Siege of Brest Litovsk 1941

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows.....................

River crossing and attack a fortified area - Brest Litovsk in June 1941.

The 45 ID – Main effort.

Attack across the River Bug.

Barbarossa. June 26, 1941.

In the citadel, the sappers of the Pi Btl 81 detonated a powerful explosive charge prepared against the thick brick wall of 1 meter wide and captured about 450 prisoners, some of them belonged to a school of communist leaders. Therefore the Germans were able to outflank the North Island and later this allowed to clean the whole North Island, so only the East Fort remained as a focus of resistance. This place could not be conquered by the German infantry due to the numerous deep trenches and foxholes, which had a good field of fire with a horseshoe-shaped courtyard and any attempt to approach got an effective rifle and machine guns fire.

It only remained to achieve the surrender of the Russians by thirst and hunger, accelerating the process by harassing fire with heavy mortars, direct fire from tanks and spewing proclamations of surrendering from the loudspeakers and dropping of leaflets. The armored French and the captured Russian tanks were not yet available.

Sources: Memorias de un soldado. Heinz Guderian. Círculo Militar.
"Infanterie im Ostfelzug" by F. Hossbach.
Private Sales List - 45 Inf Div - RUSSIA Campaign.
Fotoalbum WH Panzer Foto 60 cm Mörser Gerät 040 Thor bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 28_02_10 191836 MEZ)
34. Infanterie-Division - Einsatz- und Gefechtsübersicht 1939-1945
Gschöpf, Rudolf, Mein Weg mit der 45 Infanterie Division, Buchdienst Südtirol, Nürnberg, 2002*
http://www.panzer-modell.de/berichte/berichte.htm
http://www.brest-region.by
http://barbarossa.pagesperso-orange.fr/opr2.htm
800 photos from photo albums of the EASTERN FRONT. eBay auction. Viernes, 30 de Enero de 2009, 12:08:06
Gefechtsbericht über die Wegnahme von Brest-Litowsk. Bundesarchiv BA- MA 26-45 / 27 148875/16
http://rkka1941.blogspot.com/2010/03/ge ... e-von.html
AA Krupennikov. "En primeras batallas” http://rkka1941.blogspot.com/
Album 150 Fotos _2. WK_ Rußland_Panzer Technik WW 2
БРЕСТСКАЯ КРЕПОСТЬ. Воспоминания и документы (Fortaleza de Brest. Memorias y documentos.)
Moskau, Rshew, Orel, Minsk. Bildbericht der Heeresgruppe Mitte. 1941-1944. Werner Haupt.
http://www.mapywig.org/m/WIG100_300DPI/ ... 300dpi.jpg

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows.....................

River crossing and attack a fortified area - Brest Litovsk in June 1941.

The 45 ID – Main effort.

Attack across the River Bug.

Barbarossa. June 27, 1941.

Through a deserter of the Eastern Fort, it was known that there still were holding 20 officers and 370 men with a quad machine gun, 10 light machine guns, 10 machine gun pistols, 1000 hand grenades and plenty of ammunition and rations. Water was scarce, but was obtained from dug wells. Also some women and children remained in the fort. The soul of the resistance were a major and a political commissar. The bulk of the encircled soldiers belonged to the Anti-Aircraft Battalion 393 of the 42 Rifle Division.

Finally around noon, a French tank Somua of Pz zug 28 (other two were not yet operational) and a captured Russian tank (a second had a mechanical failure) came close and through direct fires against the windows and openings neutralized the Russians, though success did not seem near.

On the other hand an assault cannon damaged on June 22, 1941 in the vicinity of the North Island could be repaired and was re-supply with ammo being ready to fire. meanwhile other nests of resistance (Russian soldiers who were firing from unexpected places such as garbage cans, piles of rags, etc) were finally cleared. The Eastern fort still was fighting.

Sources: Memorias de un soldado. Heinz Guderian. Círculo Militar.
"Infanterie im Ostfelzug" by F. Hossbach.
Private Sales List - 45 Inf Div - RUSSIA Campaign.
Fotoalbum WH Panzer Foto 60 cm Mörser Gerät 040 Thor bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 28_02_10 191836 MEZ)
34. Infanterie-Division - Einsatz- und Gefechtsübersicht 1939-1945
Gschöpf, Rudolf, Mein Weg mit der 45 Infanterie Division, Buchdienst Südtirol, Nürnberg, 2002*
http://www.panzer-modell.de/berichte/berichte.htm
http://www.brest-region.by
http://barbarossa.pagesperso-orange.fr/opr2.htm
800 photos from photo albums of the EASTERN FRONT. eBay auction. Viernes, 30 de Enero de 2009, 12:08:06
Gefechtsbericht über die Wegnahme von Brest-Litowsk. Bundesarchiv BA- MA 26-45 / 27 148875/16
http://rkka1941.blogspot.com/2010/03/ge ... e-von.html
AA Krupennikov. "En primeras batallas” http://rkka1941.blogspot.com/
Album 150 Fotos _2. WK_ Rußland_Panzer Technik WW 2
БРЕСТСКАЯ КРЕПОСТЬ. Воспоминания и документы (Fortaleza de Brest. Memorias y documentos.)
Moskau, Rshew, Orel, Minsk. Bildbericht der Heeresgruppe Mitte. 1941-1944. Werner Haupt.
http://www.mapywig.org/m/WIG100_300DPI/ ... 300dpi.jpg

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows.....................

River crossing and attack a fortified area - Brest Litovsk in June 1941.

The 45 ID – Main effort.

Attack across the River Bug.

Barbarossa. June 28, 1941.

On June 28, 1941 continued the bombardment carried out by the armored and the assault gun but without getting any success. Therefore, the Division Commander called for the possibility of an aerial attack from the aerodrome of Malaszewicze, the operation was possible but implied the withdrawal of the troops themselves behind the exterior walls or to the West fort by a security measure. During the afternoon these movements were accomplished, taking care that the Russians did not attempt a breakout, however due to the thick layer of clouds was not possible to execute the raid on that day. At night the Germans returned to their positions in order to restore the encirclement on the eastern fort and the fortress itself was illuminated with captured Russian projectors.

The Soviets opened fire at any careless movement. The troops in the citadel had been reduced in order to provide some rest to the troops.

Sources: Memorias de un soldado. Heinz Guderian. Círculo Militar.
"Infanterie im Ostfelzug" by F. Hossbach.
Private Sales List - 45 Inf Div - RUSSIA Campaign.
Fotoalbum WH Panzer Foto 60 cm Mörser Gerät 040 Thor bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 28_02_10 191836 MEZ)
34. Infanterie-Division - Einsatz- und Gefechtsübersicht 1939-1945
Gschöpf, Rudolf, Mein Weg mit der 45 Infanterie Division, Buchdienst Südtirol, Nürnberg, 2002*
http://www.panzer-modell.de/berichte/berichte.htm
http://www.brest-region.by
http://barbarossa.pagesperso-orange.fr/opr2.htm
800 photos from photo albums of the EASTERN FRONT. eBay auction. Viernes, 30 de Enero de 2009, 12:08:06
Gefechtsbericht über die Wegnahme von Brest-Litowsk. Bundesarchiv BA- MA 26-45 / 27 148875/16
http://rkka1941.blogspot.com/2010/03/ge ... e-von.html
AA Krupennikov. "En primeras batallas” http://rkka1941.blogspot.com/
Album 150 Fotos _2. WK_ Rußland_Panzer Technik WW 2
БРЕСТСКАЯ КРЕПОСТЬ. Воспоминания и документы (Fortaleza de Brest. Memorias y documentos.)
Moskau, Rshew, Orel, Minsk. Bildbericht der Heeresgruppe Mitte. 1941-1944. Werner Haupt.
http://www.mapywig.org/m/WIG100_300DPI/ ... 300dpi.jpg

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows.....................

River crossing and attack a fortified area - Brest Litovsk in June 1941.

The 45 ID – Main effort.

Attack across the River Bug.

Barbarossa. June 29, 1941.

On June 29, 1941 the Luftwaffe dropped bombs of 500 kg without producing any effect. Neither the renewed bombing of the Eastern forts with tanks and assault guns produced an effect, although it was checked a damage to the masonry of the wall.

For June 30, 1941 were prepared barrels of gasoline, oil and grease, roll them into the nests of resistance and then inflame them with hand grenades or tracer ammunition.

At noon the aviation repeated the air strikes with bombs of 500 kgs and was even thrown a bomb of 1800 kg which destroyed a corner of the wall and shook the city of Brest-Litovsk.

At the sight of women and children, 389 men surrendered that night; they caused a good impression for their morale and discipline and they received authorization from the Commanding Officer to do so. The Major and the Commissar committed suicide.

Sources: Memorias de un soldado. Heinz Guderian. Círculo Militar.
"Infanterie im Ostfelzug" by F. Hossbach.
Private Sales List - 45 Inf Div - RUSSIA Campaign.
Fotoalbum WH Panzer Foto 60 cm Mörser Gerät 040 Thor bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 28_02_10 191836 MEZ)
34. Infanterie-Division - Einsatz- und Gefechtsübersicht 1939-1945
Gschöpf, Rudolf, Mein Weg mit der 45 Infanterie Division, Buchdienst Südtirol, Nürnberg, 2002*
http://www.panzer-modell.de/berichte/berichte.htm
http://www.brest-region.by
http://barbarossa.pagesperso-orange.fr/opr2.htm
800 photos from photo albums of the EASTERN FRONT. eBay auction. Viernes, 30 de Enero de 2009, 12:08:06
Gefechtsbericht über die Wegnahme von Brest-Litowsk. Bundesarchiv BA- MA 26-45 / 27 148875/16
http://rkka1941.blogspot.com/2010/03/ge ... e-von.html
AA Krupennikov. "En primeras batallas” http://rkka1941.blogspot.com/
Album 150 Fotos _2. WK_ Rußland_Panzer Technik WW 2
БРЕСТСКАЯ КРЕПОСТЬ. Воспоминания и документы (Fortaleza de Brest. Memorias y documentos.)
Moskau, Rshew, Orel, Minsk. Bildbericht der Heeresgruppe Mitte. 1941-1944. Werner Haupt.
http://www.mapywig.org/m/WIG100_300DPI/ ... 300dpi.jpg

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows.....................

River crossing and attack a fortified area - Brest Litovsk in June 1941.

The 45 ID – Main effort.

Attack across the River Bug.

Barbarossa. June 30, 1941.

At dawn the eastern fort was completely raked, there were collected some wounded Soviet and German soldiers killed earlier in the struggle. The suspicious rooms were set on fire with flamethrowers.

During the fighting the divisional commander conducted the combat in addition to the radio through the wireless system, highlighting the work of the Nachrichten Abt. 65 which maintained the liaison with all the echelons despite of the different waterways and the enemy fire.

As a result of the heavy fighting held by the 45th ID It should be noted:

The fort and the city of Brest-Litovsk have been recovered and in regard to the means of logistics and communications, the major supply route of the Armored Group (Rollbahn 1) and the railway line Warsaw-Brest Litovsk to the east were operational and secure. As for the booty:

a) Armament:
14. 576 rifles
1,327 guns
27 mortars
15 cannons 7.5 cm
10 guns 15 cm
5 howitzers 15 cm
3 infantry guns - cannon-L03
46 anti-tank guns
18 various guns
6 anti-aircraft guns
b) Cattle: 780 horses
c) Vehicles;
36 combat vehicles and almost 1500 vehicles, mostly unused.
prisoners:
101 officers, 7,122 NCOs and soldiers.
Besides the bloody losses (dead and wounded) of the Russians are serious.

Sources: Memorias de un soldado. Heinz Guderian. Círculo Militar.
"Infanterie im Ostfelzug" by F. Hossbach.
Private Sales List - 45 Inf Div - RUSSIA Campaign.
Fotoalbum WH Panzer Foto 60 cm Mörser Gerät 040 Thor bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 28_02_10 191836 MEZ)
34. Infanterie-Division - Einsatz- und Gefechtsübersicht 1939-1945
Gschöpf, Rudolf, Mein Weg mit der 45 Infanterie Division, Buchdienst Südtirol, Nürnberg, 2002*
http://www.panzer-modell.de/berichte/berichte.htm
http://www.brest-region.by
http://barbarossa.pagesperso-orange.fr/opr2.htm
800 photos from photo albums of the EASTERN FRONT. eBay auction. Viernes, 30 de Enero de 2009, 12:08:06
Gefechtsbericht über die Wegnahme von Brest-Litowsk. Bundesarchiv BA- MA 26-45 / 27 148875/16
http://rkka1941.blogspot.com/2010/03/ge ... e-von.html
AA Krupennikov. "En primeras batallas” http://rkka1941.blogspot.com/
Album 150 Fotos _2. WK_ Rußland_Panzer Technik WW 2
БРЕСТСКАЯ КРЕПОСТЬ. Воспоминания и документы (Fortaleza de Brest. Memorias y documentos.)
Moskau, Rshew, Orel, Minsk. Bildbericht der Heeresgruppe Mitte. 1941-1944. Werner Haupt.
http://www.mapywig.org/m/WIG100_300DPI/ ... 300dpi.jpg

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; more follows.....................

River crossing and attack a fortified area - Brest Litovsk in June 1941.

The 45 ID – Main effort.

Attack across the River Bug.

Barbarossa. Aftermath.

According to the report of the Commander of the Division, Generalmajor Schlieper, dated July 8, 1941, casualties of the 45 ID amounted to:

32 officers and 421 NCOs and soldiers killed or missing in action and 31 officers and 637 NCOs and soldiers wounded in action.

Sources: Memorias de un soldado. Heinz Guderian. Círculo Militar.
"Infanterie im Ostfelzug" by F. Hossbach.
Private Sales List - 45 Inf Div - RUSSIA Campaign.
Fotoalbum WH Panzer Foto 60 cm Mörser Gerät 040 Thor bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 28_02_10 191836 MEZ)
34. Infanterie-Division - Einsatz- und Gefechtsübersicht 1939-1945
Gschöpf, Rudolf, Mein Weg mit der 45 Infanterie Division, Buchdienst Südtirol, Nürnberg, 2002*
http://www.panzer-modell.de/berichte/berichte.htm
http://www.brest-region.by
http://barbarossa.pagesperso-orange.fr/opr2.htm
800 photos from photo albums of the EASTERN FRONT. eBay auction. Viernes, 30 de Enero de 2009, 12:08:06
Gefechtsbericht über die Wegnahme von Brest-Litowsk. Bundesarchiv BA- MA 26-45 / 27 148875/16
http://rkka1941.blogspot.com/2010/03/ge ... e-von.html
AA Krupennikov. "En primeras batallas” http://rkka1941.blogspot.com/
Album 150 Fotos _2. WK_ Rußland_Panzer Technik WW 2
БРЕСТСКАЯ КРЕПОСТЬ. Воспоминания и документы (Fortaleza de Brest. Memorias y documentos.)
Moskau, Rshew, Orel, Minsk. Bildbericht der Heeresgruppe Mitte. 1941-1944. Werner Haupt.
http://www.mapywig.org/m/WIG100_300DPI/ ... 300dpi.jpg

Cheers. Raúl M .

[tigre]

Hello to all ; the end.....................

River crossing and attack a fortified area - Brest Litovsk in June 1941.

The 45 ID – Main effort.

Attack across the River Bug.

Barbarossa. Aftermath.

Sources: Memorias de un soldado. Heinz Guderian. Círculo Militar.
"Infanterie im Ostfelzug" by F. Hossbach.
Private Sales List - 45 Inf Div - RUSSIA Campaign.
Fotoalbum WH Panzer Foto 60 cm Mörser Gerät 040 Thor bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 28_02_10 191836 MEZ)
34. Infanterie-Division - Einsatz- und Gefechtsübersicht 1939-1945
Gschöpf, Rudolf, Mein Weg mit der 45 Infanterie Division, Buchdienst Südtirol, Nürnberg, 2002*
http://www.panzer-modell.de/berichte/berichte.htm
http://www.brest-region.by
http://barbarossa.pagesperso-orange.fr/opr2.htm
800 photos from photo albums of the EASTERN FRONT. eBay auction. Viernes, 30 de Enero de 2009, 12:08:06
Gefechtsbericht über die Wegnahme von Brest-Litowsk. Bundesarchiv BA- MA 26-45 / 27 148875/16
http://rkka1941.blogspot.com/2010/03/ge ... e-von.html
AA Krupennikov. "En primeras batallas” http://rkka1941.blogspot.com/
Album 150 Fotos _2. WK_ Rußland_Panzer Technik WW 2
БРЕСТСКАЯ КРЕПОСТЬ. Воспоминания и документы (Fortaleza de Brest. Memorias y documentos.)
Moskau, Rshew, Orel, Minsk. Bildbericht der Heeresgruppe Mitte. 1941-1944. Werner Haupt.
http://www.mapywig.org/m/WIG100_300DPI/ ... 300dpi.jpg

It's all folks. Cheers. Raúl M .