Meeting Engagement Operation Rumyantsev Aug 1943
Introduction
This was to be the first battle for my Soviet Bolt Action army, against Kevin’s redoubtable Germans. Therefore, please meet Lt Vasiliy Ugryumov commanding 1st Platoon 4th Company 2nd Battalion 1075th Rifle Regiment (2/1075 RR).
Situation
After successfully defeating the Germans at Kursk the Stavka have directed that the next major operation is to attack Army Group South. The operation was delayed in order to allow the Soviet forces to regroup and rearm after defending Kursk.
Enemy Forces
Divisional Scouts had penetrated the forward German positions had identified that opposing the Division was a German Battlegroup supported by PzIVs and half tracks. They were well equipped with weapons and ammunition, but their overall numbers were low.
Friendly Forces
1 Pl own 3 sections had been reinforced with a section from the regimental SMG Company, and from 4th Company a mortar section, MMG section, sniper team, 3 anti-tank teams and a reserve inexperienced section. Artillery support was provided by an observer team and a ZIS-3 and a SU-76.
Mission
1 Pl is to advance and seize 1075 RR initial objective.
Battle Report
The main effort was directed at the right flank. With the objective of using the wooded terrain to outflank the Germans as they advanced. The initial wave consisted of the fire support from the Zis-3 and SU-76. With 2 sections leading the attack
The German reaction was immediate with armour support arriving in the centre to engage and destroy the Soviet supporting fire. A long fire fight started between the Mortar team, ZIS-3 and the SU-76 and the German vehicles. At one stage the PzIV caught fire but this was rapidly extinguished by its crew and they re-joined the fight.
The German reserves arrived rapidly on the Left to oppose our advance. We suffered significant casualties from the German LMG and Assault Rifles.
Our own reserves were heavily delayed and were desperately needed due to the casualties suffered by the first wave.
The remains of an 8 man section that was detached to protect the left flank.
A significant German victory.
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