PREFACE

During the battle for Kiev, when the success of German armies was designated, German High Command developed the offensive plan to the Moscow. This plan authorized Hitler, caused complete approval of the generals and field marshals meeting  September,1941 near Smolensk. German Command, considering, that with a victory at Kiev the new opportunities of deep prompt operations on all the Soviet-German front have opened, and not doubt of fast capture of  Moscow and complete victory. By the end of September strategic conditions sharply changed. The operations named "Typhoon", believing, that group of armies "Centre", similarly typhoon, sweep the Soviet defence and approach at Moscow. By the German plans, the war should be finished before winter.

Into group of armies "Centre" now entered 2th, 4th, 9th Field Armies, 2nd, 4th and 3rd Panzer Groups. In structure of this group was 77 divisions, including 14 tanks and 8 motorize.

All armies of group "Centre" was unwrapped for offensive from Andreapole up to Gluhov in line limited from the south to Kursk direction, from the north- Kalinin. In area Duhovshina, Roslavle and Shostka three shock groupings have concentrated, which basis were Tanks group. One of these groups after break of  defence of the Soviet under Roslavla should come in the northeast direction on Vyazma and there to incorporate to other shock group coming on Vyazma from the northwest. Thus, the encirclement and destruction of Soviet to the east of Smolensk was planned. 2nd Panzer Group the task was put to come from area Gluhov on Orel and between Novgorod-Seversk and Bryansk to leave for rear to the Soviet armies, which actions were held down by frontal offensive of 2nd Army. Thus, for impact on Moscow at disposal of group of armies "Centre" there were significant forces: three field armies and three tank groups.                                          

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