The Wiking's Castle*
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Date:  January 1, 1945*                     
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Battle Type: German defend vs. Russian assault*
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Design: CB Blackard*
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Battle Description: On Christmas Day 1944, the IV SS Panzer Corps received word that it was being transferred to Hungary in order to begin an offensive aimed at relieving the IX SS Mountain Corps encircled at Budapest.  The attack began on January 1, 1945 near Komarom and the WIKING was able to make slow progress
toward the southeast, breaking through the Soviet 31 Guards Rifle Division.  Outside of the town of Bicske, however, the Soviet defenses stiffened and the attack ground to a halt.*
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The Panzer Grenadier Battalion NORGE led by Fritz Vogt and the Panzer Regiment led by Ostuf. Darges were forced to seek refuge in an old Hungarian castle which the Soviets attacked mercilessly for an entire day and night.  Exhausted and out of ammunition, the WIKING troops withstood the Soviet attacks but were forced to withdraw.  Despite two more attempts at relieving Budapest, the IX SS Mountain Corps could not be saved.* 
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Sources:  Strassner, "European Volunteers"; "Panzergrenadiere der Panzerdivision 'Wiking'"; "Verweht sind die Spuren*

