With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

German unit histories, lineages, OoBs, ToEs, commanders, fieldpost numbers, organization, etc.

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With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; a new history.........................

With the 3 Pz through Poland – September 1939.

By Aug 22 1939, the XIX AK (Mot) under General der Panzer Truppen Heinz Guderian, had been gathered at the Training Ground (Truppenübungsplatz) of Gross-Born (Pommerania) within the framework of the General der Artilerie v. Kluge’s 4 AOK; its CoS was Oberst Nehring (former PR 5’s CO).

Image

A 3 Pz Div’s motorized unit heading east towards the border line with Poland – Aug 1939. Possibly from its peace-time garrisons at Berlin-Brandenburg.

The Corps mission was as follows: Move ahead between the Zempolno (right) and Konitz (left) getting across the Brahe and to reach the Vistula quickly in order to cut off the so-called “Polish Corridor” sealing off the polish forces deployed there.

To the right was deployed General Strauss’ II. AK and to the left the Grenz Watch Abschnitz 1 of General kaupisch. Behind the Corps was the Army’s reserve the 23 ID of General Count Brockdorff.

Image
A Pz Kw IV of PR 6 marching towards its readiness area.

Sources: Memorias de un Soldado. Heinz Guderian. Círculo Militar. Buenos aires.
KTB des Genralkommando XIX AK – Feldzug in Polen.
Geschichte der Panzerregiment 5. Kapitel 3.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... en/3PD.htm
http://www.feldgrau.com/heer3p.html
http://www.wwiidaybyday.com/
Subasta de eBay (finalizada).

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
A Panzerspähwagen Sd Kfz 221 of AA 3 during previous FTX...
A Panzerspähwagen Sd Kfz 221 of AA 3 during previous FTX...
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Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; the story follows.........................

With the 3 Pz through Poland – September 1939.

Mission and Organization.

The Army Corps (XIX AK - Mot) was composed of the 3 Pz Div (Generalleutnant Frhr Geyr v. Schweppenburg), the 2 ID (Mot) and the 20 ID (Mot). The 3 Pz’s mission was to advance on the Corps’ right between the Zempolno and Kamionka, to cross over the Brahe at Hammermühle and proceed to the Vistula at Schwetz.

Image
The 3 Pz's road from Gross Born to the bank of the Narew river - sep 1939.

The Division’s TOE at that time was:

3.Schützen-Brigade "Eberswalde" Oberst Angern
Schützen-Regiment 3 Oberst Kleemann
Schützen-Bataillon I
Schützen-Bataillon II
Kradschützen-Abteilung 3 Oberstlt.v.Manteuffel

3.Panzer-Brigade "Berlin" Oberst (Gen.Maj.) Stumpff
Panzer-Regiment 5 "Wünsdorf" Oberstleutnant Conze
Panzer-Abteilung I
Panzer-Abteilung II
Panzer-Regiment 6 "Neuruppin" Oberst Rothenburg
Panzer-Abteilung I
Panzer-Abteilung II

Artillerie-Regiment 75 Oberstlt.Wimmer
Artillerie-Abteilung I
Artillerie-Abteilung II

Aufklärungs-Abteilung 3 (mot) Major Frhr.v.Wechmar
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 39
Nachrichten-Abteilung 39
Pionier-Bataillon 39 Major v.Mertens
Supply trains.

Besides it had been reinforced by the following units:

Panzerlehrabteilung (as III./ PR 5), Schw. Art. Abt 48 and 68, Nebelwerf. Abt 2 (less one battery) and the Pi Btl 43.

Sources: Memorias de un Soldado. Heinz Guderian. Círculo Militar. Buenos aires.
KTB des Genralkommando XIX AK – Feldzug in Polen.
Geschichte der Panzerregiment 5. Kapitel 3.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... en/3PD.htm
http://www.feldgrau.com/heer3p.html
http://www.wwiidaybyday.com/
Subasta de eBay (finalizada).

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
A panzerspähwagen (Sd Kfz 231 8x8) of AA 3 during a pre-war show.
A panzerspähwagen (Sd Kfz 231 8x8) of AA 3 during a pre-war show.
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Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all ; the story follows.........................

With the 3 Pz through Poland – September 1939.

Mission and Organization (2º part).

When the movilization was established, the PR 5 lost its Commander, Oberst Nehring, who was to act as CoS in the XIX AK (Mot), being succeeded by Oberstleutnant Conze (Panzerlehrregiment’s CO); besides the I.Abteilung gave its 3. Kompanie and the II. Abteilung its 7. Kompanie to the newly raised Panzer-Ersatzabteilung 5. So as 01 Sep 1939 the regiment tanks’ strenght (Ist-Bestand) with 6 companies, was as follows:

Image

Being the PR 6’s total tanks’ strenght the following: 59 Panzer 1, 79 Panzer 2, 3 Panzer 3, 9 Panzer 4 and 8 Befehlspanzer (command tanks).

Image
An element of the Kradsch. Btl ready to march from Gross Born – Aug 1939.

Before the war and while the armored vehicles were at Gross-Born a big white cross was painted on it. That white cross meant the vehicle was a German ones. However it made easy the aim for the polish antitank guns also, so that white cross was later erased.

Sources: Memorias de un Soldado. Heinz Guderian. Círculo Militar. Buenos aires.
KTB des Genralkommando XIX AK – Feldzug in Polen.
Geschichte der Panzerregiment 5. Kapitel 3.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... en/3PD.htm
http://www.feldgrau.com/heer3p.html
http://www.wwiidaybyday.com/
Subasta de eBay (finalizada).

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
Tanks belonging to the PR 5 wth the big white cross painted on it - Gross Born Aug 1939.
Tanks belonging to the PR 5 wth the big white cross painted on it - Gross Born Aug 1939.
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Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; the story follows.........................

With the 3 Pz through Poland – September 1939.


War. Sept 01 1939.

Image
Pz Kw I and II ready to march towards the polish border line from the Training ground at Gross-Born.

The attack went under way at 04:45 hours with the Army Corps Commander, General der Panzertruppe Guderian following the movement of the 3. Pz Brig “Berlin” behind the PR 5 (Oberstleutnant Conze).

Already at 05:10 while heading to Witkowo the Corps’ Commander took artillery fire, but it did not came from the enemy side but from the German heavy artillery which was supporting the 3 Pz’s attack. While traying to get out of the fire zone the schützenpanzerwagen’s driver became nervous and fell in a ditch and one of the axles was wrenched.

Image
Pz Kw I and Pz Kw II of the 3 Pz marching through the so called "Polish Corridor"; to the right a schützenpanzerwagen which carried the Army Corps Commander (General Guderian).

At 09:00 hours in order to secure the Corps’ right flank parts of the 23 ID (AA 23 and Pz Abw Abt 23) were detached from Grunau to Zempelburg (Sapolno) and the ground north of it.

At 11:25 after a short but vicious fight against polish antitank guns (8./ 22 pp) the PR 6 (Oberst Rothenburg) took Gross-Klonia (Klonię Wielką) and proceeded to Kamnitz. There were killed 1 Officer, 1 Cadet Officer and 8 men belonging to the 7./PR 6 under Hptm.Friedrichs .

Sources: Memorias de un Soldado. Heinz Guderian. Círculo Militar. Buenos aires.
KTB des Genralkommando XIX AK – Feldzug in Polen.
Geschichte der Panzerregiment 5. Kapitel 3.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... en/3PD.htm
http://www.feldgrau.com/heer3p.html
http://www.wwiidaybyday.com/
Subasta de eBay (finalizada).

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
Advance towards Bagnitz – 01 Sep 1939.
Advance towards Bagnitz – 01 Sep 1939.
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Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; the story follows.........................

With the 3 Pz through Poland – September 1939.

War. Sept 01 1939.

Around noon, the PR 5 together with its brother regiment, the PR 6, had reached the Brahe river, which ran from south to north through the Tucheler Heide. The 3. Pz Brigade "Berlin" with attached elements from the AA 3 (Major Frhr.v.Wechmar), had moved 30 kilometers ahead into the "Polish Corridor" making a wedge in the enemy front.

Image
First refuelling close to Bagnitz – 01 Sep 1939.

At 14:30 hours the Corps’ CP was shifted to Tryziany (Zahn). The Corps Commander went to Pruszcz (Prust) where were the 3 Pz’s troops, arriving there at 16:00 hours, the Divisional Commander was not there and the PR 6 officers reported on the Brahe’s situation. The PR 6 Commanding Officer did not believe his regiment could get across that day. The troops were to take a rest on the spot.

Guderian was dissastified with that situation when a young Leutnant with his sleeves rolled up approached and told him: Sir, I came from the front, the polish resistance was weak on the Brahe. The attack failed because nobody leads it. You should go there Sir; and the amazed Corps Commander did so, reaching the Brahe´s bank at Hammermühle (Sokole Kuznica) between 16:00 and 17:00 hours.

Sources: Memorias de un Soldado. Heinz Guderian. Círculo Militar. Buenos aires.
KTB des Genralkommando XIX AK – Feldzug in Polen.
Geschichte der Panzerregiment 5. Kapitel 3.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... en/3PD.htm
http://www.feldgrau.com/heer3p.html
http://www.wwiidaybyday.com/
Subasta de eBay (finalizada).

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
Assembly area before Pruszcz – 01 Sep 1939.
Assembly area before Pruszcz – 01 Sep 1939.
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Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all ; the story follows.........................

With the 3 Pz through Poland – September 1939.

War. Sept 01 1939.

Then having ascertaining the situation there, General Guderian went to Lachowo where he put in motion parts of the Pz Lehr Abt, the I./ PR 5 with parts of II./ SR 3 later reinforced by Pi Kp Beigel (Pi Btl 39) and the KSB 3. The crossing at Lachowo was a success and pressed on across the Brahe at Hammermühle (Sokole Kuznica).

Image
Polish POWs taken at Hammermühle - Sep 01 1939.

The river crossing was over by 18:00 hours and the 3 Pz had reached the attack’s objective for that day: Swiekatowo. The AA 3 was sent towards the Vistula reaching that river during the night at Schwetz (Swiecie).

Image
Polish soldiers captured on the Brahe within the Tucheler Heide - Sep 01 1939.

The 23 ID after carrying out heavy marches had reached Pruszcz (Prust) with its advance guards. The neighbour to the right, 32 ID (II AK) at 13:30 hours had seized Viecborg (Vandsburg) and Sepolno (Zempelburg). At 17:30 hours reached Makowarsko (Monkowarsk).

Sources: Memorias de un Soldado. Heinz Guderian. Círculo Militar. Buenos aires.
KTB des Genralkommando XIX AK – Feldzug in Polen.
Geschichte der Panzerregiment 5. Kapitel 3.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... en/3PD.htm
http://www.feldgrau.com/heer3p.html
http://www.wwiidaybyday.com/
Subasta de eBay (finalizada).

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
Pz Kw I of II./ PR 5 there was KIA the panzerschütze Willy Bader (23 years old) - Sep  01 1939 at Liebenau.
Pz Kw I of II./ PR 5 there was KIA the panzerschütze Willy Bader (23 years old) - Sep 01 1939 at Liebenau.
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Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all ; the story follows.........mixing something about the Kradsch. Btl 3 and AA 3....

With the 3 Pz through Poland – September 1939.

War. Sept 01 1939. The Kradsch. Btl 3 Poland – Sep 1939.

The Kradsch. Btl 3 was part of the 3. Pz under Oberstleutnant v. Manteufel. The 1./ Kradsch. Btl 3 under Oberleutnant v. Cochenhausen, the 2./ Kradsch. Btl 3 under Hauptmann Pape and the 3./ Kradsch. Btl 3 under Oberleutnant Adler.

Image
Fully equipped and ready to march..........

The Kradsch. Btl 3 got across the borderline at 05:00 setting up behind the Panzerbrigade.

Image
Kamiena – 01 Sep 1939.

The 7./Pz.Rgt.6 under Hptm.Friedrichs encountered heavy enemy resistance at Groß-Klonia as the fog disappeared. Two tanks were destroyed by a hidden AT-gun. Also the following infantry came under enemy fire and had to stop. The II./A.R.75 moved forward and the 3./K.3 under Oberleutnant Adler, should attack the enemy positions with the fire support furnished by te 5./AR 75; later was engaged the 1./ Kradsch. Btl 3 (Oberleutnant v.Cochenhausen)also and attacked against the woods on foot.

Image
Polish POWs taken at Groß-Klonia – 01 Septiembre de 1939.

Image
Before Gross Klonia we Could not see more than 20 meters….

Image
Short rest at Groß-Klonia the first day of the campaign.

After clearing the woods the Kradsch. Btl 3 proceeded to Bagnitz, in the lead a recce patrol under Uffz Petreins.

Image
Through the Tucheler Heide..............

The “Tücheler Heide” it could not be erased from our minds. We were happy when it was left behind; but yet more pain was lying before us.

Image
Here was placed a polish cannon.

Slowly we pressed on towards Hammermühle. From there, Uffz Dreger and Schütze …moved 50 – 100 meters ahead of our company as security.

Image
Towards Hammermühle.....

In the afternoon Guderian orders the division not to stop but to cross the Brahe river. About 3km south of the railroad the 2./K.3 with assistance of pioneers crosses the Brahe followed by 3./K.3 and the 1.Kp. in the night. By midnight Hammermühle was burning and the 3 Pz was far ahead in front of the Corps.

Sources: Memorias de un Soldado. Heinz Guderian. Círculo Militar. Buenos aires.
KTB des Genralkommando XIX AK – Feldzug in Polen.
Geschichte der Panzerregiment 5. Kapitel 3.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... en/3PD.htm
http://www.feldgrau.com/heer3p.html
http://www.wwiidaybyday.com/
Subasta de eBay (finalizada).
subasta de Historical Media, LLC (finalizada)

Cheers. Raúl M 8) .
Attachments
Polish POWs taken at Hammermühle.....
Polish POWs taken at Hammermühle.....
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Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by Richard Hargreaves »

Hi Raul,

Is the Pz Regt history the fairly recent one by Hartmann?

BTW, if you like 3rd Pz Div contemporary histories, you'll like Panzerkeil Im Osten covering 1941-42. :D
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Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by tigre »

Hello Richard and all :D; yes, I took some notes and pictures from the book by Bernd Hartmann:

“Geschichte des Panzerregiments 5 1939 – 1943 und der Panzerabteilung 5 1943 – 1945”. It was published in 2002.

and thanks for your tip on this topic. Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
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Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; the story follows.........mixing something about the Kradsch. Btl 3 and AA 3....

With the 3 Pz through Poland – September 1939.

War. Sept 01 1939. The Aufkl. Abt. 3 Poland – Sep 1939.

Image
Field training exercises before the war. Here one Sd Kfz 231 (6x6).

Image
The 3 Pz’s advance guard after crossing the polish border on Sep 01 1939. On the foreground a Sd Kfz 232 (6x6) of AA 3 followed by two Sd Kfz 7 with mounted AA gun (37 mm) of I./Flak Rgt 61?.

First enemy resistance, along the line Sepolno (Zempelburg) - Tryziany (Zahn) and more to the north was broken quickly. The attack of the Pz Brigade proceeded towards Waldowka - Wlk. Klonia (Gross Klonia).

A.A.3 forces the river Brahe with a surprise attack at Hammermühle. The bridge is secured and the following Pz.Rgt.6 captured a polish Bicycle-company which was sent to protect the bridge. The AA 3 was directed towards Schwetz on the Vistula river in order to find what’s up with the polish troops and its reserves.

Sources: Memorias de un Soldado. Heinz Guderian. Círculo Militar. Buenos aires.
KTB des Genralkommando XIX AK – Feldzug in Polen.
Geschichte der Panzerregiment 5. Kapitel 3.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... en/3PD.htm
http://www.feldgrau.com/heer3p.html
http://www.wwiidaybyday.com/
Subasta de eBay (finalizada).
subasta de Historical Media, LLC (finalizada)

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
Some AA 3’s elements deployed in the morning Mist during the first day of the Polish Campaign. On the foreground a Sd Kfz 231 (6x6) and beyond a Sd Kfz 232 (8x8) and also a Sd Kfz 232 (6x6).
Some AA 3’s elements deployed in the morning Mist during the first day of the Polish Campaign. On the foreground a Sd Kfz 231 (6x6) and beyond a Sd Kfz 232 (8x8) and also a Sd Kfz 232 (6x6).
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Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; the story follows.........

With the 3 Pz through Poland – September 1939.

02 September 1939.

New orders for this day were issued for the 23 ID at 04:40 hours by radio and for the 2 ID (Mot) at 05:00 hours by one liaison officer. The Kampfgruppe Kleemann (Kradsch. Btl 3 reinforced) which was covering the north flank should be relieved by Pz abw. Abt 23 and AA 2; AA 23 (attached to 3 Pz) should reconnoitre southwards after crossing the Brahe.

At 05:00 hours the 3 Pz radioed that Kampfgruppe Angern had reached the lagoons west of Lubania Lipiny.

At 10:00 hours critical situation, 3 Pz radioed that it was fighting heavily with strong enemy. The 23 ID reported that its IR 9 had reached Bagienica (Bagnitz).

Image
A Pz Kw II after the struggle on Sep 02 1939.

At 12:15 hours Kampfgruppe Kleemann deployed on the Brahe’s western bank went to the attack and the enemy resistance was broken.

At 15:00 hours, Pi Btl 32 (2 ID) and Pi Btl 43 (attached to 3 Pz) should build a 16 ton’s bridge south of the railway bridge of Sokole-Kuznica (Hammermühle).

At 17:10 hours, the IR 9, deployed on the railway enbankment east of Sokole-Kuznica (Hammermühle), rejected heavy attacks coming from Klonowo and Lubiewo; at 19:45 it was ordered to 23 ID that IR 67 should proceed eastwards after crossing the railway bridge while the IR 9 remained there holding its position.

Image

Meanwhile......

The Kradsch. Btl 3 went ahead reaching Swiekatowo and then camped in a wood nearby. In the early morning Kradsch. Btl 3 started its advance towards the Vistula-river followed shortly afterwards by the Panzerbrigade and Kampfgruppe Stumpff.

Image
With the peasants......

And...........

On Sep 02 1939, the AA 3 reached the Vistula river but sadly it had some casualties during a firefight with polish troops at Poledno. There fell leading his Platoon Leutnant Werner Adam (2º son of General Adam) and Rittmeister v.Prittwitz und Gaffron, 2./ AA 3’s CO was seriously wounded and died soon afterward at the Main Aid Station.

Sources: Memorias de un Soldado. Heinz Guderian. Círculo Militar. Buenos aires.
KTB des Genralkommando XIX AK – Feldzug in Polen.
Geschichte der Panzerregiment 5. Kapitel 3.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... en/3PD.htm
http://www.feldgrau.com/heer3p.html
http://www.wwiidaybyday.com/
Subasta de eBay (finalizada).
subasta de Historical Media, LLC (finalizada)

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
The fresh graves of the fallen German soldiers.
The fresh graves of the fallen German soldiers.
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Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by tigre »

hello to all :D; see here a little story regarding this topic........

viewtopic.php?f=45&t=22937&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
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Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; the story follows.........

With the 3 Pz through Poland – September 1939.

03 September 1939.

At 05:00 hours the 3 Pz resumed its advance towards Culm-Schwetz while the 23 ID, with main effort to its east flank, pressed again Plewno. At 07:30 hours the 3 Pz was fighting against the line Przechowo – Plewno. The PR 6’ spearhead had reached the road Tuchel – Schwetz by 08:30 hours; the Divisional CP at Poledno. At 09:40 hours the Luftwaffe bombed the 3 Pz Brigade’s staff which was located on height 91 (2,5 kilometers north-northwest of Terespol).

Image
Situation on Sep 03 1939.

At 12:35 the 3 Pz radioed that it was running out of artillery ammunition. At 14:45 hours the 3 Pz Brigade had reached Laskowice – Oslowo – Lolek. At 16:30 hours the 32 ID reached the line road Tuchel – Schwetz northwest of Terespol; also reached the division columns with fuel and ammunition. Group von Mertens closing Schwetz. At 16:40 hours Group Angern (reconnaissance detachment, riflemen and artillery) at Grupa Dolna. At 21:00 hours the 23 ID along Polskie – Lakie – Plewno – Bramka.

Image
Polish’s POWs taken at Grupa Dolna – 03 Sep 1939.

with the Kradsch. Btl 3........

On Sep 03 1939, while leading the advance, the 2./Kradsch. Btl 3 was fired shortly after had reached Drozdowo and was halted. The 3./Kradsch. Btl 3 and the weakened 1./kradsch. Btl 3 were sent to help. While moving along the railroad behind Belno, the 1./ Kradsch. Btl 3 took a train with 4 officers and 128 men.

Image
Polish POWs.

And the Aufkl. Abt 3.......................

On Sep 03 1939 at 04:00 hours, the division marched off over Poledno – Drozdowo with the A.A.3 in the lead. Later, The A.A.3 got the order to take Schwetz. The A.A.3 surpassed Schwetz after sunset advancing north along the Vistula river.

Sources: Memorias de un Soldado. Heinz Guderian. Círculo Militar. Buenos aires.
KTB des Genralkommando XIX AK – Feldzug in Polen.
Geschichte der Panzerregiment 5. Kapitel 3.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... en/3PD.htm
http://www.feldgrau.com/heer3p.html
http://www.wwiidaybyday.com/
Subasta de eBay (finalizada).
PANZER Photo Album - Aufkl. Abt 3 - -Sudetenland, Poland. Auction of Historical media 2007. LLC (now expired). Sábado, 25 de Octubre de 2008.

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
One Sd Kfz 231 of AA 3 during a lull in the fight while moving to the Vistula.
One Sd Kfz 231 of AA 3 during a lull in the fight while moving to the Vistula.
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Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; the story follows.........

With the 3 Pz through Poland – September 1939.

04 September 1939.

The 23 ID attacked towards Czarna Woda. Assault against the enemy at Terespol towards Swiecie (Schwetz) y Grupa (Gruppe).

At 01:45 hours the 23 ID reported that the enemy’s action had been increased against its positions at Plewno (Julienhof) – Branica (Branitz). At 02:15 hours the 23 ID’s Commanding Officer talked over a polish breakthrough with the Corps’ CoS then requested armored support. By means of two polish officer (Ucranians) who were taken prisoners, it was known that the German troops were facing the 10. Div (later was ascertained it was really the 9 DP) and the 27 DP. At 02:50 hours the Divisional Commander reported that the Unit held its positions. At 05:30 hours the 23 ID was deployed along the line Plewno – Branica facing north.

At 08:15 hours, the 3 Pz without Combat Groups Kleemann and Mertens was at Grupa Gorna (Ober-Gruppe) and Grupa Dolna (Nieder-Gruppe) without fuel and ammunition supply. Combat Group Kleemann attacked form Poledno via Terespol towards Sulnowko and Group Mertens was joining its parent unit. The 32 ID was securing Swiecie (Schwetz) and Przechowo (Schönau) with one infantry regiment (IR 94).

At 12:00 hours, the 23 ID had reached Czarna Woda with two infantry regiments. At 12:15 hours the Army’s Commanding Officer was told about the Corps’ situation; the ring had been closed around the polish troops.

At 17:30 hours was reported to AOK that the Army Corps had reached the line Bzowo – Jezewo – Taszewko – Grupa. At the Grupa’s Training Ground the enemy offered some resistance yet. For the time being were captured 4.000 to 6.000 men and 350 horses. Units destroyed so far 9 Div, 2/3 27 Div, Cav Brig Pomorska, Group Stargard (parts of it) and ON Brig Tuchel.

with the Kradsch. Btl 3........

On Sep 04 1939, the Panzerbrigade reinforced with the Kradsch. Btl 3 and two batteries 2. and 4./A.R.75 received the order to cross the Mateva-sector and attack Grupa from the west in broad formation.

Image
Remnants of a polish engineers column....................

And the Aufkl. Abt 3.......................

On Sep 04 1939 at 04:00 hours, the A.A.3 started its advance along the Vistula towards Graudenz. In villages some disrupted polish soldiers fired on the unit but were ignored. Later de detachment took up defensive positions there.

Sources: Memorias de un Soldado. Heinz Guderian. Círculo Militar. Buenos aires.
KTB des Genralkommando XIX AK – Feldzug in Polen.
Geschichte der Panzerregiment 5. Kapitel 3.
http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gli ... en/3PD.htm
http://www.feldgrau.com/heer3p.html
http://www.wwiidaybyday.com/
Subasta de eBay (finalizada).
PANZER Photo Album - Aufkl. Abt 3 - -Sudetenland, Poland. Auction of Historical media 2007. LLC (now expired). Sábado, 25 de Octubre de 2008.

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
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By the Vistula? - Some troops of AA 3 enjoying the day....
By the Vistula? - Some troops of AA 3 enjoying the day....
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Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
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Richard Hargreaves
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Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by Richard Hargreaves »

And from the divisional history... Geschichte der 3 Panzer Division 1935-1945, Verlag der Buchhandlung Günter Richter, Berlin 1967

[September 16th 1939]

3rd Panzer Division itself plays no part in the final storming of the fortress, rather the bulk of the division bypasses Brest to the east to thrust southwards. The new objective is Wlodawa. The landscape, monotonous and grey, lies before the men in the advance detachments. The rain of the last few days has softened the roads and meadows. There's barely a tree in sight, only sand and yet more sand, and in between small, dirty villages. There's little to be seen of the people; if they do appear, they are shy and wary, completely different from the White Russians we encountered in Bialystok and Hainowka...
Shortly before the road junction in Tomaszowka we sight movement. The leutnant driving in front sends a short burst of fire from his panzer. 2/Panzer Regiment 5 turns down the road to Tomaszowka. There is no pause. The battery following behind cannot keep up in the darkness and takes up position on the railway embankment. The pioneers rest on the panzers, which are now driving through the forest.
When an enemy armoured car suddenly emerged from a dirt track, it was promptly shot up. But, minute by minute, there are increasing signs of movement on the road. Hauptmann Schmidt turns abruptly to the right and fires at everything which blocks the road. Trucks, wagons, bridging kit and other equipment goes up in flames. The Polish drivers immediately flee to the safety of the forests on the right and the road on the left. The speedometers on the panzers show show 45km/h and the journey becomes ever faster. The telegraph line linking Wlodawa and Kowel is broken by driving into the masts, columns of horses scatter and vehicles surrender.
Just as the darkness of night makes a further advance impossibe, the company reaches Tomaszowka. A single anti-tank gun, which stands close to the railway station and shoots at the German panzers, is knocked out by direct hits. The men were only able to identify the gun because of its bursts of fire. Several batteries are shooting from somewhere into the burning village, which the panzers have already passed through by 7.45pm...
2/Panzer Regiment 5 is not content with this attack alone. If there's petrol in the tank, then we continue southwards. The road grows worse by the minute. The motorcyclists cannot keep pace any longer and halt. The panzers alone rattle onwards. The pitch darkness permits almost no chance of getting your bearings. The journey slows down, for swamps and dense forests are our new obstacles. [pp.30-2]
No-one who speaks German could be an evil man
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