#43_0803_06: Battle of the Tomarovka-Borisovka Pocket - PzC 26 Rumyantsev '43

Date: August 3rd, 1943 - Size: Medium - Location: Tomarovka-Borisovka sector

Intended for play as Russian vs. AI or HTH

Designer Notes: This scenario describes the fight for Tomarovka, a key point in the defense of Kharkov’s northern front.

Scenario Briefing: After the end of Zitadelle, German command decided to return to its initial positions. The advantages of this measure were obvious, taking advantage of excellent defenses already built over previous months and allowing units to rest, since the infantry and panzers were exhausted after the effort on the southern front of the Kursk salient. Manstein calculated that the Soviet armies would also need to rest so he did not expect such an attack so quickly. He was wrong. The Soviets rebuilt their armored armies to almost 100% of their strength in a very short time. These units, the 1st Tank Army and the 5th Guards Tank Army, were key in planning Operation Rumyantsev since they would be in charge of exploiting breakthroughs in the front that would be made by the infantry armies, the 5th and 6th Guards. The fortifications north of Kharkov were very solid and the city of Tomarovka was key to the German defensive plan, as it protected not only the avenues leading to Kharkov but also protected Belgorod. The defense was entrusted to units of PzAOK.4 and Armee-Abteilung Kempf, but their divisions were still weakened after the titanic fighting in Operation Zitadelle. After the first defensive lines, stepped in depth, the defenders had behind them the 11th, 19th and 6th Panzer divisions in reserve to prevent any breakthroughs from developing.

Recommended Rules: (Default)
Alternative Assault Resolution, Artillery Set Up, Recon Spotting, Virtual Supply Trucks, Low Visibility Air Effects, Quality Fatigue Modifier, Counterbattery Fire, Night Fatigue, Programmed Weather, Limited Air Recon.