Division Lanz - Caucasus 1942

[Brian R]

Hello Gentlemen.

I'm researching 4.Gebirgs-Division in the fall of 1942. At some point during the summer, Divison Lanz was formed which included, among 1.Gebirgs-Division, major parts of 4.Gebirgs-Division. It appears that by fall, the unit had pulled back to the area south of Maikop. Specifically, I have reference that elements were in the area of the Pschischbaches in area 843 in late October. Does anyone have any specific info on this area? Could Pschischbaches be a river? I posted this question on the AHF as well. Thanks in advance for any help!

Thanks,
Brian

"Versorgungsweges und bei der überquerung des Pshischbaches in Gegend Punkt 843 geführt"

[Westland]

Hello Brain,

I hope this info is still usefull for you.

According to my documentation the 1. GD was in the period september/october involved into battles in the area of Tuapse (Туапсе́). Between october/december they were fighting their way back to the Kuban-Brückenkopf.

Because you mentioned Division Lanz the following is important to know (this never exists in Name)! Lanz (at that time Generalmajor) was only the commander of the 1. GD at that time! He was not the commander of the 4. GD, this was Generalleutnant Karl Eglseer (November 1941 - 22. October 1942) and later on Generalleutnant Hermann Kreß (23. October 1942 - 12. August 1943).

Lanz is Promoted to Generalleutnant on 01.12.1942. A good two weeks later he was pulled back into the OKW reserves on 17.12.1942. Because of his achievements during "Operation Edelweiss" and previous actions he received his oaks to his Knight cross on 22.12.1942! Laterly on 28.01.1943 he became command of the Armeeabteilung Lanz!

[Brian R]

Thanks you for this information. I was able to get some great info from the kind folks on the Axis history forum late last year. This will go nicely with it.

Thanks again,
B