Infanterie Division 52 in Russia.

[tigre]

Hello guys, the story follows in this way................................

19 July 1941 ( Afternoon).

At 13:00 hours radio message from IR 205 (issued at 12:45 hs) counterattack in progress with II./ IR 205 right and III./ IR 205 left.

At 13:30 hours, IR 181 informed that Chapany was in enemy hands. One radfahr company was counterstriking against the left flank and another radfahr company was blocking the enemy advance from Chapany to the west towards south.

At 13:45 hours talk with Oberst Reymann, Commander of IR 205. Self-confident. The russian LKW-unload exagerated.

At 13:45 hours the Pi Btl Commander in sight.

At 14:10 hours. LIII AK’s CoS called: the IR 8-10 kilometers westwards Trozkij stopped. Schw. Art. Abt. firstly would not come. The attack over Jassenowka (Highway) was resumed. The IR 181’s reserve entirely engaged. After this was decided that the Schw. Art. Abt. could arrive.

At 15:30 CoS’s call, russian batteries fired more to the rear. The enemy attacked on both sides of Nowij Bychoff. The I./ IR 181 had to seize again the old MRL between Sstrenki and Nowosselje. The breakthroughs of the MRL lasted all day long but all of them were driven back with counterstrikes.

At 16:10 hours ARKO 27 informed that Saploje was in own hands; likewise Kostjaschowo and the wood’s bit southeast of it. IR 205 Commander stressed that the entirely counterattack was carried out successfully. The II./ IR 205 advance posts on the heights eastwards Sapolje.

At 16:25 hours to IR 497 Commander was requested that the right flank should be moved forward taking advantage of the success.

At 16:35 hours message to LIII AK: Kostjaschowo and Sapolje were conquered.

At 16:55 hours radio message to AA 152 in the wooded land north of Sees a lot scattered troops.

At 17:30 hours, Oberst Mahlmann, IR 181 Commander; the MRL was held northwards Sstrenki. III./ AR 152 without ammunition.

At 17:45 hours the IR 497 informed that Kostjaschowo was not in own hands. Hostile LKW unloaded ammunition.

At 17:50 hours, Oberst Reymann was informed about; Kostjaschowo should be shelled with all the artillery on hands.

At 18:00 hours order to AR 152 all the batteries should open fire against Kostjaschowo.

At 18:15 hours the IR 497 informed that seemingly the russian were entrucking at Kostjaschowo.

At 19:10 hours the AA 152 radioed (issued 16:15 hs) Rudmizkij Less - Glinsk Tesnowoje free of enemies.

Source: "Luchas, Victorias y Derrotas" Lothar Rendulic. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
http://www.rogachev.de
Hinze's "Bug - Moskwa - Berezina"

It follows. Cheers. Raúl M

[tigre]

Hello chaps, glad by getting in touch again!!!. After a while the story follows in this way......................

19 July 1941 ( night).

At 20:00 hours report to LIII AK. The russian with its undoubtful will, had attacked in depht with several waves achieving but little success being driven back all along the line.

The battlefield remained in our hands. The IR 163’s striking force could not be determined yet due to its isolation, nevertheless its losses were heavy.

The losses in general were not determined yet. Also there were losses in weapons and equipment due to artillery fire.

Report to Corps Commander:

The defensive struggle was won today.

Troops disposition:
MRL, Marussino - Eastwards Nowosellje - Westerly Sstrenki - South edge Chapany - West edge swamp lowlands South edge Manjki - Bridge Myk.

Artillery ammunition situation:
Spended.

Concerned about IR 163: mood, casualties, weapon losses.

Risk areas:
a) Between Manjki and Myk. Main strike direction. Secured by the II./ IR 163.
b) Astride the Highway. Main strike direction.
c) Against Bronnoje. IR 163.

Disposition:
1) I./ IR 205 divisional reserve Lejtschizi north. Pi Btl 152 (less 1 comapny) attached to IR 181 for the night. 10./ IR 163 engaged at Rekta should be under its regiment again. Radfahr company IR 205 also follows.
2) With ARKO 27 co-ordinated. Main barrier (fire) Manjki - Myk - Highway. All night long harassing fire over Kostjaschowo and shifted on 129.

At 21:30 hours the AA 152 radioed that hostile security with machineguns was on the heights between Stanjkoff and Tesnowoje. Recon. Patrol deployed in the wood west Tesnowoje by means of fire and cut seemingly hostile patrols (1 to 2 Platoons) heading in southwesterly direction from Stanjkoff.

At 23:20 hours the Corps order for the next day arrived. Mission without changes.

Source: "Luchas, Victorias y Derrotas" Lothar Rendulic. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
http://www.rogachev.de
Hinze's "Bug - Moskwa - Berezina"

It follows. Cheers. Raúl M

[tigre]

Hello to all people ; the story follows...............................

20 July 1941 ( morning).

On Jul 20 1941, at 01:00 hour the enemy attacked towards Kolotowka in the IR 181’s sector. The attack was rejected.

At 02:15 hours a new attack followed in the same area, seemingly with strong forces, the attackers fell under heavy own artillery fire and retreated to its readiness area.

Since 06:00 hours onwards several hostile batteries opened fire upon the IR 181’s sector, even the Regimental CP.

At 08:00 hours second enemy attack astride the highway, main effort on both sides of Sawsatoje. The russian could not break nowhere. The attack stalled at 12:30 hours.

During all these attacks, several hostile batteries shelled as far as 7 kilometers behind the MRL.

At 09:00 hours the Pi Btl 654 reported in writing that eastwards of Tschirigirinka no enemy actions. During the 19 Jul 1941, from the Kuta’s height the enemy had crossed the Druth river coming from the east. Strenght 1 company, 4 officers and 200 men.

At 09:05 hours. ARKO 27 reported that the IR 163’s fire support was of importantance. In the Regiment area opened up I./AR 152, II./AR 152, IV./AR 152 IV./AR 267.

At 10:05 hours AA 152’s radio message (issued at 07:00 hs) enemy in battalion strenght with several guns moved through Malaja Konopliza. Inquiry: which direction. Answer: towards north.

At 10:05 hours the AA 152 radioed (issued at 09:20 hs) at 08:30 hours the enemy seized the southeast part of Rumok.
At 10:10 hours ARKO 27 reported that Beob. Abt 7 had detected 30 - 40 hostile batteries.

At 11:00 hours the review with regards to Infantry Regiments sector’s limits revealed the low striking force (specially in the IR 205)

II./IR 163: 5.Kp. 1 : 5 : 44
6.Kp. 1 : - : 65
7.Kp. - : 2 : 67
8.Kp. 1 : - : 55
M.G.K. 1 s.M.G.
1 Gr.W.
Others: 1 Zug le.I.G.
1 Zug s.I.G.
1 Pakzug

At 11:15 hours IR 163 reported: Sapolje free of enemy. Fire of three heavy Batteries fall against Tichinitschi.
At 11:30 hours the General to LIII AK:

1) Attack on the highway rejected.
2) Movements heading north:

a) Motor’s rumble from Rogatschev northwards.
b) At 07:00 hours one battalion with guns through Malaja Konopliza.
c) AA 152 reported that Rumok was firmly in enemy hands.
d) One company (infantry) at Kuta crossed the Druth river.

3) Manpower of the IR 163: losses due to artillery fire.
4) Pi.Btl.654 relieved at Tschirigirinka.

Source: "Luchas, Victorias y Derrotas" Lothar Rendulic. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
http://www.rogachev.de
Hinze's "Bug - Moskwa - Berezina"

It follows. Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all people ; the story follows...............................

20 July 1941 ( afternoon).

At 12:00 hours the IR 181 radioed (11:30 hs issued) about one enemy attack at Nowosellje (the assault fall under our artillery fire and was driven back).

At 12:00 hours the Pi Btl 654 received the following order: reach, under divisional disposal, the wood northeast of Liskowskaja (highway) by means of motorized march. One company (no radfahr company) was to remain at Tschirigirinka as security. Request for LKW (trucks) to Corps Pi-Fuhrer.

At 12:55 hours the AA 152 radioed (issued 12:13 hs) that one enemy company through Kordon due north.

At 13:30 hours talk with LIII AK’s O1: the following arrangements for blasting the bridge, in case of one enemy tank attack, should be delivered. No more works shall be done. Those accomplished must be placed under vigilance.

At 13:45 hours message to IR 181: enemy movements Rogatschev - Kolotowka was to be attacked with artillery fire.

At 15:13 hours the IR 181 radioed that enemy positions on both sides of Sstrenki and heavy artillery fire over the
highway on both sides of Chapany.

At 15:25 hours the IR 497 reported in writing about its strenght and situation.

At 15:30 hours the LIII AK’s CoS arrived, he was told about the troops positions and situation. Artillery ammo and aerial support requested.

At 16:30 hours the IR 497 reported, through a Liaison Officer, that by means of ground observation 3 LKW and 3 companies were observed at Nowaja Konopliza.
Movements on the road through Nowaja Konopliza mainly in the early morning and late in the afternoon.
IR 497 pointed out especially the II. battalion’s wide (3 kilometers); asked about reinforce the regiment or take back the sector right of Myk.
Asked for engineers for setting mines on the road to Nowaja Konopliza.
In the wood south of Nowaja Konopliza 1 APC observed.

At 16:45 hours the Divisional Commander travelled towards the IR 163.

17:00 to 17:20 hours new limits between regiments were given orally to IR 163, IR 181and IR 497.

At 17:00 hours AA 152 radioed (issued at 15:15 hs) Kordon occupied by 200 men. In front of the whole sector of 1. and 2. Squadrons fortifications and movements, carriage of ammunition’s wicker basket, make of artillery positions. Artillery fire requested, if possible. To the afternoon should be surveyed by one Patrol.

At 17:00 hours the enemy attacks again on the IR 181 sector south of Sstrenki. The soviet ran under infantry and artillery fire in front of our MRL. At 18:00 hours the russian withdrew to the starting point. The IR 181 drove back three attacks on Jul 20 but its manpower diminished again and its guns were worn out. The last reserve was employed.

At 17:15 hours arrived ARKO 27 (General v. Krischer) he came back after surveying the IV./ AR 152’s fire position. He told that the MRL of IR 163 was uncertain.

Source: "Luchas, Victorias y Derrotas" Lothar Rendulic. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
http://www.rogachev.de
Hinze's "Bug - Moskwa - Berezina"

It follows. Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all people ; the story follows...............................

20 July 1941 ( night).

At 18:00 hours enemy attack south of the highway against Sabolotje in the 255 ID sector. Was supported by 16 batteries.

At 18:10 hours hostile aerial attack on the Quartier Abt. at Peresseka.

At 20:00 hours arrived the Pi Btl 654 Commander.

At 20:30 hours Pi Btl 654 Commander reported, in writing, encounter and fire fight with enemy detachment between Kuta and Krutitschin it was wiped out, 24 prisoners.

At 21:00 hours oral Division’s order for the next day: the IR 181 with artillery support drove back three enemy attacks on the highway area. Some russian prisoners told us about renewed assaults during this night and tomorrow. The Division was to hold its positions.

At 22:20 hours oral order to all elements: the inhabitants of the villages located eastwards of the line Kupowje - Nowo Alexandrowski should be conveyed westwards up to the Dobysna area. One hour of time to pack up.

At 22:33 AA 152 radioed (issued at 19:00 hs) the following message: reconnaissance patrols checked that Rumok was occupied by infantry with infantry cannons and mortars. In the wood east of Kordon, 600 men with artillery placed in fire position.

At 23:25 hours Corps order: 52 ID’s mission without changes.

At 23:30 hours the oral order to all units issued at 22:20 hs: due to own foresighted aerial night attack the black camouflage now in use and the lack of yellow marking signals, the order shall not pass on to the troops.

At 23:50 hours order to Pi btl 152, in writing, in case of enemy tank attack, the highway bridge at Liskowskaja should be blasted. Should be avoided its destruction by means of sabotage. The order for its destruction should be given by the division.

At 23:10 hours message sent by the IR 315 (via radio) pointed out its location

Source: "Luchas, Victorias y Derrotas" Lothar Rendulic. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
http://www.rogachev.de
Hinze's "Bug - Moskwa - Berezina"

It follows. Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all people ; the story follows...............................

21 July 1941 (morning).

On Jul 21 1941, AA 152 organized three combat patrols in order to get prisoners as follows:

a) To Rekta via Kordon - 2./ AA 152.
b) Kordon - Rumok - 1./ AA 152.
c) Malaja Konolpiza - 1./ Pi Btl 152.

At Kordon and at Rumok, heavy infantry weapons and fortifications. East of both villages 600 men with artillery in position.
Patrol north of Kordon reached as far as 10 kilometers eastwards in the wooded land without enemy contact.
Prisoners (1./ Pi Btl 152 took 50 of them) told that hostile troops were retreated behind the Dniepr river.
1./ Pz Jg 152 was covering the highway between IR 163 and IR 181. The enemy was approaching more forces.
From IR 205, combat patrols reported north part of Sapolje and the heights eastwards of the town were free of enemy. Also Chomitschi-Sapoljskije. The patrols were fired upon when closing to Kostjaschowo.

At 02:00 hours IR 163 reported that the enemy was assembled at Sapolje, attack would be expected onwards. Urgent artillery fire requested. (ARKO 27 told that one Abt. could shell against there firstly. IR 205 answered that it had not advance posts there.)

Contact between the regiments and ARKO 27 during the night: in the beginning, particularly, strong artillery combat with heavy shells. Then a pause. They had not the impression that the enemy yielded.

At 08:10 hours the IR 163 reported that Sapolje was free of enemy. The Regiment moved ahead. Please no more own artillery fire on the west bank of the Druth river.

At 08:30 hours Oberst Mahlmann (IR 181 CO) reported that occupied Sstrenki without resistance. More mortar fire than yesterday. Wachtfulness over the sector.

At 08:35 hours Oberst Wenk, IR 315 Commander, reported that was re-assigned from the 167 ID under 52 ID framework. Was to relieve the IR 181.

At 09:10 hours ARKO 27 reported that was to try harassing fire on the Druth river fording.

At 10:00 hours in the IR 205’s sector heavy enemy movements between Blisnezy and Kostjaschowo could be observed. The russian retreated due to the accurate fire unleashed by the II./ AR 152, mortars and infantry guns. Eastwards Chomitschi-Sapoljskije was detected an enemy battery in open ground and counter - battery fire was unleashed on it, some guns retreated to the rear.

At 10:15 hours the IR 497 reported that Kostjaschowo was grasped by the enemy.

At 10:40 hours Chomitschi-Sapoljskije free of enemy.

At 11:00 hours more downloads with LKW at Blisnezy were attacked with artillery fire.

At 11:00 hours the 1./ IR 181 well supported by the artillery recovered the MLR and at 11:45 hours seized the graveyard of Sstrenki. The enemy’s defensive positions eastwards of Sstrenki were in sight.

At 11:40 hours IR 205 reported that Sapolje was free of enemy. It was located with one Platoon with MG on the height eastwards of Sapolje. IR 163 sent patrols towards Chapany.

Source: "Luchas, Victorias y Derrotas" Lothar Rendulic. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
http://www.rogachev.de
Hinze's "Bug - Moskwa - Berezina"

It follows. Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all people ; the story follows...............................

21 July 1941 (afternoon).

At 12:30 hours IR 497 reported an enemy attack from Kostjaschowo to the west. However the IR 205 could not confirm the liaison with the II./ IR 163 eastwards of the Sapolje’s graveyard by means of its patrols.

At 12:35 hours the Corps Commander arrived and was orientated over the map, also he (Army Corps CO) informed that the Heeresgruppe had granted the withdrawal behind the Dobysna river, even behind the Berezina river if necessary. The Divisional Commander was sure his troops could hold the ground on the Druth and Dniepr.

At 12:40 hours IR 205 reported that the recce patrols informed at 11:00 hours the following: 330 meters westwards of Kostjaschowo weak enemy; in the town and eastwards strong hostile forces, moving to the east in the woods on the far banks of both rivers.

At 14:00 hours IR 181 reported that heavy enemy artillery fire unleashed over the regiment’s sector.

At 14:20 hours IR 205 reported that a second recce patrol had checked that Kostjaschowo was seized by the enemy in company strenght. Part of the wood 500 meters southwest of the village also enemy in cpmpany strenght could be observed. Between Kostjaschowo and the Druth river as far as the wood beyond the river enemy positions were discovered.

At 14:50 hours from ARKO 27: well directed hostile artillery fire with 6 - 8 batteries on both sides of the highway.

At 14:55 hours the Infantry regiments were leaded as a whole.

At 15:00 hours the enemy, with strong artillery support, attacked on the IR 181’s sector; the main effort was carried out on both sides of the highway against the III./ IR 181.

At 14:50 hours on the embankment road leading to Marussino two light tanks were destroyed with artillery fire. The infantry coming behind was driven back as well.

At 15:15 hours ARKO 27 reported about a direct hit on the IR 181’s CP, Oberst Mahlmann was slightly wounded, 3 Officers were seriously wounded and two orderlies were killed.

At 15:20 hours talk with LIII AK’s CoS, IR 315 had reached Rekta. One light Artillery Group was attached to IR 315.
Enemy tank attack against the 255 ID.

At 15:30 hours AA 152 reported in writing the enemy company at Kordon was entrenched. Enemy garrison at Rumok. One recce patrol reported that in the morning Malaja Konopliza was free of enemy. Mortars and Infantry Guns in position at Oserany. One prisoner was taken.

At 16:00 hours message radioed to AA 152 Pi company was relieved and was moving towards Oserany.

At 16:15 hours the following task was given to Pi Btl 152’s Commander: to reconnoitre a Druth river crossing with pontoon and bridge in order to carry the IR 315 across.

At 16:10 hours the IR 163 reported that the enemy was attacking its III. Battalion.
Talking between Divisional Commander and the LIII AK’s CoS. The 52 ID’s Commander told that he expected the river crossing at Malaja Konopliza and not at Rekta.

At 16:45 hours new enemy attack on both sides of the IR 181; about 18:00 hours the attack reached the I./ IR 181 in the middle. At 18:00 hours the enemy breached the MLR. The 2./ Pi Btl 654 counterattacked and drove back the russian troops reaching the old line.

At 16:55 hours radio message to Pi Btl 152, the arrangements ordered for blowing the bridge at Liskowskaja should to be done. After that the site should to be warded.

At 17:15 hours radio message to AA 152: tasks for AA and Pi company without changes.

At 17:25 hours from IR 497: one agent, from the russian side, reported on Jul 21 at 04:00 hours that:

1) Rogatschev more and more was stripped (evacuated?) by the russsian.
2) Strong forces at Blisnezy.
3) Within the wood in Blisnezy area 50 tanks and 1 heavy battery of artillery.
4) Along the main road heading Rogatschev from the northeast reinforces towards the city.
5) An attack was being planned.
6) Two russian groups in battalion strenght: at Lushki (with mortars) and at Rumok (with minelauncher).

At 17:45 hours from IR 181: at 17:15 hours enemy attack with battalion strenght on both sides of the limit between the 255 ID and the 52 ID. III./ AR 152 had its allocated ammunition retained (munitionssperre). The order was changed by the divisional commander.

Source: "Luchas, Victorias y Derrotas" Lothar Rendulic. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
http://www.rogachev.de
Hinze's "Bug - Moskwa - Berezina"

It follows. Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all people ; the story follows...............................

21 July 1941 (night).

At 18:00 hours IR 205 radioed (issued at 17:35 hs) enemy attack in the center and left flank at Sapolje, Chomitschi and the bridge 500 meters northwest of it. II./ AR 152 without ammunition. Please, fire support is requested. Due to Ib request 2000 shells were delivered towards the division.

At 18:20 hours from ARKO 27: at the stream ground east of Bronnoje hostile and own troops were fighting.

At 18:25 hours from Oberst Peschel, IR 163 Commander: enemy reached with its advance parts the stream’s ground west of Sapolje.

At 18:30 hours from IR 205: attack rejected, the position stood still; on the left flank the situation was being calmed down.

At 18:45 hours talk between the Divisional Commander and the LIII AK’s CoS: the Commander decision was to hold in spite of any circunstances. The IR 315 should be at division disposal please.

At 19:20 hours from IR 163 strong enemy against our right, the left sector was not attacked.

At 19:25 oral order to IR 315: the regiment under Division order, was to reach the area northeast of Lejtschizy; liaisson with IR 205 should be established. Employment with the IR 497. The artillery group should be attached to divisional ARKO.

At 19:25 hours from IR 163: new attack from Sapolje against the north flank will be flanked from the south.

At 19:40 hours radio message from IR 497 (issued at 18:50 hs) 1./ Pi Btl 152 reported that was pulled out of Boljschaja Konopliza. Who was to take the sector there?.

Radio message to AA 152: reconnaissance by Pi Btl 152 Commander suspended. Should be come back. Pi Company remanined with AA 152.

At 19:45 hours talk with 255 ID’s O1: three new enemy divisions reached the area of Rogatschev; an attack during the night along the main road was planned.

At 19:55 hours radio message from 31 ID: which was the situation and where was the first line. Answer: situation like yesterday, strongs attacks all along the front.

At 20:00 hours from Ia and Commander of IR 315 (Oberst Wenk): the Regiment could not reach Lejtschizy, by now at the wood west and southwest of Olapischtscha.

IR 181: at 20:00 hours the russian entered Sabolotje. 1./ Pz Jg Abt 152 under Regiment should prevent the enemy movements to the line Wessjolyi - Nowosselje. Besides IR 181 should prepare one battalion, which was to counterattack on Jul 22 in order to seize back Sabolotje.

At 20:05 hours from IR 205: troops deployed at Chomitschi Sapolskije and high ground 1 kilometer west of there were requesting artillery support. (Message handed to ARKO 27).

At 20:20 hours inquiry to the infantry regiments: was the inhabitants evacuated?, answer: yes.

At 21:00 hours from IR 163: attack at Sapolje rejected. New attacks during the night were expected.

At 21:00 hours from ARKO 27: strong attack south of the highway against the southflank at Marussino.

From IR 205: by nightfall the enemy advance parts at height 1 kilometer west of Chomitschi - Sapoljskije, those villages and Sapolje occupied by hostile troops. The purpouse of drive back the enemy placed at height 1 kilometer west of Chomitschi - Sapoljskije, with the III./ IR 205, by sunset was not possible now due to ammunition shortage and the moonlight. Changed for Jul 22.

At 21:00 hours Corps order for next day 22 Jul 1941: mission without changes.

At 21:00 hours order to IR 315: the last battalion (no the ones with radfahr company) under IR 181 framework; battalion commander to IR 181’s CP. ARKO 27 issued the new artillery OoB.

At 22:42 hours radio message to IR 315: the battalion approaching from the south should be directed to Kupowje (highway).

At 22:45 hours order to IR 315 (in writing) thru Orderly Officer: the second battalion (without radfahr company) reinforced with one IG Platoon was to come back to the highway under IR 181 orders. Its commander towards the IR 181 CP at Gussarowka. The last battalion coming from the south redirected towards Kupowje (highway). Liaison Officer to the division.

Source: "Luchas, Victorias y Derrotas" Lothar Rendulic. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
http://www.rogachev.de
Hinze's "Bug - Moskwa - Berezina"

It follows. Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all people ; the story follows...............................

22 July 1941 (morning).

On July 22 1941, at 00:05 hours radio message to 31 ID: MRL as yesterday. 21 strong attacks all along the entire front. It was expected anew on 22 Jul 1941. One Orderly Officer warned that he couldn’t find the IR 315 and the order (in writing) couldn’t be delivered.

At 00:15 hours the IR 331 Commander reported to the CP. It was discussed about convey one battalion with trucks ahead. Ia talk with LIII AK. LIII AK’s decision: the battalion could be employed. The employment of the truck column was also discussed. But if the battalion of the IR 315 arrived on time, it would be deployed. The battalion should be at the IR 181 disposal and should be detailed to Kupowje.

At 00:45 hours the Ib issued orders for the column’s march.

At 01:30 hours message from Oberst Wenk (IR 315 CO): the ordered area reached at 23:00 hours.

At 03:15 hours the IR 205 and IR 315 Liaison Officers met each other. IR 315’s battalion in march to the cross road. IR 331 Commander ordered that the regiment’s battalion be halted, the II./ IR 315 had arrived timely.

At 03:45 hours from the IR 181 Commander: II./ IR 315 arrived, late for attacking should be assembled at Wessjoly. Battalion Schmidt soon would get the situation cleared. Still a few soviet troops at Sabolotje.

At 04:45 hours the III./ IR 315 reported at the CP.

At 06:15 hours the III./ IR 315 in the ordered place, behind the IR 181. From IR 205: the night passed quietly; around 04:00 hours after a short artillery softening the 7./ IR 205 pressed against the height 1 kilometer west of Chomitschi-Sapoljskije and seized it firmly.

At 07:15 hours talk with the LIII AK with regards the situation. Corps’ reserve not counterattacked yet.

At 07:45 hours talk with IR 181’s Commander:

a) Gap between IR 181 and 255 ID at Sabolotje covered with only one PAK Platoon.
b) The forestalled battalion reserve’s MG Company deployed.
c) New enemy weapons at Strenki (IG, Gr W)
d) Southwards Chapadny quiet.
e) Key point (schwerpunkte) only one AV Kdo? At most one Artillery Abteilung.

At 09:00 hours talk with General Wetzel (255 ID Commander) concerning the Sabolotje gap.

At 09:40 hours radio message to AA 152: 31 ID advancing from Nowy Bischoff towards Rogatscheff. 1 KD eastwards Dniepr river to the south.

Source: "Luchas, Victorias y Derrotas" Lothar Rendulic. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
http://www.rogachev.de
Hinze's "Bug - Moskwa - Berezina"

It follows. Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all people ; the story follows...............................

22 July 1941 (afternoon).

At 12:00 hours message from AA 152 (radioed at 11:16 hours): Malaja Konopliza occupied by the enemy. Two MGs and riflemen observed. Two own cavalry patrols with artillery support pushed towards the Druth river.

At 12:00 hours the IR 205 reported: Chomitschi and Sapolje strongly occupied by the enemy.

At 14:30 hours IR 181 reported: reinforced by the 5./ IR 315 and with the fire support furnished by one half of the 13./ IR 181 and the III./ AR 152 plus the AR 109, the II./ IR 181 seized Sabolotje. Liaison with 255 ID established.

At 14:45 hours AA 152 reported the positions in the sector of Oserany being fired since midday with IG and mortars. Rudnizkij Less and the village 2 kilometers eastwards occupied by the enemy. MGs could be observed.

At 14:30 hours the 112 ID established communication with Oserany thru the AA’s radio set. AA 112 deployed at Dobyssna.

At 14:50 hours radio message to the 31 ID: asking about the frontline and intentions. Answer: Line Wercznaja Toschtschiza - Nishnaja Toschtschiza - Wiljachowka - Pokrowkij - Nowo Bischoff. Facing south. Foreseen a halt there, later moving towards southwest as well to east.

At 17:00 hours arrived the 167 ID's order. Answer to Divisional Commander from the Regimental Commander: none of the enemy intentions could be inferred. At Sstrenkij’s graveyard and its surroundings strong forces gathered (with PAKs and mortars). Report to LIII AK about the AA 152.

Source: "Luchas, Victorias y Derrotas" Lothar Rendulic. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
http://www.rogachev.de
Hinze's "Bug - Moskwa - Berezina"

It follows. Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all people ; the story follows...............................

22 July 1941 (at night).

At 18:00 / 19:00 hours oral order to the regiments. The Division should hold the actual position. The enemy withdrawal was soon expected.

At 18:15 hours radio messsage to 1 KD: asking about its situation and MLR. Answer: covering XII AK’s left flank in the Line Point 158 (Dnjepr) Reptischtsche - Koschelewskij - Bachanskije - Malyi Borki - Dalnije Borki against strong enemy actions.

At 19:25 hours AA 152 radioed Station Toschtschiza and the ground westward free of enemy. Inhabitans reported own troops parts to the east, parts to the west of the enbankment towards south.

At 20:10 hours from IR 181: the attacks launched against the II./ IR 181 all day long were rejected.

At 20:15 hours AA 152 radioed (issued at 19:10 hs) riders patrols reported in the ground eastwards Rumok, Malaja Konopliza, Nowaja besides West- and North of the edge of the wood also all the forks and cross roads occupied with MG’s positions. One artillery ammunition depot 2 kilometers northwest of the north edge of Malaja Konopliza checked by two own patrols.

At 22:30 hours reports delivered to the LIII AK.

IR 181 reported: around 23:00 hours an enemy attack, seemingly strong reconnaissance in force, at Nowoselje rejected.

Corps order for the 23 Jul 1941: 52 ID’s task without changes.

Source: "Luchas, Victorias y Derrotas" Lothar Rendulic. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
http://www.rogachev.de
Hinze's "Bug - Moskwa - Berezina"

It follows. Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all people ; the story follows...............................

23 July 1941 (morning).

On July 23 1941, at 06:00 hours IR 205 reported: Chomitschi Sapoliskije at 4:30 hours free of enemy. Kostjaschowo and the high ground west of it occupied by the enemy.

At 08:00 hours Sapolje weakly manned, Chomitschi Sapoliskije free.

At 10:15 hours radio message from the 31 ID (issued at 09:30 hs) the division was defending along the line Oserany - Rudnizkij Less - Tupik - Nischnaja Toschtschiza - Wiljachowka - Pokrowskij. Blocking position between the railroad line and the Druth river. RV Point Oserany. It was passed to the AA 152. From IR 163: attacks movements on the enemy side were observed in the morning north of Sapolje. Shelled by one light and one Heavy Artillery group.

At 11:00 hours Divisional Commander orientated ARKO 27 on the 31 ID situation.

At 11:45 hours from IR 181: enemy occupied the swampy ground eastwards Nowosellje; could not reach yet the high ground 2 kilometers eastward of Nowosellje. Halted there due to fire from several MGs and Mortars.

At 12:50 hours from ARKO 27: our artillery unleashed strong barrages on Blisnezy, in support of patrols of IR 181 towards satrenki. Support of possible attack was discussed.

Source: "Luchas, Victorias y Derrotas" Lothar Rendulic. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
http://www.rogachev.de
Hinze's "Bug - Moskwa - Berezina"

It follows. Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all people ; the story follows...............................

23 July 1941 (afternoon and night).

At 13:20 hours, radio message from AA 152 (issued at 12:30 hs) returned cavalry patrols reported that the ground east of Rumok, Malaja Konopliza, Nowaja and the woods nearby were occupied, because of it they could not reconnoiter that area.

At 14:00 hours from IR 181: hostile harassing fire over the regimental sector.

At 15:00 hours from IR 163: the enemy fortified the height west of Sapolje. Enemy columns heading to Sapolje on the Druth east bank were shelled with artillery and mortars.

At 17:00 hours from IR 181: enemy artillery fire on the II. Battalion mainly over sabolotje, followed at 17:15 hours by an attack in company strenght. The attack was rejected at 18:20 hours due to infantry fire and artillery barrages.

At 18:20 hours the Divisional Commander discussed the Division’s aim with the Ia. Purpouse: the Division was to attack on Jul 24 1941 in order to throw the enemy back across the Dniepr river with the luftwaffe support.

At 18:40 hours Div. Commander to Pi. Corps Leader as additional task: was to block from Oserany to Mankij. Aim: to spare Divisional forces. (Oserany should be the future left limit of the Corps).

At 19:15 hours Div. Commander to LIII AK’s CoS: Purpouse and development (24 or 25 Jul 1941); around 05:00 hours: artillery fire; 06:00 hours aerial attack, simultaneously the infantry was to jump off. II./ IR 315 should be ready. The aim should be temporarily newly established owing to: the broad Divisional sector, the doubtful aerial attack and the OoB of the unit for that operation was not inconvenient.

At 19:25 hours radio message of the 31 ID ( issued at 18:50 hs): advanced element “Blocking force Hurten” at 17:20 hours in Rudnizkij Less. Advance hindered due to destroyed bridges and poor roads. No enemy contact. Please, set the RV point eastwards Oserany.

At 19:30 hours Div. Commander - CoS LIII AK: two prisoners from the 117 SD were taken. They seemed as little educated; that division was deployed in a broad sector. The wish was to drove back the enemy across the Druth river. Perhaps on Jul 25; unbeliving.

At 20:00 hours oral order by wire to all units: Mission without change. Intense patrol actions.

20:10 hours AA 152 radioed: Malaja Konopliza - Nowaja Konopliza and Woods southeastwards free of enemy. Malaja Konopliza - Rumok noise of caterpillars. Wireless message to AA 152: blocking detachment of 31 ID in the afternoon at Rudnizkij Less. Liaison should be establish. Own blocking position Myk - Oserany.

At 20:30 hours from IR 205: on Jul 24 at 20:00 hours patrols action to Kostjaschowo, Sapolje and eastwards. No artillery fire there. ARKO 27 was informed.

At 21:00 hours arrived the Corps order for the defense on 24 Jul 1941. Divisional task without changes.

At 21:08 hours from LIII AK leader of T-152 should be attend on Jul 24 1941 at 09:00 hours at Titowka.

At 21:30 hours from IR 181 enemy attack from Sabolotje, seemed reconnaissance in force; it reached own MLR but was rejected at 22:00 hours.

From IR 205 except artillery fire the day was quiet.

The struggle reached its peak on the day fourteen, even a withdrawal up to the Beresina was allowed but the divisional commander rejected that solution and the unit endured. On the morning of the day fifteen the enemy command threw its reserve attacking in 5 or 6 waves putting all the eggs in one basket. During that night nobody could sleep even for a while but next morning as the sun rose no one enemy could be seen on the field, the struggle was over and the 52 ID had held its line.

Source: "Luchas, Victorias y Derrotas" Lothar Rendulic. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
http://www.rogachev.de
Hinze's "Bug - Moskwa - Berezina"

It follows. Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

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

Advance across the Dniepr.

On Aug 12, 1941 the divisional commander received the order stating that the march was to be resumed on Aug 16 in the framework of the offensive that would throw back the enemy across the Dniepr in front of Rogatschev. The big bridge leading to Rogatschev across the Druth river, was destroyed during the July’s fights, as well the bridge connecting the city with the Dniepr’s eastern bank. The russian had replaced both with ponton’s bridges. The attack was to be developed crossing two rivers and through the city. Launch the attack to the south of the city for crossing only one river (the Dniepr) was not possible bacause the eastern bank was very swampy there and both river banks were trackless. The preparations were finished without catch the enemy attention. The division organized one motorized combat group with antitanks, engineers and the recce company’s part. It was to advance fast and seize the bridges as soon as the breakthrough had been accomplished. One Stuka’s squadron was to support our attack, the assault’s hour was set at 06:00 AM.

The others german’s forces deep echeloned to the south started the offensive on Aug 15, one day before that the 52 ID, in that way the task before Rogatschev should be easy for us.

On Aug 16 1941 at dawn, the Divisional Commander went to the advanced PC located close to the regimental PC that was to attack as division’s main effort immediately to the south of the motor way heading to Rogatschev. A thick fog covered the zone and although it was summer, the weather was cool. As the sun raised over the horizont the fog lifted, all was quiet yet and only isolated shots could be heard.

At 06:00 hours appeared the stuka’s squadron roaring from the sky and dropped its bombs over the assigned targets. After a short artillery and heavy weapons barrage the riflemen jumped off breaking into the hostile positions. The motorized combat group raced towards its objectives and could seize both bridges intacts, one russian squad which tried to blast the bridge over the Dniepr was wiped out with machine gun’s fire. The Divisional Commander moved on immediately behind, followed the motorized group’s tracks in order to avoid the danger of mines and reached the Druth’s western bank, Rogatschev was located across the river in a plateau; there, the shore’s slope was steep, falling down 20 meters up to the river. Then the divisional staff car got across the river past over the pontoon bridge. The beatiful city of Rogatschev was burning, the inhabitants had fled. General Rendulic surveyed the landscape from the city’s southern edge where both rivers joined. Towards the east, where the soviets had retreated, stretched a huge wooded land, to the west the steep slope cut the sights, to the south ran the full-flowing Dniepr with its swampy eastern lowlands.

From Rogatschev, the motorway led towards the east; from one fork located in the wood a road led towards the southeast. The divisional reconnaissance detachment (AA 52) was to follow the latest one. The enemy deployed 15 kilometers south of us, was holding yet its positions on the Dniepr and was trying to establish a rear guard position to the north as well. That very night the 52 ID took up readiness positions in order to attack the enemy blocking position on Aug 17 at dawn, however the enemy’s mass withdrew in the middle of the dark. The strong russian rear guards gave up after short fire fights.

The division resumed its march again and reached the railway which from Slobin led to the east, where at noon the stop order was received. In one road we could see 15 russian heavy batteries ready to march, the guns and its prime movers were intact. The division took 15.000 POWs, especially in the woods east of the Dniepr, 40 cannons, 100 trucks and more than 1000 horses. Also we caught the colours of the soviet 343 Rifle Regiment in that combats, which was signed by Marshall Timoshenko.

Source: "Luchas, Victorias y Derrotas" Lothar Rendulic. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
http://www.rogachev.de
Hinze's "Bug - Moskwa - Berezina"

It follows. Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; here goes the end of it.............................

Following dirty roads towards the Desna river - Beginning of the October’s struggle.

After some resting days, around 22 Aug 1941, the Division resumed its march eastwards. To the south of us the giant cauldron of Kiew was in progress within it approximately 600.000 soviet soldiers would be taken as prisoners. We had not hostile troops in our front.

The march proceeded several days throughout an endless, open and fertile land; it was a farming soil but the harvest already had been collected.

The 52 ID crossed the Shosh river in the Tschetschersk. The river was around 50 meters wide with steep slopes. It had been raining the day before so the river crossing was very difficult. The engineers had built a war bridge whose exit ramp set in the opposite bank should be negotiate with extra horse teams or prime movers.

Shortly before the village of Chotinsk the advance guard had set a big poster with the number 1.000 painted on it. This amount awoke pleasure and pride in the men.

Shortly afterward the Division entered into a large wooded land, the Units lasted almost one day long to get thru it and when finally the 52 ID left the wood it was on the broad bank of the Desna river the third of the russian rivers.

Source: "Luchas, Victorias y Derrotas" Lothar Rendulic. Círculo Militar. Buenos Aires.
http://www.rogachev.de
Hinze's "Bug - Moskwa - Berezina"

It's all folks. Cheers. Raúl M .