Small Unit Actions - France 1940.

[tigre]

Hello to all ; something more on this topic........................

Fighting by Mondrepuis - 16 to 17 May 1940.

In its retreat from Belgium the 4 DINA (General Sancelme) installed its CP at Mondrepuis on May 16, 1940. The withdrawal of the 4 DINA and the 22 DI will run in the direction of La Capelle and Guise through Mondrepuis. The 4 DINA must retain the locality in order to facilitate the retreat of the 22 DI from St. Michel and Pas Bayard. After noon artillery elements belonging to the North African division were machine-gunned for the exploration of the 8 Pz. A Platoon of 3 R-35 of the 32. BCC under Lt. Duboe marched towards Mondrepuis. At dusk the CP of the 4 DINA was moved to La Capelle and Captain Alliaume was ordered to defend Mondrepuis to the last. At dusk the 23 RTA occupied defensive positions and during the night the 25 RTA evacuated the barricades in the suburbs and occupied the buildings within the town.

During the afternoon, the ALA received new orders. It had been subordinated to the 8 Pz and was to reach La Bouteille (6 km northwest of Vervins) in a single bound, even during the night of May 16, 1940. The detachment had to secure there and then continue to Ohis (6 kms east of Hirson) at dawn on May 17, 1940. Its task was to march on the right flank of the armored division and conquer Mondrepuis (1 km north of the Highway Hirson - La Capelle).

Sources: "Die Panzer-Aufklärungs-Lehrabteilung (Kavallerie-Lehr und Versuchsabteilung) 1937-1940". Hans Cramer
http://mondrepuismjm02.blogspace.fr/1011565/La-bataille-de-Mondrepuis-2-5/
Auction of Historical Media, LLC.
http://mondrepuismjm02.canalblog.com/archives/2011/10/14/22337643.html

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; something more on this topic........................

Fighting by Mondrepuis - 16 to 17 May 1940.

On May 17, 1940 at 06:00 hours some parts of the 33rd RANA and two batteries of the 233 RA opened fire against the Anor sector. At 09:00 hours, the communications were disrupted and the national route of Hirson was interdicted; a column of the 8 Pz marched by there. At 10:00 hours the French were prepared to fight from the CP of the 25 th RTA were issued the last orders and in the post office were placed two guns of 25 mm.

At 11:00 hours the fighting intensified and some armored vehicles advancing along the main street were destroyed by the fire of the guns of 25 mm. At 12:00 hours loud combat noise towards Anor. At 13:00 hours another attack, several armored vehicles made ​​their way toward the town's center and one of the gun of 25 mm was disabled.

The motorcyclist's Squadron of Rittm. v. Herff, reinforced with the Reconnaissance Platoon of Leutnant v. Colmar, attacked Mondrepuis supported the Heavy Squadron of Oberleutnant Weitbrecht plus the Platoon of cavalry Infantry Howitzers (IG kav. zug) of Leutnant v. Rohden and the anti-tank Platoon of Leutnant d.R. Höhne. Also participated voluntarily in the assault Leutnant v. Heydebreck from the Staff of the Detachment and Leutnant v. Bäumen with his Reconnaissance Platoon.

Sources: "Die Panzer-Aufklärungs-Lehrabteilung (Kavallerie-Lehr und Versuchsabteilung) 1937-1940". Hans Cramer
http://mondrepuismjm02.blogspace.fr/1011565/La-bataille-de-Mondrepuis-2-5/
Auction of Historical Media, LLC.
http://mondrepuismjm02.canalblog.com/archives/2011/10/14/22337643.html

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; something more on this topic........................

Fighting by Mondrepuis - 16 to 17 May 1940.

The heavy armored reconnaissance vehicle (8x8) "Panther" stood in the middle of the town of Mondrepuis with its driver killed inside, it had been destroyed by the impact of an anti-tank grenade (presumably of 25 mm) from very short distance.

At 15:00 hours the enemy advanced but the defense still held out, the armored Platoon of the 32 º BCC fought bravely, the tank R-35 of Lieutenant Duboe was hit by anti tank fire and the officer and his mechanic, the hunter Bretagne were killed. At 16:00 hours the French garrison was isolated and the steeple of the church, used as an OP, was destroyed.

Sources: "Die Panzer-Aufklärungs-Lehrabteilung (Kavallerie-Lehr und Versuchsabteilung) 1937-1940". Hans Cramer
http://mondrepuismjm02.blogspace.fr/101 ... epuis-2-5/
Auction of Historical Media, LLC.
http://mondrepuismjm02.canalblog.com/ar ... 37643.html

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; something more on this topic........................

Fighting by Mondrepuis - 16 to 17 May 1940.

That very day of May 17, 1940 at dusk the Aide Officer, Leutnant v. Heydebreck with the Reconnaissance Platoon of Leutnant v. Bäumen returned to Mondrepuis and retrieved the damaged vehicle. However they had to fight again shoulder to shoulder together with a company of mountain hunters to regain the town as French colonial troops had occupied it. After a bitter struggle Mondrepuis was again in German hands and the French soldiers were chased into the nearby woods.

At 18:00 hours last symbolic gesture of French resistance. The battle was lost. During the night the French soldiers who had reorganized in the surrounding forests launched a final counterattack to regain the city but were defeated after a fierce battle and the Germans remained the owners of Mondrepuis.

Sources: "Die Panzer-Aufklärungs-Lehrabteilung (Kavallerie-Lehr und Versuchsabteilung) 1937-1940". Hans Cramer
http://mondrepuismjm02.blogspace.fr/101 ... epuis-2-5/
Auction of Historical Media, LLC.
http://mondrepuismjm02.canalblog.com/ar ... 37643.html

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; at last........................

Fighting by Mondrepuis - 16 to 17 May 1940.

Otto Nippold, who was Deputy Gauleiter of Upper Bavaria - Munich by the NSDAP and member of the Reichstag. (Died in Mondrepuis on May 17, 1940)..................

Anyone has idea which unit he served in?....May be the 1. Gebirgdjäger-Division? TIA.

It's all folks. Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; here goes another history......................

The history of the PR 35 (4th Pz) includes numerous accounts of battles during the 1940 campaign, such as the capture of the bridges of the Seine in Romilly.

Romilly - 1940.

We left behind La Frere and proceeded by Mont St. Pere towards the Marne. The march lasted a long because at the same time went marching by that route an infantry division and also rained a lot. On the other side of the river, the ground was very muddy, and conditions deteriorated. Several of the tanks had to be recovered from the sludge by other tanks.

On June 13, 1940, the regiment had finally crossed at dusk and then could set the course to continue southwards. Our rearguard continued slowly.

Sources: http://www.deutsche-landser.de/berichte/3001.htm
4 Panzer Division 1939-1943. Vol I. Wydawnictwo Militaria Nº 87.
Private Sales List-Art Rgt 103 - Belgium, France. Martes, 08 de Diciembre de 2009, 17:43:15

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows......................

Romilly - 1940.

We passed by Montmirail and proceeded towards Maclaunay, where we met with the other regiment of our armored brigade.

At 12:00 hours, our regiment moved to its starting positions ready for the attack. The artillery followed. The objective of the attack was Sezanne. At 13:15 hours the II. Abteilung (AR 103) commanded by Hptm. Laukat, was attached in order to furnish fire support to the PR 35 during the attack on Sezanne.

Sources: http://www.deutsche-landser.de/berichte/3001.htm
4 Panzer Division 1939-1943. Vol I. Wydawnictwo Militaria Nº 87.
Private Sales List-Art Rgt 103 - Belgium, France. Martes, 08 de Diciembre de 2009, 17:43:15

Saludos. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows......................

Romilly - 1940.

During the early stages we moved quickly, but then began enemy resistance by means of artillery and anti-tank fire. Our reconnaissance echelon successfully reported targets for our artillery. The first prisoners moved towards us with their hands up. Tanks of the II. Abteilung (Detachment) destroyed five hostile antitank guns.

In Les Essarts we stumbled with enemy tanks, two of them were destroyed and the others fled in haste. The French infantry was virtually exterminated and its remnants fled hastily. Then was ordered a small break for reorganization and reconnaissance. A group of artillery and an anti-aircraft battery joined us. At 15:00 hours continued our advance on Sezanne .

Sources: http://www.deutsche-landser.de/berichte/3001.htm
4 Panzer Division 1939-1943. Vol I. Wydawnictwo Militaria Nº 87.
Private Sales List-Art Rgt 103 - Belgium, France. Martes, 08 de Diciembre de 2009, 17:43:15

Saludos. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows......................

Romilly - 1940.

There were no enemy troops in sight. While the II. Abteilung surrounded the city, the command of the regiment followed the I. Abteilung directly into the town. On the southern edge and near the station, we found three French heavy tanks against which our 20 mm guns could do little or nothing due to its thick armor. Fortunately at the sight of the German advance, the hostile tanks took flight (as my grandmother told me: the Frenchmen only knows flee).

Meanwhile the II. Abteilung opened fire on the retreating enemy convoys and took many prisoners. In a nearby airfield six aircraft were captured intact. By taking the railway station we had prevented that several trains could proceed its travel by opening fire on the locomotives. Later we were relieved by the PR 36 and continued the advance southward.

Sources: http://www.deutsche-landser.de/berichte/3001.htm
4 Panzer Division 1939-1943. Vol I. Wydawnictwo Militaria Nº 87.
Private Sales List-Art Rgt 103 - Belgium, France. Martes, 08 de Diciembre de 2009, 17:43:15

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows......................

Romilly - 1940.

Everywhere we find retreating enemy columns. We opened fire and caught, literally, hundreds of prisoners. Only the light tanks have captured only at St.Troy about 500 French soldiers. However, the adversary offered some resistance and we were attacked in almost every village. Bardonne was taken. It was already 15:30, when our regiment was ordered to penetrate to the Seine, take the bridge in Marcilly and establish a bridgehead in Romilly.

From that moment onwards we did not deal with the enemy columns. Although we were attacked by them, as we had a single goal - the Seine! It was night, but we still had a long way to go. In march towards Marcilly we find the enemy infantry, which however yielded weapons and fled. Upon our arrival at Marcilly the clock marked 22:00 hours.

Here the situation was very different because we received fire from buildings, roofs and basements. We listened to the heavy tac-tac of the French machine guns. Our gun of 75 mm imposed a certain respect, but the enemy fire rekindled again. The II. Abteilung made ​​its way to the bridge with great effort. New barricades were erected in front of us for what we received more anti-tank and machine-gun fire. The situation was critical and we just could observe the other margin very dimly.

Sources: http://www.deutsche-landser.de/berichte/3001.htm
4 Panzer Division 1939-1943. Vol I. Wydawnictwo Militaria Nº 87.
Private Sales List-Art Rgt 103 - Belgium, France. Martes, 08 de Diciembre de 2009, 17:43:15

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows......................

Romilly - 1940.

The Detachment's Adjutant, Oberleutnant Malgruth, decided to explore on foot the ground located ahead of us. He was accompanied by one of the commanders of the regiment (Company Leader) Oberleutnant Guderian. A tank took position in order to cover them with its fire.

Our engineers and reconnaissance Platoons also went ahead and assailed the houses over the bridge and occupied them in order to attack the enemy located on the opposite bank. Suddenly three engineers and Leutnant Stoff ran to the bridge in an attempt almost suicidal. The bridge was full of explosives but fortunately the enemy did not have time to ignite the charges.

Oberleutnant Malgruth and Oberleutnant Guderian continued after the engineers. Guderian jumped from the bridge directly to a French trench. Things got difficult for him but thanks to a hand grenade escaped unharmed. After a short fight the French were forced to lay down their arms. Oberleutnant Malgruth continued with his tank and the remaining troops without resistance from the opponent, reaching Romilly with the company.

Sources: http://www.deutsche-landser.de/berichte/3001.htm
4 Panzer Division 1939-1943. Vol I. Wydawnictwo Militaria Nº 87.
Private Sales List-Art Rgt 103 - Belgium, France. Martes, 08 de Diciembre de 2009, 17:43:15

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows......................

Romilly - 1940.

Firstly it was captured a new armoured vehicle-launched bridge and a 280 mm mortar. In a blocking position we find an enemy column but we opened fire and opened the pass. Shortly afterwards we arrived into the town and could take two bridges intact. The opponent did not even notice our arrival. We reached the Market where it was installed the Regimental CP. A group of the II. Abteilung and the light tanks of the regiment tried to bring order to Romilly. The number of prisoners brought to the market grew rapidly. The 5. Company commanded by Oberleutnant Malgruth explored to the nearest town, eliminating another enemy convoy on the road.

Towards midnight the whole regiment arrived at Romilly. The bridge over the Seine was secured. Although the regiment had been in action continuously the past 36 hours, the tanks must be ready to repel a possible counterattack. In a nearby airfield we captured 33 aircraft, including 7 bombers. At the railway station trains were prevented from continuing with its journey, thus increasing the number of prisoners.

Sources: http://www.deutsche-landser.de/berichte/3001.htm
4 Panzer Division 1939-1943. Vol I. Wydawnictwo Militaria Nº 87.
Private Sales List-Art Rgt 103 - Belgium, France. Martes, 08 de Diciembre de 2009, 17:43:15

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows......................

Romilly - 1940.

Next morning, reinforcements arrived and relieved the division bringing us a rest. On June 14, 1940, the 2. Company captured another bridge over the Seine and took a large number of prisoners. The II. Detachment (Abteilung) marched towards Maziere and Chartres where heavy fighting ensued. The group of light tanks supported the 8. Company. At last we captured hundreds of prisoners. At noon we received new orders. These successes were due to the initiative of our soldiers.

Suddenly, the French resistance collapsed. The afternoon passed in peace, and the two detachments (Abteilungen) headed towards the villages east of Romilly. Everyone expected a quiet night without incident, although some of us were ready and on alert. On June 15, 1940 we continued our progress to the south, but we had to reject an attempt to break-through from the enemy in the vicinity of La Belle Etoile. In these fights one of our men was killed and two more were wounded by anti-tank fire.

Sources: http://www.deutsche-landser.de/berichte/3001.htm
4 Panzer Division 1939-1943. Vol I. Wydawnictwo Militaria Nº 87.
Private Sales List-Art Rgt 103 - Belgium, France. Martes, 08 de Diciembre de 2009, 17:43:15

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows......................

Romilly - 1940.

Endless columns of French soldiers marched in front of us. Many of them just dropped their weapons and asked for instructions about the route to the POW camp. Some of them watched with some anxiety, others welcomed us with kindness. Many were drunk. The civilian population was silent, some even smiled. We continued our march until we were out of fuel. That was around Châbles. The refueling would take place in a nearby intersection but suddenly we are under enemy fire.

Leutnant von Gerdtell together with Feldwebel Janneck and Feldwebel Drew traveled to a nearby forest to persuade the French to surrender, this time another 40 prisoners were taken. After a second attack with gunfire the prisoners escaped and the two NCOs were wounded but Leutnant v. Gerdtell went to the spot with his tank and rescued them.

Sources: http://www.deutsche-landser.de/berichte/3001.htm
4 Panzer Division 1939-1943. Vol I. Wydawnictwo Militaria Nº 87.
Private Sales List-Art Rgt 103 - Belgium, France. Martes, 08 de Diciembre de 2009, 17:43:15

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; last part......................

Romilly - 1940.

It was already 22:00 hours when Oberleutnant Malgruth decided to go ahead with his Pz Kw II; he was followed by a Pz Kw I. Several comrades advised him to be careful with the French, but Malgruth greeted and laugh. He destroyed the enemy machine gun nest with the tank's weapons and urged the French to leave their shelter and surrender in order to avoid further bloodshed. At that time an enemy bullet hit his head. He fell into the arms of Leutnant Königstein and died instantly. The news spread like wildfire throughout the regiment. He had been the most indefatigable and courageous officer and did not deserve such a death. His body was buried the next day in Braux.

The advance continued throughout the night and we reached Nevers. We had not contact with the enemy, except for a couple of prisoners of a broken vehicle and eliminating a machine gun post on the edge of the town. The clock read 03:00 hours and we spent the rest of the night shivering in our vehicles.

Sources: http://www.deutsche-landser.de/berichte/3001.htm
4 Panzer Division 1939-1943. Vol I. Wydawnictwo Militaria Nº 87.
Private Sales List-Art Rgt 103 - Belgium, France. Martes, 08 de Diciembre de 2009, 17:43:15

It's all folks. Cheers. Raúl M .