5th and 6th
During the morning of the 5th as previously shared the Russians raced to cover gaps, as best they could. Needing to hold for a few more turns until reinforcement arrives.
Germans make an attack on Semenovka, knocking 2 steps off and advancing. Both sides are using engineers to fortify. The Germans have pushed spare capacity south along critical junctures to build fortifications where allowed and when weather permits.
The Germans make attacks in the night, we had to re do these attacks as the Armor must be in column mode to fight across a bridge. Nevertheless despite losses opted to be taken the Russians hold the bridge line. 16th TC and 109th Brigade are the heroes of the day.
On the morning of the 6th of Feb, we are so amped up by reinforcements that we [I] neglect to release the Soviet front. …how did I do that I don’t know. So I unwound the turn as best could be and we carried forward. More important almost than the reinforcements. As this allows a full throttle attack along the line38th Divisio attack from the South near Sabadash, and at Khizhna and the Khizhna fortress as well as Kuty. The German line is pressed back with heavy losses for the Soviets [4x A1’s] in three locations. So much for that attacker friendly CRT.
The Germans were not idle that turn either. Despite deep mud and fog, breaking the supply chain and removing the air they attack despite being now in limited supply across the entire front for the most part.
We do drop supply in two locations, and it’s a wonder that there is not a success roll for this…maybe it is hard enough on the Germans anyway?
Renz,198th and 3 III attack the 5MC at the river loop near Olkyalor inflicting a step loss as the Soviet elects to hold. Similarly with a swag of now 2:1 attacks the Germans of the 16th and 198th attack the 16th TC, and across the stream at Redkodub and into Kemenyi Brod.
In the PM turn of the 6th and AM turn of the 7th the Soviets have decided upon their strategy. The Germans are close to being across in force and will secure a bridgehead. That bridge head must be in supply. There is only one place that can be attacked in time that cuts supply for ALL German forces. That place is called ULYANOVKA.
The full weight of 16th Tank Corp and 3rd Tank Corp will be pressed into service, while the Southern elements will be reinforced by the Russian para units to press from the southern most part of the map.
3TC retakes the Tolstyi Rogi locale and elements of 1st Panzer fight to stem the tide of 16 Tank Corp crossing at Okhmatov.
With 3rd Guard Armies arrival they move to entry area T to support the Southern aspect.
7th Feb. PM/Nite
Limited movement and activity as mud is literally bogging down the show. Until night. Frozen weather drops and 1st Panzer moves towards Khizna 38th,72nd and 16TC also push back hard. 16th TC foot and mech gather and with the enginees take Krasnyi to cross and flank 1st Panzer.
3TC push back the VII army assets south of the Tolstyi Rogi area.