Rzhev

The Soviet counter-offensive in December 1941 sent the German Wehrmacht reeling back from the outskirts of Moscow. In a pincer move on the Northern front near Rzhev, the Soviets bludgeoned their way through the Ninth Army, leaving the Germans in …

1942-01-26

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The Soviet counter-offensive in December 1941 sent the German Wehrmacht reeling back from the outskirts of Moscow. In a pincer move on the Northern front near Rzhev, the Soviets bludgeoned their way through the Ninth Army, leaving the Germans in shambles. General of Panzer Troops Walter Model, arguably the Wehrmacht's best defensive tactician, was assigned to the front and miraculously rallied the German troops, closing the gap in the lines, and cutting off a number of Soviet divisions. To reestablish contact with their isolated units, the Soviet 30th Army launched a massive attack against the German front line troops of the Das Reich's "Der Führer" that occupied the villages of Krutiki, Paikowo, Klepenino, Opjachtino and Kokosch. The Soviets attacked day and night through snowstorms and bitter cold, but the German elite troopers fended off the oncoming Soviets while the Panzers sealed off any breaches in the line.

Rzhev, Russia

The Battles of Rzhev were a series of Soviet operations in World War II between January 8, 1942 and March 31, 1943. Due to the high losses suffered by the Soviet Army, the campaign became known by veterans and historians as the "Rzhev Meat Grinder". During the Soviet winter counter-offensive of 1941, and the Rzhev–Vyazma strategic offensive operation (8 January 1942 – 20 April 1942), German forces were pushed back from Moscow. As a result, a salient was formed along the front line in the direction of the capital, which became known as the Rzhev–Vyazma salient. It was strategically important for the German Army Group Centre due to the threat it posed to Moscow, and was therefore heavily fortified and strongly defended.

Wikipedia: Battles of Rzhev

German

Russian

Game Type: Standard

Board Type: Winter

Website Access: Available