ϟϟ-Division „Wiking“ Leaves the Sagopshin and Malgobek area

SS-Panzer-Abteilung 5 Wiking in the North Caucasus

SS-Division Wiking in defensive positions in North Caucasus

After the capture of Malgobek, the SS-Division Wiking were drawn into severe defensive battles. For four consecutive days Soviet forces tried to recapture Reference point 701 without results. Sagopshin or Ssagopschin and Malgobek were turning points in the events of the southernmost front of the German armed forces. With the fighting on October 17 1942, the Wiking's offensive efforts in the Sagopshin-Malgobek came to an end. There were enormous logistical difficulties – the Wiking and the Wehrmacht was at the very end of a supply chain already stretched to breaking point. It was no longer possible to force the Soviets over the mountain chain and into the sea. After the Soviet breakthroughs in the region around Stalingrad, the German forces in the Caucasus were put on the defensive. The Wiking Division transitioned to the defense in the positions it had won. Positions they had paid a high price for. Many Wikinger had spilled their blood for Malgobek. On October 21 1942 the SS-Divison Wiking leaves the Sagopshin-Malgobek area and takes positions around the Werch-Kurp area. Top image: tankers of SS-Panzer-Abteilung 5 Wiking in Caucasous. Bottom image: Wiking Grenadiers in forward defensive positions in Northeastern Caucasus in 1942. The dug-in forces complemented in-depth defence features, such as minefields, and other trench and bunker warfare. Both photos taken by Waffen-SS Kriegsberichter Willi Altstadt. U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. Fair use.