When Two Tigers Faced Swarms of T-34s: Hans Bölter's Epic Fight for Survival near Leningrad

By January 1943, Soviet forces were already in motion plotting and executing daring offensives across the vast expanse of the German-Soviet Front.

Operation Iskra marked the beginning of a series of bold offensives by the Soviets aimed squarely at delivering a decisive blow to Germany's Army Group North.

On January 12, 1943, The Soviets launched a massive assault, known as the Second Battle of Lake Ladoga, targeting the narrow German-held corridor south of Schlüsselburg.

As the battle raged on, the situation grew dire for the Germans. Recognizing the gravity of the Soviet penetration, Commander-in-Chief of the 18th Army, ordered in the Watzmänner—the 96th Infantry Division under Brigadier General Noeldechen—to launch a counterattack. Despite being understrength, the division received orders to engage the enemy and push them back across the Newa River.

The Watzmänner had only five grenadier battalions at their disposal. Supporting them were 88 millimeter guns from the 36th Flak Regiment, along with four Tiger tanks of the 1st Company of the 502nd Heavy Panzer Battalion, under First Lieutenant von Gerdtell. One of the Tiger tanks was commanded by a 27-year-old Sergeant-First-Class, Hans Bölter, who served as a platoon leader in the 1st company.

With the stage set for a clash of titanic proportions, the outcome of the Second Battle of Lake Ladoga hung in the balance. The Watzmänner's counterattack would determine whether the Germans could stem the tide of the Soviet advance or face the risk of losing control over vital strategic positions.

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