by Mark Cooper
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Russians advancing Right to left .jpeg)
Russian lines, at bottom of picture
The German View
Fortress Frankfurt command was most relieved to hear that the outpost line has held as long as it could considering the onslaught and forces deployed. However, the presence and report of the “Straff” Flying Police patrol as submitted to the NSDAP Gauleiter suggested they may have to intervene when required to prevent in their words:
“…………………. Development of lamentable backsliding, and cowardice contravening the Fuhrers Order of the Day in manning and holding the Eastern Bulwark”.
The Patrol will remain attached to the area force, although they will
not consider themselves sub-ordinate to Army personal or command/orders and
continue to have full authority to act as they see fit to maintain the defence
and order/discipline.
·
three
flak guns,
·
one
field gun,
·
one
mortar and HMG
·
some
40 men at least.30 Volkksturm and 10 Kreigsmarine.
·
Several
fixed emplacements and crews.
The newly arrived elements of 2 x 251/9 & 251/16 SS Kampfgruppe 3th January will remain attached as will the Army liaison officer. Replacements for the lost men have been promised as soon as practicable although they are likely to be Volkssturm. Similarly flak elements have been promised.
Recommendations for awards are as follows.
· Special Badge in Silver for Single-Handed Destruction of a Tank. This is awarded for knocking out an enemy tank with small arms such as grenades or Panzerfaust.
· Iron Cross Second
class. This awarded with above as it recognises the bravery associated with
engaging tanks at close range.
as soon as practicable although they are likely to be Volkssturm. Similarly
flak elements have been promised.
Both the above to Party Comrades sadly fallen under the command of Herr Vallance and Newman.
 |
| Wound badge in black-awarded for one wound. |
This to Herr Brush following his wounding in an air attack,and Herr Ollie for similar wound sustained in action.
The Miracle close shave of
Herr Brush.
Herr Brush woke up in the back of a personnel carrier as it sped towards the next line of defence and temporary safety. His first recollection were memories of being wounded in WW1 and he pleaded with the SS men who sat next to him to tell him the truth-was it bad?
Would he see home again?
He could hardly comprehend as both burst out laughing with one saying “No chance You will die for the Fuhrer yet”.
It seems that the rocket that had missed the house in front of his position had struck close to his fox hole killing his companion outright and blowing Herr Brush some 10 yrds and nocked him unconscious.
Initially the SS men in the
carrier thought his was dead too but recognising his rank tabs and Volkksturm
armband had decided to risk their own lives and check-Old men did not deserve
to be left alone apparently.
He tried to move but every
muscle in his upper body didn’t want to move and the ringing in his ears came
and went like church bells. Thus he gratefully took a sip of water and laid back
down. That was then thrown back up as he recognised the texture and smell of human remains all over his left side and
arm-presumably that of his HQ Clerk
Volkssturmann Herr Paige. His own wound of several shell splinter lacerations
didn’t seem so bad then. The SS men laughed again while nervously looking back at where the Russians
were. One then said “Poor Bastards Ivans
not in a forgiving mood”.
It would remain to be seen whether he was fit to take command in the next inevitable action. The SS men went quiet.
The Russian View
Divisional command was most relieved to hear that the first last-ditch defenders of Frankfurt had finally been overcome and the advance continues. With the emphasis on” finally” Command also notes the report from NKVD HQ that their presence was required to prevent in their words
“…………………. Development of lamentable back-sliding, and counter Revolutionary cowardice facing the weak and pathetic enemy who are not fit to breath the same air as the heroic soldiers of the Red Army.”
Thus, the NKVD will remain attached to Force HQ, although they will not consider themselves sub-ordinate to Army personal or command/orders and continue to have full authority to act as they see fit to maintain the offensive and order/discipline.
Estimated German Casualties.
At least,
·
three flak guns,
·
one field gun,
·
one mortar and HMG
·
some 30 men at least.
Heroic Russian Losses
Ever to be remembered in the memories
of the people were reported as.
·
1 Valentine tank knocked out,
·
1 T70 tank knocked out,
·
1 T34 immobilised-Note it may be possible to
repair this damage, but any other damage will not be repaired if Force
Commander decides to retain it on strength for next action.
·
2 Tank descent infantry squads destroyed.
Replacements have been requested from Division.
Similarly, replacements for the tanks have also been requested.
Recommendations for awards are as follows.
Medal for Valour to Comrade Toy.
·This award recognises displays of personal courage and valour in the defence of the Socialist Homeland and execution of military duty involving a risk to life-Viz command of the air assets in suppressing flak guns.
 |
| Medal for Combat service to Comrades Worrell and Cast. |
This award recognises a person’s contribution to success in
combat and enhancement of the combat readiness of military units. Viz
successful taking and holding of the two stream crossings followed by
exploitation of the situation.
These awards will be confirmed when Command receive
satisfactory reports of continued performance.
High Command Oder Front 1945.
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