With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

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

Moderator: Tom Houlihan

User avatar
sebastian
Contributor
Posts: 289
Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 1:56 am
Location: belgium

Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by sebastian »

nice articles domen and tigre,interesting to read both the german and polish movements of the campaign!

Cheers

Sebastian
united we stand,divided we fall
User avatar
tigre
Patron
Posts: 6959
Joined: Sun Apr 10, 2005 5:42 pm
Location: Argentina

Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by tigre »

You're welcome Seb and thanks for joining :wink:. Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
Domen123
Enthusiast
Posts: 400
Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:26 pm

Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by Domen123 »

Hi Tigre!,

Thanks for further excellent pieces of information! :D

And here something from me - comparison of Polish and German forces in the Corridor on 01.09.1939:

Polish forces*:

9 DP - 16492 soldiers, 48 field and infantry guns, 20 mortars, 27 AT guns
27 DP - 17441 soldiers, 52 field and infantry guns, 22 mortars, 27 AT guns
Pomorska BK - 7284 soldiers, 16 field guns, 2 mortars, 18 AT guns, 13 tanks, 9 amoured cars
OW Chojnice - ca. 2950 soldiers, 6 mortars, 3 AT guns
15 DP + attached units – 17896 soldiers, 48 field and infantry guns, 22 mortars, 33 AT guns, 13 tanks

*I don’t count forces defending the eastern border of the Corridor (OW Tczew, OW Wisla) as well as German forces which were attacking there (e.g. SS H - D).

Grand total:

62050 soldiers, 164 field and infantry guns, 72 mortars, 108 AT guns, 26 tanks, 9 armoured cars

German forces:

Units attacking in the first wave (crossing the border on 01.09.1939):

3 Pz.Div.* - 12545 soldiers, 42 field and infantry guns, 12 mortars, 45 AT guns, 394 tanks, 97 AFVs
20 Inf.Div.(mot.) - 16445 soldiers, 72 field and infantry guns, 54 mortars, 72 AT guns, 30 AFVs
2 Inf.Div.(mot.) - 16445 soldiers, 72 field and infantry guns, 54 mortars, 72 AT guns, 30 AFVs
Korpstruppen XIX AK – 9220 soldiers, 72 field guns, 6 mortars, 36 AT guns
32 Inf.Div. - 17734 soldiers, 74 field and infantry guns, 54 mortars, 75 AT guns, 3 AFVs
3 Inf.Div. - 17734 soldiers, 74 field and infantry guns, 54 mortars, 75 AT guns, 3 AFVs
Korpstruppen II AK – 4300 soldiers, 36 field guns
50 Inf.Div. - ca. 14500 soldiers, 30 field and infantry guns, 54 mortars, 36 AT guns
Inf.Bde. "Netze" - 8000 soldiers, 36 mortars, 48 AT guns
Korpstruppen III AK – 7050 soldiers, 28 field guns, 6 AT guns, 56 AFVs (from Lehr.Aufk.Abt.)
23 Inf.Div. - 17734 soldiers, 74 field guns, 54 mortars, 75 AT guns, 3 AFVs
Armeetruppen - 2560 soldiers, 12 field guns, 36 AT guns

* with Pz.Lehr.Abt.

Total:

144310 soldiers, 586 field and infantry guns, 378 mortars, 576 AT guns, 394 tanks, 222 AFVs

Units attacking in the second wave (crossing the border on 03.09.1939):

10 Pz.Div. - 7301 soldiers, 24 field and infantry guns, 12 mortars, 21 AT guns, 151 tanks, est. 50 AFVs
73 Inf.Div. - 15273 soldiers, 74 field and infantry guns, 75 AT guns
218 Inf.Div. - 17901 soldiers, 74 field and infantry guns, 75 AT guns
Armeetruppen - 700 soldiers

Total:

41200 soldiers, 172 field and infantry guns, 12 mortars, 171 AT guns, 151 tanks, est. 50 AFVs

Grand total:

185510 soldiers, 758 field and infantry guns, 390 mortars, 747 AT guns, 545 tanks, 272 AFVs

German – Polish numerical superiority ratio in the Corridor:*

Tanks and AFVs: 23,5 : 1
Artillery for direct fire support (AT guns): 6,92 : 1
Field and infantry artillery (guns and mortars): 4,86 : 1
Soldiers: 2,99 : 1
Air support available: de facto almost boundless versus virtually zero


* Along the main axes of German attack their superiority was much greater (for example in front of Polish 9 DP it was much greater than in front of 15 DP).

----------------------------------------------------------

Korpstruppen XIX AK:

Panzerabwehr-Lehr-Abteilung - 708*
II.(mot.)/Infanterie-Lehr-Regiment Döberitz - 864
I./Flak-Abt.-61 (gem.) – est.** 700
II./Flak-Abt. “Lehr” (lei.) – est. 700
Stab Art.Regt.z.b.V.-603 – est. 100
II./s.Art.Regt.-48 (gem.) - 550
II./s.Art.Regt.-68 (gem.) - 550
s.Art.Regt.-601 - 2350
Mcl Plt 419 – est. 100
Mapping Det 419 – est. 200
Field Post Det 419 - 18
Engr Bn 419 - 831
Bridge Col 419 – est. 61
Signal Bn 80 - 424
Support Bn 419 – est. 400
Korps-Nachschubtruppen 419 – est. 550
Feldgendarmerie-Trupp 419 – est. 50
Korps-Kartenstelle 419 – est. 50

Total: 9222

Korpstruppen III AK:

I./Flak-Regt.-411 (gem.) - 700
Arko.-3 - 100
II./s.Art.Regt.-39 (gem.) - 550
II./s.Art.Regt.-59 (gem.) - 550
PzJag.Abt.-605 - 708
M.G.Btl.-8 (mot.) – est. 1000
Lehr Aufk.Abt. - 753
Nachr. Abt. 43 - 424
Pi. Btl. 43 - 831
Mcl Plt 403 - 100
Mapping Det 403 - 200
Field Post Det 403 - 18
Bridge Col 403 - 61
Support Bn 403 - 400
Korps-Nachschubtruppen 403 - 550
Feldgendarmerie-Trupp 403 – 50
Korps-Kartenstelle 403 – 50

Total: 7050

Korpstruppen II AK:

I./Flak-Regt. “Lehr” (gem.) - 700
Arko.-2 - 100
II./s.Art.Regt.-38 (gem.) - 550
s.Art.Abt.- 436 (gem.) - 550
s.Art.Abt.-604 (gem.) - 550
Mcl Plt 402 - 100
Mapping Det 402 - 200
Field Post Det 402 - 18
Bridge Col 402 - 61
Signal Bn 42 - 424
Support Bn 402 - 400
Korps-Nachschubtruppen 402 - 550
Feldgendarmerie-Trupp 402 – 50
Korps-Kartenstelle 402 – 50

Total: 4300

Armeetruppen:

s.Art.Abt.-602 (gem.)*** – 550
II./Flak-Regt.-421 (lei) - est. 700
Pz.Abw.Abt.566 - 708
Nachr.Regt.589 – est. 1300

Total: 2560 + 700

* numbers refer to soldiers / men
** ”est.” refers to all units of such type
*** attached to 23. Inf.Div.

------------------------------------------

If there are any mistakes / something is wrong / something should be added then please correct me.
User avatar
tigre
Patron
Posts: 6959
Joined: Sun Apr 10, 2005 5:42 pm
Location: Argentina

Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; thanks Domen for your great post. Now, more follows...........

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

With the 3 Pz through Poland – September 1939.

13 September 1939.

The 3 Pz was located with its bulk in the area East of Bielsk; CP at Augustowo. The division should maintain its positions in order to secure along the Orlanka; later it would be relieved by the 2 ID (Mot) then proceed towards Kamieniec-Litowsie.

With the Kradsch. Btl 3.................

On Sep 13 1939, the division started its march towards the fortress of Brest-Liwosk. The 3./K.3 was in the lead. At Zabinka it met heavy resistance by a polish armoured train and polish troops in the village which they didn´t see before. The company had to withdraw immediately.

Image
A knocked out Light polish tank in Zabinka.

At 14:00 the Kradsch. Btl 3 with the fire support furnished by the 6./ AR 75 took Zabinka, and occupied defensive positions there, establishing a bridgehead across the Muchawiec.

Image
Defensive positions within the bridgehead on the Muchawiec.

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

On Sep 13 1939 at 06:20 hours, the AA 3 went under way in order to seize the bridge at Kamieniec- Litowski and then proceed its reconnaissance southeastwards.

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
The AA 3 on the march, in the lead a Sd Kfz 232 (6x6).
The AA 3 on the march, in the lead a Sd Kfz 232 (6x6).
image006.jpg (26.73 KiB) Viewed 4862 times
Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
Domen123
Enthusiast
Posts: 400
Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:26 pm

Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by Domen123 »

Hey, I made a small mistake in my previous post:
Korpstruppen III AK – 7050 soldiers, 28 field guns, 6 AT guns, 56 AFVs (from Lehr.Aufk.Abt.)
In fact only 26 field and infantry guns, because Lehr.Aufk.Abt. had got only 2 light infantry guns (+24 heavy field guns from both s.Art.Abteilungen).

I also forgot to add 8 mortars (2 from Lehr.Aufk.Abt. and 6 from M.G.Btl.8 ).

The total number of field and infantry guns is then 756, but mortars 398 (thus German : Polish ratio here = 4,9 : 1; not 4,86 : 1).

--------------------------------------------------

Some further notes:
Grand total:

62050 soldiers, 164 field and infantry guns*, 72 mortars, 108 AT guns, 26 tanks, 9 armoured cars
* This includes only 18 heavy guns (155 and 105mm). Calibre of Polish guns was as follows:

9 DP - 3 x 155mm, 3 x 105mm, 12 x 100mm, 30 x 75mm
27 DP - 3 x 155mm, 3 x 105mm, 24 x 100mm, 22 x 75mm
Pomorska BK - 16 x 75mm
15 DP - 3 x 155mm, 3 x 105mm, 12 x 100mm, 30 x 75mm
Grand total:

185510 soldiers, 756 field and infantry guns, 398 mortars*, 747 AT guns, 545 tanks, 272 AFVs
*Only 8cm mortars are counted (as well as in Polish army) - without grenade launchers (by Germans called "light mortars") 5cm.
Domen123
Enthusiast
Posts: 400
Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:26 pm

Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by Domen123 »

PS: In Polish army 105mm was considered as heavy gun (while in German army 105mm field howitzer was called "light").
User avatar
tigre
Patron
Posts: 6959
Joined: Sun Apr 10, 2005 5:42 pm
Location: Argentina

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.

14 September 1939.

On Sep 14 1939, the 3 Pz was operating within the Lesna river sector. At 10:45 hours were detected 20 Polish light tanks in an armored train in Zabinka; the Germans panzerspähwagen counterattacked. At 14:30 hours the following order arrived coming from the Army Corps: still today should be gain the crossing on the Lesna. To establish a bridgehead there. To recognize towards the north of Brest; left boundary was to be western and South edge of the forests of Bialowieza - Pruzana - road Kobryn to Brest (including). Necessary information: where were the outposts’ positions of the fortress? , were them occupied? By whom?

With the Kradsch. Btl 3.................

On September 14 of 1939 at 21:00 hours the Kradsch. Btl seized Fort III near Brest. (Report received on September 15 at 04:00 hours).

Image
after the fight with dangerous Polish chickens..

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

On Sep 14 1939, the division proceeded towards Brest-Litowsk. Already in the afternoon Pz.Rgt.5, A.A.3, 3./A.R.75 reached the area east of Brest in order to cut off the city.

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
Two panzerspähwagen Sd Kfz 222 of AA 3 fulfilling recce tasks; behind them only burning farms.
Two panzerspähwagen Sd Kfz 222 of AA 3 fulfilling recce tasks; behind them only burning farms.
image004.jpg (34.58 KiB) Viewed 4808 times
Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
User avatar
tigre
Patron
Posts: 6959
Joined: Sun Apr 10, 2005 5:42 pm
Location: Argentina

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.

15 September 1939.

On Sep 15 1939, the 3 Pz got across the Muchawiec east of Brest-Litowsk heading to Wlodawa. CP of the 3. Pz Brig at Chaby. At 08:20 (the XIX AK received it at 09:35 hours) the Kradsch. Btl reinforced with tanks in the central railway station; engineers and tanks deployed to the east of the citadel. CP at Tryszyn.

At 16:50 hours the 3 Pz received from the Army Corps’ CoS, on behalf of the Army Corps and issued by the Army Group, the order to continue to Chelm.

With the Kradsch. Btl 3.................

The division organized a Kampfgruppe to attack Brest with elements of PR 6, Kradsch. Btl 3, Pi.Btl.39, 6./A.R.75 and a battery of IV./A.R.75.

The attack went under way at 03:45 towards Fort III of fortress Brest-Litwosk, which was taken without fights (2./Kradsch. Btl 3). The rest of the Kampfgruppe reached the central-station without enemy contact and occupied the railroad-crossing. (on Fort III - See report of 14 Sep 1939).

At 06:45 hours it fell the Fort X and at 07:00 hours Fort IX. (these reports were received by XIX AK at 08:20 hours).

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

On Sep 15 1939, the AA fighting at Przyborowo.

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
Fort III.
Fort III.
image002.jpg (13.47 KiB) Viewed 4769 times
Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
User avatar
tigre
Patron
Posts: 6959
Joined: Sun Apr 10, 2005 5:42 pm
Location: Argentina

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.

16 September 1939.

On Sep 16 1939, it was carried out an intense reconnaissance along the road Wlodzimierz – Luck. Around noon the panzerspähwagen (light armored vehicles) of AA 3 met strong resistance, according to Major Wendenburg’s orders the 2./ PR 5 (Haptmann Schmidt) went to the attack; maneuvering fast the company broke the enemy resistance. The horse-drawn columns were dispersed, the vehicles were set afire and the antitank guns destroyed.

Image
A Pz Kw III on the move.

With the Kradsch. Btl 3.................

In the morning, Sep 16 1939, the Kradsch. Btl 3 broke contact with the enemy at Brest Litowsk and followed the main part of the division which is marching towards Wlodawa.

Image
To Wlodawa.

Image
A well deserved rest after hard fights and long marches.

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

On Sep 16 1939, the division moved towards Wlodawa led by A.A.3, Pz.Rgt.5, 3./A.R.75. Intense reconnaissance should be carried out along the road Wlodzimierz – Luck.

At Tomaszowka the AFV´s of A.A.3 encountered heavy resistance and called for tank support.

Image
A destroyed panzerspähwagen Sd Kfz 231.

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
A destroyed Le FH 18.............
A destroyed Le FH 18.............
image008.jpg (35.75 KiB) Viewed 4733 times
Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
User avatar
tigre
Patron
Posts: 6959
Joined: Sun Apr 10, 2005 5:42 pm
Location: Argentina

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.

17 September 1939.

On September 17 of 1939, the 3 Pz received the task of watching the sector Brest-Litowsk (excl) - Wlodawa (incl). At 07:00 hours the Division informed that the enemy was resisting in Wlodawa yet, the I./SR. 3 went to the attack on Zt. Wlodawa. At 07:06 it informed that patrols of I./PR 5 (Wendenburg) reached the railroad Chelm - Luboml to the east of the Bug river (elements of the 4. /PR 5). At 10:00 hours it was reported that the railroad and road bridges south of Okopy were blasted by the Wendenburg Group. At 10:50 hours the CP of the 3. Pz Brig around 9 kilometers to the north of Wlodawa. At 17:00 hours the Corps Commander visited the 3 Pz whose CP was in the Station of Tomaszowka.

Image
Fording the Bug - Sep 17 of 1939.

With the Kradsch. Btl 3.................

On Sep 17 1939, the Kradsch. Btl 3 left the Combat Group Wendenburg (I./ PR 5) turning to the Bug but the bridge there already had been blown up and polish soldiers defended the river. In the morning the battalion got across with the support furnished by the engineers and attacked to Wlodawa from the northeast. The II./A.R.75 furnished fire support after one hour and a half Height 124 was taking and Wlodawa was seizing during that morning.

Image
The burning Wlodawa.........

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

On Sep 17 1939, the AA 3 received order to destroy the railroad Kowel – Chelm at Luboml. The 2./A.R.75 was attached to provide fire support. At several locations light enemy resistance should be broken. At Scack the resistance was serious enough and Major Frhr.v.Wechmar decided to wait for the artillery to support the attack.

After the resistance nests had been taken out by direct fire, the A.A.3 could take the village and occupied defensive positions for the night.

Image
A Sd Kfz 232 of AA 3 around Wlodawa................

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
Outskirts of Wlodawa.....
Outskirts of Wlodawa.....
image006.jpg (17.58 KiB) Viewed 4700 times
Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
User avatar
tigre
Patron
Posts: 6959
Joined: Sun Apr 10, 2005 5:42 pm
Location: Argentina

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.

18 September 1939.

On September 18 of 1939, a reconnaissance patrol in the neighborhood of Chelm hit strong enemy of the all the arms; by firing to the locomotives two trains with troops were stopped. Great contingents of Polish infantry and cavalry marching from Chelm to the northeast.

At 07:50 it was reported to the army Corps that one rifle regiment (reinforced) marched on Chelm; a tank battalion (reinforced) was in combat in Dorschuk. The AA 3 approaching Luboml.

At 11:30 the AA 3 was clearing Luboml; the Pz Abt Wendenburg (I./PR 5, 8. /SR. 3, 1 battery of 75 AR and 1 section of the Pi Btl 39) assuring the railroad bridge located some 20 kilometers to the west Luboml.

With the Kradsch. Btl 3.................

Next days the Kradsch. Btl 3 rested at Wlodawa before the journey back towards the Fatherland.


Image


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

On Sep 18 1939 in the early morning, the AA 3 proceeded from Scack towards Luboml which was reached without problems.

Image

There the Abteilung encountered a large enemy force. After a short fire-fight more and more polish soldiers surrendered and finally the Abteilung captured 3000 polish soldiers. The Abteilung took defensive positions in the area of Luboml.

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
image004.jpg
image004.jpg (21.7 KiB) Viewed 4633 times
Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
Domen123
Enthusiast
Posts: 400
Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:26 pm

Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by Domen123 »

Hi Tigre!,

Thanks again for excellent posts and pictures!

One addition from me:
On Sep 17 1939, the AA 3 received order to destroy the railroad Kowel – Chelm at Luboml. The 2./A.R.75 was attached to provide fire support. At several locations light enemy resistance should be broken. At Scack the resistance was serious enough and Major Frhr.v.Wechmar decided to wait for the artillery to support the attack.

After the resistance nests had been taken out by direct fire, the A.A.3 could take the village and occupied defensive positions for the night.
On Sep 18 1939 in the early morning, the AA 3 proceeded from Scack towards Luboml which was reached without problems.

There the Abteilung encountered a large enemy force. After a short fire-fight more and more polish soldiers surrendered and finally the Abteilung captured 3000 polish soldiers.
This description is from ww2 day by day but it is not exactly in agreement with what really happened tehre.

These soldiers were captured not only by Germans but also by Ukrainian-Jewish saboteurs cooperating with German forces in the area of Luboml since 18 IX. They were captured so easily because they were already after demobilization, which took place in that area (general Mieczysław Smorawinski ordered it) due to the Soviet Invasion of Poland.

On 16.09.1939 combats in Luboml took place between Polish forces (Group "Szack") and Ukrainian-Jewish saboteurs. Group of Ukrainian saboteurs was defeated and dispersed suffering heavy losses. It was also Group "Szack" (part of it) which was defending Szack before the German attacks described in your posts and later retreated towards Luboml and then towards Olesk, where it ceased to exist. After receiving information about the Soviet Invasion of Poland, Group "Szack" received an order to demobilize itself and completed this order during the night 17 / 18.09.1939 in Olesk. Soldiers were allowed to go back homes. On 18.09.1939 German forces entered Luboml and started cooperation with previously defeated bands of Ukrainian saboteurs, supplying them with weapons and creating a new Ukrainian-Jewish local government. These armed bands of saboteurs were ordered to carry out hunts on demobilized Polish soldiers who were still in the nearbyhood - captured Poles were being delivered to the German military command in Luboml.

OdeB of Group "Szack" before the Soviet Invasion of Poland (commander: Lt. Col. Sokolowski, commander in chief / superior: general Tadeusz Kossakowski) was:

- 4 infantry battalions (each battalion with ca. 900 soldiers)
- company of sappers
- company of police (ca. 150 policemen)
- horse reconaissance unit (15 soldiers)
- unit of military police (zandarmeria)
- one heavy artillery battery (2 x 155mm howitzers and 2 x 105mm guns - taken from excesses of 9. or 4. PAC)
- one 75mm field gun

This improvised group was formed in Kowel from the Osrodek Zapasowy (Spare Part) of 17th Infantry Division - it was part of forces subordinated to general Kossakowski, task of which was to defend the area Ratno - Luboml. And gen. Kossakowski's superior was gen. M. Smorawinski - commander of DOK II in Lublin.

DOK II managed to gather considerable forces before the Soviet Invasion (mainly from Kowel and Wlodzimierz).

For example two infantry divisions (36. and 12.) were being reconstructed in Kowel. In Wlodzimierz Operational Group "Wlodzimierz Wolynski" of divisional strength if it comes to infantry but even stronger artillery was formed. Group "Wlodzimierz Wolynski" already took part in combats before 17 IX, successfully repulsing the attempts of German units from 4. Leichte Division to cross the Bug river (thus causing the failure of German "Fall 5 September" plan). Apart from Group "Wlodzimierz" and divisions during reconstruction, there were also other units, including already mentioned Group "Szack".

These forces would be able to put up heavy resistance either to the Germans or to the Soviets after 17.09.1939.

But general Smorawinski ordered his demobilizaton. Some commanders didn't listen to his order, some did.
User avatar
tigre
Patron
Posts: 6959
Joined: Sun Apr 10, 2005 5:42 pm
Location: Argentina

Re: With the 3 Pz through Poland 1939 and France 1940.

Post by tigre »

Thanks for that complement pal :wink:. Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
User avatar
tigre
Patron
Posts: 6959
Joined: Sun Apr 10, 2005 5:42 pm
Location: Argentina

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.

19 September 1939.

On September 19 of 1939, at 08:30 hours the enemy attacked in strength to the north of Sawin. Part of the Pz Brigade was engaged in defensive fights. Great numbers of civil refugees crossed the river Bug fleeing from the Russians.

At dusk the II. /SR. 3 (reinforced with 2 tank companies and one engineer company) was attacked hard by enemy troops with artillery support north of sawin.

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

Image
The AA 3 entering in a destroyed polish town - Luboml?......................

All elements of the division withdrew back across the Bug. More and more polish soldiers surrendered to the division. In the next days the division assembles in Wlodawa resting 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).
Attachments
Back to Wlodawa?
Back to Wlodawa?
image002.jpg (20.88 KiB) Viewed 4572 times
Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
User avatar
tigre
Patron
Posts: 6959
Joined: Sun Apr 10, 2005 5:42 pm
Location: Argentina

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.

On September 20 of 1939 at 08:10 hours the AA 3 and I./PR 5 were 3 kilometers north of Szack. The total losses of the Group Ehlermann (II. /Reinforced SR 3, with 1 company of the III. /PR 5, 1 company of the II. /PR 6, 1 company Pi Btl 39, 1 battery of AR 75, 1 section Pz Abw Abt 39) were 154 men.

In the bridgehead of Wlodawa SR 3 reinforced with tanks and artillery.
In Slawatycze PR 5.
In Szack reinforced AA 3.
In Piszcza the I./IR 69 (20 ID).

Image
The AA 3 within its assembly area.......................

On September 21 of 1939, the 3 Pz have at the disposal of their motorised parts the route Brest - Widomla from 13:00 hours onwards.

Withdrawal plan towards the fatherland:

21 to 22 Sep: Nur – Ciechanowiec – Siemiatycze
22 to 23 Sep: partes motorizadas Sensburg; partes a orugas Ostrow-Maz. – Malkinia Gorna.
23 to 24 Sep Sensburg – Friedrichshof.
24 to 25 Sep: Helisberg – Bartenstein – Landsberg.

On September 22 of 1939, at 09:00 hours, the 3 Pz crossed with their last units by Brest-Litowsk.

Image
A Soviet armored light vehicle in Brest-Litowsk - 22 Sep 1939.

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
Poster of welcome to the Soviet troops in the area of Brest-Litowsk
Poster of welcome to the Soviet troops in the area of Brest-Litowsk
image002.jpg (20.37 KiB) Viewed 4549 times
Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
Post Reply