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(Small Unit Actions: The Capture of Balta ID: #9)   [next]   [previous]

Balta, Ukraine 1941-08-03 (14 others)

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Overview:

The 744th Engineer Regiment, less Company C, was given the assignment to seize Balta on its own with the help of support in the form of covering parties from the Romanian 6th Division. The Regiment was scheduled to move out of its assembly positions and move against the town on August 3rd at 0600 hours. Before the attack could be launched, the Russians struck. Machine-gun and mortar fire were directed at the Romanians and Germans prepared to attack Balta from the north. A group of Romanians were seen fleeing north after a wave of Russian fighter bombers swept over the assembly area. Soon after, two Russian light tanks trundled out of the town, catching a horse-drawn artillery battery by surprise. Company C's commander, First Lieutenant Erhardt, soon took matters into his own hands. Surmising that the original attack plan would be delayed due to the Russian pressure, Erhardt launched his men from the flank of the town.

Defender: Russian (Elements of the 74th Rifle Division and attached armor)  

Errata (source)