The Expected Counterattack

Following the taking of the so-called ‘cemetery hill,’ III Battalion/I.R. GD 1 was called forward to relieve the two Pionier companies which had carried out the assault. By 1900 hours III Bn began consolidating their new positions in anticipation of …

1942-09-22

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Following the taking of the so-called ‘cemetery hill,’ III Battalion/I.R. GD 1 was called forward to relieve the two Pionier companies which had carried out the assault. By 1900 hours III Bn began consolidating their new positions in anticipation of a possible Soviet counterattack. Though the expected attack never occurred, this scenario postulates what it might have looked like had the Soviets been able to form an ad hoc force with which to immediately counterattack the Germans’ newly won positions.

Cemetary Hill, 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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