The Streets of Rostov ETO (id:#67386)

(ASL Journal #17 ID: J270)   [next]   [previous]

Prior Publication: DB114

Rostov-on-Don, Russia 1942-07-24 (6 others)

Overview:

The Germans hoped to seize the city of Rostov and the crucial Don River crossings as quickly as possible. Leading the attack on the city were the 13th Panzer Division and the 5th SS-Wiking Motorized Division. Kampfgruppe Dieckmann led the thrust by SS-Wiking, formed around the I. Bataillon of SS-Germania Regiment and 5th SS Panzerabteilung, along with attached artillery and Pioniers. After rapidly breaching the first and second defense lines, Kampfgruppe Dieckmann found itself confronted by yet another defense line. This third defense line included an anti-tank ditch like the previous two defense lines. The Russian troops manning this defense line were well ensconced in buildings and heavily armed with machineguns, but lacking in anti-tank weapons. This allowed the German armor to attack the Russians at close range, while at the same time the Pioniers breached the anti-tank ditch to allow the tanks passage through.

Defender: Russian (Soviet 56th Army and 9th NKVD Motorized Rifle Division)  

Errata (source)