Death on the Eismeer Strasse ETO (id:#62530)

(Dispatches from the Bunker #41 ID: DB124)   [next]   [previous]

Near Luostari, Russia 1944-10-11 (14 others)

Overview:

For nearly two weeks in the harsh weather above the Arctic Circle, Major A.F. Popov and a company from the 6th Guards Engineers reconnoitered deep behind German lines in preparation for the imminent Soviet offensive. The Guardsmen moved only at night, survived on half rations, and maintained strict noise and light discipline – for days, they watched and waited. On the night of 6 October, just hours before the Soviet Assault, the 6th Guards lashed out, destroying a radio relay station. On 7 October, a massive artillery barrage heralded the Red Army's liberation of the Kola Peninsula as the Soviet 14th Army drove inexorably towards Petsamo. For the next four days Popov's men blasted German convoys, ambushed isolated units, and knocked out communications targets. By 10 October, XIX Mountain Corps HQ knew the Soviets had at least one company-sized force of saboteurs operating far behind the front lines, attacking convoys along a vital stretch of the Eismeer Strasse - the Arctic Ocean Highway.

Defender: Russian (6th (Seperate) Guards Demolition Battalion)  

Errata (source)