[SaS TrooP]

SOUTH OF UMAN 7/41

This one covers one of the most important engagements of the Hungarian army during WW2. The Hungarian Rapid Corps - Gyorshadtest - was the frontguard of southern axis of advance against Soviet troops encircled and destroyed in Uman Pocket in late July-early August 1941.

Here is the detailed text:

South of Uman*
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Date: Last days of July 1941*
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Location: Tauzne village area, 10km east of Khayvoron, 50km south of Uman, modern central Ukraine*
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Type: Hungarian advance vs. Soviet delay*
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Operation Barbarossa started on 22nd June 1941. Kingdom of Hungary, at first, did not participate in the conflict. However, just four days later, on 26th of June, Soviet Air Force bombed targets around hungarian city of Kassa, prompting Hungary to declare war a day later.**

Hungarian participation in Barbarossa was mostly the war path of so called Carpathian Group. This army-sized formation consisted of several corps, but one of those, soon to employed by the Germans in vital areas of teh front, was Hungarian Rapid Corps - or Gyorgshadtest. The Rapid Corps represented the very best of Hungarian army... but still little compared to the Germans or the Soviets. The unit consisted of two motorized brigades and a cavalry brigade, as well as couple of independent corps attachments. Half the trucks were in fact civilian. Half the infantry was bicycle based. Only tanks employed were light Toldi tanks, a licenced version of Lansverk M/38 tank with 20mm autocannon. Italian Ansaldo tankettes were also used. AT batteries relied mostly on 37mm guns, unable to fight with T-34s. Yet, esprit de corps was good, and so was the training.**

Rapid Corps was chosen to participate as a spearhead of the southern sector during battle of Uman against Soviet 6th, 12th and 18th Armies - the battle was supposed to open way for Kiev yet in August. While 16th Panzer Division was cutting the cauldron from the north, Hungarians were ordered to advance on the southern axis, against Soviet 12th and 18th Armies and reach the city of Pyervomaysk. On 28th of July, cavalry brigade from the Rapid Corps forced the river and captured a town of Khayvoron (with its bridges), allowing the motorozied elements of the Rapid Corps to cross the Dnieper and carry on towards its objective.**

This is where the scenario starts. You are in command of Hungarian 2nd Motorized Brigade minus one motorized battalion awaiting in direct pursuit reserve. Cavalry Brigade is still take a rest after some bloody fight. The 1st Brigade awaists your progress - they want to meet Germans in Pyervomaysk in 3 days time. You command the mixed recon battalion, two battalions of motorized infantry and a bicycle battalion, as well as additional Corps assets. Use them well and avoid unneccessary losses.**

There no detailed intel about the situation. All is in haste and chaos. Hungarian commands wants you to break any Soviet resistance around villages of Vilkovyetskie, Trakt and Tauzhne. We expect Soviet forces to be totally disorganized, any defences will be prepared in haste since majority of their forces tries to flee to the east towards Kiev. Be vigilant though, Soviet numbers are still formidable and their rearguard may still be able to bite. The terrain is however mostly open, any maneuvers should be noticeable quickly.**

There is also a village of Moschchene to the north. Your bicycle battalion is already on it. The remnants of Soviet troops defending Khayvoron retreated there, we expect a depleted battalion at most.**

Secure the road towards Pyervomaysk so other elements of the Rapid Corps may follow-on. We must close the pocket to ensure the destruction of dozens of divisions.**

When playing against the AI, Player should take Hungarian side.
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Design: Marcin "SaS TrooP" Kaluza*
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Sources: Various internet sources, scenario is semi-historical (there is no detailed account on Hungarian chase to Pyervomaysk)