The Central Front D+12 (21 July, 1987) Part III

*Author’s Note: I wasn’t intending for this entry to be short but work became an issue today. Unfortunately, this means Central Front D+12 will wrap up Sunday instead of Friday as I had planned. Sorry about that, guys.

 

 

0845

The initial reports of American armor to his division’s front did not surprise the 56^th Guards Motor Rifle Division commander. His reconnaissance troops had probably caught sight of what remained of the American regiment that his division had pushed off the western approaches to the Leine. A battalion-sized force did not seem realistic though. But as he was learning, reports given in the midst of combat situations were often exaggerated. Even trained recon soldiers could involuntarily mistake the number of enemy vehicles in front of them. The report of British tanks, and mechanized infantry on Highway One to the northwest of his perimeter is the one that caught his attention.

The Americans he could see, but the appearance of the British in this sector was curious, even alarming. Realistically speaking, a company-sized force was not worthy of great concern, but where there was one, there could very well be more. And given the close proximity to the 56^th Guards perimeter, which was guarding the 58^th Guards MRD as it crossed the river, the prospect of a spoiling attack did not sit well with him. He passed the reports on to 3^rd Shock Army’s forward headquarters and then ordered two of his motor rifle battalions to move forward from the perimeter and engage the American and British forces.

 

0900

At 3^rd Shock Army Group’s forward command post its commanding general is not overly worried when the reports from the motor rifle division on the other side of the Leine reaches his desk. Spoiling attacks were expected and considering that his divisions had faced NATO units from multiple nations in the last forty-eight hours, the presence of both British, and American forces in close-proximity now was no surprise. The greater worry was the progression of the 58^th Guards crossing. Too damn slow, in the general’s mind. Timetables were doubly important now. The push towards Hameln was to be underway by late afternoon. So far only one full regiment of the division was across the river. When the 58^th was entirely across, it would move northwest clearing out any defending NATO units. Its sister division would advance on a parallel course, expanding the perimeter and covering the left flank of the 58^th MRD and follow-on tank divisions.

 

1000-12000

Soviet and NATO units meet. It becomes clear to the Soviets immediately that the actual size of the enemy force is larger than initially thought. Elements of two British battalions are identified. Apparently, the initial report from 56^th Guards reconnaissance companies were incorrect. The tanks at Esbeck were British. American armor was seen earlier moving near Salzhemmendorf but has since disappeared.

 

1215– 58^th Guards MRD completes its river crossing.

 

1225–  Radio intercepts indicate a sizeable NATO heavy maneuver formation, likely American, is approaching Escherhausen from the southwest.

 

1300

The British force has withdrawn north of Highway One, but 3^rd Shock’s commander remains uneasy. Analyzing the data, and filling in the holes with some educated guesses, he believes a British tank brigade is positioned north of the highway and has been probing since earlier in the day. He expects the British will launch a counterattack aimed at the Leine bridgehead soon and isolate the two motor rifle divisions on the western side. As for the reports of American forces approaching from the south, he knew those were inaccurate. The only American units remaining between Hameln and the Leine were the remanants of the cavalry regiment and they were in no condition to launch an attack on their own.

No. The main threat would come from the north.