At start positions at Turn 8 for this scenario.
This scenario begins with the Soviets phases versus the normal Axis / German phase. This allows the Soviets to attempt to get their four mandated attacks in.
They elect to attack from North to South the following German units:
7/7 Pzr, 6/7 Pzr, 37/7 Pzr and 101st/18th Pzr.
14th tank is supported by a regiment of infantry from 128th division along the road to Vitebsk.
229th Division supports 18Tk at the edge of the marshes.
While 17th Tk takes on 37/7 recon all alone.
Moscow and 57 pile on the 101st.
Above we see the overall situation post motorized movement by the Soviets and the subsequent reaction moves by motorized elements of the Germans to blunt the incoming counter attacks on the right. 7th,12th, 18th and an AT gun Bn reinforced the defenses.
On the left air was largely ineffective for both sides. However a number of Soviet fighters were destroyed or took damage and RTB’d. No losses for the Germans, but flak was effective in aborting to key runs.
Combat odds North to South:
3:2 with 6 steps, dropping to 1:2 with German reinforcement and no DRM. Generated a 1* result [two steps lost due to the mandated attack].
1:1 net with a +1 for air generates a 1R result.
Another 1:1 attack and this time a 2R result.
The final attack in the south goes in at 1:2 and generates a R* result, making for a step loss.
On the right: The situation after the combat phase. 14th Tk has had to fall back on Vitebsk, as has 18th and 17th Tk with the overrun markers on them, that I was using to keep track of things.
Losses for the Soviets were higher than expected but not really that surprising given the reinforcement via Reserve Reaction the Germans are afforded. 5 steps lost and retreats all around!
The balance of the turn allows for the Soviet Infantry to move, which we do shuffle a few units, and pull back the 20th Army HQ off the river crossing wher it sits alone.
On to the German Turn in Turn 9. Where both sides will receive reinforcement.