The Central Front D+9 (18 July, 1987) Part I

20th Guards Army combat units started the tenth day of the war advancing along the same axes they had on the previous day. With the point of convergence for the entire front having shifted from Hanover to the Weser, the army group’s future role in the grand drama playing out on the North German Plain …

The Central Front D+8 (17 July, 1987) Part II

The 3rd Shock Army was heavily engaged from in front of Hanover to just south of Hildesheim. Two tank divisions and supporting elements were committed to the fighting there. 10th Guards Tank Division clashed with the British screen outside of Hanover, attempting to push the British back into the city and expose the left flank …

The Central Front D+8 (17 July, 1987) Part I

The focal point in the battle for West Germany was rapidly developing around Hanover. NATO and the Warsaw Pact each recognized the significance of the city and surrounding areas to their future operations, and overall war aims. Hanover was the gateway to the Weser River. Beyond that body of water lay the Ruhr Valley, the …

The Central Front D+7 (16 July, 1987) Part III

As the day went on, conditions were developing in the northern, and central sectors of NORTHAG which were starting to favor maneuver-oriented offense, and defense. Soviet pressure continued to build in three areas: Southeast of Bergen and Hermannsburg in I NL Corps area, just east of Celle, and southeast of Hanover. Even though the danger …

The Central Front D+7 (16 July, 1987) Part II

20th Guards Army resumed its advance at 0400 CEST. The reconnaissance company and advance guard of the 32nd Guards Tank Division’s lead regiment reported no enemy activity around Eschede. Unoccupied defensive positions are discovered, yet no Dutch troops or combat vehicles were in sight. To the south, the 35th Motor Rifle Division makes a similar …

The Central Front D+2 (11 July, 1987) Part II

NORTHAG Continued…..   With the main Soviet effort against I NL Corps focused on the 4th Division, the 1st Division’s sector further south was calm in comparison. Facing it were two East German motor rifle divisions. For much of  the past twenty four hours the two opposing formations had sparred, with the East Germans coming …