Mozhaisk-Maloiaroslavets defense operation 10-30.10.1941.

This operation was conduct by forces of Western Front during the Moscow defensive operation. The purpose was not admit a break of the opponent from the west. Preparing for reflection of new offensive of the opponent, the Soviet Command by the main boundary of resistance defined Mozhaysk line of defense. To structure of the Western Front, during one week, arrived from a reserve of the Soviet High Command and also from Northwestern, Southwestern Fronts and from Moscow: 14 rifle divisions, 16 tank brigades, more than 40 artillery regiments and other formations. The Soviet forces, conceding to the opponent in number, showed it persistent resistance on Kaluga, Maloiaroslavets, Mozhaisk and Volokolamsk directions, exsanguinated and by the end of October stopped its shock groupings which could not break through created behind Mozhaisk line new front of defense.

Merit of Stalin in defense of capital are doubtless. Has worked his well-known instinct of self-preservation and he has shown press and squeeze out quite ability. Forces hastened both from the Far East and from adjacent fronts. Forces moved with the speed accessible to throughput of railways and endurance of soldier's legs.

---------------------

October, 5. " To the commander of 4th Army about resubordinated 32nd Rifle Division. Soviet High Command orders 32nd Rifle Division immediately move by rail in area of Mozhaisk station. The beginning of loading in area of Zvanka station at 20:00 October 5".

October, 5. " To the commander of 52nd Army about resubordinated 316th and 312th Rifle Division. SHK orders 316th and 312th RD immediately move by rail at disposal of the commander of Moscow Front. 316th RD, station of loading - Krestsy station, the beginning of loading 20:00 October 5, area of unloading - Volokolamsk; 312th RD, station of loading - Yeryn', Valdai, the beginning of loading 20:00 October 5, area of unloading - Naro Fominsk.

October, 6. " To the commander of Transbaikalian front. SHK orderes 93rd, 31st Rifle Divisions and 82nd Motorized Division move by rail in area of Moscow city. The beginning of loading on October 7, 18:00". October 6. " To the commander of 4th Army. SHK orderes move at disposal of commander of Moscow area 9th Tank Brigade. Station of loading - Glazhevo, Zvanka, unloading - Moscow ". October, 7. " 110th Rifle Division direct by railway to the commander of Moscow area. Loading - at 7:00 on Selizharovo, Slavatino, unloading - Zvenigorod".

October 10, for organization defense on Mozhaisk Line the Soviet High Command orders to remove from structure of 22nd and 29the Armies of Western Front and move its to Moscow area: 243rd, 110th, 133rd, 5th, 119th Rifle Divisions. But this removement was not posible, cause Germans took Kalinin city and offensived to Torzhok.

Soviet plan of remove forces to Mozhaisk Line (not posible)

-----------------

To the second half of October when German Group "Center", broke resistance of the Soviet formations encirclemented at Vyazma and move to Moscow, they have again met the organized front of defense and were compelled again to break through it. Forces of the Western Front should, basing on Mozhaisk defensives, strongly cover capital from the west. However Soviet forces, that were on Mozhaisk line, was very weak for its strong deduction. Each fighting site (fortifications: Volokolamsk, Mozhaisk, Maloiaroslavets and Kaluga were transformed into fighting sites) occupied front with extent from 50-70 kms. On Volokolamsk direction together with cadets of military school was 316th Rifle Division, on Mozhaisk site near students of Military-political academy was 32nd Rifle Division, on Maloiaroslavets together with cadets of Podolsk artillery schools was 312nd Rifle Division.

In a strip of front from the Moscow sea up to Kaluga to 13.10.1941 in structure of four Soviet armies was only about 90 thousand soldiers. It did not allow to create strong defense in all Mozhaisk Line. Therefore command of front has concentrated all forces on the mainstreams conducting to Moscow.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Mozhaisk direction.

October 9. "From commander of Gzhatsk city defense general Sherbakov on 8:00 9.10.1941, Germans offensive on city from south. Soviet formations retreat on southwest suborn of Gzhatsk. 202th Reserve Regiment by two battalions defense west suborn Gzhatsk, one battalion crossroad highways of Vlasovo, Sverchkovo. Reserve brigade with 533rd Antitank Regiment defense Budayevo, Novy Sloboda. 503rd Antitank Regiment have one battery (6 guns) in Ivashkovo, other in Frolovo, other in Budayevo".

October 9, Germans grasped Gzhatsk and move to Mozhaisk. On the 125th kilometer of the Minsk highway, at a village Yelnya, soldiers of 5th Soviet Army have accepted the first fight. Here passed first line Mozhaisk fortification area. These positions were defended by battalion of captain P.I.Romanov from 17th Rifle Regiment. In pillboxes on both sides of highway were installed antitank guns. Before occurrence of the opponent sappers of 467th Separate Battalion have blown up the bridge through Yelenka river.

---------------------------------------------------------------

OOB of 5 Army on the Mozhaisk defense line on 11 October:

----------------------------------------------------------------
West of Uvarovo: 18 and 19 Tank Bde's
Romantsevo: 305 Machine Gun Btn and 767 Anti-Aircraft Rgt
Koloch: 467 Engineer Btn and 421 Anti-Tank Rgt
Fomkino: 59 Anti-Aircraft Rgt
Yelnya: 230 Rif Rgt and 367 Anti-Tank Rgt
Yudinki: 36 Motorcycle Rgt and 121 Anti-Tank Rgt
South of Yudinki: Lenin Cadet Btn
Borodino: Mozhaisk Rifle Btn (Militia unit)
The units were supported by several Guards Rocket battalions.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

October 13, Mozhaisk derection, defense line formations, line Avdot'ino,Durakovo: 230th Reserve Regiment (without one battalion), 32nd Rifle Division, battalion cadets, 305th machine-gun battalion, 1&2/27 Reserve Regiment,
Cavalry Regiment, 121st, 367th, 408th, 421st Artillery Regiment of antitank, two fire-gun company, tank company, two "katusha" div.formation, 20th Tank Brigade. The 32nd Rifle Division was unloaded at Mozhaisk station from 11-13 October. One regiment of 133rd Rifle Division defended the line from Bolychevo to the Moskva River.

After reconnaissance of districts Commander of 32nd Rifle Division - V.I.Polosuhin made the decision on which on the right flank was put 113th Rifle Regiment. It was determined the defense line: Avdot'ino, Loginovo, Aksakovo. In the centre of a site at the front Bezzubovo-Borodino Colonel Polosuhin planned to put 322nd Rifle Regiment but now there was 230th Reserve Regiment. 322nd Rifle Regiment was on the approach. On the left flank of a division, on a direction of rail-road and highway Minsks - Moscows, 17th Rifle Regiment and cadets of military-political school were located. Its site of defense included district with settlements Semenovskoe, Shevardino, Rogachevo, Utitsy, Verhniya Yelnya, Artemki, Yudinka.

The main fights on the Mozhaisk defense line began on 13 October with the 17 rif rgt of 32 RD at Yelnya and the Cadets at Yudinki south of Yelnya. Break in direction of Vereya city German armies aspired to break the not finished concentration of 32nd Rifle Division and cut the highway in Dorohov area, connecting Mozhaisk with Moscow. Advance Soviet formations of cadets together with 230th Rifle Regiment and sapper battalion on October, 11 have entered fight with German units coming from the east of Gzhatsk and then constrained the opponent in 10 kms from a first line of defense on a boundary of station Uvarovo-Solov'evo.

Wedged in defense of Soviet 32nd Division and having cut off 17th Rifle Regiment, the opponent aspired to create threat of an encirclement force all division, however by this time 322nd Rifle Regiment entered in fight from march. The battalion of Shcherbakov beaten out Germans from village Shevardino and the battalion of captain Zlenko fastened fight in Utitsy. On October 15, the rifle battalion under command of captain V.A.Shcherbakov from 322nd Rifle Regiment attacked German garrison in village Rogachyovo. Soviet soldiers destroyed about 200 German soldiers, several tanks and motor vehicles. However to fix this success it was not possible. Under order of Commander battalion of 32nd RD retreated on a position in area well-known as Shevardin redoubt. October 15, Germans came to Artemki. There was threat of German break on highway to Mozhaisk and further to Moscow. The feat of cadets of Military-political school of V.I.Lenina has for ever come in the annals of fights for Moscow. The future commissars, communists, they went in fight as private soldiers. From 600 men in alive remained 113. When Germans broke to village Artemki, to the aid of Soviet infantry and artillery came 20th Tank Brigade from a reserve and in the first fight destroyed ten German tanks and 15 guns. At bottom of Kupgannoj height on which in 1812 battery Raevskogo settled down, there were artillery of the battery of lieutenant M.S.Samojlov from 121st Antitank Regiment.

Having broken to Mozhaisk highway, German tanks directed to Mozhaisk city, but defensive fire of 572nd and 316th Artillery Regiment and Guards battalions "Katusha" forced Germans to retreat. The tank column of the opponent concentrated on the highway between villages Gorki and Tatarinovo. October 17, in defense of Soviet 5th Army formed dangerous gaps. From side of Vereya seized by the opponent, threat of impact from rear and encirclements of Soviet formations was created. Besides Germans tightened the main forces of 9th Army Corps. In these conditions on October 18, the commander of 5th Army L. A. Govorov ordered to leave Mozhaisk. During five days forces of 5th Army reflected an impact of German 40th Motorized Corp to the west of Mozhaisk. Unprecedented heroism, courage and stability was shown by Soviet soldiers of 32nd division. In these fights Germans lost: 102 tanks, 15 armoured cars, 226 motor vehicles, 3 planes, 124 motorcycles, about 40 guns and mortars, about 10 thousand soldier and officers.

"Useing break in Vereya, German forces aspired to break through not finished concentration Soviet 32nd Rifle Division and cut a highway Mozhaysk-Moscow in Dorohov area. The advanced groups of the cadets together with 230th Reserve Regiment and Sapper Battalion on October 11, have fight with German units coming from the south-east of Gzhatsk, and then constrained the opponent in 10 kms from forward edge of a defense on a boundary of station Uvarovo. Only after Germans have bypassed 32th Soviet Rifle Division from flanks, its forces retreated to Mozhaysk."

October 17, Soviet 144th Rifle Division came out from encirclement in Dorohovo area and concentrated its formations in Alabinsk camps. Mozhaisk sector of defense of the Moscow zone created under the decision of the State Committee of Defense, during work from 15 to18.10.41 detained 23 064 men of Red Army retreating from a front line in rear.

October 19, 50th Rifle Division conducted fight under Vereya then it was immediately removed and thrown in area Shchalikovo, Dorokhovo covering Mozhaisk direction. Having made a night march, to morning 20.10 division came out in area Shchalikovo and fastened fight with the opponent. Under the order of the commander of 5th Army, 50th division was strenghthed by 154th, 999th and 316th Artillery Regiments. The truth, these regiments were weak, for example: 316th Artillery Regiment have 6 guns. Investigation at 11:30 20.10 established, that in Monakovo village and it suburb were occupied by 151st Moto-rifle Brigade which at night October 20, was removed after insignificant bombardment. Vereya was left by Soviet forces without fight. The German 10th Panzer Div captured Mozhaisk on 19 October and moved to Dorokhovo. 50th Soviet Rifle Division should defend Dorokhovo-Shelkovka. The 133rd composite Rifle Regiment (which probably had 2 battalions) was in the structure of 32nd Rifle Division.

On the night of October 19, 32nd Rifle Division together with 18th and 20th Tank Brigades occupied defense on boundary Garetovo, Aksanovo, Tihonovo, Teterino. Simultaneously battalion of 17th Rifle Regment, group of major V.P.Vorobjev, a prospecting battalion, artilleries and cadets with heavy fights retreated along a highway behind Mzhut river. They occupied defense on its eastern bank to the south of Mozhaisk, on line Kolychevo, Yzevo, Lytkino. A crossroads to the south of Mozhaisk kept by submachine gunners and 5 tanks of 18th Tank Brigade. To the south, between Borisov and Vereya, occupied defense line, retreated behind Protva river formations of 50th and 222nd Rifle Divisions. Vereya city by this time was seized by German units of 7th Army Corps. In Borisov city were German prospecting and infantry battalions from structure of 7th Panzer Division. Soviet Command received the report that Borisov was left and saw in it threat of German exit on highway from the south. With the purpose of its prevention, Commander of 5th Army decided to destroy broken in Borisov enemy forces by 36th Motorcycle Regiment of Colonel T.I.Tanaschiship and 2-3 tanks from structure of 18th Tank Brigade. German formations from Borisov moved therefrom on Korovino and Lytkino. Aspiring to break to a highway, Germans obviously expected that will not meet here strong resistance. On October 18, in 17.40 36th Motorcycle Regiment received order immediately removed from defense and to beat out the opponent from Borisov. In 19.00 regiment by prompt raid captured Germans from flanks. Fight proceeded 2,5-3 hours. The enemy showed persistent resistance, but has been crushed. Together with approached 17th Rifle Regiment, motorcycle regiment kept Borisov till October, 20. Conditions on the right flank of 5th Army worsened. As German 40th Motorized Corps acted there could not become successful on a line of 113th Rifle Regiment, German command changed a direction of the impacts. Part of forces against weak Soviet forces, Germans directed around of the right flank of it 113rd RR. The purpose of this impact was as soon as possible came to Ruza. Other German formations has been revolved sharply on the north with the purpose of drawing impact in flank of Soviet 16th Army. It directed to break between 16th and 5th Armies, whence attacked left-flank regiment of 316th Rifle Division of general I.V.Panfilov. The general front of two Soviet armies has been finally broken off. In this day the advanced units of 40th Motorized Corps came to Ruza. Now German forces threatened from the north to the right flank of 5th Army. Therefore general L.A.Govorov gave to Colonel V.I.Polosuhinu the order to allocate forces of 32nd Division on a new boundary - Novinki, Klement'yevo, Ratchino, Tihonovo.

German command decided to surround in triangle Aksakovo- Mozhaisk - Vandovo all forces of 5th Army taking place to the north of Mozhaisk and to destroy them. It counted this plan quite feasible. In fact while the left-flank division of 40th Motorized Corps broken to Ruza, divisions of 9th Army Corps came also to its site. Thus, German forces were more than enough for performance of the plan. According to the plan of an encirclement and destruction Soviet 5th Army, enemy command put forward strong group of infantry and tanks from Mozhaisk. Quickly moving along road to Vandovo, Germans occupied road area on all extent from Mozhaisk up to Ratchino and by that outstriped withdrawal of 32nd Rifle Division. Having the extremely insignificant reserve, the General Govorov, however, by all his forces has taken urgent measures to leave out division from an encirclement. Simultaneously he ordered to colonel Polosuhin attack the enemy with the purpose of break on the east. Formations of 32nd Rifle Division made the way on two directions: 113th Rifle Regiment - on Klement'yevo; 322nd, part of 17th, 230th Reserve and 113th Artillery Regiments - on Vyazemskoye. To the end of October 20, proceeded fierce fight for road Mozhaisk - Klement'yevo. Soldiers of 32nd Rifle Division with unprecedented courage continuously attacked the enemy. By a dawn on October 21, 113th Rifle Regiment broke on site Vandovo - Novinki, other formations of a division - on site Ratchino- Teterino. After that they constrained Germans withdrawled on the east, behind Iskona river. The general Govorov gradually removed also formations to the south and east of Mozhaisk. That were 18th and 20th Tank Brigades, a units of 17th Rifle Regiment and also including in structure 50th Rifle Division of Major -General N.F.Lebedenko. They with fights retreated on boundary Aleksino - Petrisheno. The most fierce fights inflamed at Pushkino, Shalikovo and Denis'evo. Here battled formations of 50th Rifle Division, 17th RR and 22n Tank Brigade. The 32RD was almost encircled north of the Moskva between Klementjevo by the 5th Panzer Division (which advanced from Teterino to the north) and by the 11th Panzer Division. The 32nd Rifle Division was able to escape in an unorganized manner over the Iskona River toward Ruza October 22.

After success near Mozhaisk, Germans came to Dorokhov. Basis of Dorokhov antitank area was made 20th and 22th Tank Brigades, artillery antitank regiment. Tanks on two - three machines together with two - three guns occupied with groups positions on surburbs of settlements. Ahead of them on wide front units of 50th Rifle Division of general N.F.Lebedenko defended. On east surburb Dorohovo there was a striking force of the commander of 22nd Tank Brigade, consisting of a battalion of average tanks, the battery artillery and means of maintenance of a brigade. Such construction of the fighting order provided противотанковое covering Дороховского of unit of roads from the west. However indistinct interaction between Soviet ambushes and infantry at the beginning had negatively effect on resistance of defense; Germans evaded from frontal attack of Dorokhov fortifications and bypassed Soviet tank ambushes from the south. The Soviet striking force of 22th Tank Brigade counterattacked the broken opponent and stopped the further progress of its tanks to the east. The 82nd Motor-rifle Division and 25th Tank Brigade which arrived from a reserve received task in interaction with 22nd Tank Brigade attack the enemy in Dorokhov. In result Germans was rejected on 10 kms. The adjusted interaction of 20th, 22th and 25th Tank Brigades with infantry of 82nd Motor-rifle Division further provided strong stabilization of defense of 5th Army in this area. On October 23, German 10th Panzer Division was reliefed at Shelkovka by the 7th German Infantry Division, which arrived from Vereya. On October 25, Ruza was captured by the 10th Panzer Division.

Threat of break of German forces to the north of the Moscow - river, in a strip of the right flank of 5th Army of Lieutenant-General L.A.Govorova, was created. At this time appeared in operative reports the new term - zvenigorod direction. To close gap in Soviet defense and cover highway Ruza-Zvenigorod, at the end of October on boundary Gorbovo-Alal'shina-Kolubyakino was directed 144th Rifle Division. This forces of Major-General M.A.Pronin, taking place in area Zvenigoroda on rest and formation after heavy fights near Vyazma. Circumstances forced to throw it in fight, not finished acquisition. Division was strengthened by 5th separate Guards "Katusha" battalion of Captain F.F.Tereshenko. Since October 29, 144th Rifle Division occupied defense on boundary Terekhovo-Lokotny-Krukovo, that 12 kms to the west of Zvenigorod in structure of 5th Army of the Western Front. To 144th Rifle Divisions were added 457th and 1310th Rifle Regiment. After progress of Germans on the other sites of front 32nd Rifle Division left from encirclement and to outcome October 26, occupied new boundary of defense on the east bank of Nara river, from Akulovo village.

In Il'inskoe there was one part of Maloiaroslavets fortification area constructed an autumn of 1941 and entering into system of Mozhaisk Line of defense. Soviet Command concentrated there great strengths. Into structure of them entered: 312nd Rifle Division with 859th Artillery Regiment (34 guns), Podolsk infantry school, Podolsk artillery school, 108th Reserve Rifle Regiment, 12th Guards Regiment "Katusha", 222nd (16 guns), 382nd, 395th (16 guns), 452nd (16 guns) Anti-tank Regiments, 31st Artillery battalion (16 guns), 301st, 303rd and 304th Separate Battalions, 28th, 29th, 33rd, 35th, 36th, 39th and 43rd Separate Company, 517th Artillery Regiment Reserve High Command (12 guns of 152 mm). Besides were available: 53rd Rifle Division with 64th, 36th Artillery Regiments, 113th Rifle Division and 17th Tank Brigade (acted in area Borovsk) and 9th Tank Brigade (last operated under of front command), 538th Sapper Battalion.

Fights on boundary Il'insk fighting site began on October, 11. Despite of furious attacks, on October, 11-12 the opponent had no success. But it managed to break through defense on joint of Mozhaisk and Maloiaroslavets sites on October 11, and offensived on Borovsk and Vereya. 2nd Regiment of a division of special purpose "Dzerzhinskaya" on dawn October 12, entered fight under Borovsk. Its task consist in restraint of city up to the approached by October 13, of 110th Rifle Division (after one month of operations in area of lake Seliger, October 11, the division was thrown under Naro Fominsk. Occupied defense on the eastern bank of the Nara river by villages Gorchuhino-Ateptsevo-Sliznevo) and 113th Rifle Division of the Moscow home guard. Anticipated the Germans, 110th Rifle Division which commander Colonel S.T.Gladyshev on October 13 left on western bank of Nara river. Here its main forces occupied defense on boundary Mitenino, Bashkartovo, Rusinovo. Only to outcome of the third day of continuous fights by huge losses Germans pushed aside parts of 110th Rifle Division on boundary Kuzminka, Inutino, Yermolino, Lapshinka.

"Fomations of 43rd Army on 13.10 conducted persistent fight with the coming opponent, especially intensively west of Borovsk. West of Il'inskoye units of Soviet 43rd Army offensived and promoted on 2-3 kms. The opponent occupied Ishcheino, Zelenino, Mashkino, Verhniye Gorki. Against the right flank of 312nd Rifle Division marked concentration one German division with 40-50 tanks. 113rd Rifle Division offensived in Tychenevo direction and rejected groups of German motor-infantry and motorcyclists with tanks, to 17.00 13.10 conducted fight on boundary Mitinka, Butovka. 53rd Rifle Division with 17th Tank Brigade offensived from area Il'inskoe along the Moscow highway and to outcome of day seized boundary Sokol'niki. 312nd Rifle Division with 108th Reserve Rifle Regiment, Podolsk infantry and artillery school, defending fortifications, occupied boundary: Yur'evskoye, Ostreevo, Il'inskoye, Vihlyaevo, Maskino, Kasilovo. Germans by forces up to 200 machines developed offensive on Dereven'ka and further on Borovsk and up to 50 machines on Bobrovniki, Shchigolevo. On 17.00 12.10 the motor-infantry of the opponent (up to 50 machines) occupied Bykovo and promoted on Detchino. With the purpose of counteraction of the opponent in area Zheludovka, Detchino, Soviet command put forward two battalions of 1081st Rifle Regiment with two batteries of anti-tank and one battery "Katusha". For maintenance of a direction to Maloyaroslavets to outcome of day 13.10 on boundary Yerdenevo, Hrustali the first battalion of 1081st RR puts forward. 9th Tank Brigade left in area Nedel'noye. Its investigation fired in area Bashmakovka. 149th Rifle Division continued gathering personnel in area Aleksandrovka. 148th Tank Brigade (without tanks) to morning 14.10 concentrated in Lapshinka (north-west Balabanovo). 145th Tank Brigade makes gathering in area Chuborovo."

October 13, in second half of day Germans broke through the left flank of Soviet defense south of Mitrofanovo and left for rear in 8 kilometers east of Il'inskoye and cut off highway on site Il'inskoye -Maloyaroslavets. Soviet forces appeared in an encirclement. Position of them was complicated also that there was no ammunition and the foodstuffs. On October 13, the group of the opponent with 15 tanks attacked Il'inskoye defensives from rear, but met by fire of guns and rifles by Soviet military school group and was completely destroyed. To October 14, 43rd Army, carried out a task of the command of front " by active defense on the prepared boundary the Moscow Reserve Front, with task not allow break of the opponent through defensive line, in east direction ", from the west and the southwest defended a boundary: Yur'evskoye, Il'inskoye, Moshkino, Detchino, having on this direction 312nd Rifle Division and Podolsk infantry school. 53rd Rifle Division was in a reserve in area Burakovo, Cherkasovo, Shumyatino (223rd and 475th Rifle Regiments, 17th Tank Brigade). 12th Regiment of this division reinforced in Belousovo. October 14, Germans, by forces up to a battalion, attacked Soviets in a direction Bol'shaya Shubinka and to 15:00 occupied these points. As a result of counterattack 107th Rifle Regiment and a battalion of Podolsk infantry school to evening Germans was broken. Since morning Germans took in offensive and by 12:00, occupied again these points, by avanguard filtered in Cherkasove area, directed to highway on Maloiaroslavets. The left flank of Podolsk infantry school under influence of the opponent dissipated, a part retreated on northern direction. On October 16, German company seized Cherkasove where it was fixed. Soviet 12th Rifle Regiment since morning conducted unsuccessful fight and attempted counterattack in this direction with the purpose of restoration of position on the left flank of Podolsk infantry school. To outcome of day, 475th Rifle Regiment of 53rd Rifle Devision occupied defense in area Terent'evo, Shubinka, Nemtsovo. The commander of 43rd Army- Lieutenant-General Akimov, in created conditions, at 4:00 17.10 ordered to the commander of 53rd RD, having subordinated itself Podolsk infantry school and 108th Reserve Rifle Regiment restored position on the left flank and occupied defend on boundary Yur'evskoye, Podsosino. This order to 53rd Rifle Division wasn't executed by the commander. At 13:00 on October 17, new appointed commander - Major-General Golubev confirmed this order. At 18:00 Golubev ordered - 223rd Rifle Regiment (autocratically left on October 16, front in area Kaverine and retreated in area Kind) occupy defense on western surburb of Maloiaroslavets, subordinated it four Fire Company and 301st Mashine-Gun Battalion. Thus, to outcome of October 17, on a direction of Maloiaroslavets, Il'inskoye in two echelons should defend Soviet 12th and 475th Rifle Regiments. The artillery of 53rd Rifle Devision was east of Maloiaroslavets. On 17:00, 8 heavy and 6 average German tanks with motor-infantry from area Cherkasove attacked Soviet 12th RR and broke through its front of defense. Regiment, not having accepted fight, dissipated. Germans to outcome of day, not meeting special resistance Soviet forces of 475th Rifle Regiment, approached to western surburb of Maloiaroslavets and opened fire on city. Since morning 18.10 up to 20 German tanks with motor-infantry continued promotion in a direction of city and at 10:30 occupied city. On east surburb of city Germans met weak resistance of a battalion of 53rd Soviet Rifle Division and bypassing it from the southeast, began unobstructed movement from highway to Podolsk. To outcome of October 18, German avanguard were detained by Soviet 152nd Motorized Brigade in Vorob'i area. Thus, German formations of 3rd Motorized and 4th Infantry Divisions broken through Soviet defensive strip of Podolsk infantry school and developed success in the east direction, on 18.10.1941 without serious resistance within four day broke through defense of Maloiaroslavets Fortification on depth up to 40-45 kms and seized area and city Maloiaroslavets. The most part of Soviet artillery (over 100 guns) was left.

The German attack of the 19th Pz div began on 15 October. Along the road Medyn-Il'inskoye were two battalions of the 29 Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division. They were temporarily subordinated to 19 Pz div. To the right of the 29th Inf rgt was the 73 Inf rgt (19 Pz div), which had the task to take Il'inskoye from the south. To the right of the 73 Inf rgt was the 74 Inf rgt (also 19 Pz div), which should interrupt the road to Maloyaroslavets. The 27 Pz rgt (19 Pz div) supported the two Inf rgt's. The 74 Inf rgt was able to break through, but one battalion was encircled east of Il'inskoye. The attack of the other two rgt's had no succes. On the next day the 29 and 73 Inf rgt's reassumed their attack, but the minefields and bunkers were unconquerable. Finally Il'inskoye was captured from the east under heavy losses for the Germans.

"On October 15, after intense fight 43rd Soviet Army lost Borovsk city. Commander of 43rd Army ordered to formations of 53rd Rifle Devision, 17th Tank Brigade, 110th and 113rd Rifle Division (the last after their reinforced) restored position. Soviet counterattack began on 9:00 October 16".

----------------------------------------------------
Army order of 43rd Army from 16/10/1941:

1) Germans occupies by weak forces Russinovo (3rd ID), Kuprino (258th ID), Il'ino (258th ID). In the area of Borovsk concentrations of motor vehicles and infantry of the opponent. 2) 43rd Army attacks the opponent in the morning of 17/10/1941 with the task to destroy him and recapture Borovsk. 3) 9th Tank brigade concentrates on 17/10/1941 at 6.00 o'clock in the area of Porkhadino, Mishukova. Task: Borovsk be covered from the northwest in order to prevent withdrawal of enemy troops toward the northwest. 4) 110th Rifle Division and 557th Artillery Regiment, supported by 152nd Tank Battalion, attack Borovsk from the east and the north-east with the task to capture Borovsk from the east. 5) 113th Rifle Division, 109th Howitzer Artillery Regiment, 320th Artillery Regiment, 488th Artillery Regiment concentrate in the area of Foteyevka - Vashutina. In the morning of 17/10/1941 the attack takes place in the general direction toward the western edge of Borovsk with the task to capture Borovsk from the west. 6) 17th Tank brigade and 223rd Rifle Regiment (53rd Rifle Division) concentrate in the area of Sorokovet' and attack the opponent from the southwest with the task to capture Borovsk from the west. 7) The artillery commander of 43rd Army, General Taranovichi, has to organize the cooperation of the artillery and infantry. 8) The attack begins on 17/10/1941 at 13.00 o'clock with all forces. Artillery preparation 12.00 o'clock. 9) The attack must be carried out with determination and boldness. The opponent in the area of Borovsk must be destroyed at all costs. 10) My command post: Balabanovo (Lieutenant-General Akimov).

-----------------------------------------------------

October 18, German tanks rushed into Maloiaroslavets. With loss of Borovsk and Maloiaroslavets cities dangerous position for Soviet forces on Podolsk and Naro-Fominsk direction was created. Then German took Tarusa having increased threat of an output to Moscow from the south.
" October 18. For the best management of Soviet forces acting on Vereya and Borovsk directions, order:
1) To unit from 24:00 October 18, forces 151st Motorized Brigade, 222th, 110th and 113th Rifle Divisions, 9th Tank Brigades and units of Naro-Fominsk garrison - under command of new 33rd Army. 2) The commander of new 33rd Army Lieutenant-General Gerasimenko. Task for 33rd Army take area Vereya and Borovsk and defense on line Arhangel'skoye, Fedorino, Isheino.

On all Maloiaroslavets fighting site till October 18, Podolsk cadets together with soldiers of 312th Rifle Divisions, 17th Tank Brigade, 108th Reserve Regiment constrained Germans. Further defense Detchino site should pass in an encirclement. Subordinated the order on a withdrawal, the remnants of 4th battalion of cadets with formations of 312th Division on October 19, retreated behind the river Protva and further on Nara boundary.
Had heavy losses, 110th Rifle Division defended Naro-Fominsk and boundary of the river Protva where the main forces of 33rd Army were developed. For one week of operations near Naro-Fominsk, proceeding from October 13 - 20, 110th Rifle Division lost killed and wounded 6179 persons.

Naro-Fominsk.

October 20, Germans were in 12 kms west from Naro-Fominsk in village Shapkino. On direction of highway Naro-Fominsk - Kubinka through Tashirovo marked investigation of the opponent in villages Plusnino and Red'kino.

October 23." During 22.10 Germans offensived on line Tashirovo (4 km North-west Narofominsk), Balabanovo with task take Narofominsk. 1st Guard Motorized Division, 1287th Rifle Regiment counterattacked on line Tashirovo, Ateptsevo collided with two German division and 27 aircrafts. 258th Infantry Division offensived south road Kuz'minki, Narofominsk and other 292nd Infantry Division north of road. Soviet forces defended line on the left bank of Nara river east of Yermakovo area, south suburb of Naro-Fominsk and line of Ivanovka. German regiment stop in Zosimovo Puston'. 1st Guard Motorized Division prepared counterattack to take western part of Naro-Fominsk city. 20:00 110th Rifle Division by 200 soldier held Kamenskoye (10 km
southeast Narofominsk) 113rd Rifle Division by 400 soldiers retreated on line Aristovo (7 km northeast Balabanovo), Mashkovo. Remnant of 110th Rifle Division in Bekasovo (behind Narofominsk). 151st Motorized Division retreated in Arhangelsk.

During October 23-24, passed persistent street fights of Soviet forces with the opponent for city Naro-Fominsk. The opponent seized southern part of city.

Volokolamsk direction.

Forces of 16th Army on October 15: 316th Rifle Division, regiment of cadets school "Verkhovnogo Soveta", 690th Regiment of 126th Rifle Division, group Dovatora (50th, 53rd Cavalry Divisions), 289th, 296th, 525th, 641st, 483rd, 768th Artillery Regiment of anti-tank, 138th, 857th Artillery Regiment, engineering battalion. Moreover 16th Army had 18th Rifle Division (without one regiment), 863rd, 694th Artillery Regiment of anti-tank and 978th Artillery Regiment, located on a rear boundary- Novoye-Petrovskoye.

In total, before the beginning of fights for Volokolamsk, Rokosovski has 21 infantry battalion, six cavalry regiments, 73 anti-tank guns and 125 guns of field artillery. It were very weak forces for defense more than the hundred-kilometer strip allocated for 16th Army.

The Soviet concentration was made in due time as in the morning October 16, against 16th Army began offensive two German infantry and two panzer divisions. The main impact came on 316th Division of commander Panfilov, covering approaches to Volokolamsk highway.

The grouping of 16th Soviet Army before the beginning of operation met the situation at the front: the main forces were located in the centre and on the left wing of army, whence it was most probable to expect impact of the opponent. Simultaneously in sector of Volokolamsk was located 690th Rifle Regiment of 126th Rifle Division with task of defense city on approaches to it. The main Grman impact in direction Ostashevo, Volokolamsk by forces of 29th Motorized and 2nd Panzer Divisions, simultaneously putting auxiliary impact by110th Infantry Division north from railway Shahovskaja, Volokolamsk.

October 17, Germans attacked Cavalry Corps of General Dovator from north of Volokolamsk and simultaneously in area Bolychevo from south, on a joint with 5th Army, concentrated against one Soviet regiment of 316th Division about 100 tanks. Here Germans press a little Soviet forces, but their attempt to develop success in depth was reflected by the artillery reserves.

On October 20, 18th Division received a task to came on boundary Skirmaovo, that in 25 kilometers to the west of the Istra city and detain the opponent. Next day it occupied defense on a boundary Sychi, Shelkanovo, Ivoylovo, Filatkovo, Gorki, Bulanino. 316th Rifle Division of general I.V.Panfilov defended on the right.

25.10.41 Group of Dovatora and cadets regiment and kept former position, formations of 316th RD, accepted the main impact of the opponent, retreated on boundary Alfer'yevo, Birkino, Zhdanovo, Petelino. Germans took Bolychevo, Ostashevo and forced the Ruza river. October 25, German forces grasped railway- station Volokolamsk.

October 27, Germans passed in attack in direction Porokhovo, Volokolamsk by two regiments of infantry with small group of tanks. Attack conducted on defense line of Soviet 690th Rifle Regiment. After strong aviation preparation and artillery fire, Germans at 10:00 broke through front of 690th RR and at 13:30 rushed into Volokolamsk city. By 16:00 27.10 the city completely was in hands of the opponent. 690th RR due resistance to attack of the opponent did not rendered and retreated in east and northeast direction. Street fights in city was not organized and only separate groups of Soviet soldiers tried to show resistance to the opponent in city. But it was only casual resistance. Disorganized Soviet formations of 690th RR were stop and reforming east of Volokolamsk and by the remnants of it new front on a boundary Gorki, Cheptsy was created. Formations of 1075th and 1077th Rifle Regiments of 316th Rifle Division kept occupied front and only under the order, retreated on a new boundary. The commander of 316th Rifle Division with break of defense of 690th RR tried to restore position of a throw of the reserve (1,5 company) in counterattack, but this counterattack had no success and could not restore position.

Rokosovski strengthened the left flank of 16th Army, tightened there 126th and 18th Rifle Division. The opponent pressed 30th and 5th Armies, bypassing Volokolamsk from the north and the south, has hung above flanks of 16th army. Germns attempts to promote to the east on the highway, conducting through Istra to Moscow, have reflected by 50th Cavalry which have arrived from north flank. October 28, 78th Rifle Division arrived in structure of 16th Army from Vladivostok and close gap on the left flank.

------------------------------------------

Kaluga direction.