Incidents from the battle of france 1940.

German campaigns and battles 1919-1945.

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Re: Incidents from the battle of france 1940.

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

Memories of the 94. Infantry Division during the campaign in France, 1940.

June 08, 1940. The IR 274 and IR 276 manpower had greatly worn down. However the IR 276, still managed to occupy the towns of Beauvoi and Écuvilly, near the end of its strenght. The IR 274 fought desperately for Catigny which would fall only after heavy losses (Hauptmann Puppikofer fell in combat) on late afternoon. The Combat by Catigny still lasted till June 09, 1940 before that this regiment could conquer the town completely. Even the Commander of the II. Battalion, Maj. Masius, was injured.

Throughout the day, artillery barrages against Écuvilly, Beaulieu and Ercheu. There were casualties in the fire positions of the II./ A.R. 194.

The seriousness of these three days of fighting were reflected in the number of casualties suffered by the IR 274 and IR 276: nearly 800 men; 80 KIA, 650 WIA and 65 MIA.

Source: Erinnerungsbuch der 94. Infanterie Division an die Kriegsjahre 1939 – 1945. Lieferung 1, Einsatz am Westwall und Frankreichfeldzug, 1939 – 1940. Martin Borriss
http://www.karaus.de

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
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Re: Incidents from the battle of france 1940.

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

Memories of the 94. Infantry Division during the campaign in France, 1940.

Fortunately, during June 8, 1940, the IR 267 (Oberst Thomas) rejoined the Division, attached to the 62. ID in a fast attack had advanced from Ham and conquered Guiscard, and now at least could replace the IR 274.

On June 8, 1940 the Division was no longer subordinate to the V AK and was transferred to the IV AK under the command of General der Inf v. Schwedler. With the General and his staff was achieved a working relationship and trust. The line Ecuvilly - Catigny was retained. In the night from 8 to 9 June 1940, the IR 267 relieved the IR 274.

On June 9, 1940, in order to continue the advance, the Division organized the following battle groups:

Aufkl. Abt. Stumpf with the Pz Jäg Abt, Radf. Schw and a Platoon of engineers. Motorized, it should advance by Lassigny on Chevincourt.

Right: Gruppe Mayr with the IR 276, II. and III. / AR 194, one Engineers' Coy by Candor – La Potière – Lassigny towards Villers-sur-Coudun.

Left: Gruppe Thomas with the IR 267, I. and IV. / AR 194, one Engineers' Coy attack by Lagny – Susoy – Ribécourt towards Giraumont.

The IR 274 and one Engineers' Coy continue behind Gruppe Thomas.
The I. / Flak Rgt 8 was assigned to the Division.

Sources: Erinnerungsbuch der 94. Infanterie Division an die Kriegsjahre 1939 – 1945. Lieferung 1, Einsatz am Westwall und Frankreichfeldzug, 1939 – 1940. Martin Borriss
http://www.karaus.de

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
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Re: Incidents from the battle of france 1940.

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

Memories of the 94. Infantry Division during the campaign in France, 1940.

The march went ahead without problems, because the enemy had retreated during the night. Just east of Mareuil, the Gruppe Mayr found resistance and a fight ensued, as a result of that 200 prisoners were taken.

On the morning the new Army Corps Commander, General v. Schwedler visited the division. He and his staff showed great understanding for the situation of the division.

Toward evening it was reached the area of Villers-sur-Coudun, Braisnes Giraumont and during the night were fighting with enemy troops left behind. Here and there behind the French front the situation was terrible. The German artillery had fired effectively. Hundreds of prisoners and a lot of booty had been captured. The division command took refuge on a small farm southwest of Chevincourt, which was abandoned by its residents.

At 1800 hours, the vanguard of the battle groups reached the planned assembly areas for rest, Gruppe Mayr in Elincourt, Gruppe Thomas in Ribécourt. At the rest areas were small battles with the scattered enemy, which continued throughout the night. Overnight the Gruppe Thomas received artillery fire from the area of Compiègne.

The 10. / AR 194 (belonging to the IV. Heavy Group) headed south toward Catigny and Lagny, passing to the left of these locations. During the night the enemy had retreated about 30 kilometers. The march continued without incident to Bethancourt. The Battery encamped in a forest around Giraumont and had to get into position in the area of Bienville, north of Compiègne.

Sources: Erinnerungsbuch der 94. Infanterie Division an die Kriegsjahre 1939 – 1945. Lieferung 1, Einsatz am Westwall und Frankreichfeldzug, 1939 – 1940. Martin Borriss
http://www.karaus.de

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
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A German Pz Kw II rolling towards the front.............................
A German Pz Kw II rolling towards the front.............................
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Re: Incidents from the battle of france 1940.

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

Memories of the 94. Infantry Division during the campaign in France, 1940.

Assault at Compiègne. Rupture of the defensive position of Paris. Crossing the Oise and the Marne
10 - 15/06/1940

The preparatory command for the tasks that must fulfil the 94. ID were changed several times on June 10, 1940. That may have been due not only to the change in the subordination (instead of V AK came under the IV AK), but also because the enemy situation became totally uncertain. At noon, was ordered to attack Compiègne, the Division launched the attack at 16:00. The enemy fought very hard, and there were difficulties in the Oise crossing because the enemy skillfully opened fire with machine guns from the flanks. After fighting hard house to house and with effective support of the artillery fire, the German troops managed to enter the city and conquered all the place by 21:00 hours.

During the morning the OP of the 10. / AR 194 was settled on the slopes of Mount Caesar. The Commander of the IV. / AR 194, Oberstleutnant Matzke, was there and personally directed the fires on Compiègne.

Under the protection of the bridgehead, the Armee Pi Btl 42 built a military bridge over the Oise, which was crossed on June 11, 1940 at 06:45 hours by the Reconnaissance Detachment Stumpf, followed behind by the IR 276, the AR 194 and the IR 274.

Sources: Erinnerungsbuch der 94. Infanterie Division an die Kriegsjahre 1939 – 1945. Lieferung 1, Einsatz am Westwall und Frankreichfeldzug, 1939 – 1940. Martin Borriss
http://www.karaus.de

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
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“Entscheidende Stunden” (Decisive Hours).
“Entscheidende Stunden” (Decisive Hours).
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Re: Incidents from the battle of france 1940.

Post by tigre »

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

Memories of the 94. Infantry Division during the campaign in France, 1940.

Assault at Compiègne. Rupture of the defensive position of Paris. Crossing the Oise and the Marne
10 - 15/06/1940

Except for some barricades, the Forêt de Compiègne was crossed without struggles by the Reconnaissance Detachment, which reached Crépy-en-Valois with its advanced elements at 14:00.

The Reconnaissance Detachment found enemy resistance again in Rouville, Brais des Bois and Bois de Tillet. Probably those positions were the advance posts from the "Paris defensive line."

The IR 274 reached the Mulde in Morcourt.
The IR 276 reached the North-South corridor which starts in Crépy, Champlieu.

Since the beginning of the June 5, 1940, our exploration found 9 different enemy divisions to our front.

The IR 267 assumed as reserve of the IV AK.

The 10. / AR 194 moved from Bienville to Compiègne, the city offered a sad spectacle. The railway station was still burning amid the ruins. The German soldiers, railway employees and civilians were advocated to clean the area. All bridges over the Oise had been blown. After crossing the river on a pontoon bridge, the 10. / AR 194 marched to Crépy to occupy new positions. After crossing Glaignes and Huleux, the battery took positions of fire in the area. The last village was under French artillery fire. A storm, accompanied by heavy rains slowed the work.

In the night from 11 to 12 June 1940 relieved the IR 274 IR 276 part.

Sources: Erinnerungsbuch der 94. Infanterie Division an die Kriegsjahre 1939 – 1945. Lieferung 1, Einsatz am Westwall und Frankreichfeldzug, 1939 – 1940. Martin Borriss
http://www.karaus.de

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
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Re: Incidents from the battle of france 1940.

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

Memories of the 94. Infantry Division during the campaign in France, 1940.

Assault at Compiègne. Rupture of the defensive position of Paris. Crossing the Oise and the Marne
10 - 15/06/1940.

On June 12, 1940 at 08:00 hours both regiments were deployed to simulate an attack on the Bois du Roi and the Bois des Brais. These moves have been made to strengthen the existing security line in two battalions per regiment. The main effort of the attack of the IV AK was on the right (4. ID and 33. ID). Therefore, the IV. / AR 194 was subordinated to Arko 128 (4. ID) and IR 276 was established in Army Reserve.

Early morning the OP was installed at Mount Cornón. At noon shift to positions at Fresnoy-le-Luat. In the afternoon all the batteries opened fire on Crepy-en-Valois. Strong French counter-battery fire against own positions of artillery forced the Germans to dig or change position. Despite the intensity of hostile fire the 10. / AR 194 suffered no casualties.

At 16:00 hours the division together with its neighbor to the right (4.ID) went on the attack. Lacking the support of the Group of heavy artillery, the attack progressed slowly. The opponent was tough and reinforced with heavy infantry weapons particularly in the forest edge. By nightfall the IR 276 reached Rouville, the IR 274 Height 143 on the way Rouville.

As an additional infantry regiment should be available to the Army, the IR 274 took over the sector of the 276.

Sources: Erinnerungsbuch der 94. Infanterie Division an die Kriegsjahre 1939 – 1945. Lieferung 1, Einsatz am Westwall und Frankreichfeldzug, 1939 – 1940. Martin Borriss
http://www.karaus.de

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
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Re: Incidents from the battle of france 1940.

Post by tigre »

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

Memories of the 94. Infantry Division during the campaign in France, 1940.

Assault at Compiègne. Rupture of the defensive position of Paris. Crossing the Oise and the Marne
10 - 15/06/1940.

The French retreated from their positions on the northern edge of the Bois du Roi and the Bois des Brais on the night from 12 to 13 June, 1940. So the so-called "Position of Paris (Paris Stellung) was abandoned. The IR 274 used as an independent regiment at the time (due south and southwest of Crépy) was ordered to advance in broad front through the forest apparently free of enemies. Then had to turn right and proceed to Boissy Fresnoy. The IR 276, again available to the Army Corps, was engaged on Crépy, Levigne to Betz.

For the persecution were formed two groups:

Right: under command of Oberstleutnant Heisig with the IR 274, III. / A.R. 194 and 2. Pi. Btl 194.
Left: under command of the Oberst Mayr with the IR 276, 1. / Pi. Btl 194, II. / A.R. 194, Pz.Jäg.Abt., Radf. Schwadron.

The Commander of AR 194 With the I. and IV.Abteilung (group) followed behind the Left Group.

Sources: Erinnerungsbuch der 94. Infanterie Division an die Kriegsjahre 1939 – 1945. Lieferung 1, Einsatz am Westwall und Frankreichfeldzug, 1939 – 1940. Martin Borriss
http://www.karaus.de

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
Serás lo que debas ser o no serás nada. General José de San Martín.
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Re: Incidents from the battle of france 1940.

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Hello to all :D; last part.........................

Memories of the 94. Infantry Division during the campaign in France, 1940.

Assault at Compiègne. Rupture of the defensive position of Paris. Crossing the Oise and the Marne
10 - 15/06/1940.

The enemy was no longer in sight. Near Levigne and Betz had left obstacles and destruction which could be quickly eliminated by German sappers. Many weapons and ammunition had been abandoned in the defensive position around Paris.

At noon the 10. / AR 194 resumed the advance eastward. The IV. / AR 194 was returned to the 94. ID. The group crossed by Duvy towards Crépy-en-Valois, which was severely bombed. After a quick march by Levigne, the battery established a bivouac in Boissy-Fresnoy for the night.

Sources: Erinnerungsbuch der 94. Infanterie Division an die Kriegsjahre 1939 – 1945. Lieferung 1, Einsatz am Westwall und Frankreichfeldzug, 1939 – 1940. Martin Borriss
http://www.karaus.de

It's all folks. Cheers. Raúl M 8).
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The gunner of a machine gun MG 34 on its tripod seeking for the enemy...............<br />&quot;Entscheidende Stunden&quot;
The gunner of a machine gun MG 34 on its tripod seeking for the enemy...............
"Entscheidende Stunden"
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Re: Incidents from the battle of france 1940.

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Hello to all :D; here goes a new short story................

The Infanterie Regiment Grossdeutschland in France - First blood in Etalle May 10, 1940.

The origins of the unit date back to July 23, 1937 when the troops on duty in Berlin "Berlin Wachtruppe" were renamed Wachregiment. On June 12, 1939 by order of Hitler it was renamed Infanterie Regiment Grossdeutschland. Then from October 1, 1939 completed its organization as a full regiment when received the II. / IR 92 as II. / IR GD and one Battalion of the Lehr Inf Rgt as III. / IR GD.

On October 21, 1939 the unit moved to Grafenwöhr Training Ground and later in the first week of November, 1939 was moved to the Westerwald on the Western Front and by the beginning of 1940 was attached to the XIX AK (mot) as elite troop. In April 1940 it received the Sturm Batterie 640, which was renamed 16. / IR GD framed in the IV. Battalion.

Sources: La Campagne de mai 1940 en Belgique. Lt Col A. Bikar.
Grossdeutsche Grenadiere. Fritz Fillies.
Panzer Grenadier Division Grossdeutschland. Horst Scheibert.

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
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The Führer and the first Commander of IR GD, Oberstleutnant v. Stockhausen ........................
The Führer and the first Commander of IR GD, Oberstleutnant v. Stockhausen ........................
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Re: Incidents from the battle of france 1940.

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

The Infanterie Regiment Grossdeutschland in France - First blood in Etalle May 10, 1940.

On May 9, 1940 the IR GD was at Bernkastel when it received the alert; a motorcyclist messenger moved at high speed down the street of the small town in the Moselle Valley shortly after the lunchtime. Alarm! the order for the great German offensive towards the west had come. the regiment marched subordinated to the 10. Pz along Panzerstrasse 3.

This march route ran across the Sûre river at Bollendorf, the cement barrier built on the bridge was passed by means of a mobile timber ramp placed on it. The first element in getting across was the Jagdkommando composed of a light armored vehicle Platoon of Pz AA 90 and a group of sappers of the Pi Btl 49. Then followed the March Group I, led by the Commander of the IR GD; the unit that was organized as follows.

Vorausabteilung (spearhead) led by Hauptmann Felsch (HQ of 7. Coy; Platoons of 5, 7, 8 and 14 companies, plus one infantry howitzer of 150 mm from the 15. Coy).

Vorhut (advance detachment) led by Maj. Föst (HQ of the II. Battalion; II./ IR GD; Platoons of the 13, 14 and 15 Coy and a Platoon of Sturm Pi Btl 43).

Bulk of the regiment.

Sources: La Campagne de mai 1940 en Belgique. Lt Col A. Bikar.
Grossdeutsche Grenadiere. Fritz Fillies.
Panzer Grenadier Division Grossdeutschland. Horst Scheibert.

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
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Re: Incidents from the battle of france 1940.

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

The Infanterie Regiment Grossdeutschland in France - First blood in Etalle May 10, 1940.

At 06:25 hours the Jagdkommando reached Redange, about 6-7 kilometers from the Belgian border. At 11:00 hours the same element reported that the border fortified position was free of enemies. In turn after being informed, Maj. Föst shouted over the radio: Attert free of enemies. Shortly thereafter at 11:15 hours the Jagdkommando reported that Nobressart was also clear. However shortly before Habay, at Pont d'Oie, it was stopped by one of the destruction carried out by the retreating Belgians.

Meanwhile the 2e DLC progressed to meet German troops divided into two groupings, Group East (south) and Group West (North). In turn, the Western group had detached the DD 1 (Détachement de Découverte) commanded by Capitaine Bayonne based on the 2. / 2e RAM, which crossed the Belgian border south of Gérouville at 07:00 hours (08:00 am in Germany), at 08:30 hours (09:30 hours) was in Etalle and continued towards Martelange but at 10:00 hours (11:00 hours) was halted by the Belgian destruction at Pont d'Oie.

In turn behind followed the DSE 2 (Détachement de sécurité Eloignée) commanded by Capitaine Adenot on the basis of the 3. / 16e GRCA with the task of moving behind the DD 1 along the route Sommethonne - Huombois - Etalle. This element could only cross the border at 09:30 hours (10:30 hours).

Sources: La Campagne de mai 1940 en Belgique. Lt Col A. Bikar.
Grossdeutsche Grenadiere. Fritz Fillies.
Panzer Grenadier Division Grossdeutschland. Horst Scheibert.

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
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The long motorized columns moved through the Eifel to the border ........................
The long motorized columns moved through the Eifel to the border ........................
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Re: Incidents from the battle of france 1940.

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

The Infanterie Regiment Grossdeutschland in France - First blood in Etalle May 10, 1940.

Vance ........................

In Nobressart the spearhead units of the IR GD, alerted about the destruction in Habay-la-Neuve, took the route towards Hachy and after reaching Vance continued towards Etalle, leaving in the first town, a small flank guard to monitor the bridges over the Semois. The Germans were deployed behind a wall and cover the roads of Saint-Léger and Fouches. Shortly afterwards coming from Saint-Léger showed a detachment of the 3. RDP under the command of Lieutenant Comte de l'Estoile that moved toward the bridge over the Semois to lay mines, the Germans opened fire at 60 meters and the lieutenant and two dragons were killed; the rest of the French column withdrew to Saint-Léger. Shortly after the Germans attacked and occupied the town of Chantemelle.

Sources: La Campagne de mai 1940 en Belgique. Lt Col A. Bikar.
Grossdeutsche Grenadiere. Fritz Fillies.
Panzer Grenadier Division Grossdeutschland. Horst Scheibert.

Cheers. Raúl M 8).
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Motorcyclists moving to Belgium on the morning of May 10, 1940 ..................
Motorcyclists moving to Belgium on the morning of May 10, 1940 ..................
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Re: Incidents from the battle of france 1940.

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Hello to all :D; last part................

The Infanterie Regiment Grossdeutschland in France - First blood in Etalle May 10, 1940.

Etalle.

Apparently the Detachment Adenot coming from the south and detachment Felsch from the east, arrived about the same time to Etalle at 10:30 hours (11:30 hours German). Capitaine Adenot sent Platoon Paries to Lenclos and Sivry as guard flank, this Platoon was taken prisoner by German troops. In this regard a rifleman of the II. / IR GD reported: to our right ... the first French, they are only two and we let them in peace and continue the march, suddenly the column stopped, to the right a French group going to take a stand by a field of clover, we dismounted, they look at us shocked.. should we fire at them? ... Maj. Föst gives the order and we opened fire, one of the French gives a flip and fell dead .... the first dead we see and the others raise their arms, they are mostly older men (these belong to Paries' Platoon). Maj. Föst assigned the new task: move ahead to Etalle and reach the heights located northwest of the town as next target.

The Semois' bridge on the road Arlon - Ste Marie was blocked and defended by the French troops of Capitaine Adenot, which opened up an intense fire on the Germans. Hauptmann Felsch ( Chief of 7./IR GD ) fell seriously wounded and lost a lot of blood (he dies a few days later in a hospital), also fell Uffz. Podwojewski and Feldwebel Piltzner (senior NCO of 7. / IR GD). Meanwhile arrived antitank Platoon of Leutnant Hinze who deployed his guns astride the road and opened fire on the barricade and light armored vehicles of the enemy. The riflemen, now led by Maj Föst himself, went on the attack and conquered the bridge, a group remained there in charge of security and the German troops deployed along the Semois.

Now Maj. Föst went towards the second bridge on the road to Habay-la Neuve followed by the Platoon of Leutnant Schulz and he fell there killed by French bullets. Soon came the rest of the vanguard and after noon both bridges were in German hands. The rest of the companies reached the heights beyond the town unopposed. The French withdrew around 15:30 hours (16:30 hours German).

Sources: La Campagne de mai 1940 en Belgique. Lt Col A. Bikar.
Grossdeutsche Grenadiere. Fritz Fillies.
Panzer Grenadier Division Grossdeutschland. Horst Scheibert.

It's all folks. Cheers. Raúl M 8).
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Re: Incidents from the battle of france 1940.

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Hello to all :D; something more................

The Infanterie Regiment Grossdeutschland in France.

Villers -sur Semois .

After the fight in Etalle, the IR GD continued its march westwards to Harinsart by Villers -sur- Semois . Now the regiment moved forward with three elements , the I. / IR GD ( reinforced with 16. / IR GD ) to the right, the Sturm Pi 43 in the center and the II. / IR GD to the left. It will be just the II. / IR GD, now under the command of Maj . Greim , who find Villers -sur- Semois strongly occupied by the enemy. At the entrance to the town and Leutnant Rothermund and Feldwebel Brönner were seriously injured ( Rothermund would die soon after).

The Leutnant Beck- Broichsitter came forward with an anti-tank Platoon and set up the three guns of 37 mm Pak 36 ready for action and ordered to open fire on the town with explosive grenades. Story of Beck- Broichsitter . "The II Battalion on orders of Maj Greim attacked like it was in the field of exercise. The village of Villiers- sur- Semois was occupied by a strong enemy force. Five or six machine guns were shooting from the village. . with a slow pace. I moved ahead with a Platoon along a rural road. The bullets of the machine guns whistled by. still under fire , the Platoon reached its position. All of us were afraid , but nobody said anything. We had success and could occupied our positions without casualties and the guns opened fire from outside the village , with high-explosive shells . occasionally we are under heavy machine gun fire.

Sources: "First Contact!" 6./II Battalion Infantryregiment ’Grossdeutschland’ and the battle for Villiers-sur-Semois. 10 May 1940. An historical background for Flames of War By Simon McBeth.
La Campagne de mai 1940 en Belgique. Lt Col A. Bikar.
German Armored Assault Artillery. Information Bulletin Nº 2. MID 461.
historyfacts.biz/en/04.../Sturmbatterie.pdf

Cheers. Raúl M 8).

Feliz Navidad - Feliz Natal - Frohe Weihnachten - Joyeux Noël - Merry Christmas - Wesołych Świąt!. :up:
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Re: Incidents from the battle of france 1940.

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Hello to all :D; something more................

The Infanterie Regiment Grossdeutschland in France.

Villers -sur Semois .

Then came the regimental commander who ordered the attack on Villers -sur- Semois . Beck- Broichsitter`s Story : The commander of the regiment approached slowly to the position of the II. Battalion . We saw him pointing his stick toward the village. Then the bugle signal : forward!

Meanwhile the I. / IR GD with the battery of assault guns ( StuG Batt 640 - 16. / IR GD ) reached Neuhabich, where the battalion commander ordered the 1. company to get in contact with the II. Battalion . Advancing slowly southwards, the company reached Villers found strong resistance there, after ascertaining the situation, the company commander ordered : assault guns to the front. Then approached the 3. Platoon commanded by Leutnant Franz , the Platoon chief advanced with his vehicle followed by Cannon No. 5 and No. 6 and only received fire after reaching the center of the town .

Sources: "First Contact!" 6./II Battalion Infantryregiment ’Grossdeutschland’ and the battle for Villiers-sur-Semois. 10 May 1940. An historical background for Flames of War By Simon McBeth.
La Campagne de mai 1940 en Belgique. Lt Col A. Bikar.
German Armored Assault Artillery. Information Bulletin Nº 2. MID 461.
historyfacts.biz/en/04.../Sturmbatterie.pdf

Cheers. Raúl M 8).

Feliz Navidad - Feliz Natal - Frohe Weihnachten - Joyeux Noël - Merry Christmas - Wesołych Świąt!. :up:
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A Stug III Stug Ausf A of Bat 640 overcoming obstacles in the Luxembourg border .....
A Stug III Stug Ausf A of Bat 640 overcoming obstacles in the Luxembourg border .....
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