Funnel of Death ETO (id:#57907)

Heat of Battle (Onslaught to Orsha ID: OTO1)   [next]   [previous]

South of the Minsk-Moscow Highway, Belorussia 1944-06-23 (23 others)

Overview:

The 11th Guards Army had a clear objective - clear the Minsk-Moscow Highway surroundings from Smolensk to Orsha in order to allow follow on mechanized forces to destroy German units around Orsha. The highway area had seen much fighting in the winter of 1943-44 and was heavily fortified by the Germans with dense trench and minefield systems. Army Group Center's most powerful infantry division, the 78th Sturm, defended this area. German intelligence identified the Russian build up of artillery and ammunition opposite this sector and the German command bolstered the defenses to meet the potential enemy onslaught. Sturm Division 78 was reinforced with Nebelwerfer Battalion 5. a heavy tank destroyer battalion, Assault Gun Battalion 189. Army Antiaircraft Battalion 293, and additional artillery. Overall the division had over 100 artillery pieces, 30 StuGs, 18 Nashorns, 25 Marders, and a variety of guns at its disposal. The 11th Guards Army planned to attack with five divisions on the first day, three of which were heavily reinforced to penetrate the tough defenses on both sides of the key highway. The 16th Guards Rifle Division rarnmed headlong into Grenadier Regiment 195.

Defender: German (Reinforced elements of Grenadier Regiment 195, Sturm Division 78)  

Errata (source)