xhoel
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T14, 18th of September-25th of September 1941.
AGN:
Even though last week our troops managed to get within 20 miles of the Svir river line and came close to closing the encirclement of Leningrad the Soviets have not given up yet. Instead the Northern Front has shifted most of its forces north in order to block our spearhead from making contact with the Finns. The equivalent of a full field Army has been deployed in the 30 mile wide front where our panzers are located while further south the Soviets are continuing with their hugging strategy in order to make supply and movement difficult.
Positions at the start of the week:
Knowing very well that taking Leningrad is the priority objective of Operation Barbarossa, AGN has deployed all its forces to assist in closing and securing the pocket around the city. Our infantry pushes back the Soviet hugging divisions and secures the 30 mile wide corridor. Divisions are moved to and from the front line as needed.
The main problem that the 4th Panzer Group faces is as follows: A direct assault on the port of Sviritsa would mean that our armored formations not only need to dislodge the Soviet defenders southwest of the port (circled in black) but also move (under constant enemy fire and harassment) into position and then assault the city, which is located not only in a swampy area but also across the Pasha river and defended by 3 strong Brigades (plan indicated by the black arrows). The option is not optimal by any means.
Instead General Reinhardt whose Corps is to lead the attack has come up with another plan. Instead of assaulting Sviritsa directly, the XXXXI Panzer Corps can isolate it by attacking the Soviet troops concentrated to the south east of the city (circled in white). Not only is the terrain here easier but the Soviet defenders seem to be less well prepared. Once the Soviets are pushed back here, they will retreat east instead of towards the Svir river line, where the Finns are already exerting pressure on the Soviet defensive line (ZOC). Once this is done, one of our armored formations will move into the gap and attack the Soviet Fortified Region (circled in red). Once they have been defeated the Finnish will move troops into the gap and the encirclement of Leningrad will be complete. To help with the plan, Luftflotte 1 is to make all its air assets available, in order to help soften the Soviet defenses.
The encirclement of Leningrad:
On the morning of the 19th of September 120 Level and Dive Bombers bombed Soviet positions in two massive air raids, destroying gun emplacements, hitting Soviet trenches, and lines of communications. At 7 am sharp German Nebelwerfer Battalions launched a 20 minute barrage across the river, while Pioneers crossed in assault boats and secured a beachhead on the other side. Pontoon bridges were build over the river, allowing the XXXXI Panzer Corps to attack the fatigued Soviet defenders, routing one rifle division and forcing the 2 other rifle divisions to retreat. The 1st Panzer Division managed to make a full divisional crossing on the evening of the 22nd . The next morning the 1st Panzer Division attacked and forced the surrender of the 17th Fortified Region. Contact was established with the Finnish Karelian Army and at 18:00 Finnish troops crossed the Sviritsa and meet up with the German Panzers.
The Encirclement of Leningrad was complete. 30+ divisions are trapped in the pocket. The main objective of AGN now is to clear the trapped Soviet troops as soon as possible.
The battle that sealed the fate of Leningrad:
Nebelwerfers moving into position:
The finally sealed Leningrad pocket:
Positions south of Novgorod:
 Attachment (1)
< Message edited by xhoel -- 6/3/2019 4:01:17 PM >
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