Kurland:  Bagaci 8/44*
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German assault vs. Soviet defend*
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Design:  C. B. Blackard*
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August 21, 1944: In a desperate attempt to prevent the Red Army from separating Army Group North from Army Group Center, the 4th Panzer Division launches a counterattack against advanced Soviet forces northeast of Bagaci, Latvia.*
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In this battle, a Stalin tank was captured and provided much needed intelligence regarding the new Soviet heavy tank.  "It was discovered that the crew had to fight with the debilitating fact that their main guns fired separate ammunition.  Like a large-caliber artillery piece, the charge and projectile were loaded separately, which seriously reduced the rate of fire.  In addition, the ammunition capacity was a meagre 28 rounds."
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Source:  Kurowski, "Bridgehead Kurland" p. 38. 
