The Battle of Leipzig: A deadly Panzerfaust attack

During the Battle of Leipzig, the assault on the western districts of Leipzig was undertaken by the 23rd Infantry Regiment from the US 2nd Infantry division.

The regiment launched their assault in the early hours of the 18th of April, and the Americans initially faced little resistance as they advanced…but as they approached the central Weisse Elster river – and the all-important bridges leading over the river – German resistance stiffened, leading to painful losses for the Americans.

For instance, at 10am on the 18th, a column of American tanks was passing by the Felsenkeller brewery on their way to the Klinger Bridge, when the lead Sherman tank from the 741st Tank Battalion was suddenly hit by a Panzerfaust rocket fired by a Hitler Youth boy hiding nearby.

The Panzerfaust scored a direct hit, setting the tank on fire and killing all 5 crew members inside.

The Hitler Youth boy who fired the Panzerfaust was immediately cut down by a burst of machine gun fire from a following American vehicle, whilst another Hitler Youth boy surrendered and was captured.

This engagement showed the Americans that danger was lurking around *every* corner in Leipzig, and it demonstrated that even inexperienced teenage boys could prove to be a deadly threat.

The incident also marked the first major loss of life for the 23rd Infantry Regiment in their assault on Leipzig…

The burnt-out husk of the tank remained where it was for weeks after the fighting, with curious locals often stopping by to view the wreckage.

Today, a memorial marks the site where the tank was knocked-out, with the names of the American tank crew inscribed on the monument.

To hear more about the American assault on Leipzig, check out episode 4.3 of the Europe at War Podcast.

Photo sources: uswarmemorials (1st photo) & Felsenkeller Leipzig (2nd photo).