Kowel - Attacking Czerkasy 3/44*
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Date:  March 29, 1944*                     
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Battle Type: Germany assault vs. Russian defend*
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Design: CB Blackard*
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Background:  Following the hellish battle of Cherkassy in February 1944, the 5th SS Panzer Division "Wiking" was in need of major reorganization.  The plan was to re-form the unit in Kowel, a vital rail-hub in the middle of the Pripet Marshes.  But before the reorganization could begin, four Russian divisions surrounded the town and threatened to smash the weak defenders (and the many wounded) who were stationed there.  It was determined that the ring around Kowel had to be broken and town secured.  General Gille, the commander of the "Wiking", flew into Kowel to lead the relief effort.*
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Description: This scenario depicts the opening battle for Kowel.  The new Panther battalion of the "Wiking" division, together with infantry units of the 131st Infantry Division and assault guns of the 190th Sturmgeschutz Brigade, must advance through the treacherous swampy terrain of the Pripet Marshes in an effort to capture the key town of Czerkasy (not to be confused with Cherkassy, now well to the east) lying directly west of, and along the rail line to, the German troops encircled at Kowel.*
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NOTE:  If played against the AI, this scenario is best played with the human player as the Germans.  Preference settings for this scenario should have breakdowns 'on'.  (In the actual battle, half of the German armor became stuck in the soft terrain).*
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Sources: Kurowski, "Panzer Aces II" pp. 391-94; Strassner, "European Volunteers"; "Panzergrenadiere der Panzerdivision 'Wiking'"; "Verweht sind die Spuren*
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