The Russian Front - Kick In The Door 1

Kick In The Door 1 took place on Saturday 13th September 1997 in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. The scenario dealt with a large Russian offensive in the area around Ulyanousk.


Background to the battle

The Russians deployed two Armies (including two Tank Corps, a Cavalry Corps, and more than ten Rifle Divisions) against German forces which were, initially, very weak (four under-strength divisions, including the Spanish 250. Infanterie-Division 'Division Azul' and 8. SS-Kavallerie-Division 'Florian Geyer').

A Russian KV2 moves forward to support an infantry attack.

A quadruple Maxim machine-gun mounting, carried on the back of a GAZ-AA truck, defends the advancing Russian columns from German air attack.

German Infantry Assault Badge


Elements of 8. SS-Kavallerie-Division 'Florian Geyer' awaits orders to move forward to counter-attack the Russians.

Part of the Spanish 250. Infanterie-Division 'Division Azul' preparing to attack the advancing Russians.

The Battle

The Germans held up the Russian advance as best they could, but gradually they were pushed back. The fighting around the built-up areas was particularly fierce, and the attempts by the Russians to build a pontoon bridge whilst under enemy fire were constantly thwarted, resulting in considerable delays to their advance.

It is worth noting that the Russians blew-up the existing bridge at Ulyanousk to stop the Germans counter-attacking over it before realising that they had left their own bridging materials at the rear of the advancing column!

Once the German front-line had been breached the Russians were able to continue their advance, but they were - by now - two days behind schedule.

In the interim the Germans had rushed forward part of the Army Group Reserve - two Panzer Divisions and a Panzer Grenadier Division - and as individual units arrived they were deployed straight into a counter-attack. This halted any further Russian advance.


This page was last updated on 18th September 2004

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