Word: rzhev
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Dates: during 1940-1949
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...center, they were untouched in Smolensk. The Russians were straining to blast the German concentrations from Rzhev and Vyazma, about 100 miles away...
London military circles discussed how the Germans had done it. They gave chief credit to the enduring efficiency of the German supply organization and to what they called a "porcupine" defensive system. This consisted in the fortification of certain sizable towns, such as Rzhev and Vyazma, as strong points. These "porcupines" were prepared against attack in any direction, building after building being turned into a small fort, with fortified "quills," such as farm buildings, scattered around all the approaches to the towns. The Germans concentrated on holding these porcupines rather than solid lines...