26 - 28 November 1941 (Soviet)

Guderian’s Blitzkrieg II (including Enemy at the Gates and Case Blue)

26^th to 28th November1941

Turn 17 (Soviet)

Replacement DR = 6,5 (-1) so 2xFTR, 4xPax, 2xEq, Truck, Artillery, Emergency

No fighters available for rebuild.  Il-2; 48^th, 79^th, 2^nd Krasnodar Cavalry; 16^th, 25^th Tank Brigades; 26^th Guards Mot Division.

Supply DR = 5,4 so 25 (+1) SP

Zemtsy

 

Soviet artillery targeted one sector of the front line west of Zemtsy, around Zapadnaya Dvina.  Although there was some success (an unfortunate security division) , yet again the Katyushas failed.  Stavka is unable to understand why these units, which consume so much supply, have not been able to destroy the German defenders.    

To make matters worse, a huge attack involving the equivalent of three divisions against the shell shocked security division was only able to weaken it and force it back.  Zapadnaya Dvina was captured, but a Soviet rifle brigade was lost.  There will be no breakthrough for now.

Further west, however, cavalry divisions can be seen heading south down the track from Staryy Torpoperts.  There is also appears to be a build up around the town.  Is there a threat to the important German supply hub at Smolensk?

Rzhev - Sychevka

 

Detecting a weakness in the German defence, the Soviets smash through 137.ID, leaving no survivors.  Mobile units surge through the gap created, heading west and north.  An attempt by 403^rd Security Division to halt the attackers saw it wiped out.  The rashness of the advance of 86.ID is now apparent, as it is completely cut off.

The Soviets have moved into contact all along the front.

More of a concern to OKH is that the way west is open and Soviet cavalry units are poised to sweep into the German rear areas.

Spas Demyasnk

 

The probing attacks by the Germans in this area have only caused the Soviets to withdraw from a few exposed positions. 

Orel – Kursk

All Soviet units have withdrawn towards Orel.  No indications of any attempt to recapture Kursk or relieve the garrison of Ponyri.

 

Khar’kov

 

The Khar’kov – Zmiyev line remains motionless.  Belgorod is held by light forces, but the supply lines are secure.

Zaporezh’e

 

All Russian troops bar one rifle division have withdrawn behind the Dneipr.  In addition, all units have pulled back, leaving a 5 mile gap along the whole front.

To the east, the Russians have retreated behind the Volchnia.  A solitary Worker Brigade remains to protect the road east.

Supply           Soviet rec’d              26 SP

                        Soviet used              17 SP

                        Axis used                   1 SP

Dead Units 
 

Axis                 20(4)3                       137.ID

                        6(2)2                          403^rd Security Division

Soviet             3(2)2                          47(R) Infantry Brigade