Approaching Kharkov from the west, 2.SS Panzer
Division “Das Reich” began to attack the inner city circle on 11th March. Remembering
Stalingrad, Generaloberst Hoth ordered 1.SS Panzer Division “Leibstandarte Adolf
Hitler” not to join 2.SS Panzer Divison in this attack, but to move further around
Kharkov, encircling the town and to start infiltrating from the north-east. On 4:00 AM of
12th March, Panzergrenadier Regiment 1 of LAH was in position. They received direct
support from the Tiger Kompanie of LAH which was equipped with the very new Tiger I
tanks. While parts of the LAH moved further east to complete the encirclement,
Panzergrenadier Regiment 1 started its advance to meet her sister Division (“Das Reich”)
which came from the south-west. Russian resistance was heavy and every city block
received bloody fighting which most often was only decided when the supporting tanks gave direct fire support.
Attacker: German (SS) (SS Panzergrenadier-Regiment 1, 1.SS Panzer Division "Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler")
Defender: Russian (19.Rifle Division and 179.Tank Brigade)
