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| From the dairy of Signal-reporter Arthur Grimm during the German advance
in Russia, 1941:
'The Russian railroad Przemysl-Lemberg-Kijef crosses the river Goryn near Brodow, 15 km north of Ostrog. Our tankunit received orders to get this bridge undamaged and to create a bridgehead. The Russians know what is coming; as soon as we advance, a Russian reconnaissance plane appears to report our action. Immediately the enemy starts firing. The infantry is positioned on the vehicles, and the enemy tries to disrupt our advance. When the enemy attacks, our frontal units warn us by firing flares. While our anti-aircraft artillery fires at tanks over a distance of 2 kilometres, our tanks make a flanking move and attack the Russian tanks.' |
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| 'He thinks for all of us. Our commander makes notations on his map in order to assault the bridge. He gives orders via the microphone on his chest. The tank gunner is calm, and gives me the chance to take a picture of the observer and the gunner who is adjusting the firing range.' |
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| 'On the second day, our tanks advance over the railroad towards the bridge near Brodow. The infantry assaults the Russian positions, which are shelled by our artillery, tanks and anti-aircraft artillery. Under protection of the artillery, our infantry can prevent the Russians from blowing up the bridge. Together with the infantry, engineers have reached the bridge and cut the cables leading to the explosives. I take a picture of one of these soldiers, who have done a great job.' |
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| 'In front of the saved bridge: comrades who escaped death. During the last fights one tank was surrounded by enemy infantry, but we could relieve them in time. While enjoying a cigarette, they tell their story. Meanwhile the bridge is already in use, and the first tanks advance further into Russia.' |
