23 May, 2024
The military of the 503rd Marine Battalion told about their participation in the battles for Krynki in the Kherson region. They also shared details of some operations conducted on the left bank of the Dnipro River.
A video about the battalion’s participation in the battles was published on the Butusov Plus YouTube channel.
According to military correspondents, the established bridgehead, where defensive lines were also constructed, is constantly under fire. Due to their close proximity to the enemy, the boatmen transporting military personnel and equipment face intense enemy pressure.
In addition, there were instances when the Ukrainian military abandoned their boats and swam to shore due to heavy shelling by the invaders. The soldiers of the 503rd Battalion set up a stabilization point on the shore, where they provided aid to the seriously wounded before transporting them to the right bank of the river.
According to one of the soldiers with the call sign “Kara”, in some parts of the distance between the positions of the Ukrainian defenders and the enemy reached even 50 meters. Despite this, the enemy continued to carry out artillery attacks, which also harmed his forces.
Due to the successful offensive actions of the defense forces, this distance increased to 900 meters.
Hitting the enemy’s manpower with drop munitions from the drone. Photo credits: 503rd Marine Battalion
According to one of the Ukrainian soldiers, the enemy made an attempt to carry out offensive actions with the involvement of 10 units of heavy equipment, among which were tanks and BMP-3, in January, 2024. Then, due to the poor organization of the offensive, and well-built Ukrainian defense, the Russians’ assault failed. All 10 units of equipment were destroyed by combined strikes by Ukrainian drones and artillery.
The 503rd battalion tried to ferry military equipment, only two attempts were successful. During the first attempt, the soldiers successfully transferred the Swedish floating armored personnel carrier of the BvS family. However, halfway through, the vehicle ran out of fuel. The driver then took out two canisters, climbed onto the roof of the vehicle, which was in the water at the time, and refueled it.
Enemy positions near the bridgehead. Photo credits: 503rd Marine Battalion
This vehicle was effectively used by the military to transport wounded, ammunition, provisions that were lacking on the front lines. The military of the 503rd Battalion also made an attempt to ferry BMP-3, but failed, according to the military with the call sign “Krasavchik”.
BvS 206 tracked armored personnel carriers. Photo credits: 503rd Marine Battalion
He also added that BMP-3, unlike the Swedish armored personnel carrier BvS, uses water jets to move through the water, not tracks. Because of this, while driving, it traveled 100 meters, after which it got stuck in a mule and returned.
BvS 206 tracked armored personnel carriers. Photo credits: 503rd Marine Battalion
In total, the Swedish armored personnel carrier managed to work 10 days under fire, and the Viking armored personnel carrier only 4 days, after which they were destroyed by the enemy. Despite the loss during this time, they made many crossings day and night, supporting logistics at the bridgehead.
Currently, the military continues to defend the bridgehead. In addition, they manage to expand it and push back the enemy.
Previously, Militarnyi reported about a special operation of special forces, due to which a tactical bridgehead was created on the left bank of the Kherson region, near the settlements of Krynki and Kozachi Laheri.
“Currently, the military continues to defend the bridgehead. In addition, they manage to expand it and push back the enemy.”
The performance of the Ukrainians on the left bank continues to astonish, considering the difficulties in their logistic system, having to cross the very wide river.
At this point, I would like to say that maybe it would be a good idea to cross it only during the night or when it’s foggy.
It also would be a good idea for Nato to provide the brave Marines with Hoovercraft, which can cross the river very fast, without the risk of getting stuck in mud, and then can onload soldiers and cargo at a better protected spot, not directly at the bank. There’s commercial Hoovercraft in all sizes, many well suited forcthe task, available in the West. If Nato doesn’t manage to provide such vehicles, there needs to be a fund drive for purchasing them. This is important! Reduce the time needed to cross the river and save many lifes! 🤨
Btw: “After the first SLEP LCAC reached its 30 years design service age in 2015, it was to gradually be retired. In 2019, at which point the inventory of LCACs had fallen to 50, the USN began receiving the new Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC), the LCAC-100.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landing_Craft_Air_Cushion
What happened to those retired medium/large Hoovercraft, with a capacity that would allow transport of T-64, T-72, Bradleys, Strykers and Gepards? Aren’t they still gathering dust somewhere in the US? 🤔
What else, Mr. Gray. We have enough stuff gathering dust and rust to supply the next two biggest armies.
Right you are!
But, personally, I don’t really want to think about all the stuff NATO could give to Ukraine, Mr. Gray, because when I compare that with what they get, I get depressed and angry at the same time.
Oh my, my friend, I know that feeling oh so well. ☹