On June 22, 1941, Germany launched the Battle of Barbarossa against the Soviet Union in an attempt to wipe out the Red Army led by Stalin. An elite infantry division of the German Army, in this unprecedented battle, also participated in the campaign on the Eastern Front, showing amazing courage and superb skill.
The GD Infantry, under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Stockhouse, was part of the 2nd Panzer Wing. Their duty was to stay close behind the second hoplite, clear the way for them, cover their flanks, and clear the remnants of the enemy. The GD Infantry Corps met little resistance in the first battle of Barbarossa and crossed the Soviet border unhindered to the banks of the Bug River. During this time, they only encountered occasional counterattacks and ambushes by the Soviets, and there were no major battles.
However, by June 30, everything had changed. The German infantry division advanced northeast from Stolovich and encountered fierce resistance from the Soviets on the way. Under the cover of woods and villages, the Soviets launched a fierce attack on the German infantry, including tanks. For the first time, the German infantry experienced the tenacity and fury of the Soviets and was forced to engage in fierce battles with the Soviets. The GD infantry suffered heavy losses in this battle, 10 people *** 30 people were wounded, and even a deputy regiment commander was wounded.
However, the German infantry divisions were still able to resist the attack of the Soviets and keep advancing. They aimed at Baranovich, who was the flank of the 2nd Heavy Army. Guderian, the commander of the 2nd Panzer Regiment, was determined to bypass Minsk and go straight to Moscow in an attempt to disrupt the back of the Soviets. On 6 July, the 2nd Panzer Regiment and the 3rd Heavy Regiment met east of Minsk, forming a great encirclement of the Soviet Army Group West.
Such a victory rejoiced the Germans, but at the same time created a new problem. The Soviets would not give up so easily, and they still struggled to resist in the encirclement, trying to prevent the Soviets from escaping, and the Germans had to deploy a large number of troops on the periphery, including the GD infantry. They were transferred to the northeast and fought a protracted battle with the Soviets. In those battles, two battalions of the German infantry engaged in fierce exchanges of fire with the Soviets in several places, and made full use of their powerful firepower and maneuverability, making it impossible for the Soviets to break through.
The GD infantry unit also had several valiant fighters, the most famous being Lieutenant Bowman of the 1st Brigade. He was a company commander of a charge platoon, led his assault team, in the rear of the enemy, smashed the headquarters of a company, captured alive more than 60 Soviet officers and soldiers, and returned to their positions safely. This achievement earned him praise from Captain Stockhouse and earned him the title of Lion of Gibraltar.
After several days of fierce fighting, the Soviet resistance was finally completely **** by the Germans, and thousands of Soviets *** or captured. The Germans called the battle of Minsk, and it was the greatest contribution to the Barbarossa operation. However, the GD Infantry Corps has only just experienced a real test on the Eastern Front, and they will face an even stronger opponent next. Next, they will attack the Dnieper, which is a key front for the Soviets and a barrier to Moscow.