The Belarus Offensive

[Gunny]

Following the breakthrough of the Livland Kessel, and the subsequent stabilization of the Baltic front, attention has once again shifted to Army Group Center. The Russian attacks over the spring against Hungarian forces in the Carpathians and Romanian forces along the Danube have stalled while diverting precious resources away from Belarus. Meanwhile, German forces have multiplied, sensing a strengthening southern flank and momentum in the North. A new and daring plan has been developed to push back into Belarus, seizing key cities such as Pinsk, Babruysk, and Minsk. Such an attack would put the Wehrmacht in a position to once again threaten Smolensk and Northern Russia, while the treacherous Pripyat marshes would form a decisive barrier to protect this German thrust from Russian counterattacks from the south.

The key to the marshes is the industrial city of Beketov that sits astride the a number of major Russian roadways, one of which crosses the marshes connecting Belarus with Ukraine. Should the city remain in Russian hands, the Soviet's "Army of Ukraine" would have no problems redeploying through the marshes, thus destroying the new German advance. In addition to its roadways, the city also serves as a growing industrial center for the Red Army.  Back under Russian control for nearly a year, the city's factories are once again humming with new T34s that will be used to strengthen Russia's position facing north from the marshes.

   Kampfgruppe Preussen has been deployed to secure the southern flank facing the marshes, including the 1. Infanterie-Division, 50. Infanterie-Division, and Schwere SS-Panzerabteilung 101.The bridges over the river that protect the northern approaches to the city are believed to have been destroyed, the city will need to be captured the long way. Still, it is imperative that it is captured and held before the Army of Ukraine can reach the area.