The German high command was not aware of the major Soviet troop movements and the construction of deep defensive lines. The Soviet defences were designed to slow down German advances, negating any of the benefits of their Blitz tactics. ![]() Elaborate defence networks consisting of mutually supporting positions were constructed and large minefields were put in place. In the mean time, Soviet leadership had not been idle it was quite apparent to General Zhukov that a German counter-attack was on its way at Kursk. Operation Zitadelle was massively delayed due to Hitlers requirements that new Wunder Waffe like the Panther tank and the Ferdinand tank destroyer should join the battle. This offensive would be given the name Zitadelle. Not unlike the offensive near Kharkov the Wehrmacht it was planned to apply Blitzkrieg tactics to quickly encircle Soviet troops using a pincer movement and force a surrender. A similar offensive would need to eliminate a large Soviet salient around the city of Kursk which was left there after Soviet counter-attacks. After a swift response by Von Manstein, the city of Kharkov was, however, retaken just a day after its capture by the Soviets. What followed was the rapid loss of the cities Kursk, Rostov and Kharkov in February 1943. Battle backgroundĪfter a catastrophic move eastwards toward the Caucasus and the following surrender of Paulus’ 6th Army at Stalingrad in January 1943, the Wehrmacht came hurdling back towards the Dnieper in the west. ![]() The battle of Kursk was the last large German offensive on the eastern front. D kit to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Kursk. Earlier this year Meng released their Panther Ausf.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |