Katukov's Escape*
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Date: October 10, 1941*                     
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Battle Type: Russian and German meeting engagement*
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Design: CB Blackard*
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Battle Description: No nation possessed as many tanks during World War Two as did the Soviet Union.  Though overwhelmed by the superior tactics of the Germans during the early weeks of the war, the Red Army slowly regrouped and eventually formed an unstoppable mechanized force which crushed the Germans and occupied much of eastern Europe.  This success was due to the presence of very talented tank commanders such as Mikhail Efimov Katukov.*
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Katukov commanded Soviet tank units throughout the entire war.  He fought with the Red Army 54th Cavalry Division during the civil war and, in 1932, was attached to one of the first Red Army tank units.  In June 1941, Katukov, now a colonel, commanded the 20th Tank Division of the 9th Mechanized Corps.  His division was equipped with the lowly BT light tank which was close to useless against German armor.  (BT tankers referred to themselves as "knights in plywood").  Katukov's unit was virtually wiped out in a matter of days (an experience he would later refer to as the "real combat school").*
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In August 1941, Katukov was summoned to Moscow where he was given command of the 4th Tank Brigade (which included a battalion of T-34s), a unit he would lead with distinction in the battle for Moscow.
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In this scenario, Katukov's troops must withdraw during the night to avoid being outflanked by German units attempting to cut the Orel - Mtsensk highway.*   
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Note: If played against the AI, this scenario is best played with the human player as the Russians.  Breakdowns should be turned on.*   
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Source:  Armstrong, "Red Army Tank Commanders", pp. 42-43.
