Rzhev 1943 – 102nd and 252nd German infantry divisions.

[Sauvant]

Hi people,

can anyone help me in these researches? I’m interested in the exact lay-down of these two German units along the Rzhev arch between end February – begin March 1943.

According my sources the 102. ID stayed in the Osuga area until mid-January 1943. In March 1943, at eve of “Büffel” movement, this unit was likely at east or south-east of Sychevka, but I have some doubts about it.

As for 252. ID the sources are a bit contradictory. In fact, one of these shows the division’s sector just at east of Gshatsk, another source reports it at south of town and just at east of Gshatsk places on the contrary the 35. ID.

Many thanks in advance for any information about it.

Best regards
Sauvant

[Shadow]

Greetings “Sauvant” –

My records (for 01 March 1943) show 252nd Infanteriedivision about 25 Km. due south of Gshatsk, on the eastern flank of the Rshew salient, sandwiched between the 35th & 292nd Infanteriedivisionen, under command of IX Armeekorps.

I show 102nd Infanteriedivision about 20 Km. almost due east of Ssytschewka, again on the eastern flank of the Rshew salient, located between 2nd Panzerdivision and 337th Infanteriedivision, under command of XXXIX Panzerkorps.

Hope this is of some help,

Best regards,

[genstab]

I hesitate to add anything after the masterful reply Shadow gave, pinpointing the divisions' exact locations at the time you asked about. I can however confirm their Corps assignments from the OKH Operation Section schematic O/Bs of 4 March 1943 (as published in "Die Geheimen Tagesberichte"). Both divisions were still under the Corps which Shadow indicated on 4 March. IX Armeekorps was under 4. Armee while XXXIX. Panzerkorps was under 9. Armee.

[hero.]

Hello to all !

Maybe, I can add some info:

On the first of the following two maps you can find the positions of both divisions at Feb. 12., 1943.
This should remain the same until the start of operation "Büffel", but I have no
exact informations on this. The Maps are from Op.Abt. OKH, so they should be quite accurate.

http://www.gutenberg-e.org/esk01/maps/L ... b43_lg.jpg
While the 252.ID is very near the position, already given by Shadow, the 102. ID
is located more 15 km north of Sychewka, with the 2. PzD to its right.

On the second map, showing the situation on the evening of Mar. 6.,1943, the 102.ID is
located directly at Sychewka, while the 252.ID is southeast of Gshatsk.
http://www.gutenberg-e.org/esk01/maps/L ... 43c_lg.jpg

Maybe more information is available, depending on your needs.
Anyway, I hope this helps, best regards,

hero.