Air War on the Central Front D+11 (20 July, 1987) Part III

In the last moments of twilight, 2nd ATAF’s ground attack fighters made the last sorties against the Leine bridges, and targets of opportunity in the vicinity. Post-attack reconnaissance missions brought back photographs that revealed another temporary bridge destroyed, and heavy damage to the tank regiment then in the process of crossing the river. For the …

Air War on the Central Front D+11 (20 July, 1987) Part II

Night approached and the Soviet hold on the west bank of the river was strengthening, but not fast enough to suit Soviet commanders. With NATO forces having been pushed off the nearby ridges, the pressure on the Leine crossing points decreased somewhat. The short respite was welcomed and taken advantage of by the Soviets to …

Air War on the Central Front D+11 (20 July, 1987) Part I

At this point in the war, the Soviets and their Warsaw Pact allies were unable to secure control of the skies over the entire front, even for a brief period of time. This stark reality was a harsh pill to swallow, but Pact commanders begrudgingly accepted it as fact. However, the ability to attain air …

The Central Front D+11 (20 July, 1987) Part V

The attack was scheduled to start at 1400. This was the earliest possible time that it could be launched. 20th Guards MRD had taken dreadful losses the previous day and to be replenished in both men and equipment. With permission from General Snetkov in East Germany, Lieutenant General Tchernitsov was siphoning troops, tanks, infantry fighting …

The Central Front D+11 (20 July, 1987) Part IV

Author's Note: Apologies for the short post today. Since I'm considered an essential employee I had to dedicate the lion's share of the afternoon to work related issues. Next post will be up on Friday. I hope everyone's healthy and doing well during this time. --Mike    0000-0600 Control of the 1st Guards Tank Army …

The Central Front D+11 (20 July, 1987) Part III

It wasn’t until the late afternoon that 2nd Squadron/3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment was ejected off the first ridge overlooking the Leine and Alfeld. Their resistance had been strong, and resilient. It took far longer than anticipated to remove them, and the effort nearly bled 56th Guards Motor Rifle Division white in the process. Shortly afterwards, …

The Central Front D+11 (20 July, 1987) Part II

0445-1200 The river crossing operation began on time. At Alfeld, two battalions of artillery lashed the ridge on the western side overlooking the river with high explosive rounds. This was the area where the American tanks and fighting vehicles were dug in. The next volley from the guns delivered a thick screen of smoke onto …