In The Thick Of It! ETO (id:#62458)

(Panzer Aces #2 ID: PA#9)   [next]   [previous]

Yelnya, Russia, USSR 1941-08-14 (5 others)

Overview:

When the Russian continued attacks in front of Yelnya on July 26, Generaloberst Guderian sent in the 268th lnfantry Division to bolster that sector of the front; on the same day, Generaloberst Hoth's Panzergruppe 3, which was deployed to the north of Guderian's Panzergruppe 2, succeeded in closing the pocket east of Smolensk from the north. As a result, Panzergruppe 3, which had been pulled back somewhat, could now be moved forward again. However, in the opinion of Panzergruppe 2 the most dangerous for it was near Roslavl and east of Yelnya. This assessment proved to be accurate. The Russians repeatedly attacked Yelnya and each time the Sturmgeschütz Abteilung 202 was in he thick of the action. Thirteen Russian attacks were repulsed on July 30 alone. By now Leutnant Brandner was well accustomed to his new position. lt was as if he had been a platoon leader from the very beginning. Roslavl was taken on August 3. But at Yelnya the Russians showed no sign of yielding and Generaloberst Guderian had to commit his last reserves there. lt was the panzer group command post Security Company. Leutnant Brandner and his 1st Platoon were ordered to support the attack of the Security Company on the village. The two assault guns rolled out of the assembly ahead of the infantry.

Defender: Russian (Elements of 303rd Rifle Division supported by elements of 102nd Tank Brigade)  

Errata (source)