Operation Citadel, the Battle of Kursk, was postponed repeatedly, WI it did take place on May 12, before more Soviet preparations took place? Hitler was shown that the Panthers would not be ready and that the Soviets were reinforcing faster than the Germans ever could. If an offensive in the East had to happen in 1943, it would have to be now. I know the Soviets would be less prepared, the troublesome early Panthers would not be involved and it's 2 months before Operation Husky, the Invasion of Sicily, which was Hitler's excuse to cancel Citadel after it started in July. Would the Germans breakthrough and get a small breathing space and time?