#0705_01 II SS PzK - July 5: The SS Attack - Kursk Southern Front

The Vorskla River, North West of Belgorod: July 5th, 1943. (Scenario Size: Korp. Head to Head or Team Play, German Human vs Soviet AI) The II SS Panzer Korp was to be 4th Panzerarmee's shock force in Operation Citadel. Flanked on the left by XXXXVIII Panzer Korp and III Panzer Korp to the right, the SS were expected to smash through the Soviet defences and then turn towards Kursk to the north. The SS began their campaign advancing at 1am July 5th with the aim of clearing Hill 228.6 and its artillery observers who could seriously disrupt the German operation that was to begin at dawn. This scenario covers the first day's operation for II SS Panzer Korp. Surprisingly the full weight of the Korp was not used during July 5th. Each SS Division grouped its panzer regiment and SPW battalion as well as other mobile elements into a Panzergruppe that was to only be committed once a breach had been made in the Russian lines. The attacking panzer grenadiers were to be supported by StuG's, Marder self-propelled AT guns and Tiger tanks. All were expected to help bust the Soviet bunkers. The Soviets had built a number of fortified lines laced with pillboxes and bunkers as well as liberal minefields and extensive anti-tank trenches. Operating on a narrow frontage, II SS Panzer Korp had to commit its regiments individually and batter its way through the Russian defences. By the end of the day, 52nd Guards Rifle Division had been pushed out of the first line of emplacements, but the German's ran out of daylight to attempt to breach 51st Guards Rifle Division in the second fortified line.