SITUATION
Forces are racing to a series of bridges near Township designated November-22 and Sierra-9.
You need to halt or delay the capture of those bridge until BAOR can assess main thrust.
OPORD
7 bridges need to be protected. Consider this an urgent priority and deploy accordingly. Be in position by 1100 hours.
Relief should arrive by 1600. No arty or air support currently available.
WO King smiled as he finished reading the orders for 2nd Armoured Division HQ. ‘Terse bastard wouldn’t you say sir?”
‘Aye that he is, that he is.’ Cmd Young patted the side of his tank and continued. Our troopers will do what we can do. Let’s load up and get to it in order to assess the ground. Let’s have you get those tracked sardine cans of yours loaded.
Young’s voice was a pleasant lilt of Scottish brogue, and for a young lad thought King, he had his head screwed on right. The last several days of combat had seasoned him quickly, one of the fastest learners but impetuous at times. ‘Right you are sir’ King about faced and began bawling out orders.
Engines fired, kit bags were strapped down, and extra ammo and water were jammed into spaces they were not meant to be used for such.
A few hours later Young surveyed the situation. What if we place forward of bridges? Take that high ground and delay them there? It was then the call came, “exhaust plumes 0 degrees 2kms…..”
Oops they are here already. Well bugger he thought.
In the distance the rumble of Soviets moving at high RPM could be heard, and they raced to take high ground.
“King, get our lads into town designated November-22 ASAP, split a screening force left flank to Sierra. Hold back a troop for reserves and lets get going”
Both sides, threw caution to the wind relying on speed and delicate line of sight lines to evade enemy shots and both enter the town at about the same time. But the Soviets beat the Brits to the punch and unload a few squads who now advance carefully.
“I say King we should be well advised to watch out for those ATGM’s mounted on the hill there. Can we get any suppressive fire on them?” Asked Young.
Across comms King replied in the negative, as he quickly directed traffic to cover primary bridges that they could in defensive modes and looked for a way to obtain sight lines on the encroaching enemy.
Over on the right flank the British ATGM platforms exchanged shots with BRDM’s and Tanks.
It became readily apparent to both sides that November-22 was going to be where the battle was to be won or lost. Young ordered his reserves up closer to there and pressed all his infantry into the kill box.
Well trained and observant tankers took a calculated risk each time they fired. As it exposed their potion. But with a T-62 dead to right the shot was too good to ignore.
In a spectacular ball of flame the turret, flew high, ammo cooked off and body parts were spread far and wide.
Over at Sierra-9 the Spartan on screening duty continued to exchange shots and finally got a clean kill on the BRDM 2 lurking in the woods.
Despite having the numbers advantage Young wisely held the men in the main part of town and waited for the inevitable attack.
Without arty support they would be sitting ducks, so let the bastards come take the bridge if they want them he mused.
They are pivoting towards November -22, reports filter in that somewhat late to the realisation the Soviets re direct forces to N-22 enmass.
Sporadic fire erupts and units inch closer to the open ground that defined the stream crossing and bridge locations. Each side sought full cover and kept the steep embankments of the stream and drainage ditches covered.
Units to the North continue sporadic hit and miss contact. When finally the more able UK gunners brew up a T-62 holding the northern bridge.
Sergeant Harris is co-ordinating the combat in Town with Young eager for the ensuing battle. Two T-62s appear at the edge of town and take his tank unawares with a shot the tears his vehicle to pieces. Other tanks in hex button up and hunker down seeking to garner revenge.
More shots are exchanged as another platoon of T-62s race to edge of the clearing and engage Harris’s remaining tanks. They go up in smoke.
Suddenly the situation look dire for Young. But he has reserves and stalwart fighters. King directs his men to engage the tanks with man portables.
More vehicle brew up and smoke fills the air.
Gustavs fire! They knock out two tanks in a 1,2 punch!
Troopers exchange deadly fire with PMK’s and AK’s keeping everyone’s heads down, the Brits attempt to gain local fire supremacy.
With the Soviet tanks suppressed and the other Soviet platoon, down to one tank the Soviets foot sloggers cast about for leadership and slacken their fire. The battle swings 180 one more time. This time its the Soviets who reach that critical point that now one [well except teh dude tracking morale points] can see. When an armed force just decides screw this I’m done. The Soviet effort stalls out.