Map Key:
German:
PzC: Panser Corps
AC: Army Corps
ID: Infantry Division
PzD: Panzer Division
PzGrenD: Panzer Grenadier Division (I don’t know why Glantz did not use the more conventional “PzGr”
PzB: Panzer Brigade
PzAbt: Schwere Panzer Abteilung (Heavy Tank Battalion, usually denotes a detachment of Tiger tanks)
Soviet:
RC: Rifle Corps
GRC: Guards Rifle Corps
RD: Rifle Division
GRD: Guards Rifle Division
TC: Tank Corps
GTC: Guards Tank Corps
TB: Tank Brigade
MRB: Motorized Rifle Brigade
MC: Mechanized Corps
GMC: Guards Mechanized Corps
TR: Tank Regiment
CC: Cavalry Corps
GCC: Guards Cavalry Corps
ATB: Anti-tank Brigade (these units were created especially for Kursk and were not typically found afterward).
The Soviet Tank Army was typically composed of two tank corps and one mechanized corps. The tank corps had three tank brigades and one brigade of motorized infantry. The mechanized corps was still in its infancy at this time and did not have a clear TO & E. But it was typically more powerful than a tank corps.
As you can see from the map, in addition to the tank armies, the Soviets also had a plentiful amount so independent tank and mechanized corps. They would typically be attached or made subordinate to an army. For example, 5th Guards Mechanized Corps was not officially part of 5th Guards Tank Army, but fought as an attachment with that army for so long this summer that it was virtually another corps unit of that army. The other tank corps were nominally independent, but starting at the end of 1943, they were more or less recognized as being organic components of their controlling combined arms armies. Most Shock Armies and Guards Armies had organic tank corps.
As you can see from the maps, the Soviets had A LOT of formations at the point of the German attack. This is one of those rare battles where both sides know when and where the battle will take place, and they know the other side is expecting them. Both sides know the other has gone “all in” and put all the stakes on the table.
In this case, the stakes being the bodies of their soldiers.
TB: Tank Brigade
My brain froze and I couldn't come up with B = Brigade.
TR: Tank Regiment
Frozen brain couldn't link "R" with Regiment either.
Thanks again.
As you can see from the maps, the Soviets had A LOT of formations at the point of the German attack. This is one of those rare battles where both sides know when and where the battle will take place, and they know the other side is expecting them. Both sides know the other has gone “all in” and put all the stakes on the table.
Those maps make your point clear. They are the most detailed I have ever seen. Thanks again.