Battle of Kursk (Morgen die ganze Welt)

May,15 1943 Berlin

Otto Ambros, I.G. Farben's authority on nerve gas, dies in an aircraft accident. He was summoned to a meeting with Hitler organized by Alber Speer. Speer was hoping to use him to dissuade the Führer from using nerve gas. Hitler decides to follow the recommendation of the HWA (Heereswaffenamt) to use Germany's fiercest weapon.

July,4 1943 Battle of Kursk

Kursk is a large salient in the frontline. It is an obvious target for German attack. The Soviets have gotten wind of German plans and stationed their best troops in the area, veterans of Stalingrad. The battle of Kursk starts after much delay with a short nerve gas bombardment, the first ever in history. "Ordinary" war gases like phosgene or also used to confuse the enemy. Stukas drop Sarin bombs on Russian airfields and communication centers far behind the lines. A cloud of Tabun floats accross the Russian positions driven by the wind. Engineers in protective clothing start lifting mines undisturbed.

July,5 1943 Battle of Kursk

It is already apparent that the battle of Kursk is an overwhelming German success. The advancing armor crosses massive fortifications without struggle. Hundreds of T-34 tanks are captured and ready to run when the dead crew are removed. Supply dumps are captured intact.

July,6 1943 Battle of Kursk

The two pincers of the German offensive meet at Kursk, cutting off 500,000 Soviet troops.

July,9 1943 Battle of Kursk The Soviet Kursk pocket is reduced by the Germans. Soviet troops were completely stunned. They knew some disaster had befallen them. Total casualties are 1,300,000 killed or captured of some of the beste Soviet troops for minimal German losses. The front has a large undefended gap of 200 km in it. German troops race to Livny and Voronezh without meeting resistance. The Soviet high command rush troops from other areas to the Kursk areas. Moscow is threatened again, this time from the south. production of nerve gas is now given the highest priority in Germany.