Operation Herbstwind: Garski’s Demise

As always, Oberst Garski led from the front. In order to ensure secure radio communication, he commandeered a Panzer II tank that was fitted with a dummy cannon. When the attack began, Garski accompanied 13th Company/I.R. 2 which was being …

1942-09-30

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As always, Oberst Garski led from the front. In order to ensure secure radio communication, he commandeered a Panzer II tank that was fitted with a dummy cannon. When the attack began, Garski accompanied 13th Company/I.R. 2 which was being supported by Oberleutnant Heimke’s 1st Panzer Company equipped with Mk IVs. Garski joined the other tanks and pushed right up to the leading Soviet positions in front of town, spraying the trenches with the tank’s machine gun. Soon, however, Garski’s tank was hit and disabled. Slightly wounded in the throat, Garski unmounted the machine gun and bailed out with the crew. Garski proceeded to fire the machine gun and then his pistol, helping to roll up an enemy trench along with 13th Company. Oberst Garski then walked over to a nearby Panzer IV. Using its radio, he ordered Heimke’s 1st Panzer Company to continue the attack into and beyond town. He stood upright behind the tank’s turret, directing the supporting infantry.

Kostanossowo, 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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