When people think about the German Army in Russia, they most often picture armored columns rolling across the steppes, or fierce tank battles such as those fought at Kursk. However. much of the fighting was done by the infantry, often in extremes of harsh weather and rough terrain conditions. During the. long Russian winters armored fighting vehicles, especially the narrow tracked German tanks, proved to be, of little use. It was the infantry that captured the hills, protected the supply lines, and fought off the Russian attacks.
The five actions described below arc also taken from the Department of the Army Historical Study No. 20-269 Small Unit Actions During the German Campaign in Russia. All of the battles take place during the winter of 19411942. Tanks play a part in only one of the five actions. That action is a good example of the. ef fectiveness of the tanks when they arc not properly supported by infantry.
Fighting in subzero weather affected both sides capabilities. Understanding basic tactcs was not enough. Physical conditioning, moral, stamina, preparedness, and cold weather Survival techniques were required to be. victorious in Russia. The winter weather did not beat the Germans. The Russian soldier's ability to operate in subzero weather and his willingness to take the related casualties, combined with the; lack of German planning and Aryan ego were the roots of German losses during the first winter in Russia.
While the related actions are very informative and interesting, they are not the definitive history of the Russian campaign. Keep in mind that they were. written by Germans--captured Germans after the war. It would be very instructive to see a Russian version of the same battles.
Each of the battles can make excellent material for scenarios. When working up German forces, remember that the German always well below their standard TO&Es.
The Map shows the general locations in European Russia of the five battles reported in this sections.
More Company G
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Introduction
Company G Counterattacks During a Snowstorm (November 1941)
Company G Operates in Deep Snow (January 1942)
Russian Infantry Attacks a German-Held Town (January 1942)
Company G Struggles Against Overwhelming Odds (March 1942)
Company G Annihilates a Russian Elite Unit (March 1942)
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© Copyright 1994 by Mike Vogell and Phoenix Military Simulations.
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