German Raid Tactics - Ostfront

Time to take a look at Eastern Front and how the Wehrmacht conducted raids or “Stoßtruppunternehmen”

there.

For this we have an example published in November 1942 by the General of the Infantry in the

German Army’s General Staff.

And since it was reprinted in February 1944, I guess it was rather useful.

Officially the title of the example was “Stoßtruppunternehmen ohne Feuervorbereitung”, which means “Raid

without fire preparation” and in case you are wondering the literal translation for

the first word is “thrust detachment operation”, because why not.

So, let’s starts off with a situation report: “The Russian defends himself in built-up

positions 300-500 m in front of our main line of resistance in outposts of platoon strength.

In the intermediate area numerous double and pendulum sentries are used.

Bilateral reconnaissance activities without notable successes."

First off, a Soviet platoon strength was around 40 to 50 men or to be more specific by the

April 1941 Soviet’s table of organization & equipment the authorized strength should

be 54 men and since December 1942, it should be 38 men.

Then again authorized strength is usually higher than the actual strength.

So, now let’s take a look at the map.

There are some forests in the Northern parts of the map, in the center there is a bog,

which is connected to a brook running through the center of the map.

Eastward of the brook there are two paths that lead behind a hill, which is also covered

by trees.

There are also more trees on western part of the map and the eastern part.

Now, here is the is the “main line of resistance” or “Hauptkampflinie” usually just “HKL”

in German, which literally translated means “main combat line” by the way.

North of it is occupied by the Soviets and the South by the Germans.

Although, there is one notable exception, there is actually a German combat outpost

about 200 meters north of the main line of resistance.

Rather close to the Soviet positions A and B. Note that it is not known how long the

Soviet defenses extend into the forest here.

On the eastern side of the bog there is the Soviet position C. The Soviet positions are

connected with a beaten path.

Additionally, most positions are protected by local obstacles in front of them.

Additionally, near C there is an extensive line of obstacles that stretches from the

bog to a minefield in front of another Soviet position.

There are three minefields indicated in the map as well, two east of the bog and another

to the western edge of the bog.

Now, on the German side, there is also a bog and a small forest.

South to it there is an observation post and directly at the main line of resistance there

is a light machine gun in position.