The bridgehead position at Graudenz. was declared a fortress on 27 January 1945. The fortress defense was manned by the remaining elements of Division Hermann Gbring, as well as various other Wehrmacht, Luftwaffe, Police, and Fortress units...

The bridgehead position at Graudenz. was declared a fortress on 27 January 1945. The fortress defense was manned by the remaining elements of Division Hermann Gbring, as well as various other Wehrmacht, Luftwaffe, Police, and Fortress units. The Russians relentlessly pressed the attack, inflicting staggering casualties on the defenders. By February 22nd, very few artillery and antitank guns remained functioning within the fortress. There were, however, still a large number of dangerous flak guns. In an attempt to remove these threats, the Russians resumed the attack the following morning reinforced by armor and supported by fire from nearly an entire artillery division.