8th July 1941
Turn 5
Army Group Centre
And that leaves Guderian's 2nd Panzergruppe.
Guderian, recognising that much of his force are still in the rear due to the recent mini fuel crisis, considers diverting some of his troops to eliminate the pocket of Soviet troops. In the meantime, in order to guard the flanks, 1st Cavalry and 4th Panzer Divisions are sent to the southeast of Minsk. There, General Langermann's panzers despatch a Soviet straggler unit.
North of that position, the 100th Rifle Division are put under pressure by 17th Panzer and 10th Motorised. There is a body of troops with their backs to the river just beyond. They may be out of reach, but Guderian seeks to bag them...
The attack needs to be conducted at extreme range but pits 3 motorised and 2 panzer divisions against six Soviet units of variable strength and quality.
As expected, the Soviets were able to fight an inconclusive battle and so should be able to extricate at least some units across the river.
The final action of the turn is in trying to eliminate the Soviet pocket west of Minsk. von Bock, having lost confidence in Strauss's ability to do anything, orders the infantry armies to stand aside. Two infantry divisions and a panzer division from the 3rd Panzergruppe make the attack. The defenders are wiped out.
