Let me say I applaud your willingness to explain your edits here I would only add one more consideration that Prokorovka may have been a tipping point for the Germans That is the Orel counteroffensive the inability to widen the southern penetration and the loss up to 11 July did not result in a german decision to give up the offensive at least in the south But the effect of the entrance of 5th GTA into the battle on 12 july showed that contrary to Manstein s assertions they were not about to break through the last Soviet defenses On the contrary this showed that significant Soviet strength remained Thus the sacrifice of a major part of the 5th GTA may not have been in vain By the 15th German units in the south had their warning orders to withdraw Your point that the situation in Orel was more important is well taken and I agree I am simply saying Prokorovka may have provided that last straw needed to get the germans to give it up