Infantry regiment "Großdeutschland" had
been assigned to one of the fast-moving armored groups now smashing their way
into the Soviet Union. Far from being docile, however, the enemy was throwing
large numbers of hastily organized divisions at the invaders, and in places rocking
the attacking formations back on their heels. Attempting to destroy a German bridge-
head across the Dneipr River, desperate Soviet counterattacks on the 2nd Panzer Group
began on July 23rd and steadily increased in strength and desperation. Großdeutschland's
1st Battalion was forced onto the defensive, forming pockets around one of the only hard
surfaced roads in the region, alongside the Kruglowka rail line. Forcing their way across
a small river despite heavy losses, the Russians poured men and artillery fire at the
dug-in riflemen of the 1st Battalion's 2nd Company, who were forced to rely on their
machinegun support to keep the enemy at bay. By the 26th, the 2nd Company had been
living within shouting distance of the enemy for days.
Attacker: Russian (145th Infantry Division)
Defender: German (Infantry Regiment Großdeutschland)
