Welcome back to the weekly routine. 20 weeks have passed since GoH’s announcement!
Brest fortress, part I
Blitzkrieg!
In June 22nd 1941, a force of 190 german divisions started their lightning strike towards the East, opening the Eastern Front.
German forces had meticulously planned their advance along the front, and with their prior combat experience, efficiency of logistics, tactical planning and almost impregnable Luftwaffe, the german high command was confident with regard to the initial swift attack with successful results. Although all german marshalls disproved attacking the mighty USSR and warned Hitler of the mistake, the Führer underestimated the Soviet ability to upgrade their outdated army, the Soviet generals and the weather conditions, and was convinced the Blitzkrieg would prove devastating success one more time. As per Hitler's judgement, the USSR had valuable resources such as wheat and oil, and there was the tenacious need to expand the Lebensraum and eradicate communism.
A hint of failure
At Brest, located in Bielorussia, stood the Brest-Litovsk Fortress. This solid citadel held over 300 families guarded by the 6th and 42nd rifle divisions as well as the NKVD 17th frontier guard and medical detachments . The German plan was simple, after intense artillery shelling, a deadly strike would breach the fortress and eliminate any resistance. To prevent the enemy from setting up any solid defense, utilising the solid infrastructure of the fort, german Brandenburger commandos would dress in Russian uniform and order a full scale retreat from the complex. Generalleutnant Schlieper, in charge of the entire operation, estimated the fortress to fall within a dozen hours. The reality was, the Soviet defense lasted for months.
The debut of the Russian campaign will immerse the player into the first massive battle where the Wehrmacht was proven to be hammered back. The defense of the Brest Fortress is a story left untold on many descriptions about the start of operation Barbarossa, and the bravery of the few Soviet soldiers who held the citadel until their inevitable defeat was a glimpse of what the Germans were to expect as they advanced into the USSR.
Brest Bytes
Of course we did spend our resources in creating the fortress environment. Dedicated models are just a part of the experience of the scenario, but they have to be there to be able to convey the feel for atmosphere, autenticity, and sense of place. Each single model accurately portrays the real one, equally the map itself is historically placed and worked around.
On next week we will discuss the battle more in-depth and show you the first ingame teases.
HD link
Take care and see you in the forums!