HSG KH5 R meets R - Combat Mission: Barbarossa to Berlin

16 February, 1943, Kharkov, Russia In February the Soviets were in the middle of Operation Star. Operation Star was an extension of Operation Gallop. The goal of Operation Gallop was to drive the Germans from the Donbas. The goal of Operation Star was the liberation of Kharkov. An ambitious undertaking. The Red Army was tired and had taken heavy losses in Operation Gallop. There was only a brief period between the end of Operation Gallop and the beginning of Operation Star. Not enough time to allow for the resupply of units and the arrival of replacements. The 16th of February 1943 is a very cold day. The snow lies in drifts often waist deep and it is snowing again. This is the Soviets favorite time to fight. In the northern sector Panzer Grenadier Division "Grossdeutschland" is retreating through the burning city. The rear guards have disengaged and are pulling back. Soon the division will be safely to the west of Kharkov. The 183rd Rifle Division is advancing into Kharkov. The reconnaissance units are pushing ahead. Soon the city will be theirs. There will be shelter from this freezing cold weather and the storm. But where are the Germans? Where are the Russians? In the dark and the snow, Kharkov, could be a very dangerous place. A place where rear guard meets recon.