Cat's Cradle

The German summer offensive know as CITADEL came as no surprise to STAVKA. Several layers of defensive networks had been prepared. Given the nature of the terrain in central Russia, any large armored thrusts would encounter chokepoints near strategic towns. One of these was the hilltop enclave …

1943-07-05

AP066

The German summer offensive know as CITADEL came as no surprise to STAVKA. Several layers of defensive networks had been prepared. Given the nature of the terrain in central Russia, any large armored thrusts would encounter chokepoints near strategic towns. One of these was the hilltop enclave of Cherkasskoye, a key link in the first chain of Soviet defenses. All that General Otto von Knobelsdorff could do was to throw the armored might of Panzer-Korps XLVIII at the Russian trench lines. Panzer-Brigade 10, equipped with 200 brand new Panther tanks, would provide the hammer blow needed to gain the momentum for a drive towards Kursk.

Cherkasskoye, Russia

The Battle of Kursk was a Second World War engagement between German and Soviet forces on the Eastern Front near Kursk in the Soviet Union, during July and August 1943. The battle began with the launch of the German offensive Operation Citadel, on 5 July, which had the objective of pinching off the Kursk salient with attacks on the base of the salient from north and south simultaneously. After the German offensive stalled on the northern side of the salient, on 12 July the Soviets commenced their Kursk Strategic Offensive Operation with the launch of Operation Kutuzov against the rear of the German forces in the northern side. On the southern side, the Soviets also launched powerful counterattacks the same day, one of which led to a large armoured clash, the Battle of Prokhorovka. On 3 August, the Soviets began the second phase of the Kursk Strategic Offensive Operation with the launch of Operation Polkovodets Rumyantsev against the German forces in the southern side of the Kursk salient.

German

Russian

Scenario Type = Standard