** A Battle of Encirclement - The Matrix Games version of East Front II

[This scenario is intended to be played with the Blitzkrieg EFII expansion pack installed]: Roslavl, Russia; [Best Played vs Human Opponent or as Team Game]; "Bayerlein, the thing we have planned for is not coming off. The other thing is being done, lower down - you understand?" These words were said by Guderian after receiving news that the attack on Moscow will be put on hold regardless of the fact that Guderian was, and had been, poised to strike towards Moscow at any moment. The 'other thing' referred to Hitler's insistence of driving into the Ukraine. The new operational directives for Guderians 2. Panzer Corps was to drive into the rear of the Soviet Fifth Army beyond the Dnepr and to both sides of Kiev. The first task of the Panzer Corps was the seizure of Roslavl. Roslavl, a small city on the Oster River, would prove to be a genuine battle of encirclement. The plan was simple. Two infantry corps would attack along the frontline while 4. Panzer Division would pierce into the Russian rear and link up with the 292. Infantry Division on the east side of Roslavl, thereby encircling en masse Russian troops. The 292. Infantry Division was allocated vast amounts of artillery, self-propelled guns and rockets to ensure success. The Russians with 4 infantry Divisions and remnants of the 104th tank Divisions were to hold firm in the forests around Roslavl, ensuring the Germans fought for every inch of ground taken.