HSG KSK Front in Flames - Combat Mission: Barbarossa to Berlin

13 July, 1943. Mtsensk, Russia. While the 5th Panzer Division was slowing the Soviet advance, on the northern shoulder of the Orel bulge, the Soviets attacked at the east end. This time the 3rd and 63rd Armies would attack towards Orel. Somewhere the Germans must be weakened. This attack was in the same area that Colonel Katukov, had so long ago, in 1941, used the T-34 in brigade strength with such effect. Both Katukov and the Soviet armored forces had come a long way. So battle was joined once again near Mtsensk. The Bryansk Front 3rd and 63rd Armies began to break through and the Germans committed their reserves. The 2nd and 8th Panzer Divisions were sent to the area to stop the Soviet thrust. The Soviets then committed their own reserves. The 1st Guards Tank Corps was ordered into the small breach at mid-day on the 13th of July. The stage was set for these armored forces to fight over old battlegrounds. The front would soon be in flames yet again.