#0205_01s Drive on Belgorod - Golikov's Right Hook - PzC 19 Kharkov 43

Drive on Belgorod - Feb 5th to Feb 11th, 1943. Col Gen Golikov, commander of Voronezh Front tasked Moskalenko's 40th Army to swing around the flank of Korp Raus' positions north of Kharkov - objective Belgorod. Moskalenko's forces would enter in two echelons with four Rifle Divisions leading and a further three Rifle Divisions and 4th Guards Tank Corp in his second echelon. Facing 40th Army was 168th Infantry Division and a regimental kampfgruppe from 88th Infantry Division. Hitler's personal protection battalion, the Fuehrer Begleit had been dispatched to hold Belgorod proper. The German line could not tie in with the Gross Deutschland Division further to the south east and had no friendly forces to the west. Golikov planned to take advantage of this, ordering 40th army to swing around the western flank of the German forces thereby enveloping and capturing Belgorod. (Size, Campaign Game) This is a short HTH campaign game. This situation is perfect for the German player who wants the ultimate in defensive challenges. The 168th Infantry Division plus a Kampfgruppe from 88th Infantry Division face off against all of 40th Army. For the German player it is about protecting your flanks while falling back on Belgorod. This is a challenge once the Soviets cross the Lipovyy Donets. With the first echelon of 40th Army consisting of Rifle Divisions there is a chance to slow the tide, but when the second echelon arrives.... For the Soviet player it will be a plod forward clearing the Axis forces wherever they choose to hold. Once the Soviet mechanized forces arrive they should be employed where any open flank is found.