Chapter 7
On August 13, BIV- type tracked vehicles, model schwere Ladungsträger Sd Kfz 301 Ausf. C – an armoured self propelled, so-called specially engineered vehicle for the outplacement of explosives – in the future, simply referred to as a B IV (see fact appendix I.), and StuG 40s from Panzer-Abteilung 302. (Fkl) , went into battle. The first attack was launched from Theatre Square along Ulica Senatorska to Ulica Miodowa, and ended with two vehicles being damaged – and on Ulica Boleść, two StuG 40s and a B IV were destroyed. The driver burned inside. The first successful battle-encounters with these tracked vehicles did not work to enlighten the resistance fighters as to their real combat role. In the insurgents’ reports; the B IV is described as a “light tank” because they lacked information about its specified operational area.
This was the reason for the damaged B IV having been so carelessly retrieved that its explosives detonated. More about this episode is detailed in the chapter focused on operations carried out by Panzer-Abteilung 302. (Fkl).
The battalion was also in action on Ulica Chlodna and on Irongate Square. In Mokotów, on the other hand, it was several Sd Kfz 251/1Ds that supported an attack against a school located on Ulica Woronicza. The amoured assault company, Sturmpanzer-Kompanie 218 z.b.V (zum besonderer Vervendung), reached Warsaw on August 14, with 10 Brummbär. The 2nd Company in Panzerjäger-Abteilung 743, reinforced by units from RONA in the area around Filtry and Dworzec Pocztowy (The Post Terminal) on Aleje Jerozolimskie. Dirlewanger’s forces were supported by Company 1 from Panzerjäger-Abteilung 743, along with StuG 40s from Ersatz-Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 200 (in the area around Ulica Królewska and Irongate Square). The resistance fighters seized a transport vehicle, a Sd Kfz 251/1 D (registration number SS-946224) from SS-Panzer-Nachrichten-Abteilung 5 “Wiking” (a description of this episode can be found in the chapter headed: The Attack on the University).
On August 14, a column made up of several tens of tanks from the 3rd SS-Panzer-Division “Totenkopf ”, the 5th SS-Panzer-Division “Wiking,” along with the 19th Panzer Division rolled through central Warsaw.
A German MG 42 in action at a barricade.
Volunteers from Abteilung Bergmann.
Advancing across a street under enemy fire. The explosive device on the Borgward is clearly visible in the photograph.
When it was possible, trenches were made out of the rubble and earth thrown up by the battles.
Advancing across a street under fire from the Poles.
German soldiers marching towards the front.
A StuG III F/8.
A StuG III F/8.
The Borgward had released its explosive charge and backed away in order to detonate it, but had driven into a lampost and had been immobilised. The vehicle was taken by the Poles, repaired and then put into battle.
A Borgward B IV. that has been destroyed.
One of the Poles captured a Chevrolet 157 postal vans which was then used as a transport vehicle by them.
Most of Warsaw looked like this after the uprising. That which remained standing was levelled by German engineers.
Panthers of 19.Panzer-Division.