The Beasts of Neustadt WTO (id:#67350)

(Grumble Jones ID: GJ158)   [next]   [previous]

Neustadt, Germany 1945-03-21 (5 others)

Overview:

By late March 1945, U.S. forces were driving hard through western Germany following the collapse of the Rhine defenses. On the wooded heights near Neustadt, elements of the U.S. 10th Armored Division probed German rear guard positions screening withdrawal routes and key road junctions. Opposing them was schwere PanzerJäger Abteilung 653, commanded locally by Major Rudolf Grillenberger, one of the last units equipped with the formidable Jagdtiger (12.8cm PaK 44). Though plagued by fuel shortages, mechanical failures, and limited infantry support, the Jagdtiger crews used terrain, concealment, and long-range fire to delay American advances. On March 21st, a small number of operational vehicles took up defensive positions on the heights overlooking the approaches, determined to inflict maximum damage before withdrawing or being overrun.

Defender: German (Ad hoc elements with Schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilung 653)  

Errata (source)