Reference map:
First, a little background:
...and the rest is history. So, you are the experts - let's presume the Russians took the bait, and this plan was put into action with the full resources of the Wehrmacht & Waffen-SS. Would it have succeeded? A Dunkirk on the Azov, if you will. As I see it, this was the plan that should have been executed. And then, presuming it did fully succeed as planned, what would the strategic ramifications be, going forward?
P.S. Instead of saying 'going forward', could I have correctly used 'thenceforth'?? *cough* nevermind.
Spoiler :
First, a little background:
the Wiki link said:German plans
Von Manstein pressed for a new offensive along the same lines he had just successfully pursued at Kharkov, when he cut off an overextended Soviet offensive. He suggested tricking the Soviets into attacking in the south against the desperately re-forming Sixth Army, leading them into the Donets Basin in the eastern Ukraine. He would then turn south from Kharkov on the eastern side of the Donets River towards Rostov and trap the entire southern wing of the Red Army against the Sea of Azov.
OKH did not approve von Manstein's plan, and instead turned their attention to the obvious bulge in the lines between Orel and Kharkov.
...and the rest is history. So, you are the experts - let's presume the Russians took the bait, and this plan was put into action with the full resources of the Wehrmacht & Waffen-SS. Would it have succeeded? A Dunkirk on the Azov, if you will. As I see it, this was the plan that should have been executed. And then, presuming it did fully succeed as planned, what would the strategic ramifications be, going forward?
P.S. Instead of saying 'going forward', could I have correctly used 'thenceforth'?? *cough* nevermind.