Prelude to Destruction - The Matrix Games version of East Front II

Letornovski, S of Minsk: [Best played against Human opponent] In late June 1944, the Soviets began Operation Bagration and what eventually would be known as the "Destruction of Army Group Center." The main objective of this offensive was the city of Minsk. Should it be captured, numerous German units would be hopelessly cut off. One of the key routes for the German retreat was via the Stolbtsky Highway, which ran behind a series of low ridges then crossed the Berezina River south of Minsk. By the end of June, the much overworked and understrength German 170th Infantry Division had been overwhelmed by elements of the Fifth Guards Army. The survivors took to their heels and attempted to patch together a defense along the last line of ridges overlooking the vital escape route to Minsk. Having overrun the garrison at Letornovski, the Russians next prepared to assault the hurriedly organized defenses overlooking the German lines of communications in this sector. (This is our version of the classic Squad Leader's scenario, "Hill 621".)