Desperate Dash

Attacking across a broad front, the Soviet winter offensive known as Operation Mars had some early penetrations far behind the lines of the German 9th Army. Unfortunately many of these breakthroughs could not be supported in the face of tough German resistance, often resulting in large formations …

1942-11-28

J049

Attacking across a broad front, the Soviet winter offensive known as Operation Mars had some early penetrations far behind the lines of the German 9th Army. Unfortunately many of these breakthroughs could not be supported in the face of tough German resistance, often resulting in large formations being cut off and chopped to pieces. One such force was the 3rd Guards Cavalry Division.

Zherebetso, Russia

Operation Mars, also known as the Second Rzhev-Sychevka Offensive Operation, was the codename for an offensive launched by Soviet forces against German forces during World War II. It took place between 25 November and 20 December 1942 around the Rzhev salient in the vicinity of Moscow. The offensive was a joint operation of the Soviet Western Front and Kalinin Front co-ordinated by Georgy Zhukov. The offensive was one in a series of particularly-bloody engagements that are collectively known in Soviet and Russian histories as the Battles of Rzhev, which occurred near Rzhev, Sychevka and Vyazma between January 1942 and March 1943. The battles became known as the "Rzhev meat grinder" for their huge losses, particularly on the Soviet side. For many years, they were relegated to a footnote in Soviet military history.

Russian

German

Scenario Type = Standard