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#43_0811_05: Operation Rumyantsev - Second Phase - PzC 26 Rumyantsev '43

#43_0811_05: Operation Rumyantsev - Second Phase Image
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#43_0811_05: Operation Rumyantsev - Second Phase

By Daniel Asensio
Soviet 0 - 0 - 0 Germany
Rating: 0 (0)
Games Played: 0
SM: 8
Turns: 123
Type: Stock
First Side: Soviet
Second Side: Germany
Date: August 11th, 1943 - Size: Campaign - Location: Kharkov area

Designer Notes: This is the second phase of Operation Rumyantsev. This scenario describes the final Soviet push that led to the capture of the city of Kharkov and the German counterattack on Bogodukhov.

Scenario Briefing: After breaking through the German front at the start of Operation Rumyantsev, the Soviet armies concentrated on eliminating the Tomarovka-Borisovka pocket and on the liberation of the city of Belgorod. German troops of both PzAOK.4 and Armee-Abteilung Kempf began a difficult retreat both to the west and to the city of Kharkov, leaving a large hole between them. The Soviets seized this opportunity, launching their armored units, the 1st Tank Army and the 5th Guards Tank Army, across the gap to split the German front in two. They were directed toward the important railway line between Poltava-Kharkov, the capture of which would further isolate the city of Kharkov. For this purpose they left infantry units to put an end to the pockets of resistance both in Borisovka-Tomarovka and in Belgorod. The risk to Soviet command was evident, as armored units advanced far ahead of infantry units. German command received two clear directives: To defend the city of Kharkov and to recover the initiative. To accomplish both, they planned a counterattack in the area of Bogodukhov, repositioning armored units from different parts of the front. The plan was to concentrate south of Bogodukhov with the SS Divisions Totenkopf, Das Reich and Viking which together with the 3rd Panzer Division would form the III.Pzk and launch an attack northwards towards Akhtyrka and Bogodukhov. In the north near Akhtyrka, the XXVI.PzK would be formed by the Grossdeutchsland, recently moved from Orel, and the 7th Panzer and 10th Panzergrenadier Divisions. These would attack from the north in the direction of the Merla and Bogodukhov rivers. The objective was to regain the initiative, destroy the Soviet tank armies and close the hole between the PzAOK.4 and Armee-Abteilung Kempf, later called AOK.8. The key factor was the time required to concentrate the units that would participate in the attack while the Soviets continued to advance. Historically, the Germans could not concentrate the XXIV.PzK in time to attack simultaneously with the III.PzK, so the latter attacked alone, the XXIV.PzK following days later. The city of Kharkov was bitterly defended until Hitler permitted a retreat, but not before ordering its complete destruction.

Recommended Rules: (Default)
Alternative Assault Resolution, Artillery Set Up, Recon Spotting, Virtual Supply Trucks, Low Visibility Air Effects, Quality Fatigue Modifier, Counterbattery Fire, Night Fatigue, Programmed Weather, Limited Air Recon.