View Full Version : 22_02 Bremen Express (NGP '85) - Jazz vs Arnhem
Jazz vs Arnhem. I'm the Russkie, he's NATO, default rules. Bremen Express. Basically it's NATO counterattacking east towards Bremen. He's got some fresh legs in the form of 2 Armd Divs and 1 Mech Inf Bde. All I've got to stop him are some very tired Poles....for now.
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June 22, 1985
Day 12. Both sides have fought themselves to a standstill, men are tired, machines are in desperate need of repairs, yet the killing goes on. Supplies which reach the front lines come in drips and drabs, the result of NATO airpower making a concentrated effort to go after our supply lines, especially in our sector. 2 PVA reported recon patrols being pushed back agressively when we probed into enemy lines for the past 2 days. Now we know why.
The counterattack we have been bracing for has begun.
Just about everyone in NATO swarmed across their defensive lines a little after lunch. The French seem to have joined the party and that Canadian Bde which G2 had warned us about are making a vigourous effort to capture Rheine and the crossings over the Dortmund-Ems canel just eastward of that town. The 12th MRD is holding them for the moment but I wouldn't bet on them for long. No reinforcements worthy of the name are available to send forward so we'll just have to do with what we've got.
15th MRD is being hit by a Mech Div but they seem to be taking their time to form up for a deliberate attack. The only bright spark seems to be from the 21st Guards MRD, little activity is being reported across their front, let's hope it holds.
Artillery and what regiments the Air Force can get through NATO fighter cover is attriting the enemy as he comes east, especially those in marching column, French forward elements have been hit hard and a mixed tank/infantry column was brutalized by vicious air and artillery attacks, a regiment of Su-24s claims 8 AMX-30s burning behind in their wake, looks like our colleagues in the Air Force are good for something other than being live drones for NATO target practice!
Joao Lima
23 Dec 04, 14:23
hmmm... I'm now curious to see Jazz view of the situation...
Way to go Canadians!!!!!!!!!
June 22, 1985 (1500hrs) Turn 2
Rheine has fallen, the MRRs of the 12th MRD fell back under the assault of the Canadians, KGB units stationed behind the troops tried to "rally" the men but were overwhelmed by the mass retreats. More worringly, what looks like a German PzD has materialized out of nowhere and smashed past the recon company that was covering Saerbeck, several rifle battalions have been trapped between these 2 pincer arms, to break out would be suicide so they'll hold in their foxholes to the last man, hopefully, they'll stem the tide long enough for us to get some significant firepower to contest the canal crossings that are sure to come.
15th MRD is doing well by comparision, although units in the vicinity of Salzbergen now find themselves having the unwanted attention of that French AD, now positively IDed as their 1st AD. 2 rifle battalions have been surrounded by that NL Mech Div and are fighting for their lives. The bridge at Nordhorn was blown up before the enemy could force the crossing, that ought to buy us some time.
The Theatre commander has released armour reserves to me, they should arrive shortly, if the crossings can hold till then we might just be able to bottle up NATO on the west bank, long enough for us to bring up some real reinforcements.
In reading your AAR, I see that in our game you will have a few days of "Glory" and then you should bogg down. Can hardly wait to get it going...
In reading your AAR, I see that in our game you will have a few days of "Glory" and then you should bogg down. Can hardly wait to get it going...
The field of battle awaits my honourable opponent, may be best Commie/Capitalist win!:D
June 22, 1800hrs, Turn 3
The 12th MRD has ceased to exist as a cohesive fighting force. Units on the west bank of the canal have either been destroyed in place or are fighting to the death. Canadian units have reached 1 bridge and disrupted frantic efforts to destroy it. Engineers are in a race against time to complete wiring the bridge before a delibrate attack is mounted to take it.
A tank battalion covering the approaches to another crossing to the north of Rheine repulsed a determined effort by a PzG company to carry it's position. The battalion commander reported inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy infantry in return for no loss of his own. However, a company of German Leopards made mincemeat of his unit a short while after the abortive infantry attack.
The 12th MRD is in danger of being flanked after one of it's battalions disintegrated under furious enemy assault. The tank regiment of that Division is moving to cover the gap.
21st Guards MRD has released one of it's rifle regiments and that unit is now moving into positions on the east bank which will allow it to engage any enemy units that make it across.
Elements of 47th Guards Tanks are driving hard for the canal in order to relieve the 15th MRD before NATO can gain a foothold on the east bank of the canal, I hope the Poles do not disappoint.
Joao Lima
24 Dec 04, 07:17
... I hope the Poles do not disappoint.
How badly can the Soviets be?...
hmmm... I'm now curious to see Jazz view of the situation...
Sorry guys, works's been kickin' my butt and it's all I can do to get turns in for 2 scenarios... The only reason I got 2 turns out to Arnhem last night is 'cause I was on e-mail and phone to Singapore and China and happpend to see his turn come in.
I couldn't give it the time and energy it deserves, at least not on a daily basis.
You'll just have to wait for the post-war memoirs....Arnhem seems to be doing a pretty fair fair job of it anyhow.
.... I hope the Poles do not disappoint.
The Dutch did and continue to disappoint....
How badly can the Soviets be?...Hi JL,
The Russians haven't gotten into action yet and as you can see from Jazz's post, the Poles are doing pretty well all things considered.
The Poles I was referring to are the remnants of the 15th MRD, considering the opposition they're facing, I'm surprised to still have half the division giving any sort of cohesive resistance.
June 23, Dawn
Night time saw the arrival of elements of 47 GTD, the T-80's and BMP-2's will bring some much need parity to the battlefield, T-55's just don't cut it when the opposition has Chieftains and Leopards. I expect a regiment of the 76 Guards Airborne around midday, every little bit helps.
NATO is still trying to force more crossings but have been unsuccessful save for the one bridge they took the day before, the Poles are being stretched six ways till Sunday and won't hold on for much longer, I've been husbanding several battalions for use as a reserve and now looks like a good time to commit them. 47 Guards will need another turn or two before they are in position, hopefully, I'll still be able to hold NATO on the west bank till then.
This is very exciting. Thank you for this AAR and keep it up! I am reading every bit of it.
:thanks:
:)
Hi Oliver,
Thanks for the encouragement, we aim to please!
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June 23, 0600hrs (Turn 6 of 20)
It is as I feared, that blasted German Panzer Division has suceeded in putting up a pair of engineer bridges across the canal in the Saerbeck area. Some tanks and infantry got across before artillery and Frontal Aviation blasted one of those bridges into the canal but the other one is still up and I can see those nasty little Germans crowding around on the west bank just lining up to cross, I would sell my mother for a regiment of fighter bombers to finish the job!
Further north, one of 2 PVA's engineer battalions managed to blow up one of the spans across the canal, take that capitalist scum! I've put up the colonel of that engineer brigade for the Order Virtuti Militari, too bad it's going to posthumous, not one of the platoon that followed him onto the bridge to wire it got back to the safety of our lines. Nothing communist is left west of the canal save for a battalion or two of cutoff infantry and tanks, the next turn should see my opponent making a serious effort for the crossings that are left.
Further north of that, the 15th MRD is holding it's own against intense pressure from NL and French units, the Division is relatively well rested and most units are in prepared position, it is trading space for time at an acceptable rate.
KG_RangerBooBoo
03 Jan 05, 10:46
I would sell my mother for a regiment of fighter bombers to finish the job!
They told me for years that you commies didn't even have mothers! :cheeky: I am really enjoying reading this AAR. Might make my next purchase NGP because of it.
They told me for years that you commies didn't even have mothers! :cheeky: I am really enjoying reading this AAR. Might make my next purchase NGP because of it.
Did you hear that HPS? I want a cut, show me the moneyyyyyyy! :p
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June 23, 0900hrs (Turn 7)
Stupid, stupid, stupid me forgot to blow a bridge span in the Nordhon area and left a BRDM company to cover it, result? NL Mech Div blows past those tin cans and is poised to run riot through the 21st Guards MRD rear.
15th MRD is drawing back towards the canal in order not to be flanked by that NL Mech Div making an end run around it's rear.
That German Panzer Div has forced the crossing near Ibenburen, fortunately 47th Guards Tanks has moved to take up position around the area and should be able to contain the breakout, other than that 12th MRD is holding on to it's positions despite efforts to dislodge it.
My opponent's attacks are starting to seem a tad lacklustre, I sincerely hope this is so and not a case of being in the eye of the storm.
My opponent's attacks are starting to seem a tad lacklustre, I sincerely hope this is so and not a case of being in the eye of the storm.
Time will tell won't it....? :devil: I mean, people gotta sleep sometime.
I am pleasantly surprised by the NL gains. Something about a gift horse...?
I'll let you know when I'm in Singapore next and mayhaps we can get together for a drink and a hot seat game? Probably April/May sometime I'm thinking. I'm usually there for a week or so.
Jazz
Time will tell won't it....? :devil: I mean, people gotta sleep sometime.
I am pleasantly surprised by the NL gains. Something about a gift horse...?
I'll let you know when I'm in Singapore next and mayhaps we can get together for a drink and a hot seat game? Probably April/May sometime I'm thinking. I'm usually there for a week or so.
Jazz
Bah, don't remind me about that bridge, I'm one seriously annoyed WP commander. :argh:
Good move on your part though, couple more turns and I think you'll get your breakthrough...maybe :p
No worries on the drink mate, I'm buying. things might get a little hectic in May, just let me know a week or so in advance and I'll see what I can do.
June 23, 1200hrs (turn 8)
As expected, Jazz has come barreling through with his NL Leopards, 21st MRD's artillery is making a beeline for the bridges across the canal, what remains of it's BRDM company will be acting as a speed bump while I try to get something more substantial to block the bridges.
Elsewhere he is reducing crossing defences but nothing has broken yet, I've beat up a couple of engineers that were trying to get more brdiges across the canal. The T-80's and Bimps of 47th Guards are hanging back for the moment, I want him to stick his neck out a little before I take a bite off it :p
This scenario is turning out to be a real nail biter, it's slightly before the halfway mark of the scenario (total of 20 turns) and I'm getting beat up real good with no reduction of pressure on his end. Reinforcements are on the way, he hasn't had a clear breakthrough yet but if he does, what I got on the way may not be enough.
June 23, 1500hrs (turn 9)
21st Guards MRD has got most of it's artillery across the canal while 15th MRD is moving into the small wood east of Nordhorn and preparing to dig in in a fight to the death.
Enemy units continue to be stymied in their efforts to make a clean breakout from the canal, the British 1st AD has crossed the canal just north of Ibenburen on the flanks of the German PzD. 47th Guards Tanks is moving elements to cover that advance as well as shore up the defences blocking the German PzD.
June 23, 1800hrs (turn 10)
21st Guards and the Polish 15th MRDs are fighting as virtually one unit after pressure from the French and NL Divisions drove them back toward the canal. The good news is that divisional artillery from both units are firing in support of the front line units again after escaping from the onrush of the NL Leopards.
In the centre, the British and Canadians continue to pour fire on the defences on the east bank of the canal but have so far been unable to dislodge the defenders from their prepared positions.
It is in the Ibenburen sector where the danger is, here the Germans and the best part of the British 1st AD have advanced towards the outskirts of Ibenburen and have exchanged gunfire with the defenders of that city. Losses have been high and positions lost after massive close-in assaults by the West Germans, it is now up to the 47th Guards Tanks to hold the line.
June 23, 2100hrs (turn 11)
To the north, the area around Lingen is safe for the moment as I have blown the bridges in the nick of time and placed a couple of well rested units to block the NL, I should have Jazz stymied till he brings up some bridging equipment.
In the centre, French, Canadian and British units are pouring across the Dortmund-Ems canal just west of Rheine at at least four crossings, the polyglot of WP units I have been throwing into the breach have had they all can stand and are either falling back in disarray or running for the rear.
Around Ibenburen in the south, massive pressure by the British and German ADs are taking their toll, 47th Guards Tanks units were roughly handled and I've had to pull them out of their prepared defensive positions in the town itself, terribly disappointing, I had hoped to hold Jazz off here till at least daybreak.
All in all a bleak night ahead after a terrible day, I wonder if I'll have any units to command come daybreak.
June 23, 0300hrs (turn 12)
It's getting really painful as the turns go by, I cringe everytime I get Jazz's email and replay the turn :OHNO:
The 1st NL Mech Div continues it's advance towards Lingen, I continue to oppose it....:whist:
French lead columns across the canal got a bloody nose as they crossed the canal, I'm throwing in my last reserves, the kitchen sink just got dismantled and will be used as an arty round when I run out of HE. The Canadians are working over the remnants of the canal, I've got some really tired troopers out there but they haven't broken...yet.
The Brit 1st AD is advancing towards the Mittelland Canal, I'm trying to gather what I've got left in the area and get them over it before I blow the crossings....
June 23, 0600hrs (turn 13)
Damage control is the order of the day as I try to limit Jazz's advances by either resisting where I can or falling back and preventing him from making a clean break through my tattered forces.
The area around Lingen is secure for the time being as the NL Mech Div seems to be losing a bit of steam in it's bid to cross the canal.
In the centre, the French and Canadians are making slow but steady progress, I've thrown in 2 of my precious T-80 battalions in this sector in a bid to slow Jazz down.
Around Ibenburen, the Brit 1st AD has brushed past resistance and come up to the crossing at Recke, Chieftains have harassed the engineers trying to blow the bridge up and I'm trying to get an another engineer battalion in before the ASU-85 battalion from the 76th Guards Airborne that is defending the crossing crumbles. Phew! All in one sentence too!
June 23, 1200hrs (turn 15)
The NL mech div seems to have adopted a holding position to protect the left flank of NATO's advance, units are not making any overtly aggresive moves and have limited their actions to a few local attacks.
The centre has collapsed and units have either been obliterated where they stood or surrounded and cut off from any retreat, the French are advancing on Freren while the Candadians have reached Hopsten.
Combined with these actions, the British have taken the crossing at Recke bringing the NATO armies together leaving the West Germans to tie up the right flank. The only units I have capable of resisting any eastward advance is the relatively fresh Airborne Regiment, a couple of SPAA guns and a tank battalion or two, they are initiating a fighting withdrawal, stinging where they can and pulling back before the bulk of NATO forces can catch up with them.
June 23, 1800hrs (turn 17)
The withdrawal towards the east continues, both sides have fought themselves to near exhaustion, enemy units are moving forward in a lacklustre way and mine are moving eastwards in an effort to avoid getting encircled. Air assault infantry and the T-80's I have left are making dents in the Allied advance and doing a good job of preventing Jazz's troops from making a run for Bremen.
Withdrawal???? What about your KGB troops behind your front lines shooting those that retreat??
Withdrawal???? What about your KGB troops behind your front lines shooting those that retreat??
Ah, the KGB troops, ahem, well, the Corps political officer was last seen east of Bremen heading in the direction of the border along with his men, apparently they were on a "mission of great importance to State Security"......
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June 23, 2100hrs (turn 18)
Same old same old from the previous 2 turns, anything that can still run, walk or be driven is heading east towards Bremen. The air assault boys and the surviving T-80's are giving a good account of themselves as they cover the withdrawal but they fight for a lost cause, NATO has their breakthrough, there nothing left east of the canal to stop them from reaching Bremen and I expect representatives of State Security to turn up looking for me soon, I wonder if they'll make me pay for the bullet.......
June 24, 0300hrs (turn 19)
Heliborne infantry have been spotted in my rear, gee, I wonder where they're going? :p
The only thing of note to report is a Canadian column being handed it's rear by a roadblock consisting of a couple of beat up T-80's and a bunch of pissed off air assault infantry....once again, I emphasize the fighting in fighting withdrawal. :D
June 24, 0300hrs (turn 19)
Heliborne infantry have been spotted in my rear, gee, I wonder where they're going? :p
Some of the lads heard about a cathouse in Bremen that they were told would be worth their while.... :smoke:
It's all completely innocent...really....
June 23, 0600hrs (turn 20 of 20)
And so it ends, a coup de main by heliborne infantry on undefended victory hexes, note to self, garrison rear areas when opponent has heliborne troops:argh:
Last turn heroics saw a couple of Canadian units either evaporated or broken, too little too late.
NATO Major Victory (2,012 pts)
NATO Losses
6,524 men
355 vehicles
9 planes
WP Losses
11,070 men
197 guns
449 vehicles
2 planes
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All in all, a great game, a real nail biter till the last few rounds when it became academic, kudos to my Jazz for a well deserved victory:toast:
Thanks for the great AAR, read it with much interest. I have to try this scenario sometime.
Oliver
June 23, 0600hrs (turn 20 of 20)
And so it ends, a coup de main by heliborne infantry on undefended victory hexes, note to self, garrison rear areas when opponent has heliborne troops:argh:
All in all, a great game, a real nail biter till the last few rounds when it became academic, kudos to my Jazz for a well deserved victory:toast:
It were an act of desperation....I wuz looking at a close draw the last turn casualties could well overturn.
You were stretched tight as it was on the front. I was really dreading a stray HQ or AA unit as I did not have time to actually reduce anybody.
Thanks to Arnhem for a great game and carrying the literary load with the AAR's :D
Jazz
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