#0709_01 XXXXVIII Pz Korp - July 9 - Kursk Southern Front

Verkhopen'ye, South of Oboyan: July 9th, 1943. (Scenario Size: Korp. Head to Head or Team Play, German Human vs Soviet AI) XXXXVIII Panzer Korp's breaching of the Soviet second defensive line at Dubrova on the 7th had allowed both Großdeutschland and 11th Panzer Division to push along the highway towards Oboyan and start to clear the eastern bank of the Pena River. 3rd Panzer Division was still clearing resistance in Lukhanino and was struggling to cross the Pena at any point. Von Knobelsdorff planned a bold strike to the west with Großdeutschland after clearing Verkhopen'ye. It was hoped that a strong push in this direction would convince the Soviets to abandon the Pena River bend and shorten the flank that was pinning 3rd Panzer Division. 11th Panzer Division was to attack on the right flank of the Panzer Korp advancing along a river valley to Suko Solotino and turning the flank of the defending 3rd Mechanized Corp. In tandem Großdeutschland's Panzer Regiment was to push along the western side of the Oboyan highway clearing the heights and preventing any Soviet disruption to 11th Panzer's advance. Unfortunately as had happened nearly every day since July 5th, lack of co-ordination bedevilled Großdeutschland's attacks and very few units were in position to attack at the time required.