The collapse of the Donets front. 1-8 September 1943

[Konstantin]

Constantine Abramenko. The collapse of the Donets front

Wenk
09.01.1943, Gavrilivka



This warm and sunny fall day, on September 1, 1943, the Chief of Staff of the 1st Panzer Army, Major General of Infantry Walter Wenk has been annoyed by everything. It has been discrepant orders of the Army Group "South", which have not fitted the real situation; and that prolonged fuss of the encoders with Russian radio intercepts; and the latest air intelligence data about the accumulation of mechanized enemy troops south-west of Gamoysha, and in the area of Bogorodichne; and the necessity of an urgent decision about an evacuation of the Army Headquarters from Gavrilivka. But the special irritation of the General has been caused by very unsuccessful attempts of the "neighbors" located south-east of Makiivka. This desire as well as the intension of the 6th Army retreating to the fortified position "Tortoise" on September 2 put in a very dangerous position the entire right flank of the Panzer Army. Two days ago General Wenk, as an experienced staff officer, became firmly convinced of the necessity to join that forced retreat. The same decision about organized and coordinated actions has already made by the Commander in Chief.



In this connection, the following aim has been stated for troops: by September 2 to retreat in the rear guard of the 6st Army on the west bank of the Bakhmut river; by the night on September 3 to come to the line south-east of Kostiantynivka "Chasiv Yar - Zubivka - the mouth of the Kazennyi Torets river"; by the night on September 4 finally come into the position "Tortoise". The appropriate orders have already been sent to the corps. The Chief of the Operation Department of the staff of the 1st Panzer Army, Colonel Wolfgang Hauser has already left to the 6th Army for negotiating and finalizing this issue.


Tortoise

The defeat of German troops at Stalingrad as well as the forced retreat from the Caucasus, could not cause no concern of Wehrmacht leadership by the situation in the South, and primarily by the vulnerability of Donbass troops. In Janury, 1943, German headquarters, in this connection, made the decision to start building of the new fortification defensive "Tortoise" along the line "Mariupol - Stalino - Kramatorskaja". The personnel of the 5th demining batallion of fortified building (the dislocation in Stalino) has been assigned to carry out design and survey work. Providing the necessary number of construction workers using civilians; their accommodation, provision with entrenching tool, food, etc., has been entrusted the Economic groups of the headquarters of Army Groups "South". Later on, the following control headquarters, reported directly to the 107th Construction Team (the dislocation in Gavrylivka), would be established to organize and to direct manage the construction work:
"Tortoise South" as the control headquarter of Major Walcher (8 demining and building units);
"Tortoise North" as the control headquarter of Captain Dr. Koch (8 demining and building units).
After May 12th 1943 Hauptmann Tolksdorf was assigned the Chief of Staff.





About 25,000 local civilians have been involved to implement this project in the shortest time.


Fretter-Pico
09.01.1943, Chasiv Yar



In the area of responsibility of the XXX Army Corps this day has been passing with no clash with the enemy. Reconnaissance reports that the busy movement of Russian from the north and north-east to Krasny Liman has been observed since 16.20. There are 60 trucks and foot groups, each includes 150 people, total amount is around a regiment. The corps commander, the General of the Artillery Maximilian Fretter-Pico is looking at his watch: the planned retreat begins on the eastern flank at 7:00 pm. The rearguard stays on the former major coastline. The order was sent to the 38, 62, and 333 Infantry Divisions yesterday, the more so that staff officers of the Army Corps also went to the Divisions. Using an unexpected pause, the General returns to his yesterday's conversation with the Commander of the 1st Panzer Army. General Mackensen has been one of the a few people with whom Fretter Pico could speak openly and frankly. Particularly, it was found that they convergence in the main: leaving well fortified natural facility on the Seversky Donets river was a major strategic miscalculation, we can call it was fatal one. And all interim, even well fortified borderlines have hot allowed to change the situation to their favor. Undoubtedly, they will play their role and they will help to gain time, to make the most organized forces retreat and to keep the fighting capacity of divisions. But we need to be aware that the real stop the "steamroller" of Russians is only possible at the turn of the Dnieper river. At the end of the conversation, the Commander suddenly very unfavorable commented on the command authority of the 6th Army and shared his vision of the Mius-Front problem. This revelation of the Commander, and especially the formula of its expression, allowed Fretter Pico to become firmly convinced that the situation in the South is even more nasty than presented in the daily reports there is, in the south, the situation is even more nasty than it is presented in the daily reports.



An order of the Staff of the Army about the responsibility for the evacuation of the civilians was received at 8:00 pm. Despite the lack of time, it should do the best to evacuate all civilians using all the disposable forces. It is emphasized that at least, a military age population as well as able-bodied population should be removed or withdrawn in the rear areas. This action should be to carried out as quickly as possible using violence if it is necessary. The unit of the field gendarmery numbering two companies is added to the XXX-th Army Corps both for the control of the column movement and for the evacuation of towns located in the valley of the Kazennyi Torets river. The use of this unit for fighting as well as for convoys of evacuees is strictly prohibited. To obey the order to the full, it is instructed to work closely with the Commander of the 531th Rear Area (Korück 531) Major General William Stubenrauch, who gave the same order.


Korück 531

The protection of both troop supply and Securing the supply of troops and tranquility of civilians in the front line of the 1st Panzer Army has been assigned to the Commander of the 531th Rear Area (Kommandant des rückwärtigen Armeegebiets 531 or abbreviated «Korück 531"), Major General William Stubenrauch. The tasks of his unit have been following: the safety of the rear of the Army, the security and the defense of critical military facilities as well as an active anti-partisan operations; the protection of important utility and manufacturing entities; the provision and the development of public services in the occupied territory; the provision of troop movements through the area rear area; quartering of troops and munitions; order of movement of vehicles; maintenance of the transit camp of prisoners of war (Dulag), providing counterintelligence operations conducted by the Abwehr.
To perform these functions, Korück 531 had at its disposal a number of departments and services - security part of the field and the local commandant of the field gendarmerie and the Secret Field Police, trucking companies, battalions supply department APO etc. To perform these functions, Korück 531 has had a number of units and services at his disposal: the security unit, the field and the local commandant's offices, the field Gendarmery unit and the unit of a security police, motor companies, supply battalions, field post offices etc.


Commandant's office 840
01.09.1943, Kramatorskaja



At 12:30 pm the Commandant Hauptmann Ernst Fricke received from the Commander of the Army an instruction about the preparations for the destruction of military and industrial targets in Kramatorskaja. It was emphasized that the necessity of that action is caused by the retreat of divisions on the defensive line "Turtle". All the more or less significant urban facilities were mentioned on the list approved by the Chief of Staff of the 1st Panzer Army, Major General Wenk: Krupp's factory, metallurgical works, the machine-building plant, the cement plant, Energostroy East, three transformer stations, three pumping plants, the bank, the bakery, the dairy factory, the creamery shop, the cold store, the supply base "Tsiten", the airfield, the three bridges on the the Kazennyi Torets river, the two bridges over the road U5 "Stalino - Slovyansk - Kamenka". The staff of one of the companies of 560th field engineer battalion, which is accommodated in Kramatorskaja would prepare these objects to the explosion.

The newspaper "Pravda Kramatorskaya", №34, September 2014

[Konstantin]

Von Mackensen
09.02.1943, Stalino



At 12 am the Commander of the 1st Panzer Army General Mackensen left for the Staff of the 6th Army to take part in a meeting that hold by the Commander in Chief of the Army Groups "South" Field-Marshal-General Erich von Manstein. The Commander of the 6th Army, Colonel General Karl Hollidt certainly has attended this meeting. The meeting lasted 4 hours, and as the most important result, General Manstein to convinced Mackensen of the necessity to stop, to take on the defensive on an intermediate line on the Bakhmut river as the most important result: General Manstein to convince of the need to stop, go on the defensive on an intermediate line along the bank of the Bakhmut river. It was necessary to hold out on that line at least for 24 hours. This pause was urgently needed for the Army: firstly, as a respite for the units that have already been awake for 2 days, and secondly, as a chance of complying fully with the order to evacuate the civilian population as well as destructing of key industrial facilities according to the order of Führer. At this point, General Mackensen very well referred to the Führer opinion, and probably that argument led to making of a positive decision of that issue. But there were also negative aspects: at the direct orders of Führer, the "Panthers" division of the 23th Armored Division, which has arrived the present day, will be transferred to the 6th Army. Considering the dynamic of losses of "the neighbour" this division unlikely would be spared. Аt the end of the meeting, von Manstein said that today he would sign an order for expanding the area of 1st Panzer Army on the "Turtle" position to Gelezny by reducing the front line of the 6th Army. And he was not able to hear any objections.


Wenk
09.02.1943. Gavrilovka

At 5 pm the order to continue retreating was sent to the XXX-th Army and the XXXX Panzer Corps. That order directed to troops to deploy along the Bakhmut river and to held the positions at least until September 4th. It has been imperative to held them as long as possible that, however, would depend on developments in the area of the 6th Army. Further plan of the Commander of the 1st Panzer Army has been as following: he has intended to realize the maneuver "one motion" during retreating from the Bakhmut river then to take up the "Turtle" position (approximately to Kostiantynivka) and to build an intermediate defensive line where the XXX-th Army Corps would point out. At the same time, the eastern flank of the XXXX Panzer Corps would go to a chain of lakes to the north-west of Sloviansk. Yet in the morning, XXXX Panzer Corps requested for a further hold the line running along the western bank of the Kazennyi Torets river to Raygorodok and from there on the major battle position.



However, he, Wenk, has not approved this request, because it would require vain involving forces that were not enough to occupy an additional 15-kilometer sector on the southern flank. To occupy that sector of the "Turtle" position XXXth Army Corps would be sent to 354 th Infantry Grenadier Regiment on 3 September.


Fretter-Pico
09.02.1943, Chasiv Yar

The enemy has been trying to prevent the retreat of XXXth Army Corps, but not very actively. At night and in the morning, rearguard of the Corps prevened by mortar fire the movement of Russians and their attack by forces numbering about a company to north of the Peace Valley, near Lysychansk, Proletarska and Bilogorodka. By the night the enemy occupied the White Mountain and Proletarska. In the morning the main forces of both the 62nd and 38th Infantry Divisions morning consolidated on the railway line from Plotva in the north-west and on elevations to the East of Bachmuth to Dranovka. At night retreating would go on to the west bank of the Bakhmut river, on the sector from Otradovka to the mouth, to form springboard in Artemovsk area. At 7:30 pm on the left flank of the Corps, as a result of an barrage, the 333rd Artillery Regiment repealed an enemy attack, led by three companies with the support of mortar fire against the heights to north-west of Raygorodok. At 11:00 pm an attack of the Russian assault team was repulsed at the same place.



XXXX Panzer Corps, to make the mobility of one of the battalions of the XXX Army Corps, temporarily allocated 25 trucks.
Today, the evacuation of the population in the rear areas Artemovsk, Chasiv Yar, Kramatorskaya, Konstantinovka and Slavjansk. Just continue to execute the order for the destruction of important defense and industrial facilities. General Fretter Pico absolutely clear that at the present time, most of the civilian population (the population at the present time between the line of "The Mole" and positions on the river Bakhmut) fall into Russian hands. Nevertheless, it is hoped that all will manage to destroy 70-80% of the planned number of objects.


Orel - Ssamara



To cover the Donbass group of German troops from the north in the spring of 1943, it was decided to build a fortified defensive position "Orel - Ssamara» (Orel - Ssamara - Stellung) through Orelka - Kramatorskaya. Start the beginning of the construction of the fortified line "Orel - Samara" was given at the beginning of May 1943, when the operational headquarters of Lieutenant Colonel Endhauzen arrived in Kramatorsk, and began to build a site №1 this defensive line. During May 1943 the construction of the headquarters are connected 108th Sapper Regiment Task (construction sites №1-3), 161st Construction Battalion, 506 th light sapper-propelled construction battalion.



In the summer of 1943 for the construction of further been involved in the 130th and 115th construction battalions, I / 371 th Turkestan battalion (based at the 371 th Infantry Division), 50 th, 125 th and 126 th motorized pontoon parks Type "B". Also involved work teams of the civilian population, "volunteers" (Hiwi) and Soviet prisoners of war. Operational management and organization of construction works carried out Operational Headquarters Lieutenant Colonel Endhauzen. In direct prodchinenii 107th Construction team. Due to the massive Soviet offensive in the first half of September 1943 the construction of the line was stopped.

The newspaper "Pravda Kramatorskaya", №35, September 2014

[Konstantin]

On the creation of the Museum of World War II fortification in Kramatorsk, on the basis of preserved bunker defense line "Orel - Samara", can be read here http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic. ... 9#p1805408

[Konstantin]

Wenk
03.09.1943, Druzhkovka

September 3, 1943 in the morning was cloudy, light rain, stifling ... Army Headquarters moved to Druzhkivka. Retreat XXX Army Corps on the position on the river Bakhmut performed smoothly and orderly. The enemy forces pursued the body is inactive and weak forces. Outstanding front of the 38th Infantry Division, east Rodionovka were attacked by enemy forces at most companies. Temporarily lost altitude, 1 kilometer east of the village, has been re-occupied as a result of counter-attack.



As a result of a very unfavorable situation in the sector XXXX Panzer Corps, noon army headquarters was ordered to 354 th Grenadier Regiment leave a subordinate of the body (in the afternoon, he was inducted into the Corps of the 46th Infantry Division). During the retreat to a fortified line "Turtle" XXXX Panzer Corps should take mobile group lieutenant colonel Wanke with reduced front and immediately send it to XXX-th army corps, which at this position is to adopt land width of 15 kilometers. This order brought to the corps commander, and it is not discussed. At noon the corps given new dividing lines and the army corps of the border. On the orders of Army Group "South", the body instructed to reconnoitre new rear positions.


Fretter-Pico
09.03.1943, Chasiv Yar

On the left, body of the enemy continues to behave passively and it is alarming. The right wing dispersed through Pokrovskoye-Liebknecht. Forces of the 38th Infantry Division in the counter, was resumed control over a very important height 146,00 Rodionovka east. The battle group Hauptmann Randt, reinforced mortar company, stationed in the Krassnoje and ready to be deployed to strengthen this sector of the front.
For interaction with the "neighbors" on the right flank of the body, in the 335 th Infantry Division sent a liaison officer corps headquarters Hauptmann El with the radio. At 19.00 and 20.00 on his first radio messages were received. The first radio message noted the high combat capability of 335th Infantry Division, the second - to announce the successful counterattack "neighbor".



The case was ordered to carry out a reconnaissance of new own rear positions subsequent line: Region Grodovki (Volchya) - Novoekonomicheskoe - Razino - Aninskaya- Vselo-Sergeevka - stream bed in the north-west to the confluence with the river Samara. At this point, to provide a connection to the strengthening of the position "Orel-Samara". Further continuation of the above positions on a line of fortified points adrift of Krivoy Torez end to its confluence north of Gavrilovka. And the subsequent position of the mouth of the creek which flows into the end near the height Novogrigorevka through northeast Alexandrovka to Jawlensky. There again, the accession to the position of "Orel-Samara".

The newspaper "Pravda Kramatorskaya", №35, September 2014

[Konstantin]

Wenk
04.09.1943. Panyutinо

Starting from noon the enemy large forces, including tanks, dangerous pursued XXX Army Corps on the right flank and made breakthroughs in local river valley Bakhmut. All the attacks were reflected in fierce battles near. Breakthroughs in spite of the weakening of the combat power of the infantry, cleared as a result of immediate counterattack. As a result, at the conclusion of the day, the main battle line is clearly in our hands. Based on current reinforcements Russian east and north of the area of ​​south-east Dolgenkaya, transfer of powerful motorized and tank forces (approximately 500 trucks, 120 tanks, 25 artillery pieces) of Drobyshevo in Krasny Liman, 1st Panzer Army predicts strong enemy attacks on both sides of the river Torez end and near the village of Golaya Dolina.
Because of this situation, the 6th Army does not expect to hold the front position to the east of "Turtle", Russian breached in some areas of defense and advancing strongly in the direction of Gorlovka and north of it. After many talks on radio commanders of both armies, in the evening, at the request of the 6th Army, he was ordered of the position "Turtle".
On the right flank of the XXX Army Corps, the enemy forces 2 battalions with 6 tanks penetrated the south-east in the southern part of Artemovsk. South Bridge on Bahmut was blown up in the evening in the city of street battles underway. In the district and district Rodionovka - Budennogo accumulation forces. The attacks, the leading forces of up to 3 battalions reflected the 62nd Infantry Division. Temporarily Fyodorovka forces penetrated the company opponent was thrown back by a counterattack. The 38th Infantry Division also recorded numerous hits.
Aerial reconnaissance notes busy traffic of enemy tanks from Serebryanka south and a convoy of 50 vehicles from the Proletarsk to the west. In Schurovo marked 10, Sidorovo 25 enemy tanks. In the evening, according to the order of Army Corps moves to the next line:

The 62nd Infantry Division: Geleznoye - western shore of Krivoy Torez end to the north Nelepovka - eastern edge of the Chasiv-Yar - 3 km to the north of it.
The 38th Infantry Division: eastern outskirts Kudlino - western outskirts Fyodorovka.
333rd Infantry Division: eastern outskirts Orehovatka - western outskirts of Nikolayevka - Loop Donets 1km southeast of the mouth of Torez, continue unchanged.
Rearguard remain at present the main battle line.

Corps ordered the evening to take special actions to create a strong connection with the 6th Army and prevent the enemy breakthrough. At 20.25 it's a prescription Army Group "South" in which the 6th Army was ordered to fight in assumptions positions "Turtle" in such a way as to ensure its current activity and unconditional retention, as well as the provision of approach sufficient forces of the 1st Tank Army takes over on its site. Delivery items "Turtle" without a special order is strictly prohibited and is not a subject for discussion. 21.15 The destruction of important facilities leading position before the "Turtle", was discontinued as requiring a longer time.

[Konstantin]

Fretter Pico
04.09.1943, Zolotoy Kolodez

In the band of the 62nd and 38th Infantry Divisions night was relatively quiet. In the band 333rd Infantry Division, in close proximity to the main battle line, the enemy's scouts noticed in the number of 10 people. After a brief skirmish reconnaissance receded. As a result, transient night battle, one of the companies of the 62nd Infantry Division again took Pokrovsky. From the division reported that on the road in the direction of Karpovka seen 40 trucks with artillery guns. The 38th Infantry Division noted a concentration of enemy forces in the Yama. The division successfully repulsed the attack minor enemy counterattack in the direction Fyodorovka scheduled for the afternoon. In the afternoon of the 333rd Infantry Division reported that the observed 10 tanks and 25 armored vehicles Russian moving from Schurovo - Sidorovo.
Liaison officer Hauptmann EI continues regular radio of 335 th Infantry Division. From his dispatches it follows that large forces of the enemy comes from the east and south-east to Gorlovka and Nikitovka. Russian broke through the front of the 6th Army in the area Zaitsevo (north Nikitovka) and large armored forces expand breakthrough. They heroically trying to resist the 682 th Grenadier Regiment. The division carries numerous losses in manpower and technology, all reserves are exhausted. Nearly half the divisional artillery was blown up and left the personnel of the morning in the area of ​​Kalininsk and Bayrak - because of the heavy rains it, on the night of 3 to 4 September, is hopelessly stuck in the mud and all attempts were unsuccessful evacuation.
The battle group Hauptmann Randt, in connection with the threat of right wing 62 th Infantry Division, in the morning relocated east of Konstantinovka. This is the main reserve of the XXX Army Corps. Its use is possible only with the personal approval of the commander. Nevertheless, she had to fight today. In the afternoon the enemy forces to the two battalions supported by six tanks broke through the defense in the southern part of Artemovsk. The situation was partly rectified that timely divisional sappers blew up the South Bridge. The city started street fighting. By order of the corps commander, General Fretter Pico, to the place of a breakthrough in the area of ​​Highway Kostiantynovka-Nikitovka was nominated reinforced company from the battle group Hauptmann Randt. Company, in addition, supported by two self-propelled assault guns and antitank guns. In brief battle, the forces destroyed company have broken two Russian tank.
In the evening, at 21.00, the commander of the 62nd Infantry Division, Lieutenant General Helmut Hoffman reported that as a result of numerous Russian counter-attack pushed back from Artemovsk. And the city is again in our hands.


Wenk
05.09.1943. Panyutino

The enemy, a large force of infantry and tanks (on this site exploration revealed two new armored regiment), trying to prevent the orderly retreat XXX Army Corps. And he won numerous local breakthroughs main battle lines that had been eliminated as a result of counterattacks. For this purpose it was involved the last few army reserves.
Defensive battles effectively support the actions of our aviation. Aerial reconnaissance revealed the approach of new forces against the right wing of the army, it was here that allows you to assume the continuation of the powerful Russian offensive. The enemy continues moving large motorized and tank forces from Drobyshevo through Krasny Liman. It is not clear whether preparing the 1st Guards Mechanized Corps to attack in the Krasny Liman in the south-west, or whether it will be carried out before the center of the XXX Army Corps. But it is well established that 23 Panzer Corps is located in the Golaya Dolina. Chief of Staff of the 1st Panzer Army Major General Wenck shares the view of the commander that the main Russian major offensive to be expected at the intersection of cross XXX Army Corps and the right touchline XXXX Panzer Corps.



Even on the morning of the 6th Army left the order to Army Group "South" that the retreat of the army was finally stopped in the position of "Turtle". Position "Turtle" must be held for a long time and at any cost.
A similar order of the commander of the 1st Panzer Army went into the corps in 12.40. Center and North wing XXX Army Corps, as well as the eastern flank XXXX Panzer Corps, on the night of September 6, ordered to take a fortified position "Turtle", as well as a chain of fortified settlements northwest of Slavyansk and rail bridge between Bylbasovka and Slavyansk. Prescribed to provide special connecting units from both buildings. Behind the right wing XXX Army Corps is required to prepare large forces required for intervention on the left flank of the 6th Army in the event of unforeseen circumstances. To ensure the safety of cleaning the railway in the area of ​​Slavyansk, which will be completed presumably September 6 requires the imposition of withholding forward defense line, which covers railway station Slavyansk. Surrounded by a battle group of lieutenant colonel Wanke ordered to release by the XXXX Panzer Corps and throw XXX-th Army Corps vehicles. As compensation, the Army Corps will provide 100 tons of transport capacity in the form of a truck. To replace the combat group of Lieutenant Colonel Vanke, the body will be given a temporary mobile group of the 16th Panzer Grenadier Division (a division of Exploration, Panzer Group, 1 antitank artillery battery). This mobile group has until the evening on September 7 in the area of ​​focus Prelestnoye - Troitskoye and identify hidden way for the march to the district center and the right touchline fortified position "Turtle", belonging to XXX-th army corps.

[Konstantin]

Von Mackensen
05.09.1943. Panyutino

The commander of the 1st Panzer Army, due to a significant depletion of divisions, the Commander of the generals responsible for the use of any and all suitable men from transports, columns, etc. sufficient to saturation point and the creation of reserves. In the future, it is expected that each position will be equipped with artillery and defensiveness as a stronghold and that the local breakout Russian, loss of artillery will be excluded. On rough terrain battery must be installed so that in addition to its anti-features, at the same time they provide direct support to infantry.


Fretter Pico
05.09.1943, Zolotoy Kolodez

Retreat XXX Army Corps takes place at night in accordance with the order. On the right flank of the 62nd Infantry Division enemy forces regiment, penetrated into the southern part of the Geleznoye. At the same time, Russian forces have produced weak local breakthroughs in the southern and the northern part of New York. Before the evening burst through the enemy was thrown everywhere and the main battle line again firmly occupied. To the west of Dzerzhinsk Russian, forces battalion took Scherbinovku north of Alexander-Shulkino Russian regiment comes in the direction of Konstantinovka. Deeper breakthrough here was prevented counterattack mobile group Hauptmann Ranft (1 battalion, 1 battery assault self-propelled guns, two anti-tank company) in the height direction 133.8. Also, the enemy constantly attacks the highway Artemovsk-Konstantinovka. Battles are conducted all day. The command of the 62nd Infantry Division report on significant losses and extreme fatigue of personnel.
Superior enemy forces (infantry and motorized regiment of 50 tanks) broke through the main line of battle of the 38th Infantry Division near Tikhonovka and Yurkovka. Breakthrough was closed using antitank 333rd Infantry Division on the line Bely Yar - Krugly Yar - south Orehovatka. Temporarily in Yurkovka surrounded by a battalion of the 38th Infantry Division, he made his way to the west in the evening. To organize barrier and cover railway, 10 anti-tank guns 387 th Infantry Division were promoted to the height of 199.8 South-East Slavyansk, but they were returned in the evening of his division.



Massive air raids that support offensive Russian armored forces, lead to serious losses, especially in the artillery of the 38th Infantry Division. Aerial reconnaissance notes busy traffic of the enemy transport in the north-east to Artemovsk (columns up to 100 vehicles). At 14.00, the body has been given the 203rd battalion of self-propelled assault guns. This is the main reserve of the body and it will arrive in the Slavyansk today. Events today revealed the seriousness of the intentions of Russian by all means to prevent the establishment of a new defense line on the line of "Turtle".


Manny
05.09.1943, Belenkaja



Another 4 September at 20.00 the headquarters of the 333rd Infantry Division began moving to a new place of dislocation - in the village Belenkaja. This decision was very timely, since Western Fyodorovka completely destroyed by artillery fire. According to the order, at 23.30 began moving to a new line of defense the other units of the division. For reliable protection waste, 679 th Grenadier Regiment and the second battalion of 680 th Grenadier Regiment remained on the old main battle line.
In 04.00 the commander of the 333rd Infantry Division, Lieutenant-General Erwin Manny reported to the headquarters of the XXX Army Corps that the withdrawal of troops entrusted to him in the new main battle line passed without any incidents. The enemy is constantly pursued, but did not enter into contact.



At 10.00 Russian gets into motion in the sector Nikiforovka - Yurkovka. It noted 50 tanks and 100 trucks with infantry moving on the highway in the direction of Slavyansk.
The division headquarters is constantly receiving reports from lower-level staffs of the increasing activity of Russian.
From the headquarters of 679-th Grenadier Regiment reported:

At 12.35 the enemy started a not very intense shelling from mortars height of 145.0. At 13.00 Russian repulsed an attack from the height of 202,00 Cretaceous mountains in the area. At 13.15 foiled attempt minor enemy forces to seize a height of 120.0. At 14.00 regimental artillery barrage opened in the direction of the chalk mountains. At 14.30 noted the movement of trucks from 15 Drobyshevo in Krasny Liman. Krasny Liman came in part from a locomotive and 13 wagons, apparently Russian managed to restore one of the railway lines. At 15.00 began intensive shelling of infantry weapons the enemy positions in the area of ​​the chalk mountains. All day marked the activity of enemy aircraft.

From the headquarters of the 333rd Artillery Regiment reported:

One small-caliber weapon the enemy from the north has made 14 shots on targets northeast Chervony Molochar. Two small-caliber guns of the enemy fired 20 shots on targets west of Nikolayevka. One small-caliber gun from the north made 6 shots at an altitude of 154.2 south of Vysoko-Ivanovka. 03.45 With our artillery periodically firing across the river Donets south of the Schurovo.

From the headquarters of 681-th Grenadier Regiment reported:

Tank attack the enemy in the height and 209.2 east Orehovatkf - Nikolayevka repulsed. Under fire anti-tank artillery, dispersed near the height of 199.8 southeast of Slavyansk, the enemy retreated. Russian lost 2 tanks, total recorded five hits. In the afternoon, the enemy, using their superiority in the air, subjected to massive bombing Slavyansk, Kramatorskaya and stretch of highway U5 between the settlements. Especially strong was bombed Kramatorskaya. The main objectives are likely to were the airfield and plants. However, there is more destruction in Sozgorod and factory shop suffered slightly.

On the night of 5-6 September units of the division ordered to finally take a fortified position "Turtle" and hold it until further order of the Army. In this regard, his plot was to take defense and 679 th Grenadier Regiment. However, it was not taken into account one thing - at the railway station Slavyansk has accumulated a large number of trains with evacuees, ammunition and other military equipment. In this regard, in order to body changes have been made. To ensure echelons march to the west, 679 th Grenadier Regiment ordered to occupy an intermediate position along the highway U5 «Stalino - Slavyansk - Kamenka" and the river Kozeny Torez. Which must be held at least until 12.00 on Sept. 6. Only after that the regiment should take your site fortified line "Turtle". Until that time, ordered to cover the left flank units of 387-th Infantry Division. After the final class fortified position "Turtle", ordered to transfer the 1st battery dowry 203rd battalion of self-propelled assault guns (which arrived at 17.30 in Slavyansk) in the 62 th Infantry Division. Where is the enemy, concentrating large tank formations, prepares breakthrough.
In the evening, the division headquarters moved to Kantemirova.

The newspaper "Pravda Kramatorskaya", №37, September 2014

[Konstantin]

Von Mackensen
06.09.1943. Panyutino

During the radio session at 09.00, Chief of Staff of Army Group "South" Lieutenant General Theodor Busse has defined the main task of the 1st Panzer Army improving the situation on the left flank of the 6th Army. The commander of the army, in turn, emphasized the Army Group on the fact that despite the lack of reserves, should by all means to eliminate breaks in their own main battle line. It takes, presumably, the entire day at least. He once again outlined the position of the army that determines the decision of a new retreat of the Dnieper to be taken immediately. Neither the 6th or 1st Panzer Army (events of recent days have proved it), unable to hold, without significantly strengthen them, their own fronts for a long time on these positions. Due to the fact that it can not count, there is only a decision to retreat. The later it will happen (in fact, it is already too late !!!), the less combat capability will keep the division on arrival at the position behind the Dnieper. Furthermore, the action of retreat pripadut probably mainly to thaw period, whereby movement forces will be extremely complicated. However, depending on the circumstances, it is otstupit before the enemy planned to prepare and tighten all his strength. And buy time behind the Dnieper to quickly refresh weakened divisions and identify mobile connections for the creation of mobile reserves. Chief of Staff of Army Group "South" has supported this view.


Wenk
06.09.1943. Panyutino

Came new intelligence reports about the occurrence of the 1st Guards Mechanized Corps. According to reliable sources, the body that night was Proletarsk. This once again confirms that the aviation intelligence has a big problem. Tactical air reconnaissance ceased to exist. Near aerial reconnaissance, due to the lack of equipment of its aircraft is capable of performing exploration to about 20 km in front of his front. At that time, as a further exploration of the Luftwaffe carries out surveillance area starting at 80 km from the main battle line. As the events of the day, this is unacceptable.
In order that the main battle line of the 6th Army did not appear even larger gap (the enemy to stay here with tanks to Ocheretino) at 15.15 XXX-th army corps commanded, holding his left flank behind the river Kaseny Torez from Kramatorskaya, it retaliates against to break through between the 62 th and 38 th Infantry Division opponent. And thus re-establish the joint between the two divisions. The right wing must be kept on a segment Kalinovo as long as there will not be granted after the regrouping of forces, with the aim of closing the gap to the 6th Army. However, at 15.30, 62nd Infantry Division reported that it had again attacked by infantry and tanks bypassed and the real main battle line can not be deducted. She stepped onto the segment extending from Vozdvizhenka north. On the basis of a phone call the corps commander, the army has requested permission group of troops on the retreat, which was obtained. It was ordered at all times to keep Vozdvizhenka so that there re-establish contact with the 6th Army.



The commander of the XXX Army Corps reported at 16.00 that will be allocated 23rd Panzer Division near Gruzskaya - Zolotoy Kolodez. Nevertheless, the army considered the decision unfortunate. And, in turn, offered to provide the Division 38th Infantry Division, which still holds the line Novomargaritovka - Gavrilovka, in order to strike at the flank of the enemy to break through to the west. According to the army, moreover, necessary to establish a bridgehead on the ends, or even its capture from which it will be possible but only a frontal attack. The housing is attached to this view, which later became impossible because of the retreat of the 38th Infantry Division.
18.30 The order came Army Group "South" on the conduct of hostilities in the domestic wing of the 6th Army and 1st Panzer Army. 7 September 1st Panzer Army, together with the subject of the 23rd Panzer Division consolidated battle group should act as soon as possible to break up wedged between the 62nd and 38th infantry divisions and eliminate the enemy breakthrough. By regrouping the moving forces in the south wing, the Army thus reconnect with its northern flank to the area east of Ocheretino, focus there, as far as possible, powerful mobile and armored forces to offensive actions to narrow the existing gap up until kick the 1st Panzer Army will be able to contribute to the effective closure of the final holes. Tank units of the 23rd Panzer Division as soon as possible to release it for use in their division.

[Konstantin]

Fretter Pico
06.09.1943, Zolotoy Kolodez

Today, the enemy, the superior forces of infantry and tanks (1st Guards Mechanized Corps, the 9th Infantry Division) pursued retreat XXX Army Corps, and broke through the front of the 62nd and 38th infantry divisions between the right edge of the army and the mouth Krivoy Torez. It now seems clear that the divisional segments are stretched beyond the limits of the possible. Enemy tank wedges made their way to the Krivoy Torez on both sides of the Octoberskoye and from the harsh west to Aleksandrovka. During the day, between Kostiantynovka and Krivoy Torez appeared about 150 tanks, 30 of which were hit by the 38th Infantry Division. Heavily worn part of the XXX Army Corps strengthened the evening on the line Vozdvizhenka - Artemovka - western shore of Krivoy Torez.
In the morning XXXX Panzer Corps XXX-th army corps have been transferred and are subject to the mobile group of the 16th Panzer Grenadier Division and the 23th Panzer Division (without the 128 Panzer Grenadier Regiment), a unit of armored reconnaissance of the fighter tanks and heavy weapons. XXX-th Army Corps ordered to assemble under the headquarters of the 23rd Panzer Division all available motorized moving parts (especially the mobile group of the 16th Panzer Grenadier Division, assault, self-propelled guns and a group of Hauptmann Ranft), to share with them to clear the junction between 38 th and 62 th Infantry Division and, subsequently, to improve the situation on the right flank of the army. Army releases her latest available power for use XXX Army Corps, by weakening the strong the rest of its front.



During the night, maintained strong pressure on the enemy's right wing and the center of the XXX Army Corps. To the south of the Geleznoye enemy broke through the defense of 335th Infantry Division and advanced to the New Bahmutovka - Rozovka. Wedging takes place simultaneously in the main battle line of the 62nd Infantry Division by two battalions, was cleared counterattack group Hauptmann Ranft. Some time later, it was reported a breakthrough in Nikolaypole 30 tanks from the northern part of Konstantinovka.
Obviously, thrown into battle tank and motorized groups of the 1st Guards Mechanized Corps, late at night managed to penetrate the backing stretched on a broad front and is partially located in the regrouping to occupy new segments on the right wing forces XXX Army Corps and occupy the western shore Krivoy Torez. Incredibly, in the hands of the enemy were even bridges that were blown up, because our units were often fortified position further to the east "Turtle". That is, in the morning, in many areas, a division of the enemy at the same time our troops have occupied a fortified position of the "Turtle".
At 9.30 20 tanks proceeded along the road from Konstantinovka southwest. Additionally, 70 tanks were in the southern part of Konstantinovka. At 12.00 15 tanks launched an attack to the south of the northern part of Romanovka (10 km south-west of Dzerzhinsk) and 10 tanks from Nikolaypole, which has already taken the enemy. The 62nd Infantry Division counterattacked on the line Ignatovka - Golubovka and to the north of it. At 14.00, she noted her standing against the right wing 40 against the northern flank of 60 enemy tanks.
Simultaneously with the onset of the 62 th Infantry Division, about the enemy with 60 tanks broke through the main line of battle of the 38th Infantry Division and entered the major forces in Druzhkovka and Gavrilovka. The positions of the two divisions was intruded by turns, surrounded and overwhelmed by superior tank forces, for which, among others, the 62nd Infantry Division, followed by a large force of infantry. Suffered high losses in manpower and equipment, mainly in artillery and heavy weapons. Group Ranft, with artillery pieces, cut off on the southern flank. Its position is unknown.
During the second half of the day, the individual tanks penetrated toward the Octoberskoye, Artemovka and south of Rajskoye. Under the pressure of superior forces of infantry with tanks and center right flank of the 38th Infantry Division moved to the other side of Krivoy Torez over from the west to the mouth of Pavlovka. Near Surovo opponent at 16.00 ferried through the Krivoy Torez of 30 tanks and infantry. Separate tanks entered the evening before Alexandrovka. In the eastern part of the Kramatorskaya marked preparations 40 tanks. Just seen a strong movement of a motor vehicle in the direction from the Slavyansk - Kramatorsk. The case assumed that the offensive will introduce Russian as and 23 Panzer Corps. This view is confirmed - on intelligence reports, 23 Panzer Corps had followed through Proletarsk.
The 38th Infantry Division reported on the large forces of infantry and tanks in Sergeyevka and in the housing radiodonesenii stated that "unable to defend themselves." As has become clear, it was a shock to our group of the 16th Panzer Grenadier Division in Sergeevka that mistaken for enemy unit. By order of the Army, note the commander of the 38th Infantry Division, Major-General Knut Eberding was informed that such a report is unworthy of a German general. Division strictly ordered that each regiment held the defense where it is now.
Thrown over Barvenkovo 23th Panzer Division, should the early morning of September 7 attack Sergeevka through Aleksandrovka there to join battle group of the 16th Panzer Grenadier Division, and finally, a blow to the south, to clear the junction between the 38 th and 62 th Infantry Division . Later, the task is provided on the right flank of the 1st Panzer Army.


Manny
06.09.1943, Kantemirova

During the day, 333 Infantry Division in heavy fighting reflected the numerous enemy attacks with tanks and eliminated local breakthroughs in immediate counterattack. The main center of gravity of the attacks took place in the Russian region of Yasnaya Gorka and southeast of Slavyansk. The division took the fortified position "Turtle" and does not intend to back down without a special order.



In 03.30 it sent to the last train station Kramatorskaya. At the station Slavyansk stuck another 16 trains that did not manage to send. Incessant air raids on the evacuation of the train on the line Slavyansk - Barvenkovo hinder their march west. Numerous locomotives disabled direct hits, 3 wrecked trains with ammunition exploded and destroyed the railway track length in hundreds of meters. Under reconstruction under the blows of enemy aircraft.
On the morning of September 6, the division headquarters began to receive reports from artillery and grenadier regiments. The night was relatively calm, noted the weak enemy attacks in the area 679 th Grenadier Regiment, which were successfully repulsed. Unable to establish radio contact with the 2nd battalion of the 680 th Grenadier Regiment, which occupies a position on the heights of the western margin of the Yasnaya Gorka.
333rd Artillery Regiment, took up positions on the line Andreevka - Gerasimovka, reported that the 2nd and 3rd battalions ready for firing and waiting for commands. 2nd battalion is staffed according to the state, the 3rd battalion is available 5 guns. Communication regiment with the 1st and 4th battalions lost. Chief of Staff of the Division ordered to rush motorcycle crews in those units with which the connection is broken.
At 9.00 on a plot of 679 th Grenadier Regiment near Slavyansk enemy began to intensify its activities: at 9:00 the message comes on the movement of 130 enemy soldiers on 10 carts of Semyonovka in Slavyansk; at 9.10 massed enemy artillery opened fire on the railway station Slavyansk; at 9.30, under fire from Russian artillery, leaving the last train to the west; 9.30 Russian, by the two companies began to attack the main battle line near Lenin Square; 10.00 noted the movement of enemy infantry battalion from an area of ​​chalk hills in Slavyansk through Nikolaevka. Russian occupied the heights 112.9 and approached our front edge of 200 meters; at 10.25, in the height direction 167.2 and 183.8, observed the movement of enemy infantry company; 10.30 Russian infantry company, on foot, weighed in the direction of Nikolayevka - Molochar. 3 trucks with infantry and tank 3 proceeded in the direction Sozgorod; at 12.40, according to the order, the bridge was blown up in Bylbasovka; 13.30 Headquarters 679 th Grenadier Regiment moved to the State Farm №5.
At 10.00 333rd Artillery Regiment reported that the enemy was watching the movement of the column (30 tanks, 30 trucks with infantry, anti-tank guns 4) of the area west of Schurovo Krasnotorka. 2nd division was shooting at the colony, noted 2 hits. From District Belenkaya firing two Russian artillery batteries. Counterbattery struggle continues, direct hits have been recorded, but the intensity of the enemy fire diminished. At 11.00, when a radio communications session, the regiment reported that spotted the concentration of enemy forces (battalion) in the area of ​​Krasnaya Gorka. There was a concentration of Russian tanks and in the gully south of Petrovka. Contact 1 and 4 divisions is set, there are no losses, all divisions are ready to shoot and are awaiting orders.
In 11.30 the enemy began more action, backed by tanks and artillery, in the area of Kramatorskaya. In the immediate vicinity of the main battle line moved up to 30 Russian tanks. The enemy took Sozgorod, Petrovka, Novy Sweet and Krasnaya Gorka. 333rd Infantry Division moved to the left bank of Kasseny Torez and finally took the fortified position of the "Turtle". All bridges in the area Kramatorskaya blown. Engineering unit Division urgent manner liquidate passages in minefields.
Air strikes, which are significantly weakened at night and in the morning, once again gained momentum. The main objectives are the main battle line, and supply routes. Of 333 anti-tank division reported a downed aircraft IL-2 Russian.
At 11.45 it was held the next session of the Radio Division headquarters with the Grenadier Regiment. From 680 th Grenadier Regiment report that infantry units trying to cross the Kazeny Torez and attack our main battle line and height 153.4 south of the Yasnaya Gorka. From 681 th Grenadier Regiment report that in the area of ​​the 3rd Battalion Russian take no action. In the sector of the 2nd Battalion, at the site of the 7th Company, marked by the concentration of 30 tanks and two companies of infantry in the vicinity of the stadium. It is assumed that the crossing preparing Kazeny Torez in this place, but this is madness. Apparently the enemy does not know that all wandered through Kazeny Torez mined.
At 15.00 the commander of the 333rd Infantry Division, Lieutenant General Manny reported to the headquarters of the XXX Army Corps that all Russian attacks on the height of 141.0 near Yasnaya Polyana, to a height of 153.4 in the Yasnaya Gorka area and height of 145, 2 near Mazanovka, repulsed in an immediate counterattack. In the sector of responsibility division opponent universally rejected on the right bank of Kazeny Torez. The main battle line Division is on the fortified position "Turtle", including the 679 th Grenadier Regiment. Irreversible loss of the division amounted to 17 people, including one officer. Russian losses are estimated between 100 and 150 people. It captured 18 enemy soldiers, all of them from the 59th Guards Rifle Division. The enemy continues to build up its forces in the region Kramatorskaya, which currently account for about 40 tanks and infantry regiment.
From the 681 th Regiment reported that during the day, on the banks of the Kazeny Torez near Krasnaya Gorka observed the movement of armored Russian intelligence officers observers. It is obvious that the enemy is taking exploration of the river channel in order to determine a suitable site for the ferry tanks. The area is seen maneuvering Petrovka 20 enemy tanks. In the afternoon, exploration 679 th Grenadier Regiment informed about the movement of vehicles and marching columns of Russian in the direction of the lighthouse on Slavyansk. In the period from 16.00 to 19.00 from the regiment reported on the movement of the Slavyansk Kramatorskaya 100 trucks with infantry, 20 tanks, 800-1000 people on foot, 4 multiple rocket launchers, 15 infantry and 20 anti-tank guns. It is noted that the enemy continued concentration of their forces in the area of ​​the stadium in Kramatorskaya.
During the day, continuing the attack enemy aircraft on the column of evacuees on all roads in the near rear. At 16.00 our observers recorded spy plane near the highway Slavyansk - Kramatorskaya.

From the report in the corps headquarters (21.00):

"Conditions: Main battle line in our hands. Repulsed the enemy's attack at the height of 153.4 and Mazanovka. The concentration of armored formations in front of our main battle line.
The main battle line: No change.
The order troops on the main line of battle: the 3rd Battalion 681 th Grenadier Regiment, 2nd Battalion 681 th Grenadier Regiment, 1st Battalion 680 th Grenadier Regiment, 2nd Battalion 680 th Grenadier Regiment, 333- th Artillery Regiment, 2nd Battalion 679 th Grenadier Regiment.
Divisional Reserve: 1st Battalion 679 th Grenadier Regiment.
Deployment of staff of the Division: Kantemirova."


Hitler
06.09.1943. Berlin

From Hitler's daily report (23.00):

"...The southern flank of the 1st Panzer Army, near the junction with the northern flank of the 6th Army, was broken by superior enemy forces. Just documented numerous Russian attacks in the region of Kramatorskaya. According to preliminary data, our losses amounted to 28 tanks. In the northern flank of the 6th Army and the southern flank of the 62nd Infantry Division, the enemy made a breakthrough line of the front width of 8 kilometers and reached the railway on Ocheretino. The enemy, at the junction of the wings of the 62nd and 38th infantry divisions, precision strikes near Konstantinovka, forced the Krivoy Torez and reached the northern edge of the Octoberskoye.
XXX Army Corps controls strongholds of defense Vozvyshenka - District Krivoy Torez. The enemy captured Gavrilovka, in the afternoon, Russian tanks occupied Aleksandrovka and threatened a breakthrough north of Kramatorskaya.
Strong astringent attacks against XXXX Panzer Corps, north of Malaya Kamyshevakha, repulsed."

The newspaper "Pravda Kramatorskaya", №38, September 2014

[Konstantin]

Mackensen
07.09.1943. Panyutino

The commander of the 1st Panzer Army, Colonel-General Mackensen came to the headquarters of the XXX Army Corps in the Zolotoy Kolodez. After the conversation with the commander corps General of the artillery Fretter Pico, he sent at 12.00 commander of Army Group "South" the report read as follows:

"In the period from July 17 to September 5, the army lost 34,000 people and has received only about 5,400 deposit. In addition, she was forced to give the 17th Panzer Division and to adopt an additional 12 kilometers of fortified position" Turtle ". Problems also remain the same. If the front of the XXX Army Corps, behind such obstacles on the ground like a river Donets, it was still possible to hold, now, the position of "Turtle" when the front 5 kilometers account for about 250 soldiers - its against massed tank attacks Russian, keep the impossible (as confirmed by the events on September 6). According to a verbal report by the corps commander, whom I found at his post and who, in fact, he was calm and behaved confident troops in this difficult time fighting perfectly. Also, reliable and experienced commanders of divisions (38 th, 62 th and 333 th infantry), according to him, perform their duties with full dedication forces and tireless personal involvement. The defeat experienced by the XXX Army Corps, and the consequences of which can not yet be assessed primarily and mainly occur due to non-compliance tasks and capabilities of the army. The task of the 1st Panzer Army must be changed time-sensitive manner, as there is no possibility to provide her with new reserves."

[Konstantin]

Wenk
07.09.1943. Panyutino

The enemy today continues strong, supported by a large number of tanks, attack on the XXX Army Corps. At that time, as the right wing of the army was broken portion 23 Panzer Corps until Pustyshevo (according to information from the 6th Army, the enemy in the evening was in the Novo-Troizkoye) and the 1st Guards Mechanized Corps comes to the west and north west to the junction between the 38 th and 333 th Infantry Division in fierce battles, in general, managed to repel the attack against the front divisions. Counterattack 23rd Panzer Division, directed against the west wing infiltrators near Sergeevka enemy forces, led to the destruction of the Russian armored spearheads. In order to release the remaining part of the mobile units for mobile operations in the XXX Army Corps, after the approval of the Army Group "South" XXX-th army and XXXX Panzer Corps had been ordered two throws, move the line of Krivoy Torez (north Novoekonomicheskoe before Oktyabrsky) - Aleksandrovka - Ocheretino - Nikopol - Bolchaya Kamyshevakha. Army Group "South" proposed to hold a retreat in one motion. However, due to the strong pressure of the enemy, it is certainly feasible solution.



On the right flank of the XXX Army Corps, the 62nd Infantry Division during the night it underwent a massive attack by enemy infantry with tanks and suffered numerous new losses. The division holds the line east Biruchje - Oktyabrsky. On the southern flank of the division, the enemy tanks made their way at night through the end Novoekonomicheskoe on Pustyshevo. Group Ranft (2 infantry battalions, 4 assault self-propelled guns, anti-tank artillery battery 3) finally made its way to his division through Grodovka. In Grodovka, group 4 were hit enemy tanks, another 17 tanks retreated under the onslaught of the group through the end of the east. Division during the day repelled many attacks led by the enemy against its cross in from the east and the northern part of the Oktyabrsky Forces battalion with tanks. In these battles were shot down two Russian tanks.
Crossing through the curves around 7.00 Krivoy Torez at Artemovka, enemy tanks surrounded the 5 kilometers southeast of the Zolotoy Kolodez part of the 38th Infantry Division. On the flank of the division between Vesely and Novoaleksandrovka were repulsed current strong attacks, while, of the 16 attacking enemy tanks knocked out 7 (total 12 hits). Artillery effectively opposed the accumulation of Russian infantry south and northeast of Vesely.
At 10.00 23th Panzer Division made from the area north of the Zolotoy Kolodez along the road to the northeast, weak enemy forces knocked out Novoaleksandrovka and southeast Sergeevka stumbled upon the superior enemy forces with 40 tanks and infantry. Shock wedges divisions were immediately attacked by Russian ground-attack aircraft. After a heavy tank battle was restored connection with the assault group of 16th Panzer Grenadier Division, which fought off in Sergeevka numerous strong attacks, and then tap 5 enemy tanks. Temporarily Novoaleksandrovka penetrated the enemy was thrown back again. Mobile group of the 16th Panzer Grenadier Division, which had no connection to the 23rd Panzer Division and XXX Army Corps, like the morning on the orders of his division to deviate to the northwest, where the north and south of Sergeevka penetrated tanks. In view of the changed situation, she immediately received strict orders to hold unconditional Sergeevka as long as there is no complete March 23rd Panzer Division. 333rd Infantry Division in the second half of the day came in contact with the northeast with the mobile group.
The enemy superior forces, in the first half of the day tank hit a wedge to the main battle line 333rd Infantry Division on its right flank Kramatorskaya. In the fierce battles with heavy losses, the division managed to stop the enemy on the line the western part Kramatorskaya - western outskirts of the Krasnaya Polyana - western outskirts Grafimovka. Without exception, the attack against the rest of the front divisions were reflected.
14.25 The order came Army Group "South" on the conduct of hostilities on the left flank of the 6th Army. The elimination of a breakthrough on the left flank of the 6th Army should, if possible, take place on the ground east Pustyshevo. Army Group "South" gave permission for the requested army retreat to collect all motorized forces for offensive operations on the right flank of the army. These forces, in conjunction with the collected 6th Army on the north flank of the mobile units must strike at the enemy, and eliminate a breakthrough to restore the link between armies.


Fretter Pico
07.09.1943, Stepanovka

62nd Infantry Division, according to the order of the Corps, at night retreated and took defensive line item 132.2 (1 kilometer east Artemovka) - punkt 161.4 - West Gornoye - west Popov Yar - punkt 208.9 (3 kilometers east of the Biruchje). In the morning the enemy, by two battalions of infantry, supported by tanks, dealt a blow from the north in the direction of the Oktyabrsky. The attack was repulsed Division, destroyed two enemy tanks. Surrounded by the enemy 38th Infantry Division, this morning successfully repelled the attack near Russian Gruzskaya. Of the 16 tanks involved in the attack, seven were destroyed antitank weapons division. Divisional artillery dispersed the enemy infantry, which is concentrated to the southeast of the beam on the northern outskirts Gruzskaya.
10.00 The mobile group, General tank troops Nicholas von Formann (commander of the 23rd Panzer Division) attacked Novoaleksandrovka and entered into battle with 35 enemy tanks and their accompanying infantry. Group Formann managed to throw off Russian Novovarvarovka and enter into contact with the moving group of the 16th Panzer Grenadier Division. In these battles, the 23rd Panzer Division caused serious damage to the enemy - to destroy one of the KV-1, six T-34, two armored vehicles and a few anti-tank guns.
In the morning the enemy infantry began an offensive along the entire front of the 333rd Infantry Division. Russian superior forces managed to break through the defense and get to the Ivanovka. All day going on the defensive battles near Yasnaya Polyana Yasnaya Gorka, repulsed all enemy attacks. The division was ordered on the night of 7 September 8 to retreat to a new main battle line New Yavlenka - Mikhaylovka - western outskirts Jawlensky - Yakovlevka.



At 15.00 he entered the army order, according to which the XXX-th army corps prescribed withdrawal to the line before the Krivoy Torez - Vesely - Aleksandrovka - height east Jawlensky - Mikhaylovka - Oktyabrsky. Problem XXX Army Corps is to concentrate under the frontal protection infantry divisions all available motorized forces to continue the offensive strikes against attacking Russian corps of mobile connections with a view to their destruction. At the same time, its own mobile forces should be collected as soon as possible to fight on the southern flank of the body, and at the junction with the 6th Army. Before collection of powerful mobile forces on the southern flank of the body, should be kept in the flank area Novoekonomicheskoe and through active reconnaissance, establish communication with the northern flank of the 6th Army in the area Grodovka. In turn, the 6th Army, attacking from the area Grodovka try to establish contact with the right flank of the 62nd Infantry Division. Housing evening suggested that 23 Panzer Division necessary to carry out a throw to the south in front of the 38th Infantry Division to inflict a flank attack by attacking the enemy there, to defeat him (the enemy is certainly uses his artillery, which must be destroyed stroke 23 Panzer Division) and, ultimately, as a result of the offensive to establish communication with the 6th Army.
Army agrees to enter, behind the front of the 38th Infantry Division, a group of Formann (since otherwise, the division is probably mired in battles with a powerful enemy and should be deployed to the east to the defense). Thus, it will not lead to the retraction of the division in the gap. The army order, ordered to depart the body on the line Oktyabrsky - Znamenka - Novonikolaevka - east Vysotsky to the night of 8 September 9, do not make too long a cast of the left flank to the west. The task of the Corps is up to in the morning on September 9 to allocate the remnants of the 16th Panzer Grenadier and 23 Panzer divisions for use in the interval XXX Army Corps.
The first part (1-2 Battalion) have already in the morning on September 8 be made available Army. The command must conduct operations in such a way as to prevent the breakout of its front. Retreat to the specified line in any case it is possible only with the permission of the army. At 22.50 XXXX Panzer Corps ordered to convey XXX-th Army Corps 1st Division 935 Regiment field howitzers, since the Corps has a large loss of weapons, mainly artillery guns.
The army order XXX-th army and XXXX Panzer Corps ordered, through special connecting units to establish a close relationship to new dividing lines. Corps Commanders should take the necessary measures to division as quickly as possible have been introduced in their areas on a broad front and were immediately ready for defense (especially to anti-defensive) .Also troops should indicate acutely that all weapons, especially heavy, artillery, should be taken with them. Under no circumstances should a weapon should not get into the hands of the enemy serviceable. During the retreat of all the useful materials to the enemy must be destroyed. Required to provide, where possible, a complete evacuation of the civilian population with the use of all funds.

The newspaper "Pravda Kramatorskaya", №40, October 2014

[Konstantin]

Manny
07.09.1943, Kantemirova

00.30 The enemy forces around two battalions in the area of Defence 2nd Battalion, 681 th Grenadier Regiment launched an attack at the height of 141.0 south of Yasnaya Polyana. The division has allocated from its reserve 1st Battalion, 679 th Grenadier Regiment and only after that, through joint efforts, managed to push the enemy back to the starting line. Both sides suffered significant losses.



The 4.00 "neighbor" on the left flank division, reported a breakthrough in the eastern part of the enemy Bylbasovka. Redoubt Defense 2nd Battalion, 679 th Grenadier Regiment, which was nominated for 1 kilometer northeast of the main battle line to communicate with the 387-th Infantry Division, to avoid encirclement retreated to the main battle line. But soon, in a joint counterattack with 537 th Grenadier Regiment 387 th Infantry Division returned the lost positions. All enemy attacks were repulsed. At 5.30 intelligence regiment reported that Russian is still night began the reconstruction of the railway bridge blown up between the Slavyansk and Bylbasovka.In the western part of Slavyansk found camouflaged artillery position from 3 guns. At the railway station Slavyansk 5.00 recorded in the presence of enemy personnel, including 6 officers. Between the Slavyansk and Kramatorskaya there is a constant movement of troops - at 4.30 in the direction of Kramatorskaya proceeded 10 trucks (the nature of the goods could not be determined); at 12.50 has 8 trucks and three anti-tank guns. At 12.45 on the right wing 679 th Grenadier Regiment enemy launched a senseless attack by the very small numbers (30-40 people). The chains of the enemy, under heavy machine-gun fire flank, failed to come close to the main battle line, and turned back. About an hour heard to shout wounded left on the battlefield. A few hours in the sector regiment Russian took no action. However, at 16.00, the enemy, the forces of infantry company and with the support of artillery, made another attack on the west side in the direction of Slavyansk Yafanovka. The attack was repulsed, but in the 2nd battalion of very heavy losses. However, Russian has not carried even more - during the retreat, they were mistakenly attacked by his own aircraft and, most likely, all killed in a ravine north of Gerasimovka.


Kramatorskaya. 1943. (In the center - Metallurgical and Machine-Building Plant. Former Kramatorsk Metallurgical Company, which has been a shareholder of Borsig. On the right - a little visible Novokramatorsky Machine-Building Plant named after Stalin. Sotsgorod behind the scenes)

16.30 The division received an order to reserve 1st Battalion 679 th Grenadier Regiment - take a battle line: height 169.0 - eastern outskirts Alexandrovka. At 19.00 units of the battalion began to move to new positions. Moving took place in a calm atmosphere, rear guards did not record any activity Russian. At 20.30 Headquarters 679 th Grenadier Regiment temporarily moved to the Octoberskoye. 0.15 The battalion completed the occupation of new positions and connected to the "neighbor" on the left.


Novokramatorsky Machine-Building Plant named after Stalin. 1943 (On the left see the river Kozeny Torez)

At night and in the morning, about 200-600 meters north of the bridge over the large Kozeny Torez constantly heard the noise of construction. Apparently the enemy had begun construction of the bridge. Of course, if Russian will be able to cross the river at least a small number of tanks, that our weak defensive line did not survive an hour. For this, an artillery regiment opened fire with all divisions on the square of the 150-mm guns. Construction noise died down, but, nevertheless, Russian unlikely to give up their intentions.
On the right flank of the division, around 7.00 am, enemy pressure was very sore. Dense artillery fire (including from heavy mortars and tank shells) was conducted in the eastern part of Kramatorskaya of our infantry, dispersed west Kozeny Torez.



Thanks to a massive artillery barrage, the enemy was able to drive a wedge in the direction of Ivanovka to a depth of 2 kilometers. 3rd Battalion 681 th Grenadier Regiment launched a counterattack and liquidated this breakthrough. Nevertheless, through the open front is actually north Surovo, infiltrated enemy tanks and began to threaten the rear of the division. But the tank column did not turn as expected, to the north, and the selected direction on Lavrovka. In the center of the battle formations of the 3rd Battalion, at the direction of the tank hazardous, ranked 333rd defense antitank battalion. As part of the Division 3 firing platoons (each platoon of three 75-mm anti-tank guns) and gives the 3rd company of the 333rd Engineer Battalion. As of 8:30 am, at the division had no contact with the enemy.
At 10.00, in order to capture the western part of the Kramatorskaya, the infantry of the enemy again wade through the end and approached the bloodless and Yasnaya Polyana. The commander of the 681 th Grenadier Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Wanke, wanting to clarify the situation in Yasnaya Polyana, rode in a car in the direction of the front edge of the defense. His car suddenly collided with a column of the enemy and about the fate of lieutenant colonel Wanke unknown. Possible death demoralized the commander of the regiment of grenadiers, the defense crumbled, randomly company began to recede. Only the courage and personal example of the commander of the 2nd Battalion, saved the situation - he mobilized the entire staff of the battalion headquarters and personally led the counter-attack, as a result of which the enemy was repulsed, and a breakthrough in the main line of battle eliminated. Followed immediately behind this analysis of the case revealed that at some point the 2nd Battalion 681 th Grenadier Regiment almost lost its fighting capacity. And only because of the low Russian discipline, sluggish pace of the tank and the absence of support for this sector of the defense have been no disaster.
At 10.45 Lieutenant Colonel Wanke Gorodeschino returned to the location of the Staff of the 681 th Grenadier Regiment. The driver was killed in a shootout with Russian patrol, Lieutenant Colonel slightly injured. Despite this, he gathered the remnants of his regiment and organized several counterattacks near Yasnaya Polyana and bloodless continued to advance against the enemy. Russian were here only weak infantry forces, without the support of tanks, however, vainly tried to attack the key height. Their losses were huge, they were attacked by minefields. These attacks were repulsed. However, our defense is so weak that a stronger enemy, they can not create any obstacles. Lack of ammunition does support the regimental artillery impossible. Substantial support may have 2nd and 4th battalions of the 333rd artillery regiment, but for this they need to change positions.Therefore, to avoid breaking the existing line of defense, General Manny ordered 680 th Grenadier Regiment to join his right flank with 681 th Regiment, move the 1st Battalion, 108th Grenadier Regiment from the northwest, take a line of defense Beskrovny - Shabelkovka - 3rd Alexandrovka and hold this position. At the same time, make full use of gun emplacements and fortifications (on the hills south of Beskrovny) fortified defensive line "Orel - Samara". The commander of the 333rd battalion ordered to prepare 13.00 passages in minefields and be ready for their elimination at the end of troop movements.

[Konstantin]

However, the order arrived from the body made in this plan significant changes. Previous orders, which indicated that 23 Panzer Division should advance to the southwest to the aid of the 38 th and 62 th Infantry Division, recalled. The new order requires that Panzer Division to assist the 333rd Infantry Division to hold the main line of battle: the western outskirts of the Yasnaya Gorka - western outskirts of Yasnaya Polyana - Beskrovny - east part of Ivanovka. Mobile Zehnder Group is in their positions to counter the possible flank attack the enemy from the south. But at 14.00 the enemy, the rapid roll, possessed a height of 153.4 and captured Yasnaya Polyana. Only thanks to the concentration of all available forces 681 th Grenadier Regiment, supported by 333 artillery regiment and the personal involvement of the lieutenant colonel Wanke, about 15.00 managed to dislodge the enemy from the height of 153, 4, and gain a foothold on the western outskirts of Yasnaya Polyana. The eastern part of the village is in the hands of the Russian.
The main task assigned to the 333rd artillery regiment, an effective fight against all enemy movement and accumulation of power in the Belenkaya - Sozgorod - height 153.4. At 12.00, accurate fire destroyed Russian convoy of 5 trucks, which transported about 120 people and 10 anti-tank guns (each truck hauled by two guns). At 12.45, the forces of the two divisions, suppressed Russian attacks on the height of 153.4. The enemy losses were considerable.



As of 16.00, despite the further massive attacks of the enemy, the main battle is holding the line division. After regrouping of forces, the main battle line of the 333rd Infantry Division, in spite of some breakthroughs are definitely in our hands. The 38th Infantry Division is broken, but still a fighting retreat. The 62nd Infantry Division also left its main battle line, but is harsh defensive battles.It is expected that active steps 6th Army should somewhat reduce the intensity of the enemy offensive in this sector. Nevertheless, the 333rd Infantry Division, ordered the night of 7 to 8 September not to get involved in street fighting in the western part of the Kramatorskaya, and retreat to the west and take the line Jawlensky - Lavrovka. No later than 19.00 divisional headquarters should be moved to Bezzabotovka.

At 21-00 in the headquarters of the XXX Army Corps sent a report as follows:

"The situation is: a lot of pressure in areas Krasnotorka, Ivanovskiy, near Beskrovny, at Yasnaya Polyana, Gerasimovka and Zeleny Gay. The enemy took Yasnaya Polyana, Ivanovka, Gerasimovka and partly Beskrovny.
Our main line of battle: height 145.0 (south Pchelkino) - west of Ivanovka - Beskrovny - west of Yasnaya Polyana - height 171.1 (south-west of the Yasnaya Gorka) - Northwest Yasnaya Gorka - height west Gerasimovka - Torez river to the south Mazanovka - Further, as the line in position and 6 September.
The order troops on the main line of battle: the 3rd Battalion 681 th Grenadier Regiment, 1st Battalion 679 th Grenadier Regiment, 2nd Battalion 681 th Grenadier Regiment, 1st Battalion, 680 th Grenadier Regiment, 333 st Artillery Regiment, 2nd Battalion 679 th Grenadier Regiment.
Divisional Reserve: no reserve.
Deployment of staff of the division: Kantemirova with 19.00 Bezzabotovka."


Hitler
07.09.1943. Berlin

From Hitler's daily report (23.00):

"... On the site of the 1st Panzer Army was trying to expand their breakthroughs to the west. The attempted counter-attack aimed at the elimination of a breakthrough between 387 th and 333 th Infantry Division, came across in the Sergeevka area of ​​the large tank grouping. A tank battle continues for the moment. Peaks enemy tank attacks directed at land Jawlensky - Lavrovka. 333rd and 387th Infantry Divisions were unable to keep their positions in the region Kramatorskaya against superior enemy forces. And they began to retreat, fighting off numerous tank attacks. In the rest of the main line of battle of the 1st Panzer Army in the area of ​​the XXXX Panzer Corps, fixed partial breakthroughs Russian forces from the battalion to regiment of infantry supported by tanks. Breakthrough west Dolgenkaya eliminated. "

The newspaper "Pravda Kramatorskaya", №41, October 2014

[Konstantin]

Fretter Pico
08.09.1943, Stepanovka

On the southern flank of the 23rd Tank Corps Russian went on the offensive from the area Pustyshevo and Oktyabrsky district in the western direction and led the exploration separate tanks against Chaplino, Bogdanovka and Werbki. In the band edge of the 23rd Panzer Division in the ongoing heavy fighting and constant counter, failed to prevent the breakthrough of the 1st Guards Mechanized Corps and large forces of infantry to the west and northwest. The fighting capacity severely battered infantry divisions beneath criticism. XXX-th Army Corps presented this morning in the headquarters of the Army of the following numbers:

The 62nd Infantry Division - in the presence of about 800 people and 8 artillery batteries;
38th Infantry Division - in the presence of about 200 people, and three artillery batteries;
333rd Infantry Division - 4 in stock emaciated, weakened 2 and 1 mediocre Battalion with 7 light and 2 heavy artillery batteries.

Since the main direction of an enemy tank attack at the moment lies at the junction with the 6th Army and provide military line near Pavlograd exposed to the threat, the Army should take immediate retaliatory action here. The latest heavy fighting XXX-th army corps, using primarily the 23rd Panzer Division, managed to prevent the breakout of the 1st Guards Mechanized Corps to the west (and to the northwest in the direction Barvenkovo) and cause the body significant losses. Aerial reconnaissance clearly shows the influx of enemy forces in the south-west. It can be assumed that part of the 1st Guards Mechanized Corps, after the failure of his attacks on the West, to play in this regard. And standing near Alexandrovka armored forces (40 Russian combat vehicles and 80 trucks, the identified aircraft) are a barrier.



On the right flank of the XXX Army Corps the enemy at night again started moving west. After the recognition of numerous attacks against the front of the 62nd Infantry Division, in the afternoon, she was pressed against a large force of the enemy to the railway line between Liman and Mertzalova. In order to re-establish a solid front within the Army, the division was ordered to make its way to the front of the XXX Army Corps in the north-west, north of the valley of the Byk. Since the area south and southeast of the river Byk observed movement of numerous columns of enemy tanks and trucks. The division, however, by the time the order is on the railway line and should break with the onset of darkness through enemy occupied villages south of the valley of the Byk.
The 38th Infantry Division was again attacked during the night by large armored forces of the enemy and its defenses were partly broken. As a consequence, they lost Veseloye and land 5 kilometers north-west. Zolotoy Kolodez should have been delivered because of the strong enemy onslaught. The division was pushed to the line of Novo-Vedyano - 4 km southwest Alexandrovka - 3 km west Alexandrovka which defends the system of fortified settlements.
Early in the morning a tank group 23 Panzer knocked the enemy with great damage to him from 5 km northwest of fun. The division, in turn, also extends to the west, and supports individual units greatly weakened the 38th Infantry Division. While she repeated in armored incursions, continues to strike at the enemy. 3 km southwest of Alexandrovka were repulsed numerous attempts to break the opponent. Mass of maneuver of the 16th Panzer Grenadier Division took midday New Yavlenka (3 km northwest Alexandrovka).
The army was given the order to reduce the deviation of the front line of the river Bull to the Verovka - Novo-Aleksandrovka - Ocheretino. The task of the body is to organize a new defensive front on the line. Thus before the 23rd Panzer Division tasked to cover the retreat in the center and on the northern flank of the body moving in front of the fighting and prevent the breakout of enemy armored forces in the north-west. With a further retreat is expected occupation line: over the river Bull at Verovka - Kuritsyno - Aleksandrovka - Bogodarovo.
Throughout the south-western flank of the body, between the 62nd and 38th infantry divisions, there is an active movement of the enemy. Perhaps this movement units of the 1st Guards Mechanized Corps in the hole to the 6th Army.
23th Panzer Division will remain in the XXX Army Corps up until the infantry divisions do not create a new line of defense and, secondly, will not clarified the intention of the enemy to its front, and no longer have to fear the onset of the 1st Guards Mechanized Corps.
In the evening, the Army had issued a decree on the transfer of the 125th Infantry Division air transport in Pavlograd. The first regiment of the division without heavy weapons and anti-tank guns to arrive on September 9. Army units is expected to obtain self-propelled anti-tank guns of 15 "Ferdinand" and 25 self-propelled assault guns. It is assumed the concentration of these forces in the region Pavlograd, use them outside of the area requires permission Army Group "South".
Lieutenant General Gerhard Shtaynbauer evening was entrusted with the security triangle "Dnepropetrovsk - Novomoskovsk - Sinelnikovo" with dictatorial powers.


Manny
08.09.1943, Alexandrovka

The retreat of the 333rd Infantry Division carried out during the night, according to the order. And in the morning I took up defensive positions on the line Jawlensky - Mikhaylovka. 679 th and 680 th Grenadier regiments completed retreat uneventful. 681 th Grenadier Regiment had, following an order of the destruction left by bridges to avoid Sergeevka, but it was suddenly attacked by enemy tanks. A fight broke out that killed battalion commander, Major Сrede and Major Fir. Regiment with the 2nd Battalion of the 333rd Artillery Regiment, was surrounded by a group of buildings (farm "Pravda"), 3 kilometers west of Sergeevka. Its location remained unknown for a long time, there was no radio. However, after 18-00 regimental messenger made his way to the west, 681 th Grenadier Regiment was immediately ordered to make its way to the New Yavlenka.



To support this effort was appointed countered tanks and self-propelled guns of the 23rd Panzer Division eastwards. Encircled units managed to break into a whole. In the evening they were taken by road to taking a position in Novo-Aleksandrovka.


Fregin
08.09.1943. Yakovlevka



The commander of the 1st platoon of the 5th company 680 th Grenadier Regiment 333rd Infantry Division Lieutenant Erich Fregin had not slept for more than three days. Same exhausted grenadiers of his platoon frantically dug on the western outskirts Yakovlevka. Soon dawn and they would start again Russian aviation. You can consider a miracle that night was able to break away from the pursuit of the enemy, and not get into the environment. The same miracle was the fact that his squad yesterday, near the Yasnaya Gorka, suffered minimal losses. At that time, the whole of the second battalion of virtually ceased to exist, reflecting the Russian attacks on the height of 173.3. Platoon Fregin held positions on the left flank of the battalion, very good position along the southern slope of the Shirokaya beam. Flanking machine gun fire cutting off any attempts by the enemy to come to the main battle line is closer than 100 meters. After receiving the order to retreat, 5th company secretly left the position and, using a beam as a natural shelter, came to the collection point of the regiment at the farm №5. Then there was a march in the direction Alisovka.


Abramenko
07.09.2014. Pereyaslav-Khmelnitsky

After the German surrender, Colonel-General Eberhard von Mackensen gets captured by the Allies. In 1947 he appeared in court on charges of war crimes. May 6, 1947 will be found guilty and sentenced to death. Subsequently, replace the sentence of imprisonment for a term of 21 years old. October 2, 1952 Eberhard von Mackensen be released. He died May 19, 1969, at age 79, in the village of Alt-Myulendorf near Nortorf (Germany).

General tank troops Walther Wenck, "The last hope of Berlin", the Americans will be arrested and placed in a POW camp. Freed in 1947. From September 1948 to work as the manager of the company «Hubert Schulte GmbH» Bochum-Dalhousie. In 1953 it moved from the board to the board of directors, which in 1955 will become chairman. Since 1960, Wenk - CEO of «Diehl» Nuremberg, engaged in manufacturing military equipment and weapons for the Bundeswehr. In 1966 he would retire. May 1, 1982 Walther Wenck die in a car accident in Bad Rothenfelde.

General artillery Maximilian Fretter Pico 22 April 1945 will be captured by US forces and sent to a POW camp. They released him in 1947. All subsequent years, the general will live in Bad Wiessee (Bayern), where he died April 4, 1984, before the age of 92 years. He was buried with his wife in the Jerusalem cemetery in Berlin. From his pen will be released the book "The German infantry," "strategic mistake of the Wehrmacht", "Infantry Division in the war against the Soviet Union. 1941-1944 "and memoirs.

August 21, 1944 The 84th Infantry Division, Lieutenant-General Erwin Manny will be completely destroyed by Canadian troops in Normandy. General taken prisoner and it will be a POW camp in the United Kingdom and Iceland. Freed in 1948. He died December 6, 1949 in Freiburg (Bayern).

Lieutenant Erich Fregin, for personal courage in the battles at Kramatorskaya will be awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. The award will be handed the lieutenant Sept. 27, 1943. October 5, 1943, for fighting at the turn of the Dnieper, Erich Fregina to present another award - Iron Cross 1st Class. But on October 14 in a battle near Grigorievka near Zaporozhye Fregin were injured by shrapnel in the left arm. 66th Field Hospital in Tomakivka evacuation to Germany, and Kraytsburg hospitals in Berlin. It was only in April 1945, Lieutenant Fregin be declared fit for further service. May 5, he will arrive in the headquarters of the 14th Army (Po, Italy). Where, on the same day, to be taken prisoner by the Americans. To release him at the end of 1945. All subsequent years, he will live in Bochum (Germany). And died June 4, 2008, before the age of 95 years.

Hundreds of thousands of German soldiers unknown to us will remain in Ukraine forever.


Constantine Abramenko
2014
Pereyaslav-Khmelnitsky


Documentation:

1. Mehner, K. (Herausg.), Die geheimen Tagesberichte der deutschen Wehrmachtführung im Zweiten Weltkrieg 1939 - 1945, Band 1 - 11, 1.9.1939 - 31.12.1944, Osnabrück, Biblio Verlag, 1995
2. Rolf Dieter Müller. Die Deutsche Wirtschaftspolitik in den besetzten sowjetischen Gebieten 1941-1943: der Abschlussbericht des Wirtschaftsstabes Ost und Aufzeichnungen eines Angehörigen des Wirtschaftskommandos Kiew. Oldenbourg Verlag, 1991
3. NARA/T313/R54/ fr.7288961-7290010
4. NARA/T313/R55/ fr.7290011-7291106
5. NARA/T313/R61/ fr.7297204-7297342
6. NARA/T314/R832/ fr.487-521
7. NARA/T315/R2082/ fr.811-960


The newspaper "Pravda Kramatorskaya", №42, October 2014