoot then he acted as Forward Observer requesting fire for efect and now the shells hit the targets located 120 meters away on the second bank. Also the antitank gun (37 mm) could be heard firing over there. One fuel’s tank was burning and the hostile fire diminished, even, some enemy soldiers fled from the edge’s buildings.

At 12:05 hours the 11. Company jumped off, the pioniers carried four neumatics boats down to the river; shortly after the boats were on the water surface and manned. The infantry was conveyed towards the hostile river bank and disappeared into the buildings.

Source: Gefechte im Russland. Hans Kissel and http://wojnawp.republika.pl/uderzenia/ud1.html

It follows. Regards. Tigre.
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III. Btl IR 228 crossing the river 1941.jpg
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From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. D in Barbarossa 1941.

#4

Post by tigre » 05 Apr 2007, 17:45

Hello to all people. Here goes the last fights at Przemysl......

The enemy artillery did not answer the fire and the infantry’s resistance was weaker than expected. Nevertheless the fight in the buildings and streets spread out all over the city. One squad entered the electric power station and was engaged there by the workers, therefore one assault Platoon stormed it and seized the building. (11./ IR 228)

Meanwhile the 12. and 13. Companies (IR 228) launched the attack through the city, rejecting one russian counterattack coming from the slums. Both companies advanced up to Rynek, dworzec kolejowy and Plac na Bramie.

Streets fighting
Image

At dusk the III./ IR 228 came back towards the german side through the railway bridge, on the russian side of it, one machine gun nest could be seen, inside lay dead a soviet lieutenant and close to it lay also the young german lieutenant, the Pi Platoon’s Commander, it seemed he was sleeping but the fateful campaign that just started claimed him as the first battalion’s victim.

Russian Lt Nieczajew KIA at the rail bridge.
Image

The German graves. (U/K heroes)
Image

The 11./ IR 228 held the small bridgehead till Jun 24 1941 by means of hard fights; that very night (24 Jun 1941) hostile troops could get close to the bridge taking advantage of the built up area so the german company had to cross back toward the first bank. One tank Platoon (beute panzers) was deployed in order to avoid the bridge destruction, nevertheless the russians could set the wooded parts afire.

Image

The soviet troops deployed in the city (AFAIK) were HQ 8º Rifle Corps; HQ 99 RD (both withdrew towards the outskirts) and 197 RR under Col Opiakinow.

Source: Gefechte im Russland. Hans Kissel and http://wojnawp.republika.pl/uderzenia/ud1.html

A little request: Anyone has idea of which panzer unit was deployed at Przemysl.

It follows. Regards. Tigre.

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From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. D in Barbarossa 1941.

#5

Post by tigre » 11 Apr 2007, 01:33

Hello to all folks, another hard fight.......

The fights in the Przemysl area - Jun 1941.

On Jun 25 1941, the III./ IR 228 had reached, as divisional reserve, the heights located east of Medyka, a big town built roughly 12 kilometers east of Przemysl.

In the meantime the 101 Le. ID had marched off during the night from 22 to 23 Jun 1941 crossing anew the San river at Walawa during the 23 and 24 of Jun 1941.

At noon the Divisional Commander arrived at the battalion’s CP sketching the situation about the open flank. The General told that hostile troops were approaching towards the San’s elbow since 23 Jun 1941 (soviet 99 RD?). In order to match this threat on Jun 25 1941, in the morning , the Pi Btl 101 and one Security Battalion carried out an attack and seized Medyka but without take the high ground south of the town nor reach the river’s elbow.

In order to assure the open right flank, the III./ IR 228 did receive the following order: To seize the high ground located to the south of Medyka, striking with its right wing along the track running westward. To this end the III./ AR 85, already deployed in the wooded terrain east of the town was attached.

Taking in account that the terrain there was coverless and the objective was strongly manned, the Battalion Commander proposed to take advantage of the woods stretched towards the southwest and launch the assault from the southeast or south for surprising the enemy. This course of action was granted.

Immediately was sent a patrol, under one officer orders, for reconnoitering the path. They must return in two hours. Meanwhile the heavy weapon and its ammunitions were taken out of the vehicles and loaded onto horses and the Company and Platoon leaders surveyed the objective that should be seized.

At 16:00 hours, the battalion moved out in column; as the point one recce patrol and the Pi platoon reinforced with one mortar squad (8,0 cm) and some machine guns. The Battalion Commander was marching there also , the battalion staff followed behind with the Forward Observer. In the thick wooded ground the air burned and the march was hard. The march speed was slow in order to maintain the contact between the elements. A russian patrol past without detect the battalion and the advance proceeded by bounds.

It was getting dark, the battalion commander assessed the situation, discarding the night attack. The unit could not get in contact neither with the regiment nor the division so one patrol was sent back towards the road that ran from Medyka to the east to inform about the situation. The battalion took an all-round position and spent the night laid within the woods.

Source: Gefechte im Russland. Hans Kissel.

It follows. Regards. Tigre.
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From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. D in Barbarossa 1941.

#6

Post by tigre » 15 Apr 2007, 17:00

Hello to all people, greetings from Argentina; more about the fights around Medyka.....

At dawn the Battalion Commander, together with his company’s commanders, moved forward up to the wood’s edge for surveying the height and reconnoitering the readiness area. The slope and the surrounding field up to the wood, were covered with wheat.

Shortly afterwards the following order was issued:

The enemy occupy that height, around 2.500 meters from here, seemingly more densely on its north part.

The III./ IR 228 should get ready in this wood in order to attack and seize the before mentioned height.

Readiness area's foremost line: the wood’s edge.

Objective: the hill’s north crest.

Attack’s hour should be set later.

The Unit should be organized as follows: 12./ IR 228 to the right, 11./ IR 228 to the left; the boundary between the frontline companies runs towards northwest along the hill’s center. (should be marked by the Battalion's Adjutant on the map). Frontage 300/400 meters each company. The 13./ IR 228 should act as reserve, 400 meters behind; moving by bounds at my command. MG Company was to attach one machine gun platoon to each frontline company; it should be deployed between the first line and the reserve. Pi platoon attached to the 13./ JR 228.

The III./ AR 85 should furnish fire support for the attack on orders. The Forward Observer was to be linked with the Battalion's CP.

CP here, on the wood’s edge, later on the south crest.

Signal Platoon should maintain wireless communications with the frontline companies.

The companies were in its readiness areas when the advanced posts informed that one strong hostile reconnaissance patrol was moving towards the wood in loosing formation. The Oberstleutnant ordered “take cover, the two nearest squads: range 150 meters - fire at my command”.

When the enemy scout patrol reached as far as 150 meters from the wood's edge the fire order followed. Both squads opened fire on the opponent and the russian soldiers took cover in the wheat field. Now the Battalion Commander gave the attack order.

Source: Gefechte im Russland. Hans Kissel.

It follows. Regards. Tigre.
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Soviet soldier - Jun 1941.jpg
Soviet soldier moving ahead thru the wheat field
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From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. D in Barbarossa 1941.

#7

Post by tigre » 22 Apr 2007, 13:58

Hello to all fellows; now the III. Battalion storms the hill south of Medyka...........

The frontline companies’ platoons left the wood pushing on towards the slope by bounds, the enemy’s survivors were taken as prisoners. The reserve company followed and behind it the heavy weapons (14./ IR 228).

Some earth movements could be observed on the south crest, these emplacements were not manned. The raising sun lightened up the large crest. The ground was cover by green wheat as far as the sight could reach. The western slope of the north crest was fully manned by enemy troops, part of them were in readiness towards the north (to Medyka). The battalion was to strike them, the 12. Company (to the right) raced against the crest, shortly behind was the 11./ IR 228. No one shot each other yet, but then the assault was detected; the left company received strong fire coming from rifles and machine guns, it was compelled to take cover. On the south crest, where was emplaced the CP, the bullets whistled over and shortly after that mortar shells were falling. One messenger fell mortally wounded in his chest. The liaison with the artillery could not be established yet and it remained silent. The Oberstleutnant issued the following order to the 14. Company: all the machine guns must support the company to the left. The weapons started its fire from the left of the CP and above the 11. Company, bringing relief to them. Now, the artillery opened fire as well; its shells fell among the hostile groups.

In the meantime the right company (12./ JR 228) had seized the eastern half of the north crest. The 12. Company was fired upon from its front and left wing, the right platoon’s leader (a lieutenant) was killed (head shot). The left platoon turned against the threat and the platoon’s leader charged down with two squads driving the enemy back. Due to the accurate fire furnished by the artillery and the machine guns the enemy resistance started to crumble. Shortly after, the 11. Company occupied the western half of the north crest and the soviets withdrew in disorder towards the northwest. The battalion had reached its objective.

The frontline companies had deployed in deep, the right company occupied a trench located on the north slope close to the Medyka’s graveyard. The 14. Company’s bulk moved forward, one mortar squad remained behind; one machine gun platoon should cover the open flank towards the southwest.

The enemy shelled the crest with mortars and artillery. On the crest still whistled rifle’s bullets; it seems that enemy soldiers were hidden in the wheat fields although they were behind the German lines.

The Divisional Commander arrived at the CP accompanied by men armed with machine gun pistols. On the spot he congratulated the battalion for its success. In the meantime the 13./ JR 228 had moved forward and it received the task of to establish defensive positions on the south crest covering the battalion’s back; the CP was placed on the eastern slope of the north crest to the east of a path easy to find. The Signal Platoon should establish radio communications with all the subunits.

Source: Gefechte im Russland. Hans Kissel.

It follows. Regards. Tigre.

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From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. D in Barbarossa 1941.

#8

Post by tigre » 28 Apr 2007, 17:08

Hello to all; the story goes on........

The General (Erich Marcks ) moved back to Medyka, accompanied by the Battalion’s Commander and the escort squad, on the way they captured two Russians soldiers hidden in a fox hole after attacking the position with rifles and hand grenades.

The non-stop artillery fire was falling all over Medyka; the sun was burning and the men were thirsty due to the smoke, hot, dust and the psychological strain. The thirst was extinguished with fresh milk at the Combat Group CP (under orders of the 101 Pi Btl’s commander) located within the town. The General examined the enemy casemates and decided to employ the anti tanks for shelling the embrasures while the assault troops were to approach them.

The Oberstleutnant had gone back towards his own CP meanwhile; it was at noon. The casualties grew up due to the heavy artillery fire. From the Division (101 Le. ID) it was asked about to suppress the enemy artillery but the battalion had not the means to do it.

It was received the notice that the Divisional Commander was severely injured in the town, a shell blasted close to him shattering one of his legs and wounded his head; he was evacuated already.

At 15:00 hours the 12./ IR 228 was fired upon from the graveyard but a strong patrol sent there found no enemy. Shortly afterwards the soviets attacked with infantry and light tanks but they were rejected with machine guns and artillery fire.

Between 16:00 hours and 17:00 hours the sound of infantry fight could be heard coming from Medyka. The Battalion’s Commander went there to ascertain the situation, in the village he could see German soldiers running here and there; the cries of “The Russians are coming” could be heard. The vehicles past heading east followed by soldiers on foot. The Combat Group Commander could not ascertain whether the town could be hold or not.

It’s seemed that the enemy would attack the ridge from the southwest; the communications with the Division were cut. The Battalion Commander had decided to leave the ridge and the town when the order to do so and to establish defensive positions east of Medyka, arrived. The orderly and some messengers were detached immediately to reconnoiter the new position.

At 18:00 hours the following order was sent by messenger to all the subunits:

III./ IR 228 was to cease the fight in order to occupy anew defensive position east of Medyka.

The companies should retreat at 19:00 hours and then to reach the road over the hill; where it entered into the wood you will find the guides.

There should be the CP as well.

Three riders carrying the order were sent towards the 13. Company and in spite of the loss of two horses, while getting through the hostile troops, they fulfilled the mission.

At dusk the companies started the withdrawal following the ordered way up to the guides location. The enemies chased close behind and re-occupied both the ridge and the village.

During the morning, Jun 27 1941, several scout patrols were sent towards Medyka just to find the enemy deployed in the hills and in the town. At dusk, the division informed that the enemy had started its withdrawal eastwards due to the general situation in the area. The III./ IR 228 moved to join with the mass of the Regiment.

Source: Gefechte im Russland. Hans Kissel.

It follows. Regards. Tigre.

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From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. D in Barbarossa 1941.

#9

Post by tigre » 05 May 2007, 14:49

Hello to all pals, greetings from Argentina. The 101 Le. ID proceeded its advance towards the old state frontier between the Soviet Union and Poland.........

Advance towards the Stalin Line.

On Jun 28 1941, the 101 Le. ID fought at Rudki and then crossed the lakes’ chain on either sides of Komarno. At the beginning of Jul 1941, the unit fought at Chodorom, Halicz, Marjampol, Monasterzyska and Czortkow.

On Jul 07 1941, the Division got across the Zburcz River. For Jul 14 1941, the 101 Le. ID had reached the Stalin Line at Jaltuszkoff breaking through it during 15 and 16 Jul 1941.

On Jul 15 1941, the IR 228 could get across the Ljadowa river after seizing four bunkers, so one little bridgehead was established on the eastern river bank. The 100 Le. ID, neighbor to the left, after crushing fierce resistance was able to break through the Stalin Line too, between Koserowka and Mischalewzy.

On Jul 16 1941, the IR 229 should take defensive positions due to one enemy counterattack with artillery support. The Russian lunched two assaults, one at 18:00 hours and the second at 21:00 hours, both of them were repelled and the Regiment held its lines till the next day (17 Jul 1941). At 21:00 hours, the struggle became hard and was very difficult to grasp or destroy the remaining bunkers (around 20) because the enemy resistance stiffened; besides it seemed that they had received some kind of not step back order so they sacrificed themselves. In one case a bunker could be seized after 6 hours of heavy fighting, having failed all pioneer attempts to blow it up because the crew was not gave up willingly.

After that followed the fights for Myki, Maryanowka and Kopaj-Grod.

Source: Gefechte im Russland. Hans Kissel, from 101 jaeger's post http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic. ... highlight= and
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... 01leID.htm

May be anyone here could help with the 101 Le. ID's "Stellenbesetzung" for that time. It follows. Regards. Tigre.
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From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. D in Barbarossa 1941.

#10

Post by tigre » 11 May 2007, 23:31

Hello to all people; the 101 Le. ID proceeded its advance, now, towards the Bug river....

Advance towards the Bug river. (Pursuit).


During the second half of Jul 1941, the German divisions were pursuing the enemy, which was retreating through Ukraine towards the Bug river.

On Jul 23 1941, the Reconnaissance Detachments (reinforced with artillery) belonging to the 100 Le. ID and 101 Le. ID had pushed forward establishing a bridgehead at the little city of Ladyshin located on the Bug river; also one bridge was seized intact there. Since that, the foothold gained was held in spite of several counterattacks launched by the enemy troops from all directions.

During the night of Jul 24 1941, the 101 Le. ID was approaching to Ladyshin when the advance regiment, IR 229, met a well organized hostile defensive position established some 10 kilometers to the west of that city.

As stated in the attack’s order issued by the division, on Jul 25 1941 at 03:00 hours, the 101 Le. ID was to attack and annihilate the enemy deployed on the Bug’s western bank that very day and then proceeds towards the east, taking good advantage of the bridgehead already established at Ladyshin.

The IR 229 (less its II. Battalion) had the following mission: annihilate on Jul 25 1941, the enemy still deployed within the divisional sector west of the Bug river and then advance up to the east edge of the wood located south of Ladyshin. Therefore the regiment was reinforced with the I./ AR 85, one 101 A.A.’s Squadron (Reiterschwadron), one Stug’s battery, elements of the Pi Btl 101 and one Pz Jg Abt 101’s Platoon.

Behind and echeloned to the left, should follow the IR 228 (reinforced) which was to reach the Ladyshin’s bridgehead advancing along the road coming from the east and also was to strengthened those units deployed on the Bug’s eastern bank.

Towards the open flank (south) should be acting one Hungarian Brigade (Motorized). Its location and missions, as on Jul 25 1941, wasn’t mentioned in the divisional order.

On July 25 1941, at 04:30 hours, the IR 229 (reinforced) broke through the enemy position manned by its combat rear guards and pushed on eastward. Ahead, in loosing formation, advanced the I./ IR 229 across a terrain with broad hollows and isolated little woods. Behind were advancing the regimental staff and the III./ IR 229. The artillery Group, the Stug battery and the supply trains followed along the roads. The mounted squadron (AA 101) was covering the open flank and also should try to get in contact with the Hungarian Brigade (Motorized). The Pz Jg Company 229 protected toward the front and the Pz Jg Abt 101’s Platoon covered the Regiment’s rear.

Source: Gefechte im Russland. Hans Kissel.

May be anyone here could help with the 101 Le. ID's "Stellenbesetzung" for that time. It follows. Regards. Tigre.

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From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. ID in Barbarossa 1941.

#11

Post by tigre » 18 May 2007, 20:58

Hello folks, after all the story follows.........

At 09:00 hours the Regiment reached the northeast edge of the big wood located some 6 kilometers to the southwest of Ladyshin. That limit could not be surpassed without regimental orders. The Regimental Commander, marching with the unit’s advanced parties could observe the following scene from the wood’s edge:

Around 2000 meters ahead the southern edge of two little woods located there could be seen, the ground was one coverless plain in that direction; to the east was gently sloped and reached the Bug; towards the west reached a hollow where the village A was located. On the before mentioned little woods’ edges personnel and vehicles movements were detected, also an artillery group was deployed there (seemingly a Russian ones) aimed toward the northwest. It was firing heavily, possibly against the IR 228. Motor vehicles (trucks) coming from the right unloaded ammunition and departed again. The (new) Divisional Commander, recently arrived on the spot, told they could be Hungarians troops. However the Regimental Commander could not agree with him.

The Regiment’s radfahr company sent a patrol towards the village A but it was strongly occupied by the enemy and was compelled to withdraw. The Mounted Squadron, from the right flank, had not reported yet.

The Regimental Commander ascertained that his unit was in the rear of the enemy troops that surrounded Ladyshin by the south. One sudden attack, could accomplish a great success.

No one could pass through the wood edge in order to avoid be discover; the machine guns were moved forward to protect the troops movement.

The III. Battalion was deployed to the I. Battalion’s right with a frontage of 400 meters. The artillery took fire position as fast as it could but quietly. The Stug battery was placed firstly behind the I. Battalion. The supply train remained in the center of the wood.

Source: Gefechte im Russland. Hans Kissel.

May be anyone here could help with the 101 Le. ID's "Stellenbesetzung" for that time. It follows. Regards. Tigre.

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From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. ID in Barbarossa 1941.

#12

Post by tigre » 25 May 2007, 19:37

Hello to all; more about the attack on Ladyshin.......

Having drawn up his plan and assembled the battalions, the artillery and the Stug battery commanders on the wood’s edge, the Regiment Commander issued the following oral order to all his officers:

1. In both little woods and the villages A and B the enemy was detected. To the right three hostile batteries were firing. There was no news about our own troops.

2. The Regiment was to attack suddenly from its readiness zone in order to seize the little woods located 2000 meters from there. The attack should be launched about one hour later.

3. The III./ JR 229 was to attack the hostile batteries with its right wing , was to destroy it and then proceed towards the little wood (right) behind, in order to conquest it.

The I./ JR 229 (less 1 reinforced company) was to seize the other little wood (left). Both groves should be crossed and its north edge reached.

One company of the I. battalion (reinforced) was to act as regimental reserve in order to cover the flank and rear specially against the village A.

Pz Jg company was to attach one Platoon to each frontline battalion. The rest was to start the attack from here at my command.
Stug battery was to furnish support to the frontline battalion detaching three guns to each other.

Artillery Group was to furnish fire support to the III. Battalion. Should shell the enemy batteries by the start of the attack.

Both frontline battalions should advance simultaneously and should establish the regulations on its own heavy weapons.

Radfahr Platoon 229, Pi Platoon 101 and Pz Jg Platoon 229 were to cover the artillery group and the supply trains, under the HQ./ JR 229’s commander.

4. Regimental CP initially here, then with the I. Battalion. Na.(Signal) Platoon was to maintain the radio communications with the frontline battalions.

As it was ordered the artillery and the heavy infantry weapons unleashed its fire blow at 11:30 hours; simultaneously the frontline troops jumped off and running gained ground to vanguard leaving behind the dangerous wood’s edge. Then the battalions proceeded walking, the Stug units advanced among them and behind the reserves in loosing formation.

The own artillery fire fell on the target; the crew of two enemy batteries fled leaving its guns behind, the third battery tried to limbered it. The frontline battalions pushed forward fastly, the well-aimed fire from the Stug guns targeted its objectives; on the enemy wood’s edge, trucks loaded with fuel or ammunitions, exploded every so often.

Suddenly, the noise of hard fight could be hear coming from the 3. Company, which was advance as reserve. Due to the ground slope nothing could be seen from that direction. After a half hour one messenger brought the report that this subunit had rejected one strong hostile attack launched from the village “A”.

The Regimental Commander decided to shift the CP up to the I. battalion. Around 15 men moved on at 13:00 hours.

Source: Gefechte im Russland. Hans Kissel.

May be anyone here could help with the 101 Le. ID's "Stellenbesetzung" for that time. It follows. Regards. Tigre
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From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. ID in Barbarossa 1941.

#13

Post by tigre » 30 May 2007, 23:52

Hello to all people; here the last part about the fighing at Ladyshin.....

The 3. Company’s Commander gave his report to the Oberstlt. several German and Russian corpses could be seen all over the battle field; the wounded were gathered and evacuated. It was ordered that the Company was to maintain its positions to the east of village “A” in order to watch the enemy movements. The 3. Platoon of the Pz, Jg, Company was attached to the 3. Company.

The Regimental Staff group reached and entered into the eastern little wood, moving within it along the left edge; 8 soviet soldiers were taken as prisoners (mainly officers). After marching for about 10 minutes the Oberstlt detected one hostile battery of artillery (some 40 men against 15 German). Shortly after that to the right one enemy column was observed passing through the wood. The staff group moved back towards the 3. Company leaving the prisoners behind.

The Oberstlt could reach the nearer Stug gun, which was the Platoon leader’s gun. He was told about the situation by the Oberstlt. As it was ordered the Stug Platoon turned to the east and moved upwards along the slope in order to improve its field of fire.

As the enemy heard and saw the armored guns pressing ahead started its flight towards the village “B”; after a while the Stug ceased its fire due to ammo shortage.

The bulk of the enemy mass fled through the regiment’s rear and the III. Battalion’s Sanitary Post was smashed by the Russian troops; since that, the doctor, several stretcher bearers and some wounded men were MIA.

At 16:00 hours the march towards the I./ IR 229 was resumed with the HQ./ IR 229, 3./ IR 229, Pz Jg Platoon and the Stug Platoon.

The objective was reached and the mission accomplished; therefore the Regimental Commander issued the following order:

At 17:00 hours the Regiment should advance towards Ladyshin. The Regimental CP, where the railroad enters the town.

As it was ordered the Regiment moved, with two battalions abroad; the advance detachments were relieved and on Jul 25, during the night the troops crossed the river and the bridgehead was held firmly in German hands.

The 101 Le. ID reported to the LII AK as follows: The division (reinforced with Stug and Flak), annihilated on 25 and 26 July 1941, at Ladyshin, enemy forces appreciated as 1 rifle regiment with 2 artillery groups, taking also 17 guns, 14 anti tanks cannons, 8 tanks, several machine guns and others equipments. The enemy suffered heavy casualties.

Source: Gefechte im Russland. Hans Kissel.

May be anyone here could help with the 101 Le. ID's "Stellenbesetzung" for that time. It follows. Regards. Tigre
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From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. ID in Barbarossa 1941.

#14

Post by tigre » 06 Jun 2007, 23:31

Hello folks, following with this story........

At Poltawa.

On July 28 1941, the 101 Le. ID was advancing along the road leading to Uman towards Gaiworon, that place was reached on July 31 1941. After fighting for Golowanjewsk from 6 till 8 Aug 1941, the Division acted as Army Group reserve; after that, marched to the Dnjepr River and got across it at Krementschug, the crossing lasted from 2 to 12 September 1941. Later, the 101 Le. ID moved towards Poltawa and the Worskla River.

Since 20 Sep 1941 onwards, one German Army Corps (LII AK) occupied one bridgehead at Poltawa; in order to protect its coverless north flank, this Corps committed its 101 Le. ID on both sides of the Worskla River. The before mentioned division had its IR 228 (plus 1 battalion of the IR 229) in the bridgehead , east bank, while on the west bank, looking north, were deployed the IR 229 (less 1 battalion) and the 101 A.A. (reinforced with the bikes companies of both jager regiments) to its left. The neighbor to the left, approaching from the Kiew area, was fighting far to the rear yet.

The enemy, though less active on the east bank, was nevertheless pushed against the 101 Le. ID on the west bank and also was strengthened since Sep 25 onwards.

On Sep 28 194, in the morning, the Oberstlt. K. (issel, Hans), who stayed on the east bank, was called to the Divisional CP located on the west bank on the Poltawa’s north edge. There it was told, by the Divisional Commander, that one hostile combat group (seemingly 1 infantry regiment with tanks and heavy artillery) had broke through the security line and was approaching to Berschadsky, against the bridgehead’s back and also was threatening the supply road Krementschug - Poltawa.

The General emphasized that the Corps was in a serious danger and it was necessary to avoid it quickly.

The Oberstlt.’s mission was to annihilate immediately the enemy forces moving to Berschadsky with the Kampfgruppe K. Therefore, the first task was to avoid the conquest of the key heights northwest of Poltawa.

The Kampfgruppe K comprised firstly, the following units: the AA 101 and the Sich. Btl 500. The former was already fighting along the road leading to Berschadsky form the northwest, the latter was on the move towards the Divisional CP. The Divisional O1, who was committed as Kampfgruppe’s IIa (Adjutant) was on the move towards Berschadsky and should meet the Oberstlt. everywhere along the road leading to it from Poltawa. As command elements (C3) were assigned some radio and phone squads belonging to the Na. Abt. 101, as well as several messengers with motorcycles.

Source: Gefechte in Russland. Hans Kissel.

It follows. Regards. Tigre.

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From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. ID in Barbarossa 1941.

#15

Post by tigre » 12 Jun 2007, 00:12

Hello folks, that story follows.......

After surveying the map, the Kampfgruppe’s Commander thought that the enemy could be halted along the stream running through Berschadsky, hence ordered that all the elements were to move forward immediately along the road leading to the town through Zhuki. Also, he claimed for engineers’ troops, mines and anti tanks cannons.

At 13:00 hours the column started its march with the Oberstlt ahead. Fortunately the way was dry in spite of the dusky sky ; the rain did not come yet.

At last the defensive position should be established on the heights east of Berschadsky and the MLR was to run along its crest. Despite of the fire’s field was not good enough (to short and many dead angles), it allows to target the town and the bridge located there with flat trajectory’s guns. The column was stopped and the men after being deployed started to dig out.

Meanwhile the Commander followed up to the village across the stream. He ascertained that the waterway banks could be forded by tanks only in a few places; in the meantime some motorcyclists belonging to the AA 101 came back to the town, also the divisional O1 had arrived on the spot.

The AA 101’s troops, just arrived into the town, reported that the Russians were following behind not so far away. They were inside the wood located about 2000 meters to the west. In spite of his wounds, the 3./ AA 101 Commander, was told to proceed the march and assemble all the bikers on the height and then to deploy that force south of the road, standing fast there.

Shortly after that, a shot could be heard and one shell blasted into the village, the Oberstlt and the few men belonging to his staff and escort sought cover behind the nearest house, then a second projectile exploded; the soviet tanks were firing against the town. Some of them could be seen along the wood edge also several riflemen were observed. Then the tanks, followed by the infantry, started its advance towards Berschadsky. The situation was critical.

Suddenly, from the rear, a car came into the town as sending by God himself; a Hauptmann dismounted and told the Oberstlt that he was the Commander of one antiaircraft battery which was attached to the Kampfgruppe with 12 guns of 20 mm (mechanized). The Kampfgruppe Commander showed the hostile tanks and riflemen coming to the village and told him: to hold the heights located east of the town the enemy should be kept west of the stream.

The Hauptmann proposal was then to charge against the enemy with his guns at the panzer’s style; it was a desperate course of action but the situation was a serious one and the Oberstlt agreed. The battery Commander assembled his guns on the town edge concealing them amidst the houses and then charged against the russian troops, the Hauptmann ahead. All the guns rolled at great speed while firing upon the hostile tanks covered with clouds of dust.

The enemy was surprised and thinking that panzers were coming head on, halted on its tracks and turned back in flight.

Source: Gefechte in Russland. Hans Kissel.

It follows. Regards. Tigre.
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