Pekalin, east of Minsk: 6 July 1944
[Best Played PBEM or as Axis] 
The envelopment of Minsk by the Russian army left enormous 
numbers of German troops isolated in scattered pockets east 
of the city. One such pocket containing formations of the XII 
Corps attempted to break out at 2400 hours on 6 July. The 
267th Infantry Division broke out in three columns, their first 
objective to cross the Orsha-Minsk railway, and then the main
road, which was protected by infantry post. The order issued 
by Lieutnant-General Dresher read "Soldiers of the victorious 
267th Infantry Division. Our divison acted as the rearguard of 
the Corps and successfully repelled all attacks, allowing the 
other divisions to withdraw to safety. During this battle the enemy 
succeeded in encircling our troops. This encirclement must be 
broken and we must fight our way to freedom and to our homeland. 
I want no one to doubt that the way will be difficult and great 
sacrifice will be required. On comrades! On to our freedom and 
our homeland!"