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[Toten Tanz]

From the Regimental Combat Diary of the 28th/18 Panzer Regiment, Col Eckhardt (Toten Tanz) commanding

Date: July 3, 1941
Location: Lipki, Belarus
Weather: Clear with a slight haze, visibility good.
Entry Time: 15.00 hours (Turn 11)

The Luftwaffe arrived for its 4th mission of the day. This time, their bombs destroyed 2 BT-7s on the upper reaches of Lipki Ridge. The battalion guns of 88th/18 Recon Btl fired 2 missions against Russian infantry in the woods to the E of Stayki. The results appeared to be ineffectual. Russian artillery fire fell through out the Lipki area, destroying a single 50MM ATG and a prime mover.

In the face of some 19 KV model tanks, Col. Eckhardt ordered a withdrawl. All the units on and around the ridge redeployed, forming a defensive line at Lipki village. 2 Plt, 2 Co, I/28 Pz was also recalled from its attack against the T-26s to the E. Major Pingel took 3 Co., I/28Pz north, from Stayki, to assist against the Russian attack, stopping at the southern base of the ridge.

The Russian tanks on the ridge did not advance. Infantry was seen advancing towards Lipki, though the woods 1250M to the SE of Lipki, though.

Cpt. Gebhardt lead an attack on the remaining Russian tanks at Stayki. Cannon fire destroyed another 4 BT-7s and a close assault by the Light Plt of 1 Co., I/28 Pz, destoryed the T-34 attacking 1 Co. During a cusorary search of Russian dead, it was discovered that a high ranking officer had been leading the attack. After the search, Cpt Gebhardt arranged to defensive laager at Stayki, and moved 1 Co., I/28Pz into a position to assist on Lipki Ridge, if need be.

The remaining armored cars of 2 Co, 88th/18 Recon Btl. raced up the main road and rail line towards Novosady Station some 5.5Km away. 2 Plt followed the rail line and seized a Regimental objective on the high ground to the W of the the station. 1 Plt followed the main road, which cut through some woods about 3.5Km E of Stayki. There, it bumped into a Russian HQ unit; apparently of one of the tank battalions which had been attacking Stayki. 2 Plt immediately changed directions and assualted the unit, with 1 Plt acting as a blocking force. The unit was overrun in short order. 1 Plt then passed through 2 Plt. and took up an OP which gave it a view of the Moscow Motor Hiway, where it ran down the upper reaches of Lipki Ridge. 1 Plt. was then attacked by 3 BT-7s from that diretion; losing 1 PSW 222. The surviving AC retreated into some woods to its rear.

The dismounted motorcyclists of 3 Co, 88th/18 Recon Btl pushed S along the Povodista road, and through the woods to its W. They came under fire from a concealed Russian infantry platoon, but suffer no casualties. A platoon of T-26 tanks arrived to join the fight, as well.

German Losses:
8 x PzIIF
14 x PzIII of various models
3 x Pz IV
4 x PSW Armored Cars of various models.
1 x Prime Mover
2 x ATG
Cpt. Fegelien - KIA

Russian Losses:
4 x T-26
47 x BT-7
18 x T-34M40
10 x Trucks
10 x BA-20
2 x ATG
40 x Inf Squads (approx 260 -KIA/WIA 50-PW)
1 x Russian HQ.
2 x Russian officer - KIA