Engineering Defeat ETO (id:#62650)

(BFP 5: Poland in Flames ID: BFP-114)

Graudenz, Poland 1939-09-03 (5 others)

Overview:

The 21st Infantry Division’s mission was to destroy Polish forces north of Graudenz, and then seize the city along with the bridges over the Vistula River. This was a very bold mission, as the objectives lay 12 miles away, and they would have to conduct a gap crossing over the Ossa River. The Germans initially made progress for several miles, and then were completely blocked by the Polish 16th Infantry Division. The Germans’ now tenuous bridgehead over the Ossa River was hammered by artillery and machinegun fire. Inexplicably, Polish forces were ordered to change positions. Colonel Stanislaw Switalski lost control of the situation, and ordered his 16th Infantry to withdraw which turned into panic among the troops. The Polish 16th Infantry regrouped after their blundered defensive switch and along with militia forces established a defense in the city, but it was too late. The Germans were able to exploit the situation. Elements of Infantry Regiment 3 captured the high ground east of the city, and then maneuvered southwest to the Vistula, effectively encircling Graudenz. Infantry Regiment 45 made a direct attack into the north part of the city, but quickly became bogged down in house to house fighting in the suburbs.

Defender: Polish (Reinforced elements 16th Infantry Division)  

Errata (source)