125 regiment.

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hoplite14gr
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125 regiment.

Post by hoplite14gr »

1 thank you for accepting me in the forum.

2. Does anybody have info on the 125 special regiment.
What is known from the Greek sources was that was over-strength. It had a larger proprortion of heavy weapons than other units.
Is seemed also have a large proportion of pioneers and an assault gun battery.
The unit was decimated fighting in Strymon river against the Metaxas line forts (Roupel).

Kind regards

Stefanos Skarmintzos
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Re: 125 regiment.

Post by tigre »

Hello Stefanos :D; may be you already know this website if not see below..........

http://www.deutsches-afrika-korps.de/vi ... 121&t=2943

http://www.deutsches-afrika-korps.de/vi ... 121&t=2944

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
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Re: 125 regiment.

Post by hoplite14gr »

THAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :up:
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Re: 125 regiment.

Post by tigre »

You're welcome Stefanos :wink:. Cheers. Raúl M 8).
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Re: 125 regiment.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; a little complement here....................

The IR 125 against the Metaxas Line - April 1941.

In early April of 1941 and within the framework of the German 12 AOK located in southern Bulgaria, was deployed the Army Corps of General Bohme (XVIII Geb AK) in order to attack in the direction of Greece. The overall objective of the attack would be to win as quickly as possible the northern coast of the Aegean Sea, with its surrounding islands.

The XVIII. Geb. A.K. must attack the Strymon blocking position, with the 5 Mountain Division (GD), and the reinforced IR 125 . The area of ​​attack of the 5 GD stretched from Rupesko (included) up to the fortified Group Paljurjones (excluded), while the IR 125 (reinforced) astride of the Strymon must act against the fortified groups of Paljurjones and Usita.

The Rupel Pass, named for the throat forming by the Strymon as it passes through klidi (Rupel in Turkish) is the oldest and the main connection between Bulgaria and northern Greece. The task of Strymon Blocking Position was to prevent an advance along the valley of the river in the basin of Seres and beyond to Thessaloniki, Western Thrace and Eastern Macedonia.

Sources: Wir Durchbrechen die Metaxas Linie. Geschichte der IR 125.
Ein Weiter Weg.
http://www.festungsbauten.de/metaxas3.htm
Der Kampf um die Metaxas-Linie. Buchner, Alex. Allgemeine schweizerische Militärzeitschrift : ASMZ, Vol.123 (1957).

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
The IR 125 crossing the Greek border by the valley of the Strymon - April 6, 1941. Here a battery of light infantry howitzers of 75 mm.
The IR 125 crossing the Greek border by the valley of the Strymon - April 6, 1941. Here a battery of light infantry howitzers of 75 mm.
image009.jpg (49.55 KiB) Viewed 9059 times
The defenses were not limited to the closure of the Strymon valley, but were built in the mountains on both sides of it in a front of 25 kilometers
The defenses were not limited to the closure of the Strymon valley, but were built in the mountains on both sides of it in a front of 25 kilometers
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Re: 125 regiment.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; a little more follows....................

The IR 125 against the Metaxas Line - April 1941.

Attack against Paljurjones - Usita.

In relation to the attack of IR 125 (Reinforced) against the fortifications of Paljurjones and Usita, an assault party had seized one of the works of the fortified position C within the fortification of Paljurjones, but it had to be abandoned shortly afterwards.

On the right bank of the Strymon the I. / GJR 100 had captured Height 140 and from there went on the attack against Paljurjones. Aside from a failed attempt to conquer the advanced positions of the fortress, after four air strikes carried out by Stukas, and suffering heavy casualties in the action, it does not yield any satisfactory result.

Sources: Wir Durchbrechen die Metaxas Linie. Geschichte der IR 125.
Ein Weiter Weg.
http://www.festungsbauten.de/metaxas3.htm
Der Kampf um die Metaxas-Linie. Buchner, Alex. Allgemeine schweizerische Militärzeitschrift : ASMZ, Vol.123 (1957).

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
Scheme of the Fortress of Paljurjones.
Scheme of the Fortress of Paljurjones.
image005.jpg (45.93 KiB) Viewed 8974 times
Air strike against Height 307 - Paljurjones.
Air strike against Height 307 - Paljurjones.
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Re: 125 regiment.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; a little more follows....................

The IR 125 against the Metaxas Line - April 1941.

Attack against Paljurjones - Usita.

The reinforced I.R. 125 (Oberst Petersen), advancing along the left bank of the Strymon, crossed over the Bistrica after a brief confrontation. After conquering the defensive positions southeast of Promachon, the I. / IR 125 reached the work A at the fortification of Usita taking advantage of the air strikes and smoke screens; but here under the combined effect of the anti-tank and field artillery, the assault was stopped. Flanking operation with assault boats on the river failed due to poor stream level and blocking in the valley.

Then the II. / IR 125, followed later by the III. / IR 125, could cross the Bistrica and under cover of artillery, tank and Stukas, the II. / IR 125 moved toward the advanced position on the right flank of the fortification of Usita, Height 350; here was the key ground without conquering it, any attempt to take Usita from the northeast and east was impossible, as well as any further advance towards Klidi.

Sources: Wir Durchbrechen die Metaxas Linie. Geschichte der IR 125.
Ein Weiter Weg.
http://www.festungsbauten.de/metaxas3.htm
Der Kampf um die Metaxas-Linie. Buchner, Alex. Allgemeine schweizerische Militärzeitschrift : ASMZ, Vol.123 (1957).

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
image008.jpg
image008.jpg (42.59 KiB) Viewed 8922 times
Sectors of fire of the forts of Paljurjone and Usita.
Sectors of fire of the forts of Paljurjone and Usita.
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Re: 125 regiment.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; a little more follows....................

The IR 125 against the Metaxas Line - April 1941.

Attack against Paljurjones - Usita.

The attack was successful and the enemy was thrown to the southeast. Taking advantage of the success, the II. / IR 125 reached the southern of Usita in the Klidi direction, despite the fire unleashed from the fortification of Karatas.

At 7:04 hours they pushed towards Height 520, near the southern entrance of the Rupel Pass. The height was retained, despite the strong counter-attacks carried out by the Greeks, until the surrender of the Greek Army of Eastern Macedonian on April 10, 1941.

Sources: Wir Durchbrechen die Metaxas Linie. Geschichte der IR 125.
Ein Weiter Weg.
http://www.festungsbauten.de/metaxas3.htm
Der Kampf um die Metaxas-Linie. Buchner, Alex. Allgemeine schweizerische Militärzeitschrift : ASMZ, Vol.123 (1957).

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
Aerial attack carried out by the Stukas on the height 307, while the men of the I. / GJR 100 watched the action.
Aerial attack carried out by the Stukas on the height 307, while the men of the I. / GJR 100 watched the action.
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A group of the II. / IR 125 marching towards Height 520.
A group of the II. / IR 125 marching towards Height 520.
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Re: 125 regiment.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; a little more follows....................

The IR 125 against the Metaxas Line - April 1941.

Attack against Paljurjones - Usita.

After the conquest of the Height 350, the III. / IR 125 took its starting positions despite the enemy fire; the assault guns could not continue due to difficult terrain. At 08:25 hours, two assault groups supported by a Platoon of heavy machine guns, mortar squad and flamethrowers rushed to the assault of the fortress Usita(work E), but hostile fire from the front and left flank slowed down the attack.

Sources: Wir Durchbrechen die Metaxas Linie. Geschichte der IR 125.
Ein Weiter Weg.
http://www.festungsbauten.de/metaxas3.htm
Der Kampf um die Metaxas-Linie. Buchner, Alex. Allgemeine schweizerische Militärzeitschrift : ASMZ, Vol.123 (1957).

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
Eastern work Height 322 - Usita.
Eastern work Height 322 - Usita.
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Re: 125 regiment.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; a little more follows....................

The IR 125 against the Metaxas Line - April 1941.

Attack against Paljurjones - Usita.

At 09:45 hours the two groups renewed their attack under fire from machine guns and artillery and moved forward at a close distance, enough to toss hand grenades, but the progress stalled again due to large losses. The flamethrowers failed in its mission and most of them were destroyed by enemy fire. The line was held and it was prepared a new assault at 18:00 hours with the arrival of reinforcements, four assault guns and three anti-tank guns of 37 mm. Two assault Platoons were organized within the 11. Company and one belonging to the 13. Company.

Sources: Wir Durchbrechen die Metaxas Linie. Geschichte der IR 125.
Ein Weiter Weg.
http://www.festungsbauten.de/metaxas3.htm
Der Kampf um die Metaxas-Linie. Buchner, Alex. Allgemeine schweizerische Militärzeitschrift : ASMZ, Vol.123 (1957).

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
An assault gun moving forward in order to support the attack ....................
An assault gun moving forward in order to support the attack ....................
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Re: 125 regiment.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; a little more follows....................

The IR 125 against the Metaxas Line - April 1941.

Attack against Paljurjones - Usita.

Taking advantage of the artillery support and Stukas air raids, it was launched the third assault. Some bombs dropped by the Stukas fell in the middle of the German own troops, causing heavy casualties. The attackers came under heavy artillery fire just after leaving the readiness area and the attack was stopped. The battalion moved to the defense; after nightfall the 10. Company, which stayed in front of the enemy's barbed wire, carried out the withdrawal.

On April 7, 1941 were explored new avenues of approach from the northeast. During the afternoon intense hostile artillery and mortar fire had forced to withdraw some parts of the battalion.

Sources: Wir Durchbrechen die Metaxas Linie. Geschichte der IR 125.
Ein Weiter Weg.
http://www.festungsbauten.de/metaxas3.htm
Der Kampf um die Metaxas-Linie. Buchner, Alex. Allgemeine schweizerische Militärzeitschrift : ASMZ, Vol.123 (1957).

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
A German plane over Height 520..................
A German plane over Height 520..................
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Attack against Height 322 - Usita....................
Attack against Height 322 - Usita....................
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Re: 125 regiment.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; a little more follows....................

The IR 125 against the Metaxas Line - April 1941.

Attack against Paljurjones - Usita.

On April 8, 1941 came the order to carry out the fourth assault. In the already known ground on the southern slope of the Height 520 were assembled three assault teams and one of sappers; in support were assault guns, all the heavy weapons of the regiment, two Platoons of the 13. Company and one of the 14. Company of the IR 125. As a prerequisite is required the elimination of the enemy's battery located on the left flank of Karatas, which had made ​​it impossible the previous attacks. While the assault teams took their starting positions, broke the artillery fire support, which ended with an airstrike.

Sources: Wir Durchbrechen die Metaxas Linie. Geschichte der IR 125.
Ein Weiter Weg.
http://www.festungsbauten.de/metaxas3.htm
Der Kampf um die Metaxas-Linie. Buchner, Alex. Allgemeine schweizerische Militärzeitschrift : ASMZ, Vol.123 (1957).

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
The Commanding Officer of the IR 125 and his Adjutant............
The Commanding Officer of the IR 125 and his Adjutant............
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Re: 125 regiment.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; a little more follows....................

The IR 125 against the Metaxas Line - April 1941.

Attack against Paljurjones - Usita.

When the clock's hands marked 12:30 hours, the fourth assault began. The enemy's battery unleashed a barrage in the German readiness area inflicting heavy casualties, especially among the assault guns and engineers. As the requirement to eliminate the enemy's battery had not been fulfilled, the assault was called off.

On April 9, 1941 in the morning, the III. / IR 125 reported on the situation of the enemy: the eastern slopes within the battalion sector are dominated by enemy artillery to the rear, western and northern slopes are dominated to some extent by the machine guns of the opponent and the valleys and ravines are subjected to mortar fire. The opponent's defenses remain almost unbeatable. The effective strength of the battalion reduced to 70 percent due to casualties.

Sources: Wir Durchbrechen die Metaxas Linie. Geschichte der IR 125.
Ein Weiter Weg.
http://www.festungsbauten.de/metaxas3.htm
Der Kampf um die Metaxas-Linie. Buchner, Alex. Allgemeine schweizerische Militärzeitschrift : ASMZ, Vol.123 (1957).

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
Members of the assault team "Mitte" ....................
Members of the assault team "Mitte" ....................
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A lull in the fighting ......................
A lull in the fighting ......................
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Re: 125 regiment.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; the end....................

The IR 125 against the Metaxas Line - April 1941.

Attack against Paljurjones - Usita.

The fifth assault scheduled at 12:00 hours was suspended due to the surrender of the Greeks. The total casualties of the reinforced regiment were 5 officers, 21 NCOs and 117 soldiers killed or wounded in action.

The fortification of Karatas fought with its artillery in the assault on the work E of fortification of Usita. Karatas was attacked by artillery and aerial bombardment but it was not assailed by the infantry. The Kali fortified group was bombed but not attacked by infantry and participated with two 120 mm guns in the defense of the fortification of Usita.

Sources: Wir Durchbrechen die Metaxas Linie. Geschichte der IR 125.
Ein Weiter Weg.
http://www.festungsbauten.de/metaxas3.htm
Der Kampf um die Metaxas-Linie. Buchner, Alex. Allgemeine schweizerische Militärzeitschrift : ASMZ, Vol.123 (1957).

It's all folks. Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
Promachon military cemetery.
Promachon military cemetery.
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Re: 125 regiment.

Post by tigre »

Hello to all :D; a little complement here....................

The IR 125 against the Metaxas Line - April 1941.

Sources: https://ww2militaria.weebly.com/photosd ... bpage.html

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Attachments
Members of the Infanterie Regiment 125 around the grave of Knights Cross holder Oberleutnant Otto Schulz, commander of the 3. Kompanie. Schulz was wounded south of Promachon on the first day of the assault against the Usita Fortress in the Rupel Pass. He was later killed during a Greek counterattack with a shot in the head and had his Ritterkreuz taken...................
Members of the Infanterie Regiment 125 around the grave of Knights Cross holder Oberleutnant Otto Schulz, commander of the 3. Kompanie. Schulz was wounded south of Promachon on the first day of the assault against the Usita Fortress in the Rupel Pass. He was later killed during a Greek counterattack with a shot in the head and had his Ritterkreuz taken...................
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Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
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