Unused russian reserves at Kursk

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Abel Ravasz
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Unused russian reserves at Kursk

#1

Post by Abel Ravasz » 26 Apr 2003, 12:04

Hi,

I was wondering; the russians main strategic reserve at Kursk was the Steppe front. But even this front had had a strategic reserve, which consisted of the 35. rifle, 3., 5., 7. guards cavalry, 4. guards tank, 3. guards and 1., 2. motorized corps, a seemingly great force (at least on paper). My question is, why didn't the soviets use these units in the actual battle? Given they had such strong force waiting behind the lines (at the river Don?), why did they risk losing the battle by using just the Rotmistrov tank army?
Hope somebody can explain this,
best,

Abel

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Andy H
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#2

Post by Andy H » 26 Apr 2003, 18:11

The 4th Gds Tank Corps (168 tanks & 21 SP Guns) and the 1st Mech Corps (204 tanks) were committed to the battle at Kursk.

Andy


Abel Ravasz
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Location: Hungary/Slovakia

#3

Post by Abel Ravasz » 26 Apr 2003, 20:53

Could you possibly tell me where and when?

Abel

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Andy H
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#4

Post by Andy H » 26 Apr 2003, 21:04

Apologies got my facts wrong there. Both units were moving into posistion to counter the German offensive but wern't neded as the on July 17th the II SS Pz Korps halted its attack and withdrew back towards Belograd.

Andy

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