The attack got underway on the night of September 25-26 1942. SS-Infanterie-Regiment Nordland's assault soon bogged down, as they realized that not only were they outnumbered by the Soviet Red Army, but the latter were also well entrenched in prepared positions. Within thirty minutes, almost half of the men of the regiment had fallen. Despite this, they still captured the hill, and its commander SS-Oberführer Fritz von Scholz was awarded the Knight's Cross for his actions during the battle. On September 28 1942, Wiking reached the outskirts of Sagopshin and a fierce tank battle ensued. SS-Sturmbannführer and commander of the SS-Panzer-Abteilung 5
Wiking Johannes Mühlenkamp rode in three different tanks that day and was shot three times. New attack plans were made and Westland made a frontal attack on Sagopshin. The Soviet strongholds were defeated after heavy and fierce resistance the following day. On September 29 1942, the aerial reconnaissance in the west and southwest of Malgobek identified 50 Soviet T-34's and Mark IIIs. During the afternoon, it was further reported that additional troop elements and 400-500 motorized vehicles and approximately 25 tanks were observed in the area. Nevertheless, the Wiking continued its attack towards Malgobek for another week. On October 5 1942, SS-Untersturmführer d. R.
Karl Nicolussi-Leck destroyed three enemy tanks which approached the advancing men of the Germania from the open flank. Three more were knocked out by SS-Obersturmführer d. R. Hans Flügel and his tank commanders. It was later discovered that they were all British-built Mark IIIs and Valentines. In preparation for the final assault, a large-scale Stuka attack was laid on against Malgobek. SS-Infanterie-Regiment Germania took the town of Malgobek and its surrounding hills on Oct. 6 1942. Left image: SS-Stubaf. Johannes Mühlenkamp scanning the Caucasian horizon with his binoculars. Photo by SS-KB Willi Altstadt. U.S. NARA. Right image: Wiking volunteers. c. Bundesarchiv.
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