Sidenote:
Hello guys, this is the last chapter until after Christmas. I'm not going to be home for a few days.
So, although there is a few days to go...
(Boy, I hope the german part means "Merry Christmas"
)
A big hug from me. Hope all your wishes come true (except if it is to become dictator of the universe... nobody likes a dictator of everything
)
Chapter 31: Soviet tanks, faster than light
1 May 1944 - 1 June 1944
The result of the current situation was unclear. Although the Germans were successful in the North, the Soviets had occupied Stanislawow and were advancing to Tarnopol. The Soviets also kept sending troops to Luninec, delaying the German advance.
On May 5, the Soviets reached Tarnopol forcing units to be moved to Lvov. The Battle for Luninec continued.
The Soviets kept trying to advance in the South, but the Hungarians fought bravely.
Within 1 week, the Soviet tanks had reached Kowel, positioning themselves behind German lines. Luckily, over 1 month ago troops had been sent from up North to reinforce, and they were able to cut the Soviets off (avoiding yet another retreating German army from being destroyed).
The northern armies (now a legend in all of Germany) stand their ground against a Soviet army that outnumbers them 1-4.
Kowel is regained and the Soviet tanks are destroyed (apparently they were reluctant to retreat.
Bulgarian reinforcements are sent to Ismail, and manage to hold their ground once more. Many of the units present are so weak that they are annihilated in combat. A miracle is needed if this front has to hold much longer.
Germans reach Lida, while troops keep advancing into Luninec.
By the end of May, the Germans start an offensive to recapture Tarnopol. Unfortunately, the Soviets had already started an offensive to capture Rowne.
Suddenly an unexpected miracle happens. New fresh Hungarian troops appear. They may be what helps us to keep the Soviets back in the South.
New troops, not something you see very often now
Rowne is defeated but German finally reaches Luninec. We are confident that we will be able to regain it. Biggest challenge: Avoiding that they advance from Rowne to Kowel.
Ismail survives yet another Soviet attack. Hopefully the new troops will arrive soon.
Front line June 1, 2 offensives and 1 Army retreating
Most experienced divisions. The German HQs are very experienced. After them, we have a lot of infantries. A motorized is also close to reaching 50
All of the German fleet has been disbanded. The German Kriegsmarine now consists of a single Submarine.
Our bombers have become quite experienced by attacking the Soviets. The interceptors fighting the Allies haven't gotten much experience thanks to the high losses inflicted by the unbelievable amount of Allied planes.
Germany survives yet another month. Since the war against France, the opposition had stated that Germany was doomed. The whole campaign against the Soviets had been a giant disappointment. Many forget that Germany has prevailed through some very hard times. They have taken everything and anything the world has thrown against them. Remember that it wasn't Germany who started the war against the Soviets.
Troop transport train, Budapest to Iasi- 1 June 1944