Historical Background
At the end of 1942, Russia launched a large-scale offensive manoeuvre at Stalingrad. After a month, Stalingrad was back in Russian hand. Meanwhile, the Russians also crossed River Don to capture Kharkov that was a communication and transportation center in the middle part of Russia. By then the frontline was opened salient. However, the line was miraculous kept stable by the famous German Field Marshal Manstein. He then launched a counterattack on Kharkov which was a big operation involving a number of German divisions. The 1st SS Panzer Division took a lion share in the counter forces. After house to house fighting in the city and huge loss in battle, the city was eventually recaptured. Inspired by the success in taking back Kharkov, the German Army planned and launched another great offensive action which was world renowned as the Battle of Kursk.

Model Features
This kit depicts four newly tooled SS commanders in different uniform during a meeting at Kharkov. They are sculptured as Max Hansen (commander of 2nd Battalion of SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment 1) in winter parka, Fritz Witt (Commander of SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment 1) in sheepskin coat, Kurt Meyer (Commander of 1st SS-Reconnaissance, LAH Div.) in armored personnel overall and Bernhard Krause (Commander of SS-Flak Battalion 1) in furlined anorak. They carry personal equipment like binoculars, map case and pistol.