smiley69
Posts: 151
Joined: 10/12/2006 From: Washington State Status: offline
|
Developments, 26 July 1946 Sector 24 1127 hours: Emergency transmission from 2ID to SHAPNA. Message follows: At 0628 hours, HQ 76th Mechanized Cavalry Co confirmed the identification of SS Regiment Deutschland in combat north of Wilson, Arkansas. Elements of the 49th Recon battalion reported via wireless they were engaged with at least 2 mechanized SS infantry battalions and a heavy tank battalion approximately 9 miles north of Wilson and 6 miles west of Arkansas highway 43. The 49th advised of visual contact with enemy armor; a mixture of Panzer VI Model E "Tiger" heavy tanks and late model Panzer IV infantry support tanks. Enemy infantry was completely mechanized with mortar, towed AT gun, and a yet unknown model of tracked infantry carrier support. The 49th was ordered into a tactical withdrawl and has since lost wireless contact. 2ID reports the extreme vulnerability of the southern flank of the Missouri Salient from this deadly division. Blocking forces are inadequate for repelling a determined attack by this regiment. Please advise. End report, 1142 hours 2ID Combat Summary report, 26 July 1946 1711 hours Sector 24 continues to be the focus of heavy enemy offensive activity. The presence of SS Regiment Deutschland to the south of the Salient is of critical concern. The addition of Tiger Heavy tanks to the battlefield will completely outclass all US-built armor and all light and medium AT guns. 1st Army advises the release of 2 battalions of Soviet-made KV-1 heavy tanks from Sector 21 in an attempt to counter this extremely dangerous threat. The 1st MS Armored and 1st AL Infantry divisions continue to push into friendly lines in a two-pronged offensive west of Tiptonville and north of Blythville. On the northern pincer, local counterattacks by the 211th Mechanized Infantry and Assault Guns from the 2nd AG Battalion, 5th Armored have so far been unsuccessful and have resulted in heavy casualties and the loss of precious heavy armor from the 2nd Assault Gun battalion. On the southern pincer, Blythville was ordered torched and was evacuated by the 79th Infantry battalion after heavy enemy contact. Casualties have been excessive and damage to equipment is of great concern. To the north of St Francis several battalions of Arkansas State Militia have entered into US territory along the St Francis River. 2 battalions of infantry along with armor and AT support have been ordered into the area as a blocking force. This avenue is laced with rugged terrain; however should the enemy breech the terrain will result in the surrounding of the Missouri Salient. As of 1520 hours contact with only the Arkansa Militia has been confirmed, so this enemy incursion is suspected only as a probe. End report, 1730 hours
Attachment (1)
_____________________________
"When the situation is obscure, attack!" Heinz Guderian
|