Guardsmen in the Fall, Part 7: Battle at Belgorod

"7. Battle at Belgorod

On October 20th, the main forces of the brigade were at Tamarovka and Volhovets. The brigade received an order to fortify in the region of Tamarovka and not to let the enemy reach Belgorod. The brigade had two platoons of T-34s and one platoon of T-40s at its disposal. As of the morning of October 21st, the brigade occupied:

• Tamarovka, with two platoons of tanks and a company of motorized infantry
• Height 221.8, a battalion of motorized infantry, missing one company

The terrain was flat, without forests, but very bumpy. The roads were muddy, and difficult for wheeled transport. The weather was cloudy.

A column was spotted on the road from Borisovka to Belgorod, through Blizhniy. The column was attacked with tanks, AT guns, and infantry, as a result of which the enemy lost:

• Tanks: 2
• Vehicles: 16
• Infantry: a platoon

At 17:00, the enemy attacked height 221.8, and took it. We brought in reinforcements, and counterattacked. After a long and bitter battle, the brigade fortified 500 meters east of height 221.8. The enemy lost:

• Tanks: 5
• Guns: 4
• Aircraft: 1
• Infantry: a company

Our losses:

• 5 T-34s, all towed successfully
• Killed: 32
• Wounded: 44

An infantry division approached from Tamarovka and Streletskoye, and began an attack on Volhovets. 3 KV tanks, coming to reinforce the brigade at height 221.8, met the advance guard and began combat. The advance guard was destroyed, and the rest scattered.

The enemy, supported by AT gun, machine gun, and mortar fire, assaulted the infantry and tanks at height 221.8. A small group of tanks and AT guns held out until nightfall. After nightfall, elements of the brigade were moved to the eastern shore of the river Donets. The enemy, over three days of battle, lost:

• Tanks: 14
• Guns: 6
• Mortars: 2
• Tractors: 1
• Vehicles: 15
• Infantry: a battalion"

Previous in series: Battle at Bogoduhov

Guardsmen in the Fall, Part 6: Battle at Bogoduhov

"6. Battle at Bogoduhov

After the battle at Shtepovka, the brigade did not fight for ten days. As of 10:00 on October 13th, Major-General Belov's forces were as follows:

• 5th CD: Matveevka
• 9th CD: Alekseevka, Zaryavinka
• 6th Guarts ITB: Sennoye

The enemy, with a force of around two battalions, occupied Bogoduhov, and up to a battalion of infantry occupied Gubarevka.

At 15:00, on October 13th, tanks attacked hardpoints at Bogoduhov, met by heavy AT gun fire. Elements of the 9th CD were late, and could not reinforce the successes of the tanks' assaults. At nightfall, the cavalry retreated to initial positions. The tanks could not remain close to the village without infantry cover.

Another assault was scheduled for October 14th. The tank brigade acted subordinate to the 9th CD, with an assignment to clear Bogoduhov, and link together the 5th CD and 108th Cavalry Regiment.

The advancing tank group did not encounter any resistance until 300-400 meters, at which they were faced with AT gun fire, and mortar fire at the cavalry. The tanks kept advancing, destroying a significant portion of the enemy's AT guns. The brigade captured the enemy's battalion HQ, and destroyed a large portion of the enemy infantry. At 22:00, left without cavalry support, 6th Guards ITB left Bogoduhov and returned to initial positions. 

The last attack on Bogoduhov was scheduled for October 15th. The objective remained the same. The enemy, unable to resist the attack, left Bogoduhov, abandoning their armament. The 6th reached the center of Bogoduhov. The 9th CD met heavy resistance, and could not advance. A flank attack from the west forced them to retreat. The 6th Guards ITB was ordered to withdraw and return to Sennoye. During these three days, the enemy lost:

• AT guns: 16
• 105 mm guns: 4
• Trucks with ammunition: 1
• Infantry: two battalions

We lost:

• KV tanks: 2
• T-34 tanks: 2

All damaged tanks were towed successfully."

Next in series: Battle at Belgorod
Previous in series: Battle at Shtepovka

Guardsmen in the Fall, Part 5: Battle at Shtepovka

"5. Battle at Shtepovka

The brigade left Padanki on the night of September 28th to 29th, and moved to north-east, concentrating in the forests west of Lifino, with one company remaining at Serobabino. 9th CD retreated to the Gostronurovo defensive line. 5th CD defended Mezherichi and Markovka. The 35th Motorized Division of the enemy, reinforced by a battalion of tanks from the 9th Tank Division, was located in Malinovka and further south along the river Suna.

The roads were muddy, and unsuitable for wheeled transport. The weather was cloudy, and it was raining. The brigade was ordered by Major-general comrade Belov to capture Shtepovka by the end of September 29th, and hold it until reinforcements from the 9th CD arrive at nightfall. Elements of the brigade approached Shtepovka at 23:00 on September 29th, crushed the enemy guard, and fought until 5:00 on September 30th. Without tank or cavalry support, they were forced to retreat to Yakovenki. Tanks and cavalry, due to the poor roads and dark night, were held up, and the mission was unsuccessful. 

Additional tanks were assigned to the 6th Guards ITB to attack Shtepovka and hold it, supported by elements of the 9th CD. During this operation, a group of tanks from the brigade noticed a column of 40 vehicles and enemy infantry, and attacked it. The enemy fled, leaving behind some vehicles, 15 dead, and one captured. At the same time, another column was spotted moving from Malinovka to Shtepovka. Taking fire from tanks and AT guns, the column was stopped and scattered. The enemy lost 3 tanks and 15 vehicles. 

At 16:00, the attack on Shtepovka began. Tanks and motorized infantry fought until nightfall. The enemy resisted, and forced us to retreat at 21:00. The enemy lost:

• Vehicles: 40
• Guns: 8-10
• Infantry: two companies

Another attack on Shtepovka was scheduled for October 1st. After an artillery barrage, tank-borne infantry advanced on Shtepovka and destroyed a series of hardpoints, as well as infantry scattered through the village. At 20:00, Shtepovka was secured. The enemy lost:

• Vehicles: 95
• Guns: 60
• Motorcycles: 20
• Tanks: 8
• Tractors: 18
• Aircraft: 1
• Infantry: two battalions

We captured: 

• Light vehicles: 11
• Heavy vehicles: 15
• Tank machine guns: 8
• Ammunition: 40 000 rounds"

Next in series: Battle at Bogoduhov

Previous in series: Battle at Mtenovka

Guardsmen in the Fall, Part 4: Battle at Mtenovka

"4. Battle for Mtenovka

After the battle at Vasilievka, the positions were as follows:

• 9th CD was retreating from Kozelnoye to north-east, through Mtenovka to river Poei.
• 5th CD was concentrated north-east and south-east of Padalki
• 25th Motorized Division of the enemy moved to Shtepovka, in the direction of Sumy, on the morning of September 28th.

As a result of the enemy movements, the path of the 9th CD to Shtepovka was cut off, and they were in danger of being surrounded. The brigade received an order: attack through Podoprigory and Shtepovka, strike at the tank column, capture Shtepovka, and secure a path for the 9th CD to its assigned region.

A company of T-34 tanks and platoon of KV tanks, commanded by Colonel Dayev, followed the Nadanki-Podoprigory-Shtepovka route, and reached Shtepovka by 14:00. They suddenly opened fire on the enemy's column. The enemy, confused by the attack, left behind vehicle and guns, and fled, under fire from our tanks. Elements of the enemy forces at Mironovshina direction opened fire at our forces, but had no effect. 

The enemy was defeated. A path through Shtepovka was open for the 9th CD. The enemy lost:

• Guns: 52
• 105 mm howitzers: 12
• Tractors: 8
• Vehicles: 40
• Motorcycles: 12
• Tanks: 4
• Infantry: up to a company

Our losses:

• T-34 tanks: 1
• Wounded: 3"

Next in series: Battle at Mtenovka

Previous in series: Battle at Vasilievka

Guardsmen in the Fall, Part 3: Battle at Vasilievka

"3. Battle at Vasilievka

The situation on the morning of September 27th was as follows:

• 9th CD defending at Kozelnoye and further to north-east.
• 5th CD defending at Horol and Zaparidovshina
• Left and right flanks of the divisions were open
• 6th Guards ITB at height 191.2 and Pomerki

The brigade's orders were to cover Vasilievka from the side of Kozelnoye. Against the 9th CD, up to regiment of infantry and 20 enemy tanks were sent. From 20 km south-west of Zaparidovshina, more enemy tanks approached. 

On September 26th, the enemy showed activity, and occupied Horol (on the right flank of the 5th CD). The 6th Guards ITB was moved to Pomerki, covering an open approach. 

At 8:00 on September 27th, the enemy attacked. A column of 60-65 tanks with infantry support appeared in the south, aimed at the open left flank of the 5th CD. Upon reaching the Zaparidovshina-Kapustnitsa road, the split up. One part of the force went to Kozelnoye, the other to Kapustnitsa and Vasilievka. 

At 9:00, the 6th Guards ITB received an order to dispatch a company of T-34s in order to prevent the enemy from reaching Kapustnitsa. The enemy reached Kapustnitsa first, set the village on fire, and moved to Grun. 

The tank group that was moving to Kozelnoye was flanked by the elements of the brigade at Pomerki and height 191.2. 

Acting on their own initiative, a group of tanks from the brigade left for Vasilievka. Despite numeric advantage, the enemy did not withstand the attack, and fled in the direction of Kapustnitsa. 

Heights 181.4, 191.2, and Vasilievka were held by the brigade all day, and half of the night, after which, as ordered, they left for Grun. During that day, the enemy lost:

• Tanks: 8
• Vehicles: 40
• Infantry: 50

The brigade lost:

• T-34 tanks: 1
• Armoured cars: 1
• AA guns: 3
• Fuel trucks: 1
• Engineering vehicles: 1
• Killed: 5
• Wounded: 6"

Previous in series: Battle at Semenovka
Next in series: Battle at Mtenovka

Guardsmen in the Fall, Part 2: Battle at Semenovka

"2. Battle for Semenovka

On the morning of September 23rd, elements of the 6th Guards ITB, retreating to Lipovka, concentrated as follows:

• Company of T-40 tanks: at Semenovka
• Remainder of the brigade: at Tolotyh
• 5th CD at Kimlichka and south

The 6th Guards ITB, leaving behind a reserve and its commander, was to reach the Mihailovka region by morning of September 24th. 

The enemy, taking advantage of the retreating divisions, entered Semenovka.

Based on the orders by the commander of the 5th CD Major-general comrade Baranov, the brigade received an order: to knock the enemy out of Semenovka, and hold until elements of the 5th CD reinforce them.

Elements of the brigade attacked at 16:00, flanking Semenovka from the south, and took the village. Despite the advantage in numbers and firepower, the enemy left Semenovka, moving to the west, taking heavy losses. After pulling up reserves, the enemy started circling Semenovka from the left, forcing elements of the brigade to retreat. After darkness, the brigade was ordered to leave the battle and join the Tolstyh brigade. The brigade retreated, covered by two KV tanks. As a result of the battle, the enemy lost:

• Guns: 7
• Mortars: 7
• Infantry: one company

Losses of the brigade:

• T-40 tanks: 4
• Killed: 8
• Wounded: 19
• Missing: 5"

Previous in series: Battle at Lipovka
Next in series: Battle at Vasilievka

Guardsmen in the Fall, Part 1: Battle at Lipovka

Everyone has heard of the T-34, the KV, the IS, the Tiger, the Panther. These tanks are some of the most iconic vehicles ever built. However, many lesser known, but nonetheless important, vehicles also entered the field of battle.

One of these vehicles was the T-40. A meek amphibious scout tank, it did not receive a real cannon, just a DShK heavy machine gun. Even in this role, it was soon replaced by the cheaper and better armed T-60, and later T-70. However, these small tanks managed to fight fiercely throughout WWII. This series of articles covers seven battles with these tanks in the 6th Guards Tank Brigade (then 1st Tank Brigade). The quality of both the typewriter and the scan is not so great, so a number of the village names might be incorrect.

1st Tank Brigade, receiving new T-40 tanks

"A short report on the actions of the 6th Guards Tank Brigade from September 17th, 1941 to February 20th, 1942.

1. Battle at Lipovka

On September 18th, 1941, we finished offloading at the railroad station Akhtyrka. The brigade was deployed to a new region, and, by 7:00 on September 21st, concentrated in the vicinity of Dvisvka and Reznikov (20 km south-east of Romny). 

Overall situation on September 21st: the enemy directed Guderian's second group towards Romny, occupying Hmelev (37th Tank Division), Romny (10th Motorized Division), and Lohvitsa (3rd Tank Division). Additionally, the SS division "Reich" was present, consisting of four infantry regiments reinforced with tanks. 

Our forces consisted of Major-General Vylov's 5th and 9th cavalry divisions, 6th Guards Independent Tank Brigade, 129th Independent Tank Brigade, 1st Guards Independent Division, defending:

• 9th CD: Pravduki, Pogonaya Prinytsa
• 5th CD: with a company of T-34s of the 6th Guards ITB, Pogonaya Prinitsa, Perekrestovo, Bobrik.
• 129th ITB: heavily undermanned, east of the 9th ID, with HQ at Nedrigailov
• 6th Guards ITB: Reznikov, Lipovka
• 1st Guards ID: Nedrigailov 
• The 227th ID defended 20 km north-east of Nedrigailov

The enemy had an encircling position, especially on the left flank, which was threatened by the 3rd Tank Division and SS division "Reich". Subsequent actions show that the enemy was planning to attack from Romny, to the east, and paralyze the main forces of the mechanized group, and then strike with the 3rd Tank Division and "Reich" division from south-west, cut off the retreat at river Horon, and destroy the group.

On September 21st, the 6th Guards ITB, missing a company of T-34s, was ordered to, remaining in the region of Reznikov and Lipovka, block the approach of the enemy from the south, flank, and rear of the 5th CD. After the 5th CD is replaced by elements of the 1st Guards ID, retreat together to the Semenovka region.

The brigade took defensive positions. A company of T-40 tanks fortified west and south of Reznikov. 1st Tank Regiment sent a company of medium tanks and a company of heavy tanks to the south of Lipovka, facing south, and two companies of T-40 tanks, facing west. 

At 10:30, on September 22nd, elements of the SS division "Reich" advanced in the direction of Dolgaya Luka to Lipovka. The advance was supported by mortar fire, 105 mm howitzer fire, and a company of tanks.

At 700-800 meters, the heavy and medium tanks opened fire. After taking heavy casualties, the infantry was suppressed, and their tanks retreated. Taking advantage of the enemy's inaction, the 1st Tank Battalion of the 1st Tank Regiment counterattacked, reaching the forest north of Dolgaya Luka, destroying with fire and tracks enemy infantry and armament. The tanks returned to their rendezvous point. 

Despite their losses, the enemy brought in reserves and resumed their attack. The attack was not successful. A motorized infantry company was assigned to clear out the enemy, joined by a battalion of the 1st Guards Infantry Division. 

The battle lasted all day. 5th and 9th Cavalry Divisions retreated to the east, to a new defensive line. In this battle, the enemy widely used snipers and "cuckoo birds" [Note: slang for snipers in trees"]. After the main enemy elements retreated, the "cuckoo birds" would remain, firing at commanders.

Elements of the brigade, during the day, executed 7 attacks, as a result of which, the enemy was defeated, and scattered. Enemy losses include:

• AT guns: 13
• 105 mm howitzers: 4
• Mortars: 7
• Motorcycles: 16
• Fuel trucks: 2
• Tanks: 6
• Aircraft: 1
• Infantry: two companies

Our losses:

• T-40 tanks: 4
• Killed: 32
• Wounded: 56
• Missing: 11"

Next in series: Battle at Semenovka