#a0106_05 Zubtsov : 31st Army's Folly (HTH) - PzC 21 Moscow 42

Volga River near Zubtsov - Jan 6th to Jan 8th, 1942. Ieshekuvich's 31st Army had been advancing to the South West since the fall of Kalinin. The German's had rarely stopped to stand and fight, but rather fallen back towards the rail head at Rzhev. By the beginning of January, the Germans were forced to try and slow the Soviets as the loss of the key town of Zubtsov would open the back door to Rzhev. To try and force the German line, 31st Army created a mobile group of ski and cavalry troops at Dyadugino. Speed and mobility was of the essence. (Size, Small) This scenario is recommended for HTH. The Soviet player will need to push very hard, as to reach Zubtsov in three days will be very difficult. This increases the importance of the Dyadugino Mobile Group. The Soviet Infantry will need to pin the Axis forces while the cavalry/ski troops exploit any breaches. The German will find that his Infantry only force will be fine - if the Soviets don't breakthrough. If they do, the Soviet mobility could cause chaos.