All,
It's 1630 on 5 July 1943 in western Russia, where the I Battalion, Panzer Grenadier Regiment 101, 292nd Infanterie Division is carrying out an assault on Soviet defensive positions in the "Bunkerwald," held by elements of the 1st Battalion, 676th Rifle Regiment, 15th Rifle Division. This is part of the German offensive to eliminate the Kursk salient, specifically on the northern shoulder of the bulge, as German forces push towards Ponyri.
I am playing this game because I have the good fortune of being buddies with Steve of the "Sound Officer's Call" blog (https://soundofficerscall.blogspot.com/2019/10/firestorm-ponyri-station-campaign-first.html), and he is running a "Firestorm Ponyri" campaign. He is playing some games with his local buddies, but was unable to play all of the games himself; rather than simply 'dice off' for results of campaign fights they were unable to play on the table top, Steve asked if anyone in the blogosphere wanted to help, so here I am.
It's been a little bit of an issue that I literally just sold off a bunch of German late war gear, so I'm a bit understrength, but Steve is working with me to make sure the fights I get match up with the forces I have. This is the first fight I've played, and I hope it wasn't too much a pain for him, I certainly want to keep going! First, I love to play games; second, it's been way too long since I've played any Eastern Front games (maybe eight years or so?); and lastly, I'm a solo gamer that still craves some comradery, so whenever I can help another wargamer out, I'm always quick to jump at it.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kprgiq0kxhM/XaOAfoLTA2I/AAAAAAAAtiU/P_OmLzRwQ1sE5dVSJMiyMhCR321VhYhOQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8446.JPG)
A rather unassuming swath of land in western Russia, part of the Kursk salient. At top center is a forest known by the Germans as "Schwarzwald," while at center is "Bunkerwald," and there is an unnamed patch of wood at far left. There are three dirt tracks in a generally north-south direction, mostly towards the three human structures: the State Farm (bottom left), the District Seat (bottom center), and Alexei's House (center right). The rest is untended grassland pocked with cultivated fields; there are some wooden fences on the southern half of the table, as well as scrub around a lot of the fields, that neither blocks LOS or provides cover (just for looks), while there are some hedges strewn throughout the table that don't provide cover or block LOS, but do serve to 'disrupt' LOS a bit (making shots through a bit more difficult).
The orders of battle:
Germans
Battalion Commander
1st Company (three rifle platoons of three rifle squads)
2nd Company (three rifle platoons of three rifle squads)
3rd Company (three rifle platoons of three rifle squads)
Schwere Company (MG platoon of four MG-42s, mortar platoon of four 8.0cm tubes, infantry gun platoon of two 7.5cm guns, and an anti-tank platoon of two PaK-38 5.0cm guns)
Assault Gun Platoon (reduced, only two vehicles)
Battery of 10.5cm Artillery (off table)
Battery of Nebelwerfers (off table)
Soviet
Company Commander
Rifle Company (three rifle platoons of three rifle squads)
Anti-Tank Rifle Platoon (3 x PTRS-41s)
Anti-Tank Platoon (3 x 45mm ATGs)
Infantry Gun Platoon (2 x 76mm guns)
MG Platoon (3 x Maxim .30-cal MGs)
Mortar Platoon (3 x 82mm mortars)
Combat Engineer Platoon (three flamethrower squads)
Assault Gun Platoon (3 x Su-76s)
I'm playing in 10mm (figures, vehicles, and gear a mix of Pendraken and Minifigs UK) based at one stand=one squad, weapon, or vehicle. I'm playing this game using Too Fat Lardies' "I Ain't Been Shot Mum" rules, simplified a bit in terms of combat, morale, and movement.
Scheme of maneuver:
German - The Germans have infiltrated the bulk of their Schwere Company into the Scwartzwald (patch of woods at top center), where they have emplaced their machine gun, mortar, and Infantry Gun (IG) Platoons. Because of the pace of operations they have not had the opportunity to conduct a thorough reconnaissance, so they are proceeding with a generic 'double envelopment' assault. To that end, 1st Company is crossing the line of departure in the northeast (top right), with a lot of open ground to cover, while 2nd Company is using a shallow gully in the north-northwest (top center left) that runs north to south to infiltrate as close to the objective as possible. The Germans are aware of enemy forces in Bunkerwald and in a stand of trees in the southeast (bottom right), so supporting fires will be used to reduce/suppress those positions. The Germans are holding 3rd Company and their ATG Platoon in reserve (off table).
Soviet - The Soviets are manning static defenses with a mobile reserve to counterattack any German breakthroughs. To that end, the Soviets are manning three fortified and (semi-) mutually supporting positions: Strongpoint Irina (in woods at far left), Strongpoint Anna (Bunkerwald), and Strongpoint Ilsa (in the southeast/bottom right). To that end, the Soviet commander has task organized his rifle company, MG platoon, ATR platoon, and ATG platoon into combined arms forces at each defensive 'hedgehog.' So each strongpoint consists of three rifle squads, one .30-cal MG, one ATR, and one 45mm ATG. The infantry gun platoon is emplaced in the southwest (bottom left), while the mortar platoon is emplaced behind the State Farm, with its platoon commander acting as forward observer on the second floor of the State Farm building. The Soviets have their assault gun and combat engineer platoons in reserve (off table, with the engineers planning to ride into battle on the Su-76s).
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6XeFRXFh4M/XaOCfOxWCzI/AAAAAAAAtls/yBzXFvzMx9sl75EgwmpdNrE7VDoVnrhEgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8483.JPG)
German Stugs and Landser push forward under fire.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxJfAtIdBCA/XaOE9KpsHQI/AAAAAAAAtpo/faLkgEklW9wTtRFKRH2f0VFZdt3qxpo0ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8523.JPG)
German infantry push towards the objective, Strongpoint Anna.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-irj5htVCQ2k/XaOFvvGr3YI/AAAAAAAAtq0/eDL89KahbF0sbJytH-df3IseO4P6iyspQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8538.JPG)
But they're taking flanking fire from Strongpoint Irina.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYyRr1cqBzA/XaOGWhpyPFI/AAAAAAAAtr8/_VdfIS4GFM8UNvBo7ylzj0hV9ydwyRTnwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8548.JPG)
A certain Soviet Lieutenant was the bane of the Germans' existence at Strongpoint Ilsa.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WptLeIeEn_A/XaOJ8GaX24I/AAAAAAAAtx4/9sMu24Zk624wOXv-39Boy0w4kK6DrOh7QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8611.JPG)
The Soviet reserves arrive! Would they be enough? To see how the fight went, please check the blog at:
https://blackhawkhet.blogspot.com/2019/10/on-northern-shoulder-of-kursk-with.html
Man, what a fight! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. It's been a long time since I had that many troops on the table, felt good, though I can't say it want to do it all the time, so I'm looking at scaling at least some of my future fights in this campaign back to company-level. I can't wait to play some more next weekend. Awaiting my orders!
V/R,
Jack
That's a lot of photos, very pretty photos. I'll have to study the report when I have more time.
Good scrap !!
Cheers - Phil
Kursk, the most heavily defended piece of real estate in history...Great game mate
Looks good, will read this evening when every one is in bed and i have time!!!!
Thanks everyone, and take your time ;)
V/R,
Jack
Finally found the time to read the whole report, excellent fight sir!
Had a quick look, and panzerschrecks were after kursk. Your troops must have been very lucky that they were chosen to field test the prototypes ;) ;) ;)
Peter,
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
Regarding the Panzerschrecks, what exactly did you find? All I could find was "...based off the M1 'bazooka' captures in Feb 1943," and I found chatting between folks on the internet that said they weren't introduced until after Kursk, but I wasn't able to find anything about actual dates of issue/employment (well, just the year, 1943, but no month), or units/theater of issue (I gotta believe it would have gone to the Eastern Front before worrying about Sicily/Italy, but who knows).
Anyway, not saying I'm not wrong (I usually am), just was hoping for some sort of quasi-official reference.
V/R,
Jack
Looks good !
Firstly, great pics and a super AAR. Much appreciated.
Secondly, from my reading, the Faustpatrone, the Panzerfaust 30 and the Panzerschreck 43 all seem to have been issued to German troops in August 1943. The Panzerschreck 54, with the shield to protect the user, came in October 43.
Quote from: bigjackmac on 16 October 2019, 12:11:04 PM
Peter,
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
Regarding the Panzerschrecks, what exactly did you find? All I could find was "...based off the M1 'bazooka' captures in Feb 1943," and I found chatting between folks on the internet that said they weren't introduced until after Kursk, but I wasn't able to find anything about actual dates of issue/employment (well, just the year, 1943, but no month), or units/theater of issue (I gotta believe it would have gone to the Eastern Front before worrying about Sicily/Italy, but who knows).
Anyway, not saying I'm not wrong (I usually am), just was hoping for some sort of quasi-official reference.
V/R,
Jack
it is stated as august 43 but:
"Due to several problems the first batch of "Ofenrohr" was delayed. The Heereswaffenamt Wa Prüf 11 was able to deliver the first production run of 1500 weapons and 5000 grenades for air transport to the front on the 5'th of October 1943"
original report on the production numbers
(https://www.bergflak.com/images/pz186.jpg)
translated
https://www.bergflak.com/images/TAF2.pdf
all found here: https://www.bergflak.com/pshistory.html
Thanks Ithoriel and Ian, and Peter, holy crap! Amazing! Thanks a bunch, but for future reference, you don't have to go to Germany to get the actual orders! ;) I was just looking for the next level above "two guys I don't know over on a World War Two forum said they didn't arrive until after Kursk," whatever that may be. And those were guys I don't know, I would believe you ;)
V/R,
Jack
Quote from: bigjackmac on 17 October 2019, 12:34:52 AM
, but for future reference, you don't have to go to Germany to get the actual orders! ;)
Don't mind, they make great food!
Quote from: petercooman on 17 October 2019, 05:03:41 AM
Don't mind, they make great food!
We
are talking about Germany here, aren't we?
It is good if you like sausages !
Quote from: ianrs54 on 17 October 2019, 07:07:54 AM
It is good if you like sausages !
Quote from: FierceKitty on 17 October 2019, 05:11:10 AM
We are talking about Germany here, aren't we?
We go to the christmass markets in Aachen and Köln, never ate anything there i didn't like!
Always bring home gingerbread hearts as well! :D
I really enjoyed this battle report
Take care
Andy
Well, thanks and enjoy your sausages, then!
And thanks, Andy!
V/R,
Jack
All,
German Assault on Karpunevka
It's 0630 on 7 July 1943 in western Russia, where the I Battalion, Panzer Grenadier Regiment 101, 18th Panzer Division is carrying out an assault on Soviet defensive positions in and around the village of Snava (which is also a Soviet supply depot) held by elements of the 2nd Battalion, 676th Rifle Regiment, 15th Rifle Division. This is part of the German offensive to eliminate the Kursk salient, specifically on the northern shoulder of the bulge, as German forces push towards Ponyri.
I am playing this game because I have the good fortune of being buddies with Steve of the "Sound Officer's Call" blog (https://soundofficerscall.blogspot.com/2019/10/firestorm-ponyri-station-campaign-first.html), and he is running a "Firestorm Ponyri" campaign. He is playing some games with his local buddies, but was unable to play all of the games himself; rather than simply 'dice off' for results of campaign fights they were unable to play on the table top, Steve asked if anyone in the blogosphere wanted to help, so here I am.
It's been a little bit of an issue that I literally just sold off a bunch of German late war gear, so I'm a bit understrength, but Steve is working with me to make sure the fights I get match up with the forces I have. This is the first fight I've played, and I hope it wasn't too much a pain for him, I certainly want to keep going! First, I love to play games; second, it's been way too long since I've played any Eastern Front games (maybe eight years or so?); and lastly, I'm a solo gamer that still craves some comradery, so whenever I can help another wargamer out, I'm always quick to jump at it.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUoM_algdzA/XaotMmTBFPI/AAAAAAAAt_Q/I12SypPQfBIUllZIhrUowtmATGBI6Gu-QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8717.JPG)
Overview, north is up. There are a couple primitive roads, mostly running north-south, with a couple patches of heavy wood in the west (left), a large, man-made pond in the south (center bottom right), and the village of Snava in the east (right). Other than that it's flat terrain covered in crop fields broken up by a few stands of trees, with over grown brush flanking them. The brush provides limited concealment, but no cover, and does not block line of sight. The buildings of Snava are stout stone structures, offering good cover.
The orders of battle:
Germans
Battalion Commander
1st Company (three rifle platoons of three rifle squads)
2nd Company (three rifle platoons of three rifle squads)
3rd Company (three rifle platoons of three rifle squads)
Schwere Company (MG platoon of four MG-42s, mortar platoon of four 8.0cm tubes, infantry gun platoon of two 7.5cm guns, and an anti-tank platoon of two PaK-38 5.0cm guns)
Panzer Platoon (five Pz IIIJ with long 50mm)
Battery of 10.5cm Artillery (off table)
Flight of Ju-87 Stuka dive bombers (off table)
Soviet
Battalion Commander
1st Company (three rifle platoons of three rifle squads)
2nd Rifle Company (three platoons of three rifle squads)
Anti-Tank Rifle Platoon (3 x PTRS-41s)
Anti-Tank Platoon (4 x 45mm ATGs)
Field Gun Platoon (3 x 76.2mm "crash-boom" guns)
MG Platoon (4 x Maxim .30-cal MGs)
Mortar Platoon (3 x 82mm mortars)
Tank Platoon (three T-34/76s)
I'm playing in 10mm (figures, vehicles, and gear a mix of Pendraken and Minifigs UK) based at one stand=one squad, weapon, or vehicle. I'm playing this game using Too Fat Lardies' "I Ain't Been Shot Mum" rules, simplified a bit in terms of combat, morale, and movement.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EW0QeinlzgA/XaotMr6k_3I/AAAAAAAAt_M/0X2nCEMyOm88EltmqSW0l4iEY5fhMPt-wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8718.JPG)
And again, this time with troops present. The Germans are attacking from the north (top); at top left is their 2nd Company, and at top center right is 1st Company, with their Schwere Company spread between them. The Soviets are dug-in to four strongpoints:
1) Strongpoint Marta (in woods at left center), where they have 1st Platoon, 1st Company (platoon commander, three rifle squads, a Maxim .30-cal MG, and a 45mm anti-tank gun)
2) Strongpoint Katarina (in stand of woods at bottom center), where they have 2nd Platoon (1st Company, same as 1st Plt)
3) Strongpoint Masha (top right), where they have 3rd Platoon, 1st Company (same as 1st Plt)
4) the village of Nava (right), where they have 1st Platoon, 2nd Company (same as 1st Plt, 1st Co), a platoon of three 76.2mm 'crash booms,' and just in front of them, a platoon of anti-tank rifles dug-in in an ambush position
The Soviets have a platoon of 82mm mortar platoon of a PC and three tubes.
The German Panzer Platoon will start off table but come on as soon as possible following the initial strikes by supporting fires. The Germans are holding their 3rd Company and AT Platoon off table, in reserve. The Soviets are holding 2nd Platoon, 2nd Company, and their T-34 platoon carrying 3rd Platoon, 2nd Company, off table in reserve.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-ygb_NbDGc/Xaou5ZImWqI/AAAAAAAAuCU/rGfE-u_IL4UzcTkFFmnlsh5sArpYXxaNACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8748.JPG)
On the German left, Schwere Company elements (infantry guns, machine guns, and mortars, bottom left) attempt to shoot 1st Company (top left) into Strongpoint Masha (top center, with Snava at top right).
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mHJgnWBpcrw/XaowTMnnbVI/AAAAAAAAuEw/pDkwsBp1qDw76MKcSu2yN0hu_NHMVXBOgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8772.JPG)
The Soviets (bottom left) try to rally the defenders of Strongpoint Masha as the Germans advance (top right). This would be location of some of the most bitter, vicious fighting ever seen on a tabletop! ;)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6dzUCxSh0fM/XapaO0-u6eI/AAAAAAAAuKY/xYzOKRl2llkdv-oBKpIZNijjA01TNrXPwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8841.JPG)
Panzer IIIs advance under fire.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3my9wPFm5Q/XapbKePDRdI/AAAAAAAAuL4/hH2mYVBDQ442AEDWj_Am-WMXJ4lGf4G2QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8857.JPG)
Though the Soviets had a rejoinder...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DXWcbsITnMU/XapcXD-EyJI/AAAAAAAAuNw/RN_POSK-QpAEpIyqwbdobXhgSHvKzWE-ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8877.JPG)
Of course, these really help.
[img width=600]To see how the fight went, please check the blog at:
https://blackhawkhet.blogspot.com/2019/10/on-northern-shoulder-of-kursk-with_91.html
Well, that was a helluva fight! I'm really loving how "I Ain't Been Shot Mum" is working out for these games, it's been a lot of fun. I'd complain about how long they're taking, but, then again, it's kinda my fault: IABSM is designed to play reinforced company-sized games, but I'm playing battalion-sized games, so I really can't blame the rules.
I actually played two fights in Kursk this weekend, so stay tuned for the Soviet counterattack at Kastenwald!
V/R,
Jack
:-bd =D> :-bd
Nice one, Jack !! 8)
Cheers - Phil
Again, will read when i can!
Wow
That's a big bloody scrap!
nice game!
Great write up as always Jack :-bd
Any chance you can share your "simplified house rule" modifications for IABSM here or on your blog please?
Thanks everyone, I hope you enjoyed the batrep, it was a helluva fight, lots of fun!
Pierre, ask and ye shall receive!
https://blackhawkhet.blogspot.com/2017/12/i-aint-been-shot-mum-rules-tweaks.html
V/R,
Jack
Thanks for that Jack :)
All,
Soviet Counterattack on Kastenwald
It's 1430 on 7 July 1943 in western Russia, where the German 292nd Infanterie Division has been caught off guard by forward elements of the Soviet 57th Tank Brigade. The Germans rear echelon troops (supply, maintenance, training company, administrative, military police, walking wounded, etc...) stage into the nearby treeline to mount a hasty defense and their commanders flee in search of reinforcements, which had better hurry as everyone can hear the roar of T-34 engines!
I am playing this game because I have the good fortune of being buddies with Steve of the "Sound Officer's Call" blog (https://soundofficerscall.blogspot.com/2019/10/firestorm-ponyri-station-campaign-first.html), and he is running a "Firestorm Ponyri" campaign. He is playing some games with his local buddies, but was unable to play all of the games himself; rather than simply 'dice off' for results of campaign fights they were unable to play on the table top, Steve asked if anyone in the blogosphere wanted to help, so here I am.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9pkbQTOH8g/XayxuiNAX1I/AAAAAAAAuSg/mWqf7KZSkAcLGD0AkWnnZ87RTyYiOBYEwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8922.JPG)
Overview, north is up. The objective is the wood at center; there is a healthy hardball unimproved road network running throughout the area, with a small village present in the southwest (bottom left). Other than that it's manmade crop fields interspersed with a few stands of trees and untamed grassland.
This game is a bit smaller than the previous two; the first two were a reinforced German battalion vs a reinforced Soviet company or two. This one is a Soviet reinforced Company vs a German reinforced platoon, which is actually what the rules are designed for, so went a lot quicker. Also, there were no off-table reserves in this game, everything started on the table so I could get right at it. Let me know if it was still a fun read.
The German defenders consist of their rifle platoon and weapons platoon dug-in on the west (left) side of Kastenwald (center), while their mobile force is coming from the northeast (top right). The concept with the mobile force is that the local HQ Battalion Commander ran off to scrape together whatever reinforcements he could find, and this is what he's back with: a 'panzer' platoon of two Stugs and a Marder, and he flagged down three halftracks to carry all the rest of the clerks, bakers, and candlestick makers he could find, which amounts to another platoon of 'infantry.' The Soviets have their infantry company maneuvering in from the southwest (bottom left), supported by their weapons platoon, while their tank company (with tank riders) are coming in from the northwest (top left). The goal is to take/hold the wood.
Orders of battle:
German
Ersatz Infantry Platoon (PC and three rifle squads)
Ersatz Weapons Platoon (PC, two MG-42s, two 8.0cm mortars, and two PaK-38 5.0cm anti-tank guns)
Commanding Officer
Ersatz Mechanized Platoon (PC and three rifle squads in 3 Sdkfz 251 halftracks)
Ersatz Panzer Platoon (two Stug IIIG and one Marder PzJgr)
Off Table 120mm Mortar Platoon
Soviet
Rifle Company (-) two platoons of a PC and three rifle squads)
Weapons Platoon (PC and two Maxim .30-cal MGs, two 50mm mortars, and one 76.2mm 'crash boom' field gun)
Tank Company (-) (two platoons of three T-34s)
Tank Rider Company (-) (two platoons of a PC and three rifle squads)
Off Table 122mm Field Artillery Battery
Off Table 120mm Mortar Battery
I'm playing in 10mm (figures, vehicles, and gear a mix of Pendraken and Minifigs UK) based at one stand=one squad, weapon, or vehicle. I'm playing this game using Too Fat Lardies' "I Ain't Been Shot Mum" rules, simplified a bit in terms of combat, morale, and movement.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rEX-r3KfRhQ/Xayx8iBo-8I/AAAAAAAAuSw/Ri3Yj729rYYCofkXl3SqibvVZpwLg1mdACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8924.JPG)
Soviet armor rolling forward.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGRPjgo6fF0/XayyOmMvCVI/AAAAAAAAuTQ/H2qqEISj83sKGeM8yMh-TT_nTAgxz3uCQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8930.JPG)
And the German response.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-foQ9ImRPzv4/XayyV3ofFAI/AAAAAAAAuTY/k__5bJh20jsTKZj8A0gF8Qk6NOMTBvceQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8932.JPG)
The Soviet attack jumps off, with 1st Rifle Platoon moving forward (bottom center) and firing on the objective.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K60oXz5Dd9o/Xay7JC6dwtI/AAAAAAAAuis/uv821aUTbPA2KoKJzTE_cplrQAiOVgfDACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9091.JPG)
Soviet tanks deliver their tank riders onto the objective, and they charge straight into close combat. Look what destruction the Soviet artillery has wrought on the objective!
To see how the fight went, please check the blog at:
https://blackhawkhet.blogspot.com/2019/10/on-northern-shoulder-of-kursk-with_27.html
Well, let's see what big Steve has got next for us. Awaiting my orders ;)
V/R,
Jack
Excellent report, Jack. :)
Cheers - Phil.
Looks great
Thanks fellas.
Jack
Great report and nice pics!
Played a Kursk-era BKC game yesterday where my opponents Russians had rather less luck with their artillery. Their 122mm batteries missed everything.Their truck-mounted Katyusha battery only hit two things .... a T-60 platoon and (following turn) the Russian FOO! Killed both. :)
Ithoriel,
Thanks man, I appreciate it, and the Germans here sure could have used some of that luck with the Soviet off-table support. Man, it was just relentless!
V/R,
Jack
All,
Soviet Counterattack on Karpunevka
It's 1800 on 9 July 1943 in western Russia, where the German 507th Infantry Regiment of the 292nd Infanterie Division is scraping out hasty defensive positions in preparation for a counterattack by the Soviet 1061st Rifle Regiment and armored elements of the 1442nd Heavy Breakthrough Artillery Regiment. Cut-off, alone, outnumbered, and low on ammunition, this should prove to be tough sledding for the German infantrymen.
I am playing this game because I have the good fortune of being buddies with Steve of the "Sound Officer's Call" blog (https://soundofficerscall.blogspot.com/2019/10/firestorm-ponyri-station-campaign-first.html), and he is running a "Firestorm Ponyri" campaign. He is playing some games with his local buddies, but was unable to play all of the games himself; rather than simply 'dice off' for results of campaign fights they were unable to play on the table top, Steve asked if anyone in the blogosphere wanted to help, so here I am.
It's been a little bit of an issue that I literally just sold off a bunch of German late war gear, so I'm a bit understrength, but Steve is working with me to make sure the fights I get match up with the forces I have. This is the first fight I've played, and I hope it wasn't too much a pain for him, I certainly want to keep going! First, I love to play games; second, it's been way too long since I've played any Eastern Front games (maybe eight years or so?); and lastly, I'm a solo gamer that still craves some comradery, so whenever I can help another wargamer out, I'm always quick to jump at it.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qk-YngoVjOo/XdGTDnjpF5I/AAAAAAAAvig/JDrid8M3N8QBkEmodQQApID73oUwvdRRgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9794.JPG)
Overview, north is up. The objective is the village of Snava, a Soviet supply depot, at center left. You can see hardball roads running all over the place, and a water treatment pond at left. The forest called "Birnenwald" is at right/bottom right, and other than that it's a couple patches of wood (top center left, left, with a stand at bottom center and a strip just east of Snava) with cultivated fields throughout. This is the third fight at Karpunevka; the first saw a desperate Soviet defense throw back the German attackers, before the Germans were able to rebound and throw the Soviets out on the second try. The Soviets have attacked north, past Karpunevka (would be off camera to top), cutting the German forces here off from supply, and are now coming back to eliminate the pocket. Technically speaking, all Soviet forces should enter the map from the northwest (top right), which is where the counterattack is coming from on the campaign map, but I'm allowing Soviet infantry to attack from right/bottom right as well, figuring they infiltrated via the Birnenwald which, off camera to right, actually extends further to the north/northwest.
This is a Soviet hasty assault vs a German hasty defense. Here are the orders of battle:
Germans
3 x rifle platoon (each has a platoon commander, two have three rifle squads, one has two rifle squads)
1 x machine gun platoon (PC, only two MG-42s)
1 x mortar platoon (PC, only two 8.0cm mortar tubes)
1 x infantry gun platoon (PC, only two 7.5cm howitzers and two prime movers)
1 x anti-tank gun platoon (PC, three PaK-38 5.0cm guns and three prime movers)
1 x 'ersatz panzer' platoon (two Pz Mk III, one Stug III, and one Marder III)
*Being out of supply, the German OOB was knocked down by 20%, which is why they are missing one rifle squad, one MG team, one mortar team, and one Pz Mk III.
Soviets
1 x rifle company (three platoons of PC and three rifle squads)
1 x machine gun platoon (PC, three Maxim .30-cal MGs)
1 x mortar platoon (PC, three 82mm mortar tubes)
1 x infantry gun section (PC, two 76mm howitzers)
2 x T-34 platoons (3 T-34/76 each)
1 x Su-122 platoon (3 Su-122s; I used Su-122s because I don't have enough T-34s, but the vehicles were treated as T-34s on the tabletop)
1 x Su-76 platoon (3 Su-76s)
1 x 'Tank Rider' platoon (PC and three rifle squads riding the S-76s)
Off table support: 1 battery of four 120mm heavy mortars
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_UnIBC2StU0/XdG2rc-P5zI/AAAAAAAAvxI/_VzaNPD9PrgbfNwvgTjesa6wQb1KDLq7gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Overlay.jpg)
Let's try this out, see how ya like it. Here's my scheme of maneuver overlay, showing the plan for both the Soviets and the Germans. The Soviet plan is pretty simple, though they're splitting forces a bit more than is probably normal. The plan is for the Soviet armor to jailbreak through the gap between Snava and the North Wood, while 3rd Rifle Platoon takes Snava and the other two rifle platoons flank Snava to the south, both pincers supported by their heavy weapons stationed in Birnenwald. The Germans have a bit of an interesting concept going on: first, they're short on fuel and ammo. Second, they're facing a serious disparity in firepower. Third, they're facing a serious disparity in mobility. So, they decide to emplace their direct-fire heavy hitters (the IGs, MGs, and ATGs) to interdict the Soviets most likely avenues of approach (the ATGs at bottom center to cover the entire arc between Snava and the Birnenwald, the MGs and IGs looking straight into the dark forest of the Birnenwald, where everyone is sure the Soviet infantry must emerge. The German armor is in reserve, waiting to stem any Soviet breakthrough. But the different piece is the three German rifle platoons: outnumbered and outmatched (very little organic anti-personnel capability beyond point-blank range, and no anti-tank capability beyond point-blank range), they are essentially conducing a 'reverse-slope' defense.
Yes, I know there is no slope, but what I mean is that they are looking to take advantage of restrictive terrain in order to maximize their capability against enemy armor and infantry by forcing engagements at point-blank range only. They are doing this by occupying the North Wood, the West Wood, and the village of Snava, but by occupying only the west, i.e., trailing, edge of those terrain features. So, by occupying the west edge, the Soviets will have to push into the east edge in order come to grips with the Germans, negating the Soviet firepower advantage. Or at least that is the theory. So spotting and 'recon by fire' will be a big part of this game because the Soviets are carrying out a hasty attack, so they didn't have time to conduct a thorough reconnaissance and thus they have to identify where the German defenders are emplaced.
I am playing this game in 10mm on a 6' x 4' table. The toys are a mix of Pendraken, Minifigs UK, and Takara. The matt is from The Wargames Company, with trees, hedges, and buildings from Crescent Root, the pond from Battlefront, and the fields from Hotz Mats. I am using the Too Fat Lardies' "I Ain't Been Shot Mum" rules, modified a bit for simplicity. I already mentioned spotting and recon by fire being a big part of this game; IABSM usually uses 'blinds' to depict hidden forces, but I am not going to do this as I'm playing solo and don't want to confuse myself any more than normal ;) It's actually quite simple, no confusion involved, I just don't want to do it as I'm not going to be able to surprise myself anyway, so I'm putting the toys on the table and rolling to spot.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2xlnO1fEqg/XdGVgFIzRLI/AAAAAAAAvm0/UDNLjPRuzdkRKRSYUrUrgXQ0eq7E2VloACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9839.JPG)
PaK Front! Soviet tanks having a hard time getting off the start line!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp1FaG-YxgY/XdGYMBnJfhI/AAAAAAAAvq8/lCqF6LrNipUhgx7UlFtiZdGax0XBAB1NgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9885.JPG)
The Soviets have a toe-hold in Snava (far left) and their tanks are pounding it.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94F0xvIVBG4/XdGYQiTTFxI/AAAAAAAAvrE/bp49kBMYP9A3EovPcisJPdOx_z9OJI-UgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9886.JPG)
But German infantry are stalking those very same armored fighting vehicles.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbAfPouE4AE/XdGYYlpf10I/AAAAAAAAvrQ/gd7KFO8wopIm46WTjMiQAzJ64xl9kZ6zQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9887.JPG)
The Soviet CO tries to get his stalled infantry attack on the left flank moving again.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpHwUwjMuJE/XdGa6R2ejOI/AAAAAAAAvvQ/1q3mrGlNEIEtatvDuBf5gOAidbZEE1DEwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9928.JPG)
While the German CO is over there threatening to summarily execute his own troops! "Not one step back!"
To see how the fight went, please check the blog at:
https://blackhawkhet.blogspot.com/2019/11/on-northern-shoulder-of-kursk-with.html
So, a helluva fight that was a helluva lot of fun! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
V/R,
Jack
Cracking report and piccies, Jack ! :-bd
Only had the chance for a 'skim' through......Proper look later.
Cheers - Phil :)
Thanks Phil, I hope you enjoy it when you get the chance! ;)
V/R,
Jack
Somehow missed this one when you posted, but great report Jack!
Over time you get used to the sluggish command of the soviets, But it's always worth it forthose moments when they do surge forward like a big tidal wave ;D ;D ;D
Thanks Peter, I'm glad you enjoyed it. The fight was pretty good, definitely a lot of fun, though I did expect Soviet armor to push through a bit faster. I'm thinking of adding a 'Soviet Armored Blitz' card, or some such, to the deck, to help them get where I think they should be.
V/R,
Jack
Quote from: bigjackmac on 21 November 2019, 11:57:29 PM
Thanks Peter, I'm glad you enjoyed it. The fight was pretty good, definitely a lot of fun, though I did expect Soviet armor to push through a bit faster. I'm thinking of adding a 'Soviet Armored Blitz' card, or some such, to the deck, to help them get where I think they should be.
V/R,
Jack
Not a bad idea. Of course, with those paks in a good firing position, any tanker would have thought twice before running into them, so it worked out sensibly!
Quote from: petercooman on 22 November 2019, 04:19:32 AM
Not a bad idea. Of course, with those paks in a good firing position, any tanker would have thought twice before running into them, so it worked out sensibly!
From what I've read, Soviet tankers (and other forces) were not always allowed to think once, let alone twice.
"It takes a brave man to be a coward in the Red Army!" - Georgi Zhukov :)
Peter - I was thinking they'd push through it as quick as possible, as opposed to loitering in it! ;)
Raider - Good point!
Ithoriel - Exactly! I think I used that in there somewhere.
Sorry guys, no Kursk batrep this week, I had an intrusion by 'real life.'
V/R,
Jack
Quote from: bigjackmac on 26 November 2019, 02:04:36 AM
Peter - I was thinking they'd push through it as quick as possible, as opposed to loitering in it! ;)
maybe they had to much wodka the night before :d
Quote from: bigjackmac on 26 November 2019, 02:04:36 AM
Sorry guys, no Kursk batrep this week, I had an intrusion by 'real life.'
V/R,
Jack
Real life? never heard of that game, what size of minis does it use?
Quote from: petercooman on 29 November 2019, 10:03:40 PM
Real life? never heard of that game, what size of minis does it use?
180cm but there is really wide variations between manufacturers in both height and build ;)
Quote from: paulr on 29 November 2019, 10:09:49 PM
180cm but there is really wide variations between manufacturers in both height and build ;)
and.... form :D
And so much more ;)
V/R,
Jack
All,
German Counterattack on Shirokoye Bulotev
It's dawn on 10 July 1943 in western Russia, where the German II Battalion, 507th Infantry Regiment of the 292nd Infanterie Division, with support from II Battalion, 18th Panzer Regiment, 18th Panzer Division, is on the attack, looking to evict the Soviet 1019th Rifle Regiment, which has been whittled down to less than company strength! Shirokoye Bulotev itself is a bit shell-shocked, having changed hands several times, this is the sixth battle for this very ground in less than a week. It's tough to gauge who has the advantage in this fight; the Germans are veteran troops, and though they're understrength, they still have plenty of heavy weapons, and are buttressed by a platoon of Panzer Mk IIIs. Additionally, they're commander has commandeered three armored halftracks to give his infantry some added mobility. The Soviets are worn down conscripts, vastly understrength, but they've got quite a few heavy weapons themselves, and they recently took in three T-34 refugees from the fight in Kastenwald, plus the Germans have a lot of open ground to cover in order to take the ultimate objective, the Collective Farm.
I am playing this game because I have the good fortune of being buddies with Steve of the "Sound Officer's Call" blog (https://soundofficerscall.blogspot.com/2019/10/firestorm-ponyri-station-campaign-first.html), and he is running a "Firestorm Ponyri" campaign. He is playing some games with his local buddies, but was unable to play all of the games himself; rather than simply 'dice off' for results of campaign fights they were unable to play on the table top, Steve asked if anyone in the blogosphere wanted to help, so here I am.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJkN9sN03eI/XePZsAG_2-I/AAAAAAAAv14/6c-64mQVSEUnDNfhi4nID9k-zDeQlDYnQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9955.JPG)
Overview, north is up. Running north-south in the center of the table is a significant piece of terrain in this fight, a railway on a raised embankment, which is high enough to mask the movement of tanks. The overall objective for each side is the Collective Farm, which is at bottom right. There are patches of woods in the northwest (top left) and southwest (bottom left), which will feature prominently in the upcoming fight. There are a couple dirt roads running up to the railway embankment, the eastern of which also branches in/around the Collective Farm, though they're pretty much here for decoration as pretty much the entire map consists of crop fields, i.e., drivable terrain. I've done what I can with craters and 'rough ground' patches I'm using to try and show burnt fields in order to reflect the fact this patch of ground has seen more than its fair share of fighting.
The orders of battle for this fight:
German
Commanding Officer
5 x Rifle Platoon
1 x MG Platoon (4 x MG-42)
1 x Mortar Platoon (4 x 8.0cm tube)
1 x Infantry Gun Platoon (2 x 7.5cm howitzer)
1 x Anti-Tank Gun Platoon (2 x PaK-38 5.0cm ATG, with prime mover)
1 x Armored Carrier Platoon (3 x Sdkfz 251 halftrack)
1 x Truck Platoon (3 x Opel Blitz)
1 x Panzer Platoon (5 x Pz Mk IIIJ)
Soviet
Commanding Officer
3 x Rifle Platoon
1 x Machine Gun Platoon (3 x Maxim .30-cal MG)
1 x Mortar Platoon (3 x 82mm tube)
1 x Anti-Tank Rifle Platoon (3 x PTRD)
1 x Anti-Tank Gun Platoon (2 x 45mm ATG)
1 x Tank Platoon (3 x T-34/76)
The railway embankment terrain feature essentially turns the fight for Shirokoye Bulotev into two separate fights. I actually deliberated long and hard on how best to reflect this, based what the Soviet defense would/should look like. The Germans are attacking from the northwest, so the patch of trees at top left will serve as both their base of fire for support elements, and their line of departure for assault elements. My initial inclination was to put the railway embankment at the far left edge of the table, and let that be the German start line, with the Germans having to skyline themselves, then cross an entire table consisting of crop fields, devoid of cover, with the Soviets dug-in at far right, even not occupying the Collective Farm (which would have been in about the same location as it is now, maybe a little further left), but prepared to counterattack it with their tank platoon, maybe even carrying a platoon of tank riders, should the German assault make it that far.
However, the Gamemaster informed me there needed to be a definite differentiation between the Veteran German force and the Conscript Soviet force. So, that made me consider not only how the German and Soviet forces would perform on the tabletop (in the event, the Germans had some real problems keeping their troops moving and getting their ample support weapons to perform effectively, despite this, and I probably let the Soviets get away with some actions that were probably a bit too crafty for beat-up conscripts), but also how they would deploy on the tabletop. So I decided that the 'skyline the Germans with the railway embankment' defense was too tactically advantageous for the beat-up Soviet conscripts, so I put them on this table and started them with the classic rookie mistake (and one I regularly make in wargames, anyway, just look what the Germans do!) of splitting their forces, no unity of effort, no concentration.
All the Germans are in the northwest (top left), either set up and ready to support, or sitting tight, ready to advance. The Soviets are scattered across the table, trying to defend everything: the Soviet 1st Platoon is at bottom left, in the woods, with their Machine Gun Platoon and Anti-Tank Gun Platoon. The Soviet 2nd Platoon is dug in on the embankment (center) with their Anti-Tank Rifle Platoon. The Soviet 3rd Platoon is dug-in to the ruins of the Collective Farm (bottom right), and the Soviet Tank Platoon is dug-in at right/top right. That's right, another aspect of the 'conscript' classification is that the Soviets are not keeping their tanks for a mobile reserve, but are using them in static defensive positions. In their defense, the hull-down emplacements will make them very hard to detect and hit, and the German armor and infantry will have to skyline itself coming over the railway embankment, but the problems are that 1) once over, the Germans will be practically on top of them, and 2) the T-34s will not be a factor in the fighting west of the railway embankment.
I didn't get a separate picture of it, so I'll address it here: the Soviet Mortar Platoon is at bottom center, just right of the railway embankment, with their Platoon Commander sitting atop the railway embankment, acting as their forward observer.
So, the German plan, in order to make things easy for the Russkies, the Germans will split their efforts. The German 1st Rifle Company will clear the woods in the southwest (bottom left), then wheel left and push east for the objective, the Collective Farm. 1st Company has three rifle platoons: 1st Platoon is in the assault, 2nd Platoon is supporting from the wood, and 3rd Platoon is the reserve, loaded up in the halftracks. In the halftracks, yes, but not as battalion reserve, they are 1st Company's reserve; the German battalion commander knows he should probably just bypass the southwestern woods and sweep around to the north in order to reach the objective, but he is very much concerned with not leaving a Soviet force of unknown size and composition in his rear. Therefore, he has 1st Company's 3rd Platoon loaded up in the halftracks, ready to dive into the woods, and they'll be moving out on a hair trigger, he really wants those southwest woods as soon as possible. He then intends for the halftracks to double back to the woods to pick up the 1st Company's 2nd Platoon and rush them forward.
The German heavy weapons (MG Plt, Mortar Plt, and IG Plt) are all set in in the northwest woods (with 1st Company's 2nd Plt), looking to shoot in 1st Platoon's attack into the southwest woods. Once the southwest woods are secure, the MG and IG platoons will load up in the trucks and push up to the railway embankment to support the assault on the Collective Farm.
The two rifle platoons of 2nd Company and the Panzer Company will push straight east; the Germans have already spotted Soviet defensive positions atop the railway embankment, so one rifle platoon will handle those, while the other rifle platoon and the panzers will push straight over the railway embankment and look to envelop the Collective Farm from the east, isolating the objective.
The Germans don't have a reserve force to speak of; owing to 1) a necessity to press this attack home as quickly as possible, and 2) being severely understrength, all forces are committed either to the attack on the southwest woods or the railway embankment envelopment. Everybody but the German ATG Platoon, which is starting the game limbered up and will be waiting to see if and when any Soviet armor appears (the Germans are not aware of any Soviet armor in the area).
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjYDFCQnAdk/XePZ__YigiI/AAAAAAAAv2Y/xK9sxRpYnFEpgOBep6UHin_UnHg6zVengCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9961.JPG)
The German commander fires a green flare from his Very Pistol, signaling the start of the attack, with his Mortar Platoon commander in front of him in the craters, tanks and riflemen of 2nd Company behind him.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kJNHu2YLziA/XePcQFAEldI/AAAAAAAAv6M/ElYLYvZtJ4QrowxxUCuYuz-uHdyFjX2TACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_9999.JPG)
Soviet ATGs in the southwest woods (bottom right) spot German armor through a gap in the northwest woods (top center left) and engage.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1izURxCZB8/XePdyGG3vvI/AAAAAAAAv6g/F3b36z-1HvkdtOBZnhtTm3L9RIufL9cpQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG)
Busting open a pair of panzers!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_kPamT8KrPs/XePeVp2pYjI/AAAAAAAAv7U/08Yr0kcCQ5khmZc1KM6yzCHhrqHay3g9wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG)
German infantry assault the Soviet trenchline in the southwest woods.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZnX-4qnSLM/XePf4hVovaI/AAAAAAAAv9c/qHxclHOb9nsPBf0E4owIRPFuisxWbTWoACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG)
And the Soviet trenchline at the railway embankment.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0h6dkTpsbo/XePhOqqifmI/AAAAAAAAv_c/ANlhKokQIf4BcDHKB_OianVJK5jzifYZQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0056.JPG)
This allows German infantry to move down the east slope of the embankment and the panzers to move up into hull-down positions atop it, where they engage the dug-in Soviet T-34s.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOzeXHFFvR4/XePj8ztKLkI/AAAAAAAAwDk/12SmMUzmpUIbc4X7C-42QMdK4yRyDzK4gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0096.JPG)
Fighting rages further north (top) as Soviet troops from the southwest woods fall back, over the railway embankment.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Y511zu3Uzg/XePmrPu3zJI/AAAAAAAAwGQ/qjRELTJW0owNU-BZ5CNP2kN6xNzloz7JgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0121.JPG)
The lead German halftrack is sky-lined as it crests the railway embankment.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2qYWNDBIO6w/XePmtVAlR4I/AAAAAAAAwGU/O0Jnqnv_IZEw2PIafH0Gp-srjFKKWgqDQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0122.JPG)
Where it runs right into those Soviet refugees from the southwest woods!
To see how the fight turned out, please check the blog at:
https://blackhawkhet.blogspot.com/2019/12/on-northern-shoulder-of-kursk-with.html
In any case, here's looking forward to my next East Front game, which will probably be the last one for awhile. I hope you've enjoyed these, and let me know what you think of my ramblings on tactics and tactical decision making.
V/R,
Jack
:-bd =D> :-bd
What Paul 'said'. :-bd
Cheers - Phil
Big game! Awesome
Thanks guys!
V/R,
Jack
Looking good Jack
Thanks Fred.
V/R,
Jack
Jack,
What are the dimensions of the board? It looks like it could fit on to my kitchen table :)
KD
KD, the table is 6' x 4'.
I often play on 2 x 2, 3 x 3, and 4 x 4, but these have been battalion
(-)/company (+) sized games using I Ain't Been Shot Mum, so I went bigger.
V/R,
Jack
Thanks Jack :)
No problem.
V/R,
Jack
All,
German Assault on the 1 May Collective Farm
It's 1800 on 11 July 1943 in western Russia, where the German I Battalion, 195th Infantry Regiment of the 78th Sturm Division, is on the attack, looking to evict the Soviet 1023rd Rifle Regiment, augmented by the remnants of the 1019th Rifle Regiment, themselves refugees from the defeat at Shirokoye Bulotev. The goal of the fight is possession of the 1 May Collective Farm; the Soviets are defending prepared positions while the Germans are conducting hasty attack supported by Corps artillery (rockets) and armor.
I am playing this game because I have the good fortune of being buddies with Steve of the "Sound Officer's Call" blog (https://soundofficerscall.blogspot.com/2019/10/firestorm-ponyri-station-campaign-first.html), and he is running a "Firestorm Ponyri" campaign. He is playing some games with his local buddies, but was unable to play all of the games himself; rather than simply 'dice off' for results of campaign fights they were unable to play on the table top, Steve asked if anyone in the blogosphere wanted to help, so here I am.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-chXZg37tarw/Xfa_O8Wee2I/AAAAAAAAwVY/gXRDtxx7RiwE7d_NBaoxDmZgZ02bPPpCwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0286.JPG)
Overview, north is up. The 1 May Collective Farm is the series of buildings at bottom left, while "Yuri's Hovel" is at top right. Other than that it's all cultivated farmlands, uncultivated grassland, and stands of trees bisected by a southwest-northeast running road with several branches coming off it. Highly significant to the military terrain on the battlefield are the stands of trees that line almost every single road on the map; the various hedges you see spread across the table (mostly lining the cultivated crop fields) do not block line of sight, but the stands of trees absolutely do, so the battlefield isn't nearly as open as it may appear at first glance.
Once again I'm using the Too Fat Lardie's excellent "I Ain't Been Shot Mum" rules, which I find work great for solo play. I'm playing on a 6' x 4' mat (from The Wargames Company) using 10mm troops that are a mix of Pendraken, Minifigs UK, and Takara. The buildings, trees, and hedges are from Crescent Root Studios, the fields are from Hotz Mats, and the beautiful roads are from Fat Frank in the UK.
Orders of battle:
German
Commanding Officer
2 x Rifle Company
-Each with three Platoon Commanders and nine rifle squads
1 x Schwere Company
-MG Platoon (PC and 3 x MG-42
-Mortar Platoon (PC and 4 x 8.0cm tube)
-Infantry Gun Platoon (PC and 2 x 7.5cm howitzer)
-Truck Platoon (2 x Opel truck)
1 x Panzer Company
-2 x Panzer Platoon (3 x Pz Mk IIIJ w/long 5.0cm gun)
-1 x ersatz Panzer Platoon (2 x Stug III w/long 7.5cm gun, 1 x Marder w/76.2mm gun)
1 x Armored Carrier Platoon (3 x Sdkfz 251 halftrack)
1 x Rocket Artillery Battery (2 x Nebelwerfer)
*The Germans are rated as average capability and average morale; yes, they are very experienced and grasp the importance of this attack, but they have suffered heavy losses and are worn out from six straight days of ferocious fighting.
Soviet
Commanding Officer
1 x Rifle Company (three Platoon Commanders, three 50mm mortars, and nine rifle squads)
1 x MG Company (PC, 2 x SG-43, and 3 x Maxim 7.62mm MG)
1 x "Tank Killer" Company consisting of:
-1 x Anti-Tank Rifle (ATR) Platoon (PC and 4 x PTRD ATR)
-1 x Field Gun Platoon (3 x 76.2mm 'crash-boom' guns)
-1 x Anti-Tank Gun (ATG) Platoon (PC and 4 x Zis-3 57mm ATGs)
1 x Mortar Platoon (PC and 3 x 82mm mortars)
*The Soviet Rifle Company is comprised of the scraps of two beat-to-hell Rifle Regiments that mostly weren't particularly well-trained or experienced and are pretty much shattered at this point, but they've been stiffened by the additional automatic weapons of an understrength Machine Gun Company and a specialized "Tank Killer" company. The Tank Killers are an elite force comprised of savvy veterans with very high morale. They are specially trained to avoid target indicators by dispersing their guns and digging them in in open areas, almost flush with the ground, where they allow the Germans to advance to point blank range. They use their field guns to separate the panzers from their supporting infantry, their ATRs to harass tank commanders and force them to button up, and their long-barreled 57mm guns to engage the enemy's flanks.
I don't know if any of that is true, but it sounded good, and it's how I used them in this fight ;)
There's another wrinkle, which I'll cover below.
The German start line (which is quite crowded) is at top right, around Yuri's Hovel, while the Soviets are dug-in from top left to bottom left to bottom right, defending the 1 May Collective Farm (bottom left).
Defensive layout: All Soviet units except the 82mm Mortar Platoon begin the game dug-in and camouflaged. The Soviets are, once again, utilizing a 'hedgehog' defense of mutually supporting strongpoints, of which there are three. At top left is Strongpoint Nadia; at center left is Strongpoint Mila; and at bottom right is Strongpoint Sasha. Each strongpoint consists of the following:
Platoon Commander
50mm Mortar
3 x Rifle Squads
Maxim 7.62mm MG
76.2mm Field Gun
So you've got a beat up, worn out rifle platoon bolstered by a machine gun and the 76.2mm field gun. I thought long and hard about whether to split to break up the Field Gun Platoon and one of the MG Platoons, but in the overall scheme of things, each strongpoint has close defense provided by its three rifle squads, and each strongpoint has a significant long-range capability consisting of the MG, light mortar, and field gun. I believe the long-range capability and the elan and training of the tank killers provides the low-grade infantry a real boost in confidence, such that breaking up an MG platoon and the Field Gun Platoon was warranted.
The 82mm Mortar Platoon is at far left bottom, in a field. The 'other' MG Platoon (PC and 2 x MGs) is at bottom center left. The Anti-Tank Gun Platoon is split: the PC and two guns is at far left top (the "West ATG" position), and the other two guns are at bottom center right (the "South ATG" position). The Soviet CO is at bottom center, between the MG Plt and the South ATG position. The ATR Plt is dug-in at center, just below the road, the purpose of which is two-fold: first, engage German armor coming down the road, and second, keep between any German infantry and the ATGs below them.
My only regret with the Soviet deployment is that I wish I could have even further dispersed the four Zis-3 ATGs (in order to counter German supporting fires sure to be levied against them); I would have but I didn't have enough sandbagged emplacements, so I had to double up each set of ATGs!
Offensive scheme of maneuver:
Okay, this is ugly and not terribly creative, for four reasons:
1. The Germans are attacking off the hop, conducting a hasty attack straight off the march, immediately following an attack earlier today. They've barely had time to untangle and reorganize their units following the earlier attack, and no time to rest or replenish.
2. The Germans are in a very big hurry as supplies, men, and equipment are all worn out and Intelligence reports strong Soviet forces enroute to reinforce the 1 May Collective Farm garrison.
3. The Germans had no time to conduct reconnaissance of the battlefield, so they have no idea the strength or disposition of the enemy facing them.
4. In order to get to the Collective Farm, the German infantry have a tremendous amount of ground to cover on foot. Moving cross-country would be almost as exposed, and would be even slower than heading straight down the middle via the road.
So this is literally 'hey diddle diddle, straight up the middle,' in a hurry to take and consolidate on the Farm before the Soviet reinforcements arrive. The German CO was at the head of the column coming into the area; he called a halt at Yuri's Hovel, sent for his senior leaders (some companies are now being led by Sergeants), and climbed atop the roof to get a look at the situation. He can't see anything in terms of Soviet troops or activity, but a simple appreciation of the terrain makes a few things clear:
-the Soviets are sure to be thick in the Collective Farm and its adjacent wooded areas; he'll sic the the Nebelwerfers (which Corps has placed in direct support) on them.
-the wooded area to the northwest (in the vicinity of Strongpoint Nadia) is sure to contain a bushel of the Red devils. He can ignore them/use direct-fire support to keep them at bay.
-the wooded area to the south (at bottom right, in vicinity of Strongpoint Sasha) is also sure to hold hordes of the Bolsheviks. They're too close, they'll have to be deal with.
So, the German Colonel climbed down and quickly sketched out the plan of attack to his subordinates:
-Direct fire-supports (MG Plt and IG Plt) will emplace in/around Yuri's Hovel with the mission of protecting the Kampgruppe's right flank and isolating the objective (keep any Soviet forces north of the Farm away from the Farm). (target acquisition and quick, accurate engagement will be king, might be a bit much to ask of worn out troops)
-1st and 2nd Platoons of 2nd Company will assault the southeast wood (SP Sasha). This assault will not be supported; their mission is to tie down the defenders without becoming decisively engaged. (god luck with that!)
-The Ersatz Panzer Platoon (hereafter referred to as the "Stug Platoon") will lead the entire 1st Company, in platoon order, down the road, straight into the objective. Speed is of the essence! (emphasis on speed can get real expensive real quick!)
-The indirect-fire supports (Mortar Platoon and Nebelwerfer Battery) need to get in where they fit in, i.e., find some space out of LOS to likely enemy positions and set up. They are tasked directly to the Kampgruppe commander. (terrible idea, a leader's job is to lead, a commander's job is to command, a forward observer's job is to forward observe. There's a reason the duties are split!)
-1st and 2nd Panzer Platoons, and 3rd Platoon, 2nd Company (mounted in the halftracks) are the Kampgruppe's reserve (begin game off table to east).
**So, what did he miss? Well, he's incorrect in his assumption that the Collective Farm is a bulwark of the defense; you see, the elite Soviet 'Tank Killers' are trained to look for target indicators (such as a cluster of buildings and clumps of trees) and stay the hell away, knowing the Germans will target them with copious amounts of artillery and mortars. This means Nebelwerfer rockets will soon be falling on unoccupied ground, and the KG's assumption, along with his inability to conduct a real reconnaissance, means he completely missed SP Mila, which his Stug Plt and 1st Company will be waltzing straight down the road to. And he has completely missed the flanking deployment of the deadly Soviet Zis-3s.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mqMEiavCu9Y/XfbCNFmdFCI/AAAAAAAAwZw/8WuDp83vXjQjOcrsSkP8V-3uOM3UnIYNACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0333.JPG)
Ersatz Panzer Platoon and 1st Company moving west down the main road, according to plan. Ersatz panzers being beat up by Soviet anti-tank weapons and 1st Company being beat up by Soviet mortars, not according to plan.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXuq7pWYzuA/XfbC9StEw3I/AAAAAAAAwa4/-jU0h_X5Iwk-NHBrZw3-KPRyF379oQE6ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0344.JPG)
So, send in the reserves! The halftracks and Panzer IIIs arrive.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_CXcLPLnAI/XfbEuvRe74I/AAAAAAAAweA/6ErksUmLZ9ArDy0IP3Y-3y_ukuD8JotwgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0374.JPG)
Nebelwerfers crash down on SP Sasha.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQZCzA9CctM/XfbGNrMpehI/AAAAAAAAwgk/j4fqJTRNZdAr2Gw3BKCW-NiUdF0HC_ZXACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0399.JPG)
But Soviet anti-tank guns are able to engage German armor by the flank (between trees at top center).
To see how the fight turned out, please check the blog at:
https://blackhawkhet.blogspot.com/2019/12/on-northern-shoulder-of-kursk-with_17.html
Well, I hope you enjoyed them; it was my pleasure to be a part of Steve's campaign, and to share it with you. But now it is on to some other projects: gotta finish up the Battle of Midway, then back to Kampgruppe Klink for some action in Greece. Stay tuned!
V/R,
Jack
Cracking !!
And that was only with a skim thro'.
Have to come back and read it properly. later.
Cheers - Phil
Quite a scrap!
Thanks guys, and sometimes a skim is all you need ;)
V/R,
Jack
Looks epic! :-bd
It certainly was for me! ;)
V/R,
Jack
Hi Jack
Great reports. Outstanding terrain. Impressive visual fire affects. What do you use to create the AT and nebelwefer fire? Are those bottle ('demi-john') cleaners?
Regards
Mart