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ENEMY SITUATION AT END OF PERIOD.
1 - 12 April - Chief enemy units in contact with this Combat Command on 11 April 45 at end of operation vic UNNA A970260 were SS Signal Ersatz Bn 2 UNNA, 1 and 2 Bn 401 Volks Arty Corps and numerous Landesschutzen and Flak units. Enemy was being pushed into rapidly tightening pocket with escape routes open only to SW and SE. Special efforts were being made by enemy to keep his escape route open through FRONDENBERG B025195 on RUHR RIVER.
20-30 April - Of the numerous elements encountered in the HARZ MOUNTAINS pocket the 1053 Regt of Potsdam Div and elements of 26 Volks Gren Div were the only units offering anything resembling coordinated defense. At close of period all units were surrendering in great numbers, offering only slight small arms resistance. |
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2. ENEMY OPERATIONS DURING PERIOD.
1 - 12 April - In our advance W toward ERWITTE B420350 and Berge B4430 enemy attempted to delay us with blown bridges, road blocks covered by small arms fire and some AT guns, period in vic ERWITTE. HV weapons, some mortar and light artillery fire was received. Flak guns frequently employed.
Enemy launched one light counterattack during period in vic SUTTROP B450170 against 194 Glider Regt.
Enemy fought stubbornly vic UNNA to protect escape route toward FRONDENBERG B025195. 88s and numerous Flak guns disposed for defense against frontal attack from directly E UNNA. These were overrun in envelopment from SE.
20 - 3- April - Only occasional small arms fire was encountered in cleanup of HARZ MOUNTAINS pocket. Some small groups may have disappeared to mountain hideouts but majority of opposition surrendered on 1st and 2nd day by clean-up. One Brigadier General, two Major Generals and one General of Infantry were amoung the 3,000 PWs taken in mountains in first few days of clean-up. 1695 PWs taken 21 April 45. |
