April 1944

Eastern Front

At dawn, in two groups of around 700 men each, Group Neinhoff begins its desperate breakout. Running battle immediately erupt as the 1st Guards Army fights to prevent their escape. The Germans suffer heavy losses under ferocious fire, discipline breaking down as each man fights to save himself. Gen Neinhoff is killed during the fighting. By dusk the survivors of the first group just 43 men in all, reach the XLVIII Panzer Corps, followed shortly afterwardby 5 men of the second group. Barely 50 of the original 4,500 strong garrison reach safety.

In the Crimea, the Independent Coastal Army advances along the southern coast, taking Yalta.