Create fortification monument of World War II, Ukraine

[Shipmaster]

Hi!

We have been able to purchase some documents in NARA 1 Panzer Army. Public funds collected enough until one movie references - T -313 Roll 54. Unfortunately , we could not of these documents get information about objects in Kramatorskaya fortification . There is mention of the northern section of the defensive line "Turtle" . But, unfortunately , no specifics .

Dear friends , I suggest swap Available from T -313 Roll 54 for any of us interested: T -313 Roll 50,51,52,53,55,56; T -315 Roll in 2081 , 2082 , 2083 . We would be very grateful if there are willing to exchange.

Best regards.
Konstantyn
abramenko.konstantyn@gmail.com

Below are the details of the bank account to help:

Beneficiary: acc. 038-26255111765
NAME ABRAMENKO KONSTIANTYN IGOROVICH, INN 2533114239
ADRESS KRAMATORSK b-r MASHINOSTROITELEY 2-16
Bank of Beneficiary : Raiffeisen Bank AVAL
Donetsk, UKRAINE
SWIFT: AVAL UA UK DON
Correspondent bank : acc 9470329 10
SWIFT: DEUTDEFF

CORRESPONDENT BANKS OF AVAL BANK OUTSIDE THE C.I.S.
(NOSTRO ACCOUNTS)
Bank Name and Citi: Deutsche Bank AG, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Account Number: 9470329 10
Currency: EUR
S.W.I.F.T. BIC: DEUTDEFF

Bank Name and Citi: Raiffeisen Zentralbank Oesterreich, Vienna, Avstria
Account Number: 55022305
Currency: EUR
S.W.I.F.T. BIC: RZBAATWW

ATTENTION!
Please, be advised that according to the current legislative acts of Ukraine, we cannot accept payment in favour of the beneficiary if this payment originates from entrepreneurial activity of any kind. So, please, refrain from usinh such definitions as «contract», «bill », «invoice» etc. In details of payment (field #70 or # 72).

Raiffeisen Bank AVAL
OFFICE: 46V, F. ZAITZEVA STR., 83086, DONETSK, UKRAINE
TEL: (062) 337-19-13, (062) 337-25-47 TELEX: 631032 AVAL UX
S.W.I.F.T.: AVAL UA UK DON

[Shipmaster]

Bunker in Kramatorsk. «Schildkröte Nord» or «Orel-Ssamara-Stellung»?

In the second half of August 1943, the German 6th Army under the command of General Karl Adolf Hollidt after losing fortified positions on the river Mius (defensive line "Mius-Front"), was forced to retreat and gain a foothold on the line «Turtle» (Schildkrötenstellung). September 3, 1943, Adolf Hitler ordered the commanders of the 6th and 1st Panzer Army, General von Mackensen Eberhardt hold positions line "Turtle" at any cost. But three days later, the troops of the Southwestern Front R.Malinovsky broke through the German front. 1st Panzer Army was forced to begin a retreat to the line of the Dnieper River, threatening the environment around the southern flank of Army Group "South". Based on this, September 9, 1943 the command of the 6th Army decided to leave the defensive line "Turtle" and a fighting retreat to prepared positions "Panther" and "Wotan" near Melitopol and Zaporozhye.

The defeat of German forces at Stalingrad and forced retreat from the Caucasus, could not but cause concern senior management Wehrmacht situation in the South. First and foremost, vulnerability Donbas grouping of troops. In this regard, the German command in January 1943 it was decided to significantly strengthen and modernize the fortified position "Mius-Front" and start building new fortifications defensive positions:
«Mole» (Maulwurfstellung) through rivers Mius - Donets - Oskol;
«Turtle» (Schildkrötenstellung) through: Mariupol district - District Stalin - the district Kramatorskaya.
Design work and technical leadership was entrusted to the staff of the 5th battalion building fortified areas (place of dislocation Stalino). Economic group at the headquarters of Army Group "South" took over the task of providing the necessary number of construction workers from the civilian population, their accommodation, entrenching tools, food, etc. In the future, to organize and direct construction management, operational headquarters were created, directly under the 107th Construction command:
"Mole South" - the operational headquarters of Lieutenant-Colonel Peters (6 imparted demining and construction units);
"Mole North" - the operational headquarters of Lieutenant Colonel Enkhauzen (10 imparted demining and construction units);
"Turtle South" - the operational headquarters of Major Walcher (8 imparted demining and construction units);
"Turtle North" - the operational headquarters of Captain Dr. Koch (10 imparted demining and construction units).
For this project, the construction involved about 25,000 civilians from the local population. To cover the Donbass group of German troops from the north in spring 1943, it was decided to build another fortified defensive position – «Orel - Samara» (Orel - Ssamara - Stellung) through Orelka - Kramatorskaya. Organize and direct the execution of works was entrusted to the same operational headquarters of Lieutenant Colonel Enkhauzen.
In the region of the divisions of the German 1st Panzer Army was being built and the other defensive lines, smaller - "Wagner", "Dry Torez - Bereka", "Richard", etc. But in this review, as well as fortified positions "Mole" they will not be considered.

In the autumn of 2013, with the support of the Forum Administrator "Kramatorsk.info", was launched campaign to collect donations for the purchase of copies of archival documents of the German 1st Panzer Army. Goal - find a previously unknown information about the fortifications and sites of World War II in the vicinity of Kramatorsk . Lack of relevance and which particularly acute beginning to be felt in the works of creation, on the basis of preserved bunkers , fortifications monument to World War II in our city. But with the help of non-governmental organizations who care about the history Kramators'k citizens an opportunity to begin the study of previously inaccessible archives . And there were the first discoveries and theories version . However, judge for yourself ...
Think it is right to stay in more detail on the northern end of the bulge defensive fortified line "Turtle" - "Turtle North". As I pointed out above, the decision to build was made by the German command in January 1943. When construction work began immediately is not yet known, because currently at our disposal, copies of archival documents sapper leadership 1st Panzer Army (and even then not all, a certain part) only for the period May-September 1943. But at the beginning of May 1943 the construction work is already underway. 107th Construction command is stationed in Gavrilovka. Subordinate Operational Headquarters ( Yasinovataya ) directs Captain Dr. Koch , and from May 12, 1943 the chief of staff appointed Captain Tolksdorf . Also demining and construction units are involved in the construction and combat divisions - 17th Panzer Division and the 3rd Armored Division, which is in the army reserve. Massively involved in work teams of the civilian population, the responsibility for which lies with the formation ortskomendaturah and stewards , the so-called "volunteers" (Hiwi) and Soviet prisoners of war . Unfortunately, there is currently no topographical map or a clear description of the line "Turtle North" on the basis of which we can determine its geographical location , the division into sections , etc. At this stage, we can only assume that's using this part of the document



that:

District Yasinovataya: plot number 9 and 1/2 plot number 10 - is still "Turtle South"
Dzerzhinsk area: 1/2 plot and plot number 10 number 11 - it is "Turtle North". Joint southern and northern flanks at a distance Yasinovataya - Dzerzhinsk.
District Konstantinovka: plot number 12 and plot number 13 - "Turtle North".
District Druzhkоvka: Plot number 14 - "Turtle North".
District Kramators'k: plot number 15 and plot number 16 - "Turtle North". The northernmost point of "Turtles" in general and "Turtles-North" in particular.
I should note here that there is a clear discrepancy, contradictory information on the junction point "Turtle South" and "North Turtle" because in the following document



indicated that the area number 9 belongs to the defensive line "Turtle North." Just in this document stated that a special company of the 5th battalion building fortified areas involved in construction, is stationed at Yasnaya Gorka. Indirectly confirms that (along with the dislocation in Ivanovka Staff 504 th Light self-propelled road-building battalion, one of the companies which participated in the construction) version that may Kramatorskaya fortification objects belong to the defensive line "Turtle North".

Based on the analysis of dislocation demining and construction units involved in the construction of the fortified line "Orel-Samara", it has been suggested that fortification objects Kramatorskaya could possibly be relevant to this defensive position. Let's try to prove or disprove this version.

On the basis of available copies of archival documents, it can be argued that the start of the start of construction fortified line "Orel - Samara" was given at the beginning of May 1943, when the operational headquarters of Lieutenant Colonel Endhauzen Kramatorskaya arrived and began construction of a section number 1 line "Orel - Samara ". During May 1943 the construction connected headquarters of the 108th Combat Engineer Regiment, Task ( land № 1-3), 161st Construction Battalion , 506 th light sapper- propelled construction battalion . In the summer of 1943 for the construction of further involved various units : 130th and 115th construction battalions , I/371-y Turkestan Battalion ( based at the 371 th Infantry Division ) , 50th , 125th and 126th motorized parks pontoon type "B" . Just involved in work teams of the civilian population, " volunteers " (Hiwi) and Soviet prisoners of war. Operational management and organization of construction works shall Operational Headquarters Lieutenant Colonel Endhauzena. Which is subject to the 107th Construction team. Due to the massive Soviet offensive in the first half of September 1943 the construction of the line was stopped.
Offered refer to map on September 2, 1943. Rather, in addition to a fragment thereof, wherein the position shown plot number 1 fortified line "Orel - Samara." As more fully described area Kramatorskaya.



Plot number 1 is located along the line Yakovlevka - Lavrovka - October - Dmitrievka - Alisovka - Shabelkovka - Bezkrovny. Bezkrovny - is already on the territory of Kramatorsk. Line on the map ends approximately in the area where the only surviving German bunker.
To 100% confirm this version of belonging to the fortified bunker line "Orel - Samara" remains the case for small - to find information about the location line "Turtle South." And then everything will fall into place.

Study German archival documents continues. Rather, it has only just begun. I am sure that ahead of us still very unexpected and interesting findings. Wish us luck.

Sources:

1. Rolf Dieter Müller. Die Deutsche Wirtschaftspolitik in den besetzten sowjetischen Gebieten 1941-1943:der Abschlussbericht des Wirtschaftsstabes Ost und Aufzeichnungen eines Angehörigen des Wirtschaftskommandos Kiew. Oldenbourg Verlag, 1991- 671 р.
2. NARA/T313/R54/fr.7288961-7290010


Konstantin Abramenko
22.12.2013

[gregM]

Great thread.

[Shipmaster]

Hi!

Even a cursory examination of archival documents of the German 1st Panzer Army suggests that this fortification is the observation point sector number 1 position «Orel-Samara». Built by German sappers (involving prisoners of war and civilians) in the summer of 1943. Generally, a point Kramatorskaya docking of two German fortified positions – «Orel-Samara» and «Turtle». This information I have learned from the past purchased copies of archival documents Sapper 1st Panzer Army.

But there is a problem. For the content of the future museum, an accurate and correct translation of German documents. I appeal to you - perhaps someone on a charitable basis, will assist in the work of translating these documents from German into Russian? I hope very much to help us indifferent and sympathizers colleagues. Thank you.

Best regards.
Konstantyn

[Shipmaster]

Bunker Kramatorsk. Still «Orel-Ssamara-Stellung» ...

Further study of archival documents of the German 1st Panzer Army gives you the opportunity to answer some of the questions posed by the author in the previous report. Entered into circulation, previously unknown documents, allow for a more detailed assessment of the level of military planning of the German command, scale engineering training bridgehead.



On this map fragment we can see the general location of the fortified defensive lines - "Orel-Samara", "Turtle-North", "Bereka- Ssuchoj Torez," "Orehovatka", "Mole-North", "Beachhead Sslawjansk". It should be noted that the command of Army Group "South" in general, correctly identified the best tank hazardous areas. And, as subsequent events showed in September 1943, to correctly assess the direction of the main thrusts of the Red Army. It is difficult now to imagine the amount of losses of the Red Army, if the German command had time to fully equip and staff weapons these numerous fortified positions... The question is purely rhetorical, the story does not know the subjunctive mood. A little later I'll introduce you to what is really happening at these frontiers September 1-8, 1943. According to the version of the opposing side. And yet ...

While the offer to return to the area Kramatorskaya. Through which, on the left bank of the river Kozenyi Butt held line of defense "Turtle-North."



Rather, the plot number 16 this fortified position, length of 13.3 km. On this map fragment marked the northernmost point of "Turtles North" (and, accordingly, section number 16) - area south Sslawjansk. Please pay attention to the fact that this line is removed from the place on the western outskirts of Kramatorskaya where he was, preserved today, the German fortifications. This suggests that this building is not related to the position of "Turtle North".
Finally establish this allows us to the next map section. Showing a portion of number one line of defense "Orel-Samara".



Here you need to pay attention to several objects that are marked on the map by black triangles. One of them (highlighted by me) is located approximately at the place where the preserved fortification. So, on the German charts, designated observation points (B-Stelle, Beobachtungsstelle). This suggests that the structure, question, observation point is the German fortified line of defense "Orel-Samara". Built - the summer of 1943.

Sources:

1. NARA/T313/R55/fr.7290011-7291106


Konstantin Abramenko
02/05/2014

[Shipmaster]

Tragedy of the situation - as would not have 70 years to use the bunker for its intended purpose ... Very anxious and restless - Russian troops concentrated on the border, in the region move Russian agents-provocateurs who instigate residents on separatist actions. I hope that we'll hold that up fighting it will not come. But if that - do not panic, we will fight, combat-ready military units there. Mobilization reserves are huge, so many volunteers in the army of Ukraine.

And God is with us!
Glory to Ukraine!

Best regards
Konstantyn

[CWP]

That's a frightening thought. Good luck.

[Shipmaster]

Dear moderator, please remove my post so as not to provoke any conflicts at this distinguished forum

Best regards
Konstantyn

[Shipmaster]

Exactly one year ago, June 22, 2013, began this epic. Which afterwards, not without pathos, was coined promising title - create a monument to the Second World War fortifications in Kramatorsk. And then, a year ago, we just blinked and climbed to shovel ****. By **** ****, but it was a wonderful time - had a common goal, a strong desire and awesome naivete. Actually, this desire of a handful of visionaries and destructional naive amateurs and moving this project. Of course, then tightened not dreamers, people are very pragmatic and very far from such nonsense as historical memory ... But whatever it was, whatever the motives or who have moved, I still absolutely grateful to everyone who had a hand and has contributed.

It was before the war ... I can not get used to this damned "before the war." As to the fact that all of us, the participants in this project, this war, damn it might spread her on opposite sides. And perhaps scattered around the world, with such care and diligence that horseradish gather. I hope that when we all meet again, after the war, who will survive ... And look into each other's eyes. I do not think it will be easy, I think it would be unbearable. But it will have to do because every war ever ends. And as you will have to live on and bring to an end when it started. So it was up to us and will be ever.

[Shipmaster]

Our tank had survived the occupation of the city. All conversations and information that terrorists use it, there dug trenches, etc. - Were only rumors.
This photo made our colleague Viktor Ivanov 07.07.2014. Two days after the liberation of the city

[gregM]

Glad to see nothing was destroyed.

[Shipmaster]

Good evening! The history of this bunker has been clarified. You can find out about this and other structures on the territory of Ukraine here

https://www.facebook.com/groups/bunkertravel/