All Battles

Battle of Raseiniai

1941 • Kaunas Panzerschlacht
Map of the Battle of Raseiniai, order of battle

Map of the Battle of Raseiniai, order of battle

Author: US Army Historical Division from a sketch by RausLicense:PD
Source

Historical Overview

The Battle of Raseiniai was a large tank battle that took place in the early stages of Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The battle was fought between the elements of the German 4th Panzer Group and the Soviet 3rd Mechanized Corps with the 12th Mechanised Corps, in Lithuania, 75 km (47 mi) north-west of Kaunas. The Red Army tried to contain and destroy the German troops that had crossed the Neman River but was unable to prevent them from advancing.

Quick Facts

Outcome:Ger. victory.

German Army

  • Commander: Erich von Manstein
  • Strength: 2 Pz.Div.
  • Casualties: ca. 2.000

Red Army

  • Commander: Fedor Kusnezow
  • Strength: ca. 300 Pz.
  • Casualties: ca. 200 Pz.

Strategic Context

Shock from heavy Soviet KV tanks.

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Historical Locations

Exact location not recorded in historical records