Führerbefehl! ETO (id:#57947)

Heat of Battle (Waffen-SS I: No Quarter No Glory! ID: NQNG1)   [next]   [previous]

Demyansk Pocket, USSR 1942-01-10 (3 others)

Overview:

As the last assaults on Moscow dribbled to a close, the winter temperatures dropped to deadly levels. Fresh Siberian divisions equipped with winter gear made their way to the front. On 7 January, the Russians launched a major offensive aimed at driving the Germans from the outskirts of Moscow. The northern blows crashed into the Germans between Lake Ilmen and Demyansk, and then glanced along the left shoulder of the 3rd SS Totenkopf Division. The Russians crossed the Lovat River bu 8 January and turned south to encircle the entire German Second Army Corps. Kobylkina became crucial to the now-forming pocket, and the Germans' survival. There, a bridge to the western side of the Lovat could be used to counterattack the Russians' flank. Late on 9 January, elements of the 3rd SS Pioneers were sent to the town to hold the bridge. Russian intentions were forecast and defensive works were already constructed around the bridge area. Special winter clothing was flown in at the request of the division commander. The Fuhrer stepped in and ordered a Führerbefehl to all units defending against the Russian thrust: there would be no withdraw from the pocket. . .

Defender: German (SS) (KampfGruppe "Ullrich", 3rd SS Division "Totenkopf")  

Errata (source)