Description:

THE GERMAN HIGH COMMAND ORDERS AN ADVANCE TOWARD KURSK DURING OPERATION TYPHOON
A historic war-date typed document in German, 2pp. 4to., [Berlin], Oct. 23, 1941, a directive issued by telegram by the General Staff of the ‘Oberkommado des Herres' (OKH), or German High Command, to Army Groups Center and South on the Eastern Front, as part of the German push towards Moscow during Operation Typhoon. The directive gives instructions for the 2nd Army to advance towards the Don River and Voronezh, and to capture Kursk. In full: ‘According to the available enemy intelligence, it is becoming increasingly clear that the enemy has recognized the importance of the area west of Voronezh. It must therefore be expected that he will attempt to hold this area in order to both protect the last of the railway lines running south from the Moscow area and to preserve the possibility of potential future advances against the inner flanks of Army Groups South and Center. In extension of the order given to Army Group Center with OKH No. 1584, the following is therefore ordered: a. In order to eliminate a threat to the inner flanks of Army Groups South and Center from the area west of Voronezh, the 2nd Army is to advance towards the Don River, with its right flank on Voronezh. Rapidly moving forces are to be assigned to this task. The swift capture of Kursk and the advance of forces towards Voronezh are of particular importance within the framework of the 2nd Army's mission. b. New demarcation line between Army Groups South and Center: Kursk (to Center) - Goroshetschnoye (to Center) - Voronezh (to Center) - Mutschka (to Center). Army Group Center is requested to report on the intentions and organization of the 2nd Army.' Below appears a list of additional recipients of the order. The document also bears the pencil note 'Philippi' at top, indicating this copy may have been intended for Generalmajor Alfred Philippi. Very good. The document originates from the personal files of Gen. FRANZ HALDER (1884-1972), Chief of Staff of the OKH until September of 1942, when he was succeeded by Kurt Zeitzler, under whose authority this directive was issued. It shows a number of pencil notations in marks, believed to be in Halder's hand, as well as a typed notation at top indicating that it originated from his files regarding Operation Barbarossa. It further shows a few small folds and staple holes at top left, but is otherwise in very good condition. This order would be issued at a pivotal moment in the German offensive, coming ten days after it reached a point 90 miles from Moscow on Oct. 13. The rapidly deteriorating weather caused the Germans to pause their advance on Oct. 31 and reorganize their forces, giving the Red Army time to organize and field eleven new army groups, with 30 divisions and over 1,00 new tanks and aircraft, to defend the city. When German forces renewed their push on Nov. 15, they were unable to regain their previous momentum, and in December were turned back by a massive Soviet counteroffensive.

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April 21, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

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