Chapter Two
Even as the Germans were moving their forces into place to open the attack, their enemy were already totally prepared for Operation Citadel. For three long months there had been extensive building and various preparations to counter the German attack. Improved intelligence allowed Russian commanders to predict exactly the strategic focal point of the German attack. It was this combined collection of battlefield intelligence that proved the ultimate failure of Citadel, even before the battle had been unleashed. The Panzerwaffe were determined to replicate their Blitzkrieg tactics, but the immense preparations that had gone into constructing the Soviet defences meant that the Germans were never ever going to succeed in penetrating into the strategic depths of the Red Army fortifications with any overriding success.
In addition to their defensive programme, the Red Army implemented preparations for elaborate deception plans in order to confuse the enemy. The Soviet went to great lengths to conceal their troop concentrations and defensive dispositions, which included constructing false trenches, dummy tanks and artillery, and even false airfields. All Red Army troop and rail movements were conducted at night or when visibility limited the Germans from carrying out aerial reconnaissance missions.
Traffic too in the immediate defensive area was also kept to a minimum to avoid enemy suspicion. Although these techniques did not entirely hide their extensive activities, it did cause the Germans to seriously under-estimate the strength of their enemies.
When night fell on the eve of the attack, units which were to form the first line of attack began drawing up towards the front line. Nearby the assault detachments moved up and waited with anxiety at their jumping off points. These units included sappers and infantry supported by heavy machine guns, mortars, and a number of tanks and self-propelled guns. Behind the assault detachments came advanced battalions, likewise heavily supported by tank and self-propelled gun battalions.
As the Germans completed their battle preparations, there was a general feeling, not of elation at the thought of unleashing the greatest attack thus so far on the Eastern Front, but something more deeply ingrained, a firm belief to do their duty to the ‘Fatherland’ and finally turn around the deteriorating war situation.
Finally, on 5 July 1943, the pre-dawn light heralded a massive German bombardment, unleashing the battle of Kursk. The German artillery barrage was so immense that in less than an hour they had hurled more shells than they had used in the entire 1939 and 1940 Poland and Western campaigns put together. Mile after mile the front erupted in flame and smoke. The pulverising effects of the shelling caused massive death and devastation to the Red Army lines. However, in spite of this violent bombardment, Soviet artillery too soon joined the cacophony of sound and the return Russian fire soon confirmed what all the Germans feared: the attack was not a surprise. All over the front, Soviet artillery crews fired at known German artillery positions. The first troops to become embroiled in the fighting were artillery units, which fired concentration, mobile, and fixed barrage fire. As the Germans moved forward through the smoke near the forward edge, anti-tank artillery and anti-tank rifles opened-up on their advancing tanks. Mortar and machine gun fire concentrated on the enemy infantry. All of the weapons of the infantry, and the anti-tank strong points and artillery groups supporting these divisions, entered the battle to repel the enemy blows. Soviet soldiers heroically struggled with the attacking groups of enemy. The infantry skillfully destroyed tanks with grenades and bottles filled with mixtures of fuel. Under a hurricane of fire, they stole up to the German vehicles, struck them with anti-tank grenades, set them on fire with incendiary bottles, and laid mines under them. Overall, during the course of the first day, the sappers emplaced an additional 6,000 mines, which became a dreadful threat for the Panzerwaffe.
To the German soldier in battle, this was unlike any other engagement they had previously encountered. A German grenadier wrote: ‘The Red Army soldiers refused to give up. Nor did they panic in the face of our roaring Tiger tanks. The Soviets were cunning in every way. They allowed our tanks to rumble past their well camouflaged foxholes and then sprang out to deal with the German grenadiers following in its wake. Constantly our tanks and assault guns had to turn back to relieve the stranded and often exhausted grenadiers’.
The initial phase of the Soviet defensive action at Kursk was often crude, messy and costly, but in a tactical and operational sense it achieved its objectives. Much of the Red Army front had held its positions against overwhelming fire power, but the attack was not over. During the rest of the day the Germans unleashed a huge attack of infantry and armoured vehicles against the Russian forward positions. All morning Russian defences endured ceaseless fire. Red Army positions were engulfed in a sea of fire and explosion as it tried to hold its front line positions. Russian troops were duty-bound to hold their lines to the death. Whilst a number of areas of the front simply cracked under the sheer weight of the German onslaught, many more Russian units demonstrated their ability to defend the most hazardous positions against well prepared and highly trained enemy forces. Red Army infantry divisions bitterly contested large areas of the countryside. Fighting was often savage resulting in heavy casualties on both sides.
Two photographs showing two different 2cm Flakvierling 38 positions being prepared for action. These quadruple-barreled self-propelled guns demonstrated outstanding anti-aircraft capabilities. As the war dragged on in the east many of these weapons were also be being used against ground targets, with great effect.
Three photographs showing a well placed 8.8cm Flak gun. This was the most famous German anti-aircraft gun of the Second World War. The gun was bolted on a cruciform platform from which it fired with outriggers extended. In one photograph the crew have utilised the weapon in a ground attack role. At Kursk the Germans had already recognised that heavier and more lethal Soviet armour had been compiled against the Wehrmacht and for this reason German forces had clamored to obtain more Flak guns that could deal with the increasing enemy threat.
Five photographs showing 8.8cm Flak guns during operations on the Eastern Front in the summer of 1943. With Soviet aircraft now increasing its dominance in the skies many German divisions had increased their anti-aircraft battalions, with each of them containing two or even three heavy batteries. In these photographs it shows 8.8cm Flak guns complete with Schützschild (splinter shield).
Two photographs taken the moment a Nebeltruppe battery launches a volley of its deadly Nebelwerfer rockets. Note the distinctive smoke trails the rockets temporarily leave in the air. Although designed primarily as an anti-personnel weapon, these rockets proved lethal against open and soft-skinned vehicles.
A gun crew in action with their 15cm s.IG33 artillery gun. A typical infantry regiment comprised three infantry battalions, an infantry gun company with six 7.5cm I.IG18 and two 15cm s.IG33 guns, and an anti-tank company with twelve 3.7cm Pak 35/36 guns. The 15cm s.IG33 infantry gun was regarded the workhorse pieces operated by specially trained infantrymen.
An artilleryman unloads from a vehicle 15cm shells in special wicker containers. The 15cm shell was fired from the 15cm s.FH18 heavy field howitzer. The 15cm field howitzer was primarily designed to shell targets deeper into the enemy rear. This included command posts, reserve units, assembly areas, and logistic facilities.
Three photographs showing assault pioneers flushing out an enemy defensive position. Pioneers were mainly employed as assault troops to supplement the infantry and were employed on the battlefield to attack fortifications and other defensive positions with demolitions and flamethrowers. Here a pioneer is armed with a Flammenwerfer 35.
Two photographs showing a Sd.Kfz.251 half-track carrying Waffen SS troops to the front during the opening stages of the Kursk offensive, ‘Operation Citadel’ in early July 1943. In front of the Soviet defensive fortress at Kursk stood the cream of all the German combat formations.
A Pz.Kpfw.IV advances through a captured village during the opening operation at Kursk in the summer of 1943. For the majority of the war the Pz.Kpfw.IV was certainly a match for its opponent’s heavy tanks, quickly and effectively demonstrating its superiority on the battlefield.
Wehrmacht troops advance forward towards strong Red Army fortifications during the opening attack. Note how the soldiers are purposely spaced apart in order to reduce the amount of casualties sustained if they were attacked either by ground or aerial bombardment.
Tanks are seen here in action in undergrowth during the first armoured contacts at Kursk. It would be during the ensuing days to come that there would be the largest tank battles fought during the Second World War.
Infantry take precautionary measures along a road and lay down beside a road whilst fighting rages ahead. These soldiers are equipped with the web battle pack carrier to which was attached their mess kit, shelter cape, and other important equipment. All of the soldiers wear the standard M1936 service uniform with the black leather infantry man’s belt. Attached to the belt they wear their rifle ammunition pouches for their Karabiner 98K bolt action rifle.
German troops are seen passing a burning building during the initial stages of the battle. During the first day of the attack both Wehrmacht and their Waffen SS counterparts progressed well against stiff Red Army resistance. However, the first line of Russian defence seemed almost impossible to break through, in spite of strong unrelenting attacks.
An Sd.Kfz.251 has halted and troops can be seen hastily dismounting to go into battle. By the summer of 1943, this medium half-track had become not just infantry transport to the edge of the battlefield, but also a fully-fledged fighting vehicle.
Wehrmacht troops rush forward into action against a heavily defensive position. Prior to the attack heavy artillery would have attempted to soften the enemy position in order to allow armour and then troops to move forward. However, much to the German surprise Russian resistance was often particularly very strong and this resulted in heavy casualties, both in men and equipment.
An SS Totenkopf (Death’s Head) commander raises his arm to signal his men to move forward into action. He is armed with a captured Russian PPsH submachine gun. The initial phase of the fighting at Kursk had been very costly to the Russians, but in a tactical and operational sense it achieved its objectives. During the days that followed the Red Army began to deprive the SS of even tactical superiority.
An Sd.Kfz.10 half-track is seen half submerged along a water logged road. Even during the summer periods on the Eastern Front a heavy downpour of rain could bring advancing vehicles to a crawl, which subsequently caused havoc to any German attack.
A photograph taken from a Horch cross-country vehicle showing an advancing motorcycle combination moving towards a Russian vehicle that has been evidently hit by anti-tank rounds, and can be seen burning. Note the squad leader armed with a submachine gun.
Waffen SS motorcyclists have halted on a road with their motorcycle combination. Motorcyclists could be found in every unit of an infantry and Panzer division, especially during the early part of the war. They were even incorporated in the divisional staffs, which included a motorcycle messenger platoon.
A Stug.III has halted in a field. By the summer of 1943 the Stug.III had become a very popular assault gun on the battlefield. The vehicles had initially provided crucial mobile fire support to the infantry, and also proved their worth as invaluable anti-tank weapons. However, by the time they were unleashed at Kursk they were primarily used as an anti-tank weapon, thus depriving the infantry of vital fire support.
Troops hug the side of a road prior to going into action. Positioned next to them are two 7.5cm I.IG18. This light howitzer was used in direct infantry support. The gun was very versatile in combat and the crew often aggressively positioned it, which usually meant the piece was regularly exposed on the battlefield.
A Stug.III in a field during the opening attack at Kursk. By this period of the war the Stug had been slowly absorbed into Panzer units, Panzer and Panzergrenadier divisions of the Wehrmacht and Waffen SS.
A nice close-up view of the Schwerer Panzerspähwagen (Heavy Armoured Reconnaissance vehicle). Although large it was very versatile and quick, especially on open ground. Initially the vehicle was used extensively during the early war years as the main armoured reconnaissance vehicle. However, by the summer of 1943 it was rarely seen on the battlefield.
Two photographs showing the Leichter Panzerspähwagen (Light Armoured Reconnaissance vehicle). This vehicle was used by reconnaissance battalions of the Panzer divisions. This vehicle was armed with the MG34 for local defence.
In a forward observation post and a soldier can be seen looking through a pair of scissor binoculars. From this position the observer could send through details of enemy movements back to divisional headquarters.
Probably in the rear awaiting orders to prepare for action is a group of troops posing for the camera with a Sd.Kfz.251 half-track. Note the Pak 35/36 anti-tank gun. This weapon was the first anti-tank gun mass produced and saw service in both the Wehrmacht and Waffen SS. It was used extensively at Kursk, and went on to be used until the end of the war.
A 7.5cm Pak 40 can be seen being towed by an Sd.Kfz.10 half-track towards the battlefront followed by confident Wehrmacht troops. This deadly Pak 40 had a spaced-armour shield held together by large bolts. These bolts had drilled holes that allowed the crews to thread foliage through them and conceal the weapon on the battlefield.
The following six photographs show various half-tracks mounting Flak guns. Both the single and quadruple mounted Flak guns were deadly pieces of weaponry. The quadruple piece for instance, which combined four guns, was served by eight men. These lethal guns were much respected by low-flying Russian airmen and were also particularly devastating against light vehicles, as well as troops caught in the open. The weapon also armed a variety of vehicles on self-propelled mounts where they could be moved from one part of the defensive line to another quickly and efficiently.
German soldiers advance cautiously. The Stug.III is vulnerable without infantry support; the infantry know they must keep their distance due to the fire the armour will attract.
What appears to be up-beat captured Russian prisoners being led away to the rear. Unbeknown to these soldiers their fate looked bleak. Many starved to death in hastily erected PoW camps, were transported to Poland or Germany where they were worked to death in one of the many labour camps, or agreed to join the German army.
A half-track being prepared for a march in the summer of 1943. Half-tracks were designed to primarily tow Flak and artillery guns, and were versatile enough to be utilised in pulling lighter ordnance, like limbers and other forms of transport mainly used by animal draught. This clearly demonstrates the Wehrmacht’s resourcefulness on marches.
A Totenkopf forward position during the initial stages of the Kursk offensive. By 7 July the advance of the SS.Panzerkorps seemed more promising than ever. Totenkopf had managed to smash through more than 30 miles of Russian line, whilst the Leibstandarte and Das Reich were equally successful despite enduring bitter fighting.
Here in this photograph a light Waffen SS MG34 machine gunner can be seen concealed in undergrowth with his weapon. The machine gun has the MG34 fifty-round basket drum magazine fitted. The term light and heavy machine guns defined the role and not the weight of the gun.
A Sd.Kfz.230 light half-track armed with an MG34 complete with splinter shield for local defence moves forward into action during operations in the Kursk region. The MG34 machine gun was one of the most popular weapons used both in the Wehrmacht and Waffen SS. It had tremendous defensive stopping power against enemy infantry during the battle.
German troops in one of the many trench systems that littered the front lines at Kursk. Supporting the line is a Pz.Kpfw.IV with intact side skirts and a summer camouflage scheme.
A rifle squad moves forward towards a captured Russian village. A typical German infantry division consisted of three infantry regiments, an artillery regiment, reconnaissance, anti-tank, pioneer, and signal battalions, plus divisional services. Trucks transported much of the supporting battalions, but there were many infantry that marched on foot including all the supply columns that were horse-drawn.
A half-track carefully negotiates a relatively shallow river during operations in the Kursk salient. This was one of the quickest methods of crossing a river, instead of waiting for pioneers to erect a pontoon bridge.
An Sd.Kfz.251/3 Ausf.B complete with antennae for long range radio communication. The crew onboard more than likely belongs to a signals unit and is probably coordinating with local ground forces in the vicinity.
A Wehrmacht soldier armed with a M1924 stick grenade prepares to launch his weapon into action against a building that has already been set alight by either grenade, mortar or artillery fire.