The Citadel in Posen*
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Date: February 18, 1945*
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Battle Type: Soviet Assault vs German Defend*
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Design: Bill Wilson*
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In January 1945, the Soviets opened their winter offensive with
the objective of overunning Poland and capturing Berlin.*
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By direct order of Adolf Hitler, the Germans organized certain cities
as 'Festungen' (fortresses) that were directed to hold out as long as
possible.  Posen was designated such a Festung.  The fight for the
city and its surrounding forts began in late January.  By mid-February,
the Soviets had forced their way into the center of the city and were
posed to assault and seize the Cytadela (main fortress).*
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The Soviets had to free Posen of German troops because the city
was on the direct supply route to Soviet forces to the west of Posen
on the Oder River.  An assault on Berlin would not be possible until
Posen had been seized.  This critical job was given to the 8th Guards
Army.  For the final assault on the Cytadela, the 74th and 82nd Guards
Rifle Divisions were chosen to lead the attack.*
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To defend Posen, the Germans have a hodge-podge of various school
units, police, SS troops, and fortress defense units.*
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Your mission is to hold the Kernwerk (Cytadela) at all costs.*
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Elements of six rifle divisions have been encountered so far in the
battle for Posen.  You may expect the final assault to be extremely
heavy and well supported by enemy artillery.*
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Unit Abbreviations:*
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Elm - Elements*
FestMGBtl - Fortress Machine-Gun Battalion*
FestPaKAbt - Fortress Antitank Battalion*
FestPioKo - Fortress Pioneer Company*
GRD - Guards Rifle Division*
GRR - Guards Rifle Regiment*
LS - Landesschutz (militia)*
Polizei - Polizei Regiment Schallert*
SS-KG - S.S. Kampfgruppe*
StGAbt - Assault Gun Battalion*
STB - Storm Pioneer Brigade*
Versprengte - Remnants*
VS Btl - Volkssturm Battalion*
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Sources:*
"Posen '45 Bastion an der Warthe (Baumann)"*
"Red Storm on the Reich (Duffy)"*
"The Red Army Order of Battle (Poirier)"*
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