1941: Road to Moscow

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1941: Road to Moscow - 11/20/2017 8:27:00 PM

AngrySwan

Posts: 435
Joined: 10/3/2013
Status: offline

Chapter 1 Lwow - The Overkill

It is June 22 and three German army groups prepare for an attack: AG South will start with taking the Lwow area from the Bolsheviks.

Situation

The Soviets have built a line of observation bunkers along the border; our air recon has spotted large tank masses on the other side; approximately 10 divisions. The Lwow area is not protected by river but heavily defended.

The plan

Battlegroup 1 - 3 infantry divsions, will capture the bridges on the border.
1 security division and 1 flak battalion will secure the bridges while the infantry will advance to Kovel and take it.

Battlegroup 2 - 5 panzer divisions with a recon battalion, rocket artillery regiment, 2 motorised divisions and 2 elite divisions will capture the bridge in the center and advance to Lutsk and then Rovno. 1 infantry division will secure the bridge.

Battlegroup 3 - 4 infantry divisions will cross the river, join in Horokhiv area and then leave 1 division there and advance to the Styr bridge leading to Dubno with the remaining 3 divisions.

Battlegroup 4 - 12 infantry, 2 mountain and 2 security divisions with artillery support - a regiment and a battalion of 105 mm howitzers - will capture Lwow and the area.

There is an engineer battalion in reserve to repair not so important bridges. The bridge near Lutsk must be captured intact.

Air force, 3 bomber brigades and a fighter brigade will provide air support as needed.

The battle

Day 1, June 22. The weather is clear.

Sector 1 - 2 infantry divisions take the bridges to Kowel and attack the fortified area but it withstands the attack.
Sector 2 - 162nd recon battalion captures a bridge overruning its paralilitary guards and 2 infantry divisions cross the river destroying a fortified area. Before the Soviets realise what has happened the whole mechanised force has built a large bridgehead but here they run into another fortified area; the Soviets also send an infantry division.
Sector 3 - exploiting a gap in the line of fortified areas, 2 infantry divisions cross the river.
Sector 4 - 2 bo,ber brigades attack the Soviet divisions on the border. A Soviet artillery corps opens fire on the attacking Germans but is bombed by the third brigade. The Soviets lose 2 infantry divisions and 2 fortified areas; another division retreats with heavy losses. The Soviets send 2 fighter regiments that attack bomber brigade No. 54 - German fighters cannot be everywhere and protect everyone but the bombers survive. Societ tanks are sent to the border in Lwow area.

Results: Soviets are shocked by the attack but everything seems to be under control...

Day 2, June 23. The weather is clear.

Sector 1 - Germans finish off the Soviet fortified area and secure the bridges but a Soviet division is spoted in the area.
Sector 2 - The division Soviets sent to the border cannot stop the attackers and the fortified area blocking the road is also destroyed by PzIVE tanks. 162nd recon leads the column through a forest. 2 Soviet tank divisions spotted north-east from the road. 2 brigades of Ju 88 bombers attack them and 2 divisions of Pz IIIH destroy what is left.
Sector 3 - 2 German divisions encounter a Soviet division and attack it; Soviets retreat.
Sector 4 - a flak battalion and Bf 109 fighter brigade kills most Soviet fighters but both regiments are still operational; even with few planes left. He 111 bombers destroy the Soviet 150 mm artillery. German divisions build a solid line so that enemy tanks cannot sneak through; Soviets lose a fortified area; an infantry division and a tank division; it could not break through the defense line backed by artillery.

Results: Things start looking bad for Soviets although they still have a chance to stop the enemy near Styr and even counter-attack; which they do...

Day 3, June 24. The weather is clear.

(Sector 1) ... but the Ju 88 bombers have nothing more to do in the center and attack the Soviet division in the North as well as a Soviet 150 mm artillery regiment. German infantry divisions destroy the rest of enemies; only a few cross the river but are met by a security division and destroyed there.
Sector 2 - 162th recon spots Soviet forces in Lutsk but the bridge is not protected; a panzer division takes it.
Sector 3 - 4 German divisions destroy the Soviet antitank ambush in the forest and what was left of the Soviet division near the river.
Sector 4 - supported by artillery; German divisions continue to push towards Lwow. 1 Soviet fortified area, 1 tank dviision and 2 infantry divisions destroyed. Bomber brigade 54 is out of bombs and Bf103 fighters finish the remains of one Soviet fighter regiment.

Results: Soviets switch to heroic defense. 2 bridges on the Styr are blown and everyone must hold their positions.

Day 4, June 25. The weather is clear.

Sector 1 - 3 divisions advancing towards Kovel.
Sector 2 - After rocket artillery fore the elite Wiking division and the 25th motorised division destroy the Soviet infantry division in Lutsk. 162nd recon takes the city center and spends the rest of the day resupplying.
Sector 3 - 4 infantry divisions arrive at Horokhiv area after destroying another Soviet fortified area.
Sector 4 - Soviets lose 2 infantry and 2 cvalry dviisions; for the first time large numbers of prisoners are taken, approximately a regiment altogether.
Bombers are inactive, 1 brigade resupplying and 2 returning to base.

Results: The Styr line has fallen but the battle of Lutsk is not over yet!

Day 5, June 26. The weather is clear.

Sector 1 - 2 divisions destroy the defenders of Kovel, an antiair battalion.
Sector 2 - Soviets try to retake Lutsk with 2 divisions of T-26 and 2 motorised divisions but they stand no chance against a panzer army. Each Soviet tank division is attacked by 2 panzer divisions and the Soviet motorised infantry meets a division of Pz IVE, the elite Wiking division and 25th mororized division. 162nd recon is also brought to the fight; destroying a Soviet battalion and losing some 20% of its strength.
Sector 3 - Infantry reaches the Styr bridge that Soviets have blown two days ago. Engineers are on the way.
Sector 4 - While Bf 109 fighters finish the remaining Soviet air force; infantry keeps pushing to Lwow destroying 2 Soviet infantry divisions, a tank division and another fortified area.

Results: The Soviet defenses have collapsed; with only so,e areas still holding.

Day 6, June 27. The weather is clear.

Sector 2 - 162nd recon spots a Soviet tank division in Dubno; after an airstrike it is destroyed by 3 panzer divisions.
Sector 4 - First attack on Lwow; the Soviets lose their last fortified area, a tank division and infantry division. Some German divisions start moving towards Brody and capture a bridge but Lwow has not fallen yet.

Day 7, June 28. The weather is clear.

Kovel taken as well as the bridge north of Lutsk. Last defenders of Lwow - an infantry and a tank division - destroyed. Germans capture a few BT tanks just enough to show to the photographers.

Day 8, June 29. The weather is clear.

Preparing for the final attack on Rovno and marching towards Brody. Besides that; nothing happening; is the war over? Air force even gets a day off...

Day 9, June 30. The weather is clear.

A Soviet division spotted near Lutsk; the city is defended by elite LAH division.

Day 10, July 1. The weather is clear.

162nd recon spots Soviets in Rovno area. The city is defended by an artillery unit. After artillery barrage the city is attacked by Wiking division but the defenders still hold; then comes an airstrike followed by PzIVE attack. 162nd recon takes Rovno. The Soviets have also brought antitank and antiair guns but too late! Pz IIIs attack the march column of the Soviet antitank artillery before they have prepared for defense. Few Soviets survive.

A bomber brigade is sent to Lutsk area to attack the Soviets; after that there would be a counter-attack by LAH and another bomber brigade would finish the remaining Soviets. A Soviet division is encircled in Brody with no chance to escape.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Marechal -- 11/21/2017 7:47:52 AM >

Post #: 1

RE: 1941: Road to Moscow - 11/22/2017 5:06:02 AM

Ronald Wendt

Posts: 1880
Joined: 6/8/2009
Status: offline

Hi Marechal,

thanks for the very detailed report. Its good to be informed about the situation an the Eastern Front. Do you have first statistics of the losses or are those still secret as to not endanger the ongoing operation ?

Were there any photographers among the troops who documented the events ?

Looking forward to the next report.

Regards,

_____________________________

Ronald Wendt
Phobetor website
Phobetor on Facebook

(in reply to AngrySwan)

Post #: 2

RE: 1941: Road to Moscow - 11/22/2017 8:51:34 AM

AngrySwan

Posts: 435
Joined: 10/3/2013
Status: offline

Hi Ronald,

According to updated statistics, Soviets have lost 15 infantry, 2 mechanized and 2 cavalry divisions as well as garrisons of 10 fortified areas. They have also lost 3 artillery corps of 150 mm guns, a 45mm antitank brigade and a 37mm air defense unit in Kowel. All 10 of their tank divisions and 2 fighter regiments have been destroyed.

This statistics does not include the infantry division encircled in Brody, the formation engaging LAH near Lutsk and the partly destroyed antitank and antiair units in Rovno area.

Soldiers have their own cameras and take photos for division newsletters. The professional journalists from the media are assigned to the army group HQ and are invited to photograph prisoners of war or captured weapons as soon as the battles are over and the area is secured.

With Lwow area secured the Romanians can now attack the Soviet forces on the border.

(in reply to Ronald Wendt)

Post #: 3

RE: 1941: Road to Moscow - 11/28/2017 9:40:21 AM

AngrySwan

Posts: 435
Joined: 10/3/2013
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The first day - A photo taken from a He111 flying over the Soviet positions

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Marechal -- 11/28/2017 9:44:35 AM >

(in reply to AngrySwan)

Post #: 4

RE: 1941: Road to Moscow - 12/5/2017 3:32:09 PM

AngrySwan

Posts: 435
Joined: 10/3/2013
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Chapter 2 Kischinau - Romanians Reclaim the Land

While the 1st Tank Army advances towards Kiev, the Romanian and German forces prepare for an attack on Moldova, a disputed area between USSR and Romania. The Soviet divisions stationed here are relaxed and not expecting an attack so they all must be destroyed in 16 days.

The main force will be 2 German battlegroups, each consisting of 3 infantry divisions, a Romanian cavalry brigade as a recon unit and an artillery regiment. One battlegroup will attack in the direction Balti; Soroca and the other one will take Kischinau.
Romanians will deploy 4 battlegroups, each consisting of 2 infantry divisions. One group will advance along Soroca road, it will also have a cavalry brigade. 2 Romanian divisions will protect bridges near Stefanesti and Ungheni until Soroca is blocked and Kischinau taken. Then they will move to Balti and form a battlegroup there. The remaining 4 Romanian divisions with 2 artillery regiments and a cavalry brigade will take Hincesti and then split, 2 divisions moving to Kischinau and 2 to Causeni.
2 bomber and 2 fighter brigades will support the attacking land forces as necessary.

This battle was not very intense so there are some days when nothing happened so they are ommitted from the report.

Day 1, July 7. The weather is clear.

239th German division enters Ungheni and quickly overruns the local mitilia (Soviet police) station while other German divisions prepare for advance. The Romanians launch a major offensive in Hincesti area; attacking the Soviet bunker line with 4 infantry divisions, supported by an artillery regiment, a group of Romanian He 111 bombers and German 27th bomber brigade, also He 111. 3 bunkers are destroyed.
Soviet air force - Il2 bombers and MiG3 fighters - attack the Romanians near Hincesti.

Day 2, July 8. The weather is clear.

Air battles over Hincesti area - German and Romanian fighters destroy the Soviet Migs but Il2 bombers escape. Romanians destroy the last Soviet bunker on the border but do not rush to Hincesti as their force is unsufficient. 1 Soviet infantry and 1 cavalry division also destroyed.
The Soviets counterattack in Stefanesti area with a tank division, a motorised division and an infantry division.

Day 3, July 9. The weather is clear.

All He111 and Romanian fighters return to bases. 3 German infantry divisions with 2 artillery regiment and German fighters destroy a Soviet infantry division and a mechanised division near Stefanesti. In Hincesti Romanian artillery destroys Soviet engineers brought to the city. Romanians do not hurry with taking Hincesti - let the Soviets be dead heroes.
Soviet Il2 attack a Romanian cavalry brigade on Soroca road.

Day 4, July 10. The weather is clear.

German and Romanian fighters destroy the Soviet Il2. 1 Soviet infantry and 1 tank division of BT7 destroyed near Stefanesti. The Romanian artillery destroys a Soviet tank division of T26 in Hincesti.

Day 6, July 12. The weather is clear.

Romanian artillery regiment and an infantry division destroys another Soviet division in Hincesti area.

Day 7, July 13. The weather is clear.

Battle for Balti starts - the city is defended by a Sviet infantry division. 3 German infantry divisions supported by an artillery regiment attack the city but the Soviets hold their position. In the South Germans take the Kischinau fortifications destroying a Soviet tank division of T26 with a combined attack of artillery, He111 airstrike and an infantry division. Romanians destroy an infantry division and airborne division near Hincesti as well as a bunker of the second fortified line.

Day 8, July 14. The weather is clear.

Romanians finally take Hincesti destroying a bunker. Germans continue in the direstion of Kischinay destroying a Soviet antitank brigade. 3 German divisions take Balti destroying the Soviet division there as well as antiair defense regiment.

Day 9, July 15. The weather is clear.

The combined German and Romanian force advancing to Kischinau destroys a Soviet airborne division and a bunker.

Day 11, July 17. The weather is clear.

After artillery barrage the German infantry takes Kischinau destroying a Soviet cavalry division.

Day 12, July 18. The weather is clear.

Soroca blocked and 2 Romanian divisions move from the bridges to Balti. Kischinau is taken but the airfield still holds and the Soviets bring 3 antitank regiments to the city. Germans need 3 infntry divisions, 2 artillery regiments and all He111 bombers to clean the area; a Romanian infantry division and cavalry brigade also helps. The battle of Kischinau is over.
Soroca still holds and AG Antonescu is ahead of schedule so the defenders of Soroca - a mechanised division - are weakened by artillery fire until...

Day 16, July 22. The weather is clear.

... when 3 German divisions take the city destroying th last Soviet force in Moldova.

In this battle the Soviets lost

6 infantry divisions
2 cavalry dviisions
2 mechanized divisions
2 airborne divisions
1 engineer regiment
7 bunkers

4 antitank regiments
2 air defense regiments

3 tank divisions

1 bomber regiment
1 fighter regiment

The Soviets were relaxed - their divisions did not even have full strenght - and their actions were heroic but incompetent, like trying to hold Hincesti at all costs and exposing themselves to artillery fire. The Soviet air force is getting stronger and may very soon turn into a problem that needs attention.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Marechal -- 12/6/2017 4:26:23 PM >

(in reply to AngrySwan)

Post #: 5

RE: 1941: Road to Moscow - 12/5/2017 5:02:53 PM

AngrySwan

Posts: 435
Joined: 10/3/2013
Status: offline

Approaching Uman - Reorganisation

Life is not a bed of roses for AG South. Kiev is heavily fortified and cannot be taken at once so the 1st tank army turns south to encircle the Soviet forces near Uman. Before that the forces are reorganized.

Infantry

The battles of Lwow showed that brigade size motorised units are rather weak, and because of political controversies between the Army and Elite leadership the Army does not want to be dependent on the motorised Elite divisions; so from now on, motorised brigades will fight together, as a division size battlegroup.

Tanks

The new ''Panzer Doctrine 1941'' will be implemented. 16th panzer division keeps its Pz IVE tanks, 14th receives Pz IVF1 and 9th, 11th and 13th division will use the new Pz IIIJ because these divisions are well trained in use of Pz III so putting them on Pz IV is not a good idea.

Recon

The 162th recon battalion receives 8 wheel armored cars; this unit will be very important in future operations so it needs the best weapons it can get.

Artillery

Although the Soviet artillery had little if any success in the battle of Lwow, AGS was impressed by the characteristics of the Soviet 150 mm guns. Artillery units of AGS are upgraded to regiments and receive 150mm Type 1918 guns; they also have motorised transport. 54th Nebelwerfer regiment is upgraded to brigade: AGS also receives 112th battalion of Wurfrahmen 40. Since te battalion will fight together with 54th Nebelwerfer brigade, this ad hoc artillery group gets an unofficial name ''Artillery brigade No. 54,112''.

Flaks

AGS will have 2 regiments of 88 mm flaks with motor transport. Even if Luftwaffe has an aggressive air doctrine, the Soviets are not as unprepared as was expected and every branch of the armed forces must be in good shape to fight them and win.

Fighters

The battles of Lwow and Kischinau have proved that air force is the best part of the Soviet army and capable of making nasty surprises. To counter them, fighter group ''Udet'' - and other fighter groups on other directions - will have new structure, three regiments that can fight separately or together. The fighter force in 1941 will have to rely on Bf 109F.
In fact, this reform was under way before the war and fighter brigade 54 ''Grunherz'' already had that structure on June 22... but we come to that later.

Bombers

The bomber force of AGS will consist of 2 brigades of Ju 88 and a brigade of Ju 87B Stuka. The Stuka brigade is specialized in antitank combat (2 additional groups of antitank planes) but can also provide close air support against other targets.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Marechal -- 12/5/2017 5:10:53 PM >

(in reply to AngrySwan)

Post #: 6

RE: 1941: Road to Moscow - 12/6/2017 7:29:40 PM

AngrySwan

Posts: 435
Joined: 10/3/2013
Status: offline

Chapter 03 Uman: Encirclement

The Plan

1st Tank Army (5 tank divisions, a recon battalion, a motorised division/2 brigades, a rocket artillery brigade and a rocket artillery battalion) will turn south and clear the area Tsibuliv, Zhashkiv; Sokolivka and then and and encircle the Soviet forces in the region of Uman.

The 57th division with additional MG company will operate in the area Hraniv, Teplyk.

3 Hungarian brigades will operate in the area of Hraniv, Teplyk and secure the bridge near Teplyk.

3 Romenian mouniatn divisions, 1 infantry division and 1 cavalry division will take Ternivka and the bridge near it and the bridges near Pervomaisk as well as the city; the spearhead of the German tank army will meet the Romanians in this area.

The offensive will be supported by 2 bomber brigades of Ju 88, 1 brigade of Ju 87B Stuka and 3 regiments of Bf 109F.

The operation will be completed by August 7, 1941.

The Battle

Day 1, July 29. The weather is clear.

2 regiments of JG 3 attack the soviet airfield near Zhashkiv and destroy a group of Pe2 bombers. After that the 51th bomber brigade and 9th panzer division attack a Soviet artillery regiment near the airfield. The Soviets suffer heavy losses but hold the ground.
2 Soviet fighter groups counter-attack but 3rd fighter regiment of JG3 survives.

Nebelwerfer brigade 54, Wurfrahmen battalion 112 and 2 motorised brigades destroy a Soviet division in Zhashkiv. 16th panzer division blocks the bridge near Zhazhkiv to prevent a Soviet breakout.

162nd recon battalion spots 3 a Soviet tank division with new KV1 tanks near Tsibuliv; the tanks are attacked by the Stuka brigade and finished by the 11th panzer division (Pz IIIJ). The Soviet infantry division in Tsibuliv is attacked by 54th bomber brigade, 14th panzer division (Pz IVF) and finished by 162nd recon battalion. The advancing panzer units take Tsibuliv.

Day 2, July 30. The weather is clear.

9th panzer division destroys the remains of the Soviet artillery regiment. The ''artillery command 54,112'' destroys a Soviet infantry division in Zhashkiv. 57th infantry division and KG 54 destroys another Soviet infantry division while 16th panzer division and KG 51 destroys a motorised division and both motorized divisions and 14th panzer division with the help of 162nd recon destroy a Soviet infantry division near the bridge. The Soviet airfield as well as Zhashkiv is captured but the bridge south of Zhashkiv is not secured yet. 1st Stuka brigade together with 11th and 13th panzer division destroy a Soviet tank division of T26 near Sokolivka.

1st and 2nd fighter regiments destroy one of the Soviet fighter groups; the other one returns to Uman. 3rd fighter regiment is resupplied. This ends the battle in the area Tsibuliv, Zhashkiv.

Day 3, July 31. The weather is clear.

Artillery group 54,112, the motorized battlegroup, 3rd fighter regiment and 14th panzer division destroy 2 Soviet infantry divisions near Sokolivka and take the town; 11th panzer division secures the bridge south of Zhashkiv. 1nd fighter regiment flies an air recon mission to Uman and 2nd regiment destroys the remaining Soviet fighters. Hungarians take Tulchyn.

Day 4, August 1. The weather is clear.

After two waves of Ju 88 airstrikes 57th infantry division destroys Soviet antitank defenses in Hraniv but does not enter the town as there are enemy bunkers near it. Hungarians take Hubnyk. The German tank army moves south to encircle the Soviets.

Day 5, August 2. The weather is clear.

Romanians take Ternivka and 2 bridges. Teplyk is defended by a Soviet infantry division and a tank division of T26. A Stuka attack destroys half of the tanks; the remaining are finished by the 57th division and Ju 88 bombers from KG 54.

Day 6, August 3. The weather is clear.

3 Hungarian brigades attack Teplyk but the Soviets hold the city. Then Ju 88s from KG 51 bomb the city and 57th infantry division attacks. The Soviets run but are finished by Stukas.

Day 7, August 4. The weather is clear.

57th division secures the bridge near Teplyk and Hungarians capture the city. The Soviet propaganda makes a story of ''Germans using Hungarians as cannon fodder''. Myth debunked - several waves of attacks are standard infantry tactics and Hungarian casualties were low.

Day 8, August 5. The weather is clear.

Hungarians take Hraniv. There is a Soviet bunker there but the Hungarians know which sectors are not under fire so they move into the city and back without being attacked from the bunker. That much of the ''Hungarian cannon fodder'' myth.

Day 9, August 6. The weather is clear.

Soviets do not know Teplyk has fallen - or are thry trying to break out? 2 Soviet antitank regiments and a cavalry brigade move to Teplyk. Ju88s from KG 54 and 57th division destroy one antitank regiment while KG 51 and Stukas destroy the Soviet 150 mm artillery near Uman.

Day 10, August 7. The weather is clear.

Hungarians supported by Stukas destroy the remaining Soviet antitank guns - a regiment - while KG 54 and 57th division fight the Soviet cavalry. The remaining Soviets are finished by KG 51. Germans and Romanians meet in Pervomaysk encircling the Soviets near Uman.

The Soviets have lost

8 infantry divisions
1 mechanized division
1 cavalry brigade

2 regiments of 150 mm guns
3 regiments of 45 mm antitank guns

3 tank divisions (1 of KV1 and 2 of T26)

1 group of Pe2 bombers
1 group of MiG3 fighters
1 group of MiG1 fighters

The 6th Soviet army is encircled near Uman and must surrender.

AGS has finished the first stage of Operation Barbarossa and will now wait for results in other sectors.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Marechal -- 12/6/2017 10:39:11 PM >

(in reply to AngrySwan)

Post #: 7

RE: 1941: Road to Moscow - 12/6/2017 8:56:37 PM

AngrySwan

Posts: 435
Joined: 10/3/2013
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AG North Getting Ready: Who Is The Aggressor?

While the Baltic people prepare to celebrate the Midsummer, the year's longest day; AG North prepares something extraordinary even by World War II standard.

Infantry

3rd and 36th motorised divisions joined in one battlergroup.

Tanks

6th and 8th panzer divisions receive the new Pz IIIJ tanks arriving to Tilsit on June 22. 1th panzer division keeps its Pz IVE.

Antitank units

563rd antitank battalion sent to West. 57th brigade of turetless tanks; Stug III, carrying short 75 mm guns, arrives together with the new Pz IIIJ tanks.

Artillery

The artillery will have to fight with the older 105 mm guns; tanks are mobile and can spend a day for rearming but artillery is needed on the frontline from the first day.

Air force

Everyone is used to secrecy in Labiau area so even the Soviet spies fail to detect the arrival of another fighter regiment. Now the 54th ''Greenhearts'' fighter division is prepared to go offensive as soon as the war starts... which means the Kaunas airfield will not last too long...

CLASSIFIED. FOR ARMY GROUP COMMAND ONLY. BURN AFTER READING!!!

Our propaganda needs stories about Soviet aggression and this time there will be no ridiculous false flag operations by groups of squad size! We need a real Soviet attack and, since Memel and Ebenrode is close to the border, we hope we get one. What we need is a Soviet division approaching one of these cities (Soviet air force will be taken out before the war starts so there will be no Soviet airstrikes.) There could be Soviet attacks in other sectors too so watch out!

< Message edited by Marechal -- 12/6/2017 9:17:40 PM >

(in reply to AngrySwan)

Post #: 8

RE: 1941: Road to Moscow - 12/9/2017 4:30:22 PM

Ronald Wendt

Posts: 1880
Joined: 6/8/2009
Status: offline

Hi Marechal,

it will be interesting to see if the rumors about strong tank units in the Baltics were just a myth or if AGN will face seriously armed enemies.

Regards,

_____________________________

Ronald Wendt
Phobetor website
Phobetor on Facebook

(in reply to AngrySwan)

Post #: 9

RE: 1941: Road to Moscow - 12/12/2017 6:02:42 PM

AngrySwan

Posts: 435
Joined: 10/3/2013
Status: offline

Chapter 4 Riga - Stalin's Monsters

The Plan

East Prussia is vulnerable to enemy attacks so it is important to secure Klaipeda, Tilsit, Memel and Labiau. Whatever tanks the Soviets have, a battalion of BT is enough to take an unprotected airfield. So AGN must garrison everything. 1 infantry division will stay in Memel/Klaipeda, 2 security divisions in Tilsit area and 1 security division in Labiau. The security divisions are brigade strength, other men ready in Tilsit and Labiau to be mobilised in 1 day if needed. 3 divieions with 2 artillery regiments will advance in the direction Libau/Liepaja - Pavilosta/Paulshafen. 6 infantry divisions with 1 artillery regiment will fight in the are between Memel and Tilsit with Schaulen as the final objective. 3 tank divisions with a Stug brigade and motorised battlegroup will advance in the direction of Raseinai, Schaulen and then take the bridges near Dunaburg/Daugavpils infantry divisions with an artillery regiment and a Stug batalion will fight in the area Ebenrode - Kaunas. The air force - 3 fighter regiments and 2 bomber regiments will attack the airfield near Kaunas and then support the ground troops.

The Battle

Day 1, June 22. The weather is clear.

While the mechanized group prepares for advance and infantry divisions march to positions or receive men returning from their interrupted leaves, Ju 88 bombers approach Kaunas airfield, followed by Bf 109 fighters. The Soviet air force, a fighter regiment, is destroyed.
2 Soviet infantry divisions spotted in Memel - Tilsit area and 2 approach Ebenrode; the propaganda people have got their story.

Day 2, June 23. The weather is clear.

The mechanized group engages a Soviet division of BT tanks in Raseiniai area and destroys it while infantry and artillery destroys 2 Soviet divisions trying to take Ebenrode and 2 more near Memel. Here the Soviets have a division of heavy tanks unseen so far; Ju 88 attack it and destroy some tanks.

Day 3, June 24. The weather is clear.

2 artillery and 2 bomber regiments finish what is left of the Soviet heavy tank division while 5 German divisions take empty Soviet fortified areas east of Ebenrode. A Soviet mechanised unit - a towed artillery regiment! - moves south from Ebenrode and is destroyed by artillery and infantry.

Day 4, June 25. The weather is clear.

291st infantry division with 2 artillery regiments destroys Soviet bunkers blocking the way to Libau while Ju 88s engage another monster tank division: These ones have huge turrets with 150 mm guns but their commander is deceived by the teenager stories by Arkadiy Gaidar and the film ''Tractor Drivers'' from 1939 - as soon as we attack; the enemy runs'' so he is trying to break through a prepared defense line.

Another Soviet artillery unit on march destroyed near Memel.

In the south AGN rearranges its defenses - another security division is sent to Labiau airfield and 2 infantry divisions with 1 security division defend Tilsit. 3 German divisions and a Stug battalion move towards Kaunas although the Soviets have not been defeated yet in Ebenrode area. The one who never take risks will never drink champagne.

Day 5, June 26. The weather is clear.

2 waves of bombers and artillery destroy the remains of the Soviet heavy tank division. 61st infantry division marches towards Schaulen; seems the Soviets in Memel area have been destroyed.

Day 6, June 27. The weather is clear.

A Soviet antitank regiment of 45 mm guns destroyed; the 3 divisions attacking in south take the Kaunas bridge and destroy a Soviet division.

Day 7, June 28. The weather is clear.

Soviets still try to resist in Western Lithuania as well as near Ebenrode. 1 Soviet infntry and 1 mechanized division destroyed but without their heavy tanks the Soviets are no longer a threat. The German panzer corps captures Schaulen destroying a very strong Soviet division there.

Day 8, June 29. The weather is clear.

Battle for Libau begins! The Soviets deploy 45 mm antitank guns that are destroyed by 2 German infantry divisions; the battle for the city begins but Germans cannot attack it with all 3 divisions yet.

In Memel area the Soviets lose another mechanized division. The battlegroup attacking Kaunas also destroys a Soviet division but the city still holds. A regiment of ML-20 guns - another nasty surprise from the Soviets - destroyed in the South.

61st infantry division has reached Schaulen already taken by the German forces.

Day 9, June 30. The weather is clear.

3 infantry divisions with 2 artillery regiments destroys the defenders of Libau and the city falls. Another Soviet division destroyed in western Lithuania while 3 German divisions engage a Soviet division near Ebenrode.

Day 10, July 1. The weather is clear.

While artillery destroys another Soviet antitank regiment near Libau, 291st division reaches Paulshafen. A Soviet division and the second regiment of ML-20 destroyed east from Ebenrode. The 3 divisions and a Stug battalion destroy the last Soviet division defending Kaunas and take the city and its airfield. The Stug brigade from the panzer korps takes Mitau/Jelgava and Riga - or, more precisely, the western part of it. The other half of the city is on the Soviet hands and they will not surrender it without fight. Artillery fire destroys the upper half of St Peter's church tower (that will only be rebuilt in early 1970s) and the historical city hall as well as an old merchants guild - the Blackheads House (in case the Soviets win the war, these buildings will be considered ideologically wrong and not be rebuilt as long as the Soviet rule lasts, that is, until the second half of 1990s.)

The Soviets have lost

12 infantry and 2 mechanized divisions (truck mounted infantry) as well as 1 bunker garrison
2 regiments of 150 mm ML-20 guns, 2 regiments of ''regular'' 150 mm guns and 3 regiments of 45 mm antitank guns
3 tank divisions (1 of BT7 and 2 of new heavy tanks; some of them with a 150 mm gun in a huge turret)
1 regiment of Mig 3 fighters.

The new Soviet tanks could be really dangerous if the Soviets manage to produce them in large numbers and learn to use them.

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< Message edited by Marechal -- 12/12/2017 10:04:28 PM >

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Post #: 10

RE: 1941: Road to Moscow - 12/14/2017 12:59:59 PM

AngrySwan

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18 Army Reorganized

While 16th Army and mechanized forces continue in the direction Dunaburg/Daugavpils - Pskov - Luga, the 18th Army prepares to capture Estonia. The army has 7 infantry divisions, 4 artillery regiments (heavy 150 mm howitzers) and a Stug brigade. 2 fighter regiments from JG 54 ''Grunherz'' will provide air support; however, they will have to operate from dirt airfields and logistics does not exist so their commander must be smart to defeat the Soviets operating from Tallinn/Reval airfield.

AGN has intel on another Soviet tank division in Estonia so 18th Army may again face some new tanks.

The Soviet 150 mm guns will now face a serious opponent, 150 mm heavy field howitzers. Since the operation will take 21 days, the official report will be split into 2 parts, covering 11 days and 10 days.

18th Army ready for advance

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< Message edited by Marechal -- 12/14/2017 1:00:57 PM >

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RE: 1941: Road to Moscow - 12/14/2017 5:51:13 PM

ironbmike

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Cool thread, I enjoy watching and love the animated pics!

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Post #: 12

RE: 1941: Road to Moscow - 12/28/2017 8:26:59 PM

AngrySwan

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Chapter 5-1 Reval/Tallinn - Artillery Duels

The Situation

After taking Lithuania and Latvia AGN advances in two directions. 16th Army and 4th Panzer Group moves towards Pskov while 18th Army takes Estonia. The Soviets have prepared for defense and they also have their 23rd tank division and 202nd mechanized division in the area. More surprises from Stalin's engineers?

The Plan

18th Army consists of 7 infantry divisions, 4 artillery regiments (150 mm howitzers) and a Stug brigade supported by 2 fighter regiments. The initial attack is made by two groups, 3 infantry divisions on Pernau/Parnu and 4 divisions on Fellinn/Viljandi, each group supported by 2 artillery regiments. After that 1 infantry division will take Virtsu and Hapsal/Haapsalu, 1 division will take Marjamaa and 5 divisions will take Wei�enstein/Paide. Then 6 divisions will take Reval/Tallinn and Ragervik/Paldiski while 1 division covers the right flank. The final target is Kuusalu. Fighters and Stugs will be used in the most important sectors and until Reval/Tallinn airfield is captured the fighter force will have to spare their ammo.

This operation will take 3 weeks or 21 days so the report comes in 2 parts.

The Battle

Day 1, August 2. The weather is clear.

While the German infantry and artillery moves into position, 57th Stug brigade attacks Soviet artillery near Fellinn/Viljandi causing some casualties. The Soviet mechanized force arrives and a fighter regiment attacks the Stugs but suffers heavy losses. The Soviets also drop an airborne brigade behind the German lines. Too early! The airbornes are unsupported and need some time to prepare for battle after landing - but time is a luxury they do not have.

Day 2, August 3. The weather is clear.

An infantry division and 2 artillery regiments destroy the brave but not so competent airbornes while 57th Stug destroys what is left of the Soviet artillery and retreats for refitting. One regiment of Bf 109s finishes the remains of the Soviet fighter regiment that tried to attack the Stugs.

Day 3, August 4. The weather is clear.

Artillery duel near Pernau/Parnu - 2 artillery regiments destroy a Soviet 150 mm artillery regiment. While Germans prepare for attack on Fellinn/Viljandi and the Stug brigade refits, 23rd Soviet tank division suddenly attacks the German artillery positions from left flank. Yes, there is another surprise from Stalin - a medium tank with slope front armor and long 76.2 mm guns.

Day 4, August 5. The weather is clear.

While German artillery destroys a Soviet 45 mm antitank regiment near Pernau/Parnu, 57th Stug counterattacks and destroys the Soviet tank division. Some tanks are cptured intact and sent to Berlin for evaluation. This type of Soviet tanks has good armor and gun, a strong engine and wide tracks but the turret is small for a medium tank - only 2 men - and visibility from the tank is not so good; no commander's cupola on the turret.
Another Soviet fighter regiment destroyed in an air battle.

Day 5, August 6. The weather is clear.

While Stugs refit again and 2 infantry divisions with the help of an artillery regiment destroy another Soviet infantry division near Fellinn/Viljandi, the other battlegroup takes Pernau/Parnu destroying another 45 mm antitank unit and a battalion of Soviet armored cars. These have 45 mm guns. The Soviets seem to have developed ''tankophobia'' and expect tanks everywhere deploying antitank guns in large numbers.

Day 6, August 7. The weather is clear.

Attack on Fellinn/Viljandi. 3 infantry divisions destroy another Soviet division while Stugs together with an infantry division destroy the Soviet mechanized division. Again, this Soviet division has many tanks but this time they are old T26.

Day 7, August 8.The weather is clear.

Fellinn/Viljandi taken. The Soviets send their last reserve - a motorized regiment - that does not last long against artillery fire.

Day 8, August 9. The weather is clear.

291st division takes Virtsu that appears to be no man's land. 11th division takes the bridge to Marjamaa and both Grunherz regiments fighting together destroy another Soviet fighter regiment.

Day 9, August 10. The weather is clear.

A German artillery regiment opens fire on Soviet artillery positions near Marjamaa while 2 artillery regiments fire on 2 Soviet artillery regiments near Wei�enstein/Paide. Stugs and 2 infantry divisions destroy the Soviet artillery. It seems that the Soviets have used all infantry they had trying to hold South Estonia.

Day 10, August 11. The weather is clear.

Artillery duel No 2 - another German artillery regiment arives near Marjamaa and the Soviet 150 mm gun positions are destroyed by 2 German artillery regiments.

Day 11, August 12. The weather is clear.

291st infantry division takes Marjamaa after artillery has destroyed yet another Soviet antitank position.

Day 12, August 13. The weather is clear.

58th infantry division takes the bridge to Reval/Tallinn airfield after 2 artillery rgiments destroying Soviet antiair defenses. Crisis situation in the air is solved and it appears that the Soviets have lost all their air force. Some cities are still in the Soviet hands but the most important goals have been achieved.

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< Message edited by Marechal -- 12/28/2017 8:27:51 PM >

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Post #: 13

RE: 1941: Road to Moscow - 12/28/2017 8:55:28 PM

AngrySwan

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Chapter 5-2 Reval/Tallinn - Artillery Duels

Day 13, August 14. The weather is clear.

Battle for Reval/Tallinn. 3 infantry divisions and 2 artillery regiments destroy a Soviet division.

Day 14, August 15. The weather is clear.

291st division with the help of 2 artillery regiments attacks Soviet air defenses near Hapsal/Haapsalu destroying a regiment of 85 mm antiair guns.

Day 15, August 16. The weather is clear.

2 infantry divisions with the help of 3 artillery regiments and Stug brigade take Ragervik/Paldiski destroying a Soviet division defending the city.

Day 16, August 17 - Day 19, August 20. The weather is cloudy.

18th Army regrouping, refitting and moving towards Kuusalu.

Day 20, August 21. The weather is clear.

3 artillery regiments destroy the defenders of Kuusalu - while Stugs and another artillery regiment attack and destroy the Soviet 150 mm gun position.

Day 21, August 22. The weather is clear.

Kuusalu taken. The battle for Estonia is over.

The Soviets have lost

5 infantry divisions, 1 motorized regiment and 1 airborne brigade
6 artillery regiments (150 mm), 3 antitank regiments (45 mm) and 2 antiair regiments (1 of 85 mm guns and 1 of 37 mm guns)
1 tank division (T-34) and 1 mechanized division (T-26) and 1 batalion of BA-5 armored cars
3 regiments of Mig3 fighters

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< Message edited by Marechal -- 12/28/2017 8:56:05 PM >

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RE: 1941: Road to Moscow - 1/6/2018 3:54:26 PM

AngrySwan

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Preparing for Minsk

The Soviets have not prepared a major offensive in central sector, neither are they ready for proper defense - and this is where the main German attack will be.

The Soviet HQ does not realize the threat and gives orders ''fight to death'' and ''no retreat''. In another situation these orders would be pretty normal but against a mobile force they can only result in encirclement of the Soviet troops fighting to death and not retreating.

A new fighterbomber unit, ZG 26, has arrived to AG Center but will not fight in this battle.

The advance will be supported by Ju 88 bombers of KG 3 and He 111 from KG 53 ''Legion Condor'' and fighters from JG 53 ''Ace of Spades''/''Pik As''.

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< Message edited by Marechal -- 1/7/2018 3:45:14 PM >

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RE: 1941: Road to Moscow - 2/10/2018 12:00:48 PM

AngrySwan

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Chapter 6 Minsk: First Large Encirclement

The Plans

Army Group Centre will encircle the enemy armies group in Belarus. Infantry will take the destroyed bridge near Lida and after that 3 infantry divisions will advance to Novogrudok. Panzer Group 3 with its light Czech tanks will secure the encirclement as well as the bridge to Koidanov while 2 motorized divisions will attack Minsk.

2nd Panzer Group will take the bridge near Koidanov and then advance to Koidanov and Minsk with all 4 panzer divisions and 2 motorized divisions while 1st Cavalry Division goes to Novogrudok. 2 infantry divisions will secure the area near the bridge and Grossdeutschland regiment will secure Baranovichi. This plan leaves a gap near Slonim that the enemy could exploit but the panzer units must close the trap before the Soviets decide to break out.

The HQ in its optimism that everyone on the front line appreciates has ordered the Luftwaffe to destroy 2 Soviet fighter regiments, of course the Soviets can always escape but the fighter group 53 ''Ace of Spades'' must destroy as many as it can. The Luftwaffe fighters will have all battlefield intel, provided by recon planes and some other people (the ones who do not write their actual occupation on their business cards). Rumor has it that several groups with Telefunken transmitters have been dropped in Belarus but they are not active yet, waiting for actual war to start.

The operation will be supported by bomber groups No. 3 and 53. Fighterbomber group No. 26 armed with Bf 110 fighters is in the area but will not take part in this operation.

The Battle

Day 1, June 26. The weather is clear.

3rd Panzer Group takes Lida and the main airfield in the area while Bf 109s engage the Soviet fighters. 4th Panzer Group secures Slonim, Baranovichi and attacks the bridge to Koidanov with two panzer division and support of KG 3 while KG 53 attacks Soviet AA guns near the bridge. The Soviet division defending the bridge is not completely destroyed but it is forced to abandon the position.

Soviets engage the German bombers with their fighters.

Day 2, June 27. The weather is clear.

Fight near the bridge continues. 1 panzer division destroys the Soviet AA guns while 2 panzer divisions attack the Soviet infantry division again, this time destroying it.
Luftwafe fighters attack the remains of one Soviet fighter regiment destroying it. 2 infantry divisions and 1st Cavalry with support of KG 3 destroys a Soviet infantry division.
KG53 bombs another Soviet division near Lida bridge and after that 1 panzer division and 2 infantry divisions take the bridge.

Day 3, June 28. The weather is clear.

Attack on Koidanov by 5 panzer and 1 motorized division supported by KG 3. 2 Soviet divisions are destroyed. In Baranovichi area 2 infantry divisions and 29nd motorised division destroy anothr Soviet infantry division.

Day 4, June 29. The weather is clear.

A Soviet tank division with more monster tanks attacks the blown bridge near Lida but 137th infantry division holds the line. 1st cavalry division attacks enemy artillery and destroys half a regiment. The Soviets send in 45 mm antitank guns - thinking that tanks follow the cavalry or just out of reserves and desperate?
1 panzer and 1 motorized division with support of KG3 destroy another Soviet infantry division in Koidanov area.

The remaining Soviet fighters have relocated to a secret airfield but are spotted.

Day 5, June 30. The weather is clear.

1st cavalry destroys the remaining Soviet artillery while 3 infantry divisions approach Novogrudok, coming from the Lida bridge area. JG 53 attacks the Soviet fighters destroying most of them.

The epic battle in Koidanov area ends as KG 53, 1 panzer and 2 motorized divisions destroy another Soviet infantry division securing the area of Koidanov.
1 motorized division from 3rd panzer group approaches Minsk - to find out the city is defended by Soviet T26 tanks! 2 panzer divisions attack the city and destroy the defenders. The trap has closed.

Day 6, July 1. The weather is clear.

JG 53 hunts down the remaining Soviet fighters while 3 infantry divisions take Novogrudok, destroying a Soviet infantry division and half of 45 mm antitank regiment. The Soviets seem to expect tanks everywhere!
The Soviet forces in the pocket surrender.

The operation is successful for AG Center due to concentration of force and using the stronger 2nd panzer group as the main strike force. The Soviets were not ready for encirclement and the only thing they could do was die like heroes, at least near Koidanov.
Stalin executes the Western front commander and many others.

The Soviets have lost 9 infantry divisions
1 150 mm artillery regiment
1 antiair regiment of 37 mm guns
1 tank division of T-26 tanks
2 fighter regiments of MiG-1

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< Message edited by Marechal -- 2/15/2018 12:54:50 PM >

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Post #: 16

Chapter 7: Bialystok - Crossing the Border - 6/23/2018 8:40:29 PM

AngrySwan

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The Situation and Plans

While the panzer armies of Army Group center rush deep into the Soviet territory, theland armies cross the Soviet border pushing the enemy back.

The Soviets seem to have no plans whatsoever in this sector, except for covering their western border; however, after the first two days they prepare what seems to be an attempted counter-attack in the Bialystok area. Instead of defending the eastern cost of the river; they leave some units on the western coast; including a tank division; hoping to capture the German logistics center.

For Germany this sector is not so important; AG Center just needs to push the Soviets back from the river. 8 infantry divisions; a battalion of 105 mm howitzers and a battalion of 37 mm antitank guns is all AGC has deployed in order to capture Bialystok. The ground forces are supported by a fighter regiment/Gruppe from 27th fighter division/Geschwader.

The Battle

Day 1 - June 24, 1941
The weather is clear

Attack on both bridges across the river starts; 4 divisions with artillery support capture Bridge B while the other battlegroup destroys the divison of BT-7 on the western coast.

Day 2 - June 25, 1941
The weather is clear

Fights on the bridgehead near Bridge B; the Soviets lose a cavalry division and a batalion of 45 mm antitank guns; they were expecting a tank attack here but both panzer groups are on the way to Minsk so the antitank guns are useless.

The other battlegroup supported by the fighter regiment moves towards Narew and Bridge C. 2 understrengthed Soviet divisions and an antitank battalion suffer heavy losses but still hold; obviously, they have a no retreat order.

Day 3 - June 26, 1941
The weather is clear

A Soviet tank division of T-26 attacks the German bridgehead ear Bridge B. 654th antitank battalion with 37 mm guns holds the line, backed by 105 mm howitzers and an infantry division. The only case in the whole campaign when 37 mm guns are used successfully. By 1941 they are hopelessly outdated but so are T-26 tanks; the Soviets have no advantage. The Soviet tank division is destroyed.
Two infantry divisions reach the area of Bialystok destroying a Soviet antitank gun battalion; one division must secure the area of Bridge B. There is another Soviet cavalry division in the area so leaving the bridge undefended could be the end of the whole operation.

The other battlegroup finally mops up the Narew area taking the city and Bridge C. 2 divisions are immediately sent to Bridge B because the group attacking Bialystok has moved forwards exposing its right flank and the Soviets have a battalion sized force of those new monster tanks near Bialystok.

Day 4 - June 27, 1941
The weather is clear

With 1 infantry division in Narew, 1 near Bridge C and 2 near Bridge B the Germans can attack Bialystok with 4 divisions and artillery. The Soviets have a division in Bialystok which tries to hold the city: However; by the end of the day Bialystok falls and the surviving Soviets retreat to the East just to be encircled in the Minsk area.

In this short battle the Soviets gave lost
- 3 infantry divisions
- 1 cavalry division
- 3 battalions of 45 mm antitank guns
- 2 tank divisions, 1 of T-26 and 1 of BT-7.

the Western Belorussia has been secured and Army Group Center can now advance towards Smolensk, the gate of Moscow. Since the infantry divisions cannot catch up with panzer and motorized units, the commander will have to be creative in order to take Smolensk with the small force he has. However; there will be one more obstacle between Minsk an Orsha...

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< Message edited by Marechal -- 6/23/2018 8:42:43 PM >

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Opening the Gate to Moscow - 7/9/2018 10:25:36 AM

AngrySwan

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Opening the Gate to Moscow

Operation Barbarossa has almost reached the end of phase 1. Army Group Center is prepared to repeat the same trick it made west of Minsk - to reach Smolensk with two panzer groups; the infantry divisions are far behind.

The High Command in its optimism has ordered capture of Bridge A east of Yartsevo. Since this objective is too far away, the 1st Fallschirmjager division has been assigned to Army Group Center. JG 53 will support the attack with 4 regiments (a brigade and a separate regiment) and the fighterbomber force ZG 26; 2 regiments of Bf 110 fighterbombers, will also support the attacking force.

The Czech tanks of the 3rd Panzer army have been replaced by Pz IIIJ and Pz IVF1.

However, at this moment the southern flank of AGC is outstretched. Kiev is still held by the Soviets and one just cannot ignore that threat so the attack on Moscow will be postponed until the front line is straight: that is, a month and a half. Although there is talk "someone needs a bomb in his meeting room before he has messed up the operations completely" the generals understand that rushing to Moscow will leave both flanks unprotected and the panzer armies of AG Center may even face encirclement. On the other hand, postponing the operation means that Moscow will be attacked in autumn and tanks will be of limited use. But the infantry divisions of AG Center have not said their word yet, so the second phase of the plan - to reach the Leningrad-Moscow-Rostov line before the year ends - seems quite realistic.

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< Message edited by Marechal -- 7/9/2018 10:27:05 AM >

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RE: Opening the Gate to Moscow - 1/11/2019 9:45:37 AM

AngrySwan

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Smolensk: Final plan

Some adjustments. Fighter force will be limited to JG 53 (a brigade of 3 regiments and a separate regiment) but 2nd Panzer Group includes five panzer divisions, motorized battlegroup (strength of two brigades), elite Das Reich and 1st cavalry division.

Since the plan is to reach the line Leningrad-Moscow-Rostov by the end of the year, Army Group Center will receive almost no reinforcements from other army groups - but AGC has not used its full strength yet. Most of its infantry divisions are on their way to Vitebsk.