Debaltsevo - Winter 1941/42.

[tigre]

Hello to all ; a little query on this subject...............................................

Actions in Debaltsevo (Debalzewo) in the Winter of 1941-42.

At the end of September 1941, the 111th Infantry Division (organized on November 6, 1940 in the Wehrkreis XI - with the IR 50, IR 70, IR 117 and AR 117), left Kiev and by long marches through Lubny, Poltava, Losowaja and Artemowsk reached the industrial area of ​​the Donbass. On December 6, 1941 the Italians (CSIR) began operations to clear the Chazepetovka triangle. Meanwhile, on December 7, 1941, the 111. ID (Generalleutnant Otto Stapf), managed to penetrate Debaltsevo, completing its capture on December 08. This very day the divisions "Pasubio" and "Torino" converged on Chazepetovka conquering the locality.

On January 1, 1942, the command of the division was handed over to Oberst Recknagel (promoted to Generalmajor, although the official date of the promotion was March 1, 1942). Subordinated to the 17. German Army (17. AOK), remained in the sector occupying defensive positions on the line Nikitowka - Debaltsevo (Debalzewo) during the crude winter of 1941-42 suffering several victims of freezing.

Sources: http://www.mymilitaria.it/Liste_02/RecknagelKVK.htm
Http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... 1/11ID.htm
Regio Esercito: The Italian Royal Army in Mussolini's Wars, 1935-1943. Written by Patrick Cloutier

Does anyone have details about the fighting during that winter (Christmas Battle) and later? TIA. Cheers. Raul M .

[tigre]

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

Actions in Debaltsevo (Debalzewo) in the Winter of 1941-42.

December 13, 1941. After Oktjarbrsky was raked, the IR 70 reinforced with the II. / AR 117 took over the Defense of the area! According to orders of the IR 70, 5. and 6. Batteries dispersed their fire positions, but remained in the same sector. The 4. Battery in support of the I. / IR 70 placed its firing position in the area of ​​344 and the OP was moved to Novo Wergelewka. The situation with the ammunition is critical because of the difficulties of transportation and, therefore, the shots should be saved. The weather was thawing and foggy. There were 17 shots fired.

December 14, 1941. 4. Battery was integrated to a special kampfgruppe for flank protection in Luganskoje. A howitzer of the battery remained in the fire position of the 6. Battery as a working gun (particular missions).

December 15, 1941. Fires on the barriers could not be carried out due to the reduced visibility. The weather was snowy and foggy. 49 shots were fired.

December 16, 1941. The batteries executed barrages and destruction fires. At 20:30 hours artillery concentrations on Tschernuchino. 31 shots were fired.

December 17, 1941. The artillery liaison team (Artillerieverbindungstrupp-AVT) linked the firing positions. 35 shots were fired.

From 18 to 20 December 1941. No combat operations. Oblt. Hoevel is the leader of the 6. Battery, Lt. Bartholomes takes over the Adjutant duties. Lt. Lohse is leader of the HQ Battery and Oblt. Foltmann leader of the 4. Battery.

The supplies were to be brought with horse-drawn vehicles from Artenowsk. The stretch was divided into two stages. The drivers of the carts performed an extraordinary task, as the thaw turned the routes into barely passable. Frosts, mist. Bad health conditions. Frequent appearance of cases of freezing, intestinal diseases, open wounds in the legs due to lice ..........................

Sources: ttp://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederung ... /AR117.htm
Regio Esercito: The Italian Royal Army in Mussolini's Wars, 1935-1943. Escrito por Patrick Cloutier
Russlandfeldzug. Artillerie-Regiment 117. Kriegstagebuch der II. Abteilung. Horst Kaiser

Cheers. Raul M .

[tigre]

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

Actions in Debaltsevo (Debalzewo) in the Winter of 1941-42.

December 21, 1941. The 5. Battery was instructed to carry out some fire missions in support of parts of the IR 117 that must conquer some sectors still held by the Russians. Sixty shots were fired.

December 22, 1941. Around 10:00 hours the Soviets attacked Debalzewo and Wergelewka. Artillery support to reject the attack was not possible at times of poor visibility. The IR 117 had to evacuate the southern area of ​​Debalzewo during the afternoon. The opponent reached the eastern edge of Oktjarbrsky and occupied the railroad embankment. Fog, 135 shots were fired.

December 23, 1941. The 5th and 6th Batteries supported the IR 70 in defense against other Soviet attacks and carried out artillery preparation fire for counterattacks in order to restore the old position. The 4. Battery was reintegrated again to the II. Artillery Group and occupied positions of fire in Russendorf and OP in New Wergelewka. 251 shots were fired.

December 24, 1941. In Debalzewo the situation was not restored. The II. / IR 70 was engaged again. The 5. Battery supported that actions with its fire while the 6. Battery performed surveillance of the combat field in the sector of IR 70. Deployments of the enemy in Debalzewo and Kommissarowka were neutralized while they were still in development. It was possible to occupy almost all the old line of resistance towards the afternoon. Cloudy with snow from noon onwards.

December 25, 1941. The 5. Battery in support of the last rakes at Debalzewo. Novo Grigorjewka was attacked around midday by single-engined enemy bombers flying at low altitude. The bombs did not detonate.

Sources: ttp://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Glie ... /AR117.htm
Regio Esercito: The Italian Royal Army in Mussolini's Wars, 1935-1943. Escrito por Patrick Cloutier
Russlandfeldzug. Artillerie-Regiment 117. Kriegstagebuch der II. Abteilung. Horst Kaiser

Cheers. Raul M .

[tigre]

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

Actions in Debaltsevo (Debalzewo) in the Winter of 1941-42.

December 26/27, 1941. There were no combat operations. Intense activity of the Soviet air force.

December 28, 1941. 13 Stukas bombed an armored train near the Baronskaja station. The armored train was thrown off the tracks.

December 29/31, 1941. No combat activity. Harassing fire against the surrounding villages. In the night of New Year's Eve intense aerial tactical activities.

January 01, 1942. Strong enemy aerial activity. Novo Grigorjewka was machine-gunned by Rata planes (Polikárpov I-16).

January 02/05, 1942. No combat operations were recorded.

January 5, 1942. During a fire mission against Tschernuchino, in the 5. Battery there was a premature explosion of a projectile 12 meters ahead of the gun's barrel. No casualties were recorded.

Sources: http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... /AR117.htm
Regio Esercito: The Italian Royal Army in Mussolini's Wars, 1935-1943. Escrito por Patrick Cloutier
Russlandfeldzug. Artillerie-Regiment 117. Kriegstagebuch der II. Abteilung. Horst Kaiser

Cheers. Raul M .

[tigre]

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

Actions in Debaltsevo (Debalzewo) in the Winter of 1941-42.

January 6, 1942. Hptm. Kuck was sent to the hospital with severe jaundice.

January 7/8, 1942. Peaceful situation.

January 10, 1942. According to statements by prisoners, the Soviets intend to launch a major offensive on January 13.

January 11/12, 1942. No combat operations were recorded. On January 12, 1942, the Soviets fired 10 light shells as a harassing fire on Novo Grigorjewka.

January 13, 1942. Intense harassing fire of II. / AR 117 on Kommissarowka, Tschernuchino and other points. However the Soviets did not attack.

January 14 to 26, 1942. No combat operations were recorded. Occasional night harassing fires of the Abteilung on Tschernuchino and Kommissarowka.

January 27, 1942. No combat operations were recorded. Intense Soviet harassing fire with heavy shells on Nowo Wergelewka, however, several of them failed to explode. Own harassing fire on Tschernuchino and ZP 415.

January 28, 1942. There were no combat actions.

January 29, 1942. The Soviets broke through Slaviansk towards Losovaja on an 80 km wide front. In order to initiate the necessary countermeasures parts of the division were removed from the front. From the II. Abteilung was withdrawn the 5. Battery with three howitzers.

Sources: http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... /AR117.htm
Regio Esercito: The Italian Royal Army in Mussolini's Wars, 1935-1943. Escrito por Patrick Cloutier
Russlandfeldzug. Artillerie-Regiment 117. Kriegstagebuch der II. Abteilung. Horst Kaiser

Cheers. Raul M .

[tigre]

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

Actions in Debaltsevo (Debalzewo) in the Winter of 1941-42.

30/31 January to 9 February 1942. No fights are recorded. The batteries were redirected to new sight's points. The situation of the horses is catastrophic. At all times new horses are in the phase of exhaustion, sometimes several in a day. Approximately 400 grams of oats per horse and per day are delivered for feeding the cattle. In the immediate vicinity of the fire position all food has been exhausted.

11 to 13 February 1942. No fights are recorded. In order to save fodder, part of the stock of local horses (panjepferde), which can not be used due to depletion, was slaughtered and used as food in the diet of the civilian population.

February 16, 1942. No special combat situation recorded. Only the armored train has visited us frequently in the last few nights and has been making fire. However, it has become very cautious and sensitive to the shots. The 4th Battery especially receives fire in its firing position and is dispersed with the first shots.

In Debalzewo a front theatre group has arrived, for which the Group (abteilung) generally distributes several places for the units. The three hours of joy and humor form an important counterweight to the monotony of the Russian winter.

In the rear areas, special emphasis is placed on antitank and armored vehicles. The group obtains T mines and begins the training for the combat against armored vehicles. Defrost, heavy fog, 8 shots were fired.

Health status: Increased influenza - Diseases, frequent occurrence of gum disease and skin diseases.

Sources: http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... /AR117.htm
Regio Esercito: The Italian Royal Army in Mussolini's Wars, 1935-1943. Escrito por Patrick Cloutier
Russlandfeldzug. Artillerie-Regiment 117. Kriegstagebuch der II. Abteilung. Horst Kaiser

Cheers. Raul M .

[tigre]

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

Actions in Debaltsevo (Debalzewo) in the Winter of 1941-42.

17 to 20 February 1942. Nothing new. The commander of the regiment intends to establish a flash measuring system to identify the fire positions of Soviet batteries by evaluating the night shots. However, there are great difficulties.

In order to prevent the tasks of Soviet agents and signal services (Signal interception), from now on, according to Army orders, for each departure / trip outside the zones of positions must be issued the respective marching orders. Light frost, 178 shots were fired.

February 21, 1942. A close reconnaissance reported a Soviet march column of all weapons in the direction of our front, including 40 tanks. In the front itself quiet.

February 22, 1942. Day 23 is Red Army Day. An attack by the Russians is expected. For two days, a suspicious calm prevails. The armored train no longer shoots. Apparently, Soviet artillery is gathering ammunition for particularly strong fire attacks. During the night intense own harassing fires were executed and we are in alarm condition. Warm and sunny weather. Since 21, 28 shots have been fired.

February 23, 1942. Between 02:25 and 03:00 hours intense enemy artillery fire. Several hundred shot of heavy, medium and light caliber, especially in Wergelewka, the Soviets attacked with about 300 men in the IR 50 sector. However in the German minefields, they were stopped by the artillery fire and the Heavy weapons, and were rejected with the loss of 60 KIA. 59 shots were fired.

24 and 25 of February of 1942. Without news.

February 26, 1942. Our Commander in Chief, Herr Oberstlt. Barth, promoted to Oberst with effect from February 1. Group veterinarian Dr. Günther from October 1, 1941 to Oberveterinär. Fog, thaw, 80 shots were fired.

February 27 to March 1, 1942. No fighting was recorded. 63 shots were fired.

Sources: http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... R117-R.htm
Regio Esercito: The Italian Royal Army in Mussolini's Wars, 1935-1943. Escrito por Patrick Cloutier
Russlandfeldzug. Artillerie-Regiment 117. Kriegstagebuch der II. Abteilung. Horst Kaiser

Cheers. Raul M .

[tigre]

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

Actions in Debaltsevo (Debalzewo) in the Winter of 1941-42.

March 2, 1942. Several courses are underway. In order to train radio operators, radio communication, especially Morse code, is increasingly practiced. In the coming months, 4 courses will be held at the Vet.Komp.111 for applicants for fodder managers (Futtermeisteranwärter). For the replacements of accountants, the department holds a course from 01 to 10 March on payment. 49 shots were fired.

March 3, 1942. According to the Regimental Order of the Day No. 6, Oblt. Sachs is in charge of the group. Lt. Gericke, from 5. Battery promoted to Oblt. The front remains calm. 32 shots were fired.

04 to 26 March 1942. No special combat operation, except harassing fire on both sides. The Ass.Arzt, Dr. Schwarz assigned to the 2. San.-Komp., For that reason the Oberarzt, Dr. Zeitler came to the group. Lt. Lohse is promoted to Oblt with effect from 1.2.42. Lt. v. Gösseln of the 4. Battery to the Staff. 501 shots were fired. Snow, light frost. On March 17: 3 replacements, convalescent. Health status: generally good.

March 27, 1942. The strong thaw causes the roads to be flooded; due to the slime, the transport of ammunition and food severely hindered. From Debalcevo to Chazepetowka is running a narrow gauge train. In this way, the supply is assured initially, even if the track is partly submerged and in some places the wooden sleepers are drawn. 1.4. 18 men of replacement, including 3 convalescent.

From March 28 to April 13, 1942. No news. 228 shots were fired.

Sources: http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... R117-R.htm
Regio Esercito: The Italian Royal Army in Mussolini's Wars, 1935-1943. Escrito por Patrick Cloutier
Russlandfeldzug. Artillerie-Regiment 117. Kriegstagebuch der II. Abteilung. Horst Kaiser

Cheers. Raul M .

[tigre]

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

Actions in Debaltsevo (Debalzewo) in the Winter of 1941-42.

14 April 1942. Mr. Oblt. Sachs was promoted to Hauptmann. 5. Battery returned from employment with 257. ID.

April 16, 1942. 5. Battery became subordinate to the group again and took up accommodation in Kalininsk-South. Thaw.

April 17, 1942. No news. Five shots were fired.

22 April 1942. As a result of a reorganization, the II. / AR 117 replaces the III. / AR 85 (101. le ID) in the sector south of Troizkoje. The advanced elements were detached at dawn. During the night a howitzer of 6. Battery was brought to the new position by a tractor.

April 23, 1942. Advanced group of 5. Battery arrived and was received by the commander. 6. Battery ready to carry out fire missions at dusk.

April 24, 1942. At dusk change of position of 4. Battery, it was ready to fire at 11:30 hours. 26 shots were fired.

April 25, 1942. Positions of the batteries and the HQ of the Group working in cooperation. Fog, 11 shots were fired.

26 to 27 April 1942. The batteries carried out barrages and destruction fires in their sectors. Warm climate, 27 shots were fired.

April 28, 1942. Arrival of the 5. Battery. 15 shots were fired.

April 29, 1942. 5. Battery is ready to open fire and fulfill missions. From 22 to 29 April there were no combat actions on the front. A replacement man (fahnenjunker), 20 shots were fired.

April 30, 1942. In the units, training continues, especially for non-commissioned officers. At the command meeting commanders were informed that the units should be provided with local wagons and horses (Panjewagen und Panjepferden). Secret order. For the replacement of the personnel and to complete the armament and equipment, it was ordered that a battery be dissolved and the crew and equipment distributed among the others. In II. Group, the 4. Battery was selected. The batteries carried out barrages and destruction fires. 43 shots were fired. State of health: some isolated cases of typhus, due to the season also colds.

Sources: http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... R117-R.htm
Regio Esercito: The Italian Royal Army in Mussolini's Wars, 1935-1943. Escrito por Patrick Cloutier
Russlandfeldzug. Artillerie-Regiment 117. Kriegstagebuch der II. Abteilung. Horst Kaiser

Cheers. Raul M .

[tigre]

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

Actions in Debaltsevo (Debalzewo) in the Winter of 1941-42.

May 1, 1942. To determine the exact location of the enemy deployment, the Soviet field positions were located by coordinates through triangulations. 14 shots were fired.

May 2, 1942. The main line of defense and other positions are often overflew by Rata planes and sometimes attacked. In the fire positions taken from the III./AR 85 the camouflage is still insufficient. There are certain difficulties, as grass gradually turns green in gray steppes after frequent rain, and bunker positions and ammunition wells are now clearly visible as yellow or brown patches of soil, and can also be traced in the aerial image. The work of the first weeks is, therefore, limited to the twisting of wire nets and the production of other similar camouflage materials. In addition, the firirng stands are very little protected against bombing. Therefore, earth walls were built around the guns, and ditches were drawn against shrapnel and tanks. Ammunition, which for the most part was on the ground due to winter conditions, also had to be buried. The camouflage nets of the positions, bunkers and ammunition wells were finally covered with mowed green foliage, which must be renewed every time it begins to dry. However, this type of camouflage proves to be the best for our fire positions. Extremely warm weather, storm with heavy rains, 30 shots were fired.

03 and 04 of May of 1942. Without news. 13 shots were fired. Replacement: 1 Uffz., 13 men.

May 5, 1942. The acting commander of the regiment, Major Preuß, inspected the fire positions and the observatories. 26 shots were fired.

06 to 10 May 1942. No combat actions were recorded. The work of removal and camouflage continued. 25 shots were fired.

Sources: http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... R117-R.htm
Regio Esercito: The Italian Royal Army in Mussolini's Wars, 1935-1943. Escrito por Patrick Cloutier
Russlandfeldzug. Artillerie-Regiment 117. Kriegstagebuch der II. Abteilung. Horst Kaiser

Cheers. Raul M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; a little more...............................................

Actions in Debaltsevo (Debalzewo) in the Winter of 1941-42.

May 11, 1942. It begins the exchange of our le. FH 18 by le. FH 16. The le. FH 16 were loaded in Nikitowka and by rail, reached the train station of Roiy and then were pulled by the tractors to the fire positions of the 5. and 6. Batteries. Each of these batteries will be equipped with 4 howitzers le. FH 16. The 4. Battery got 4 le. FH 18. 4 le. FH 18 were sent to I. and III. Groups. A le. FH 18 will be overhauled in the armament workshop. 20 shots were fired.

May 12, 1942. After the exchange of weapons continued the exchange of cartridges. The Group received 1,800 cartridges of le. FH 16. 12 shots were fired.

May 13, 1942. In order to construct a rear position under the command of IR 117, all the non essentials soldiers and corporals were grouped for tasks of construction of fortifications. This second position will be occupied by the HQ Battery, the II. Group and the train of Batl. Manzer.

May 14, 1942. To protect the telephone line against artillery fire, cables in hazardous locations should be placed in open trenches of wires. 22 shots were fired.

15 and 16 of May of 1942. Without news. Five shots were fired. Health status: good.

May 17, 1942. The pace of enemy activity during these weeks is low. The Russian artillery fires little. The observation posts are occasionally bombarded with light and heavy artillery, also approaching trenches when they show a lot of movement. Soviet snipers are more dangerous than artillery fire. When the observation posts are occupied, observers are often shot, so that access to the caves must be connected with trenches. In the evenings the Russian air traffic is again strong.

18 and 19 of May of 1942. Without news. 22 shots were fired. Replacements: 1 Uffz. and 10 soldiers.

May 20, 1942. Oberst Barth inspects firing positions and observatories. The camouflage of weapons, shelters and ammunition wells is considered good. Very warm, occasionally thunderstorms.

Sources: http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... /AR117.htm
Http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... 1/11ID.htm
Regio Esercito: The Italian Royal Army in Mussolini's Wars, 1935-1943. Written by Patrick Cloutier

Cheers. Raul M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; a little more...............................................

Actions in Debaltsevo (Debalzewo) in the Winter of 1941-42.

May 21-23, 1942. No special events. Five shots were fired. Replacements: 4 Uffz.

May 24, 1942. At the commanders meeting the distribution of the material of the 4. Battery was regulated. This battery should also prepare observation posts in the rear position. The cable runs were also placed accordingly. Eight shots were fired.

May 25, 1942. No news. Three shots were fired.

May 26, 1942. The remaining ammunition carts will be exchanged for vehicles Hf 4. Those that are received from the 5. and 6. Batteries. 5. Battery received 16 vehicles, 6. 15 vehicles. In the neighboring sector on the left, at the 9. ID. the Soviets attempted attacks in company strenght that were rejected without difficulty.

May 27 and 28, 1942. There were no special events. 10 shots were fired.

May 29, 1942. In the afternoon, the noncommissioned officers of the batteries were inspected by Hptm. Sachs. A written work was required. According to the individual's training on artillery questions or technical issues.

May 30, 1942. Continuation and completion of the visit to the non-commissioned officers.

May 31 to June 1, 1942. No special news.

Sources: http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... /AR117.htm
Regio Esercito: The Italian Royal Army in Mussolini's Wars, 1935-1943. Escrito por Patrick Cloutier
Russlandfeldzug. Artillerie-Regiment 117. Kriegstagebuch der II. Abteilung. Horst Kaiser

It's all folks. Cheers. Raul M .

[Slava2012]

I fought near Debaltseve in 2015 while digging trenches, and they were usually located on the line of old German trenches, we often dug out the shells from the K-98, or the mines.
In general, for those battles, it is well written in the mimoirs of Giovano Messe, he confesses that he equipped good dugouts for his soldiers and did not want to lose them in any winter, therefore, having received the order to attack Debaltseve, he deliberately ignored such an order and did not freeze his Italian soldiers for what the soldiers loved him very much.

[tigre]

Hello to all ; a complement...............................................

Stellung in Debalzewo.

Positions of IR 117 in Debalzewo - winter 1941/42...............

Sources: https://picclick.de/2-x-Foto-Wk2-8IR117 ... id=1&pid=1

Cheers. Raul M .