Troops of the 9th German Army attacked the second defense line of the Soviet Central Front, but failed to break through it. JULY 8, 1943: Attack toward the village of Teploe Counterattack of the 1st Tank ArmyĪt the northern face of the salient, Ponyri station passed from hand to hand over the course of the day.The number of combat-capable German vehicles started to decrease. At the southern face of the salient, the Germans developed their offensive to Oboyan however, no ultimate victory was achieved here on July 7. The battle continued into the night, illuminated by burning buildings. After a series of attacks, the Germans occupied the “Pervoe Maya” collective farm and approached the northern edge of Ponyri. JULY 7, 1943: Defense of Ponyri Battles against the XLVIII Panzer CorpsĪt the northern face of the salient, the XLI Panzer Corps under the command of Josef Harpe started the assault of the Ponyri station.In the Koroch direction, Army Detachment Kempf gained a foothold at the bank of the Seversky Donets River. At the southern face of the salient, the Panzer Army under the command of General Hermann Hoth broke through to the second defense line of the Soviet Army. At the same time, the German losses were lower than the day before. However, the advance the 9th Army under the command of General Walter Model slowed down: the Germans forced their way only 2 km deeper.

JULY 6, 1943: Soviet Counterattack near Olkhovatka defense of OboyanĪt the northern face of the salient, the Germans repelled a series of counterattacks by the Red Army, causing significant damage in the process.The attack developed in two directions after fierce battles, the Germans advanced 8 km here. The southern face of the salient was attacked by the 4th Panzer Army and Army Detachment Kempf. By the evening, the Germans had forced their way 6–8 km into the Soviet defense lines. It included a regiment of modern Ferdinand tank destroyers. The 9th Army under the command of General Walter Model advanced on the northern face of the salient. JULY 5, 1943: Beginning of the Battle of Kursk & Beginning of Operation Citadel.

World of tanks battle of kursk special