AGC
Army Group Center launched Operation Fuchs, the attempt to flank Voronezh from the north and cross the rivers Vornoezh and smaller Don. The success of the operation presented us with a prime opportunity to increase the scope of the offensive and attempt to encircle Voronezh itself. Thus orders were given and after heavy fighting, the 2nd Panzer Army together with the 4th Panzer Army cut through the Soviet rear and linked up with our forces on the Don. As it stands the pocket contains a total of 23 Rifle Divisions (+4 not yet properly identified), 4 Rifle Brigades as well as 3 AT Artillery Brigades. Some of the units trapped in the pocket are elite formations such as the 21st Rifle Division and the 26th Rifle Division (both have high morale and experience). The pocket is not watertight and there is a chance that the enemy may be able to break it, especially the bigger pocket around Voronezh. However we have done our best to position our forces in such a pattern that the enemy will have a hard time reaching them. Should the pocket hold, we will have delivered a powerful blow to the Soviet OOB and the Voronezh Front. The 37th, 33rd, 46th and 55th Armies have been routed or encircled and will not be combat ready for some time. Intelligence reports indicate that around 250.000-300.000 men are trapped in the pocket.
Positions at the start of the week:
Positions after the German moves:
Circled in black are the elite 21st and 26th Rifle Divisions.
Smaller pocket as part of Operation Luchs:
Bigger pocket, part of Operation Luchs 2:
Battles during Operation Luchs and Luchs 2:
Final overview of the pocket:
