Directive # 35.                            6^th of September 1941

The Fuhrer and Supreme Commander

    of the Armed Forces

OKW/WFSt./Abt.L (1)

Nr. 441492/41 g.Kdos

Top Secret

Guderian, paused and looked around at his staff officers and led commanders. “Yes the Fuhrer has detailed plans for us. ” He held each commanders eye for a moment. He then continued to summarize the Fuhrers Directive.

“So our target has changed,…AGAIN” said an angry voice. “How the hell are we supposed to do this when we are so close to breaking them.”

 

“This is not unexpected. I spoke to Hoepner, he understands as I do and you should, that since Directive 33, our orders have been……shall we say fluid?” Everyone tensed at the implied insult of the Fuhrer from Heinz.

Guderian calmly rose and moved to the operational map. “Gentlemen this time however I have a plan to achieve our obligations to the Fuhrer and finish this war before Christmas.” He picked up his pointer and began to speak.

October 1^st 1941.

“Well done. We have achieved much in the last 30 days, despite unsatisfactory combat conditions. Now we are poised for a push to the capital, the enemy is depleted and we must maintain the momentum while the forecast remains clear!” Guderian said in a matter of fact tone. His trademark smirk appeared under his moustache. “I am well pleased Gentlemen, well pleased.”

Across the Eastern Front Colonel Generals and other Senior Officers briefed their war weary forces for the final push:

Force Orders:

9^th Army

Transfer SS:T to 3^rd PGA. Press East, preserve supply and look for a way to close Northern entry points to “MAP A.”

3PG Army

Proceed down the Dkharshehama road and clear to Beliyy road. In a Northly orientated sweep to envelope VYAZMA from the North.

SS:T upon arrival to work towards RZHEV in support of 6th and 7^th Panzer who are supported by 36^th Motorized. 19^th exploit breaches made.

4^th Army

Proceed to envelope VYAZMA, clear immediate resistance via encirclement.

4^th PG Army

40XXX to move from Snopt with 2^nd and 10^th Panzer and 19^th Pzr; + 20^th as well as  SS:R to encircle and isolate Bryansk at Zhizda by 5^th of October.

46XXX 5^th and 11^th Panzer + 3^rd Motorized go from Roslavl to Spas Demyansk – onto VYAZMA

(Sth East Army Map C). Foot slog with 1^st Cav to Bryansk and seek opportunities to capture SP.

2^nd PG Army

3^rd and 4^th Panzer to Orel

17^th and 18^th Panzer. Review orders Ponyri – Kursk or to the South East of Kursk.

6^th Army

9^th Pzr and 16^th Motorized – take Belgorod NE of Kharkov. Prepare to transfer to 2PG Army at or near Kursk.

1st PG Army

14^th, 16^th, 13^th Panzer, SS:W and 60^th Motorized are ordered to plan approaches to Rostov. Encirclement of immediate enemy a priority.

17^th Army

Infantry to clear route to and approach Kharkov. LAH – clear approaches to Stalino/Rostov .

11^th Army

Begin approach to Sevastopol.