The Apiary ETO (id:#61643)

(Schwerpunkt #18 ID: SP211)   [next]   [previous]

Kustrin, Germany 1945-02-10 (3 others)

Overview:

The Vistula-Oder offensive ended with the Soviets having seized bridgeheads north and south of Küstrin. The Soviets did not have the manpower to take the town by storm, so settled for a semi-siege and wearing down the garrison by smaller attacks. One goal was to take the Bienenhof (apiary), a cluster of buildings south of Küstrin. The Soviets launched an attack against the Bienenhof supported by tanks. The German defenders fought well, aided by the open ground and inundated terrain. The Soviets took the Bienenhof, but were unable to hold it as the defenders regrouped and, with reinforcements, pushed the Soviets back with losses. The hamlet would change hands several more times before the Soviets would finally capture it in late March.

Defender: German (Elements Bewährungsbataillon zbV 500)  

Errata (source)