0715_02 Encirclement of Smolensk - Optional Para Drop - PzC 01 Smolensk '41

Smolensk, July 15th, 1941: Just over a week has passed since the Germans crossed the Dnepr River. Now the second phase of the Smolensk operation opens with an attempt to take Smolensk itself. PanzerGruppe 3 is deep in the rear north of Smolensk and PanzerGruppe 2 on the southern fringes of the city itself. The Germans were poised to bag yet another large pocket of the Red Army. The German units while strong, are spread out and deep in the enemy rear with large gaps on their flanks. This scenario, while not as large as a full Campaign is a larger scenario covering two and a half days of fighting during this critical stage of the battle. In this "What-If" scenario, the German parachute attack on Crete never occurred. Instead, the parachute troops will be dropped here in an attempt to cut off Smolensk. [13,000 sq Km - 25 Turns]