Panzertruppen
Hetzer
Jagdpancer Hetzer, outskirts of Budapest.
The main weakness of the Hungarian-German defense was its low density. Especially human forces and tanks were lacking, and there were hardly any reserves available. However, the Soviet offensive launched on 20th December could advance only slowly moreover, it got stuck in some places. Defenders managed to utilize the gap between the attacking forces, which was there due to the location of Lake Velencei, and well-prepared counter-attacks were launched. Already on the second day Soviets had to put in combat all their three rapid forces groups (two mechanized and one tank corps) in order to increase the speed of advance. However, the lines of defense got broken on 24th December. Thereafter parts of the Hungarian-German forces were pushed towards Budapest, while other units tried to halt the outer ring of the 4thSoviet Army. To the end of the month encirclement of Budapest from the west was completed, and the 4th Army established its outer ring.
Hetzer
Jagdpancer Hetzer, outskirts of Budapest.
The main weakness of the Hungarian-German defense was its low density. Especially human forces and tanks were lacking, and there were hardly any reserves available. However, the Soviet offensive launched on 20th December could advance only slowly moreover, it got stuck in some places. Defenders managed to utilize the gap between the attacking forces, which was there due to the location of Lake Velencei, and well-prepared counter-attacks were launched. Already on the second day Soviets had to put in combat all their three rapid forces groups (two mechanized and one tank corps) in order to increase the speed of advance. However, the lines of defense got broken on 24th December. Thereafter parts of the Hungarian-German forces were pushed towards Budapest, while other units tried to halt the outer ring of the 4thSoviet Army. To the end of the month encirclement of Budapest from the west was completed, and the 4th Army established its outer ring.