Across the Volkhov ETO (id:#60344)

(Spanish Fury ID: 1)   [next]   [previous]

Volkhov River, Russia 1941-10-19 (4 others)

Overview:

After the failure to secure a bridgehead across the Volkhov the previous day, Colonel Jose Martinez Esparza, commander of the 269th Regiment, 250th Infantry Division, ordered another crossing at 0800 hours on the 19th of October. The rubber boats however turned up late. A break in the frost combined with heavy rain turned the single road from the rear area supply depot at Miasnoi Bor into a quagmire and the entire area into slush and swamp. The dejected Colonel was even forced to abandon his beloved Studebaker that he had brought with him from Spain. Boats and skiffs were manhandled through the trees to the river bank. At 1500 hours, Lt. Jose Escobedo pushed off with 2 platoons and no artillery preparation.

Defender: Russian (Elements of the 848th Regiment, 276th Rifle Division)  

Errata (source)