Operation Max Und Moritz

Following painstaking preparations and supported by the infantry and artillery, Sturmpionier Battalion GD was to launch a daring operation against the enemy bunkers of the so-called “cemetery hill” due east of the town of Tschermassowo. This operation, code named “Max …

1942-09-22

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Following painstaking preparations and supported by the infantry and artillery, Sturmpionier Battalion GD was to launch a daring operation against the enemy bunkers of the so-called “cemetery hill” due east of the town of Tschermassowo. This operation, code named “Max und Moritz”, had as its main objective the seizing of the strategic height from the Soviets, who were suspected of harboring several artillery observers atop the hill mass. Furthermore, if the Germans were in control of the hill they could observe the enemy far towards the east, making countermeasures against the Soviet artillery positions more effective. The Artillery Regiment GD ensured that the guns opened fire at the exact minute, and then lifted precisely upon the jump off time for the infantry. 2nd and 3rd Companies of the Sturmpionier Bn, under their commanders Warschnauer and Hückel, respectively, were to attack from the west while 7th Company, I.R. GD 1 assaulted from the left flank. Stuka support was also promised.

East of Tschermassowo, Gostischka Valley, Russia

The Battles of Rzhev were a series of Soviet operations in World War II between January 8, 1942 and March 31, 1943. Due to the high losses suffered by the Soviet Army, the campaign became known by veterans and historians as the "Rzhev Meat Grinder". During the Soviet winter counter-offensive of 1941, and the Rzhev–Vyazma strategic offensive operation (8 January 1942 – 20 April 1942), German forces were pushed back from Moscow. As a result, a salient was formed along the front line in the direction of the capital, which became known as the Rzhev–Vyazma salient. It was strategically important for the German Army Group Centre due to the threat it posed to Moscow, and was therefore heavily fortified and strongly defended.

Wikipedia: Battles of Rzhev

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