Ok.. here we go.
Im feeling that the Soviets ability to skulk away and drop into decent terrain is not going to end well. The Germans rush a series of attacks into widen the breach in the Soviet line. It’s a mixed bag of results Turn 2 despite the weather turning colder and the ground solidifying. [frozen]
The Germans catch arty on the move, and isolate some units then begin to mop up. They must prepare to face off against an incoming horde of forces starting the night of the 5th.
Turn 3
Planned attacks after movement and barrages by both sides [there were none due to night]
End Results
The most frustrating thing was the Tolstyi Rogi area. 34th and elements of 16th Pzr bounced hard off of the 167th and it slows or crimps the plan a lot.
To the West of Tolstyi was fine. The 34th and 79th Bn from 16th Pzer pushed back forces through the 5 Mech Corps. This was not the case further East.
Panthers and the 263rd and 107th retreated from the combat as did the enemy. But not allowing us to close in on 5th Mech to block its movement as it is now activated. I see a few errors in hindsight as I review this post. I did not get Arty emplaced, nor have I been diligent in ensuring Arty spotters are from same formation, though there appears to be a bit of leeway as I was using Corp or Army assets so they can be used I believe. Not crystal clear on that specific rule, but I’ll be checking going forward.
Further south and East the 17th Panzer units did well but they too ended up having to disengage from a determined fight from an Su76 Regiment
All the attacks Westward went well, clearing a path and eliminate units to allow the Germans a run to Chizkovka and onwards to Vodyaniki.
The A-1 / D-1 result is a total bug bear. Both sides retreat 1 hex…UGH!
I think I’m going to use Arty differently next turn. I want to see if we can use it more for attack soak offs vs odds bumping. At night attacking a village or dug in position it for sure helps but, bringing more guns to bear at right spot might be better.
The other challenge is that only two units are able to combat out of 1 hex into another… So killer stacks are not happening! Thoughtful prep of locations by both sides as to what units go where on offense and defence really make a difference.
