Hill 621

In late June 1944, the Soviets began what eventually would be known as the “Destruction of Army Group Center”. The key to this offensive was the city of Minsk. Should it be captured, numerous German formations would be hopelessly cut off. One of the vital routes for the German retreat …

1944-07-01

E

In late June 1944, the Soviets began what eventually would be known as the “Destruction of Army Group Center”. The key to this offensive was the city of Minsk. Should it be captured, numerous German formations would be hopelessly cut off. One of the vital routes for the German retreat was via Stolbtsky Highway which ran behind a series of low ridges and then crossed the Berezina River south of Minsk. On July 1st, the much overworked and understrength German 170th Infantry Division was 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 escape route to Minsk. The Russians, in probing for a weakness in the German line, had managed to overrun the German-held village of Letornovski and were boiling towards the ridges. Hurriedly gathered German reinforcements were converging in an attempt to patch up the line and hold Hill 621, key to the defense.

Minsk, Russia

The Minsk offensive (Russian: Минская наступательная операция) was part of the second phase of the Belorussian strategic offensive of the Red Army in summer 1944, commonly known as Operation Bagration. The Red Army encircled the German Fourth Army in the city of Minsk. Hitler ordered the Fourth Army to hold fast, declaring the city to be a fortified place (fester Platz) and defended even if encircled. The Soviet 5th Guards Tank Army attacked from the north-east, while the 2nd Guards Tank Corps moved in from the east, and the 65th Army advanced from the south. About 100,000 Axis soldiers from the Fourth and Ninth Armies were encircled, of whom some 40,000 were killed and most of the rest captured. The result was a complete victory for the Red Army, the liberation of Minsk, and the rapid destruction of much of the German Army Group Centre.

Russian

German

Scenario Type = Standard