#15 Charge to Chuguev_Alt - PzC 03 Kharkov '42

Chuguev, 35km E of Kharkhov, May 16th, 1942: By the fifth day of the Soviet offensive, the Germans had gradually weakened their defenses in the Chuguev salient in an effort to stop the Russian thrust in the north at Staryy Saltov. Indeed, only up to 10 infantry battalions remained on the 60km front opposite the 199th and 304th Rifle Divisions. Furthermore, there were no Axis armored units in the area. The Soviet 38th Army on the north side of the salient had the fresh 114th Tank Brigade plus its own army reserves. To the south of the salient, the 6th Army had not yet committed the 21st or 23rd Tank Corps." WHAT IF" the Russians had recognized this opportunity and had taken the chance of committing their second echelon, plus their reserves, in a charge towards Chuguev and Zmiev to create their own pocket. [4500 sq Km - 24 Turns]