L'Ennemi de Mon Ennemi ETO (id:#62298)

(Vae Victis # 77 ID: VV49)   [next]   [previous]

Minsk-Mazowiecki, Poland 1944-07-31 (3 others)

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Overview:

"The Enemy of My Enemy" -- The Soviet Summer offensive of 1944 quickly brought the Red Army into the heart of Poland. Accordingly, the Armata Krajowa (or Army of the Interior, “AK”) formed and run by the Polish Government in exile in London, launched Operation Tempest against the Nazi occupiers. The AK sought to take control of the major centers of the country before the arrival of the Soviets, presenting the Russians with a fait accompli and forcing them to recognize their legitimacy. Unfortunately, being poorly equipped and poorly coordinated, the AK soldiers had very little impact on operations. In addition, when encountered by the Soviets, they were quickly disarmed or arrested by the NKVD. Stalin sought instead to impose a Communist government, installed in Lublin. However, on some occasions, the Polish resistance and Red Army worked well together against their common enemy. The Soviet 47th Army faced the underperforming German 73rd Infantry Division. On 31st July, while the armour on both sides waged a fierce battle to the north, the 260th Rifle Division under Colonel Bielgakov stormed the small town of Minsk-Mazowiecki, south-east of the Polish capital. The Soviets received support from fighters of the 22nd Regiment of the AK, and the “Allies” hunted the Germans out of the village.

Defender: German (Elements 73rd Infantry Division)  

Errata (source)