Desperate Measures - Staszow (FOTR Version) - The Matrix Games version of East Front II

Location Staszów, Poland. A few weeks ago a last German counterattack to eliminate the Sandomierz bridgehead, further to the south, failed! As a result, the Soviets were able to launch a powerfull armoured attack from the area. The defending troops of Herman Göring Panzer division were unable to contain this attack and had to fall back in fear of being cut off. With much of Armeegruppe 'Mitte' destroyed, German high command began diverting troops from other sectors to fill up the gaps and to hold the Soviet steamroller. Part of the reinforcements came in the form of 16th Panzer Division which was being refreshed in the area of Warzaw. It was rushed towards the little town of Staszów near the Vistula river. Since XXXXVIII Panzer Korps put great emphasis on containing the rush of 3rd Guards Tank Army to the north, it allocated the newly reformed Schwere Panzer Abteilung 501 (Königstigers) to the division. Unknowing to the Germans, the Soviets also put great effort in this attack and had likewise reinforced 6th Guards Tank Corps with the 71st Independent Heavy Tank Regiment (IS-2). But getting there was the Germans' first worry! With the Luftwaffe unable to wrestle control of the skies, the Soviet Iluyshins were preying on everything that moved on the ground! But speed was essential, so they continued on...