Panzer III Historical Index

On 25 July 1943 at 2:15 the written corps order arrives; at 2:30 Panz.G.R. 111 sets off. Quiet at the front until morning, but enemy air activity continues. The armoured group and I./Panz.G.R. 110 (minus 1 company) are withdrawn as planned as the division's assault reserve. At 7:50 report to the corps (by telephone to the chief): in the event of a rapidly required commitment of the division the parts employed in the main line of resistance cannot be pulled out during the day; decision of the corps that these parts are then to remain in the main line of resistance; as the march of the division will in any case take some time because of the roads, the committed parts could probably still be relieved in time by 332. I.D. At 8:30 the commander of Panz.A.R. 119 reports contact with Kdr. A.R. 332; II./Panz.A.R. 119 is committed; proposal of the commander of Panz.A.R. 119: to leave this battalion in the Kasazkoje area and not to exchange it, which would be absolutely necessary when pulling it up, for le.F.H.Abt. 108, so that, when 11. Panz.-Div. is pulled out, the whole area east of the Worskla is not left without artillery. At 9:10 observation post and reconnaissance aircraft report retrograde movements on the road Bykowka – Jakowlewo: guns and tanks; at 9:12 telephone briefing of the corps; the corps does not at first believe it can judge such movements as withdrawal movements. At 10:00 Panz.G.R. 111 has arrived complete in the new area. The rest of the day at the front quiet. Own aerial reconnaissance shows no bringing up of new enemy forces; attack intentions not recognizable. No enemy air activity; own fighter cover. Route reconnaissance by the reconnaissance battalion into the area Donets – Wyssloje – Rollbahn to Kursk – Schurawlinyj has been completed and is being evaluated. Briefing at 332. I.D. on the release of the last committed company of I./Panz.G.R. 110.

On 26 July 1943 quiet at the front during the night, slight enemy harassing air activity; the morning without special events. At 9:55 advance briefing by the chief of LII. A.K. (by wire): 1 regiment of 11. Panz.-Div. will probably relieve 1 regiment of 57. I.D. in the area Dorogotsch – Iwanowskaja Lissiza; at 10:15 corresponding briefing of Panz.G.R. 111; at 11:35 corresponding order of LII. A.K. by teleprinter; at 11:45 briefing of Panz.A.R. 119 (by wire) and order to send advance parties for one artillery battalion (II.) and for 1./Panz.-Jäg.Abt. 61 to be introduced into the sector to be taken over at I.R. 167 (Kosilowo); the order for the departure of the relieving units will follow; relief probably in the night of 28/29 July. At 12:05 the chief of LII. A.K. informs on request about the conditions to be expected at G.R. 164: a wide sector but a well-built position with wire and mines; the enemy shows no tanks; for safety reasons, however, Panz.G.R. 111 is to be given 1 battery of Stu.Geschtz.Abt. 911, attached for the duration of the commitment; at 14:00 corresponding order to the commander of Stu.Geschtz.Abt. 911, who has arrived at the division command post. At 15:00 weak enemy infantry attack with tanks after strong artillery preparation; own armoured parts take part in the defence at 215.4; the enemy attack stalls, his tanks withdraw. At 17:00 renewed enemy attack on a wide front; at 18:00 from the armoured reserve group 10 tanks to 224.2; at 18:05 report to the chief of LII. A.K. by wire: the chief confirms that 6. Panz.-Div. is still responsible for this sector; at 18:55 enemy tanks in the northern part of Kamenny Log in combat with own assault guns; at 19:40 call of the Ia of XXXXVIII. Panz.-Korps: "takes note" that the division has no binding order yet on being pulled out and moved; meanwhile Hill 233.6 has been lost in front of 332. I.D.; at 21:00 the chief of LII. A.K. orders on request that the division is to hold itself ready to march from the morning of 27 July; he is pointed out that for this the relief of 1 company (I./Panz.G.R. 110) is still required tonight; at 21:10 order to Panz.-Rgt. 15 (by wire to the commander): to be able to leave the own tank forces behind the weak main line of resistance of 332. I.D. as long as possible, it is to be reconnoitred how these tanks can also be withdrawn by day unseen by the enemy; at 22:00 renewed briefing of G.R. 677, Panz.A.R. 119 and Panz.G.R. 111; at 22:35 the chief of LII. A.K. by wire: the relief at 215.4 (1 Coy I./Panz.G.R. 111) is to be carried out by 167. I.D.

On 26 July 1943 the remarks column of the KTB side page (S0562) states: "Division vernichtet heute seit Beginn des Rußlandfeldzuges durch die der Division kriegsgliederungsmäßig unterstellten Truppenteile den 2001. Sowjet-Panzer" (the division today destroys, since the beginning of the Russian campaign, through the units belonging to it according to its war organization, the 2001st Soviet tank). The remarks column of the next side page (S0564) states: "Der 2001. Panzerabschuß der Division wird in den Erläuterungen zum Wehrmachtbericht um 22,00 Uhr gebracht" (the division's 2001st tank kill will be announced in the explanations to the Wehrmacht report at 22:00).

On 27 July 1943 quiet during the night, slight mutual harassing fire. At 6:30 the relief of 1 company of I./Panz.G.R. 110 by parts of 167. I.D. is completed; the company arrives at its battalion. At 8:45 call from the chief of XXXXVIII. Panz.-Korps: he "takes note" that the division has no binding departure date but that preparations have been made for the march of the parts designated to relieve G.R. 164. In front of 332. I.D. own attack with tank support to regain 233.6. At 10:45 order of LII. A.K. (by telephone through the chief): the division is released from LII. A.K. and is to set off with all parts on the march into the area west of Graiworon; at 10:47 march order for Panz.G.R. 111; at 11:00 order to orderly officers on the march according to the timetable. At 12:15 order of XXXXVIII. Panz.-Korps Ia (by wire): the division is not to assemble in the areas fixed and ordered 5 days ago but now in the area Saretschje – Iwanowskaja Lissiza – Poros – Lugowka; decision of the division commander: as it is no longer possible to stop the orders already given and to order new areas, the movements run out; the division will then be moved from this area into the new area north of the Worskla; corresponding report to XXXXVIII. Panz.-Korps. At 12:30 the division staff moves its command post to Alexandrowka, ready for work at about 18:00. During the evening and night the units arrive in the assembly areas roughly as planned.

Preparations for moving the division again in 2 marching days: on 28 July 1943 Panz.A.A. 11 moves at 10:00, Panz.Jäg.Abt. 61 at 12:00, Stu.Geschtz.Abt. 911 at 10:00, H.-Flak-Abt. 277 at 13:00, San.-Truppen 61 at 18:00, the division staff at 15:00; on 29 July 1943 Panz.-Pi.Btl. 209 at 11:00, Panz.A.R. 119 at 9:00, Panz.-Rgt. 15 at 7:00. On 28 July 1943 the movements of the units initially proceed as planned, but a heavy thunderstorm in the afternoon delays them greatly; it nevertheless succeeds to complete the planned movements essentially by nightfall. The final division command post Duneika is ready for work from 17:00. H.Flak-Abt. 277 receives a reconnaissance order for possible air-protection tasks. Verbal conference with the Ia of 57. I.D. at the division command post: consideration of the possibilities of a rapid relief by the closed commitment of a further artillery battalion of 11. Panz.-Div.

On 29 July 1943 the planned marching movements start again on time. The road reconnaissance completed by Panz.-Pi.Btl. 209 and a road map of the division's new quartering area supplied by XXXXVIII. Panzerkorps show that almost all roads to the north that come into question for a possible commitment are unsuitable, especially for tanks and assault guns, although the corps had earlier described these roads as quite usable; the division divides the area accordingly and reports this to the corps. At 11:30 reconnaissance order to Panz.-Rgt. 15. On enquiry following the conference with the Ia of 57. I.D., the corps agrees to the further commitment of an artillery battalion, as this also speeds up the relief of the own committed parts. At 11:05 order to Panz.A.R. 119 (by orderly officer): III./Panz.A.R. 119 relieves I./A.R. 157 of 57. I.D. and is placed under it; advance parties to Starossellje. The march of the last units into the final quartering area is completed. At 12:12 corps order for the further construction of positions; in the afternoon preparatory work (main line of resistance in the sector of Panz.G.R. 111, second position and artillery protection position in front of the division's quartering area). Conference with the commander of Panz.G.R. 110; he is appointed as leader of a construction staff and, after prior reconnaissance and division of the division, directs the accelerated build-up of the 2nd position. Night without special events. On 30 July 1943 order to Panz.G.R. 111 to build up the main line of resistance; order to the units (by telephone to adjutants) on carrying out position construction; preparatory work and reconnaissance for position construction. On 31 July 1943 reconnaissance for position construction in the western sector completed; digging begins; conference with the corps engineer commander on the employment of engineers in the work on the division's roads to the north-east and north.

From 1 August 1943 to 20 September 1943 the division is subordinated to the XXXXVIII. Pz.-Korps. According to the list in KTB No. 11, in this period: fighting in the Graiworon area, withdrawal to the Boromlja sector, fighting north of Achtyrka, withdrawal to the Olesochnja position, and rearguard fighting west of the Worskla between Achtyrka and Oposchnja.

On 2 August 1943 at 06:00, after the night relief of III./Gren.Rgt.164 (57. I.D.) by II./Panz.Gren.Rgt.110, the division takes over the sector of Panz.Gren.Rgt.111 (II./Panz.Gren.Rgt.110 subordinated to PGR111). 1./Panz.Jäg.Abt.61 and 1./Stu.Gesch.Abt.911 are additionally attached.

On 3 August 1943 at 08:45 the XXXXVIII. Pz.-Korps (the enemy is attacking the LII. A.K.) orders the armoured group (Panz.-Rgt.15), I./Panz.Gren.Rgt.110 and I./Panz.Art.Rgt.119 to be alerted and moved to Striguny at the disposal of the 4. Panzer-Armee. Subordination to the corps remains unchanged, employment by the army only; departure at about 11:30.

From 04:30 on 4 August 1943 the enemy attacks I./Panz.Gren.Rgt.111 with an infantry battalion and breaks in; Panz.Aufkl.Abt.11 counterattacks at Nowo and Russkaja Beresowka. I./Panz.Gren.Rgt.111, defending a 9 km sector with very low strength, falls back to the northern edge of both Beresowka villages; contact with one company is lost.

On 4 August 1943 a battalion of the 332. I.D. (III./Gren.Rgt.678) and the security company of the corps staff are subordinated to the division. The 7. Pz.-Div. arrives in the Potschajewo area; its commander is briefed on the situation at the divisional command post at 16:00.

From 06:25 on 5 August 1943 a Russian attack after heavy artillery preparation; at about 08:30 an attack by about 20 enemy tanks along the Rollbahn to the south. Both battalions of Panz.Gren.Rgt.110 and III./Gren.Rgt.678 are shattered, a 6 km gap opens between PGR111 and PGR110. The 7. Pz.-Div. counterattacks north along the Rollbahn.

On 5 August 1943 the first elements of the armoured group reach Lomnaja at 16:35 and engage enemy tanks. In the evening the corps orders the line 218.5 – Iwanowskaja Lissiza – 213.3 to be held, and the corps Ia demands a thrust to Pokrowka in accordance with the army order.

The KTB mentions the fallen commander of Panz.Art.Rgt.119 (the date of death is not given in the text). On 5 August 1943 at 20:45 temporary command of the regiment by the commander of Heer.Flak-Abt.277 is approved.

On 6 August 1943 Panz.-Rgt.15 clears Golowtschino (09:15); III./Panz.-Rgt.15 is in heavy fighting against strong Pak in Iwanowskaja Lissiza. At 15:40 II./Panz.-Rgt.15 enters the southern edge of Chotmyshsk, but capturing the village is judged impossible and the battalion is pulled back; at about 16:00 15 enemy tanks attack from hill 213.3.

In the afternoon of 6 August 1943 enemy tanks appear in Graiworon (Panz.Pi.Btl.209 takes over the defence). At 19:05 30 enemy tanks break into the northern part of Dorogoschtsch; at 20:00 Panz.Gren.Rgt.110 repels the attack on Dorogoschtsch (about 12 enemy tanks destroyed), scattered units fall back.

On 6 August 1943 Panz.-Rgt.15 reports at 19:05 a lack of fuel preventing the execution of its task and at 19:20 supply difficulties (it cannot disengage from the enemy). At 19:10 Stu.Gesch.Abt.911 is reported as completely scattered and leaderless after the loss of its commander.

On 7 August 1943 Gruppe Lomnaja is cut off by the blocking of the bridges at Graiworon (01:40); Gruppe Buchholz (Panz.Gren.Rgt.110) is temporarily subordinated to the 7. Pz.-Div. (until 09:17). The corps orders Gruppe Lomnaja to be pulled back to the Worskla and a defensive front to be formed. At 12:00 Panz.Aufkl.Abt.11 leaves Lomnaja after a successful counterattack and blows up 3 bridges.

On 7 August 1943 about 20, then 22 enemy tanks and a column of about 50 vehicles are observed (15:00–15:40); about 45 tanks and 1–3 infantry battalions of the enemy stand at Popowka (16:45). At 15:50 the corps orders a withdrawal in the night of 7/8 August 1943 to the line Tarassowka–Dernowoka. The bridges over the Worskla and Worskliza are blown, Panz.-Rgt.15 and Panz.Aufkl.Abt.11 are to fight their way through to Achtyrka (16:45). Divisional command post: 06:00 Jesdozkoje, 13:30 Poshnja, 18:00 Petschiny.

On 7 August 1943 Gruppe Lomnaja is supplied from the air (19:45) and is to reach Trostjanetz. Gruppe Lauchert (Panz.-Rgt.15 with attached units) halts at 23:00 north of Bairak, to continue to Achtyrka.

On 7 August 1943 at 10:45 order to Panz.-Rgt.15: with the remnants of artillery and panzer grenadiers, marching via Golowtschino, to fight its way through to the west.

On 7 August 1943 at 12:35 order to Panz.Aufkl.Abt.11: march under the command of the Kdr. Panz.Gren.Rgt.111 with Panz.-Rgt.15, I./Panz.Gren.Rgt.110 and parts of Panz.Artl.Rgt.119 attached to Bolschaja Pissarewka and north-west of it.

On 8 August 1943 at 05:05 Gruppe Buchholz (Panz.Gren.Rgt.110) is thrown out of Poshnja, a new position is taken at Dernowoje. The Gef.Std. moves to Ljudcha at 13:30 and at about 16:45 is threatened by enemy tanks from the north; evacuation takes place without casualties. Trostjanez is under tank fire and abandoned (17:00), heavy penetration at Panz.Gren.Rgt.110; in the evening the regiment withdraws to Boromlja.

On 8 August 1943 the Ib is tasked with combing the workshop company for serviceable tanks and sending them to the Gef.Std. At 18:50 Panz.Gren.Rgt.110 reaches the Feldlager 2.5 km west of Ljudsha escorted by 3 Panther tanks supplied by the corps.

From 07:00 on 9 August 1943 Panz.Gren.Rgt.110 captures Trostjanez by an attack from east to west. The remnants of Panz.-Rgt.15, Panz.Aufkl.Abt.11, Panz.Artl.Rgt.119, Panz.Jäg.Abt.61 and Stu.Geschtz.Abt.911 have fought their way through to Achtyrka; the armoured group with 20 tanks reaches Trostjanez (08:28). Panz.Gren.Rgt.110 with Panz.-Rgt.15 also captures Ssmorodino.

On 9 August 1943 the commander of the 4. Panzer-Armee, Generaloberst Hoth, is briefed at the divisional command post at 10:00. State of the division according to the KTB: combat strengths have dropped to a minimum, the physical and especially moral condition of the men is “bedenklich” (alarming), cooperation of the arms is impossible. Panz.Gren.Rgt.111 assembles at Klimentoff and must be completely re-equipped and rearmed (shortage of anti-tank weapons and small equipment); signal equipment is lost, staffs have to be re-formed.

On 9 August 1943 at 19:50 the XXXXVIII. Pz.-Korps orders the attack to be halted and a defence behind the Boromlja sector. The division defends the sector from the southern edge of Trostjanez to the mouth of the Belka-Bach into the Boromlja (Panz.Gren.Rgt.110 on the right, Panz.Gren.Rgt.111 on the left); neighbours: LII. A.K. (19. Pz.-Div.) on the right, 7. Pz.-Div. on the left.

On 10 August 1943 the withdrawal to the Boromlja sector proceeds without difficulties, the enemy infiltrates Belka. At 12:20 an attack by a company with tanks at the bridge: the only serviceable Sturmgeschütz destroys 2 and then another 4 T34 tanks. In the evening the operation “Zuckerfabrik” (I./Panz.Gren.Rgt.111, Panz.Pi.Btl.209, all serviceable tanks): the sugar factory is taken, the enemy still holds a small wood west of it, taken at about 22:15; “Eigene Verluste” (own losses). Belka is reoccupied by Panz.Aufkl.Abt.11 (21:15), signs of disintegration and exhaustion.

On 11 August 1943 at 04:00 an attack by a weak enemy infantry battalion north of Stanowa, counterattack. At 12:15 strengths: Aufkl.Abt. about 50 men, I./Panz.G.R.111 about 80, II./Panz.G.R.111 about 100; the Div.-Führer reports to the corps commander that the troops are “am Ende ihrer Kraft” (at the end of their strength) and that there are few officers of the personal calibre needed. At 13:00 the enemy reaches the centre of Belka, at 16:45 Belka is cleared; at 17:10 an attack by a battalion from Trostjanez-Ost (Smorodino) on the sugar factory is repelled by the remnants of Panz.Pi.Btl.209.

On 11 August 1943 at 10:25 the corps tactically subordinates the remnants of the 19. Pz.-Div. (from 16:00). At 10:38 le.F.H.Abt.818 (2 batteries) is attached, at 13:05 a battery of Sturmgeschütze with 10 guns for the destruction of the enemy bridgehead. The sector up to the Worskla is taken over by G.D.; Panz.G.R.74 of the 19. Pz.-Div. holds the main line of resistance from the Worskla to Trostjanez.

From 04:50 on 12 August 1943 the attack “Sandschlucht” on the last enemy bridgehead west of the Boromlja: the enemy is essentially thrown back, enemy losses, booty and prisoners. At 02:00 the railway bridge at Trostjanez over the Boromlja was blown by Panz.Pi.Btl.209. The Gef.Std. moves at 13:50 to the wood 3 km north of Maschtschanka.

On 12 August 1943 at 11:30 the Div.-Führer draws the corps chief's attention to the lack of officers, in particular 4 battalion commanders; battalions are partly led by very young lieutenants.

On 13 August 1943 the Kampfgruppe of the 19. Pz.-Div. (together with the division) attacks Litowka from 16:30 (while G.D. is under attack): at 18:05 Litowka is taken, at 18:15 the corps limits the attack to a “gewaltsame Erkundung” (reconnaissance in force); at 21:15 the attack is broken off, the group returned to its starting position with booty and prisoners, but with own losses.

On 13–15 August 1943 the corps orders forces to be handed over to neighbours: a battery and later the remnants of s.F.H.Abt.101 to the 57. J.D. (13 August 1943), 4 Sturmgeschütze to Bhf. Boromlja for the 57. J.D. (14 August 1943), Alarm-Btl. 332. J.D. from the Klimentoff bridgehead to G.D. (14 August 1943), Stu.Gesch.Abt.911 subordinated to the 57. J.D. (15 August 1943, 17:35).

On 17 August 1943 at 08:45 the corps orders the immediate departure of the armoured group (Führer Obstlt. v. Lauchert) to the area north of Boromlja at the disposal of the army; at 10:07 the march begins; at 11:02 the corps rules that the group is to be led initially by the 11. Pz.-Div.; at 17:20 order to halt and return to Buimer; at 21:30 the group becomes army reserve (for 18 August 1943). In addition at 11:37 the corps: the division is to take over a battalion-wide sector from the 112. J.D.; at 17:40 W.R.55 moves to the area of Panz.G.R.111.

From 05:55 on 18 August 1943 a thrust by 20–30 men at Nikitowo is repelled; at 06:00 the corps sends the armoured group at the disposal of the LII. A.K. (Swetalowka); at 08:20 K.G.: the 19. Pz.-Div. (except Panz.G.R.74 and 1 artillery battalion) is released at the disposal of the army. At 09:04 the enemy breaks through the 112. J.D.: Panz.G.R.111 with Panz.Jg.Abt.61 builds an anti-tank front Grusskoje–211.5, II./Panz.G.R.110 to Buimer; at 10:30 the Gef.Std. moves to the wood 4 km east of Artemowka.

On 18 August 1943 the enemy, supported by tanks and strong infantry, breaks through the front of the LII. Korps and advances south and south-west; the 11. Pz.-Div. is in heavy defensive fighting, 17 enemy tanks are observed at Gruschkoje. Because of the deep penetration on the left wing the Div.-Kdr. proposes a withdrawal to the line Belka–Buimer and the corps agrees; Belka must be abandoned (“keine zusammenhängende Front”, no continuous front), in the evening the line Belka–Buimer is held with weak security forces.

On 18 August 1943 the division subordinates scattered units of the 112. J.D. (II./G.R.278 and G.R.110). The 19. Pz.-Div., except Panz.G.R.73, is released from the subordination.

On 19 August 1943 the armoured group is subordinated to the 19. Pz.-Div. (morning), local enemy penetrations are cleared by counterattacks. At 08:35 the corps chief announces the withdrawal of the division to the Oleschnja sector (the division “sträubt sich”, resists withdrawing in daytime). The withdrawal at 13:30 proceeds according to plan, rearguards hold the enemy at Trostjanez and Stanowaja; in the evening the Gef.Std. is 2 km south-east of Tschupachowka.

On 20 August 1943 at 03:00 the division with the bulk of its forces is behind the Oleschnja sector; in the morning 24 enemy tanks are at Rassochowatoje, penetration at the 19. Pz.-Div. The left flank of the division is “in der Luft” (hanging in the air), so Panz.A.A.11 is sent to protect it. At about 15:00 the penetration at Star. Iwanowka is repelled; the enemy brings up columns from the north-east. At 17:30 the Gef.Std. moves to the wood 2 km south-east of Lanratowka.

On 20 August 1943 at 17:00 the Div.-Führer reports to the corps commander: if the enemy attacks anywhere there are no means and reserves; the troops are exhausted by two months of uninterrupted fighting, strengths are so low that only one soldier stands every 100–200 m. He proposes a shortening of the front and a withdrawal to a chord position; the K.G. replies that there is a strict order to hold under all circumstances.

On 21 August 1943 at 04:00 the enemy breaks through at the seam between the 11. and 19. Pz.-Div. and reaches Oleschnja with more than 10 tanks; the anti-tank barrier is broken because the Sturmgeschütze had left the line to replenish ammunition. At 05:15 counterattack (tanks, Sturmgeschütze, Panz.Pi.Btl.209), at 09:45 Oleschnja is cleared. At about 10:00 about 20 enemy tanks march on Bardanowka, at about 11:00 about 600 enemy infantry are in Pjatkin; from 16:00 Stuka attacks on Pjatkin and Martynowka. At 17:35 Oleschnja is abandoned (about 12 enemy tanks in the village), in the evening the enemy takes Gorjaistowka and enters Star. Iwanowka.

On 21 August 1943 at 13:25 Panz.-Rgt.15, previously employed with the 19. Pz.-Div., is again subordinated to the 11. Pz.-Div.; at 22:30 the corps announces an order for the 19. Pz.-Div. to take over the armoured protection against Pjatkin, which frees the division's own tanks.

On 21 August 1943 at 14:40 the artillery ammunition stock is about 10 rounds per battery (report to the corps); there are difficulties in directing individual Sturmgeschütze because of failed communications.

On 22 August 1943 at 00:30 the strength of I./Panz.G.R.110 is 43 men; at 01:50 the rest of I./Panz.G.R.110 is surrounded in Star. Iwanowka, at 07:00 it breaks through to the west; II./Panz.G.R.111 falls back to the south-eastern edge of Gorjaistowka. At 01:15 the Div.-Führer reports to the corps chief of staff that without the arrival of new forces the division is no longer able to continue the defence; reply: the defensive fight is to be conducted with the division's armoured group.

On 22 August 1943 the following are subordinated to the division: Fla-Btl.(mot)616 (about 05:00), Pi-Lehr-Btl.1 and Pi-Btl.48 (06:20), parts of W.R.55 (06:35). During the day the corps rules that Pi-Lehr-Btl.1 and Pi-Btl.48, if already committed, remain with the division; the 19. Pz.-Div. is to seal the penetration from the south, the 11. Pz.-Div. takes part from the west.

On 22 August 1943 the armoured group's attack on Star. Iwanowka with engineers (from 07:50) is stopped at 11:30 by strong defence with Pak, mortars and artillery. In the evening the attack reaches the centre of Star. Iwanowka but is halted by darkness; at 23:40 command of the attack for 23 August 1943 passes to the Kdr. Panz.-Rgt.15 (Panz.-Rgt.15, I./Panz.G.R.110 without 1st company, Pi-Lehr-Btl.1, Pi-Btl.48).

On 23 August 1943 from 05:00 an attack by 3 enemy infantry battalions from Oleschnja fails; own attack in the Star. Iwanowka area — 2 T34 tanks destroyed; at 09:00 Star. Iwanowka is entirely in own hands, but a gap remains between Star. Iwanowka and Budnoje. In the evening the enemy moves closer to the main line with infantry; own air force about 150 aircraft during the day. At 07:15 the K.G. conveys the O.B.'s special recognition to the division.

On 24 August 1943 until 06:20: at 01:00 an attack by 1–2 companies on Nowopostroika is repelled; at 04:00 II./Panz.G.R.110 with part of Panz.-Rgt.15 attacks the ravine terrain (1 T34 tank destroyed); in Budnoje the enemy penetrates with tanks and mounted infantry, counterattack. The rest of the day is not preserved in the source (KTB page 159 missing).

On 25 August 1943 the withdrawals proceed according to plan, the main line is occupied, Pi-Lehr-Btl.1 and Pi-Btl.48 are released to the XXIV. Pz.-Korps. At 16:45 the order for the withdrawal in the night of 25/26 August 1943 is issued; the corps is informed of the impossibility of covering the 6 km open flank (the Worskla valley is swampy and reed-covered, with several fords). At 18:00 the Gef.Std. moves to the wood north-west of Laski, the withdrawal began at 19:30.

On 26 August 1943 rearguards (Panz.G.R.110 at hill 202.4, Panz.G.R.111 1 km north-west of Gidony); at 07:35 K.G.: an enemy attack with tanks and infantry aims at Lewtschenki and Sinkiw, the 19. Pz.-Div. must hold, so the 11. Pz.-Div. is to strike from Grun to the west-south-west. At 11:00 the enemy advances with tanks from Iwachi to the south; at 12:30 the rearguards withdraw under heavy pressure (right one to Rubany, left one to the southern edge of Grun); the enemy occupies among others Rybalske and Bandury. In the evening it approaches with tanks and assault guns from Grun to the south and south-west.

On 26 August 1943 Fla-Btl.(mot)616 is subordinated to the 19. Pz.-Div. (10:06; half of Heer.Flak-Abt.277 goes to Panz.G.R.110), III./W.R.55 is released (before noon), II./W.R.55 to the 19. Pz.-Div. (19:00). At 18:15 the Panzer A.O.K. 4 approves the withdrawal of the main line; at 15:00 Panz.Aufkl.Abt.11 is moved to the wood north-east of Belsk.

On 26 August 1943 at 17:00 commanders' conference: alarm units are formed from rear services and trains (Heer.Flak-Abt.277 and Stu.Gesch.Abt.911 one foot battery each; in the Panz.Gren.Btl. 3 rifle companies each merged into 2 companies; Stu.Gesch.Abt.911 into 2 batteries; Panz.Jäg.Abt.61 into 1 company); 1./Panz.A.R.119 is formed as an infantry company.

On 27 August 1943 the rearguards withdraw under Pak and mortar fire; the enemy occupies among others the southern part of Jassenowoje. At 15:30 penetration on a broad front at Panz.G.R.110, counterattack with all reserves; in the northern part of Budy the enemy penetration is cleared in the afternoon. From 20:00 withdrawal into the new main line, delayed by a new enemy attack; at 19:00 new Gef.Std. in the wood 2 km south-east of Kurtiukowo.

On 28 August 1943 during the night the enemy infiltrates between Panz.Pi.Btl.209 and I./Panz.G.R.110, contact is lost, the situation is unclear. At 08:30 the division decides to restore by an attack a line from the eastern edge of Belsk to hill 173.2; at 14:00 a counterattack with tanks produces a coherent line east of Belsk. The main problem remains contact with the 7. Pz.-Div.; the corps orders the right flank to hill 94.2.

On 28 August 1943 the Div.-Kampfschule arrives in Laski (10:15); the division has to return most of the pupils to the regiments. Fla-Btl.(mot)616 relieved Heer.Flak-Abt.277 after its arrival; the rest of the Kampfschule goes to Glinsk.

On 30 August 1943 at 11:45 the commander of the 4. Panzerarmee, Generaloberst Hoth, is briefed at the divisional command post; the Div.-Führer reports that at its present strength the division is unable to repel an enemy attack on a larger scale.

On 31 August 1943 from 08:00 an hour-long barrage on the whole sector, at 09:00 the enemy attacks: penetration into both battalions of Panz.G.R.110 and I./Panz.G.R.111; a catching position along the wall (+23.0), a wide gap between the regiments. Panz.-Rgt.15 counterattacks north of Cholodiwschtschina; the penetration in front of I./Panz.G.R.110 is eliminated at 12:30; the remnants of the completely dissolved I./Panz.G.R.111 assemble at Ssarantschewka; Panz.Aufkl.Abt.11 repels 4 attacks. At 14:10 the Div.-Führer proposes a withdrawal of the front (line along the Tatarenwall); Panz.-Rgt.15 thrusts towards Dobshok, at 18:40 enemy tanks are in Dobshok.

On 31 August 1943 at 15:00 le.Art.Abt.818 temporarily comes under the orders of the 19. Pz.-Div.; at 18:45 the corps subordinates Pi.Btl.666. At 21:15 the K.G. orders the withdrawal of the main line (line 3.0 – 186.4 – stream sector – cattle kolkhoz – Ssarantschewka south – Timtschenka; contact with the 7. Pz.-Div. at the Mlinki ford, with the 19. Pz.-Div. at Timtschenka).

On 1 September 1943 at 03:30 the withdrawal with strong rearguards proceeds according to plan; during the day several company-strength thrusts are repelled; in the evening pressure on the rearguards at the Tatarenwall, counterattack of Panz.-Rgt.15, rearguards withdrawn after dark. According to the chief of staff's assessment the enemy will attack on a broad front on 2 September 1943, with 4–5 divisions and superior artillery at his disposal; the own main line is thinly held.

On 1 September 1943 difficulties: lack of communication equipment and poor replacements from the trains and alarm units, which partly affects the spirit of the companies unfavourably; orders are issued for the dissolution and regrouping of alarm units, the Kampfschule and NCO courses.

On 2 September 1943 Pi-Btl.666, contrary to the corps order, is employed on the right flank of Panz.G.R.111; hill 190.3 has to be given up; at 12:30 enemy infantry breaks through the security of Pi-Btl.209; 13:15 an attack by 120 men on hill 186.4 is repelled, at 16:10 an attack with tanks on 186.4. At 18:15 penetration on the right flank of Panz.A.A.11; at 23:22 Panz.A.A.11 fails to retake the strongly occupied hill 186.4.

On 3 September 1943 at 07:00 hill 186.4 is briefly retaken, at 07:40 again in enemy hands; at 11:45 the expected enemy attack begins (target 180.4); at 12:45 II./Panz.-Rgt.15 occupies 186.4; at 16:35 two counterattacks partly seal and partly almost eliminate the penetration; at 17:45 the right armoured group has taken +3.0, the left one hill 180.4.

On 3 September 1943 according to reports: machine guns so clogged with mud that they can only be used after cleaning (07:40); no reserves for counterattacks after the combing out of the trains and the dissolution of the Ersatz-Btl. and Kampfschule (07:45); s.F.H. ammunition very scarce (14:15); not all tanks able to be used simultaneously (technical damage and enemy action); constant loss of the valuable 2 cm Flak guns through barrel bursts due to incendiary-explosive ammunition (16:35).

On 3 September 1943 at 17:50 the corps chief announces: under the Art.Rgt.Stab z.b.V.70 the le.F.H.Abt.818 and s.F.H.Abt.108 (RSO) will be attached to the division for employment behind the right wing (Arko 144), as well as a Straßenbau-Btl. from the Sinkiw area to Batki. At 19:30 the Kdr. Artl.Rgt.Stb.z.b.V.70 and the Kdr. W.R.55 report.

On 4 September 1943 at 04:00 the enemy infiltrates unnoticed through the hollow along the western Tatarenwall, overruns the positions of Panz.A.A.11 and enters Batki; a counterattack of the left armoured group stops the attack. Hill 180.4 is lost and retaken several times (16:00 in own hands, at 19:00 the eastern part lost again); in the evening a group under the IIa of the division fights hard on the north-western edge of Batki; the corps proposes blocking the road to Oposchnja with Panz.Pi.Btl.209.

On 4 September 1943 at 05:45 the adjutant of Radf.Straßenbaubtl.507 reports (the battalion assembled at Rjabuschin without an order to march on); at 13:35 the battalion arrives and is subordinated to Panz.G.R.110. At 08:15 the K.G. informs of the subordination of G.D. to the XXXXVIII. Panzerkorps and of a planned attack by G.D. in the sector of the 11. Pz.-Div. after the situation at Sinkiw has been cleared.

On 5 September 1943 at 08:43 corps order: G.D. takes over until 17:00 the sector from the Worskla to Batki (excl.), and until 06:00 on 6 September 1943 the sector up to hill 180.4 inclusive; Panz.-Rgt.15 is subordinated to G.D. for the attack; the 11. Pz.-Div. takes over on 6 September 1943 at 05:00 the sector from 180.4 (excl.) to St. Michaelowka (incl.). At 11:30 the K.G. discusses the attack of G.D. in 3 groups from the Glinsk–Batki area to the north; the Div.-Kdr. proposes instead an attack from the 180.4 area to the east.

On the afternoon of 5 September 1943 the enemy advances towards Oposchnja (with tanks from 14:00), Panz.Pi.Btl.209 gives way; at 16:10 the enemy has outflanked the right wing of Panz.A.A.11 and entered the eastern part of Batki, Panz.-Rgt.15 with the Aufkl.Abt. clears Batki (completed 18:45). At 17:45 a penetration at the seam between the battalions of Panz.G.R.111, halted at 18:55 (enemy: infantry, 2 assault guns, 2 tanks). At 16:50 report to the corps on the complete lack of reserves.

On 6 September 1943 during the night and morning penetrations and attacks are repelled; at 09:15 the corps orders the left wing to be withdrawn to the line Timtschenka-Süd – hills south of Pankoff and Knjashewa. At 12:00 a strong attack from the wood south of Ssarantschewka, “empfindliche eigene Ausfälle” (heavy own losses); at 15:50 the enemy seeps through high sunflower fields, and at 16:40 the division reports that it is “völlig machtlos” (completely powerless) against such infiltration. At 18:15 the Panzer-Abt., II./Panz.A.R.119 and a Nebelwerfer battery together destroyed 7 enemy tanks.

On 6 September 1943 new division of the sector (evening): right — Panz.G.R.110 (without II.), Pi-Btl.666, Stu.Gesch.Abt.911, 1.(Sf)/Panz.Jg.Abt.61; centre — Panz.G.R.111 with Fla-Btl.(mot)616 attached; left — Panz.A.A.11 with Panz.Pi.209 and H.Fl.Abt.277; II./Panz.G.R.110 division reserve; Panz.-Rgt.15 at disposal; artillery in groups, III./W.R.55 under Panz.A.R.119. Radf.Straßenbaubtl.507 is to be released after relief; at 19:00 announcement of the relief by G.D. up to hill 180.4 inclusive.

In the new division of the sector (6 September 1943) Stu.Gesch.Abt.911 has “z.Zt. nur 1 Wagen einsatzbereit” (only 1 vehicle serviceable at present).

On 7 September 1943 G.D. is unable to carry out the relief as planned, the enemy seeps into the woods north-west of Batki and into Batki-Nord (02:00); at 04:00 the division takes over the new sector, at 08:20 G.D. considers that hill 180.4 has to be given up. During the day enemy attacks on the whole sector (hill 167.0 briefly lost, retaken by a counterattack), heavy fighting for II./Panz.G.R.110; at 18:00 the Gef.Std. moves to Kirilo Annowka; in the evening the enemy reaches Batki and Dranye with tanks.

On 7 September 1943 at 16:45 the corps orders the right wing to be bent back to the line 2.5 – 177.3 and Pi-Btl.666 to be released and handed over; the division can extend its sector to the left because about 40 men of replacements for Panz.Aufkl.Abt.11 have arrived. At 18:40 telephone order of the corps on shifting the division to the left (line +2.5 – +0.1 – +3.7 – 177.7).

On 8 September 1943 in the morning movement of the armoured grouping (StuG group at 177.3, two tank groups); at 10:55 order for the withdrawal to a rear line due to the penetration at the 19. Pz.-Div. (K.G. gives orders on the spot). At 18:15 a counterattack at hill 167.0 is successful, 2 enemy tanks destroyed at Chripki; at 19:00 the enemy penetrates with a battalion west of the Rollbahn on the left wing; at 23:00 the withdrawal is essentially accomplished, the bridges south of Rjabuschin blown despite an enemy attack.

On 8 September 1943 the staff and III./W.R.55 are released to the 19. Pz.-Div.; 3 tanks are detached north of Arteljarschtschina to support the right wing of the 19. Pz.-Div.

On 9 September 1943 from 04:00 defence of the new main line, rearguards at Risnyki and Strelewschtschina fight the probing enemy; at 12:20 all tanks of Panz.-Rgt.15 are concentrated at the northern edge of Pokrowskoje. At 16:25 an enemy battalion with more than 10 tanks attacks from hill 130.1, penetration into Panz.G.R.111, the Aufkl.Abt. falls back fighting to the northern edge of Arteljarschtschina; at 19:15 the armoured group destroyed 2 enemy tanks and 4 assault guns; at 22:10 the enemy penetrates with 6 tanks into the northern part of Arteljarschtschina, an attempt at a counterattack in the dark fails.

On 9 September 1943 at 15:20 the chief of staff announces a possible withdrawal of the main line (night of 9/10 September 1943); the division proposes the line 172.6 – 169.3 – 170.1 – 165.0 and reports that the indicated line lengthens the sector by 4 km (more than a regiment's sector). At 18:45 the army does not approve the withdrawal, the main line is to be held, penetrations to be cleared by counterattacks; the corps plans a counterattack with an armoured group of G.D.

On 9 September 1943 at 17:15 the last serviceable 8.8 cm Flak gun is lost; at 22:30 Stu.Gesch.Abt.911 has been reorganised into 2 batteries (4 guns each) and subordinated to Panz.G.R.110 and Panz.G.R.111, the staff remains with Panz.G.R.110.

On 10 September 1943 two further attempts of the Aufkl.Abt. to take Arteljarschtschina fail in the morning (10:45). Panz.G.R.111 repels an attack with tanks; the main line can now only be held by groups and double posts; in the Risnyki area air reconnaissance shows about 40 enemy tanks. At 16:45 an attack of tanks with infantry on Panz.G.R.110 — only the remaining assault guns can be opposed to it; the enemy tanks from the north are not stopped; in the evening withdrawal to new positions, at 19:00 Gef.Std. to Cholodnaja Balka.

On 10 September 1943 at 13:40 II./Art.Abt.108 is allotted to the division (the division voices reservations about the assigned sector); at 15:00 the K.G. at the Gef.Std., new army order — reconnaissance and preparations for the withdrawal are accelerated.

On 11 September 1943 in the morning the enemy enters Galijka (07:35 an infantry attack with 6 tanks from hill 170.2); at 12:45 Panz.Pi.Btl.209 loses its last officer and falls back, the Aufkl.Abt. clears Korezkij; at 16:00 an attack by 5 infantry companies on 2./Panz.A.A.11 is repelled by a vigorous counterattack. At 18:30 an attack of 4 T34 tanks with infantry on Panz.G.R.111, the enemy penetrates the positions, counterattack; fighting for hill 165.0 (21:00), counterattack fails (22:30), “Mannschaften total erschöpft und völlig durchnäßt” (men totally exhausted and soaked); counterattack planned for dawn.

On 11 September 1943 at 21:25 the division reports once again that the increasing lack of artillery ammunition puts the defence for 12 September 1943 in question.

On 12 September 1943 in the morning the penetration at Dubini is sealed with the help of an armoured group; at 05:00 Panz.G.R.111 attacks hill 165.0, at 05:45 it is in own hands; at 11:00 another enemy attack on 165.0 and the hill east of it. At 10:10 the corps: penetration on the left wing of the 19. Pz.-Div. — the 11. Pz.-Div. is to enable the relief of Pi-Btl.19 by an armoured group and take over its sector, which lengthens the main line by 2 km; the division reports that it cannot man it with infantry.

On the afternoon of 12 September 1943 the corps informs that the withdrawal of the main line will probably not take place (the 19. Pz.-Div. has consolidated), but the order for the relief of Pi-Btl.19 by the 11. Pz.-Div. stands; at 14:05 announcement that G.D. must extend to the left; at 16:45 new sector boundaries. The division observes an enemy concentration in Gontari and Grischki (5 tanks, truck columns), shifts its main effort from right to left and reports “außerordentliche Verknappung von Artl.-Munition” (extraordinary shortage of artillery ammunition).

On 13 September 1943 from midnight to 03:00 heavy mortar fire from about 3 batteries on Panz.Aufkl.Abt.11; the 19. Pz.-Div. breaks off the clearing and moves its line back, giving up Dubini and Tarany. At 07:00 the corps informs of a deep penetration at the 19. Pz.-Div. and orders an armoured group under the Kdr. Panz.-Rgt.15 to be sent, which the division sends off at once on its own decision; at 11:00 the corps transfers command of the combined group to the Kdr. Panz.-Rgt. of the 19. Pz.-Div., the Kdr. Panz.-Rgt.15 is released. In the afternoon air reconnaissance reveals a well-camouflaged massed assembly of infantry and tanks in the Arteljarschtschina–Logodi area; at about 16:20 a battalion attack on hill 170.1 is repelled with high enemy losses (17:00).

On 13 September 1943 in the morning the relief of the right wing of Panz.A.A.11 by G.D. is arranged; at 13:30, instead of Panz.Pi.Btl.209, a newly formed infantry platoon of Fla-Btl.(mot)616 with 2 × 2 cm guns is sent to Panz.G.R.110. At 17:30 G.D. occupies hill 169.3 and takes over the right wing of the division, at 19:40 gives it up, at 22:35 occupies it again.

On 14 September 1943 from 12:00 an enemy attack on a broad front with 3 tanks from the Logodi area (direction 165.0) and an infantry battalion from the area west of Gontari; the enemy takes Nowosselowka; hill 165.0 is temporarily lost, retaken. At 15:10 a counterattack of tanks from the west, at 16:30 Nowosselowka is retaken (“erhebliche blutige Verluste”, heavy bloody losses; several tanks, assault guns and Pak of the enemy destroyed); the enemy withdraws towards Logodi; in the evening 15 enemy tanks on the march to 165.0, they do not attack.

On 14 September 1943 the Oberbefehlshaber of the 8. Armee is briefed at the divisional command post; above all the poor supply of the artillery with ammunition is presented to him.

On 14 September 1943 according to the evening assessment the planned counterattack on enemy mortar positions is “aus Munitionsgründen zunächst nicht durchführbar” (initially not feasible for lack of ammunition), as the arrival of new artillery ammunition allocations cannot be foreseen.

On 15 September 1943 the 72. J.D. has taken over the sector of the 19. Pz.-Div.; the corps allots III./W.R.55 with 2 batteries to the division (later released to the 72. J.D.). At 18:55 corps order: to close the gap (bridgehead Ssawinzy – Chomutez) a mobile Kampfgruppe from G.D., 11. Pz.-Div. and 72. J.D. is formed under the Kdr. Pz.Rgt.15; the 11. Pz.-Div. detaches parts of Panz.-Rgt.15 and Panz.A.R.119, arrival at Baranowka on 16 September 1943 at 05:00. The division reports readiness to detach a group of 6 tanks; the attack on Logodi planned for 16 September 1943 is cancelled (18:35).

On 15 September 1943 at 18:20 the chief of staff is pointed to the bad ammunition situation, especially 7.5 cm HE — the use of tanks and assault guns against unarmoured targets becomes almost impossible.

Gruppe v. Lauchert sets off in the night of 15/16 September 1943; at 10:25 on 16 September 1943 the army approves the withdrawal to the rear line reconnoitred earlier, the division proposes withdrawing only the left wing to hill 164.2 (contact with the 72. J.D.), the corps agrees (10:45); from 19:00 the withdrawal proceeds according to plan; on the morning of 17 September 1943 the new main line is occupied, rearguards fall back to Romanki.

On 17 September 1943 during the day a thrust into the foreground of Panz.G.R.110 forces the enemy to withdraw despite strong Pak; at 15:30 a battalion attack from the area west of Logodi is repelled; at 16:00 Gef.Std. to Woronjantschina. From 19:00 withdrawal without enemy pressure, in the night difficulties because of darkness and mud (rearguards at hill 171.1 and the edge of Ssulimy); the 72. J.D. is responsible for the destruction of all bridges over the Psell.

On 17 September 1943 because of continuous rain the supply situation deteriorates; Gruppe v. Lauchert (securing the left wing of the 72. J.D.) stands almost without fuel. At 23:40 it is doubtful whether it will manage to withdraw in time; the 72. J.D. is asked to blow the Shishaki bridge over the Psell only after its passage.

On 18 September 1943 at 07:20 the Div.-Führer again asks the chief of staff of the corps for urgent fuel allocations (the decisive question in withdrawals on a large scale in such bad weather); he also notes that ammunition depots do not issue ammunition, and that during hasty evacuation of the depots ammunition is suddenly allocated which cannot be collected; evacuation of the population in the division's area has not even begun. The rearguards repel further attacks.

On 18 September 1943 at 21:15 Stu.Gesch.Abt.911 (2 batteries) is again directly subordinated to the division: one battery each to cooperate with Panz.G.R.110 and 111, parts of one of the batteries to Panz.A.A.11.

On 20 September 1943 the left armoured rearguard group disperses enemy infantry (in the early morning), the enemy attacks again and is again smashed; armoured counterattacks at Nikolajewka and Shorschewka end successfully “unter Einbringung zahlreicher Beute” (bringing in numerous booty) (by noon); at 18:30 an attack of several companies west of Nikolajewka is repelled by Panz.A.A.11 with high enemy losses.

On 20 September 1943 at 08:00 route reconnaissance: the bridges over the Chorol will not bear tanks, the Psell can only be crossed at Belo Zerkowka; the division considers it right to block the Psell–Chorol river triangle at once instead of withdrawing in stages. At 11:25 the chief of staff informs of the corps' new intentions: G.D. will additionally take over the sector of the 11. Pz.-Div., and the 11. Pz.-Div. is to be pulled out and assembled at the Psell crossing at Belozerkowka and subordinated to the III. Panzerkorps; at 14:52 corps order on the assembly; at 21:00 Fla-Btl.(mot)616 is released from the subordination.

On 20 September 1943 according to the situation reconnaissance at the III. Panzerkorps (20:00): 6. Pz.-Div. on the right, Wiking on the left, front to the north; a group of the 6. Pz.-Div. is surrounded in Welikaja Ogatschka and is attacked by Gruppe Pfeffer (subordinated to the 6. Pz.-Div.). Task of the 11. Pz.-Div.: assemble west of the Psell and secure to the north; withdrawals within the corps to the south planned for 22 September 1943.

On 21 September 1943 at 00:00 the division comes under the orders of the III. Panzerkorps (the last parts relieved by G.D. only at dawn); at 09:00 Gef.Std. at Morostowschtschina. New situation: the enemy marches south west of the Chorol; new task — assemble in the area Taranowka – Ssemenowka – Otscheretowataja and set off again immediately. At 17:00 Gef.Std. at Paniwanowka; the division is to cross the Ssula because the 3. Pz.-Div. could not reach its march objective; at 18:55 corps order: cross the Ssula sector from dawn, bridges Ssamostje (secured by SS-Wiking) and Shownin; task — line Orshiza – Filippowitschi – Belusowka.

On 21 September 1943 at 11:15 commanders' conference on checking the troops' fuel stocks; at 17:00 the corps is warned that without a generous fuel allocation the division cannot carry out the task (previous allocations suffice only for the march, not for mobility and combat); the crossing of Panz.-Rgt.15 and Stu.Gesch.Abt.911 is agreed via the Schownin bridge (with the 3. Pz.-Div.), because both bridges (Ssamostje and Marwewka) are not usable for tanks.

On 22 September 1943 at 10:00 the division sets off; after crossing the Ssula it is subordinated to the XXIV. Panzerkorps with the task of clearing the penetration at Solotonoscha, but the bridge at Krapiwna had been blown by the 167. J.D. At 17:00 the corps order to advance via Solotonoscha cannot be carried out; in the absence of new corps tasks (radio traffic overloaded) the division independently secures the Rollbahn at Krapiwna and prepares an attack towards Ssolotonowka. At 00:00 on 23 September 1943 the division is again under the III. Panzerkorps.

On 23 September 1943 the division secures the line Dengi – Nedina Gora. At 14:15 the K.G. subordinates to the division all foreign units in its area: G.R.107, I. and II./A.R.34 (34. J.D.), parts of G.R.475 and 1./Panz.Jg.Abt.112 (112. J.D.), parts of the trains of G.R.331, 339 and 315 (167. J.D.); at 13:00 the division collects the “völlig verworrenen Teilverbände” (completely confused sub-units) of the 34., 112. and 167. J.D. At 15:00 new organisation: Gruppe v. Lauchert (Panz.-Rgt.15, Panz.A.A.11), Gruppe Henze (Panz.G.R.110, II./G.R.107, 1 StuG battery), Gruppe v. Rhaden (G.R.107 and attached units), Gruppe Sperling (Panz.G.R.111 and others), Panz.Pi.Btl.209 securing Krasnoje West.

On 24 September 1943 the enemy tries to form a bridgehead over the Krapiwna sector and repair the blown bridge; Panz.-Rgt.15 with parts of Panz.A.A.11 counterattacks. At 16:30 a thrust of an armoured group out of Kresty scatters enemy infantry (about 2 companies), the bulk of I./Panz.G.R.110 and parts of Stu.Gesch.Abt.911 counterattack; at 17:00 an attack on hill 127.0 — in the course of the evening the hill is almost reached despite tough resistance.

On 24 September 1943 the corps orders parts of the 167. J.D. to be pulled out (I./Panz.G.R.110 temporarily split to relieve them in the bridgehead); the IIa of the division reconnoitres the final main line on the southern bank of the Dnieper; at 18:50 Panz.Pi.Btl.209 is to reconnoitre and prepare for demolition the bridges along the withdrawal route; at 20:00 preparations for the narrowing and abandonment of the bridgehead; at 22:00 the corps issues the order to give up the bridgehead. On 25 September 1943 until morning the pulling out of G.R.339, 331 and 315 continues, by late morning the withdrawal of parts of the 112. and 167. J.D. is completed.

On the afternoon of 25 September 1943 a very successful counterattack of a mixed group (Panz.-Rgt.15, Panz.A.A.11, I./Panz.A.R.119) and a thrust of parts of Stu.Gesch.Abt.911 and I./Panz.G.R.110. At 16:00 the Gef.Std. moves to Tscherkassy (ready at 18:00); at 18:30 planned movements begin without enemy pressure. The day before, on 24 September 1943, enemy paratroops had landed in the Tscherkassy area — order to secure and stand by.

By the morning of 26 September 1943 all vehicles under 8 t have been ferried across the Dnieper, from 05:00 the crossing of tanks and the heaviest vehicles; at 10:20 the order to remove the pontoon bridge; in the afternoon all bridging equipment is recovered or destroyed, the withdrawal from the reduced bridgehead without enemy contact is completed in the evening. Gef.Std. in the southern part of Tscherkassy (Leontowitschstr. 128); about 20 km downstream some assault boats fell into enemy hands.

On 27 September 1943 the division takes over the defence of the town and the town command, cooperating with the Gebietskommissar in securing the economic assets of the town; order for the partial evacuation of the south-western part of the town (“bandenverdächtig”, suspected of partisan activity). At 10:30 the first enemy infantry assault party at the bridge site is dispersed by artillery; own operation with armoured personnel carriers and assault boats without result.

On 28 September 1943 new organisation of the sector after the widening to the right; at 22:45 corps order: on 29 September 1943 the division additionally takes over the sector of Panz.G.R.394 of the 3. Pz.-Div. The corps order of 29 September 1943 also orders the release of II./62; Heer.Flak-Abt.277 is to detach 6 guns of 2 cm to Panz.A.A.11; Panz.-Rgt.15 to Russkaja Poljana, Panz.Pi.Btl.209 to Ternowka; sector taken over at 13:00; preparatory work for re-establishing the Div.-Kampfschule.

On 3 October 1943 at 03:00 corps order: the division is to be partly relieved by the 168. J.D. and to assemble in the Beloserje area ready for transfer; preliminary orders for loading (BvTO). At 11:25 the corps: the orders given so far are merely preventive measures of the army, there is no loading order, objective and task unknown; at 11:45 loading is only to be prepared. In the afternoon Panz.A.A.11 is relieved by parts of the 168. J.D., Panz.G.R.111 by Panz.G.R.110; no final task; fuel is allotted (the division had asked for it, otherwise immobile).

On the evening of 5 October 1943 the relief by the 168. J.D. begins, freeing II./Panz.G.R.110 and III./Panz.A.R.119; the 167. J.D. is to relieve the remainder (mainly I./Panz.G.R.110 and II./Panz.A.R.119) by 18:00 on 6 October 1943. On 6 October 1943 at 00:00 command of the II./Panz.G.R.110 sector passes to the 168. J.D.; at 18:30 Gef.Std. at Stepanki; on 7 October 1943 the division is assembled in its billeting area.

On 7 October 1943 the division proposes via the Ia of the III. Panzerkorps that it be provided with 4 V.S. of fuel, to be blocked if necessary, and that column space be provided for the parts of the division not mobile for vehicle reasons, especially the Panzer-Grenadier-Regiments.

On 8 October 1943 at 13:06 the Ia of the III. Panzerkorps: the division is subordinated with immediate effect to the XXXXVII. Panzerkorps for employment on the right wing of that corps. March in 2 parts, armoured elements on the northern road; the Panz.G.R. are to send men above about 80 combat strength per company to the Feldersatzbtl. At 14:20 the division reports to the corps that the available fuel only suffices for a day march (not at night) and that requests for fuel and column space went unanswered.

On 9 October 1943 at 10:30 Gef.Std. at Andrussowka; the attack is set for 10 October 1943 at 08:00 (task: to destroy the enemy bridgehead at Hf. Smytnizar/Nowo Georgiewsk). The armoured group (Panz.Rgt.15, SPW of I./Panz.G.R.110, Flammzug, 2./Panz.A.A.11, I./Panz.A.R.119, parts of Panz.Pi.Btl.209) is to roll over the left-hand Panz.G.R.110; Stu.Gesch.Abt.911 demonstrates in the south; the corps has no ammunition for the artillery, so a concentrated barrage at the start of the attack is impossible.

From 08:00 on 10 October 1943 an attack (Panz.G.R.110, 111, armoured group) against the enemy bridgehead on the Dnieper: stubborn resistance, sandy terrain (dunes), snipers; the enemy ferries new forces across by motor ferry; at about 13:00 the Ia independently sends Panz.A.A.11 to Nowo Georgijewsk (attack from south to north). At 15:00 the attack of the Panz.G.R. finally stalls — “empfindliche eigene Panzerwaffenausfälle” (heavy own tank losses), own casualties; Stu.Gesch.Abt.911 smashes an enemy attack on Hf. Schumeika.

On 10 October 1943 at 19:45 the corps orders the attack to clear the bridgehead to be halted; the 320. J.D. with the 11. Pz.-Div. subordinated goes over to the defence (the division's proposal to continue the attack is rejected). Panz.G.R.110, subordinated to the 320. J.D., takes over a sector (right boundary about Nowo Lipowo); Panz.-Rgt.15 as an intervention group behind the sector (at the disposal of the 320. J.D.); II./Panz.G.R.111 after relief by the 320. J.D. with 1./Stu.Gesch.Abt.911 as Eingreifgruppe Donnhauser; Panz.A.A.11 and Stu.Gesch.Abt.911 (without 1.) as an intervention group (cooperating with G.R.585); Panz.Pi.Btl.209 and 3./Heer.Flak-Abt.277 remain directly under the division.

On 11 October 1943 Kampfgruppe “Postel” is dissolved (15:00), the division is again directly under the XXXXVII. Panzerkorps. Panz.A.A.11 with a StuG battery remains directly under the 320. J.D.; the division is to form as corps reserve an intervention group (staff and II./Panz.G.R.111, I./Panz.A.R.119, staff and 1 battery of Stu.Gesch.Abt.911) in the Kalaborok area. At 18:50 K.G.: on the order of the Heeresgruppe the attack planned for 12 October 1943 is not to take place, the division is to go over to the defence.

In the night of 11/12 October 1943 an attempt to block the crossing site with floating mines fails because of numerous sandbanks; on the morning of 12 October 1943 movements indicating relief of enemy troops are observed, the artillery engages them. In the afternoon an operation of I./Panz.G.R.111 in the dunes ends successfully (few own losses, booty, “erhebliche blutige Verluste” for the enemy); on 13 October 1943 an own operation to take the last enemy dune strongpoint fails in the night, repeated in the afternoon.

On 12 October 1943 at 10:30 the division reports to the corps that the sandy terrain has so impaired the condition of the tracked vehicles that further losses must be expected on longer marches; orderly repair is currently impossible because the division's repair facilities are still in the Smela area; a new StuG battery brought from the workshop, directly under the corps, is to be used behind the division's sector.

On 12 October 1943 at 11:45 telephone corps order: from 15:00 Stab and II./Panz.G.R.111, II./Panz.Rgt.15 and I./Panz.A.R.119 are to be kept ready for loading at Bhf. Snamenka (beginning in the evening), the task of the Kampfgruppe and the organisation of supply being unknown; at 13:13 the corps agrees that the Stab of Panz.Rgt.15 remains in the Smela area for repair and supply of the regiment; 15:00 departure of the Panz.-Abt. and I./Panz.A.R.119, 16:30 II./Panz.G.R.111, 17:00 Stab Panz.G.R.111; at 21:00 the corps corrects: only the tracked elements are loaded, the wheeled elements roll by road.

On the morning of 13 October 1943 I./Panz.G.R.111 and the regimental units are pulled out, the sector is taken over by Panz.G.R.110; the battalion is released to the XXXXVIII. Panzerkorps. The loading of the tracked elements at Bhf. Snamenka is delayed by the lack of trains and locomotives which were not provided as planned.

On 15 October 1943 at 01:25 teleprinter order of the XXXXVII. Panzerkorps: Div.Stab and Panz.Pi.Btl.209 (without 1 company) are to be released and sent to the XXXXVIII. Panzerkorps; at 11:30 also Stab and III./Panz.A.R.119; at 12:00 the 320. J.D. takes over the sector of Panz.G.R.110; the Div.Stab marches off, Gef.Std. at Stepanki. The army orders that the parts still in the area of the 320. J.D. (Panz.G.R.110, II./Panz.A.R.119, 2./Panz.Pi.Btl.209, 3./Heer.Flak-Abt.277, Panz.A.A.11, parts of the supply troops) are to be relieved in the nights of 15/16 and 16/17 October 1943 and transported by rail from Snamenka to Mironowka; on 16 October 1943 at 11:00 Gef.Std. at Lasurzy.

On 16 October 1943 according to corps orders an attack was planned to partly clear the Sselischtsche bridgehead using Gruppe Kaldrack (Panz.G.R.111, II./Panz.-Rgt.15, I./Panz.A.R.119). At 18:45 the corps: the attack will not be carried out, the group is to be held ready to intervene on the right wing of the 112. J.D.; the assembly area assigned to the division is completely occupied by rear services of the static divisions.

On 17 October 1943 at 08:10 the parts of the division being moved by the XXXXVII. Pz.-Korps are halted at the disposal of the Heeresgruppe; at 13:45 preliminary notice of the corps, at 14:00 the order: the parts of the division in the area of the XXXXVIII. Pz.-Korps are to be loaded by rail to Alexandrija (stations: Mironowka for wheeled, Tempi for tanks), the division is to assemble in the Alexandrija area at the disposal of AOK 8; the loading and assembly of the parts remaining under the XXXXVII. Pz.-Korps is carried out by AOK 8. Panz.G.R.111 was to relieve the 20. Panz.Gren.Div. for 4 days (10:25), but at 11:05 the corps cancelled.

On 18 October 1943 the march is severely hampered by the complete muddiness of the roads; at 07:00 a train with parts of Panz.Pi.Btl.209 is loaded; at Tempi loading of II./Panz.Rgt.15 and I./Panz.A.R.119; Gef.Std. at Mironowka in the afternoon; at 20:00 a train for the staff is provided only after urgent representations, loading is completed by midnight.

On 19 October 1943 at 01:00 departure of the staff; at 14:00 arrival in Alexandrija, Gef.Std. Alexandrija-Ost. The division is subordinated to the XXXX. Panzerkorps (together with the 6. Pz.-Div., SS-Panz.Gren.Div. “Totenkopf” and the 376. J.D.), assembles in the Protopopowka–Alexandrija area and from 20 October 1943 at 12:00 takes over a security sector (from the southern edge of Krassnaja Nikolajewka to the north-eastern edge of Petrosagorje). So far arrived: Stab and I./Panz.G.R.110 (without 3rd Kp.), II./Panz.A.R.119 (without 4th Battr.), 3. and 4./Heer.Flak-Abt.277, Panz.Pi.Btl.209 (without 1 Kp.); Gruppe Henze, Div.-Sich.Abt. and Panz.Pi.Btl.209 are temporarily subordinated to the 376. I.D.

On the evening of 19 October 1943 the division reports to the corps that no significant combat forces of the division will have arrived by the corps attack planned for 21 October 1943; Panz.A.A.11 stands ready for loading at Snamenka and is to load quickly, with the “schlammbeweglich” (mud-capable) parts reaching Alexandrija by road; on 20 October 1943 (08:45) the division repeats that at most the Aufkl.Abt., I./Panz.A.R.119 and the remainder of Panz.G.R.110 will be available on 21 October 1943, but Panz.G.R.111 and III./Panz.A.R.119 will not arrive.

On 20 October 1943 at 10:30 an enemy air raid on Alexandrija delays unloading at the station by at least 10 hours (locomotives damaged); at 12:30 the corps orders a reinforced company to be moved to Nowo Starodub and the Ingulez crossing to be prepared for demolition; the Sich.-Abt. takes over the sector (in place at 19:00). At 14:00 preliminary decision of the corps Ia: the attack planned for 21 October 1943 will probably not be carried out, the assembly of the divisions in transit is to be completed regardless of further enemy advance to the south; at 20:00 corps order: the attack on 21 October 1943 is cancelled, the division keeps its present sector and moves forces of battalion strength with a battery to Nowo Starodub to secure the Ingulez crossing.

On 21 October 1943 during the night a clash of own and Russian patrols in the Panz.G.R.110 sector; in the morning parts of the I. Btl. break through Losowatski and fight for hill 185.1; at 13:45 report: hill 185.1 is strongly occupied, the coup-de-main failed — the division orders the attack not to be repeated. At 06:00 Panz.A.A.11 relieved the Div.Sich.Abt.; at 08:50 the corps: Panz.A.A.24 (24. Pz.-Div.) is to relieve Panz.A.A.11 at Nowo Starodub today and will be subordinated to the 376. J.D.

On the evening of 21 October 1943 the corps (by telephone through the chief) informs that the Heeresgruppe will probably order a thrust by an armoured group from the Nowo Starodub area to Sselenoje to interrupt the enemy march movements, and that the corps will entrust this to the 11. Pz.-Div., attaching a gepanzerte Gruppe of SS “Totenkopf”; at 17:50 the preliminary notice becomes an order. The division points out to the corps that it considered an attack from its own sector very successful, and that the new shifts will again cause considerable vehicle losses. At 16:00 Gef.Std. to Woroschilowka; the relief of Panz.A.A.11 is completed only in the morning hours of 22 October 1943.

On 22 October 1943 from 11:50 an attack of Gruppe v. Lauchert (parts of Panz.-Rgt.15, Panz.-Rgt. SS “Totenkopf”, 1 SPW company of SS “Totenkopf” and of Panz.A.A.11, I./Panz.A.R.119, 1 Wespe battery SS “Totenkopf” and 6 Wespen of the 23. Pz.-Div., 1 platoon Panz.Pi.Btl.209, 1 StuG battery SS “Totenkopf” and 1./Stu.Gesch.Abt.911) via Alexandrowka–Balachowka to Iwanowka and on to Selenoje; Kampfgruppe Kaldrack (II./Panz.G.R.110 and 9. and 10./Panz.G.R.111) in the bridgehead without enemy contact, Panz.A.A.24 secures the bridge; the enemy withdraws before the armoured spearhead, good Luftwaffe support. At 15:00 at Gruppe Henze enemy attacks in battalion strength near Losowatski since 12:00, defence in progress; at 16:25 the division independently decides that the armoured group is to “hedgehog” during the night in the positions reached and in the morning thrust to Petrowo; K.G. at 13:00: after the attack the division is to assemble in the Gurowka area (Gruppe Henze to be relieved by parts of SS “Totenkopf” and the 376. J.D.).

On 22 October 1943 the division points out to the corps (14:35) that a further move will again cause the loss of many vehicles and tanks and depends on fuel; it asks for the army order to be changed because it has “kampfkräftige Teile” (combat-capable elements) here and the attack should be exploited quickly.

According to the list of subordinations in KTB No. 11, from 22 October 1943 the division is under Gen.Kdo. LVII. Panz.-Korps (until 1 November 1943): fighting east and south of Alexandrija, then march and fighting in the area south-west of Losowatka.