Der Ring ist geschlossen*
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Series: 2nd Battle of Kharkov
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_Soviet Union*
_____vs.*
__Germany*

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Date: 25th of May, 1942*
1030 Hours*
Location: South-East of Kharkov*
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Designed By: Ts4EVER*
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Background 2nd Battle of Kharkov: Following the successful winter offensives in 1941, Stalin was keen to keep the pressure on the enemy, hoping to preempt another assault on Moscow with his own offensive. He was especially in favor of going on the offensive in the Kharkov sector, the city having fallen to the enemy in the summer of 1941. The attack was to be undertaken by the South-West-Front in a pincer movement, from the Barvenkovo salient and the Stariy Saltov bridgehead. Once massed artillery had broken through the German line, mobile group would be fed into the breaches to encircle AOK6 and reconquer Kharkov. However, due to supply issues, especially with artillery ammunition, as well as the undetected presence of German mobile reserves, the plan soon proved ill-advised...
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Briefing: Ever since the Germans closed the Barvenkovo pocket 3 days ago, the Russians have attempted to break out in various uncoordinated attacks. Due to units streaming towards the east, the Germans have been able to shrink the Kessel using relatively small forces, including Hungarian, Romanian and Italian units, while feeding more and more infantry units into the corridor to seal off the escape routes. While thing is going on, the Luftwaffe mercilessly bombs the Russian columns. You are in charge of a depleted battalion of the 60. (mot.) Infanterie Division holding positions west of Lozovenka. A significant Russian escape effort consisting of remnants of various divisions is heading your way. Your task is to hold them inside the pocket. You are supported by various Paks and the Luftwaffe. A tank destroyer is kept in reserve and will join your blocking position soon.
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Listening posts report a mixed Russian unit in battalion strength, supported by various models of tanks and artillery. They are a scratch force, but will attack with the strength of desperation.
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Historical Scenario, designed to be played as the Germans.
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POSSIBLE SPOILERS
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After some initial success, the Russian column was stopped outside of Lozovenka, marking the last major attempt to escape from the Barvenkovo pocket. The Soviets had suffered a catastrophic defeat in the 2nd Battle of Kharkov, with 16 rifle and 6 cavalry divisions destroyed, alongside 4 tank brigades. Another dozen or so division were so heavily damaged that they had to be pulled out of the line for refitting. Out of the 1200 tanks committed to the offensive, 775 were lost. Losses in artillery and aircraft were significant as well. German losses were lower, but still heavy. However, at this point of the war they could still be replaced, at least in terms of materials. Both sides drew their own conclusions from the outcome of the battle: The Germans realized that dug-in infantry, supported by Paks and Flaks, was able to stem Soviet tank offensives until help could arrive. They also were under the impression that their Hungarian and Romanian allies could be depended upon to hold large stretches of the line: they would pay dearly for this assessment at the end of the year. The Russians realized that German responses had to be accounted for when planning offensives: A lesson they would put into effect at Stalingrad.