Zitadelle: SS Totenkopf’s March to Prokhorovka
Zitadelle is a CMRT Campaign depicting the actions of the 3rd SS Panzergrenadier Division Totenkopf (Deaths Head) during Operation Zitadelle, the German code word for the Battle of Kursk. It follows the divisions engagements from July 4, 1943 until July 12, 1943.
The campaign should be considered semi-historical simply because of limitations in the CMRT engine, mainly force composition and equipment. All the battles however were actual engagements and I tried to replicate them as accurately as I could.
It requires the following:
CMRT version 4.
The Included Mod Folder for immersion.
(SPECIAL NOTE: Do not play this campaign with the Berlin MOD in your Z folder. It will create vehicle issues with the included vehicles in the campaign.)
Division Totenkopf was one of three SS Divisions attached to the II. SS Panzer Korps that fought in the southern sector of the campaign. Totenkopf, along with the other two divisions, 1st SS Panzergrenadier Division Leibstandarte and 2nd SS Panzergrenadier Division Das Reich, along with support units, were under the command of SS Obergruppenfuhrer Paul Hausser and would be the main offensive punch for the Germans in this sector.
The 3rd SS Panzergrenadier Division Totenkopf is commanded by SS Brigadefuhrer Hermann Preiss during Operation Zitadelle.
Note on Commanders:
I have tried to add in as many of the key commanders as possible for historical immersion. During the battle the II.SS Panzer-Korps lost many key commanders since many German commanders lead their troops from the front, so there was a lot of moving leadership around. I set the command tree for this campaign as it was in the beginning of the actual battle where I could.
Notes on Unit Composition:
Due to limitations in the current CMRT engine I used Aufklarung compositions to eliminate most of the panzerfausts which were not present during Operation Zitadelle. A few of the HQ units still randomly retain a few but there is nothing much I can do. Just use your imagination and let them be very accurately thrown teller mines.
Also historically Totenkopf had the following tank strengths:
59 PzMkIII’s 47 PzMkIV (long barreled 75mm) 11 PzMkVI Tigers 8 Befehls Pz. (Repair Vehicles)
With the MKIII not being available I have substituted in the correct number of MkIV’s, so the tank strength is correct on numbers but not correct on tank types. If BFC decides to make the MkIII (and KV-1) I will try and update this beast. As mentioned above there is one Kompanie in the I.SS Panzer Regiment 3 that is a reserve and this represents repaired tanks that were returned to service during the battle. These will be available towards the end.
The Campaign Tree:
1. Hill 218 – Axis Assault (Dawn)
2. Breaking the Line – Axis Assault (Day)
3. Actung Panzer – Axis Probe (Day)
4. Clash at Kochetovka – Axis Attack (Day)
5. Decision – Gives you the opportunity to play the next mission with or without using some of your reserves. You must be careful here as you will need every available asset in the later battles.
6. 96th Tank Brigade Counterattacks – Meeting Engagement (No reserves) (Day)
7. 96th Tank Brigade Counterattacks (Reserves) – Meeting Engagement (Reserves) (Day)
8. Hells Bridgehead – Axis Assault (Day)
9. Tooth and Nail – Allied Attack (Dawn)
10. Fire and Steel – Meeting Engagement (Day)
For this campaign to be successful it will require careful management of your unit preservation, as the last battles will require every resource you can muster. 9.Kompanies Tigers will be especially important as you will get no replacements for them. (There was only 11 total during Zitadelle)
Artillery and air support will be available in most missions for both sides.
The Mods:
Included with the campaign is a mod folder that contains the following:
1. Veins excellent Totenkopf Uniform mod.
2. Several terrain and effects textures from different sources for immersion.
3. Aris PzMk IVG, SPW 251, Stug III and PzMkVI Tiger textures modified by me with the correct insignia used by Totenkopf during Operation Zitadelle.
4. Custom Loading Music
5. Totekopf Portrait Mod – I added the Deaths Head insignia to the portrait of the armored infantry and tank commanders from Mords Red Thunder Portraits mod. These will now show the correct insignia and are tagged to this campaign only.
The Maps:
The maps were all created by the author (me) and I have tried to make them as accurate as possible. Most are large and may task slower systems.
Be sure to read the mission briefings for each mission.
I have included some historical information that the campaign was based on in each of the designer notes for each mission. This will give you a bigger picture of the events that are happening when each mission is played out.
I hope the campaign proves enjoyable.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hummk2NorR-oQnhLrXxIEknfH5QV9Xre/view?usp=sharing
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