Znamenka, South of Vyazma - Jan 22nd to Jan 31st, 1942.
With the on-going parachute drops at Znamenka, Zhukov felt that the final route for retreat for 4th Armee was cut. 33rd & 43rd Armies were pushing west to relieve the paratroopers, while 50th Army pinned the Germans in place. Cavalry forces, spearheaded by 1st Guards Cavalry Corp were preparing to also push around 4th Armee's lightly guarded flank and push north to meet 33rd & 43rd Armies and close the pocket.
(Size, Medium)
This scenario is recommended for HTH play. The Soviet player will find the fragmented nature of the line will have German forces turning up in the most unfortunate places. Both sides were attempting to keep their supply lines open and the Soviet push west combined with Hitler's stand fast orders resulted in salients and threatened highways. Reaching Znamenka from both the south and east will be key considerations and preventing any mobile German forces from impacting that goal. The fast Cavalry from the south will play a big role here. The German's have substantial forces but have one blocked supply road (from Vyazma at Znamenka) and one that is seriously threatened (Smolensk to Yukhnov Highway). If both roads are blocked there will be a substantial impact from low supply. This situation will force the German player to work out how to protect these roads and crush any interdicting enemy.
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Oldman
Doctor
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