| April 16, 1943. French Newsreel. During the Second Battle of Lake Ladoga Soviet troops from the 55th, 42nd, 8th and 54th Armies attempted to cut off the German XXVI Army Corps positioned between Leningrad and the Volkhov river. The goal was the communications center of Mga, located in the middle of the German positions. The attack ground to halt due to the defensive actions of the weakened German forces which put up a resolute defense at Krasnyy Bor, Pogostye and Gaytolovo. According to Paul Carell, "The Second Battle of Lake Ladoga was a blood bath. The peat bog of Sinyavino, the woods of Kolpino and Krasnyy Bor, were one ghastly battlefield. Russian losses were estimated by the German Army Group North at 270000." This footage is from the sector of the German 28th Jäger Division and shows a cameo by its commanding officer General Johann Sinnhuber. Translation by Olivenstein: Between the Ladoga and Ilmen lakes, the Soviets tried recently to breakthrough the front. Their attempt is shattered, and German armoured units seconded by strong infantry units counterattack. Enemy elements have entrenched themselves in a dense forest. Because of mines, the men advance prudently. The edge of the wooded area has been reached. Aiming to check the German advance, the Soviets throw tank units in an attack. [German] artillery lets off a violent barrage. Soviet gunners fire back. A few moments of rest. Combat resumes. In these sectors, German units have succeeded in stabilising the front ... |
