Brandenburger Blitz MTO (id:#63802)

(Dispatches from the Bunker #47 ID: DB145)   [next]   [previous]

Prijepolje, Yugoslavia 1943-12-04 (0 others)

Overview:

“Operation Kugelblitz” (Ball Lightning) was the opening part of what became known as the 6th Offensive against Tito’s partisans in Yugoslavia. The objective of “Operation Kugelblitz” was to destroy elements of the NOVJ (National Liberation Army of Yugoslavia) II and III Corps in eastern Bosnia. Elements of the elite Brandenburger Division were attached to the 1st Gebirgsjäger Division for the operation, with orders to seize the town of Prijepolje and its critical bridge which spanned the Lim River. The partisan elements at Prijepolje also included former Italian Army troops that had joined the partisan side. Intelligence reported the Italian force included heavy weapons and guns, making Prijepolje a difficult objective. As the Brandenburgers approached the town in the early morning fog, they could see bunkers and guns guarding the town and the bridge. The Brandenburgers opened their attack by moving rapidly into the town and towards the bridge. The fog enabled the Brandenburgers to approach close to the partisan positions before they were recognized. One company of Brandenburgers became embroiled in street fighting east of the river, while the other company assaulted the bridge.

Defender: Allied (Elements of the 2nd Proletarian and 1st Šumadija Brigades, 2nd Proletarian Division, NOVJ II Corps and the Garibaldi Division, NOVJ II Corps)  

Errata (source)