Ref.: DRAG-6519
German Wiking Division Koval 1944
Kovel was the site of a major WWI battle between Austrian and Russian troops. In WWII, fighting once again ebbed and flowed around this former Polish city. In March-April 1944, Kovel witnessed a fierce contest between German troops of the 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking and Soviet forces. Kovel was an important rail center, and German troops of Army Group Center had retreated to this ‘Fester Platz’ (fortified place). Indeed, the Fuhrer had decreed no retreat or surrender for the 9000-strong garrison that included Wiking Division soldiers. After the Soviets had cut rail lines leading to Kovel, soldiers of other Wiking units launched a relief effort to rescue the besieged garrison. While these troops succeeded in reaching the city and opening a corridor, only 2000 trapped soldiers from Kovel managed to escape from the fierce battle.
