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20 July 1941
the Soviets surprisingly started a counteroffensive from Minsk region and also pushed on Dvina river between Riga and Polotsk.
The forward elements took some beating, in some cases losses were heavy.
I was totally not expecting this and I'm curious about how this unravels. Chances of reaching Rzhev-Smolensk by the end of July seems to be slim.

I'd never expect to surprise myself (remember is me vs myself).

Also the Armoured and Motorized Divisions are in a shaky state. Must rest them for another week before they start roling again.
Infantry is in much better shape. I have decided till end of July they will carry out the blows.

So far the thing has been frustrating for OKW, failing one deadline after another. If I really manage to reach outskirts of Moscov by October I will have a proper drink [;)]

The Soviets had a lot of good formations and massive numbers. They had the KV1 and T34 tanks from the off, totally outclassed anything the Germans were fielding in '41. They just had no idea what they were doing tactically or strategically until late '42/'43 and they learnt those lessons very hard. You know what you are about right from the day of the invasion so it is going to be a different story, if the simulation is close to accurate.

3rd August 1941 (Soviets already moved)

OKH
Finally a breakthrough was achieved east of Polotsk which should allow for a push towards Rzhev. 4 Pz Divs and 3 PZGr Divs accompanied by 10 Inf Divs have been assigned to the task.
Minsk is being isolated and encirclement of Soviet troops is imminent within next 2-3 turns.
Further South the forces are moving steadily through the Belorussian marches.

Finnish and Italian forces have joined into the fray.

Romanian forces have taken most of Bessarabia and are advancing towards Southern Bug.

After much consideration I have decided to restart this.
Why? For two reasons:
1. I finally got it going in terms of gameplay and AAR. After some trial and error I think I'm there regarding the gameplay and how to present it.
2. I have decided to something that I was pondering on for the last 2-3 months in terms of big push for Moscov.

So please stay tuned there will be new thread on my Easter Front adventures.