Stabsärzte 79th ID Stalingrad-Kuban-Krim

[TWS]

I've never found a very detailed record, but numerous rear area service units of 6. Armee escaped encirclement. In fact, even combat elements of the 16. PD did. It just depended on whether a unit was located West or East of the Red Army penetrations. Some rear area units were located near Kalach, the location of the important Don River bridge and objective of the Red Army. Those units' fate depended on how they chose to avoid the Red Army spearheads. Did they retreat West and escape encirclement or did they "retreat" further East towards Stalingrad and end up in the pocket? That was the fateful decision. Of course, at the time they did not realize how important that turned out to be.

[Daniele C]

Very nice and interesting set!

[Archi]

Hello !

I just noticed, that I forgot to attach the scan (from Buchner, Der Sanitätsdienst des Heeres).
This could explain some of the movements of Feldlaz. 179, Edward was wondering about.

In addition I found a little info on the status of Feldlazarett 179 on 10th March, 1943:
50 % of the material could be brought out of the encirclement, personnel strength is not reported.

Best regards,

Archi

[Gerdan]

# 18

" Feldlaz.(arett) 179 (besp.annt)" was "bespannt" that means their vehicles were drawn by horses.

Gerdan

[Edward]

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[Edward]

Thanks again guys for all the informative input.

TWS, that's a good 6th Army rear area "escape" overview. Have you read the book, Blood Red Snow by Günther Koschorrek? He served in the 24th Panzer Division at Stalingrad. The first section of the book covers his account while with a divisional replacement unit located some distance in the 6th Army rear area.

Archi, I did not know that feldlazarette's could operate beyond there divisional boundaries. In the case of the 179th it must have been a respectable distance away form the city as the unit was able to clear the Soviet encirclement. Still trying to figure out where that was. Also, that is the first time I have ever seen a list showing the 6th Army rear area units and there manpower/equipment strengths. At 50% Feldlazarette 179 lost quite a bit of equipment during there withdrawal West. Would be interesting to know what the personnel losses (if any) were for the unit.

Gerdan, interesting to know that Feldlazarette 179th as a motorized unit had become totally dependent on horses during that time to pull all it's vehicles. That says alot for the extreme cold during the retreat which later turned into mud.

[desiro]

Nice research Edward,i have a few bits relating to the 79th Infanterie Division.

[Edward]

Desiro, thanks. Your also welcome to add any bits.

[TWS]

TWS, that's a good 6th Army rear area "escape" overview. Have you read the book, Blood Red Snow by Günther Koschorrek? He served in the 24th Panzer Division at Stalingrad. The first section of the book covers his account while with a divisional replacement unit located some distance in the 6th Army rear area.

Thanks Edward! I have not, but know about that book and it's on my list for the future.