Part 5/10:
The battle commenced at the end of September 1941. Army Group Center, which held a numerical superiority in manpower and equipment, seemed poised for success against a Soviet defense that had suffered from disorganization and demoralization. However, Soviet leadership had failed to establish effective strategies to counter German movements, resulting in significant Soviet casualties as they attempted reckless assaults against well-prepared German defenses.
As the German forces continued their advance, encircling large Soviet formations and inflicting heavy losses, they faced challenges presented by geography and the deteriorating weather. Rain and mud began to significantly impede German operations, slowing their advance and allowing Soviet forces time to consolidate their defenses.