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WorldWar2.ro Forum > Eastern Front (1941-1944) > Targul Frumos Battle May 1944

Posted by: Bigduke6 November 09, 2004 09:31 am

Hello every one, first of all I congratulate you excellent site. My historical leanings are the German-Soviet war in 1944, and I have learned a lot looking at your menus and forum comments.

I am dropping in here because I am researching a series of battles that took place in Romania in May 1944 around the town/city Targul Frumos, and I received advice that people on this site might be able to help me out. I hope so, one of the problems I am coming up against is that this fight took place effectively at the end of a long Soviet pursuit, so no one appears to have been keeping particularly good records.

I am interested in the operational and tactical details of a series of battles which took place primarily between the Wehrmacht and the Red Army, but also with significant participation of Romanian troops, near the city Targul Frumos in early May 1944. Maybe some of you can advise me on how I can find - hopefully via the Internet - some of the following:

1. A topographical map of the Targul Frumos vicinity:

This hopefully would include the regions around it. In the ideal world I would like to look at a swath of territory maybe 50km. x 50km, but I understand chances of finding something like that may not be so easy.

2. A first-hand description of the region:

I bet that some of you personally have been to Targul Frumos or at least travelled through there. I haven't. If you have the time maybe you could write a few lines about the terrain, especially from a military point of view: what's the ground look like, are the hills big or little, are there lots of fields or lots of forests, could you drive a tank across most of the streams or maybe the banks are too steep, what sort of crops are growing in May, stuff like that.

3. Information/descriptions of the fighting:

This would include all units, Romanian, German, Soviet. If it will help I can give you some general details I have gathered about the Russian and German troops at the battle.

4. Unit details:

Ideally I am looking for unit strengths - personnel counts, equipment strengths, supply status, fortifications, etc. - for all the battle participants.

Thanks for taking the time to read this post. If you want to answer here or send me an e-mail at dpaukraine@kiev.relc.com, your choice. All responses appreciated.

Posted by: Carol I November 09, 2004 10:55 am

QUOTE (Bigduke6 @ Nov 9 2004, 10:31 AM)

1. A topographical map of the Targul Frumos vicinity:

This is a Space Imaging satellite view of the town of Târgu Frumos (Lat: 47:14:25N Lon: 26:56:58E) covering an area of approximately 11 km by 19 km. Târgu Frumos itself is in the lower-left quadrant of the image. North is towards the left side. This image was taken on 29 October 2003, so it has the autumn look of the surrounding area.

Posted by: Carol I November 09, 2004 11:15 am

Some details about the battle at Târgu Frumos can be found on the site below.

http://rhino.shef.ac.uk:3001/mr-home/rzhev/rzhev2.html

Posted by: RHaught November 10, 2004 02:23 am

If you want German first hand accounts you need to find veterans from the Grossdeutchland Division. They are out there and know 2 of them but not allowed to give out their information. However, look for the reenactment unit on the east coast, their unit commander goes to the reunions each year. He might be willing to pass your name along. Been there but has been over 7 years ago so memory doesn't serve me well especially after getting off a plane and driving that far. Check other forums as well. Fieldgrau.com is another good one.

Posted by: Bigduke6 November 10, 2004 10:06 am

Thanks appreciate the responses.

Posted by: cipiamon November 10, 2004 12:41 pm

QUOTE (RHaught @ Nov 10 2004, 02:23 AM)

They are out there and know 2 of them but not allowed to give out their information.

So the german veterans are not alowed to talk about the war and theyr happenings?

Posted by: Carol I November 10, 2004 04:28 pm

QUOTE (cipiamon @ Nov 10 2004, 01:41 PM)

QUOTE (RHaught @ Nov 10 2004, 02:23 AM)

They are out there and know 2 of them but not allowed to give out their information.

So the german veterans are not alowed to talk about the war and theyr happenings?

Or maybe RHaught does not have permission to give out their contact details (names, addresses etc.).

Posted by: Carol I November 10, 2004 04:39 pm

QUOTE (Bigduke6 @ Nov 9 2004, 10:31 AM)

... I am researching a series of battles that took place in Romania in May 1944 around the town/city Targul Frumos ...

I would appreciate if you could post in this thread (some of) the information you may come across. Thanks.

Posted by: RHaught November 11, 2004 02:48 am

QUOTE (Carol I @ Nov 10 2004, 04:28 PM)

QUOTE (cipiamon @ Nov 10 2004, 01:41 PM)

QUOTE (RHaught @ Nov 10 2004, 02:23 AM)

They are out there and know 2 of them but not allowed to give out their information.

So the german veterans are not alowed to talk about the war and theyr happenings?

Or maybe RHaught does not have permission to give out their contact details (names, addresses etc.).

Yes, not able to give that info out. They don't want idiots asking them if they killed Jews, were they at the camps, etc. A lot of the german soldiers weren't even members of the Nazi Party if that surpises some!

Posted by: Bigduke6 November 11, 2004 11:43 am

Hello all!

The most detailed discussion on the battle that I have found is here:

http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=10353

There is a good deal of detail on Romanian participation. I recommend it. The thread has answered most of my questions about the Axis order of battle, and advanced me a good distance on the Soviet order of battle.

Where I am still weak is a map of the terrain. If any of you can point me in the right direction, I would be grateful. (Thanks for the satellite map, that helped but I want more!)

Cheers,
BD6

Posted by: Victor November 11, 2004 02:29 pm

QUOTE (Bigduke6 @ Nov 11 2004, 01:43 PM)

Hello all!

The most detailed discussion on the battle that I have found is here:

http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=10353

I was about to suggest you that older discussion. It was pretty interesting, but still there are plenty of things left out as far as I am concerned.

Posted by: Carol I November 11, 2004 06:47 pm

Thanks for the link you have provided. I will read the materials posted there.

QUOTE (Bigduke6 @ Nov 11 2004, 12:43 PM)

Thanks for the satellite map.

I am afraid I have unintentionally misled you. I do not know where the mistake was (either the coordinates for the town or those of the image are erroneous), but the settlement in the image above looks more like Ruginoasa, than Târgu Frumos. Thus, I think the right image of the area around Târgu Frumos is the one below.

user posted image

Posted by: RHaught November 16, 2004 01:31 am

I have a Luftwaffe topo map of the region (Iasi) made in 1941. Once I figure out how to use the digital camera can post or send pic.

Posted by: Carol I November 16, 2004 07:49 am

QUOTE (RHaught @ Nov 16 2004, 02:31 AM)

I have a Luftwaffe topo map of the region (Iasi) made in 1941. Once I figure out how to use the digital camera can post or send pic.

I am looking forward to seeing the images of your map.

Posted by: Dénes November 17, 2004 05:40 pm

There is a similar thread going on on a Russian Military Forum:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/message?forumid=116312&messageid=1100199912

Col. Dénes

Posted by: RHaught November 19, 2004 04:48 am

QUOTE (Carol I @ Nov 16 2004, 07:49 AM)

QUOTE (RHaught @ Nov 16 2004, 02:31 AM)

I have a Luftwaffe topo map of the region (Iasi) made in 1941. Once I figure out how to use the digital camera can post or send pic.

I am looking forward to seeing the images of your map.

Will try to have it up next weekend. Wife took camera to a conference with her. Have several maps of Romania made by the German armed forces (copied from earlier maps made by Romanian forces).

Posted by: Dan Andrei December 04, 2004 08:46 pm

Hi all.

This is my first post on this forum so .. I would like to apologize for any future mistake I will make .. I still hope I won't do any.
I posted here because I think I can help with some info about the Tirgu Frumos area. I lived there for 20 years. First couldn't use the satellite map. Maybe I can't read that map.
Anyway Tirgu Frumos is a strategic town. It is completely surrounded by hills. There are 4 main roads from Tirgu Frumos.

1. to the E is the main road to Iasi, the main city of the area, also of the NE Romania. The road crosses some villages near Tirgu Frumos: Razboieni (3-5 km), Baltati (~10km), Sirca(~13-15km), Budai(~25km), Podu Iloaiei, - Iasi(~50km).
2. to SW to Roman(~40km); The nearest village on that road is Strunga (near a forest) (~9km)
3. W to Pascani (~25km, the Siret river crosses E near Pascani from N to S). First village from TF is Ruginoasa (~10km)
4. N to Hirlau (~27km), Botosani (~77km). First village: Boureni(~5km), then Balj (10km), Cotnari (15km)

There are some smaller roads connecting some villages near TF: W to Dadesti, Costesti, parallel and N to the Pascani road, also many roads connecting the two roads; N to Cucuteni, W to the Hirlau road; S to Buznea and SE to Oteleni.

There is a small river called Bahluiet coming from the north, entering the city on the W side. Then just south from the city and north from the Buznea hill (main hill S to the city) turns E to Podu Iloaiei. The river is very small (3-4 m wide).

There is a railroad from E(Iasi, Podu Iloaiei) to W(Pascani) entering Tirgu Frumos S to the Iasi road and N to Bahluiet river and exiting to W south of Pascani road.

I don't know almost anything about the TF battle in 1944, but I think I know the area and if anyone would like to ask me something I’ll be happy to help u.

P.S. how can you get a satellite map to a area?

Posted by: Nucleicacidman December 31, 2004 09:28 pm

David M. Glantz' Forgotten Battles series is very good, I suggest it - that site which was left here was a portion of that book. I used to have my own narrative on the battle, but it seems to have gotten lost, my apologies.

Posted by: Carol I March 11, 2005 11:21 pm

I have found in Magazin istoric 9/2004 the following fragment by Constantin Isărescu about the events following the battle of Târgu Frumos in May 1944.

QUOTE (Constantin Isărescu)

On 18 April we have arrived to Iaşi, where we have changed a cavalry division that was completely destroyed. In that area, north of Iaşi, the Romanian and Russian troops were positioned face to face. They were in advantage, as they occupied the heights. They could see all our movements. On 28, 29, 30 May 1944 we and the Germans have tried to take the Russians out of their positions. Our attack area extended from Ungheni to Târgu Frumos. Our objective was to get the Russians down to Jijia. We have even managed to repel them over the Prut. On the other side, from Târgu Frumos to Piatra Neamţ, our offensive did not succeed.

Posted by: Victor March 12, 2005 07:34 am

That action happened about one month after the Soviet offensive in the area of Targu Frumos, that is generally known as the batlle of Tg. Frumos.

Posted by: Carol I March 12, 2005 10:32 am

QUOTE (Victor @ Mar 12 2005, 08:34 AM)

That action happened about one month after the Soviet offensive in the area of Targu Frumos, that is generally known as the batlle of Tg. Frumos.

I have already mentioned that the fragment refers to "the events following the battle of Târgu Frumos in May 1944".

Posted by: Florin March 12, 2005 05:24 pm

In www.feldgrau.net, under "Operations and Battles", there are some topics related to Romania. The titles of the topics are:

1. Targul Frumos Battle - May 2 - 4 1944 - Romania

http://www.feldgrau.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=13112

2. Defeat of the Group Army "South Ukraine" in Romania

http://www.feldgrau.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=12713

3. Defense of Iasi-Chisinau 1944

http://www.feldgrau.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6831

4. Sewastopol May 1943

http://www.feldgrau.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10897

Posted by: RHaught March 16, 2005 02:09 am

Ok, sorry for being away for so long! Will try to post maps on Saturday if possible (can take pics but still can't figure out how to download onto these postings). Have about 20 maps of Romania. Florin has seen some of them when he came to Philly!
Florin, got your emails but have been busy! Preparing to move to NYC in 3 months. Will respond shortly!

Posted by: Florin March 19, 2005 02:38 am

Rob,

I remember the size (the papers) are quite big. If you want to get a whole map in a photo, and then to reduce the number of pixels to fit here, I am afraid the text will not be readable. (I forgot the size of the text on the maps.)

You can do what Dragos did under another topic: to divide the information. A regular scanner is designed for the American A size (and for its German / DIN equivalent A4).
Keeping the map above the scanner (of course, you have to keep the lid completely open) will allow you to scan parts of it, and then to show them here, one per each post.
A resolution of 72 points per inch should be sufficient, and avoid to save in "TIFF" or "bitmap". JPG is quite good for what we need here. Otherwise, your files will not fit in the 200 kB limit, which is a must for this site.

If the text on the maps is big, making photos with a digital camera may be a reasonable idea. But again, they have to fit in the 200 kB limit.

Success and regards! I am glad to hear you'll move to NYC. And considering that you have to move in 3 weeks from now, some delay in posting the maps here will be fully understood.

P.S.: "Philly", from Rob's message, means Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Posted by: Carol I March 20, 2005 09:13 pm

QUOTE (Bigduke6 @ Nov 9 2004, 10:31 AM)

what's the ground look like, are the hills big or little, are there lots of fields or lots of forests...

Here are some images from the area around Târgu Frumos taken through the windshield of a moving car.

Hill line south of the Târgu Frumos-Podu Iloaiei highway

Posted by: Carol I March 20, 2005 09:14 pm

Hill line south of the Târgu Frumos-Podu Iloaiei highway

Posted by: Carol I March 20, 2005 09:15 pm

Hill line south of the Târgu Frumos-Podu Iloaiei highway

Posted by: Carol I March 20, 2005 09:15 pm

Eastern approach to Târgu Frumos

Posted by: Carol I March 20, 2005 09:18 pm

Terrain north of the Târgu Frumos-Podu Iloaiei highway

Posted by: Carol I March 20, 2005 09:20 pm

Hill north of Târgu Frumos (http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=88676#88676?)

Posted by: Carol I March 20, 2005 09:22 pm

Hill north-west of Târgu Frumos (http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?p=88676#88676?)

Posted by: Carol I March 20, 2005 09:22 pm

Northern approach to Târgu Frumos

Posted by: Carol I August 14, 2005 07:58 pm

QUOTE (Carol I @ Mar 12 2005, 12:21 AM)

I have found in Magazin istoric 9/2004 the following fragment by Constantin Isărescu about the events following the battle of Târgu Frumos in May 1944.

QUOTE (Constantin Isărescu)

In an earlier article with the frontline recollections of Constantin Isărescu, the succession of the events following the battle of Târgu Frumos is somewhat changed:

QUOTE (Constantin Isărescu)

On 15 April [1944] we occupied the positions north of Iaşi, replacing the 8th Cavalry Division that had large losses.
...
On 30 May 1944, the German-Romanian counteroffensive has begun on all the frontline, in the area of the enemy inlet between Piatra Neamţ-Paşcani and Târgul Frumos-Ungheni-North Chişinău.
...
The objective of the 3rd Dorobanţi Regiment, operating together with the other regiments of the 11th Infantry Division was, for that day, to push back the Soviet units to the Jijia Valley. This objective was reached. Furthermore, in some places the enemy was thrown over the Pruth. Many prisoners were also captured. This was the result of the first day. Unfortunately the fights resulted in many dead and wounded among our ranks.
In the other areas of the German-Romanian counteroffensive, between Piatra Neamţ-Târgul Frumos, there have not been recorded any successes. For this reasons the situation worsened in the sector of the 11th Infantry Division, where the enemy continued the counterattack in 31 May, 1, 2 and 3 June, seeking to reach the lost positions.

Source: http://www.itcnet.ro/history/archive/mi1999/current1/m52.htm

Does anyone know the right chronology of events? Was the German-Romanian counteroffensive taking place between 28 and 30 May 1944 or from 30 May 1944 onwards?

Posted by: Victor August 17, 2005 06:29 am

The classical Batle of Targu Frumos happened a month before this action. I don't know too many details on this local offensive carried out by Axis forces at the end of May 1944. It, however, won a Ritterkreuz for the CO of the 11th Infantry Division, gen. Edgar Radulescu. My impression is that the "offensive" stopped on 30 May.

Btw, Constantin Isarescu is the father of Mugur Isarescu, the governor of the National Bank of Romania in the past 15 years.

Posted by: Carol I August 19, 2005 08:17 pm

QUOTE (Victor @ Aug 17 2005, 07:29 AM)

Yes, this has been mentioned several times on this thread. But my impression is that relatively little is known about either of these two so any piece of information would be quite welcome.

QUOTE (Victor @ Aug 17 2005, 07:29 AM)

Btw, Constantin Isarescu is the father of Mugur Isarescu, the governor of the National Bank of Romania in the past 15 years.

Indeed he is. And the National Bank is one of the biggest sponsors for Magazin Istoric.

Posted by: yogy January 16, 2006 07:56 pm

QUOTE (Carol I @ Mar 20 2005, 09:22 PM)

Northern approach to Târgu Frumos

Hello Carol,

thanks for these pictures which make it posisble to imagine the landscape very well!

Does anyone have pictures of this area shot during May and/or August and/or October? If possible, aerial shots? Would be great!

Thanks!

Posted by: Carol I January 28, 2006 11:43 pm

QUOTE (yogy @ Jan 16 2006, 08:56 PM)

Hello Carol,

thanks for these pictures which make it posisble to imagine the landscape very well!

You are welcome.

QUOTE (yogy @ Jan 16 2006, 08:56 PM)

Does anyone have pictures of this area shot during May and/or August and/or October?

The photos I posted might be considered representative for October-November, as I took them during a snowless period in winter.

Posted by: Carol I January 30, 2006 07:29 pm

One quite important loss of the fights in 1944, yet often overlooked, has been the http://museum.ici.ro/moldova/iasi/english/muzeul_memorial_cuza.htm. In contrast to the http://www.worldwar2.ro/forum/index.php?showtopic=2705&view=findpost&p=46099 that fared rather well the war, the Cuza mansion has been badly damaged during the Soviet offensive in 1944. I suspect this happened during the Târgu Frumos battle when Ruginoasa changed hands several times. The palace remained in a derelict state for 25 years, the first restoration works beginning in 1969. The restoration has been finished only in 1982 when the reconstructed palace has been transformed into a museum.

Ruginoasa palace after the war:
user posted image

Source: Cuza la Ruginoasa by Theodor Râşcanu

Posted by: Carol I January 30, 2006 07:30 pm

QUOTE (Carol I @ Jan 30 2006, 08:29 PM)

Ruginoasa palace after the war:
user posted image

Source: Cuza la Ruginoasa by Theodor Râşcanu

Ruginoasa palace nowadays (almost the same angle):
user posted image

Source: http://www.palatulculturii.home.ro/ruginoasa.htm

Posted by: yogy February 09, 2006 11:25 am

Yes, I remember Stuka-Chef Rudel talking about that castle in his memoirs! SG2 supported german Nice detail!

Posted by: D13-th_Mytzu February 09, 2006 07:48 pm

Yogy Rugimoasa is on the map and also a hotspot

me zinks we should do the castle.

Posted by: Carol I February 09, 2006 08:27 pm

QUOTE (yogy @ Feb 9 2006, 12:25 PM)

Yes, I remember Stuka-Chef Rudel talking about that castle in his memoirs! SG2 supported german Nice detail!

Do you know which one he meant, the http://museum.ici.ro/moldova/iasi/english/muzeul_memorial_cuza.htm or the http://www.worldwar2.ro/forum/index.php?showtopic=2705&view=findpost&p=46099?

Posted by: D13-th_Mytzu February 13, 2006 09:15 am

QUOTE

The situation on the left wing of GD was finally restored with the support of the Luftwaffe, which arrived on the scene around 1535 (having been instructed by Schörner to throw everything available at the Soviet concentrations west of Bals. Between 1535 and 1700, German aircraft shot up enemy vehicle columns moving up to support the Soviet effort southwest of the town.

Can anyone id Bals ? I found somewhere saying it is 9m NW of Targul, but I cannot find it on maps.

Posted by: RHaught March 04, 2006 11:25 am

Luftwaffe topo map of the region (Iasi) Redid so easier to see.

http://imageshack.us

Posted by: RHaught March 04, 2006 11:27 am

Iasi

http://imageshack.us

Posted by: RHaught March 04, 2006 11:35 am

Bucharest (just to show it though not in the region)

http://imageshack.us

Posted by: mabadesc March 04, 2006 11:25 pm

Interesting maps...

What do the green patches represent? Forests, perhaps?

It'd be interesting to determine how many of the forests indicated on the map still exist today.

Posted by: RHaught March 05, 2006 10:21 am

Yes, they are regions of forests. Here is one of Chinisau that shows Russian defenses as well (if you can see them, they are in purple). This one is also shown under maps discussion.

http://imageshack.us

Posted by: Carol I July 06, 2006 03:23 pm

QUOTE (Victor @ Aug 17 2005, 07:29 AM)

And another Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross to General Mihai Racoviţă according to http://www.feldgrau.com/romkc.html. Two such exclusive awards for one battle... I guess it must have been considered quite important at the time.

Posted by: yogy September 13, 2006 04:45 pm

QUOTE (Carol I @ February 09, 2006 08:27 pm)

QUOTE (yogy @ Feb 9 2006, 12:25 PM)

Yes, I remember Stuka-Chef Rudel talking about that castle in his memoirs! SG2 supported german Nice detail!

Do you know which one he meant, the http://museum.ici.ro/moldova/iasi/english/muzeul_memorial_cuza.htm or the http://www.worldwar2.ro/forum/index.php?showtopic=2705&view=findpost&p=46099?

Rudel writes about one castle-hill which was bitterly fought about in early June 1944, so it must be the Rugosina thing. BTW, check out this:
http://www.simhq.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=144&t=005773&p=4

Posted by: SiG November 09, 2006 07:08 pm

Following an iddea of our co-forumite chisi, I found http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kvwEd2lre4&mode=related&search= video on youtube. It appears to be a Vichy French news reoprt on the battle of Tg. Frumos. Propaganda, of course, but you can see some cool footage of Panthers and Tigers in battle.

Posted by: Carol I January 11, 2007 09:19 pm

QUOTE (Bigduke6 @ Nov 9 2004, 10:31 AM)

what's the ground look like, are the hills big or little, are there lots of fields or lots of forests...

Terrain south of Ruginoasa
user posted image

Posted by: Carol I January 11, 2007 09:21 pm

Terrain south of Ruginoasa
user posted image

Posted by: Carol I January 11, 2007 09:22 pm

Terrain south of Ruginoasa
user posted image

Posted by: Carol I January 11, 2007 09:24 pm

Terrain west of Târgu Frumos
user posted image

Posted by: Carol I January 11, 2007 09:25 pm

Terrain west of Târgu Frumos
user posted image

Posted by: Carol I January 11, 2007 09:26 pm

Terrain west of Târgu Frumos
user posted image

Posted by: RHaught May 29, 2007 08:26 pm

Here is a clip I took from the mountain south of Iasi. It gives you a good idea as well.

http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f45/rkhaught/Romania%20Clips/?action=view¤t=BattleofIasifromsouthofcity.flv

Posted by: RHaught May 29, 2007 08:31 pm

A question I have is with the 3rd SS Totenkopf. Read it was stationed on the western line in the defense of Tg. Frumos. They sent a KG to assist in defending the area west of the town. Any truth to this for sure?

Posted by: mabadesc June 05, 2007 05:48 pm

RHaught,

On April 25, the Soviet 2nd Ukrainian front attacked along the (secondary) Iasi-Kishinev axis in order to attract German armored reserves away from the main defensive axis.

However, it seems that the Germans anticipated this plan and moved the SS Totenkopf division from the Piatra region, inserting it into the forward defensive positions at Tg. Frumos. Therefore, the Soviets were met with strong resistence on May 1st.

Furthermore, during the days of May 2-3, the SS Totenkopf division continued to reinforce Kirchner's LVII Panzer group in the Tg. Frumos vicinity and concentrated its Kampfgruppe E - made up of the 6th SS Pz. Grn. Regiment - in the Helesteni region, 6 miles west of Tg. Frumos.

The renewed Soviet operations on May 3 also failed, stalling in front of the GrossDeutschland, 24th Panzer, and SS Totenkopf divisions.

[data taken from Glantz's Red Storm Over the Balkans]

Posted by: RHaught June 06, 2007 01:54 am

QUOTE (mabadesc @ June 05, 2007 05:48 pm)

I know what the Soviet/Germans say. I too have the book but what about Romanian records? Know the 8th SS was in western Romania after the switch. People I talked to didn't know of any SS divisions around and I stayed in Roman as well.

Posted by: mabadesc June 06, 2007 04:15 pm

Sorry, RHaught, but your question made no mention of Romanian records. You asked:

QUOTE

I don't have any romanian records from that period handy, but it seems to me that the existence of military Soviet and German records indicating the presence of the SS "T" division constitute a more reliable source than what veterans around Roman recall.

Anyway, sorry I couldn't be of more assistance. Perhaps someone else from the forum (maybe Victor or Dragos) have copies of Romanian military records dating back to the time of the Tg. Frumos battles.

Take care.

Posted by: mabadesc June 06, 2007 11:46 pm

RHaught,

Here is a Romanian secondary source with respect to the SS T division.

Excerpt from Constantin Kiritescu's Romania in al Doilea Razboi Mondial:

"The Germans had control of two armored divisions - under the command of General von Manteuffel - behind the romanian fortified lines. The GrossDeutschland and the 3rd SS Totenkopf divisions were initially assembled west of the Siret River. Although weakened from previous engagements, the two divisions still held sufficient combative force. Their intervention was decisive against the Soviet attack conducted in the Pascani - Ruginoasa area.

Posted by: RHaught August 08, 2007 03:34 am

Thanks! Now with the maps I have and the books along with other sources it looks like the next time I come to Romania will be able to track along in an SUV. The primary roads then on the maps are secondary roads at the most today. boonicootza, what are the rates for getting a rental 4WD vehicle in Iasi?

Posted by: boonicootza August 08, 2007 12:25 pm

I don't know any rent-a-car company with 4wd cars in Iasi.
For the other cars the price is from 20 to 60 Euro per day.

Posted by: RHaught August 10, 2007 03:24 am

Hmmm, since I saw some of the primary roads on the maps we looked at there I am going to say they might be a little rough. One looked like an old dirt road starting to grow up. Think that this might make it more accessable to areas as well.

Posted by: Hansen November 12, 2009 09:18 am

hello,
congratulations for the forum! are a user daal'italia and information on the Battle of tg.frumuos.you have wrote a lot of things interesting.I propio my in-laws live near the front line (Icusesti)
you have news about the clashes that occurred in this place?
just go to see my father in law "the question you!
enclose another map of the area.
sorry for my bad enghlish!

user posted image

Posted by: Petre February 27, 2011 07:08 pm

NEW ! The first battle for Targu Frumos, 9-12 Apr.1944, on a russian site

This battle is known to us as part of Tirgu Frumos offensive of The 2-nd Ukrainian Front (April 8 - May 6, 1944), but the material on it, unfortunately, is not so much.
Western sources attribute it to the first Iasi-Kishinev offensive operation (April 8 - June 6, 1944) and divide into 3 battles :
The first battle for Tirgu Frumos (9-12 April),
The battle from Podul-Iolaiei (12 April),
The Second Battle for Tirgu Frumos (2-8 May 1944.),
assuming that the result of the operation was a victory of the Axis.
The first battle for Tirgu Frumos was characterized by a brilliantly conducted counterattack of The Panzer-Grenadier-Division Grossdeutschland. What was such brilliant is hard to understand - our position and supplies have been stretched because of bad roads, but the Germans managed to bring troops in time by railway. Well managed, yes.

http://wiki.sukhoi.ru/index.php?title=%D0%9F%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B5_%D1%81%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B6%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5_%D0%B7%D0%B0_%D0%A2%D1%8B%D1%80%D0%B3%D1%83-%D0%A4%D1%80%D1%83%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%81

Posted by: Petre March 01, 2011 08:14 pm

http://ludipopina.free.fr/Targu.html

http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/First_Jassy-Kishinev_Offensive

http://www.tkinter.smig.net/Romania/References/RedStorm/index.htm

Posted by: Petre March 03, 2011 04:02 pm

A translationion of the text from wiki.sukhoi.ru :
It is a kind of analisys for http://www.yogysoft.de/Bessarabia_2.htm

QUOTE

Prima batalie pentru Targu-Frumos
Comandanti : Konev I.S, Bogdanov S.I, Jmacenko F.F, Trofimenko S.G, Otto Wöhler, Hasso von Manteuffel, Mihai Racoviţǎ,
Inceputul
Trupele sovietice care se apropiau dinspre nord urmau doua directii principale : pe valea Prutului, la NW Iasi si pe drumul principal V3, care ducea de la Botosani spre sud, prin TF.
Fortele participante
URSS
A.2 Tc, Gl.Lt.Bogdanov
A.27, Gl.Lt.Trofimenko
C.35 tragatori, de garda, Gl.Lt.Goriacev
D.3 Des.Aerian, de garda
D.93 tragatori, de garda
D.202, 206 tragatori
A.40, Gl.Lt.Jmacenco
C.5 tragatori, Gl.Mr.Avdeenko
D.42 tragatori, de garda
Puterile Axei
Germania
8th Army, Gen.Wohler
Grossdeutschland Panzer Grenadier Division, Gen.Hasso von Manteuffel
Panzer Regiment
Panzer Grenadier Regiment
Panzer Fusilier Regiment
Romania
A. 4 Gen.Mihail Racoviţă
C. 1A.
D.6 Inf.
C.4 A.
D.1 Blindate Gen.Radu Korne
D.7 Inf.

Cronologie

8.04
D.7 si 8 Inf. rom se retrag treptat din Botosani (si Harlau), spre W, pe alin. Belcesti, Erbiceni, Targul Frumos (TF). Localitatea este ocupata de C.35 Trag, si inca 600 cavaleristi din compunere se apropie de la N. Cca 1000 inf. sov inainteaza din Harlau spre TF si in cursul noptii ocupa Facuti.

Harta germana cu situatia la 8.04 - link

Stirile Sov.InformBiro : Trupele Fr.2 Uk. au fortat Prutul la nord de Iasi pe un sector de 170 km, au rupt apararea inamicului si, in urmarirea trupelor acestuia, au iesit pe Siret, pe un front de 85 km, au ajuns la Dorohoi, Botosani, au cucerit prin lupta peste 150 localitati, din care mai importante Satu-Mare, Varfu-Campului, Bucecea, Vladenii, Cornu, Joldesti, Tudora, Uriceni, Sulita, Chischereni, Cornul-Caprei, Focurile si garile Soldana, Rediu, Reuseni, Todireni, Trusesti, Ungureni, Vorniceni, Broscauti, Vaculesti, Leorda, Bucecea.

9.04
Dimineata, avangarda C.35 ajunge la 6 km SE TF, unde se mai afla un regiment german de siguranta. 12 tancuri germane ale D.24 Tc, sustinute de unitati motorizate, ataca Letcani dinspre W, dar se lovesc de o puternica aparare, incusiv antitanc. Unitatile A.2 Tc sov sunt angrenate in lupte cu unitatile D.24 Tc si nu pot veni spre TF, spre a sustine inaintarea dinspre sud.
In cursul zilei, 60 masini si cateva sute de inf trec pe la SE TF. Satele Munteni si Belcesti sunt ocupate de sovietici, apoi Zahorna. D.7 Inf rom este in retragere pe intreg frontul. La W TF, cavaleria sov ataca D.1 Garda rom.
Spre seara, primele esaloane ale Pz.G.D."GD" sosesc in Iasi. Trupe rom si o masina blindata din D.24 Tc, apara Podul Iloaiei. Cca 1500 soldati sovietici cu cai si carute se apropie de TF dinspre nord. 50-60 tc sov sunt vazute langa Epureni.
In cursul noptii, o grupare mixta ge-ro executa fara rezultat un atac in raion Helestieni.

Stirile SovInformBiro : In cursul 9.04, trupele noastre, in ofensiva intre Prut si Siret, au ocupat prin lupte pe teritoriul romanesc peste 200 localitati, prinre care, mai mari Rogozesti, Candesti,Calinesti, Sarafinesti, Rusi, Fagadau, Cotnarii, Ceplenita, Hodora, Belcesti, Munteni, Valea Oilor, Larga, Zahorna (12 km NW Iasi) si garile Vladeni, Larga, Movileni, Cucuteni, Podu-Iloaiei,, Belcesti, Cotnarii, astfel ca trupele noastre au blocat calea ferata Iasi-Pascani.

10.04
Subunitati de cercetare sovietice ajung la 10 km SW de TF.
La amiaza germanii incep incercuirea TF. Astfel : Stu.Gesch.Abtl.335 si 200 inf. rom, sprijiniti de 18 StuG, se apropie din sud de TF, dinspre Strunga, iar unitati ale Pz.G.D."GD" se deplaseaza la nord de Podu-Iloaiei. Asaltul este sustinut de A.4 Rom., care apara flancul spre sudul vaii, acolo unde este si limita din fata a apararii (HKL - HauptKampfLinie - "Aliniamentul (Linia) Strunga" – linie de aparare intre Iasi – Targu Neamt), la acel moment stabilizata. Misiunea principala mai prevede si nimicirea trupelor sovietice care avansau la S, pe drumul Iasi-TF.
Spre pranz, A.4 rom ?, venind de la S, incheie incercuirea TF in 3 km, iar Pz.G.D."GD" ocupa prin lupta un sat la N Podul-Iloaiei, ulterior captureaza Erbiceni.
Seara, primele tancuri D.”GD” ajung la 10 km W TF. Pe durata intregii zile, I.German Fliegerkorps si C.1 Aerian rom au realizat o puternica acoperire a cotraatacului german.
22.00-02.50, dupa lupte grele, fortele Axei recuceresc TF.

Stirile Sov.Informbiro : In Romania, la W si SW de Botosani, trupele noastre au fortat raurile Siret si Suceava si au cucerit Radauti, Solca, Suceava, nodurile feroviare Darmanesti, Veresti, Dolhasca si au ocupat prin lupta peste alte 150 localitati, intre care Horodnicul, Marginea, Burla, Arbore, Botusana, Pertestii de Sus, Ilisesti, Dragojesti, Horodniceni, Bosancea, Liteni si garile Rauseni, Burdujeni, Milesaut, Baia Suceava, Vicsani, Liteni.
Pe directia Iasi, trupele noastre au fost in ofensiva si au ajuns la orasul si gara TF, de asemenea au ocupat prin lupta alte peste 30 localitati, intre care Cristesti, Goesti, Vulturul (8 km NW Iasi).

11.04
La 03.30, Stu.Gesch.Abtl.335, cu 20 piese, ataca in directia N.
Dimineata, trupele sovietice de la sud drumul Iasi-TF, se retrag spre N. Unitatile in retragere au blocat drumul la vest de Podu-Iloaiei. Spre aici se indreapta si tancurile Tigru, care pana la amiaza restabilesc situatia, in timp ce infanteria romana urmareste pe drum unitatile sovietice in retragere intreaga zi.
Ziua, langa Iasi, trupele sovietice initiaza doua atacuri cu 6 si respectiv 10 tancuri, de la Stanca spre Ungheni, dar sunt respinsi de D.23 Tc.germ.
Pana seara, unitatile Pz.G.D."GD" ajung la calea ferata intre Erbiceni si Belcesti, si ocupa inaltimile la N de TF. Au fost capturate 22 tunuri AT si luati prizonieri 1032 (indoielnic)

Stirile Sov.Informbiro : Pe directia Iasi, trupele noastre, respingand contraatacurile infanteriei si tancurilor inamicului, a continuat actiunile ofensive, in cursul carora a ocupat cateva localitati.

12.04
Pana sa se lumineze, unitatile Pz.G.D."GD" iau cca. 100 prizonieri din randul a trei regimente sovietice care incercasera sa scape spre N. Divizia a pornit si ofensiva spre W de TF, sub acoperirea 1. Romanian Guards Division.
Aviatia rusa distruge podul de peste Prut, Iasi-Ungheni.
La 03.30, in urma unui raid aerian al Axei asupra Harlau, au explodat cu flacari inalte de 200 m rezervele de combustibili ale Armatei Rosii.
Ziua, C.16 Tc. sov cu 70 tancuri, ataca D.24 Tc ge (15 tc, 30 StuG) la nord de Erbiceni si Letcani si ajunge la drumul principal.

Harta germana. Situatia la 12.04 - link

Stirile Sov.Informbiro : In Romania, la SW Botosani, trupele noastre au inaintat prin lupte si au ajuns la Falticeni, ocupand si cateva localitati, intre care Brajesti, Radasani, Baia, Dumbravita.

13.04
Dupa un nou atac, C.16 Tc.Sov. ocupa dimineata Erbiceni si imprejurimile, dar in urma unei noi ofensive, pierde in lupta 9 tancuri, unul fiind capturat de germani in buna stare.
La Bals (intre Harlau si TF) un avion de legatura sovietic, cu posta secreta si un ofiter de stat major, este capturat de unitatile Pz.G.D."GD".
Pana spre seara, unitatile Pz.G.D."GD" isi largesc propriul raion la TF, pana la 6 km est Ruginoasa. In total, fortele axei au luat cca.1000 prizonieri.

Actiunile aeriene
Au participat unitatile C.1 Aerian rom si ale I. Fliegerkorps/Luftflotte 4, impotriva A. 5 Aeriena Sov. Detalii pe actiuni si zile, site “1944, Batalii la est de Nistru”.
Av.Vanatoare :
4.IAC, La-5, Balti
7.IAC, R-39, Yampol
Stab, I./JG52, Bf109G, Zilistea
2., 4. Grupul Vanatoare, IAR-81C, Tecuci
7., 9. Grupul Vanatoare, Bf-109G, Tecuci
Av.Atac la Sol
1 (G)ShAC, IL-2, ?
IV./SG9, Hs129, Roman
Stab, I., III.,10.(Pz.)/SG2, Ju87D/G, Husi
Stab, I., II./SG10, Fw190F, Leipzig/ Tiraspol/Iasi
8. Grupul Asalt, Hs129, Tecuci
3. Grupul Asalt Picaj, Ju87D
Bombardiere
1 (G)BAC, Pe-2, А-20,
I./KG4, He111H, Focsani
5. Grupul Bombardement, Ju88, ?

Posted by: Victor March 04, 2011 07:01 pm

The 3rd Dive Bomber Group could not have taken part in the fighting since it was abandoning its aircraft in Crimea at that time. It's the 6th Dive Bomber Group.

Posted by: Petre March 05, 2011 02:27 pm

On Wikipedia, the story is now much complete and continuously modified by users' contributions. Here they wrote : 1st Air Corps (5th Bomber Group, 8th Assault Group (Hs 129), 9th Fighter Group). Maybe somebody can help there with some posts...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_T%C3%A2rgu_Frumos

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_T%C3%A2rgu_Frumos

Posted by: Dénes March 05, 2011 05:44 pm

I see that the losses are given as unknown.
In Krivosheev's reference work on Soviet combat losses, the figures must be given.

Gen. Dénes

Posted by: Agarici March 06, 2011 03:18 pm

QUOTE (Petre @ March 03, 2011 04:02 pm)

A translationion of the text from wiki.sukhoi.ru :
It is a kind of analisys for http://www.yogysoft.de/Bessarabia_2.htm

QUOTE

Very interesting, Petre, thank you for your effort.

I cannot help noticing that, in spite of the actual action reports done by the military, the news agency reported continuous advancing and teritorial gains for the Soviets.

Posted by: Petre September 26, 2011 06:48 pm

From a book of memory :
Ivan Konev : "The Front Commander Notes"
Cpt.5 The Uman-Botoshani Operation.
There are some aspects about the circumstances and the conditions of the battle of Targu-Frumos :

Of all the operations, described in this book, the most difficult was the Uman-Botoshani. The history of warfare don’t know a wider and operationally complexe operation, which would be performed in a land with no roads and spring floods of the rivers …
......
Particularly alarming situation was in our neighbor left - 3rd Uk.F. who left far behind.
......
Stavka of The High Command demanded from me an offensive along the Dniester river, to the south, to Kishinev... As for the west, Stavka indicated me an offensive with minor forces.
I presented to Stavka the action plan…
The main strike supposed to apply in the direction of Bolotino, Targu Frumos, Roman, Bacau to take the line Radauti(?), Falticeni, Targu Neamt, Piatra, Bacau…
Stavka approved and on April 7 in its Directive recommended me to regroup west of Prut the 2nd or 6th (Sov) Tank Army. Unfortunately, this recommendation could not be performed because the 2nd and the 6th Army at that time had no tanks...
Stavka ordered me April 8 to perform the offensive operation of the 40.A and 27.A with the immediate task to go to the river Siret….
Perform tasks in accordance with the last Stavka Directive was clearly unaffordable for the 2.Uk.F. If at the right wing still were the possibility for an attack, in the center due to the lack of tanks, ammunition, due to the stretching of the rear, the artillery support, the troops fatigue, the operation must be stopped. We needed a break.
About this, being at the Gen.Rotmistrov Army HQ, somewhere in the Targu Frumos area, I reported by HF radio an opinion to Stalin.
I reported that our troops have exceeded all their objectives, have advanced with fights 320-400 km on field with no roads and in incredibly difficult circumstances. Being tired and having a stretched rear, they can't continue to actively carry out tasks; in addition, the left neighbor is very far behind, so all the enemy that is in front of us, throws only against the 2 Uk.F. troops. A respite is needed.
I suggested to shift to defence.
Stalin endorsed the proposal.
- That is right - he said. Shift to defense and bring the troops in order. As for further tasks, with special orders.
The Directive of Stavka on May 6, 1944 confirmed the shift to defense.
So, in late March - early April, the 2nd Uk.F. troops which entered the territory of Romania till the line Radauti, Ogreev, Dubasary, went on defensive.

Posted by: yugit September 27, 2011 10:54 am

Just for your own info on this topic alone the 2nd Ukrainean front lost
for the battle of Targul Frumos and the laster Iasi battle , all losses
considered in Rumania over 233 aircrafts incl.P-39, LAGG's, Yaks,
PE-2, R-5...under command of CCCP Heros Gen. Blagoveschenski
(Fighter Groups) and Gen.Polbin (Bomber Groups)

Posted by: Petre September 27, 2011 06:26 pm

QUOTE (yugit @ September 27, 2011 10:54 am)

... CCCP Heros Gen. Blagoveschenski (Fighter Groups) and Gen.Polbin (Bomber Groups)

You made me curious :
The 5th. Air Army of 2nd.Uk.Fr. had a slightly different componeces (units and comanders) first half of 1944.
USSR Twice Hero Maj.Gen. I.S.Polbin was just of 2. Bomb.A.Corps.
USSR Hero Lt.Gen. Blagoveschenski A.S. was never with 2.Uk.Fr.
It was Col. Blagoveschenski V.G. with his 279. I.A.Div. and joined 2.Uk.Fr. on Aug.1944.

Posted by: yugit September 27, 2011 09:04 pm

You were right regarding Col. Blagoveschenski, as into Polbin he was by then General and was assumed BG command within 5th Air Army

Posted by: yogy October 26, 2011 03:13 pm

QUOTE (yugit @ September 27, 2011 10:54 am)

yugit, can you maybe provide more informations on the Soviet losses, Regiments involved etc.? I still try to improve my homepage yogysoft.de which is mentioned in this thread.

Thanks!

Posted by: yugit October 26, 2011 09:44 pm

Yogi

As I have mentioned through email, I will be more than
happy to help with VVS & VMF losses during Iasi Kishinew
campaigns which by now are complete. I do not deal with
Army units losses or Red Army military movements but
with primarily US, UK, Russian air movements.

Please contact me by email also regarding the corrections
you need to do on your website

Al

Posted by: yogy November 05, 2011 07:26 pm

Thank, Al. I sent you another email tonight...

Posted by: Petre February 09, 2012 07:29 pm

http://www.battlevault.com/Events/Wolfkrieg-09/WK-09%20Player%20List_files/German/Scott_Dyer_Hist.pdf

Posted by: ANDREAS February 11, 2012 11:36 pm

Petre, because you mentioned the OOB of the 24.Panzer-Division before the battle, I found this :

Report from 01/04/1944 Formation: 24.Panzer Division
Subordination: IV. Army Corps

Staff situation at the date of report:

a. Personnel:

Target /Lack /Actual
Officers: 405/103/302
NCOs: 3663/1128/2535
Troops: 11,303 / 3147/8156
Hiwi: 858/266/592
Total: 15,371 / 4,378 / 10,993
(with Hiwi) (11,585) (16,229) / (4,644) /

b. losses and other outlets:

During the reporting period from to
Dead / wounded / missed / sick / other / Total
Officers: 6/11/1/6/2/26
NCOs and
Troops: 74/260/16/141/103/594
Total: 80/271/17/147/105/620

c. During the period arrived substitute:

Replacement / convalescent / Total
Officers: 3 / - / 3
NCOs and
Troops: 91/128/219
Total: 94/128/222

d. not more than 1 year leave of absence:

Total: 328 heads, 2.3% of the actual strength
of which: 12-18 months / 19-24 months / over 24 months
328 / - / -
Place cards assigned during the month: 532

Second Physical Location:

Target / ready / in short-term repair / Total

Armoured vehicles
StuG 49/6/2/8
Pz III 20/2/1/3
Pz IV 49/1/1/2
Pz V 3/1/1/2
SPW / PSW / Art.Pz.B. 380/28/15/43
s.IG 38 (t) 12/1 / - / 1

motor vehicles
Motorcycles with chains 7 / - / - / -
M.ang.Bwg motorcycles. 338/27/11/38
Sonstige motorcycles 504/86/25/111

cars
Terrain 943/37/13/50
O 152/36/8/44

trucks
Maultiere 27/19/4/23
All Terrain 528/29/5/34
O 789/220/14/234
Tonnage 2700/180/54/234

Tracked vehicles
Zgkw 1 - 5to 104/3/2/5
Zgkw 8 - 18to 63/2/2/4
RSO 1 / - / - / -

(Heavy) weapons
s.Pak 25/11/2/13
Art.Gesch. 24/11/5/16
MG (), MG 42 313 (810) / 33 (234) / - (-) / 33 (234)
Other Weapons - / - / - / -

BA MA RH 10/159

Source (in german): http://www.forum-der-wehrmacht.de/thread.php?threadid=8099&threadview=0&hilight=&hilightuser=0&page=4

Posted by: Taz1 June 02, 2012 08:53 pm

Remains of armor fron the Moldavia front Stug 3 and some wheels from a tank under a house from the site motociclism.ro

http://www.motociclism.ro/forum/index.php?app=core&module=attach§ion=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=806234

http://www.motociclism.ro/forum/index.php?app=core&module=attach§ion=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=806233

http://www.motociclism.ro/forum/index.php?app=core&modhttp://www.motociclism.ro/forum/index.php?app=core&module=attach§ion=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=806227

ule=attach&section=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=806229

http://www.motociclism.ro/forum/index.php?app=core&module=attach§ion=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=808714

http://www.motociclism.ro/forum/index.php?app=core&module=attach§ion=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=808344

http://www.motociclism.ro/forum/index.php?app=core&module=attach§ion=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=808340

Posted by: Tetyana June 19, 2012 05:14 pm

Very interesting forum. I wonder if anyone has detailed map of Iasi and around for April 1944? I am looking for some place named Larus, Iasi region. Probably does not exist anymore... No even sure if the name is exact. Any ideas gentlemen? Thanks!

Posted by: Petre June 16, 2013 07:12 pm

Some considerations about the battle of Targu Frumos from a Russian web page

QUOTE

Operatia ofensiva a F2Uk la Tg.Frumos (8 apr – 6 mai) reprezinta faza finala a operatiei strategice a Armatei Rosii pe teritoriul Uk. Scopul era ca printr-o lovitura pe directia Tg.Frumos, Vaslui sa incercuiasca pe la vest gruparea inamica de la Chisinau.(...)
Ofensiva trupelor aripii drepte a F2Uk a inceput destul de bine. In perioada 8-11 apr. rupand rezistenta inamicului, au fortat Siretul, au inaintat spre SW si S cu 30—50 km si au iesit la poalele Carpatilor. La 9 apr. trupele A27 au ocupat Tg.Frumos, insa urmare contraloviturii inamicului au trebuit sa paraseasca orasul dupa doua zile.
La aripa stanga trupele Frontului au intampinat rezistenta sustinuta … La 11—12 apr ofensiva era practic stopata…. regruparea trupelor la aripa stanga a frontului, in centru pe directia loviturii principale a intarziat.
In zilele urmatoare A.40 si A.27 sov. au opus rezistenta contraatacului inamicului. A.2 Tc. intrata in lupta la 12 apr trebuia sa respinga impreuna cu A.27 contralovitura gruparii inamice de tancuri in raionul Podu Iloaiei… Inamicul a luat masuri de intarire. Efectivele A4 Ro au crescut la 7 div. (...)
La 18 apr Cdt F2Uk si-a precizat hotararea. Astfel, se intentiona ruperea apararii inamicului la vest de Iasi, pe sectorul Pascani Tg.Frumos, lat de 15 km si exec loviturii principale pe malul stang al Siretului la Belcesti. In continuare era prevazuta dezvoltarea succesului spre Bacau sau Vaslui, cu scopul taierii caii de retragere spre vest a inamicului.
In compunerea gruparii de lovire a Frontului au fost incluse Armatele 40, 27 si 7 Garda – total 15 divizii de tragatori si pana la 500 tancuri si autotunuri din Armatele 5 Garda si 2 Tc. Densitatea de artilerie ajungea la 150 piese/km. Au fost executate lovituri ajutatoare pe directiile Iasi si Chisinau. Formarea gruparii de lovire in raionul Tg.Frumos s-a incheiat doar la finele lunii.
Pentru cresterea stabilitatii apararii, conducerea Gr.A.”Woller” a dispus diviziile romane si germane intercalate. In mai, intre Siret si Prut, inamicul avea in prima linie 8 div, iar in esalonul doi 5 din cele 6 div de tc si motorizate.
La 25—26 apr trupele F2Uk au trecut la ofensiva pe directiile ajutatoare, pentru abaterea rezervelor inamicului de pe directia principala. Insa Cdm german a intuit conceptia operatiei si, mai mult, a stiut precis cand incepe. In noaptea dinaintea ofensivei a retras trupele de pe linia din fata. Pregatirea de artilerie a cazut pe locuri pustii. De aceea armatele gruparii F2Uk pentru lovitura principala, ajunse in dimineata de 2 mai au intampinat o puternica contraactiune cu foc, inaintarea a fost incetinita la limita. Inamicul a adus 4 div. tancuri in sectorul unde Cdm Fr. intentiona sa execute strapungerea. La 3 mai si urmatoarele zile unitati ale A.7 Tc. Garda si A.7 Tc. Garda au incercat fare succes o strapungere in alt sector, iar trupele A2 Tc. iesite spre Tg.Frumos, atacand fara sprijinul unitatilor A.27, au fost respinse de contralovitura inamicului pe pozitiile initiale. La 6 mai, avand pierderi mari, ambele armate de tc. au fost retrase din lupta.
Intre timp devenise clar ca F2U nu era in masura sa indeplineasca misiunea si sa rupa apararea inamicului cu trupele disponibile. De aceea la 6 mai Stavka a ordonat F2U si F3U sa treaca la aparare pe aliniamentele cucerite.
Cu aceasta s-a incheiat operatia strategica ofensiva Nipru-Carpati a Armatei Rosii pentru eliberarea teritoriului Uk, inceputa in dec 1943.

Posted by: Petre June 23, 2013 02:59 pm

Strange and bad news from the front. Book-colection "Veterani pe drumul onoarei si jertfei"

QUOTE

In legătura cu Divizia 18 infanterie inca nu s-a spus tot adevarul.
In ziua de 26 aprilie (sovieticii) ajunsera la cimitirul evreiesc (Iaşi) si in cartierul Păcurari, cand gen. Radu Băldescu a dat acel ordin nenorocit de declansare a atacului fara pregatire de artilerie, fara sprijinul vreunui tanc sau avion si in plina zi.
(...)
A urmat apoi contraatacul D.18 inf (Div.18 munte) in cooperare cu Div. blindata germana GrossDeutschland si situatia a fost restabilita.
… dupa darea ordinului acela nenorocit din d.a. zilei de 26 apr … gen Băldescu a procedat la asaltul pozitiilor sovietice din fata localitatii Rediu Tătar. Înaltul Comandament Roman i-a luat comanda, l-a demis si l-a rechemat in tara in ziua de 28.04.1944.
Comandantul Reg. 92 inf. Orăştie, col. Josan, desi demis a scapat fara sa fie trimis in judecata....
Div. 18 munte s-a format prin contopirea Div. 18 inf cu Div. 2 Gardă in 1943… componenta a Corpului 6 Armata, comandata dupa demiterea gen. Băldescu de gen. Bg. Vasile Pascu.
Luna aprilie 1944 a fost dureroasa si pentru divizia comandata de gen.(???) Stănculeasa in sectorul Tg.Frumos, care s-a sinucis ca urmare a unui ordin de atac fara pregatire de artilerie, sprijin de tancuri si aviatie.

Veteran Col.® R.V. - avocat, Sibiu

Posted by: mi.tudor January 09, 2015 08:25 am

Hello everybody

Been reading the forum for a long while but never had a chance to post something meaningful.

I just found this picture:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/10934025_10153037177034901_8613143823113552386_n.jpg?oh=c60cafb286fb1f5cd9b35b05b4c996c3&oe=553C4469&__gda__=1433365910_89968dde20ee16b069e50ba76dbbc850

https://www.facebook.com/iasifotografiivechi/photos/np.151600273.100000558022477/10153037177034901/?type=1&ref=notif¬if_t=notify_me

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JE49-Sturmgeschutz-STUG-III-Seitenschurze-Jassy-Rumanien-1944-24-Panzer-Division-/221651772669?pt=Militaria&hash=item339b79a4fd

The links are for the same picture, but the first one is for those of you who do not have Facebook, and the third one is the source, an auction from Ebay.

As you can see from the Ebay description it says it is from 1944 somwhere near Iasi, with a tank from the 24 Panzer Division which from what I read, had taken action in the Battle of Targu Frumos.

What do you think?

All the best,
Tudor

Posted by: mi.tudor January 09, 2015 08:48 am

Also, I think this one is from the same series:

https://www.facebook.com/rom.ww2/photos/a.116842208430930.20328.115707885211029/704046083043870/?type=1&comment_id=704068903041588&ref=notif¬if_t=photo_reply

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/q84/s720x720/10923505_704046083043870_5246931788081907763_n.jpg?oh=ac2536aa151d367939d0b71487a9dcc6&oe=552619FF&__gda__=1430151929_1acac986c07648bca16b1ca65ea72d1b

Maybe if we can somehow find the building in the background we can say for sure.