Having captured central Novorossiysk, Wetzel's V Armeekorps was ordered to continue the advance along the coast road.
The Soviet forces had been decimated in the fight for the city. The only significant force remaining were three battalions of naval infantrymen.16th Naval infantry Battalion had occupied a strong position in the Proletary Cement Factory, on the outskirts of the town. Two more battalions were in the nearby Kransky Oktyabr Factory.
At dawn on 8 Sept. German infantry from Regiment 213 attacked but encountered unexpectedly strong resistance at the Cement Factory. The German infantry fought their way into the lower floors and engaged in hand-to-hand combat, while Soviet sailors fired on them from upper floors. After a day of intense combat, the Soviet sailors were nearly surrounded, but the survivors managed to slip away and continue the fight at the Oktyabr Factory.
Despite repeated attacks the Germans could not achieve a breakthrough along the coast road and the costly Soviet defense ultimately proved successful.
FROM: Osprey's, Campaign 281- The Caucasus 1942-43
EDITION: 50 signed giclée prints.
PRICE: Includes UK postage.
PRINT SIZE: Dimensions are approximate and include a signed border