loki100
Posts: 10920
Joined: 10/20/2012 From: Utlima Thule Status: offline
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T61-T63: 13 August – 2 September 1942 "Ni shagu nazad"[1] For two weeks an unexpected lull fell over central Russia. The massive Soviet redeployment seemed to confuse the Germans, or, more plausibly, came at a moment when their assault troops were exhausted. The result was that the complex redeployment of Bryansk and Stalingrad Fronts went ahead unhindered and Stavka was able to pull the equivalent of 5 extra armies into reserve. By Mid-August, it was clear the Germans had decided to eliminate the Soviet positions at Ryazan before their next step. (German build up – don't think there was much ambiguity or attempt to hide what they were planning) Despite having spent months building up the defensive belts in this sector it seemed clear that the Germans had overwhelming force and that any attempt at a sustained defense would simply see more men lost. With that in mind Stavka allowed Leningrad and Western Fronts to weaken their front lines and pull back the bulk of their armies towards the Oka. By the end of August, this decision was fully vindicated as a massive German infantry and Panzer attack swept over the Soviet positions. (ummh, that was a real surprise) It was estimated that components of 5 German armies consisting of 6 Panzer Corps and at least 9 Infantry Corps had taken part in the operation. However, the critical city of Ryazan remained in Soviet hands as 1 Shock Army prepared for its defence to the last man. Equally, the great bulk of both Fronts retreated over the Oka in good order into long prepared positions and their losses in the recent battles were quickly made up with reinforcements drawn from reserve. Here, above all, the meaning of the recent order of the day was made clear at every level of the Red Army. The Oka was the last barrier before Moscow, there was no more space to retreat. If the Germans managed to cross they must be thrown back. If they managed to create a bridgehead then the river bank to their flanks was to be held. Leningrad and Western Fronts were committed to a final defense of the southern approach to Moscow at all costs as order number 227 was read out to all ranks. (24 Army defensive lines on the Pronya) However, Stavka was not content to remain on the defensive. The retreat to the Volga had allowed the creation of a new strategic reserve. With this in mind, 4 Shock, 4 Tank and 55 Armies had secretly deployed in the woods behind Vyshny Volochek. Even as the Germans tore apart the Soviet lines on the Pronya, the Red Army embarked on its most ambitious operation of the war. The German 50 Corps was well dug in and protected the vital rail junction of Bologoe [2], but air reconnaissance confirmed there were no reserves and that German fighter cover was deployed further south to cover any renewal of the Larna offensives. With this in mind, even as 4 Shock filed through Vyshny Volochek to secure the north bank of the Shlina, and 55 Army struck at Kaftina, all 3 brigades of 5 Airborne were committed to cut the main rail lines [3]. However, the operation was probably too ambitious. While 4 Shock burst through the German lines, 55 Army was held at Kaftina. [4] Despite this, the lead tanks of 4Tank Army were able to exploit the victory of 4 Shock, cross the Shlina and join up with the paratroopers at Firovo. (elements of 4 Shock Army west of Vyshny Volochek) Stavka believed that AGN had no operational reserves so the only way to seal off the Soviet breakout would be to weaken their forces elsewhere. Equally this localised offensive might force the Germans to divert formations from their offensive on the Oka. OOB and Losses In these three weeks, the Germans lost some 26,000 men, 72 tanks and 120 aircraft. Soviet losses were 137,000 men, 650 tanks (mostly T-60 and T-70s) and 670 aircraft. Even worse, partisan reports [5] indicated a new German tank was being moved up to the front lines. [1] "Not one step back" [2] If I can take Bologoe and the rail line to it and back to Vyshny Volochek, then I really ease my supply problems on the Tveritsa. Also given the nature of the terrain, I have a reasonable chance of being able to hold onto my gains. In the longer term, a bulge in this sector increases my chances of retaking Torzhok and Kalinin as well as being something of a threat to the rear of the German units north of Moscow. [3] All have landed unready but not as depleted, even doing the drops in daylight, I was able to fend off the limited German fighter interference. Those at Firovo may even survive to fight again, I presume the brigade near Valdai is doomed. [4] This confirmed what I've suspected, even with my best units I can't really risk marginal attacks but if both had worked I might have been able to slip in tank corps deep into the German lines. [5] Well actually this was mentioned in an email - as if I don't have enough problems
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