COUNTERATTACK AT PROKHOROVKA

After the surprise Soviet winter offensives of 1942-43, Stalingrad had fallen, Kursk had been recaptured and the Red Army had ad- vanced as far as Kharkov. German counterattacks had regained some territory but despite terrible losses, the Soviet lines held.

Guy Bowers

Having suffered incredible losses, each side built up their forces in preparation for the next offensive. The Germans struck first with Operation Citadel, aimed at the Kursk salient. Striking from both north and south, the plan was to encircle and destroy the Soviet forces in a pincer movement. If successful, Germany could recapture the strategic initiative on the Eastern Front. The Soviets anticipated the German offensive however, and prepared extensive defences with deep minefields, anti-tank ditches, and fortifications, backed up by troop reserves to ensure that each German offensive could be met by a strong counteroffensive. The Germans launched their offensive on 5 July 1943 and initially made gains. However, the extensive Soviet defences slowed the advance significantly, allowing Soviet reinforcements to arrive. Great tank battles would follow. THE ADVANCE…

You're reading a preview of

Wargames, Soldiers & Strategy (Digital) - 1 Issue, WSS 133

DiscountMags is a licensed distributor (not a publisher) of the above content and Publication through Zinio LLC. Accordingly, we have no editorial control over the Publications. Any opinions, advice, statements, services, offers or other information or content expressed or made available by third parties, including those made in Publications offered on our website, are those of the respective author(s) or publisher(s) and not of DiscountMags. DiscountMags does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or usefulness of all or any portion of any publication or any services or offers made by third parties, nor will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on information contained in any Publication, or your use of services offered, or your acceptance of any offers made through the Service or the Publications. For content removal requests, please contact Zinio.