Departing the Caucasus 6, original German soldier's 1943 war diary - Cross of Iron & Taman Peninsula

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Episode 128

This original 1943 news report fits in well with part 6 of the series covering a fantastic and unique original 1943 war diary from a German soldier who took part in the Wehrmacht’s retreat out of the Caucasus. The last time we were with our author Fritz, he had managed to get to the port city of Tamanj. Here we’ll follow as he attempts to cross the strait of Kertsch. If you like material created from primary historical sources please like the video and subscribe to the channel. You won’t be disappointed, I promise.

The hundreds or maybe thousands of vehicles , especially the horses and wagons make wonderful targets for the attacking Russian planes. Today they come, like just about every day, in a group of 6 attacking bombers. The flak guns positioned on all the surrounding hills open up on them. Their aim is good but the Russian pilots insist. Suddenly there is a large noise which gets quickly much louder, the well known sound of an exploding bomb.

Everyone dives into a trench or at least falls to the ground and covers up. The first explosions are a way off but the following ones are closer. A thick cloud of dust rises up into the air and shrapnel and clumps of earth fly in all directions. The truck just in front of us was hit by a large piece of shrapnel in the hood that make an impressive hole but somehow the motor isn’t damaged. It still runs.

Multiple buildings have been hit which simply increases the number of burnt out ruins. In addition a number of civilians and horses have been injured. Various vehicles have received light damage but nothing really substantial. This time it hadn’t been worth the effort for the Bolsheviks.

After over a half day waiting in line our vehicle has moved forwardd just a few lengths. Is today the day that we will finally be loaded onto a ship? On signs we see designations like Harbor Captain, Embarking officer and Disembarking Officer which means that there is some method to this madness. The process has been thought through.

We reach a non-distinct marker and it is our turn. When 6 vehicles hare positioned themselves correctly we’re told to start our engines and proceed to the embarking bridge. A group of pioneers and sailors guide us through the process. Under the energetic direction of a few officers 4 trucks and 6 to 8 cars are brought on to the transport barge.

Yesterday two transport barges hit mines and were blown to smithereens. This leaves us with an uneasy feeling that only gets worse when we are all given life vests and told to put them on. It’s raining which is actually good for the crossing because that means that there will be no Russian planes above. Regardless the flak guns onboard are locked and loaded.

We set off and gradually the Kaukasus mountains sink behind us. From now on that part of the war is just a memory. The water is calm but still large jets of water spurt up and drench those that are not paying attention. Although we have been unable to adequately wash for days the salt water leaves us feeling none the fresher. The distance to travel is about 20km which takes about two hours and is without incident.

When the other bank comes into view we all breath a little easier. All the swim vests are collected. When we finally disembark in Kertsch it’s gotten dark. An hour or so later everyone has taken his place in the truck to sleep and only the footsteps of those on guard duty outside can be heard.