Retake Hill 253.3 ETO (id:#62207)

(Kursk - Gates of Hell ID: GoH#2)   [next]   [previous]

Ponyri Station, Russia 1943-07-07 (43 others)

Overview:

Seesaw fighting continued on 7 July, with German efforts repeatedly spearheaded by Ferdinands, referred to as "Tigers” in much of the Soviet post-war accounts. A Russian morning counter-attack backed by artillery and Katayusha rockets of the 2nd Guards Mortar Brigade was successful in destroying upwards of ten “Tigers", along with a dozen other Panzers, of various marks. It also drove the Germans off of Hill 253.3. an important local height. At 1530 hours the German 18th Panzer, 86th and 292nd Infantry Divisions launched a coordinated attack on both sides of Ponyri and amidst other gains, once again drove the Russians from Hill 253.3. The 307th Rifle Division repelled the attack, however, its 2nd Battalion, 159th Guards Artillery Regiment reporting the destruction of another 2 "Tigers" and 5 other tanks. At 1900 hours the Germans tried again with an infantry regiment supported armor. Throughout the day the Soviets launched strong counter-attacks in response to German attempts to break through the Second Defense Belt and the battle raged on.

Defender: German (2nd Co., I/508th Grenadier Regt., 292nd Infantry Division & Schwere Panzerjäger-Regiment 656)  

Errata (source)