[PanzerBob]

War Diary, SSKG Griffin 19 Oct 1945,

First light, I knew they were out there, my two Hubz Gps had reported back and engaged enemy Recce Elements to the north and to the south of the day’s objectives. My main concern now was to get my KG turned into the enemies face before we got hit in our flank. Coming down from the north made this no easy task, as I need to do this without losing my KG’s punch.

Two actions I ordered bought time, I had ordered my Hubz to keep some distance but to harass their lead elements when possible. This had the effect of slowing them down and a bonus of getting HE harassing fire into their ranks as well. Two Hubz had expended their entire heavy ordinance in this phase and had to land to rearm. In concert with this all my forward Recce had been ordered at speed to occupy our objective areas and hold until relieved. Boxer Kp with elements of Casino and Deckrüde Kps were sent towards our north most targets. Adler Kp with the remainder moved along the roads to occupy the crossroads and the road leading west. All units were under orders to engage targets even at long range, again, to slow the enemy’s advance.

Splitting my Panzers as such has paid off as my Jaguars had some successes out to 3kms in the clear morning desert air making it possible to see out to 5kms. As morning sun quickly took its place in the sky the western road objective was taken but was under fire. The CO of Casino Kp figured 10 more minutes before he would arrive to help out. At roughly the same time the CO of Adler Kp reported in that the north most objectives were being overrun by our units. Enemy reaction there had been mostly knocked out leaving some weak resistance. I was assured that within the hour those objectives would be secured.

Several Jabo’s made rocket and cannon attacks on SS Artillerie Abt Griffin, which was sited in the Hills over looking the crossroads. One Hummel was damaged and an Ammo Halftrack was destroyed, I hoped my Hubz rearmed before another likely attack came. Within 30 or so minutes, the enemy had taken scattered KO’d vehicles across my area of concern, plus it appeared we had eliminated all armoured support in the north of the battle area.


Obersturmbannführer PanzerBob