#0202_06_Road to Ol'khovatka - Deutschland's Desperate Defence - PzC 19 Kharkov 43

Road to Ol'khovatka - Feb 2nd 1943. The northern wing of 3rd Tank Army burst out of the Urazovo bridgehead in the early hours of February 2nd. With 2 Guards and 1 Rifle Division it was expected that the porous German line could be breached quickly and the key town of Ol'khovatka reached by the evening. Despite being heavily outnumbered, SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment Deutschland managed to hold the key villages of Borki and Kozinka for the bulk of the day. It was not until they were threatened with encirclement that they pulled back. The German defense was so successful that 12th & 15th Tank Corps had to be released prematurely to get the Soviet offensive back on track. (Size, Medium) This is a scenario that can be played in any configuration, HTH or against the AI. Watch the road network! The SS made a stand at both Kozinka and Borki but were ultimately forced to pull out as the Soviets flanked these positions. It is easy to find units having to go cross country in deep snow because their exit road has been cut. The German player has the advantage of a number of armored and mechanized units that can move much more freely than the Soviet infantry. The Soviet has might on his side with the ability to pressure the German player anywhere he decides to make a stand.