1941 Breaking the Stalin Line: Ulla and Ostrov

July 23, 1941. From Latvia and Estonia, German troops enter Russian territory.1. Before attacking the Stalin Line, a period of rest after the long days of marching.A difficult battle lay ahead.Battle plans are discussed before the assault upon the Stalin Line.2. The endless marching columns of the German army are on the move once again. Panzers gather for the attack.The first bunkers of the Stalin Line, disguised as farm buildings, are bombarded by German artillery. Light infantry guns zero in on enemy machine guns nests and field positions. The bunkers go up in flames. After artillery preparations, the assault troops battle up to the fortifications and clear through barbed wire and other obstacles. Immediately in front of the first bunker of the Stalin Line. The Soviets offer determined resistance, but bunker after bunker are taken by the combined action of artillery and infantry. Prisoners come out. German wounded are immediately brought out and given assistance. This is one of the bunkers disguised as a harmless farmhouse. 3.Battle for Ulla on the way to Vitebsk. The Bolsheviks have left behind only ruins in Ulla. The attack upon Vitebsk continues past this town. The Stalin Line is especially defended in this area. The bridge is inspected for explosives.The infantry battle onwards.4. Another spearhead heads further northward. Here the Soviets are giving way step by step.Transport across the river by paddle boats. On the other side of the river is a destroyed bunker of the Stalin Line. An armoured vehicle is taken over by ferry. The train station is occupied. The Stukas have been busy here. The retreat road of the Soviets.