Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature currently requires accessing the site using the built-in Safari browser.
Please make sure you are familiar with the forum rules. You can find them here: https://forums.tripwireinteractive.com/index.php?threads/forum-rules.2334636/
This is a brief history of the 79th Infantry Division regarding Stalingrad. The 79th was split between three infantrie regiments, one artillerie regiment, a signals batalion, and a Reconnaissance Batallion. My reenacting unit is Infanterieregiment nr. 226 / 3 Kompanie.
The 79. began its attack, as part of the Sixth Army, on Stalingrad on October 17, 1942, with the assignment of entering the city and taking the Red October tractor factory.
The fighting, hall by hall, was fierce, with the Division taking many casualties. The Russian surprise offensive on November 19, 1942, collapsed the northwest flank of German defenses of the city, and a second attack the next day found the defending German forces in the process of being cut-off and surrounded. By November 24, 1942, the Russian forces joined up west of Stalingrad. As the Russians tightened their grip on the city, desperate attempts by the Luftwaffe to support the German units within the city failed.
On January 7, 1943, what was left of the 79. InfDiv was transferred to the 305th InfDiv. With Hitler’s refusal to allow the Sixth Army to breakout of the city, the Sixth Army and the 79. surrendered to Russian forces on January 31, 1943. The Division staff were the only members to survive the battle, being flown out of the city on January 8. Even today, 50 years later, this evacuation of the staff is still a sore point among veterans of the 79. Division. Ninety eight percent of the men of the first 79. Infantry Division never left Stalingrad.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.