The Martinofen

Dominating the Krasny Oktyabr factory complex, the mammoth Hall 4 was the lynchpin of the Soviet defense. The enterprising Soviets had turned the factory’s 14 recessed “Martin Ovens” into a series of impregnable fortresses, interconnected with tunnels. From the eastern side of the building the occupiers could bring …

1942-11-11

RO4

Dominating the Krasny Oktyabr factory complex, the mammoth Hall 4 was the lynchpin of the Soviet defense. The enterprising Soviets had turned the factory’s 14 recessed “Martin Ovens” into a series of impregnable fortresses, interconnected with tunnels. From the eastern side of the building the occupiers could bring deadly fire on any enemy attempt to move eastward toward the Volga. When Operation HUBERTUS began early on the morning of 11 November, the Soviets were still firmly ensconced in the cavernous building. German combat engineers were given the task of dislodging Hall 4’s stubborn defenders. To help pave the way for the assault, a powerful demolition charge was strategically positioned, timed to go off after a preparatory artillery bombardment.

Stalingrad, Russia

In the Battle of Stalingrad, Germany and its allies fought the Soviet Union for control of the city of Stalingrad in Southern Russia. Marked by fierce close-quarters combat and direct assaults on civilians in air raids, it is one of the bloodiest battles in the history of warfare, with an estimated 2 million total casualties. After their defeat at Stalingrad, the German High Command had to withdraw considerable military forces from the Western Front to replace their losses.

German

Russian

Scenario Type = Standard