To create a link up between the Soviet armoured spearheads of the South-Western and Stalingrad fronts, the capture of a bridge over the Don river was vital.
Filippov, commander of the 14th Motorized Rifle Brigade was tasked with capturing an intact bridge at Kalach.
The Soviet column contained five T-34 tanks, five armoured cars, truck mounted infantry and three captured German armoured vehicles.
In an audacious attack, under the cover of early morning fog and with the captured German armour leading the advance it was not until the Soviet infantry were on the bridge, leaping from the leading captured Pz III tank and engaging the few guards, that the Germans realised they were under attack.
Not alert to the possibility of attack or that the Soviets were even in the area, there were no combat troops guarding the bridge. The Germans were taken completely by surprise, assuming the column approaching the bridge in the fog was German.
An 8.8cm Flak gun managed to knock out two Soviet tanks but the bridge was captured intact with the Soviet troops removing any demolition charges.
Poorly organised German counter-attacks were repulsed and with the capture of the bridge, 6.Armee's lines of communication were severed and the Soviet forces were able to link up.

FROM: Osprey Publishing's: Stalingrad 1942-43 (3)

PRICE: £600.00 (Unframed)
IMAGE SIZE: Approx. H 34cm x W 50cm ( H 13.25 inches x W 19.75 inches)
MEDIUM: Watercolour and gouache