Breakout to Lisyanka - February 16, 1944 - February 17, 1944

Historical Background:
In January, 1944 a large pocket of 6 German divisions with over 56,000 troops had been cut-off by the Soviet Army's 1st and 2nd Ukrainian Front troops. For days the Russians continued the attack in an attempt to split up the pocket and destroy the German forces.

Just prior to midnight February 16, in a desperate attempt to escape what the German's called the 'kessel' (or cauldron), the 72d Division and 5th Panzer Division attacked from the Khilki-Komarovka pocket. Infantry regiments fixed bayonets and moved out. The Soviet defenders were caught by surprise and the German force broke through the first line and continued the attack up into the hills.

The Russian counter attacked from Dzhurzhentsy with tanks and artillery. Many Germans panicked and began a mad dash for freedom. The Soviet guns caused horrific casualties, however relief soon came in the form of Panzers from III Panzerkorps. The breakout force had lost most of its artillery, tanks and supplies but many of the German units made it to the Gniloy-Tikich River and crossed to safety.

The stage is set, the battle lines are drawn, and you are in command. The rest is history.

Briefing:
Axis Player: Take 5 Command cards.
You move first.

Russian Player: Take 4 Command cards.

Conditions of Victory:
7 Medals

An Axis unit that crosses the frozen river exits off the Russian side of the battlefield counts as Victory Medal, infantry count as 2 and armor 1. The Axis unit is removed from play. Place one figure from this unit onto the Axis Medal Stand.

Special Rules:
The Axis Special Forces tank units have 4 figures. Place a Special Force Badge in the same hex with these units to distinguish them from the other units.

The Axis Special Forces are Engineer units. Place an Axis Special Force Badge in the same hex with these units to distinguish them from the other units. See p.6 for details about Engineers.

The Russian Special Forces tank units have 4 figures. Place a Special Force Badge in the same hex with these units to distinguish them from the other units.

Ravine and Frozen Rivers are explained on p.3.