Burning Baltics Expansion - Infantry Versus #3
Hello commander!
Welcome to a new Steel Division 2: Burning Baltics Versus post! Today, we will take a look at two Infantry battlegroups featured in our upcoming new History Expansion.
It is time to put the spotlight on the German 52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V. and the Soviet Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkin.
A quick reminder:
[h2]52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V.[/h2] 52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V might be a bit less glamorous compared to some of the other Axis battlegroups we featured, but this security division played an important role during the war. Keeping the rear clear, supplies moving, hunting partisans, or providing guard duty against potential seaborne or airborne raids were all part of the tasks given these Sicherungs-Division.
While perfect for quieter sectors, these formations were mostly made up of older reservists with obsolete or old equipment to match. Combat effectiveness was accordingly very low. The 52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V was built up from the regular 52. Infanterie-Division, which fought in France and Russia before being virtually annihilated in 1943 on the Eastern Front. Reconstituted as a training and security division, the 52. Sicherungs-Division lived on, being positioned in Baranovichi. For Steel Division 2 veterans this place should ring a bell as it was the objective for Operation Bagration’s southern pincer which was featured as one of the original Army General campaigns.
Once again, this division was almost completely destroyed. From its ashes, 52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V was hastily formed and sent to the Baltics.
The z.b.V means zur besonderen Verwendung - for “special purposes”. This signified that the formation’s structure was closer to an HQ unit, with officers and communication equipment, but no actual combat troops under its command. When the Soviets broke through and reached the Gulf of Riga, several scattered units were placed under 52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V. These formations included the 603. Sicherungs-Regiments, Kampfgruppe Böge which managed to retreat all the way from Vitebsk, SS-Kampfgruppe Hierthes and its Latvian SS troops with FlaK guns, and Regiment Mäder with a unique mix of Lithuanian (TAR) volunteers, battle-hardened instructors, Fallschirmjäger veterans, and other security troops.
[h2]52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V.’s main features[/h2]
This battlegroup fields a wide array of soldiers and is phase-locked to represent the combat evolution of the 52 Sicherungs-Division z.b.V. during Operation Doppelkopf.
52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V. shows some similarities with the Korück 559, including the variety of troops and units on offer, but differs in being phase-locked. As such, it is weaker in Phase A before becoming increasingly stronger in Phase B (thanks to Soviet captured equipment) before witnessing a giant boost in armored firepower in Phase C with the arrival of Panzerbrigade 103.
[h2]Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkin[/h2] Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkin represents the depleted 103rd Rifle Corps, plus some additional units, commanded by general Fedyunkin. Having fought its way from the start of Operation Bagration at Polotsk to the Gulf of Riga, by the time of Operation Doppelkopf, 103rd Rifle Corps was on its last legs.
The idea that the Red Army could sacrifice an endless stream of green recruits to stem the tide might have been a reality in the early war years, but by summer’s end in 1944, manpower shortages were a real issue. As such, care was taken to limit losses. While Guard divisions were brought back up to full strength as soon as possible, secondary formations had to keep fighting at half-strength for extended periods.
Pulled out of the line and placed in reserve, Fedyunkin’s weak corps had little time to rest as it was rushed to the front to fend off Grossdeutschland’s strong attack in the Šiauliai sector. The 5th Tank Army was ordered to reinforce Fedyunkin by any means necessary, which amounted to just 17 serviceable T-34/85 tanks. Luckily, several heavy gun pieces were able to be moved up, including MT-13 super-heavy mortars and BS-3 heavy AT guns, just the thing needed to repel the advancing Panzers.
[h2]Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkin’s main features[/h2]
To represent the unusual composition of Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkin, with its amalgamation of various depleted formations and featuring only two battle-weary divisions, we have adapted the official “reduced” Soviet Table of Organization and Equipment.
The Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkin is a battlegroup with few reconnaissance units and only a moderate amount of tanks. Where it shines, however, is its infantry, support, AT, and artillery guns. It fields enough firepower to mount limited attacks but is best used on the defensive.
[h2]What can you expect from Steel Division 2: Burning Baltics?[/h2] Steel Division 2: Burning Baltics will feature:
[h2]Until next week![/h2]
Don’t forget: we have recently launched Nemesis: Battle of Rimini. Get it while it’s still hot!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1477780/Steel_Division_2__Nemesis_3__Battle_of_Rimini/
If you want to reach out to us, you can do this through our Steam forums and Eugen forums, or check our (Facebook and Twitter). Looking for an online game? Visit the kick-ass Discord server or Reddit page.
See you on the battlefield, commander.
Welcome to a new Steel Division 2: Burning Baltics Versus post! Today, we will take a look at two Infantry battlegroups featured in our upcoming new History Expansion.
It is time to put the spotlight on the German 52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V. and the Soviet Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkin.
A quick reminder:
- Our first Steel Division 2: Burning Baltics Versus post detailed two Armored battlegroups: Panzerverband Strachwitzcheck and 19-y Tank Corpus.
- The second Steel Division 2: Burning Baltics Versus dives deep into two Mechanized battlegroups: Panzergrenadier-Division “Grossdeutschland” and Rezerv 43-y Armii.
[h2]52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V.[/h2] 52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V might be a bit less glamorous compared to some of the other Axis battlegroups we featured, but this security division played an important role during the war. Keeping the rear clear, supplies moving, hunting partisans, or providing guard duty against potential seaborne or airborne raids were all part of the tasks given these Sicherungs-Division.
While perfect for quieter sectors, these formations were mostly made up of older reservists with obsolete or old equipment to match. Combat effectiveness was accordingly very low. The 52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V was built up from the regular 52. Infanterie-Division, which fought in France and Russia before being virtually annihilated in 1943 on the Eastern Front. Reconstituted as a training and security division, the 52. Sicherungs-Division lived on, being positioned in Baranovichi. For Steel Division 2 veterans this place should ring a bell as it was the objective for Operation Bagration’s southern pincer which was featured as one of the original Army General campaigns.
Once again, this division was almost completely destroyed. From its ashes, 52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V was hastily formed and sent to the Baltics.
The z.b.V means zur besonderen Verwendung - for “special purposes”. This signified that the formation’s structure was closer to an HQ unit, with officers and communication equipment, but no actual combat troops under its command. When the Soviets broke through and reached the Gulf of Riga, several scattered units were placed under 52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V. These formations included the 603. Sicherungs-Regiments, Kampfgruppe Böge which managed to retreat all the way from Vitebsk, SS-Kampfgruppe Hierthes and its Latvian SS troops with FlaK guns, and Regiment Mäder with a unique mix of Lithuanian (TAR) volunteers, battle-hardened instructors, Fallschirmjäger veterans, and other security troops.
[h2]52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V.’s main features[/h2]
This battlegroup fields a wide array of soldiers and is phase-locked to represent the combat evolution of the 52 Sicherungs-Division z.b.V. during Operation Doppelkopf.
- A large variety of different combat troops can be deployed in Phase A, with a motley collection of SS-Polizei and Lett. Hilfspolizei (Latvian auxiliaries), TAR (Lithuanian) units, Kriegsmarine Flaktruppen, Sicherungs and regular Grenadier units, Lett. Legionäre (Latvian SS) and even elite Feldjäger (elite Feldgendarmerie) and Fallschirmjäger.
- These soldiers are backed up by mostly light AT, medium artillery and a few FlaK guns but not a single armored vehicle is available in Phase A.
- Following in the wake of Panzerverband Strachwitz allowed the 52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V. to claim a large amount of Soviet captured war booty in Phase B.
- This Red Army materiel, left by the Tukum garrison, includes 45mm, 76,2mm and even ZiS-2 57mm AT guns. In case of the ZiS-2, it is their first use as a Beute unit by the Germans. Additionally, captured 122mm howitzers can also be put to good use.
- Arriving too late to join Panzerverband Strachwitz’s race towards Riga, Panzerbrigade 103 becomes available later during a game. Several recon Panther tanks will be available from Phase B, but the rest of the force, including Panther, Jagdpanzer IV and Panzergrenadiers can only be deployed starting in Phase C.
- The battlegroup has access to a decent number of Air slots, with a typical selection of Luftwaffe planes. A new unit is Do 217-K1 bomber variant.
52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V. shows some similarities with the Korück 559, including the variety of troops and units on offer, but differs in being phase-locked. As such, it is weaker in Phase A before becoming increasingly stronger in Phase B (thanks to Soviet captured equipment) before witnessing a giant boost in armored firepower in Phase C with the arrival of Panzerbrigade 103.
[h2]Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkin[/h2] Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkin represents the depleted 103rd Rifle Corps, plus some additional units, commanded by general Fedyunkin. Having fought its way from the start of Operation Bagration at Polotsk to the Gulf of Riga, by the time of Operation Doppelkopf, 103rd Rifle Corps was on its last legs.
The idea that the Red Army could sacrifice an endless stream of green recruits to stem the tide might have been a reality in the early war years, but by summer’s end in 1944, manpower shortages were a real issue. As such, care was taken to limit losses. While Guard divisions were brought back up to full strength as soon as possible, secondary formations had to keep fighting at half-strength for extended periods.
Pulled out of the line and placed in reserve, Fedyunkin’s weak corps had little time to rest as it was rushed to the front to fend off Grossdeutschland’s strong attack in the Šiauliai sector. The 5th Tank Army was ordered to reinforce Fedyunkin by any means necessary, which amounted to just 17 serviceable T-34/85 tanks. Luckily, several heavy gun pieces were able to be moved up, including MT-13 super-heavy mortars and BS-3 heavy AT guns, just the thing needed to repel the advancing Panzers.
[h2]Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkin’s main features[/h2]
To represent the unusual composition of Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkin, with its amalgamation of various depleted formations and featuring only two battle-weary divisions, we have adapted the official “reduced” Soviet Table of Organization and Equipment.
- The core infantry power comes from this battlegroup’s Strelki squads, with no Strelki (DP) nor Strelki (SVT) available.
- The Strelki Komroti are replaced with Stelki Komroti (PTR), a larger 6-men command squad with SVT and PTRD anti-tank rifles.
- A new Strelki (DT) squad, representing combat veterans as a 7-men squad with PPSh, SVT, DT machine-gun, and Molotov cocktails.
- Several armored units provide additional firepower to the Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkin including Emcha and T-34/85 obr. 43 in Phase A.
- A small number of T-34/85 obr. 1944 can be deployed from Phase B - these represent the 5th Tank Army’s historical reinforcements.
- Some SU-122 from Phase A and ISU-152 from Phase B.
- A wide array of AT guns and SU-85 from Phase A. From Phase B, two new units can be deployed: the first operational BS-3 heavy anti-tank gun together with the new YA-12 tractor. This new 100mm AT gun provides the Soviets with a PaK 43 equivalent, slightly inferior in penetration but doubling as a howitzer, much like the ZiS-3.
- The new MT-13 160mm super-heavy mortars can be found in the Artillery tab.
- Aviation assets include several close air support fighter-bombers. The last remaining Yer-2 long-range bombers flying from Smolensk can also be used.
The Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkin is a battlegroup with few reconnaissance units and only a moderate amount of tanks. Where it shines, however, is its infantry, support, AT, and artillery guns. It fields enough firepower to mount limited attacks but is best used on the defensive.
[h2]What can you expect from Steel Division 2: Burning Baltics?[/h2] Steel Division 2: Burning Baltics will feature:
- 1 massive new Army General campaign set in the Baltics during Operation Doppelkopf, allowing you to take command of either the attacking Axis 3. Panzerarmee or the defending Allied 1st Baltic Front.
- 8 new Divisions, playable solo, coop, or in multiplayer, including 6 which took part during Doppelkopf and 2 divisions from Army Group North’s theater of operations.
- 120+ new units, including a variety of new models such as Aufklärungspanzer 38(t) recon tank, Ar 196 A-3 floatplane, Soviet MT-13 160mm super-heavy mortar and the BS-3 100mm heavy AT gun.
- 2 new Nations: Lithuania (Axis) and Estonia (Allies) and 2 new Aces.
[h2]Until next week![/h2]
Don’t forget: we have recently launched Nemesis: Battle of Rimini. Get it while it’s still hot!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1477780/Steel_Division_2__Nemesis_3__Battle_of_Rimini/
If you want to reach out to us, you can do this through our Steam forums and Eugen forums, or check our (Facebook and Twitter). Looking for an online game? Visit the kick-ass Discord server or Reddit page.
See you on the battlefield, commander.