xhoel
Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017 From: Germany Status: offline
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AGS The Soviets have carpeted the Stalingrad sector with whatever units they had available it seems. However both intelligence and recon report that most of these units are of low quality and won't be able to hinder a strong push. This is also assisted by interdiction from the IV and V Fliegerkorps which hindered the Soviets from reinforcing the sector strongly. The week begins with enlarging the corridor on the Volga. The Soviets forces here are pushed back after a strong attack by 3 divisions. We lose 26 bombers to enemy air interceptors even though they were well escorted. With this task completed, our armored units push back Soviet forces closest to the bridgehead to allow safe crossings for the infantry divisions. Attacks continue in the north as Soviet formations keep faltering to attacks from the III Panzer Corps. At the same time, the 6th Army launches heavy attacks west of Stalingrad to clear the positions and allow the rest of the 1st Panzer Army to move. After heavy attacks, supported by heavy bombing from the IV and V Fliegerkorps, the armored units have secured Dubovka and reached the Volga meeting up with the 3rd Panzer Division and sealing the Stalingrad pocket. A testament to the heavy fighting is the number of AFVs lost by the 1st Panzer Army: 51 tanks and 11 AC and SPs were destroyed while many more AFVs were damaged in the process. Inside the pocket there are 3 Tank Brigades, 6 Rifle Divisions (low TOE and quality), 2 Guards Rifle divisions, 3 Rifle Brigades, 1 Motorized Brigade, 2 Rifle Corps (one of them is a Guard formation), 1 Fortified Region, 1 Light Gun Brigade as well as 3 Army Hqs: 38th Army (GP Konstantin Rokossovsky), 9th Army (GM Vasily Yushkevich) and the 52nd Army (GL Ivan Fedyuninsky). This totals to around 150k men (average estimate) trapped in the pocket. The enemy may breach the pocket as it is not air tight yet. The Soviets have plenty of reserves nearby and we have lost track of 4 Tank Corps which where in the sector a week ago. Hopefully the pocket will hold and the battle for taking Stalingrad proper can begin. Stalingrad sector start of the week: Stalingrad during fighting: Stalingrad after Axis moves:
Battle on the Volga banks circled in black above. Notice the heavy air losses even though they were escorted: Soviet commanders and their HQs trapped in the pocket: Further to the south, the enemy has pulled back once more. The Soviets have even abandoned the port of Tuapse. The 17th Army is on their heels and 2 Corps have been positioned ready for attacks next week. The Rum. Cavalry Corps pushes a 30 miles gap in the Soviet defenses. We are slowly making progress in the Caucasus mountain range as well, as the mountain divisions are marching towards Sukhumi. Caucasus sector start of the week: Caucasus sector after Axis moves: AGS after Axis moves overview:
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< Message edited by xhoel -- 3/9/2020 1:24:57 PM >
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