The Russian Front - Operation Titan

Operation Titan took place on Tuesday 11th February 2003 in Norwich, Norfolk. The scenario dealt with a large Russian offensive in the area around Norwosygorsk.

Background to the battle

In the aftermath of the Battle of Stalingrad the Germans have been forced to retreat westward to new defensive positions.

Map of the battlefield.

As part of the offensive to push the German out of these positions STAVKA has ordered the 66th Army - supported by elements of 7th Artillery Division - to mount an attack against the very weak German forces (384. Infanterie-Division, 389. Infanterie-Division and 15. Luftwaffe Feld-Division) holding the frontline near the city of Norwosygorsk.

The Russians

The Russian Order of Battle included:

• 66th Army

  • 91^st Tank Brigade

  • 121^st Tank Brigade

  • 64^th Rifle Division

  • 99^th Rifle Division

  • 116^th Rifle Division

  • 226^th Rifle Division

  • 299^th Rifle Division

  • 343^rd Rifle Division

• 7th Artillery Division

The Russian Mission:

• Break through the German front-line by the end of Day 2.

• Exploit the breach and surround and destroy the German front-line units by the end of Day 5.

• Recapture the city of Norwosygorsk by the end of Day 7.

Intelligence of German Forces:

• 384. Infanterie-Division

• 389. Infanterie-Division

• 15. Luftwaffe Feld-Division

• STAVKA believes that the enemy's forces are demoralized and have little fight left in them.

• The German defensive positions are protected by extensive minefields.

The Battle

The battle began with a major assault on the northern sector of the battlefield by three Rifle Divisions of the 66th Army supported by artillery drawn from the Army's own assets and those of 7th Artillery Division. One noticeable feature was the absence of either of the Russian Tank brigades, who took up positions behind the three remaining Rifle Divisions on the southern sector.

Despite having to attack through a series of minefields, the northern attack made slow but gradual progress. The German line buckled, but did not give way, although the loses in the front-line units were very heavy.

The battle finally ground to a halt when the attackers began to lose momentum. This gave the defenders a much needed breathing space, and they were able to consolidate their defences. The final outcome of the battle would now depend upon which side could get additional supplies and troops to the battlefield first.

Downloads

• Russian briefing (PDF format file)

• Russian unit strength points (PDF format file)

• German briefing (PDF format file)

• German unit strength points (PDF format file)