Last weekend, I once again braved the cold and journeyed to Newville, PA to the Great War Association site for the annual Winter battle to crush the fascist invaders of the Motherland. This is a regular event between the 193rd Rifle Division of the Worker’s and Peasant’s Red Army and Grossdeutschland Division. I’m not sure who else made it, but the 9th SS was invited on the German side and 9th and 33rd guards on the Soviet side. I did meet some comrades from the 37th Guards as well.
The temperatures were a bit cold Friday night when the action started and got down to around 15 degrees F. by midnight. Saturday warmed up into the 40’s under a blue sky. Unfortunately, there was no snow for a true Eastern Front effect.
The action was fairly slow Friday evening with both side occasionally testing one another. Our gallant commissar bravely donned a German overcoat and helmet and infiltrated the fascist lines, walking among the enemy with impunity, all the while plastering their trenches with propaganda notices. He is said to have left a large picture of the ‘Boss’ stuck on the door of the German headquarters bunker. A ceasefire was called at 1:00 am.
Action resumed early Saturday morning before the frontoviks could even eat their kasha. The Germans made numerous attempts to break the Soviet lines but the ferocious defense put up by the defenders usually pushed them back. The two Russian mortars kept a hot fire on the German lines all day and did their part in turning back attacks. Late Saturday afternoon, the Red Army launched an all-out attack that pushed the enemy all the way to the old farmhouse at the end of the German lines. The day’s action ended on this victorious note for the Frontoviks. It should also be noted that Tovarish Tony, our cook, worked tirelessly over a hot stove to keep chai and kasha available to cold comrades. Spam was also available upon request.
After the end of hostilities, the 193rd held an awards ceremony in the rear of the Russian trenches to recognize those comrades from the various units who had distinguished themselves, including Yefreitor Don Hongell, who was wounded while defending one of the mortars from German infiltrators. Don actually was cut rather severely on his hand and was taken into town for stitches. Hopefully, that wound is healing up nicely this week. The units also drank a toast in recognition of Red Army Day which was Monday, February 23, and to the soldiers who actually fell protecting their Motherland in the Great Patriotic War.
As usual, Grossdeutschland and their Kamaraden put up a spirited fight. We take our hats off to them for their prompt assistance when Don was injured, with their medic providing on-site first aid. GD also transported him into town for his stitches. Urrrrahhh!
Special thanks to John Niemiec for additional photos.
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