Forced Crossing ETO (id:#63432)

(Special Ops 8 ID: O16)

Titovka River, Russia 1944-10-08 (7 others)

Overview:

On 7 October, phase one of the Soviet Petsamo-Kirkenes offensive began. Two rifle corps, supported by airpower, armor and artillery, were to overrun the German defenders and drive on the Luostari airfield. Dawn opened to low visibility, falling snow, and a ten-thousand shell Soviet barrage as the two corps moved out. Progress was halted to the south, where 99th Rifle Corps was slowed by German prepared defenses. 131st Rifle Corps, however, assaulted through German defenses and made the eastern banks of the Titovka River by nightfall. That night, a handful of daring volunteers swam the icy river, pushing their clothes and equipment wrapped in ponchos. The infiltrators launched a diversionary attack against Germans defending the bridge. The main body of the lead battalion began to assault the bridge while the diversion occupied the Germans. This attempt to capture the bridge intact was on the verge of success until the surviving Germans managed to blow up the bridge.

Defender: German (Gebirgs-Division 2)  

Errata (source)