Pre-OP1 Battle: Pleinting and Aspertsham

[Double Deuce]

ACTIVE COMMANDER: CZERPAK
LOCATION: Vicinity Pleinting and Aspertsham.

HEX EE7

...1 Rec Co/9 Rec Bn/9th Tk Div
......x9 SPW-40P
......x8 RPG-7 Team
......x3 Infantry Squad
......x3 SPZ BMP-1P
......x3 BTR-60PB
......x4 Malutka Team
......x2 7.62mm PKM MMGs
......x3 Strela-2 Team (Hun)
......x1 Art Observer (Sov)
......x1 PRP-2 (Sov)

HEX II7

...2 Rec Co/9 Rec Bn/9th Tk Div
......x9 SPW-40P
......x8 RPG-7 Team
......x3 Infantry Squad
......x3 SPZ BMP-1P
......x3 BTR-60PB
......x4 Malutka Team
......x2 7.62mm PKM MMGs
......x3 Strela-2 Team (Hun)
......x1 Art Observer (Sov)
......x1 PRP-2 (Sov)

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ADDED SUPPORT (OFF-BOARD)

......3 Bn/9th Art Rgt/9th DAG/9th Tk Div
.........x12 M1976 (15,300m) = 7 hexes

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Briefing: As NATO and WP forces attempt to fill the void left by their former allies withdrawal from the war, East German reconnaissance forces press South to search out the enemy. The area around Aspertsham is of key importance due to the intersection of major road network. It is also the last flat ground of the area before the hills begin to rise further to the East.

Mission: 3 & 3 Rec Co/9 Rec Bn/9th Tk Div will advance South and recon the area for enemy activity. All efforts should be made to determine the enemy strength in the area. The capture of Aspertsham is vital due to the major road intersection there and the capture of Hundsdorf should also be considered.

[Double Deuce]

ACTIVE COMMANDER: CZERPAK
LOCATION: Vicinity Pleinting and Aspertsham
PBEM SLOT: 003
PASSWORD: madrigal

Attached is a zip of the map itself.

Your opponent is: DITA

Please coordinate contact through the SZO forum to get the game started.

[czerpak]

roger that.

[czerpak]

One question - game lenght is set to 50 turns. I remember reading somewhere it was supposed to be 24 turns. Am I missing something here ?

[czerpak]

TURN 1
My units spread west and south. One canadian Lynx (with scouts) spotted west of train station.

[Double Deuce]

One question - game lenght is set to 50 turns. I remember reading somewhere it was supposed to be 24 turns. Am I missing something here ?That's do it does not end prematurely due to turn limits.

[czerpak]

That's do it does not end prematurely due to turn limits.

OK, so I simply send you the save after turn 24 ends, correct ?

[Double Deuce]

Yes, you will NOT copy your opponent. Once you end your turn 24, send me the file.

[czerpak]

Turn 2
wooops, Canadians are much faster than expected. Looks like main force goes thru forrest in the center, south of Aspertsham train station (lost one scout vehicle due to TOW in oppo turn, spoted another 3 M150 TOWs, another Lynx and M113 wih infantry there)
Damaged first Lynx and killed it's scouts, they were way to close to my atgm teams.
Redoploying in the center to break contact, trying to flank west and south-east.

Q : how arty works ? I mean if I call them, does it mean someone else cant use them ? Or shall I use cause they just sit there and drink beer ?

[Double Deuce]

Q : how arty works ? I mean if I call them, does it mean someone else cant use them ? Or shall I use cause they just sit there and drink beer ?They are Direct Support for your command so no one else can use them this turn. The basic ammo load they have in your game is all yours. Call them all you want BUT beware of possible counterbattery fire, this can cause "real" carryover damage to Artillery even though they are technically in the rear area.

Same kinda thing with aircraft. If you lose it, it is gone from the Master Operational OOB.

[Vesku]

Turn 2

Q : how arty works ? I mean if I call them, does it mean someone else cant use them ? Or shall I use cause they just sit there and drink beer ?

Test it early on and if you get countered, stop using them. That's my advice but I'm not your superior :)

[czerpak]

yup, I understand ANY unit lost wont be available for the future battles.

Turn 3
Things heat up. It is not just light reckon force. Leo spotted, at least 2 inf squads far west (but I think it is rather full platoon), Cougars in the east.
Canadians are much farther north in the center, than expected. Things do not look good at the moment. Hopefully arty will land on time in the center (TOWs, M113, infantry).
Definetely enemy commander uses reckon by force. Here is quote from their HQ (code DITA) radio message to troops (my radiomen were able to listen it and decrypt)
"Recon by force....? :)

regards

Paul"

[jadpanther]

I fought the canadians in practice several times...........watch out for their 150's, they will tear you up from cover if you are not careful.........also use the arty if you have it.......vesku gave good advice.

Good luck.

Jad

[czerpak]

Turns 4 & 5
We try to stay in touch with enemy, and redeploy to preserve our forces in the same time. Immobilised one Cougar and took off another. But we loose grunts as well, which is not to good at all. There seem not to be a place to escape.

[Cameronius]

DD,
FYI, I believe that Cougars and Grizzlys never saw service with NATO in Europe. They were strictly homeland service/training vehicles. All Recce vehicles in Europe at this time were Lynx, M-113 or jeeps. Just for interest sake.

[czerpak]

Turn 6
finished that Cougar, as he shouldnt be here in Europe :)
Few APCs try to sneak thru right down corner to enemy's arty park.
Lost one arty section due to counterbattery, switched other two off. Last one keeps pounding M150s at the center, while ATGMs try to get at firing positions. Lots of arty bombardment , but luckily my opp misses the right spots.

[Cameronius]

Czerpak,
What is your assessment of the enemy disposition in your area? Should be reinforce the area or bypass? Post a screenshot of the map with a detailed breifing if you can.

[Double Deuce]

I need a sub for Czerpak.

He hasn't posted or responded to the file Dita sent him since about June 6. We need to keep this rolling. As soon as we hae a volunteer I'll need them to post the email addy for me to send the file to and connect with Dita to get back on track.

[Cameronius]

DD
I'll do it, and I can see for myself what is going on in the battlefield.:D
I've got a busy weekend, but I will be able to get the turn back on Monday.
I think I already sent you my email in a PM. But I'll do it again just to be sure.

[Double Deuce]

DD
I'll do it, and I can see for myself what is going on in the battlefield.:D
I've got a busy weekend, but I will be able to get the turn back on Monday.
I think I already sent you my email in a PM. But I'll do it again just to be sure.We'll need someone who has slot #3 open because its a secure Pbem game and I'd rather not risk it crashing a few turns further in.

[Vesku]

I'm available if you can't find anyone else.

[Cameronius]

My slot 003 has just become vacant. I have sobered up sufficiently from my weekend outing to Wrigley Field. Please send the files.:laugh:

[Double Deuce]

Update from Czerpak.
Double Deuce,
I'd like to withdraw my forces- enough harm was done for reckon mission.
Attached is last turn I got from Dita.
I am going abroad for couple of days, so full report on the WP board can be expected next week.
cheers
czerpak

[Cameronius]

Good Enough:D

[Double Deuce]

LOSSES

...1 Rec Co/9 Rec Bn/9th Tk Div
......x4 SPW-40P
......x4 RPG-7 Team
......x2 SPZ BMP-1P
......x1 BTR-60PB
......x1 PRP-2 (Sov)

----------------------------------------------------------------
AAR: Coming Soon!

CURRENT UNIT LOCATIONS:

HEX II7 --> 1 Rec Co/9 Rec Bn/9th Tk Div

HEX KK7 --> 2 Rec Co/9 Rec Bn/9th Tk Div