Desertion ETO (id:#58100)

Le Franc Tireur (Franc-Tireur # 3 ID: FT 10)   [next]   [previous]

Velikiye Luki, Russia 1942-12-28 (0 others)

Overview:

Surrounded in Velikye Luki since 26 November, the German 83rd Infantry Division had been reduced gradually by Soviet attacks. In spite of calls for help, aerial restocking was limited and counterattacks could not loosen the vice around the city. The weakened Germans were systematically pounded by the very superior enemy artillery (18,000 shells of all caliber were fired on December 24th alone). In addition, Soviet tanks operated in groups and knew how to remain out of the effective range of the German anti-tank guns. Thus, they could neutralize them, one by one. On 27 December, numerous 50mm and 75mm anti-tank guns were destroyed, allowing the Soviets to advance to the north-west of the city. The following day, the 249th Estonian Division flooded the Stettin Strong Point and continued its advance toward the center of the city. The Russians threatened to overrun the German heavy howitzers of the 183rd Artillery Regiment. But at that moment, 5 officers and 250 Estonians chose to desert the Russian side and were immediately installed in the German defense.

Defender: German (83rd Infantry Division and Battery 2, 183rd Artillery Regiment)  

Errata (source)