Invasion of Russia
The 18th Panzer Division first saw action during the German invasion of Russia, Operation Barbarossa, on 22 June 1941. When the 18th Panzer Division crossed the Bug River underwater on 22 June, with submersible tanks, it marked the first time in World War II submersible tanks were used in combat. The 18th Panzer Division fought as part of LXVII Panzer Corps, and over the next six months was involved in seizing Smolensk, Bryansk, and the assault on Tula. However, like the rest of the German Army the 18th Panzer Division was unprepared for the Russian winter and was driven back to Oryol in January 1942 with heavy losses.
Read more about this topic: 18th Panzer Division (Germany)
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