0708_01s The Drive on Smolensk_Alt - PzC 01 Smolensk '41

As the German Army closed the pocket around most of Western Fronts Armies near Minsk, both Col.Gen. Guderian and Col.Gen. Hoth turned their eyes toward their primary object, Smolensk. Hitler, worried that the panzers would advance too far too fast, ordered them to halt and help the infantry reduce the pocket. Guderian and Hoth, were convinced that Smolensk, along with Vitebsk, could be captured quickly before the Red Army had a chance to dig in on the east banks of the Dnepr and Dvina Rivers. Against orders, they continued to advance. Brushing aside the Soviet counterattack at Lepel, they stood ready to capture prize. (83,300 sq km - 168 Turns, Explicit Supply)