Budapest 45

[Huib Versloot]

Numbers seem to have been low. Krisztian Ungvary gives some figures in "Die Schlacht um Budapest 1944/45.
On 11.1.45 for the Germans in the southern sector:

4. Kav Brig tanks/sp: 43 guns:28 inf (combat strength): 1800
1. Pz. Div. tanks/sp: 19 guns:36 nf (combat strength): 1100
3. Pz. Div. tanks/sp: 5 guns:28 inf (combat strength): 900
23. Pz Div. tanks/sp: 24 guns:24 inf (combat strength): 1900
503. Schw PzAbt. tanks/sp: 25 guns: 0 inf (combat strength): 0.

I was especially interested in the German 711. Infanterie Division, because it left Holland for Hungary end of December 1944 in full strength after originally being designated to carry out the first assault in Fall Braun, a supporting offensive for the battle in the Ardennes that was canceled. I found that in the game they are understrength which surprised me.
I know that compared with historical figures the Pionier Bn is one company short in the game, as is the Fusilier Bn.
The Div did not have a 4th Arty Bn (3rd Bn probably had 150mm guns as it came from arty Rgt 4/189) but it is present in the game.
Unfortunately I could not find further figures for this unit though. As far as I know the unit was never renamed from Infanterie Division to Volksgrenadier Division.

Huib