Prior to the launch of Fall Blau in 1942, the German line in Russia is east of Leningrad slightly, turning south, then east, up to the Rzhev salient. What happens if, instead of the Fall Blau plan, an alternative plan is proposed along the following lines:
1. Mobile forces dedicated to Fall Blau, and as much infantry as can practicably be assembled, are shifted to Army Group North and Centre, beyond Leningrad and north of Rzhev respectively.
2. These forces are ordered, in June to advance north-west from Rzhev, and south-east from the Leningrad area, to encircle soviet units holding the line in the region between Rzhev and Lake Ilmen.
3. Infantry units attempt to liquidate the surrounded units unable to escape, and occupy shorter lines, freeing up whatever units are now still capable of action to be committed to the Rzhev defence in July.
How does the operation fare? If successful, what gains will it achieve? What is the soviet reaction? How does this change the picture locally, and across the whole eastern theatre, if at all?
1. Mobile forces dedicated to Fall Blau, and as much infantry as can practicably be assembled, are shifted to Army Group North and Centre, beyond Leningrad and north of Rzhev respectively.
2. These forces are ordered, in June to advance north-west from Rzhev, and south-east from the Leningrad area, to encircle soviet units holding the line in the region between Rzhev and Lake Ilmen.
3. Infantry units attempt to liquidate the surrounded units unable to escape, and occupy shorter lines, freeing up whatever units are now still capable of action to be committed to the Rzhev defence in July.
How does the operation fare? If successful, what gains will it achieve? What is the soviet reaction? How does this change the picture locally, and across the whole eastern theatre, if at all?