The Devil's Road ETO (id:#62214)

(Kursk - Gates of Hell ID: GoH#9)   [next]   [previous]

East of Ponyri Station, Russia 1943-07-09 (37 others)

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Overview:

After a powerful artillery and air preparation, the Germans laid in the attack on Ponyri once again. Men from two infantry divisions and every tank that could be scraped up hit the Russian lines from the north, east and west. In fierce battles that lasted several hours much blood was spilled on both sides. However, all the men, machines and effort failed to produce the desired outcome. The Germans penetrated only slightly more into the Ponyri positions. Despite their losses, the German commanders hurled yet more fresh forces into the battle. After a day of continuous fighting, the 30th Rifle Division were forced to pull back. The forward defenses were abandoned, and new positions in the southern part of Ponyri were entered. This retrograde movement by the Russians was far from a rout-as Ivan had his weapons consolidated in trenches prepared in advance of the German Zitadelle onslaught. The Germans were halted by organized fire and defense in depth.

Defender: Russian (4th Guards Airborne Division, 307th Rifle Division & 27th Guards Heavy Tank Brigade)  

Errata (source)