Panzers In The Defence Of Festung Posen 1945: The Untold Story Of Germany's Last Stand

As World War II was drawing to a close, the German forces found themselves retreating on multiple fronts. The Eastern Front, in particular, saw the Red Army's relentless advance towards Germany, leaving the Germans desperately trying to hold their ground. One such instance was the defence of Festung Posen (Fortress Posen) in 1945, where the German Panzer units proved their tenacity and skills in an all-out effort to delay the inevitable. This article delves into the untold story of the Panzers in the defence of Festung Posen in 1945.

The Situation in 1945

By early 1945, the German forces were grappling with the Red Army's massive offensive. Festung Posen, located in western Poland, was a vital strategic stronghold for the Germans. It served as a hub for communication lines, supply routes, and housed important military installations.

The defending German forces consisted of a mix of Panzer units, infantry, and supporting artillery. They were under the command of General Günther Krappe, an experienced officer who had served on the Eastern Front since the beginning of the war. Krappe was tasked with holding Festung Posen against the impending Soviet assault.

Panzers in the Defence of Festung Posen 1945

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Language	:	English
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The Panzer Units

Panzer units were the backbone of the German defence in Festung Posen. These armored units comprised tanks, tank destroyers, and self-propelled artillery. Their mission was to halt the Soviet advance and protect the city at all costs.

There were several Panzer divisions involved in the defence, including the remnants of the 17th SS Panzergrenadier Division "Götz von Berlichingen" and the 20th Panzergrenadier Division. Despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, these units displayed remarkable resilience and determination.

The Battle Plan

General Krappe devised a defensive plan centered around the effective use of Panzer units. The plan called for coordinated ambushes, hit-and-run tactics, and concentrated counterattacks on Soviet spearhead formations.

The Panzer units were strategically positioned in key locations to maximize their firepower and mobility. They hid in forests, behind buildings, and utilized natural terrain features to their advantage.

The Battle Begins

In late January 1945, the Soviet offensive began. Overwhelmed by sheer numbers, the German forces initially struggled to hold their ground. However, the Panzer units proved crucial in buying time for the German infantry and delaying the Soviet advance.

The Panzers employed hit-and-run tactics, swiftly striking Soviet columns and retreating before sustaining heavy damage. This not only disrupted the Soviet momentum but also demoralized their troops.

One particularly impactful engagement occurred near the village of Lissa, where a handful of Panzers from the 17th SS Panzergrenadier Division ambushed and destroyed several Soviet tanks, inflicting heavy casualties on their advancing forces.

The Soviet Assault

As the battle progressed, the Soviet forces intensified their efforts to break through the German defences. They deployed heavy artillery, air support, and increased the number of infantry divisions involved.

The Panzer units faced relentless attacks, with the Soviets attempting to encircle them and mitigate their mobility advantage. Yet, the Panzers continued to fight ferociously, often engaging in close-quarters combat to defend their positions.

However, despite their valiant efforts, the Panzer units were gradually worn down, with many tanks being destroyed or rendered inoperable due to damage or lack of fuel and spare parts.

The Final Stand

By mid-February 1945, the situation for the German defenders became increasingly dire. Supplies dwindled, reinforcements were unavailable, and the Soviet forces continued to close in.

With no other option, General Krappe ordered a tactical retreat from Festung Posen. The remaining Panzer units conducted a fighting withdrawal, using mobile tactics to evade encirclement attempts by the Soviet forces.

The Panzers, though heavily outnumbered, managed to inflict significant damage on the advancing Soviets during this retreat. They fought with tenacity and skill, ensuring that the Soviet forces paid a heavy price for every inch of ground gained.

The Aftermath

The defence of Festung Posen, although ultimately unsuccessful, served as a testament to the courage and determination of the German Panzer units. Their efforts bought valuable time for other German units and delayed the Soviet advance towards the heart of Germany.

While the battle's outcome was ultimately decided by the overwhelming numbers and resources of the Red Army, the Panzer units' heroic resistance in Festung Posen remains a symbol of their unwavering dedication to their cause.

The defence of Festung Posen in 1945 witnessed the German Panzer units showcasing their skills and resilience against overwhelming odds. Through their tactical prowess and unwavering determination, they succeeded in delaying the Soviet advance and protecting the city for a crucial period. The Panzers' contribution to the defence of Festung Posen is a testament to their unwavering commitment and bravery during the final stages of the war.

Panzers in the Defence of Festung Posen 1945

by Captivating History (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7648 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	153 pages

FREE

Panzers in Defence of Festung Poznan 1945 by Maciej Karalus and Jarosław Jerzak is the first book published in English to describe the bitter battle for Festung Poznań in 1945. That Polish city, occupied by the Nazis since almost the very beginning of the Second World War in 1939, was declared a fortress (Festung) on January 20, 1945, and for the whole month it saw heavy fighting between Wehrmacht and Waffen SS troops and the Red Army advancing directly towards Berlin. Among the garrison of the fortress a special part was played by a small heavy Panzer unit which possessed just one Tiger tank, two Panthers, one Panzer IV and a handful of Sturmgeschütze. Despite the difficulty and sparsity of sources, the authors were able to acquire an impressive wealth of information and memoirs, as well as rich iconography.

Before Poland was able to regain her full political autonomy in 1990, the fighting in Poznań was described only by Zbigniew Szumowski and Stanisław Okęcki. These, however, were poor compilations, only marginally touching upon the participation of German Wehrmacht. These authors looked upon this subject through the lenses of Soviet documentations and historiographical propaganda of their times. Sadly, they could not or would not make use of the documents in German archives. Their cardinal mistake was to overestimate the strength of the forces at play (especially on the German side), and the glorification of the Soviet victory, foregoing an honest analysis of the losses of human life as well as equipment on both sides. This is the first book in English that allows the reader to follow the street fighting in Poznań through the eyes of the Wehrmacht soldiers, documenting the story of the German armored forces engaged in the battles for the city.