[Epic] Kursk

From: <fourmillers_at_...>
Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 00:29:51 -0500

 For whoever asked, here are the short #'s for Kursk:

-Took place from July 5- 16 1943

-Forces: Russians - One tank armyand 5 combined arms armies including 20,000
guns, 3600 tanks, and 2400 aircraft. Total of 1,300,000 Russians. Marshal
Zhukov in charge.
              Germans - 17 Panzer and 21 Infantry divisions for 10,000 guns,
2700 tanks, 2000 aircraft. Total of 900,000 Germans. FM von Kluge in charge
of most of it.

Casualties: about 120,000 Russians, about 100,000 Germans and 980 tanks


Strategic defeat for the Germans - too many tanks and men ost, failed to
pinch of a "bulge" of Russians. The Reds knew they were coming (spies) and
spent all their time getting ready. Eight successive lines of defense with
extensive mine belts and AT guns. Rain slowed down the vehicles as well,
helping the defense. Ther germans actually made it to the eighth line in
some places, but a final big tank battle ended in a draw, and the Germans
had to pull back. Notable for the first combat appearance of the Panther,
which suffered major mechanical difficulties, and the first 90 King Tigers,
which were immune to almost all of the Russian AT fire. Unfortunately they
didn't have enough machine guns so the infantry started hiding until they
rolled by, at which time they would pop out and take them from behind or the
sides, where the grunts were safe. These early K-T's were converted to
Elefants for the remainder of the war, and another design went ahead as the
more commonly seen King Tiger

So...we would need a battle with some rules for mechanical breakdown if you
really want to capture the flavor here. Also mines, trenches, and a definite
"attacker" and "defender".

Have to think about this a bit more. Post some rough idea for a
mini-campaign by the weekend.

Chris Miller
Received on Wed Sep 23 1998 - 05:29:51 UTC