Turn 17 Russian: One of the battalions of the 156th Guards Rifle Regiment is still holding the redoubt astride the sector lines D1 and D2. The Germans seem to have come to the conclusion that they can not move any farther forward until they eliminate our fortifications. They are attacking here in an apparent effort to save face after failing to evict our valiant infantry from the woods in D1. This again confirms our belief that our socialist order has produced the superior soldier and we will overcome these invaders. Our tank forces are still trying to force a crossing over the river in sector D3, but the enemy has thwarted every attempt to cross with heavy artillery and anti-tank fire. The 52d Guards Rifle Division stationed in C4 and C5 is still resisting the advancing Grossdeutschland Division and the 11th Panzer. Reports from commanders indicate that our artillery is causing severe casualties. The left flank has been secured by the 3d Mechanized Corps and they report that if necessary they will be able to launch a major attack against the 11th Panzer Div. German: Notes: 3d Fusilier Bn., G. D. Panzer Fusilier Regiment Our forward elements are reporting that the Russian forces are already moving to meet our attacks. How is this spy able to anticipate our moves? We are engaged with the Russian infantry on the ridge to the right of the road in C4 and have eliminated some without suffering any losses. The Russians are still pounding us with artillery and mortars even though we have destroyed several of these units. Our PAK-40 unit set up to protect our flank has opened fire on Russian armor at extreme range. No hits were reported. Notes: 1st Fusilier Bn., G. D. Panzer Fusilier Regiment The armored infantry are now at positions which they can bring fire upon the Russian infantry to our front. This will allow us to support our 3d battalion which is fully engaged on our left. We have been able to aid them with mortar and long range machine gun fire. Notes: G. D. Panzer Reconnaissance Bn. Several of our motorcycle units have been able to open fire upon some Russian infantry which was trying to establish a blocking position on our right. We have been able to force them to ground or destroy them. Some of the Panzer Regiment's Panthers have pushed behind us to aid in the final push forward. Notes: 1st Bn., G. D. Panzer Regiment Our commander has received orders to breakoff in this sector and to proceed to sector D3 to help destroy the Russian tank forces which are aggressively attacking our Grenadiers and the 3d Fusiliers. We are to establish a tank killing defense which will break the back of their offense. Notes: 941st Regimental Headquarters Corps is sending orders for the 1st Battalion to break off their attack and to fall back to the redoubt in our rear. They are to fortify the position in case the Russian armor in sector D3 breaks through. Our 2nd Battalion is to continue supporting the Grossdeutschland Division attack. Turn 18 Russian: Forward elements are predicting an early breakthrough by our armored forces into sector E3. Our tank brigades have stalled in the center sector D3. Perhaps a visit by one of our friends in red (Political Commissar) will be necessary to motivate these forces to a higher standard. German: Notes: 3d Fusilier Bn., G. D. Panzer Fusilier Regiment The 1st company of the 1st Bn., 154th Guards Regiment is still maintaining an active defense in Syrtsevo. Their resistance is a brilliant example of what highly motivated and well trained troops can accomplish. The German push in the center has been halted and our troops have been alerted to prepare to deal with another offensive when it comes. German: Notes: 3d Fusilier Bn., G. D. Panzer Fusilier Regiment The Russians are already moving to counter our moves, but we have been ordered to hold our positions until the tank battle in sector D3 is concluded. The 1st Battalion of the Panzer Regiment has been ordered to move to sector D3 to help in this battle. When we move forward again, it will be without armored support. Our PAK-40 firing at the maximum range of the weapon, forced a tank unit to take cover. Notes: 1st Fusilier Bn., G. D. Panzer Fusilier Regiment We have been ordered to stop our advance! This order has been obeyed except where units could bring Russian infantry under fire. It was decided that we should eliminate these threats before stopping. Perhaps their destruction will cause the ever present artillery and mortar fire to slacken. Notes: 1st Bn., G. D. Panzer Regiment We have shifted our axis of attack to support our forces in sector D3. The leading elements have reported that their front is obscured by dust and smoke from fires. They suspect that Russian units may be hidden behind these noxious clouds. Notes: 941st Infantry Regiment Headquarters Our 1st Battalion has almost reached the redoubt in D4. The 2nd Battalion has adopted a defensive position for the moment. Turn 19 Russian: The moment of decision has come! Our up front commanders have asked for the last Tank Brigade in our reserve to be committed to the battle. They believe that this unit will be the one to complete the annihilation of the German forces in sectors D2, D3 and E3. It has been reported that the 100th Tank Brigade has forced a breakthrough in the German lines. The Fascists dogs are retreating as we knew they would. The 52d Guards Rifle Division and the 3d Mechanized Brigade have reported that their opposition seems to be regrouping at the moment. The 3d Mechanized Brigade writes that local attacks by the 11th Panzer Division are still causing significant casualties, but our soldiers resolve has been stiffened by the shining examples of our comrades. The 230th Tank Brigade has reported that Panthers are moving from sector D4 to attack them on the flank. German: Notes: Headquarters, G. D. Panzer Fusilier Regiment The 1st and 3d battalions of the regiment have consolidated their attack positions. They are still being shelled by the Russians, but they have not suffered any further losses. Notes: 1st Bn., G. D. Panzer Regiment We have arrived at positions from which we can fire on the Russian tanks attacking the 2nd Grenadier Bn. We have destroyed a unit of KV-1's and Grants from extreme range. As we close with the enemy, we will destroy many more. It should be reported that our sighting equipment on the guns has had some glitches, but nothing we can not overcome. Reports are arriving from the 2nd Grenadiers and from our closest platoons that the Russian armor is pulling back from our front! The troops are already guessing that we will be ordered back to our original attack positions. Turn 20 Russian: Our redoubt astride the road in sectors D1 and D2 has fallen. The 1st Bn of the 65th Infantry Regt. has been assigned the task of reclaiming the fortification. The 273d Tank Brigade has been recalled. They are to regroup and form a new defensive perimeter to the left of the redoubt in sector C2. General Katukov has ordered the 230th Tank Brigade to breakoff action in sector D3 as they have done their job in slowing the German Panthers. They are ordered to regroup and form a defensive line along the road in front of our fortifications in sector B3. The 52d Guards Rifle Division reports that the enemy seems to be stalled in front on their position in sector C4. The 3d Mechanized Corps reports that the 11th Panzer has pushed forward and is now approaching positions where are troops in Bremutshy will be flanked. However, Corps headquarters indicates that the 1st Guards Tank Brigade and the 49th Tank Brigade are still holding positions in C6 which are on the flank of the Panzer Division. German: Notes: Headquarters, G. D. Panzer Fusilier Regiment Reports from the 1st and 3d Battalions indicate Russian forces are moving to our front. One hopes that they will come out in the open and attack, but they will probably stay in their holes. The never ending Russian artillery attacks are still pounding our forward elements. Notes: 1st Bn., G. D. Panzer Regiment We have received new orders to return to our previous mission of supporting the Fusilier's attack on the flank of Bremutshy. Although we are pushing hard to return to our previous positions, the only result is more mechanical problems impeding our march. We now have units stretched over most of sector D4. Turn 21 Russian: Our SU152's suffering severe losses have stopped the German assault guns and PAK-40s from advancing. Their Courageous act of bravery has allowed our AT screen time to set up. They will stop the German flanking movement. The 100th Tank Brigade continues to harass the G. D. grenadiers. However, even though they are now advancing, it appears that their advance will stall since they are without any support. The center is quiet for the moment, but headquarters has warned that this could be the calm before the storm. All units should be prepared to resist any attack. The 3d Mechanized Corps reports that the 11th Panzer is continuing to advance at a very slow pace. Infantry units are being moved forward to replace those destroyed by the fascist advance. Our units defending Bremutshy have reported they are now receiving mortar and artillery fire. German: Notes: Headquarters, G. D. Panzer Fusilier Regiment Our assault plans have been finalized. The 3d Fusilier Bn. will hold the left flank. The 1st Fusilier Bn. and the Recon Bn. will attack from our positions at the base of sector C4 to the flank and rear of Bremutshy in sector C5. We will be supported by the 1st Bn of the Panzer Regiment and a battalion of the 941st Infantry. Notes: 1st Bn., G. D. Panzer Regiment We have overcome all of our mechanical difficulties and are proceeding to our assembly point to support the attack on Bremutshy. Several of our platoons will take some time to catch up with our leading units. Turn 22 Russian: The assault engineers with the 65th Regiment have begun the attack on the redoubt in D1 and D2. The German units in the entrenchment have been reduced in size and they should only be capable of limited resistance. The 52d Guards Division and the 3d Mechanized Corps are seeing units of the Panzer Corps moving forward to attack in sectors C5 and C6. Several of our units in that area have suffered many casualties. Headquarters is concerned that they will collapse. The political commissars may have to aid their devotion to the motherland. German: Notes: 3d Fusilier Bn., G. D. Panzer Fusilier Regiment Our attack has begun. Our mission is to insure that no one flanks our main assault and to make sure that the forces in our front can not be moved to new positions. The attached Gw 38t, 150mm Infantry Gun, is causing great damage to the enemy infantry on our front. Notes: 1st Fusilier Bn., G. D. Panzer Fusilier Regiment Our forward elements are engaging the Guards regiment entrenched on the hill to our front in sector C4. Many of the units have had to go to ground to avoid our mortar fire. We have been told that Division and Corps are sending their artillery forward observers and the Luffwaffe forward air controller to our aid. This means that our attack will be the main effort of the Panzer Corps. Notes: 1st Bn., G. D. Panzer Regiment Almost all of our platoons are assembled in the position from which we are to launch our attack. The mechanical problems which have accompanied us throughout this operation are still bothering us. We can observe very heavy Russian shell fire landing among our brave fusiliers. Notes: G. D. Panzer Reconnaissance Bn Several of our motorcycle recon platoons have reached a position on top of the ridge in sector C5. They report that there seems to be a gap between the Russian formations in Bremutshy and the Guards Division to our left in sector C4. They also report Russian armor assembled in sector B5. Our Panzer regiment's 1st Battalion should be able to destroy these tanks. Notes: 2nd Bn., 941st Infantry Regiment We are on the move! The Grossdeutschland Fusiliers are reporting good progress in their advance. Turn 23 Russian: The assault on the redoubt in D1 and D2 is faltering. The engineers of the 65th can not proceed after suffering severe losses during their attack. The 2nd battalion of the 65th Motorized Rifle Brigade is ordered to reinforce their attack. This attack is becoming very costly as we have lost 4 more platoons in this attack. The center is becoming a major center of resistance. The Grossdeutschland infantry and reconnaissance units are attacking all along our front in sectors C4 and C5. Our units have had some losses but nothing we can not overcome. Units from the 3d Mechanized Corps which are entrenched in Bremutshy are now experiencing artillery and mortar fire which appears to be the preparation for the 11th Panzer assault upon them. German: Notes: 3d Fusilier Bn., G. D. Panzer Fusilier Regiment We have consolidated our position from which we can protect the flank of the Division's attack. We are still experiencing some sporadic mortar and artillery fire, but we have not had any losses. Notes: 1st Fusilier Bn., G. D. Panzer Fusilier Regiment Our fusiliers even while experiencing heavy mortar and machine gun fire have pushed back the forward platoons of the Russian infantry. Our mortars have been able to destroy a machine gun which was a great annoyance to our forward platoons. Notes: G. D. Panzer Reconnaissance Bn. Several of our motorcycle platoons have taken the Russian infantry under fire. This has apparently caused some confusion and discomfort among our enemies. We can now see the attack of the 11th Panzer on the right of Bremutshy. They are pounding the entrenched Russians in the town. Notes: 1st Bn., G. D. Panzer Regiment Most of our tank platoons are moving forward. The 1st platoon of 1st company and the 3d platoon of 2nd company have mired down in the river. They have announced that the proscribed procedures are being employed and this is only a temporary setback. The 2nd platoon of the 3d company is still experiencing mechanical problems. They must be rebuilding those tanks from the inside out. Turn 24 Russian: We have added the 237th Tank Brigade to the forces assaulting the redoubt in D1 and D2. The Germans have been successful in turning back all charges at this time. An all out counter offensive has been mounted with the 331st Tank Brigade, battalions from the 151st and 155d Guards infantry and the 245th Heavy Tank Regiment. Their mission is to destroy the 10th Panzer Brigade located in sectors C3 and C4. The 100th Tank Brigade has pushed forward into E3 and is harassing the German Panzer Grenadiers positioned there. The 52d Guards Division is reporting losses from the attacks occurring on their front. The 3d Mechanized Brigade and the 10th Mechanized brigades are still engaging the 11th Panzer. They are still blocking the way to the road to Kursk. German: Notes: 1st Fusilier Bn., G. D. Panzer Fusilier Regiment The infantry units are still pushing the Russians even while they are being hit with heavy artillery and mortar fire. The Division and Corps forward observers have finally arrived which should add enough weight to our attack to crush the infantry to our front. The Luffwaffe is also present and will help pound an open road for our unit. Notes: G. D. Panzer Reconnaissance Bn. The motorcycle formations have opened a hole in the Russian defense. We must have armored support since we can see heavy armor formations moving to our front in sector B5. Several of our units have fired upon infantry entrenched in Bremutshy, but we are unable to determine to what effect. Notes: 1st Bn., G. D. Panzer Regiment We have moved up and are ready to support the attacks of our forward units. The unlucky 2d platoon of 3 company is now stuck in the river, but they claim that they will be able to extricate themselves from this predicament. Turn 25 Russian: Headquarters has ordered the forces attacking the redoubt in D1 and D2 to breakoff. The cost to overcome the German resistance will be too high. The attacking units are ordered to retire and set up a secondary defense line. Our all out offensive in sectors C3 and C4 is gaining momentum and will soon bring significant results for all of our forces. The center is holding although it is reported that the Germans are bringing additional armored formations to the offensive in C4 and C5. The infantry in Bremutshy are slowly being ground down, but their fighting spirit hold them in their positions. German: Notes: 1st fusilier Bn., G. D. Panzer Fusilier Regiment The first artillery support mission was fired by the 101st Hvy Field Howitzer Bn and it was a success. Several Russian infantry platoons were forced to cower in their holes and it was suspected that some may have been destroyed. The 842th Gun Bn. and the Luffwaffe forward observers were unable to make a connection with their units. The Fusiliers in the forward positions are engaged in a severe firefight with the Russian infantry, but are still make forward progress. Notes: G. D. Panzer Reconnaissance Bn. The motorcycle units have continued to fire both on the Russian infantry entrenched in Bremutshy and the Guards infantry on their left. The 11th Panzer can be observed to the right of the town where they appear to be engaging several Russian infantry formations. Notes: 1st Bn., G. D. Panzer Regiment We have moved up and are in position to support the 1st Fusiliers and the Recon Battalion with fire when necessary. We will also crush any Russian armor if they attack. Turn 26 Russian: All of our forces with the exception of those units attacking in sectors C3 and C4 have been ordered to hold their defensive positions. Supreme Command is advising that the German operation Citadel is being called off by the German OKW. WE HAVE WON THE DAY! German: All units are ordered to retire to our original positions and to await new orders. More Kursk 1943 Kursk 1943: Introduction Kursk 1943: Russian and German Forces Kursk 1943: Turns 1-8 Kursk 1943: Turns 9-16 Kursk 1943: Turns 17-end Kursk 1943: Conclusion Back to War Lore: The List Back to Master Magazine List © Copyright 1998 by Coalition Web, Inc. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com