Hello guys; the story follows at night within the hedgehog..............................
There was neither wire nor wireless liaison with the division. Side contact with the 57 ID neither could be established; considering the battle’s noise and the flares in the air, it was fighting far to the rear (actually the 57 ID reached the railway only during the 24 Oct 1941). The left neighbor, the I./ IR 229, which had the mission of assure the open flank from Saliutina Jar was to far behind too. For the time being the Regiment was isolated within the city.
A lot of buildings in the city center were burning; the ground was shaken with powerful detonations. All night violent explosions sounded through the air. Obviously the enemy was blasting bridges, buildings and railroads in order to delay the German advance.
In the middle of the three battalions stood a little house which was occupied by the IR 228’s CP. It belonged to a Russian married couple, he was an engineer and she was a doctor. There was a German made piano too, so the Adjutant played German classic music while the ground around was shaken; romanticist of war.
The troops could not be fed due to the field kitchens were bogged down somewhere in the rearguard. Nevertheless, in the CP and everywhere the “owners” appeared with bread, marmalade and tea.
However, the day was good enough for the Regiment and 345 prisoners were sent towards the Divisional CP.
After nightfall arrived on the spot the AR 85’s Commander. It was accord that the attack was to be resumed next day at 08:00 hours, but the situation was ascertained anew and the attack’s hours was set at 06:00 hours now. It was changed in order to deny the opponent any chance of adopt a new defensive front. The appropriate orders were given during the night.
The night passed quiet, not counting isolated shots, broken liaisons and the explosions in the city’s center. At last, when the morning had broken, the heavy weapons were there; they were some antitank guns (horse drawn) and the detailed artillery pieces. Two antitank cannons (37 mm) were attached to each frontline battalion.
Source: Gefechte in Russland. Hans Kissel.
It follows. Regards. Tigre
From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. D in Barbarossa 1941.
From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. ID in Barbarossa 1941.
Hello folks; the attack goes on.................................
The attack proceeded - 24 Oct 1941.
On Oct 24 1941, at 06:00 hours, the IR 228 jumped off again. Both frontline battalions (the III./ IR 228 to the right and the II./ IR 228 to the left) pressed forward in column along the assigned streets separate 400 meters each other. Ahead the advanced guard rifle companies organized in assault platoons and reinforced with MGs, infantry cannons and antitank guns (37 mm) with them the battalion’s commanders, behind the engineers troops with fording material then the isolated artillery pieces behind at last the battalion’s mass in two columns close to the walls.
The Regiment tried to get through the city quickly in order to reach the eastern edge located some 7 kilometers away as the crow flies. The reserve battalion (I./ IR 228) advanced by bounds.
Already at 06:30 hours the III./ IR 228 had reached the second objective, the Lopany river; the II./ IR 228 did it shortly afterwards. The bridge located in front of the III./ IR 228 had been blasted, but the opposite river bank seemingly was not occupied by hostile troops. However, in front of the left battalion (II./ IR 228) the enemy defended the river with all kind of weapons; even one artillery piece opened up. Both battalions should force the river crossing.
The II. Battalion’s heavy weapons, located amid the houses and within its gardens, opened up over all the reconnoitered targets. Under this fire support the battalion attained its goal and could establish one bridgehead with one of its rifle company, which seized 1 cannon, 1 mortar, several light weapons and a large number of prisoners.
The III./ IR 228 could get across only at 07:30 hours. In spite of the opposite river bank was not defended, hostile heavy MGs fired upon it from around 600 meters to the south of the crossing point. Against them opened fire the battalion’s heavy weapons till they were suppressed.
At 08:10 hours in compliance with the order given both battalions pressed ahead towards the third objective: the main road heading to Belgorod. It was reached at 08:50 hours by the II. Battalion, while the III. Battalion was moving slowly heavily engaged in the streets. In one particular street the German soldiers could not eliminate the hostile rifles and MGs nests. The antitank platoon was called forward and the platoon leader, set one of his gun at the corner in order to strike the opposite building occupied by soviet troops; but even before the first round was fired, the lieutenant was mortally wounded by a shot in his thigh.
As the battalion was unable to restrain the hostile fire, the Regimental Commander, who was with the unit’s head, ordered a left turn. The troops, crossed through backyards and gardens in single file, and finally could get across the street making use of every dead angle they found. After that the battalion advanced toward the high ground where the Opera building stood out as well in the direction of the main road to Belgorod.
When the third objective was reached, the Regiment had seized the city’s key ground (the dominating height) it furnished a good observation field to all directions. While the arrangements in order to proceed with the attack were finished, the inhabitants set tables in front of his houses and offered bread, marmalade and tea to the troops. The appetite was good besides the physical efforts and the fight’s stress caused a strong thirst in spite of the rainy and cool weather.
When the attack was renewed, the resistance stiffened; even the soviet launched some counterattacks.
In order to avoid that resistance, the Divisional Ia (Ops Officer) who just arrived together with the Regimental Commander did propose to change the direction of advance and to cross the Charkow river a bit far to the east. The Regimental Commander did agree with that proposal so the II. and III. Battalions received the appropriate orders at 10:10 hours.
Source: Gefechte in Russland. Hans Kissel.
It follows. Regards. Tigre
The attack proceeded - 24 Oct 1941.
On Oct 24 1941, at 06:00 hours, the IR 228 jumped off again. Both frontline battalions (the III./ IR 228 to the right and the II./ IR 228 to the left) pressed forward in column along the assigned streets separate 400 meters each other. Ahead the advanced guard rifle companies organized in assault platoons and reinforced with MGs, infantry cannons and antitank guns (37 mm) with them the battalion’s commanders, behind the engineers troops with fording material then the isolated artillery pieces behind at last the battalion’s mass in two columns close to the walls.
The Regiment tried to get through the city quickly in order to reach the eastern edge located some 7 kilometers away as the crow flies. The reserve battalion (I./ IR 228) advanced by bounds.
Already at 06:30 hours the III./ IR 228 had reached the second objective, the Lopany river; the II./ IR 228 did it shortly afterwards. The bridge located in front of the III./ IR 228 had been blasted, but the opposite river bank seemingly was not occupied by hostile troops. However, in front of the left battalion (II./ IR 228) the enemy defended the river with all kind of weapons; even one artillery piece opened up. Both battalions should force the river crossing.
The II. Battalion’s heavy weapons, located amid the houses and within its gardens, opened up over all the reconnoitered targets. Under this fire support the battalion attained its goal and could establish one bridgehead with one of its rifle company, which seized 1 cannon, 1 mortar, several light weapons and a large number of prisoners.
The III./ IR 228 could get across only at 07:30 hours. In spite of the opposite river bank was not defended, hostile heavy MGs fired upon it from around 600 meters to the south of the crossing point. Against them opened fire the battalion’s heavy weapons till they were suppressed.
At 08:10 hours in compliance with the order given both battalions pressed ahead towards the third objective: the main road heading to Belgorod. It was reached at 08:50 hours by the II. Battalion, while the III. Battalion was moving slowly heavily engaged in the streets. In one particular street the German soldiers could not eliminate the hostile rifles and MGs nests. The antitank platoon was called forward and the platoon leader, set one of his gun at the corner in order to strike the opposite building occupied by soviet troops; but even before the first round was fired, the lieutenant was mortally wounded by a shot in his thigh.
As the battalion was unable to restrain the hostile fire, the Regimental Commander, who was with the unit’s head, ordered a left turn. The troops, crossed through backyards and gardens in single file, and finally could get across the street making use of every dead angle they found. After that the battalion advanced toward the high ground where the Opera building stood out as well in the direction of the main road to Belgorod.
When the third objective was reached, the Regiment had seized the city’s key ground (the dominating height) it furnished a good observation field to all directions. While the arrangements in order to proceed with the attack were finished, the inhabitants set tables in front of his houses and offered bread, marmalade and tea to the troops. The appetite was good besides the physical efforts and the fight’s stress caused a strong thirst in spite of the rainy and cool weather.
When the attack was renewed, the resistance stiffened; even the soviet launched some counterattacks.
In order to avoid that resistance, the Divisional Ia (Ops Officer) who just arrived together with the Regimental Commander did propose to change the direction of advance and to cross the Charkow river a bit far to the east. The Regimental Commander did agree with that proposal so the II. and III. Battalions received the appropriate orders at 10:10 hours.
Source: Gefechte in Russland. Hans Kissel.
It follows. Regards. Tigre
- Attachments
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- a 37 mm pak being handling by its crew
- 1941 - pak 37 a mano.gif (108.24 KiB) Viewed 1274 times
From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. ID in Barbarossa 1941.
Hello to all people; the story goes on, now towards the four objective...........
Nevertheless, the hostile resistance was strong as before; seemingly, the enemy was advancing along the Regiment’s flank trying to block the German movement at some advantageous point.
The Regiment’s battalion suffered some casualties when trying to get across one broad street. A landser who covered the others with fire from his machine gun while standing up on the middle of the street was wounded and fell down.
The march could not be resumed in this way. However someone got an idea and several buses were brought to there; soon they were set afire and pushed up to the center of the street as screen. Now the infantry squads and weapons resumed its advance by bounds covered by the dense smoke.
The II. Battalion was shifted behind the III. Battalion and the I. Battalion behind the former to cover the Unit’s rear so the Regiment moved ahead in column, isolated amidst of a sea of houses within that big city. From the south and southwest heavy explosions could be heard yet.
The Regiment’s path led up to the Technological Institute from whose windows the Regimental Commander showed the next advance’s direction and the Charkow river crossing point to his subordinates. After that the troops proceeded towards the river and the next attack’s objective, the four.
At 12:30 hours the river bank was reached. The I./ IR 228 was to occupy the high ground where was located the Technological Institute and therefore defend it against attacks coming from the north and the east.
The II. and III. Battalions were deployed side by side in order to cross the river. The order was given later when the suitable fording elements had already arrived.
Source: Gefechte in Russland. Hans Kissel.
It follows. Regards. Tigre
Nevertheless, the hostile resistance was strong as before; seemingly, the enemy was advancing along the Regiment’s flank trying to block the German movement at some advantageous point.
The Regiment’s battalion suffered some casualties when trying to get across one broad street. A landser who covered the others with fire from his machine gun while standing up on the middle of the street was wounded and fell down.
The march could not be resumed in this way. However someone got an idea and several buses were brought to there; soon they were set afire and pushed up to the center of the street as screen. Now the infantry squads and weapons resumed its advance by bounds covered by the dense smoke.
The II. Battalion was shifted behind the III. Battalion and the I. Battalion behind the former to cover the Unit’s rear so the Regiment moved ahead in column, isolated amidst of a sea of houses within that big city. From the south and southwest heavy explosions could be heard yet.
The Regiment’s path led up to the Technological Institute from whose windows the Regimental Commander showed the next advance’s direction and the Charkow river crossing point to his subordinates. After that the troops proceeded towards the river and the next attack’s objective, the four.
At 12:30 hours the river bank was reached. The I./ IR 228 was to occupy the high ground where was located the Technological Institute and therefore defend it against attacks coming from the north and the east.
The II. and III. Battalions were deployed side by side in order to cross the river. The order was given later when the suitable fording elements had already arrived.
Source: Gefechte in Russland. Hans Kissel.
It follows. Regards. Tigre
From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. ID in Barbarossa 1941.
Hello pals; reaching the last objective..........................................
Taking advantage of a little bridge located within its sector, the II./ IR 228 could establish a little bridgehead by 13:15 hours. It was of good avail and the battalion’s mass followed at once.
The III./ IR 228 could cross later because it should overcome a weak resistance first and then wait for the pneumatic boats. At 13:50 hours the IR 228’s CP could get across and on the spot both frontline battalions received the order to resume the attack and proceed towards the sixth objective, the fifth was eliminated due to the change in the attack's direction.
The last part of the advance was fulfilled with continuous and sometimes hard fights with small hostile parties. Shortly before reaching the last objective, the advance guard met a Russian tank, it was motionless but still manned; according with the orders, the attached engineers destroyed it with anti tank mines.
Shortly afterwards, one enemy cavalry patrol showed up, but timely, an anti tank cannon opened fire at once; one rider was knocked down and the others fled.
Around 15:00 hours the Regiment advanced elements had reached the last objective, the eastern edge of Charkow, where one broad street heading northeast, the Konjushenaja-ul, was located. The Regimental CP was established there nearly to the road leading towards Sstarij-Ssaltow along the Donets river.
Source: Gefechte in Russland. Hans Kissel.
It follows. Regards. Tigre
Taking advantage of a little bridge located within its sector, the II./ IR 228 could establish a little bridgehead by 13:15 hours. It was of good avail and the battalion’s mass followed at once.
The III./ IR 228 could cross later because it should overcome a weak resistance first and then wait for the pneumatic boats. At 13:50 hours the IR 228’s CP could get across and on the spot both frontline battalions received the order to resume the attack and proceed towards the sixth objective, the fifth was eliminated due to the change in the attack's direction.
The last part of the advance was fulfilled with continuous and sometimes hard fights with small hostile parties. Shortly before reaching the last objective, the advance guard met a Russian tank, it was motionless but still manned; according with the orders, the attached engineers destroyed it with anti tank mines.
Shortly afterwards, one enemy cavalry patrol showed up, but timely, an anti tank cannon opened fire at once; one rider was knocked down and the others fled.
Around 15:00 hours the Regiment advanced elements had reached the last objective, the eastern edge of Charkow, where one broad street heading northeast, the Konjushenaja-ul, was located. The Regimental CP was established there nearly to the road leading towards Sstarij-Ssaltow along the Donets river.
Source: Gefechte in Russland. Hans Kissel.
It follows. Regards. Tigre
From Przemysl to Charkow - 101 Le. ID in Barbarossa 1941.
Hello to all pals; at last the end of the story, Charkow was firmly in German hands..........
The defense on the eastern edge.
The III./ IR 228 took up a defensive position stretched from Nemischlja to the road leading to Starij Ssaltow, from this point up to the Konjushenaja-Ul’s Avenue was deployed the II./ IR 228. Around 1500 meters behind was located the Regimental CP. The I./ IR 228, still at the Technological Institute was called ahead; it should cross the Charkow river at once and then to cover the rear zone west of the CP.
Along the avenue were marching towards its assigned areas, small elements belonging to the II. and III. Battalions.
Suddenly, the CP’s sentry shouted: ¡ A Russian!. Several shots were fired and a rider with his horse was knocked down and.....a woman with a long black hair lay on the sidewalk; she was a Lt. Col. After that the same sentry shouted again; this time a truck was coming. It was halted by machine gun fire close to the CP. A young Russian woman, wearing uniform, jumped from the truck; the driver was killed. She was a doctor and the vehicle was full of sanitary material.
Shortly afterwards a car was approaching. The German Oberst shouted: ¡do not shoot to the tires, we need that vehicle. The car was fired upon in front of the CP and its occupants, four soviet officers, were killed.
Then, the sentry informed about one long enemy column moving slowly along the Konjushenaja-Ul, it was heading towards the CP. Ahead some tanks, behind, several motor and horse drawn vehicles besides field kitchens could be seen.
The Regimental Commander ascertained that it was the rearguard of the forces that were defending Charkow.
The CP was alarmed at once; the German small and isolated groups that were marching from the Charkow River were assembled under one command and deployed nearby. One infantry cannon belonging to the III./ IR 228 took up a fire position behind a tree located in front of the house where the Regimental Commander took cover. The few men gathered should hold its fire till the enemy was getting close; every shot should find its target.
At the right moment the Commander gave the order and the IG opened up knocking the light tank that led the column. The gun fired round after round and the machine guns and rifles unleashed a hail of bullets over the surprised enemy.
The hostile column was halted on its tracks; some parties tried to put resistance without any chance. By luck the others tanks and the artillery pieces could not take part because they had to left the column first; so the soviet fled to the nearby houses and returned the fire from there. However by this time the Regiment had organized storm troops in order to clear the site, then a street fight ensued and the German groups assailed house by house; the mopping up operations lasted more than one hour.
On October 25 1941, the IR 228 could count as its booty 834 prisoners, almost all of them belonging to the Soviet 216 RD, besides 10 artillery pieces, 1 heavy tank, 5 light tanks, prime movers, trucks, horse drawn vehicles as well as machine guns and mortars.
The neighbor to the right (57 ID) which was supported by Stug and air support reached the city’s eastern edge only during the night on October 24 1941. In that way the whole city of Charkow fell in German hands.
Source: Gefechte in Russland. Hans Kissel.
It's all folks. Hope you find it as a good reading. Regards. Tigre
The defense on the eastern edge.
The III./ IR 228 took up a defensive position stretched from Nemischlja to the road leading to Starij Ssaltow, from this point up to the Konjushenaja-Ul’s Avenue was deployed the II./ IR 228. Around 1500 meters behind was located the Regimental CP. The I./ IR 228, still at the Technological Institute was called ahead; it should cross the Charkow river at once and then to cover the rear zone west of the CP.
Along the avenue were marching towards its assigned areas, small elements belonging to the II. and III. Battalions.
Suddenly, the CP’s sentry shouted: ¡ A Russian!. Several shots were fired and a rider with his horse was knocked down and.....a woman with a long black hair lay on the sidewalk; she was a Lt. Col. After that the same sentry shouted again; this time a truck was coming. It was halted by machine gun fire close to the CP. A young Russian woman, wearing uniform, jumped from the truck; the driver was killed. She was a doctor and the vehicle was full of sanitary material.
Shortly afterwards a car was approaching. The German Oberst shouted: ¡do not shoot to the tires, we need that vehicle. The car was fired upon in front of the CP and its occupants, four soviet officers, were killed.
Then, the sentry informed about one long enemy column moving slowly along the Konjushenaja-Ul, it was heading towards the CP. Ahead some tanks, behind, several motor and horse drawn vehicles besides field kitchens could be seen.
The Regimental Commander ascertained that it was the rearguard of the forces that were defending Charkow.
The CP was alarmed at once; the German small and isolated groups that were marching from the Charkow River were assembled under one command and deployed nearby. One infantry cannon belonging to the III./ IR 228 took up a fire position behind a tree located in front of the house where the Regimental Commander took cover. The few men gathered should hold its fire till the enemy was getting close; every shot should find its target.
At the right moment the Commander gave the order and the IG opened up knocking the light tank that led the column. The gun fired round after round and the machine guns and rifles unleashed a hail of bullets over the surprised enemy.
The hostile column was halted on its tracks; some parties tried to put resistance without any chance. By luck the others tanks and the artillery pieces could not take part because they had to left the column first; so the soviet fled to the nearby houses and returned the fire from there. However by this time the Regiment had organized storm troops in order to clear the site, then a street fight ensued and the German groups assailed house by house; the mopping up operations lasted more than one hour.
On October 25 1941, the IR 228 could count as its booty 834 prisoners, almost all of them belonging to the Soviet 216 RD, besides 10 artillery pieces, 1 heavy tank, 5 light tanks, prime movers, trucks, horse drawn vehicles as well as machine guns and mortars.
The neighbor to the right (57 ID) which was supported by Stug and air support reached the city’s eastern edge only during the night on October 24 1941. In that way the whole city of Charkow fell in German hands.
Source: Gefechte in Russland. Hans Kissel.
It's all folks. Hope you find it as a good reading. Regards. Tigre
57 ID at Charkow Oct 1941.
Hello folks, to end with this topic some shots dealing with the 57 ID fighting within the city (that division was advancing south of the 101 Le. ID and had the support of one Stug Abteilung) ..........................
Even captured soviet T 34 were used there.
One Stug Platoon furnishing fire support within Charkow.
23.10.41, street-fighting in Charkow, this 8.8 has destroyed 15 tanks and 8 airplanes.
Battle at Charkow.
Source: the old http://www.photosammler.de/whmain.htm
Anyone here could add the 57 ID's history? or light me up on that Stug Abt fighting there?. Cheers. Tigre.
Even captured soviet T 34 were used there.
One Stug Platoon furnishing fire support within Charkow.
23.10.41, street-fighting in Charkow, this 8.8 has destroyed 15 tanks and 8 airplanes.
Battle at Charkow.
Source: the old http://www.photosammler.de/whmain.htm
Anyone here could add the 57 ID's history? or light me up on that Stug Abt fighting there?. Cheers. Tigre.