The Blowtorch Battalion ETO (id:#62117)

(Major Upham Battle Pack ID: #1)   [next]   [previous]

Near the River Udy, Ukraine 1943-02-12 (5 others)

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Overview:

Jochen Peiper became the commander of III Battalion, Infanterie Regiment 2 of the 1st SSLAH on 14 September 1942. A legend soon grew around his Blowtorch Battalion during the 1942-43 battles around Kharkov. Many of the unit’s vehicles sported a blowtorch symbol, earned, according to Peiper, following the use of halftrack-mounted soldiers to mount high-speed attacks on enemy-held villages. Thatched roofs were burned in the process, leading to the unit’s moniker. During the third battle of Kharkov 3rd Battalion had to push some 48 kilometers (30 mi) through enemy lines to rescue the surrounded 320th Infantry Division. As the German rescue column, ambulances laden with wounded, headed for friendly lines they found the route across the River Udy blocked by elements of Army Group Popov. A running battle ensued between the rescuers and Soviet elements, including reinforcements from 1st Guards Tank Army. An exit route was finally secured … but only for retreating ambulances. The only remaining bridge, a damaged span over the Udy would not carry tanks and half-tracks. The weary soldiers of 3rd Battalion were ordered to find, and open, another escape route … for themselves.

Defender: Russian (Army Group Popov)  

Errata (source)