The last victory in the east
The third battle of Kharkov was the last successful major offensive of the German Army on the Eastern Front.
Encouraged by their success at Stalingrad, the Red Army launched a major offensive threatening the German-held towns of Kursk, Kharkov & Belgorod. In defiance of Hitler’s 'No retreat'-order SS-Gen. Paul Hausser withdrew his forces from Kharkov, keeping them safe for an immediate counter-attack. Under the overall command of von Manstein the most battle hardened elements of the German Army - including the 1., 2. & 3. SS-Panzergrenadiere-Division and the Wehrmacht’s elite ‘Division Grossdeutschland’ - struck back against the over-extended Red Army. After three weeks of brutal fighting in thick snow Charkow was recaptured.
The Germans lost nearly 50% of their fighting strength (5,000 men & dozens of tanks) but decimated 52 Red Army divisions inflicting nearly 80,000 casualties.
Who is HEER46 and what's the goal of the campaign?
Heer46 is a German company that focuses on 1:100 scale tabletop-miniatures. Founded in 2011, it offers a wide range of vehicles and add-on equipment. Take a look at our webshop
www.heer46shop.de
We now want to extend the Heer46-portfolio into 1:56 scale and our first project will be German elite infantry.
In the beginning our new line will focus on the Third Battle of Kharkov, which was fought during the winter of 1943.
Particular mention merits the so-called ‘Charkow-Parka’ that was worn by the ‘Waffen-SS’ and the ‘Division Grossdeutschland’ during the battle. Of course the miniatures are also fitting for all other battles fought on the Eastern Front until 1945.
Our line comprises the most important core-units. I.e. Infantry/Panzergrenadiere and the respective support-weapons, like MG 42, Mortar and PaK 40. The new line is also complemented by 1:56 scale Sd.Kfz. 251 and Panzer III from Rubicon. We will also release extra decal-sheets for the Sd.Kfz. 251 and Panzer III that are based on original photos.
The decals will allow you to recreate the leading vehicle Sd.Kfz. 251 ‘Emil’ and the Panzer III with the number ‘555’. Both vehicles were in use with the LSAH during the Battle of Kharkov.
