USe of Punishment Companies/Punishment Battalions...
USe of Punishment Companies/Punishment Battalions...
In a fictional novel on World war II I came across a USSR General alleges that he clears mine field in front of a his army using a Brigade of Soldiers....in regard to Punishment Companies/Punishment Battalions..were they used as forlorn Hopes,,,,?
Re: USe of Punishment Companies/Punishment Battalions...
So, what is your question?
Yes, Penal Companies and Penal Battalions along with Blocking Detachments were used by the Soviets during WW II.
Yes, Penal Companies and Penal Battalions along with Blocking Detachments were used by the Soviets during WW II.
Re: USe of Punishment Companies/Punishment Battalions...
were they usedas Human Land Mine clearers?
Re: USe of Punishment Companies/Punishment Battalions...
Many times they were used in the first wave of attacks, so yes, they cleared land mines and more. I read an account from a Soviet general talking about how he ordered his penal units to charge the enemy, clearing a mine field along the way and taking huge losses in the process. The attack was successful.
Quoting from my upcoming book "The 7th Guards Army from Kursk to Prague 1943-1945", not yet released. Page 102-103,
During the first six days of combat, Penal Companies #5, 62, 63, 65, and 66 lost the following troops:
170 killed
508 wounded
260 missing in action
2 in hospital with illness
These figures total 940 men.
These penal companies were actually over strength because normally each would contain between 150-200 men. During this time the 5 PC only lost 5 men wounded, so the other four PCs suffered the remaining 935 casualties. In other words, they were wiped out.
Hope this helps.
Quoting from my upcoming book "The 7th Guards Army from Kursk to Prague 1943-1945", not yet released. Page 102-103,
During the first six days of combat, Penal Companies #5, 62, 63, 65, and 66 lost the following troops:
170 killed
508 wounded
260 missing in action
2 in hospital with illness
These figures total 940 men.
These penal companies were actually over strength because normally each would contain between 150-200 men. During this time the 5 PC only lost 5 men wounded, so the other four PCs suffered the remaining 935 casualties. In other words, they were wiped out.
Hope this helps.
Re: USe of Punishment Companies/Punishment Battalions...
Thank you..the report was confirmed....
Re: USe of Punishment Companies/Punishment Battalions...
Oh....Urban legend......