Defending Greater Germania 1942 - Includes combined WitW and WitE2 AARs

[tm1]

Western Front
Situation Report Sept 16th 1944 Turn 64
Army Group B

Normandy

Over the past four weeks at his forward Headquarters in Paris FM Rommel had been receiving confusing reports from units on the front line, ( likewise Bader at Army Group B and Lieb 15th Armee ) the enemies troop strength fluctuate and unit identification appears to be misleading making it difficult to determine the best sector to launch an offensive against enemy forces, initial intelligence indicated that the 2nd Canadian Div was part of the force opposing General Sinnhuber's men at St-Valery, however units of the LVIII Pz Korps indicted the 2nd Can had withdrawn and transports were disembarking a reformed 3rd Can Div ,this unit had been virtually destroyed attempting to land at the beachhead only four weeks ago, if true this unit would not be at full strength and an attack might be possible.
Following the reports of more convoys in the channel the previous two weeks and attacks last week by enemy forces against LXXXII ArmeeKorps at St-Valery German Naval Intelligence has confirmed that the 3rd Can has now withdrawn also and a Brigade strength unit has landed on the beach area code named JUNO, further to this the enemy forces that assaulted St-Valery the previous week have now been identified as Polish Paratroops.

Despite the fluid situation of the Allied Forces within the beachhead perimeter, Intelligence believes JUNO beach to be the weakest sector of the Allied line, a meeting is arranged at OKW HQ Paris with senior High Command officers to begin preparing plans for offensive operations.

Army Group B Axis Assault.jpg (752.13 KiB) Viewed 895 times

Army Group B Forces

15th Armee ( Lieb ) 325th Security Inf

LXXXII ArmeeKorps ( Sinnhuber ) 3 Divisions
89th Inf
65th Inf
191st Res Inf

LXXXI ArmeeKorps ( Kuntzen ) 4 Divisions, 1 Brigade
26th Panzer
349th Inf
348th Inf
271st Inf
401st Volks Art Brigade


WMBef. France Armee ( Von Stuelpnagel )

LVIII Pz Korps ( Von Schweppenburg ) 5 Divisions, 3 Brigades
155th Res Panzer
77th Inf
84th Inf
182nd Res Inf
346th Inf
111th Pz Brigade
394th Stug Brigade
70th Army Art Brigade

1st SS Pz Korps ( Dietrich ) 5 Divisions, 2 Brigades, 1 Heavy Pz Battalion
9th SS Panzer
22nd Panzer
116th Panzer
30th SS Grenadier
384th Inf
106th Panzer Brigade
49th SS PanzerGrenadier Brigade
501st SS Heavy Pz Battalion ( Whittmann )

LXVI ArmeeKorps ( Lucht ) 3 Divisions, 2 Brigades
19th Fusilier Inf
3rd Fallschirmjaeger
6th Fallschirmjaeger
108th Panzer Brigade
766th Volks Art Brigade

7th Armee ( Dollmann )
LXXXIV ArmeeKorps ( Von Zangen ) 3 Divisions, 1 Brigade
24th Panzer
275th Inf
305th Inf
402nd Volks Art Brigade

LXXXVII ArmeeKorps ( Marks ) 1 Division, 1 Brigade
405th Inf
1028th Mot Brigade

XXV ArmeeKorps ( Fahrmbacher ) 3 Divisions
94th Inf
716th Inf
343rd Inf

Rommel's Plan

Infantry with assault engineers attacking first to reduce enemy fortifications then follow up attacks by Panzer units to smash through the weakened enemy lines then pushing on to secure the beachhead with more Infantry advancing to support the armour, with Axis forces attacking on three fronts hoping to quickly wear down the defenders as soon as possible before the enemy can react and send reinforcements.
Surprise and speed the key elements for the success of the attack, the enemy will also have there Naval support and Air power which could play a telling roll in the battle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT7NbC7 ... L&index=22


With Allied forces concentrating there attacks on LXXXVI Pz Korps ( Herr ) Rommel Orders Operation Blume to begin.



0400 hours 16th Sept

Fahrmbacher and Sinnhuber lead the first attack against the Allied positions on JUNO, there is heavy fighting as Axis troops push forward relentlessly, after a day long battle which sees the enemy forced back to there main defence line, however the Allies are holding on tenaciously with there fortified defences intact, both sides taking losses and we are no closer to our objectives.
A renewed assault with Fahrmbacher's troops leading begins early on the 17th, Dietrich orders the 22nd Panzer Div into action and makes good ground as Axis artillery and German pioneers begin to break down enemy defences across the Allied position, fighting continues through the night, more heavy fighting throughout the next day but no breakthrough.

Axis Battle 64.jpg (282.35 KiB) Viewed 895 times

18th Sept
With Allied defences reduced Rommel orders a Panzer assault, Zangen leading with 24th Panzer along with Dietrich's 9th SS Panzer and 49th SS PzGrenadier's launching a frontal attack on the enemy defences, over the battle field there is heavy air action as enemy bombers constantly rain bombs on our forces to disrupt our attacks, the enemy refuses to yield after another day long battle which sees our Panzer's forced to pull back.
The situation is critical we have drained just about all our fuel and munitions, most formations are incapable of offensive action, Allied air power is having a devastating effect on our ground forces in battle and the enemy line still holds despite the fortifications being finally smashed.

Axis Battle 64b.jpg (283.2 KiB) Viewed 895 times

19th Sept
Rommel orders one last attack to break the line, the OKW Commander travels to the Normandy front himself to rally his forces, General Dietrich is ordered to lead the attack with the 116th Panzer Div along with Zangen's 24th Pz, Kuntzen's 26th Pz and last of the offensive operational Infantry,
There is bitter fighting as Allied troops are forced back there position at JUNO crumbling, As the 116th Pz pushes forward leading units are reporting to Command HQ of witnessing enemy troops forced into the sea then fleeing to awaiting boats as the enemy's defence disintegrates, an assault on the enemy's left flank by the 3rd Fallschirmjaeger DIv crushes the last defence, as more German Infantry move in to secure the beach.

Rommel at the front.jpg (56.63 KiB) Viewed 895 times

[tm1]

Eastern Front
Situation Report Sept 21st 1944 Turn 97


Army Group North

Enemy activity remains low giving the men of the 661st in the Kazan region a chance to relax as they eat breakfast.

661st Heavy Panzerjaeger.jpg (170.08 KiB) Viewed 680 times

Army Group Centre

The weather has once again changed the sky is clear of rain for now along the central front as the Pioneers from LVII Pz Korps continue construction of 3rd Pz Armee's defence network.

Weather 97.jpg (359.28 KiB) Viewed 680 times

Army Group South

Walther Nehring's planned assault on Stalingrad is postponed, Intel gathered by recon operations the previous week has provided important information on enemy troop activity in the Kazakhstan region along with radio intercepts by KONA units indicating a new Soviet build up on the Caspian sea front. There is also a number of combat units preparing to withdraw to the west, reports coming in from aerial recon patrols now show advance formations of Red Army tanks only 20 miles from the front.

AGS 97.jpg (848.16 KiB) Viewed 680 times

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4lvD4X ... L&index=82

Now returned from its Khara river mission 1st Recon ( 62nd Inf ) returns to its daily routine.

Supply 97.jpg (196.48 KiB) Viewed 680 times

[tm1]

Eastern Front
Situation Report 21st Sept 1944 Turn 97
Army Group A

On The Caspian front a number of Soviet units have push close to the front line and in some cases made contact with forward units manning the outer defence posts, while there has been no major actions by the enemy it seems these units are possibly a recon in force for a much larger operation by the enemy.
At his Headquarters in Rostov no orders yet from FM Von Kleist but all Commands are on a heightened alert.

Army Group A 97.jpg (777.94 KiB) Viewed 679 times

Production 97.jpg (125.82 KiB) Viewed 679 times

Production Report.jpg (354.77 KiB) Viewed 679 times

[tm1]

Italian Front
Situation Report Sept 23rd 1944 Turn 65
Army Group C

With the Allied position in France wavering it now appears the enemy is throwing all effort into Italy, there is heavy fighting on the southern end of the Axis line as Allied armour launches concerted attacks on both 5th Pz Armee and 14th Armee.

Army Group C 65.jpg (646.16 KiB) Viewed 675 times

Volturno sector


On the coast Balck withstands repeated assaults including two attacks from the newly arrived US XIX Corps, in the centre Hube's line comes under pressure with an Infantry attack north of Campobasso against German armour while a combined British, Polish and Commonwealth push, lead by the 5th Can Armoured Div attempts a flanking attack to avoid a direct class with the 9th Panzer Div which is defending the line 10 miles to the south.

Battles IF 65.jpg (581.91 KiB) Viewed 675 times

While these attacks take place against 5th Pz Armee the Allies launch there main blow on the Axis line against 14th Armee, Six Allied Corps assault General Kuebler's LXXXXVII ArmeeKorps sector, four striking southern positions while two more the northern defences, the southern attack is devastating as the enemy smashes front line fortifications with two huge assaults, reinforcements are rushed forward to prevent the line collapsing, on the northern position the enemy also breaks through our first defence line but cant push any further, 14th Armee's situation is critical with 15th Panzer division in bad shape, orders are given for the 29th PzGrenadier Div to be redeployed to the line immediately.

WITW Losses 65.jpg (234.67 KiB) Viewed 675 times

Production WITW 65c.jpg (358.23 KiB) Viewed 675 times

[tm1]

Western Front
Situation Report Sept 23rd 1944 Turn 65
Army Group B

Army Group B 65a.jpg (733.82 KiB) Viewed 673 times

Normandy

After the hard fought victory at JUNO Rommel begins to quickly reorganise German forces around the beachhead perimeter, Johann Sinnhuber's LXXXII ArmeeKorps is finally withdrawn from the line to rest with the unit moving into the southern sector of The Pas De Calais region, Walther Lucht's LXVI ArmeeKorps takes over defence of the northern sector of the line.
Adolf Kuntzen's LXXXI ArmeeKorps is holding a defensive from St-Valery to Abbeville, the bulk of the German armour has been also withdrawn to regroup, rest and refit however Traugott Herr's LXXVI Pz Korps must remain in position to counter any enemy armoured assaults.
The assault on JUNO beach has almost exhausted stockpiled munitions and supplies at forward staging areas which will take time to replenish and units will need replacements as soon as they can be sent from training centres if FM Rommel is to continue offensive.

Battles WF 65.jpg (553.24 KiB) Viewed 673 times

While Rommel the OKW and Army Group B senior Officers plan there next move the Allies launch a series of assaults on 7th Armee, with there beachhead reducing in size and the real threat of being completely driven off the European Continent four Allied Corps strike Herr's forces, around 60,000 men and 900 tanks attack on three fronts with US General Gillem XIII Corps leading the opening attack, the US 7th Armoured Div and the Brit Guards Armoured Div attempt to smash through the line but suffer heavy losses for no ground gained. A renewed attack gains some ground leading to the enemy launching more follow up assaults hoping to open up Axis defences, Herr's position is to strong forcing the enemy to cease attacking after more heavy losses.

Weather WITW 65.jpg (134.43 KiB) Viewed 673 times

Supply WITW 65.jpg (102.18 KiB) Viewed 673 times

The situation with replacements being prioritised to the Luftwaffe when the Westheer is in desperate need of manpower is unacceptable, will have to rethink where I am going wrong.

[tm1]

OHL Headquarters
Kassel, Germany Sept 28th 1944
Strategic Report


With Rommel's new counter offensive operations achieving early success a Supreme Command meeting takes place to discuss the approval of more troops to be transferred West, after reviewing the situations on the various fronts and accessing the needs it has been agreed that four Divisions are to be reassigned to OKW Command immediately with more units to follow.

OHL Commander In Chief.jpg (54.42 KiB) Viewed 671 times

Axis Reserves.jpg (129.42 KiB) Viewed 671 times

Its been agreed that the 62nd Inf Div is to be sent West also.

The first contingent ( one regiment ) from 62nd Infantry arriving in Austria late in the week for a short stopover, the unit being withdrawn in stages from the Eastern front, the remaining elements should arrive at Berlin by no later than the 14th of October.

62nd transfer.jpg (375.27 KiB) Viewed 671 times

[tm1]

Eastern Front
Situation Report Sept 28th 1944 Turn 98


Army Group North

Another quiet week for Kurt Herzog's XXXVIII ArmeeKorps the unit part the main defence line along with Christian Hansen's X ArmeeKorps covering a 100 mile front defending north and south of the city of Kirov, opposing them is two Soviet Fronts 2nd Baltic and 2nd Belorussian neither of these enemy formations seem combat capable and a threat to 8th Armee.
The Red Air Force continues to redeploy in the general area, Herzog deploying his Flak units in and around the city in anticipation of enemy air operations but thus far no activity.

I 11th LW Mot..jpg (116.05 KiB) Viewed 513 times

Another day of inactivity for the troops of the I / 11th LW Mot Flak Battalion station east of Kirov.




Army Group Centre

In The Volga Uplands the Ostheer remains on a defensive footing, while supply lines and infrastructure is improving and combat units begin a mass process of upgrading to modern equipment which is now being produced in large quantities, Von Kluge's Army Group remains static for the time being. The Soviets Union's military is shattered, morale is almost non existent and senior military leadership has been decimated.

864th sFH Heavy Howitzer.jpg (134.82 KiB) Viewed 513 times

For the 864th Heavy howitzer battalion the situation is calm along the front there priority now is to move there brand new field artillery pieces into the fortified positions constructed at the units operational area, the only enemy they are dealing with is the muddy conditions.

Upgrade 98.jpg (597.56 KiB) Viewed 513 times

The Ostheer begins a massive program to reequip units with new modern weaponry which is becoming more available each passing week


OKH

Directive from Feldmarchall Erich Von Manstein

New Army Group changes

Feldmarchall Georg Lindemann Command has now been redesignated Army Group A

Feldmarchall Ewald Von Kleist Command has now been redesignated Army Group South

[tm1]

Eastern Front
Situation Report Sept 28th 1944 Turn 98
Army Group A

As the beginning of the last week in September starts six Soviet Tank Corps advance towards 4th Pz Armee and 18th Armee positions,this force possibly numbering maybe 50 to 60,000 men at best with no additional infantry units in support reinforces High Command's belief of the enemy's lack of ability to launch large scale operations.

Army Group A 98.jpg (883.67 KiB) Viewed 513 times

Despite the bombing efforts by Western air forces the supply of raw materials to Axis factories continues and production remains steady, with no disruption from Soviet forces Oil from The Caucasus is being shipped by train in vast quantities west to maintain the German war machine.

Production 98.jpg (182.4 KiB) Viewed 513 times

Production Phase 98.jpg (360.78 KiB) Viewed 513 times

Armaments Pool 98.jpg (172.14 KiB) Viewed 513 times

[tm1]

Eastern Front
Situation Report Sept 28th 1944 Turn 98
Army Group South

On Caspian Front Kleist's command had been monitoring the build of enemy troops along the Volga line, more enemy units had arrived this week but were in no way capable of threatening Axis defences, the Soviet T - 34 /85 MI 1944 and the T - 34 MI 1943 Tanks were formidable AFV's but were to few in numbers and the Red Army was lacking manpower and other supporting units to be of any kind of threat to Kleist and his armoured forces including Panthers could deal with the Soviet Tanks.
Still with news of more enemy Tank formations moving towards Army Group A's front The Feldmarchall began to plan accordingly.

AGS 98.jpg (708.07 KiB) Viewed 511 times

The long extended lull in the fighting has allowed the Ostheer to replace the manpower and equipment losses over the past years fighting, combat units are now starting to replenish under strength elements to the bring Divisional formations to there required effectiveness.

Losses 98.jpg (121.54 KiB) Viewed 511 times

Supply 98.jpg (180.73 KiB) Viewed 511 times

Weather 98.jpg (157.01 KiB) Viewed 511 times

[tm1]

Italian Front
Situation Report Sept 30th 1944 Turn 66
Army Group C

With Italy seeming now the main focus by the Allied High Command
Allied attacks this week are concentrated in three areas of the front line, using maximum force to try to gain superiority and punch through hoping to force Axis troops to withdraw.

Army Group C 66.jpg (647.79 KiB) Viewed 506 times

Volturno Sector

On the coast once again General Balck's LXXXX ArmeeKorps faces a combined assault as the enemy attempts to push our forces out of the key Port City, two attacks over the course of the week see the Allies take heavy casualties for no ground taken.
Further north 14th Armee comes under intense attack, despite the presence of the HG Panzer Div on the front line three massive assaults almost push Kuelber's men to breaking point, the makeshift defences hurriedly thrown up are smashed as enemy armour pushes to within 150 metres of the defending troops, the line holds due to stubborn defence by the 157th Mountain Div.

Battle IF 66.jpg (572.58 KiB) Viewed 506 times

Biferno Sector

On the Adriatic the Allies concentrate there attacks against Termoli again, assaulting along a 10 mile front around 70,000 men with over 300 AFV's, over the course of the week the enemy makes two attempts at taking the City.

WITW Losses 66.jpg (131.55 KiB) Viewed 506 times

Weather WITW 66.jpg (244.74 KiB) Viewed 506 times

[tm1]

Western Front
Situation Report Sept 30th 1944 Turn 66
Army Group B

The battle for Normandy is still undecided, victory for either side hangs in the balance, as the fight for JUNO beach drained Axis supply and munitions reserves and manpower replacements to the limit in the Western Theatre however the enemy is now contained to a 30 mile perimeter beach front, despite this reports from Axis air recon show the presence of more troopships in the channel indicating the enemy is attempting to land more troops,with the bulk of the armour pulled back from the front line General Bader has thrown whatever resources at his disposal around the beachhead. More good news for the AG Commander 6th SS Pz Armee has been activated and deployed to Normandy.

Army Group B 66.jpg (775.38 KiB) Viewed 504 times

Normandy

As 6th SS Pz Armee arrives just outside of Paris the Allies show they still have plenty of fight left, opening with a massive tank assault against German positions on 7th Armee front, Herr contains the attack but the enemy regroups and presses forward again, taking ground but suffering high losses by mid week, resting briefly the Allies launch more attacks in the second half of the week but by now Allied energy has dissipated and the assaults are piecemeal allowing Herr to easily counter.

Battle WF 66.jpg (570.05 KiB) Viewed 504 times

Battle WF 66d.jpg (548.97 KiB) Viewed 504 times

With Allied forces seemingly exhausted after the massive operation to push back our troops and attempt to expand the beachhead perimeter failing, 7th Armee's position now seems more stable at this time.

Production WITW 66.jpg (178.99 KiB) Viewed 504 times

[tm1]

Eastern Front
Situation Report Oct 5th 1944 Turn 99


Army Group North

As October begins the Kirov region remains quiet as does the central sector of the Kazan region under the control of 16th Armee, the closest enemy formation is Soviet 57th Army stationed northeast of the town of Arsk, reports indicate the enemy unit is no state to offer any real resistance to a attack by Axis forces, however Ernst Busch's ( 16th Armee ) II and XXVII ArmeeKorps are sitting in fortifications running along the west bank of the Ilet river and are to remain there until further notice.

South of Busch' s Armee Soviet forces are advancing towards the regional Capital, at Zelonodolsk Walther Graessner's XII ArmeeKorps prepares for battle, as enemy tank formations push closer to the front the General orders all his ArmeeKorps support units to move to the front with all haste to reinforce his three Divisions, at Kazan itself Joachim Von Kortzfleisch ( XLIII ArmeeKorps ) reads reports coming in of clashes between his 263rd Infantry Div and enemy tanks, however no orders have been given to him to go onto an offensive status.

AGN.jpg (315.05 KiB) Viewed 164 times

The II / 55th Werfer Battalion mobilises and begins to advance towards the front line.


Army Group Centre

The central Volga front line continues to remain static with unit Commanders having to begin combat exercises for the troops to maintain cohesion, south of Saratov a Red Army Tank Corps has pushed to within 20 miles of 9th Armee's Headquarters, artillery units from XXII ArmeeKorps open up with a massive barrage from across the Volga forcing the enemy tank unit to withdraw.

AGC 99b.jpg (96.85 KiB) Viewed 164 times

North of Saratov the troops of the 281st Stug Battalion take a moment of rest and stretch out before returning to the confined quarters of there vehicles and return to there combat drills.

281st Stug.jpg (166.26 KiB) Viewed 164 times

Supply 99.jpg (107.4 KiB) Viewed 164 times

[tm1]

Eastern Front
Situation Report Oct 5th 1944 Turn 99
Army Group A

At Stalino FM Lindemann receives a number of new reports, beginning with the news that the rail reconstruction of the Astrakhan to Srednyaya Akhtuba line is finally completed giving his Armee's north of Stalingrad full resupply capabilities though supply trains must take the long route through The Caucases since Stalingrad is still not under full Axis control.
Reports indicate that some enemy tank units have redeployed further south now against Kleist's Army Group on the Caspian front, German attention can now be refocused back on Stalingrad.

Army Group A 99.jpg (881.62 KiB) Viewed 164 times

Production 99a.jpg (228.94 KiB) Viewed 164 times

Oil 99.jpg (180.72 KiB) Viewed 164 times

[tm1]

Eastern Front
Situation Report Oct 5th 1944 Turn 99
Army Group South

The arrival of more enemy tank formations on the Caspian front while not of great concern now meant the current operational planning would have to be altered, Ruoff is ordered to move his Armee Headquarters forward to the Volga line while Breith who had already moved 1st Pz Armee HQ to Astrakhan the previous week in preparation of action is now ordered to mobilise his armoured forces for offensive operations, Paulus's 6th Armee receives orders to prepare for action.

FM Von Kleist sends a communique to all Armee Commanders to report to his Rostov Headquarters for a Briefing for the new operation.

AGS 99.jpg (758.19 KiB) Viewed 162 times

Production 99.jpg (44.97 KiB) Viewed 162 times

Oil Required 99.jpg (179.7 KiB) Viewed 162 times

Losses 99.jpg (50.31 KiB) Viewed 162 times

[tm1]

Western Front
Situation Report Oct 7th 1944 Turn 67
Army Group B

Normandy

With the enemy launching such huge attacks on General Herr's troops the previous week and seeing reports of more enemy troop ships in the channel, the Allied situation was becoming clearer to FM Rommel the enemy position on 7th Armee's front was weakening, at the city of Le Harve the Garrison Commander reported sightings on the beachhead code named UTAH of enemy soldiers preparing to evacuate while offshore troopships were disembarking more enemy troops.

The OKW Commander makes the critical decision to recommence Operation Blume earlier than planned, despite most units being under strength in both manpower and tanks, and with supply and munitions in forward staging areas being dangerously low to sustain the kind of assaults on the scale previously was a risk, German troops were still badly fatigued but there was a growing sense of confidence.

Rommel orders an attack on three fronts, LXXVI Pz Korps would make a rapid fighting withdrawal from its position as the attacking force would replace it, timing was key while Herr's unit pulled out Sepp Dietrichs I SS Pz Korps would move in and immediately make a coordinated attack so as to not give the enemy time to react.

Rommel throws together whatever forces are offensive capable for the operation.

Army Group B Forces

WMBef. France Armee ( Von Stuelpnagel )

1st SS Pz Korps ( Dietrich )
9th SS Panzer
22nd Panzer
116th Panzer

LVIII Pz Korps ( Von Schweppenburg )
346th Inf

7th Armee ( Dollmann )

LXXXIV ArmeeKorps ( Von Zangen )
24th Panzer

LXXXVII ArmeeKorps ( Marks )
85th Inf
353rd Inf

LXVII ArmeeKorps ( Lemelson )
352nd Inf
371st Inf
405th Inf

XXV ArmeeKorps ( Fahrmbacher )
94th Inf
716th Inf

Army Group B 67 Axis Attack.jpg (747.61 KiB) Viewed 159 times

0200 hours Oct 7th
German Artillery opens fire with massive barrage to create a deception on the front line.
Elements of Herr's Panzers begin to pull out of the line as the lead units of Dietrich's arrive and begin to move into position.

0400
With units from Herr still withdrawing and Dietrich's full force not yet in place the attack begins, 9th SS and 22nd Panzer along with Zangen's 24th Panzer supported by infantry from Mark's and Lemelson ArmeeKorps hit the Brit XII Corps defence line, after a day long battle the Allied line holds but the beachhead fortifications have been badly battered.

Fighting on the 8th Oct is light as 116th Panzer Div moves into position to attack and the final units of the LXXVI Pz Korps pull back, with ammunition levels dangerously low already a new attack is launched on the 9th Oct by 116th Panzer and 24th Panzer Div's, the Panzer's are fought to a stand still after another day long battle, Rommel considers calling off more attacks as Brit XII Corps defences are unable to be broken.

Axis Attack 67.jpg (547.57 KiB) Viewed 159 times

In the air there is heavy actions with both sides taking large losses in the fight over the Beachhead.


late in the week General Fahrmbacher's XXV ArmeeKorps launches an Infantry assault supported by the 116th Panzer Div, the Allies reinforce the Brit XII Corps with the US 4th Cavalry Group,there are also reports of Landing craft moving towards the Beachhead as German forces breakthrough and overrun the landing area just as the unlucky Can 3rd Infantry Div is offshore of UTAH beach. With German reinforcements moving to support Fahrmbacher's men Allied landing craft are caught in open water and unable to land there troops, the Canadians come under a hail fire and the landing craft are decimated as they withdraw.

losses Axis Attack 67.jpg (49.46 KiB) Viewed 159 times

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szWIdQk ... L&index=17




Panzergrenadiers from 24th Panzer Division waiting to begin the assault in there Sd.Kfz. 251/17's

Panzergrenadier's preparing to attack.jpg (98.08 KiB) Viewed 159 times

[tm1]

Italian Front
Situation Report Oct 7th 1944 Turn 67
Army Group C





In The Adriatic off the coast off the of Termoli a enemy Naval Task Force is detected, orders are sent to any available 10th Armee units to advance to the coast with all speed to counter a possible enemy seaborne landing behind the city. 16th Panzer and 189th Res Inf divisions both refitting southwest of the town of Pescara immediately begin to mobilise.
With the threat of a possible flanking attack by the enemy threatening 10th Armee's line the Allies begin new assaults against Axis positions across the front with 14th Armee again the central axis of there attacks.

Army Group C 67.jpg (650.54 KiB) Viewed 158 times

At Grazzanise US 82nd Airborne from the newly arrived US XVIII Airborne Corps leads an attack supported US Inf and Brit Paratroops, the frontal assault against the defenders is thrown back with the enemy taking heavy losses.
On 14th Armee's line five Allied Corps launch large scale armoured assault on a 20 mile front, south of Capua where the enemy had almost breached the defences in the previous weeks the arrival of the 29th PzGren Div had stabilised General Kuebler's precarious position, further north despite only have 70 tanks 10th Panzer Div with Inf support halted the enemies armoured flanking attack.

Battle IF 67.jpg (596.25 KiB) Viewed 158 times

In the centre Hube's XIV Pz Korps comes under attack by Can and Brit Infantry, lacking any armoured support the enemy is decisively defeated and forced to fall back.
At Termoli LXXIV ArmeeKorps under a possible threat of a enemy landing behind its lines comes under heavy assault by four Allied Corps from Brit 8th Army, attacking on two fronts and hoping to isolate Straube's defenders in the city with rest of Korps the enemy pushes to withing 500 metres of the main defence line before being halted.

Weather 67.jpg (303.23 KiB) Viewed 158 times

The weather situation in Europe



Axis supply reports

Supply 67a.jpg (214.36 KiB) Viewed 158 times

[tm1]

Western Front
Situation Report Oct 7th 1944 Turn 67
Army Group B

Normandy

Morale is high amongst the ranks of Westheer after the victory at UTAH with confidence growing that the enemy can be driven out of Western Europe, 6th SS Pz Armee begins to take up defensive positions in the Cotentin Peninsula along the French coast line to counter any last effort plan by the enemy to create a second landing zone.
The promised OHL Command Reserve Divisions have begun to arrive in the Paris sector, the strategic picture in the west has swung towards Germany's favour as the enemy beachhead is systematically reduced in size, for the Western Allies its a matter of how long can they hold out now.

Army Group B 67.jpg (820.16 KiB) Viewed 155 times

As light mud begins to soften the ground from heavy rains showering the battlefield General Dollmann's 7th Armee continues to reinforce the newly captured ground and allowing the Le Harve Garrison to be relieved with fresh troops, while the southern sector of the Normandy line is reorganised for the next phase of operations the Allies begin to launch an ill fated attack against LXVI ArmeeKorps on 15th Armee's front, the Can 2nd Corps makes two disastrous assaults against Axis defences.
Both attacks easily halted by General Lucht's troops with huge losses resulting to the enemy.

Battle WF 67.jpg (291.51 KiB) Viewed 155 times

The overall losses and attacks from the first week of October

WITW A Losses 67.jpg (361.58 KiB) Viewed 155 times

German Industry figures for this week

Production 67.jpg (332.93 KiB) Viewed 155 times