Frank’s tanks continued north, troubled by minefields but still making good progress in bright, warm weather that was more akin to spring than the beginning of February. When the Panthers reached the outskirts of Yablonovka, several T-34s appeared, but they were quickly shot up or forced to withdraw by the gunfire from the Panthers. Without losing much time, the German tanks continued toward Zhabinka, which they bypassed, and continued to the Gniloi Tikich River. The river was reached at noon, at Bushanka. The tanks could not cross, but the Panzer grenadiers established a bridgehead.517
Within six hours, Kampfgruppe Frank had advanced 15 kilometers, through mud, minefields, and prepared enemy defenses. Contact was established with the 16th Panzer Division, which had also reached Bushanka, and preparations for the continuation of the offensive were made. Bridges over the Gniloi Tikich River were of paramount importance, and as yet only one that could carry tanks had been taken undamaged. It was decided to send the entire Panzer Regiment Bäke over the bridge at Frankovka.518
Somewhat later than Kampfgruppe Bäke and Kampfgruppe Frank, at 07.15hrs, von der Medens’ 17th Panzer Division began to attack. As it was weak in tanks, it had been assigned to protect the northern flank of Breith’s relief attack. Kampfgruppe Fink advanced just north of the II./Pz.Rgt. 23 Panther Battalion of Bäke’s group. It made good progress, but could not quite match the pace of the Panthers, especially when it encountered strong resistance near Stepok. The 305th Infantry Regiment (from 198th Division) and the few operational tanks from Kampfgruppe Pietsch had orders to take the hamlet of Tolstyye Rogi, which was accomplished just before noon. The tanks replenished ammunition and fuel, before setting off toward Bosovka. Also, Kampfgruppe Fink, which had broken the resistance at Stepok, reached Bosovka in the afternoon. Together with the tanks of Kampfgruppe Pietsch, the southern half of the village was taken, but fighting still continued in the northern parts at dusk.519
Before Bäke could shift all his tanks to Frankovka, a sudden threat appeared. Many of his tanks had bunched up on the south bank of the Gniloi Tikich River, close to the destroyed bridge at Bushanka. Suddenly a number of Soviet assault guns emerged on the other side of the river, which was not particularly wide. The German tankers estimated that it was 17 assault guns and promptly opened fire on them. According to German claims, all 17 assault guns were knocked out.520
Bäke was able to begin to shift the rest of his Kampfgruppe toward the bridgehead at Frankovka, held by II./Pz.Rgt. 23. However, supply difficulties again began to plague his units. Soviet forces in the Bosovka area harassed the supply route for his Kampfgruppe. Neither did the air supply he asked for materialize, forcing him to send some of his tanks back, to ensure that at least some supplies arrived at his forward units.
Another problem was that the bridge captured at Frankovka seemed not to be strong enough to carry Tigers. It was unthinkable that any risks should be taken with the only major bridge over the Gniloi Tikich River that had been captured undamaged. A closer inspection of the river and its banks suggested that it might be possible to find a ford. When track marks were found where Soviet tanks had previously forded the river, it was decided to make an attempt. Under Soviet artillery fire, the first Tiger made it through the Gniloi Tikich River and was soon followed by the rest. Together with the Panthers already across the river, defenses were solidified on the northern side.521
In the meantime, Kampfgruppe Frank had consolidated its positions in Bushanka. Frank and Bäke met in Bushanka and discussed the situation. It was decided that Kampfgruppe Bäke should continue through the bridgehead at Frankovka, while Kampfgruppe Frank attacked along the southern bank of the Gniloi Tikich River, toward Lisyanka. An infantry company was to hold the small bridgehead, supported by the guns from a Panther company during the night, as it was expected that 16th Panzer Division would have occupied the northern bank by the morning of 12 February. The other elements of Kampfgruppe Frank would continue east, hoping to capture a bridge at Lisyanka by a surprise attack at night.522
A supply center was established at Bushanka, and the Germans found a dressing station that the Soviet forces had hastily abandoned. It was well provided with medicines and other equipment. The prisoners taken thus far were sent into a damaged church, where they were guarded by 10 German soldiers.
Fuel and ammunition were urgently required. Already by 15.40hrs, Frank radioed that he urgently needed more fuel, but the combination of the thaw and the remaining pockets of resistance behind the Panzers, conspired to make resupply difficult. Perhaps the supply situation was one of the reasons behind Frank’s decision to attack Lisyanka in the night, rather than immediately.523
In darkness, Frank deployed his Panthers for the attack toward Lisyanka, which was a rather drawn-out town, divided by the Gniloi Tikich River. There was a road running from Bushanka to Lisyanka, which served well as a navigation aid in the darkness. Without being hindered by Soviet opposition, the German tanks reached within a few hundred meters of the southeastern outskirts of Lisyanka. Lieutenant-Colonel Frank rolled forward in his Panther, which carried the designation “R01,” and gave the order to attack:524 “Kampfgruppe takes Lisyanka on the move; 1st company to the left of the main road, 2nd company to the right. 3rd company follows, Panzer grenadiers remain on the tanks as long as possible, wedge on right wing, to protect the flank.”
The Panthers quickly lined up for the attack and rapidly closed the distance to the village. When they were about 30 meters from the first buildings, they encountered Soviet resistance in the form of tanks and antitank guns. However, the Germans had the advantage of surprise, and the Panthers from 1st Company quickly rolled over the Soviet defenses. Only one or two Soviet guns had time to open fire. Somewhat later, 2nd Company met similar defenses, which were equally quickly defeated. German losses were negligible, but when continuing into Lisyanka, after letting the Panzer grenadiers jump off, the Panthers ran into a minefield. First Sergeant Bohlken’s tank was put out of action, quickly followed by Sergeant Schäfer’s. Also Frank’s adjutant, Captain von Lüttichau, had his tanks put out of action by mine damage. The tempo was lost and a bitter house-to-house fight ensued.525
Frank was well aware that with the current ground conditions it would take too much time to build a new bridge, if none in Lisyanka were taken intact. Over the radio he ordered “Ciliox—quickly toward the bridge.” Lieutenant Ciliox continued forward, but the Soviet defenders, who had by now recovered from their initial surprise, fired from tanks, antitank guns, field guns, antitank rifles, and other weapons. Nevertheless, Ciliox battled on, but the resistance slowed his tanks. Finally he saw the bridge and immediately moved toward it. His Panther was just about to move onto the bridge when it blew up. He would have to find another way to cross the river.526