German Army Most Powerful Tanks 0f It's Time

In the summer of 1941, as the Nazis implemented their Blitzkrieg strategy in the early months of World War II, using fast tank and infantry attacks to cut off and surround unwieldy Soviet formations, some extraordinary feats took place.

On the second day of the war, amid the confused Soviet retreat, a single KV-2 tank blocked the supply line of the entire German Army Group ‘North’ armored division.

German Army Most Powerful Tanks 0f It's Time

German Army Most Powerful Tanks 0f It's Time

The Wehrmacht’s 11th Tank Regiment’s diary takes up the story, describing how the bridgehead captured by the Raus battle group was cut off by the lone KV, tying up the regiment for two critical days.

“In the afternoon, the reinforced company and the headquarters of the 65th Tank Battalion moved to the intersection to the north-east of Raseynyaya. Meanwhile, a Soviet heavy tank blocked the road, cutting off battle group Raus from the main forces."

“Efforts to destroy the tank through the night were unsuccessful. A battery of 88 mm anti-aircraft guns was brought up, but the 88 mm was no more effective than the 105 mm howitzers. An attempt by sappers to blow up the tank with a mine also failed.

The German frustration grew until an entire operation was launched against the KV-2 on June 25. Several light Czech-made PzKpfw 35 (t) tanks were sent forward to distract the Soviet crew with a barrage of fire while the 88 mm AA guns were brought to bear.

Three of a dozen 88 mm rounds that were fired penetrated the KV-2, while infantry mounted the tank and tried to open the hatches. As the turret suddenly began to turn the Germans threw in hand grenades until the steel beast finally fell silent.

Inside the wreck the Germans found the remains of six crewmen who had halted the offensive of an entire Panzer division for 48 hours in their immobilized KV-2.