Gerstenberg's Boast ETO (id:#58022)

Kinetic Energy Productions (March Madness `98 Pack ID: MM98-A)   [next]   [previous]

Baneasa Bridge, Bucharest, Romania 1944-08-24 (13 others)

Overview:

During February 15, 1942 - August 27, 1944 Gerstenberg served as the commanding general of Luftwaffe in Romania (Kommandierender General und Befehlshaber der Deutschen Luftwaffe in Rumänien). His most important task was to set up a defense zone around the oil refineries in Ploieşti, the largest single source of oil for Nazi Germany. He managed to create an effective anti-aircraft defense system against air attacks. He commanded around 25,000 men in Ploieşti and 11,000 near Bucharest. As a result, the first massive air attack on the fields on August 1, 1943 (US Air Force operation Tidal Wave) failed to knock out the oil production and suffered heavy losses. When Romania switched sides during World War II (August 23, 1944), Gerstenberg, with 4,000 men, entered Bucharest trying to occupy its key points. This attempt failed and his troops were encircled, in spite of Brandenburgers paratroopers dropped in as a support. On August 28, he surrendered to the Soviets and was kept in captivity until October 12, 1955.

Defender: Romanian (Royal Guard Calarasi Regiment, 2nd Armored Regiment)  

Errata (source)