H2H - Thrust on the Mius

[Dmitrovka, Ukraine][H2H][HIS] [ALL:N VV] As the war wore on, the Red Army tended to prefer simpler attack tactics, and more frequently employed single thrusts against long defensive lines. Double envelopment attacks required high coordination, and middle level officers with initiative and ability to deal with unexpected problems. This the Russians did not have. They favored a broader lateral scope and more conservative execution. Breakthrough and penetration became the basic tactical maneuver. On a few key occasions, they employed deep thrusts for a decisive effect. Breakthrough required massed artillery and armor. By 1943, the Russians vastly expanded their artillery capabilities, and unified their armor in tank and mechanized corps. Also the Russians came to rely on deception and surprise, known as "maskirovka" more than even choice of direction or main effort. This battle is an example of both the "maskirovka" and single thrust attack, in which the 2nd Guards Mechanized Corps attacked across the Mius through Dmitrievka. The preparations were done without regard to basic security measures, including radio transmissions. Southern Front Commander, Tolbukhin intended for the Germans to expect the attack, for the primary objective of the Mius Thrust was to draw German mobile reserves out of the Kursk sector. In the early morning of July 17, the German line, defended by the 306. and 294. Infanterie Divisions, came under heavy attack, and were ulitmately forced back to make a stand at Marinovka.