View Full Version : Operation Typhoon pbem
This is my first attempt to write an AAR. I'am currently playing a pbem campaign, "Operation Typhoon Max German effort-No Crete Campaign".
So any suggestion/remarks are welcome to improve my writing or to explain my tactics:crosseye:.
How to get to Moscow, the main goal of this campaign. Looking at the German forces it is clear that most units have fought a long battle which results in high fatique and a drop of morale. Because the weather can change and will make any coordinated attack impossible we still have to attack early and push the forces to the brink. In the first week we will try to create several gaps in the Russian lines and in the process isolated as many troops as possible.
The next question is where to attack. The most obvious choices are Kalinin, Tula, Dorokhovo, Naro_Fominsk, Olkheva and Volokamansk. Good roads and railtransport are important for supply and reinforcements we most attack towards major road and rail cities. In the north Novozavidovskiy, because it links the northern front with the central front. In the central Kubinka, Istra and Kresty. In the south Tula.
Where can de airborne forces best be deployed? The most promising drop locations are near the city of Klin, Tula and Istra. The advantages of Klin is that the area doesn’t have much Russian forces nearby but it is located relatively far behind the enemy lines and far away from Moscow. So the airborne forces will have to fight for several days before there is any chance that the regular forces can reach them. Even when succesfull the road to Moscow is a long one.
Tula is the obvious choice. Tula is the key point in controlling the southern front. The city is well defended and more Russian forces are located in the area. The major drawback is that the German forces cannot advance directly towards Tula until reinforcements have arrived. This will leave the airborne forces vulnerable for several days. Also Moscow is far away. The risk is deemed to high.
So the decision is made for Istra. Located on a major road near Moscow and the frontline is relatively close. So the airborne forces can be relieved in 2-3 days. Also in line with strategy to destroy as much forces as possible an Istra drop can result in the destruction of the Russian forces between Istra and the frontline. A major drawback is that there are a lot of Russian forces in the area who can attack the airborne forces within a day.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/jump_1.jpg
Initial goals:
South:
Capture the Major city of Tula. This city is important for the major roads and railways. These major roads lead to Serpukhov and then to Moscow. Instead on a head on attack we will try to encircle the city first by attacking more east in the area of Bolohovq(historical). First eliminate the Russian forces in the area by the 3rd, 4th Panzer with the help of the 112th and 167th Infantery. The 25th and 10th Mot div with the 17th and 18th panzer will lend support if nessecary. Then proceed to Tula.
If Tula is taken, hopefully in a week, then the attack will proceed to Serpukhov and encircle the troops defending the Oka river.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/tulainitial1_1.jpg
Central:
A low priority is the city of Kresty, from Sabotho. This will be done by the 263 inf, the 183 inf and the 19th Pz. This city is important to tie up the Russian forces in the area. With luck we can encircle the Russian forces around Kolotayevo.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Soinitial_1.jpg
Kubinka. First take Dorokovo, the 267 inf and Das reich mot div from the north, 197 inf in the middle and the 7th inf from the south,. Sememychl will be attacked by the 258 inf and 292 inf. Then move on to capture Kubinka. Destroy the forces inside the pocket.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/kubinkainitial1_1.jpg
Istra: Airdrop at Istra by the 7th flieger div. The city has a major road and railroad network. But more importantly the troops in that area will need to be destroyed before any attack at Moscow can take place. The airborne forces will move west to meet the german forces at Masukova, Skolovo, Rubstovo.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/istrainitial_1.jpg
Novozavidovskiy. 162 inf from the north and the the forces around Lotoskino from the West/south. Capture the bridges.
Kalinin: Withdraw behind the river at Kalinin until more inf div have arrived to continue the attack and rest the battered troops.
KG_RangerBooBoo
30 Mar 08, 09:18
Nice start, looking forward to following along.
Lord_Valentai
30 Mar 08, 18:51
Nice report so far. Look forward to continuing reading.
Day 1
Southern front: Tula.
The 3rd Pz div moves forward and makes contact with units of the Russian 413th Rifle div near Bolokhovo. A possible gap in the frotnline is spotted and exploited.
During the day more and more elements of the 413th rifle div are surrounded and captured. The 4th Pz div moves in to encircle the remaing elements of the 413th rifle div and stumbles upon the 9th motorcycle regiment. A short battle occurs and with the help of the first units of the 122nd inf and 167th inf div the Russians are surrounded and captured.
In the meantime the 3rd Pz div has encoutered the 260th rifle div while moving towards Tula. The leading panzer unit can luckily escape being surrounded and destroyed. With the help of the russian 299th rifle div the 3rd Pz is stopped in its track and takes heavy casualties. No more advance can be made and the 3rd Pz div will wait for reinforcements and try to rest and recover.
Reinforcements, 10th mot, 25th mot, 18th Pz and 17th Pz div, are making there way slowly to the frontline. They will arrive during the 2nd day. Untill these units arrive not much progress can be made. The 17th Pz div will reinforce the Gross Deutschland div for an assault on Tula.
The 18th Pz div will reinforce the battered 3rd Pz div. The other div will move towards Meshkovo. Together with the 4th Pz, 122nd inf and 167th inf div will prepare to move towards Anishino. Movement is slow so it is expected that on the 3rd day movement towards Anishino can begin.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Tula_day1_1.jpg
Central front: Sobatino.
During the first day the 263rd inf, the 183rd inf and the 19th Pz are taken up position and cross the river Nara. The Russian 110th rifle is trying to make a stand but has to give way to the numbers. During the dusk the road to Sabotho is secured.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Sobo_day1_1.jpg
Not planned was the crossing at done Ol'kheva. After hours of artillery and small weapons exchange the Russian forces withdrew from the riverbank. We wanted to capatalize on this oppertunity. Altough there is a great risk that the forces will be outnumbered and a chance to be driven back across the river. Only 4 inf div remained in the area, the 98th, 34th, 263rd and 15th inf div.
It was decided to use the undamaged bridge of Ol'kheva but also with the help of engineer units cross the river above and below Ol'kheva. During the night the first crossing was attempted and a bridgehead formed. The russian 93rd rifle and the 53rd rfile div are attacking the bridgehead.
The 15th inf div crossed the river more north as a diversion and to tie up forces in the area.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Olkheva_day-1.jpg
Kubinka.
At dawn the forces take up their position and make contact with the russian forces. The russian forces are well dug in and heavy fighting ensues. It is discovered that the russian 82nd motor div, 22nd, 18th, 20th tank bde and the 359 rifle div are controlling the roads leading to Kubinka. By using the Das Reich mainly for assaults against disrupted Russian position we were able to create small holes in the lines and isolated some Russian units. The 197th and 276 inf div support and cover the flanks of the attack.
During the day the Russian forces are pushed back more and more while russian units are isolated and captured. The advance is bloody and slow. Losses are high but the russian resistance is crumbling. At night several Russian unist are pushed back against the river Moskva and cut of from their supply lines. This proved to be decisive as most of the Russian forces in the area are captured.
More south progress towards Sememychi is very slow and bloody. Several units of the 292nd and 258th inf div lose more the half of their men and are unable to fight. The Russian 32nd and 222nd rifle div put on a huge fight. At dusk Sememychi has been captured.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Kubinka_day1_1-1.jpg
The other battles of day 1 will added later. I hope the pictures don't take to much time to download. Let me know if i should add less pictures to explain what is going on.
Lord_Valentai
05 Apr 08, 22:24
No, please keep the pictures! And please post when you can, it's a good report!
day 1 continued.
Karinskoye.
At the end of the day the 5th Pz was relocated to help out the 252nd inf div with the advance towards Karinskoye. Only light opposition was met as the Russian withdrew leaving behind some at-tank units. These were easily overrun. Some Russian units were seen moving towards the Moskva river. These will be persued at dawn by the 252nd inf while the 5th Pz will move towards Torklova to try and encircle the russian units in the area.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Karins_day1.jpg
Istra.
The airborne drop was a partial succes. A lot a men were lost due to the forest which made good landings spots scrace. Luckily the airborne forces met light resistance and were able to regroup. Later during the day the 7th flieger div met unexpected heavy resistance.
The Russians did move, from the North-west, the 1st guard tank, the 127 tank bde, the 27th tank bde and the 28 tank bde and surprised the airborne forces. These attacks stopped the movement to the front cold and heavy fighting is taking place. The airborne forces tried to encircle the attackers because of the lack of anti-tank weapons but were unsuccesfull. From the east the 19 tank bde attacked, with support of Moscow militia and the 3rd Moscow rifle div, the airborne forces.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Istra_day1.jpg
The 87th inf from Safaniko and the 10th PZ en das reich from Skirmaho are trying to reach the airborne forces but have made little progress. Luckely airborne forces moving towards Safaniko and Torklova met no resistance. Hopefully they can make contact with the regular forces in these areas.
One advantage for now is that the airborne forces tie up the only mobile forces in this region so if we can achieve a breakthrough then there will not much to stop the panzers.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Istra_day1_2.jpg
Novozavidovsky.
The advance towards Novozavidovskiy is slow. The 11th Pz did arrive late in the afternoon. The fighting around Yegar'yo was already full underway where the 7th Pz and the 14th mot div were trying to push forward. At dusk the Russian 24th cav div was isolated at Osheykino. The 6th Pz is movind towards Markova.
The 86th inf and the 162nd inf are moving towards their deployment areas and will reach these during the night.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Osheykino_day1.jpg
Kalinin.
The forces were succesfull in withdrawing behind the river Volga where they dig in and are resting and refitting. Some russian units were spotted near te river but were quickly repelled.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Kalinin_day1.jpg
Reinforcements:
The 20th pZ div is sent to Naro_Fominsk to help the 3rd mot div.
The 137th inf is sent to Ol'Kheva.
The 56th inf is resting and refitting and will be deployed later.
The 252nd inf and the 23rd inf div will be sent to Skirmano.
The 11th Pz will be sent to Shishkovo.
The 2nd Pz will deployed at Sebenki.
The 268th and 5th inf will be sent to Mozhaysk and wait for further instructions.
The 255th, 8th and 28th inf are sent to Strashovich.
There were a lot of reattachements made during the night. This was nessecary to reflect the redeplyoment of forces and future goals.
Start of the second day.
Losses:
russian
men 22883
Guns 144
Vehicles 121
planes 5
German
men 10255
guns 71
Vehicles 122
Planes 5
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Jumpmap_day1.jpg
South.
With the destruction the Russian 413th rifle and the 9th motorcycle regiment the first step is made to attack Tula from the east. For the next day Meshkovo should be captured.
Central.
With the unexpected crossing of the river Ol'kheva during the night and the capture of Sobatino we are ahead of schedule. Securing the bridgehead is the first priority. There are a lot of russian division in the area with strong artillery support. I hope we can withstand the counterattack which i expect at dawn.
Next step from Sobatino is Kresty. The 263rd inf and 19th Pz will start the advance on the second day.
With the arrival of the 20th Pz div Naro_Fominsk will be attacked.
The push towards Kubinka will continue. Around Dorokhovo most units of the Russian 82nd motor div are destroyed or captured. Starting at dawn we should first reduce the pockets with russian units, capture softino, and then try to link up with the forces Sememychl. If successfull it will isolate all russian units around Boldino.
Looking at the superior Russian forces closing in on the airborne forces it is a priority to reach them before they are destoyed. Torklova, Mansukova and Golovino should be captured. Torklova should be captured by the 5th Pz while the 78th inf will chase the remaining units of the Russian 50th rifle div.
The 87th inf should with help of some units if the 252nd inf secure Mansukova. Hopefully some airborne forces will also reach the city and trap the Russian 78th rifle div.
Looking at the progress towards Golovino i have serious doubts that the city can be captured. There aren't enough forces for continues assault. Also the supporting units of the Das Reich div will be redeployed near Softino and cannot be used anymore. And the arrival of the 252nd inf and the 23rd inf div is expected at day 3. Which is to late. I will need to start withdrawing the airborne forces to Istra and to Turklova and Mansukova.
North.
More to the north the progress towards Novozavidovsky is slow but promising. The encirclement of the Russian 24th cav div was a bonus and will leave a difficult to fill gap in the russian frontline. Hopefully the the 7th Pz and 14th mot div can exploit this on the second day. Also positive is the complete arrival of the 11th Pz div. This will give an extra punch when the attack resumes.
In the north all is quit at Kalinin. At Strashovich the final preparation are made to start an advance towards Davydovo.
Lord_Valentai
10 Apr 08, 22:24
Great report! Please keep 'em coming!
Thanks, good to hear that you two like it. I'am working on the second day of the battle hopefully i can post some more next weekend.
North second day.
Strashovich:
The 206th and 251st inf div began moving slowly forward pushing back the 250th and 178th rifle div. The main advance follows the main road towards Gushika assaulting any Russian resistance. This is an inf battle in a difficult terrian, lots of woods and small rivers. But by using the road to bypass Russian units and then swing to the West and east we were able to surprise the Russian forces by attacking them from the rear. BY the end of the day several Russian units were captured and the German 255th inf div arrived, after a two day march, at the scene.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day2/Strasho_day2.jpg
Novozavidovsky:
After arriving the 11th Pz continued towards Vtoraya with support of the 106th inf div. During the advance there were clashes with the 58th tank div. At the same time the 7th Pz moves towards Kuz'minskovo. At the end of the afternoon mobile elements of the 11th Pz were able to sneak by the Russain defense and captured Smalnikova, isolating the russian units defending Vtoraya. At the same time units of the 7th Pz captured Kuz'minkskoyo, thereby isolating the remnants of the 58th tank div and 126th rifle div.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day2/Novo_day2_2.jpg
In the moring of 16th of november the 6th Pz and 14th mot div succeeded in bypassing Markova at the south-east, trapping Russain units of the 8th tank bde, 17th mont cav and 107th mot div. The Russian units tried to breakout using the superior T34 tanks, causing havoc among the Pz jager and flak units.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day2/Novo_north_day2.jpg
The 14th mot div moved in and could succesfully stop the attempt and consolidate the line. After securing the road to Vysokovo the 6th Pz will as fast as possible and try to capture Vysokovo, Dmitrova and if possible make contact with the 86th inf.
More to the north at Selino the crossing, by the 86th inf, of the Shosha river was a succes. They could linkup with units of the 7th Pz div and made contact with the 6th Pz during the night and thus closing the ring.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day2/Novo_north_day2_1.jpg
The battle report of Centre and South will be added later.
Lord_Valentai
23 Apr 08, 19:30
Nice work! Can't wait for more!
robarrieta
25 Apr 08, 12:57
Good stuff! Post more!!
Central Front
Istra:
As seen at the end of day 1 more and more Russian forces are attacking the airborne forces. Because of the light equipment they are no match for the tank units attacking them. The advance to Rubstovo to try to make contact with the forces advancing towards Golovino was stopped by Russian forces. From all sites the airborne forces were pushed back towards the city Istra. Losses are mounting and the fatique is showing. Because the advance towards Golovino is stopped rescue can now only come form Torklova and Mansukova. Torklava will be difficulot because the 5th Pz need to rest and the Russian forces try to capture Sutmino. The only reasonable option is Mansukova.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day2/Istra_day2_1.jpg
Because the 87th inf is not up to the task the 252nd inf div is sent as reinforcement. Together with some airborne units these units were able to defeat the Russian 78th inf div at Mansukova. This battle fatique the 87th inf so much that it will be rested. The fresh 252nd inf div needs to counter the Russian advance from CHasovhya to sercure the road. It cannot move towards Istra and help the tired airborne forces for now.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day2/Istra_day2_2.jpg
Karinskoye:
The most obvious advance would have been to follow the mainroad along the river. But instead it was decided that the 252nd inf div should first clear the area form any Russian opposition while the main part of the 5th Pz would continue towards Torklova in an attempt to isolated the Russian 144th rifle div. If succesfull it will clear the first road towards the airborne forces. It became clear during the day that the Russian 144th rfile had not withdrawn and hence was succesfully trapped. Clearing this pocket delayed the 5th PZ div considerately so no advance could be made to relieve the airborne forces. Also most units of the 5th Pz needed to rest before they could fight again. This is a major setback because the airborne forces are under attack from all directions.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day2/Karins_day2.jpg
Kubinka:
In the north the 267th inf covered the flank of the advance. With the help of units from the 78th inf controlling the opposite riverbank of the Moskva the Russian 50th rifle div was trapped while retreating. Most of the Russian surrendered during the night after sevral assaults.
The Das Reich div with support of the 197th inf div continued the advance folowing the main road to Kubinka. The advanced was slowed by remnants of the 82nd motorized div. Softino was captured in the afternoon after which some units moved towards sememychi to make contact with the 258th and 292nd inf div.
The southern flank of the attack was covered by the 7th inf div which advanced towards Boldino. After the city was captured the Russian 32nd rfile div was isolated and later surrendered.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day2/Kubinka_day2-1.jpg
Naro-Fominsk:
The 20th Pz and 3rd mot div started their advance on Naro-Fominsk. They met fierce resistance by the Russian 1st rifle div supported by the 24 and 5th tank bde, the 22 rifle div and 108th tank div. At the end of the afternoon the city was captured after numerous assaults but the battle continued to rage in the outskirts of the city and the surrounding forrest. During the night units of the 3rd mot div moved through the forrest north of the city and surprised teh russian forces. After a night assault the Russian defenders were pushed back thus encircling some russian forces.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day2/Naro_day2.jpg
Sobatino:
On the first day Sobatino was captured as planned. Now the 19th Pz continued their advance along the small road while some tank units made their way through the forrest and made contact with the 15th inf, trapping the Russian 110th rifle div. The 263 inf div was assigned to engage the now trapped Russian forces and clear the area. The 183rd inf secured the road to Sobatino against possible attacks.(See pictures below)
Ol'kheva:
As expected the russian respone to the crossing did come at dawn. Several russian divisions, 93rd, 53rd, 43rd, 113th and 5th airborne, were attacking the bridgehead for the whole day. At some point several units were close to breaking or in fact already broke to these relentless attacks. Some assaults were made to gain more ground but were lost again by counterassaults made by Russain forces. We were able to cross fresh units who could defend the battered troops but no progress could be made.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day2/Olkheva_day2.jpg
On the russian side the attacks became less coordinated. Early in the afternoon plans were made to withdraw the troops. More to the north the 98th inf which acted as a diversion was more succesfull and was able to esthablish and enlarge the bridgehead. Then late in the afternoon the russian forces suddenly withdrew and an erie silence filled the battlefield.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day2/Olkheva_day2_2.jpg
Southern front
Tula:
During the day the last russian units were captured. Progress is slow due to the terrain and weather but Meshkovo has been captured and most divisions reached their destination. No opposition was met. Only at the end of the day some russian tanks were spotted near Domino but we were unable to persue them as the disappeared.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day2/Tula_day2_1.jpg
More to the north of Tula near Izvol some progress is made by the 31st inf div against the Russian 31st cav div. But without more support no further progress can be made.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day2/Tula_day2_north.jpg
Start of the third day.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day2/Jumpmap_19.jpg
Losses
Russian
men 74898
guns 406
vehicles 637
planes 7
German
men 23957
guns 209
vehicles 298
planes 9
weather:frozen
Reinforcements:
The 137th inf has arrived at Ol'Kheva.
The 56th inf is resting and refitting and will be deployed later.
The 252nd inf and the 23rd inf div will be sent to Skirmano.
The 268th and 5th inf will be sent to Mozhaysk and wait for further instructions.
The 255th has arrived at Strashovich.
The 8th and 28th inf are not sent anymore to Strashovic but towards Pokrovskoye.
The 1st kav div is sent to Padorovka by train.
The 5th inf will be sent towards Mozhaysk and wait for further instructions.
South:
Still no direct attack on Tula has been made. We are waiting for reinforcements ro arrive and more importantly the advance made east of Tula. Sofar we have been able to capture Meshovo. But it is worrying that no Russian forces have been seen in the area.
For day three we will continue with our plan and move towards Anishino.
More north of Tula, near Izvol we will try and support the advance made by the 31st inf. As seen on the last screenshot of Tula you can see units moving by train on their way towards Padorovka. This is the 1st Kavalerie div. Also we will depatch the 17th Pz, now digging in near Tula towards Padorovka.
Now that the river Upa has been frozen due to the subartic temperatures we can cross the river and hopefully surprise the Russian forces by this unexpected move.
Centre:
After the crossing at Ol'kheva we have tried to enlarge the bridgehead. The forces have been rested but that was also true for the Russian forces. The third day will see continued fighting. Hopefully we can create a gap and expoit this. The 19th PZ will try to capture Kresty and put some pressure on the defenders at Kolotayevo.
The 20th Pz and 3rd mot div will continue their advance after capturing Naro-Fominsk towards Satnikova.
Day three should se the capturing of Kubinka. The Das Reich div is now almost complete with the units arriving from Skirmano and will lead the way. With the river Moskva frozen the 78th inf will clear the riverbanks and then move forward towards Chikova.
The 5th Pz willmove towards Sutmino and try to rescue the airborne forces in the area. The airborne forces around Istra will keep withdrawing towards Mansukova while the 87th inf and 252nd inf will move forwards and stabelize the front.
The airborne forces almost lost, untill now, about half their men(>3000), 22 guns of the 87 and have 58 vehicles left of the 140 they started with. Hopefully in the third day they will be completely rescued.
At Skirmano the forces will dig in for now untill reinforcements will arrive. The 23rd inf div is almost ready to relieve the forces. At this part of the front almost no headway was made. Russian artillery and numerous forces stopped any progress and inflicted heavy casualties.
North:
After the battle at Vtoraya the 11th Pz and 5th Pz will continue their advance towards Smalnikova and Nagornoye. The 106th inf will lent support.
The 6th Pz and 14th mot div will reduce the pocket at Kur'yanovo with the 86th inf div for support.
The 162nd inf div now located at Causeway will be recalled towards Kalinin. They are of more use there.
At Kalinin the forces wait for a possible Russian attack now that the river has been frozen and crossing is more easy. The 1st Pz is dispatched along the river Volga,near Orshina, to counter any attacks in that region.
With arrival of the 255th inf div at Stratshovic the attack will continue towards Davydovo and Galki.
Lord_Valentai
10 May 08, 17:25
Nice report! :)
Thanks for the thumbs up. I hope to post day 3 next weekend depending how fast my opponent and i exchange turns and i can write a report.
Day 3
Southern front: Tula.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day3/Tula_north_day3.jpg
North of Tula The 1st Kavalerie div is arriving by train and is on full strenght early in the afternoon. At the same time the first panzer units of the 17th Pz arrive near Padorovka. Meanwhile the 31st inf div moves along the frozen riverbanks of the Upa towards Barsuki.
There is some weapons exchange with the 217th rifle div. The first target is the bridge at Barsuki in case the freezing weather doesn't last so units don't get trapped if the river Upa flows again.
Almost at nightfall units of the 17th Pz div meet heavy opposition from the Russian 5th and 7th guards div. This is a nasty surprise. Russian guards div are mostly fully supplied and on full strenght. They and the freezing weather cause a lot of casualties.
Luckily the 17th Pz was sent to support the attack otherwise the 1st kavalerie div and the 217th inf would have recieved a serious beating. Sofar our efforts to surprise the Russian by this move over the frozen river.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day3/Tula_south_day3.jpg
More to the north the 25th mot, 10th mot and 4th Pz supported by the 112nd and 167th inf are moving towards Anishino. No opposition is met. Mayby there are no Russian units in the area or they are eluding the German forces. It is going to easy which is not a good sign.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day3/Tula_central_day3.jpg
During the day the 3rd Pz and 18th Pz are attempting to approach Tula from the south-east. They make some progress but the heavy Russian resistance and the bad weather are reducing the effect of our artillery and assaults. The units fatique fast and will need to rest during the night.
Central Front: Ol'kheva.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day3/Olkheva_day3.jpg
Despite some small encirclements, which the Russians could break free of, the progress is slow and bloody. The only good thing is that some artillery units were destroyed. This will reduce our losses significantly. More north(the road from Sobatino) the 263rd and 19th Pz were unable to make any progress due to heavy Russian resistance. In this area it looks like a stale mate for now.
Naro-Fominsk:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day3/Faro_day3.jpg
The 3rd mot and 20th Pz try to clear the main road and railway leading from Naro_Fominsk to ultimately Moscow. Strong Russian defense slow the progress. Satnikovo is finally reached at sundown.
Kubinka:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day3/Kubinka_day3.jpg
The Das Reich and the 197th inf have continued their advance towards Kubinka. At the end of the afternoon the outskirts of the city were reached. The Russian 25th, 33rd and 22nd Tank Bde put up a heavy fight but during the night the city was captured and the Russian forces pushed back. Securing a major road and railway hub.
Karinskoye:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day3/Karins_day3.jpg
The Russian 108th rifle div defends the main road. For now the German 78th inf decided to dig in and wait for the remaining units which are clearing the woods more south. Without the support of the 5th Pz, who is fighting more north near Sutmino to rescue the airborne forces, there is not enough firepower to continue the advance.
Istra:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day3/Istra_day3.jpg
The 3rd day proved to be the bloodiest for the fatique airborne forces. Under constant fire and assaults from fresh Russian forces the airborne forces tried to retreat oderly to prevent to be cut of from road leading to Mansukova. This was the last lifeline. The Russian forces attempted several time to encircle the forces but luckily this could be prevented. At the end of the day finally the Russian advance was stopped and any threat of encirclement gone.
The arrival of the fresh 252nd inf proved to be decisive in tipping the balance. By capturing Chasoyhya and Rubstovo threatened the flank of the Russian forces who broke of the fight to retreat. And by doing so preventing any encirclement. More or a less a continues frontline is formed and as soon as replacements are availlable the airborne forces will be rested and refitted. This needs to be adressed the next couple of days.
Northern front Novozavidovsky:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day3/Novo_north_day3.jpg
The 6th Pz and 14th mot div reduced the pocket at Kur'yanovo during the day. Then for the first time the units get time to relax and a good nights sleep. The 86th inf div moves towards Novozavidovsky and probably will arrive during the third day.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day3/Novo_day3.jpg
The 11th Pz and 5th Pz continued their advance towards Smalnikova and Nagornoye, supported by the 106th inf div. Movement is slow due to the harsh arctic conditions. Also the Russian commander of the 316th rifle divs withdraws everytime contact is made.
This tactic makes it much more difficult to isolate units. Smalnikova is captured at noon. During the night most of the units get some rest as the troops are getting more and more exhausted of the continues fighting.
Kalinin:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day3/Kalinin_day3.jpg
All troops were on standby at Kalinin and along the river Volga. But nothing happened. The expected attack did not take place now that the river is frozen. This gives cause to speculation that there are less Russian troops in the area then expected.
Strashovich:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day3/Straso_day3.jpg
After reducing the pocket near Gorki, containing several Russian units of the 178th rifle div, much time is needed to consolidate the frontline and rest the troops.
Forward elements of the 255th inf reach Davydovo at the end of the day.
More east the 255th and 256th inf push the russian units slowly back towards Galki. The resistance of the Russian units increases as the temperatures get lower. The German losses increases and assaults are getting more and more ineffective due to the weather.
Start of the fourth day.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day3/zoomout/Jump_map_day4.jpg
Losses
Russian
men 100940
guns 719
vehicles 795
planes 16
German
men 33528
guns 248
vehicles 448
planes 12
weather:Soft conditions.
This is an unexpected change of weather. The forecast was 90% chance of snow condition with a 40% chance of a storm. Only a 10% chance of soft condition. This will pose some problems. Units will have to be checked if they are located on the wrong sides of rivers and mobile units who could end up in marshes. But this gives also a big advantage, no penalty when firing and assaulting.
The 20% frozen penalty is realy a pain. Besides snow with a storm would have meant a total stop of all offensives along the frontline.
Reinforcements:
The 56th inf is resting and refitting at Luydinov and will be deployed later.
The 8th and 28th inf are not sent anymore to Strashovic but towards Pokrovskoye.
The 268 inf rest at Mozhaysk and wait for further instructions.
The 95th and 293rd inf are moving towards Tula
The legion des Voluntaires Francais moves towards Kubinka.
South: Tula
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day3/zoomout/Tula_zoomout_24_2.jpg
Slowly but surely the troops take up their designated positions for an attack on the well defended fortrest city Tula. With the capture of Anishino and barsuki there is only one major road left for supplies to reach Tula.
If Malakhova can be captured the city is isolated and no reinforcements can reach the city and the siege can begin. A setback is that there are at least 2 guard units, the 5th and 7th, located near Tulu/Barsuki.
Also the lack of any opposition when capturing Anishino is worrying because it is unexpected. But for now we will stick to the plan. I estimate that it will take 3 days to isolate Tula.
With the coming arrival of the 95th and 293rd inf at Tula there should be enough forces to siege the city and cover the flanks for a possible counter attack.
The goal of capturing Tula within a week already proves way to optimistic. My new estimate is that it will take at least till november the 25th depending on the weather and Russian surprises.
Centre:
It was my goal to capture Kresty, Kubinka and Istra.
Altough we have captured Sobatino, Kresty proved to be to far for now. Positive was the unexpected crossing at Ol'kheva. But there were a lot of losses to accomplish this. For now we will still try and capture Kresty and move towards Lopasnya.
I realize this is a long road considering the Russian opposition but it is important to capture any main roads in the area. From Lopasnya we have several options to continue our attack.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day3/zoomout/Kubinka_24_2_zoomout.jpg
Naro-Fominsk wasn't high on the list of priorities but we were lucky to capture the city. For now we will continue to follow the mainroads leading from Naro-Fominsk to Moscow.
The plan to capture Kubinka was a succes. A pocket was created and Kubinka was captured in three days. The question: what's next is easy. Continue the advance following the main road towards Golitsnoye.
The 267th inf div will be assigned from the Kubinka area to support the 5th Pz div along with the 78th inf div to continue to advance along the river Moskva
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day3/zoomout/Istra_zoomout_24_2.jpg
The airdrop at Istra was a small disaster. Not only did we have to give up the city of Istra after some initial succes but the airborne forces and the forces trying to reach them took a heavy toll in casualties. we underestimated the possibilty to reach the airborne forces, also due to heavy Russian resistance.
This will hamper any further attack in the area. The troops need to rest and reinforced with fresh troops before any offensive can take place.
That it was not a complete disaster is because a lot of Russian forces were tied up in the fighting and we were able to encircle several Russian divisions. For now we will rest and reinforce the troops. Then we will try and capture Istra again.
The 8th and 28th inf div first destined for Strahovich are sent to Pokrovskoye to support the 2nd and 10th Pz div.
North:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day3/zoomout/Klin_zoomout_24_2.jpg
After breaching the Russian frontline we are on the move towards Novozavidovskiy. After some initial skirmishes we have two major spearheads, one towards Novozavidovskiy and one towards Klin. What to do when we capture these cities is uncertain. We could move towards Kalinin or towards Solnechnogorsk and reinforce those troops. A difficult choice.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day3/zoomout/Kalinin_zoomout_24_2.jpg
The battered troops at Kalinin are rested and refitted. Surprisingly there was no Russian attack. I'am unsure who to proceed now. Go on the offensive or not.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day3/zoomout/Strasho_zoomout_24.jpg
At Strashovich we were able, after arriving of reinforcements to start an small offensive. This was very succesfull. we were able to reach Davydovo. The next week we will try of create a pocket around Skol'niki and at the same time move towards Galki and beyond. Hopefully we can clear the area of Russain forces. I won't sent more reinforcements because of the low priority and it is far away from Moscow, our main goal.
It will be small steps at a time.
What to do next.......
As described above some choices how to continue are obvious, or at least seem obvious. But even this early in the campaign i'am wondering if i make/have made the right choices.
In the south i could continue to try and capture Tula but i wonder if it isn't better to reassign the divisions for a more direct appraoch towards Moscow. One could argue that Tula is far away from Moscow and if Moscow is the main price the forces could be used differently?
At Ol'kheva i ask myself if continuing to attack is worth while. There is no main prize in the area other then a mainroad leading from Kresty towards Moscow. But already i have captured Kubinka, Naro-Fominsk and to a lesser extent Karinskoye, which also serve as railroad and road junction.
Capturing the bridges at Novozavidovskiy will reduce the frontline and secures a fast way to travel between the north Kalinin and the centre of the map. But what to do afterwards? Move towards Klin or move towards Karachary to force the Russians to commit forces to that area?
In the north is reducing the lenght of the frontline an obvious choice. If the frontline can be reduced from Kalinin to the end of the map a lot of inf div will become availlable elsewhere.
There is one real problem if you want to redeploy your forces. It takes a lot of time because there is only limited rail capacity and driving or marching takes days.
Choices enough but which will lead to the best results? Mayby you as an interested reader has an opinion on how to proceed? It would nice to have a discussion on this. So don't hesitate and react by posting or by email.
Thanks.
Day 4
Souther front Tula:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day4/Tula_day4.jpg
Due to the good weather the 25th mot, 10th mot and 4th Pz div were able to reach the outskirts of TUla from the north and link up with 31st inf div and 1st kavallarie div at Baydaki. This formed the outer line of the encirclement, to meet any counterattack.
A second line was formed at Gorelki sealing the city. In the afternoon the first attacks on the city began. Altough the city was surrounded the Russian forces showed no sigh of supply problems. Apparently the were well stocked.
First the troops outside the city of Tula were isolated and captured. Then the advance towards Tula continued, the 1ste kavallarie div from Barsuki, The 25th, 10thm mot and 4th pz from Muza, the 3rd and 18th Pz from Glushanskiye, Gross Deutschland from Novotul'skiy and the 17th Pz from Mikhailkovo.
The assault on the city started at sundown and is still going on.
Some Russian recon forces were spotted near Kirlinka but no attempt to break the siege of Tula was made. Also the Russian forces near Novoya don' withdrew before any fight could start. The 167th and 112nd inf are covering the flank in the north.
Central Front: Ol'kheva.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day4/Olkheva_day4.jpg
Trying to capture Kresty and Breaking the stalemate we tried to advance Kresty from Yoranova and Alekseyevka. Slowly advancing the Russians have the option of trying to keep the line and the risk of getting encircled or withdraw from Kresty and save the Russian forces in the area. Altough the progress was slow the two forces slowly pushed the Russian aside.
Hopefully during day 5 the forces will meet and the Russian forces trapped.
Naro-Fominsk:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day4/Naro_day4.jpg
The 3rd mot and 20th Pz keep moving along the main road leading from Naro_Fominsk to ultimately Moscow. Pushing the Russian forces back. Progress is slow. Rassudova is reached at sundown.
Kubinka:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day4/Kubika_day4.jpg
after Kubinka was captured the forces moved towardsGolitsnoye. Altough the Russian opposition i slight the progress is slow due to the terrain of which the Russian defender takes good advantage of. During the night Golitsnoye is captured..
The 267th inf div is trasferred towrads Chilkova to aid the 78th inf and 5th Pz.
Karinskoye:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day4/Karins_day4.jpg
Not much progress is made, the 5th pz is mainly resting the battered troops while the 78th inf takes up new positions and regroups. At the end of the day the first units of the 267th inf arrive. The Russian forces in the area are digging in so not much action takes place.
Istra:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day4/Istra_day4.jpg
After the bloody fight the last day it seems to quit down a bit. Some small russian attack were made but they were lackluster and easily repelled. The troops dig in and wait for reinforcements to arrive.
Istra is still far away.
North Novozavidovsky:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day4/Novo-south_day4.jpg
with arrival of the 8th and 28th inf div a new offensive is started at Fedorovskyi. The Russian forces are pushed back in the densely forested area. At the same time the 35th inf pushes towards Kuk'lino while the 11th Pz and 106th inf move towards Mar'ino.
At night the forces meet and encircle the Russian forces in the area consisting of the 126th and 316th inf div's.
More to the north the 6th, 7th Pz and the 14th mot div move towards Klin. Near Klin the first Russian resistance is met. It seems that the Russain decided to defend Klin.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day4/Novo_day4.jpg
At Novozavidovskyi the first bridge is captured. It seems that the Russian forces defending the bridges withdrew during the night.
Kalinin:
http:http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day4/Kalinin_day4.jpg
At Kalinin all is quit.
Strashovich:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day4/Straso_day4_out.jpg
Davydovo is captured, Galki is captured, the bridges across the Osuga are captured. By doing this a pocket is created west of Davydovo. During the day the troops are rested and regroup. Only some small advances are made towards Pechki and Kostino.
Start of day 5, 19th of the december.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Naamloos.jpg
Losses
Russian
men 128855
guns 1054
vehicles 911
planes 23
German
men 42334
guns 296
vehicles 536
planes 16
weather:Snow conditions
The good weather couldn't last and it started snowing again. But we made good progress due to the good weather.
Reinforcements:
The 56th inf is resting and refitting at Luydinov and will be deployed later.
The 8th and 28th inf are not sent anymore to Strashovic but towards Pokrovskoye.
The 268 inf rest at Mozhaysk and wait for further instructions.
The 95th and 293rd inf are moving towards Tula
South: Tula
Due to the good weather the troops were able to travel fast and succeeded in laying a siege around Tula. Heavy fighting is taking place. But because we don't expect any Russian attempts to counter attack towards the city, we are confident it will fall this day of the next.
Also there isn't much Russian activity in the area. We will assume for now that or there not much Russian forces left or they withdrew and are digging to prvent any rapid advance towards MOscow.
At the moment around Tula we have the largest concentration of forces, 25th, 10th mot, 3rd, 4th, 17th, 18th PZ, Gross Deutschland, 1st kavallerie div, 31st, 45th, 95th, 112th, 167th, 293rd inf div.
Centre:
The advance towards Kresty is slow but more promising. With luck we can encircle the the Russian troops defending Kresty. Untill then no further progress will be made in that area.
The advance along the main road from Naro_Fominsk. Selyatino is reached while a little more to the north the troops reached Golitsnoye. Hopefully we can reach Zhavoronki end the end of the day. We will be able to see the outskirts of Moscow.
The 267th inf has arrrived to strenghten the 78th and 5th Pz with there advance along the Moskva river.
The front near Istra has stabalized. The 5th inf div is on it's way and 252nd inf will also move more towards Istra. The Flieger div can then rest and refit.
North:
We will start closing on the troops Sol'Niki. Then these troops will be redeployed near Kalinin. After that has happened we will go on the offensive again.
Unfortunately nobody found the time to react to my question what to do next. I will have to plane the next step myself :-)
Day 5
Southern front Tula
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day5/Tula_day5.jpg
The battle for Tula was a bloody battle where numerous assualts on the one hand drove the Russian forces back but on the other hand were costly men and fatique wise.
Especially the Grossdeutschland and 3rd Pz will need a lot of time to rest and refit. They will have the time because Tula has fallen and the troops can rest for some time.
At the end of the day the 293rd, 45th and 134th inf are arriving at the frontline by train near Malakova. These units will start a small offensive towards Laptevo.
Central front: Kresty
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day5/Kresty_day5.jpg
We succeded in bypassing Kresty and isloating the Russain units defending the city. After the several assaults the city was captured. The rest of the day the troops, who were
spread out almost in the whole area, to regroup and rest during the night.
Odintsovo
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day5/Odins_day5.jpg
Odintsovo was reached at the end of the day by the Das Reich div and Peredel'tsy by the 3rd mot div. Light Russian resistance was met. There they rested and waited for the other troops to catch up.
It looks like Moscow is almost in reach.
Aksin'ino
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day5/Akin_day5.jpg
Some small headway was made and Aksin'ino along the Moskva was captured. Thanks to the 267th inf which reinforced the 78th inf.
Also the 197th inf is redeployed towards Aksin'ino.
Istra
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day5/Istra_day5.jpg
The 7th flieger div dug in and waited for reinforcements. Only some small artillery fire distured the quit frontline.
Could you please tell us what optional rules you are using for this game?
Jim Wirth
We are using:
-Low visibility air effects
-Artillery setup
-VST
-Night fatique
-programmed weather
-Limited air recon.
These are, i think, the default optional rules.
Northern front: Popovka
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day5/Popo_day5.jpg
North of Istra the forces reached Popovka, pushing the Russian forces back.
Klin
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day5/Klin_day5.jpg
The 14th mot and 6th and 7th Pz div reached Klin. The 64th Russian cav which defended Klin was outnumbered and during the day they were forced back and later surrounded.
At Novozavidovskyi both bridges were captured by the 86th inf. No Russian forces were encoutered in the area.
Kalinin
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day5/Kalinin_day5.jpg
At Gorodnya we discovered some Russian units who were trapped on the wrong site of the river. This was a lucky find. The Russian units were engaged and captured.
Otherwise not much happened at Kalinin. Due to the long rest and refit the units at Kalinin are almost at full strenght again.
Skol'niki
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day5/Sol_day5.jpg
The Russian units that are hiding in the area at Skol'niki are scouted for and engaged. It will take untill the following day before the complete area has been cleaned of Russian units.
I asked about the optional rules because given the weather and the generally poor terrain I'm surprised by the amount of encirclements you are achieving. Due you subscribe this to poor play on the Russian player's part or a deliberate strategy to trade units for time hoping the weather will close in on you before you can reach Moscow?
Jim Wirth
I cannot speak for my opponent what his strategy is.
What i noticed is that my opponent tries to be agressive and does not withdraw easily. My goal was to destroy as many Russian units in the opening stages hence i try to encircle as many as i can. So the Russian agressiveness is in my favour including the reasonable weather sofar.
For example the battle for Tula. I concentrated my forces to make a move south-east from the Tula so i could encircle the city. I broke through the lines and destoyed the Russian forces in the area. Then i continued to move troops almost unopposed around to city so could encircle it. The Russian player had the option either to withdraw or stay and fight for Tula. I thought that only a skeleton force would be there to defend Tula. But my opponent had choosen to reinforce the city with Russian guard units. Most of those troops would have able to fight another day if they had retreated or blocked my initial advance. Of course that is easy to say in hindsight.
The result/drawback of my tactic is that most of my troops are in the red from continues fighting and assaulting and need to rest or are already resting.
It's always hard to accept retreat, especially if you occupy prepared positions. Your success so far has made me skeptical of your opponent's strategy so I'm following your AAR with great interest. Thank you for taking the time to share this fascinating game with us.
Jim Wirth
Start of day 6, 20th of the december.
Losses
Russian
men 166518
guns 1432
vehicles 1091
planes 28
German
men 48468
guns 339
vehicles 602
planes 16
Weather: Snow conditions
The weather is starting to get colder. According to our meteorologist the temperatures will get lower soon.
Reinforcements:
The 56th inf is moving towards Gurova.
The 268 inf rest at Mozhaysk and wait for further instructions.
The 95th and 293rd inf are moving towards Malakhova.
Goal Moscow:
After some deliberation a draft plan for the capture of Moscow has been drawn up.
In short there will be two pincers, one from the North of Moscow and one from the south of Moscow to encircle the city.
So we can prevent any reinforcements reaching the city.
The northern pincer will follow the river Moskva towards Tushino, the first goal, then around Khimki towards Babuskin, then onwards to Balashikh were the two pincer will meet.
The southern pincer will start at Podolski toward Lenino, Kosino and finally Balishikha.
Of course for these two pincers to have any chance the flanks most be covered and there should be a good railroad
connection the Southern and northern frontlines.
In the south and centre we have to secure the railroad leading from Tula to Podolski.
In the north from Kalinin towards Kubinka. That way we can transport our troops faster and support the two pincers.
South:
Now Tula has fallen and the troops are resting and reorganizing 3 fresh inf divs will start with an attack towards Nenashava.
Later, if rested the 4th PZ, 25th mot, 10th mot and 31st inf will start the main advance towards Laptevo.
the 56th and 131st inf div will start their advance also towards Nenasheva.
The other divisions will either be transported to Serpukhov to form the first pincer(1st kavalerie, 17th Pz, 3rd Pz, Gross Deutschland)
or will hold the frontlines, 167th, 112nd, 95th.
Centre:
The 20th Pz and 3rd mot will move from their current position, Peredel'tsy towards Poldol'sk.
The 258th inf will hold the frontline. At the same time the troops now located at Kresty will start their advance towards Lopasnya.
Later the two forces will meet.
The Das Reich, 197th inf will cross the Moskva and form the first pincer with the 267th inf, 78th inf and 5th Pz.
The 7th inf will hold the frontline including the Legion des Volentaires France.
The 7th Flieger, 252nd inf, 87th inf will advance towards Istra.
10th and 2nd Pz will be redeployed and added to the second Pincer.
North:
At Klin the 11th Pz, 106th inf, 7th Pz, 14th mot and 35th inf will move towards Solnechnogorsk securing the railroad and
linking up with the forces moving towards Istra.
The 23rd, 8th will clear the area from Popovka till the railroad between Solnechnogorsk and Istra.
The 86th inf will hold the major bridges near Causeway.
When the Skol'niki pocket is cleared the inf div will be transported to Kalinin. These division will releave the 900 mot, 36th and 1st PZ. These division will be added to the second pincer as reserves.
I have made a map of the current frontline including the location of all divisions and attack plans, if i didn't forget one:D. The map is big, 4,5 Mb, so i won't/can't post it here directly. Also photobucket doesn't allow such larges files.
If anyone has an idea how i can make this file available to those who are interested please let me know.
Day 6
Southern front: Tula
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day6/Tula_north_48.jpg
After concentrating 5 infantery divisions(the 293rd, 45th, 134th, 131st and 31st) near Malakhova the advance was continued. The first Russian units were engaged.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day6/Tula_50.jpg
Near Tula the other battered units are rested and refitted for net next few days and will relocate or join the advance as described in the battle plan.
Central front: Kresty
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day6/Kresty_day_6.jpg
The infantery divisions near Kresty have begun to move towards Podol'sk and Lopasnya. For now only a glimps of Russian units were seen. The advance is carefull but slow because we now there must be a lot of Russian troops in the area that we were unable to destroy.
Odintsovo
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day6/Kuntsevo_48.jpg
The troops arrive at Odintsovo. We have to wait untill the infantery takes up their defensive positions before we can begin to move the Pz and mot divisions.
Aksin'ino
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day6/Gribanova_50.jpg
The 197th inf div has arrived and will take up positions towards Kazenki. The Das Reich will follow the river bank of the Moskva river.
Istra
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day6/Istra_day_6.jpg
The 7th Flieger with support of the 87th and 252nd inf div have started to advance towards Istra. The 5th inf div is still on its way to help capture Istra.
Northern front: Tiliktina
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day6/Yakerina_48.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day6/Tili_50.jpg
At Tiliktina a fight broke out over the city were Russian forces who wanted to withdraw were isolated. The Russian forces aren't expected to hold out for long as they have fought for some days now and must be tired.
Klin
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day6/Klin_50.jpg
After the forces have gathered at Klin they begin to move towards Solnechnogorsk. The 11th Pz engaged some russian mobile forces near Otrada while the 7th Pz moved along a paralel road without opposition. The 14th mot div was assigned to defend Klin and cover the flank.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day6/Zavi_50.jpg
More north near Zavidovo the 86th inf met the 18th mnt Cav div in the woods.
Kalinin
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day6/Kalinin_50.jpg
Some Russian forces were probing our defenses at Kalinin but still no major attack. In the meantime the troops dig in and lay minefields as we still expect an attack at or near the city.
Skol'niki
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day6/Skolniki_48.jpg
The last remnants of the Russian opposition is being taken captive. Then the inf div's can be deployed at Kalinin.
Start of day 7, 21th of the december.
Losses
Russian
men 184265
guns 1592
vehicles 1203
planes 34
German
men 52943
guns 347
vehicles 617
planes 19
Weather: Froozen conditions
The conditions are harsh as the temperatures dropped far below zero.
Reinforcements:
The 268 inf rest at Mozhaysk and wait for further instructions.
The 253rd, 102nd, 251st, 206th inf around Skol"niki will be deployed near Kalinin
South:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day7/Leptova_day7.jpg
The 31st, 293rd, 56th, 131st and 45th inf have started there advance towards Nenashava.
The Russian 7th Guards, the 258th inf and the 31st Cav div are opposing the advance.
Centre:
The 34th, 17th and 15th inf have started moving towards Lopasnya, for now no opposition has been encountered.
The 263rd and 137th inf has started their walk towards Poldol'sk. No Russian forces are sighted.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day7/Lenino_day7.jpg
The 20th Pz and 3rd mot started to move from their current position, Peredel'tsy towards Poldol'sk.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day7/Odints_day7.jpg
Das reich mot div have broken up their camp and started moving towards Kulchugo at the froozen river banks of the Moskva river. The 197th inf has taken up position to cover their flanks.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day7/Istra_day7.jpg
The 7th Flieger, now rested and reequipped, ahs strated moving to recapture Istra with the help of the 5th Pz, 5th and 87th inf.
North:
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day7/Solnech_day7.jpg
The 11th Pz, 106th inf, 7th Pz, 14th mot and 35th inf have started to move towards Solnechnogorsk. Sofar no opposition is met. The whole erea around klin seemed to be devout of any Russian troops.
The 14th mot will digin at Klin and the 86th inf, currently destroying the isolated 18th mounted cav, will move towardsKarachary and digin their.
Kalinin again enjoyed a quit night.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm224/pieter2501/Moscow_day7/Krest_day7.jpg
At Krestishino the 255th and 256th inf make slow progress.
All train capacity has been sent to Skol'niki to transport the troops to Kalinin. This means that the rail capacity will be later availlable for the troops now resting at Tula.
This in turn will delay the relocation of the troops at Tula and thus the advance towards Moscow.
Genaral remarks:
The German forces at the start of the battle counted:
men 276092
guns 5004
vehicles 1659
planes 586
After 6 days of battle the total troop count is, despite the losses:
men 282696
guns 6100
vehicles 1644
planes 584
This means that a lot of units were able to rest and refit. And altough i haven't counted them not many total unit losses have occured.
It's always hard to accept retreat, especially if you occupy prepared positions. Your success so far has made me skeptical of your opponent's strategy so I'm following your AAR with great interest. Thank you for taking the time to share this fascinating game with us.
Jim Wirth
Sorry for the lateness of this reply but I just read this. One thing neither of you seem to have considered (or I might have missed it) in this is that the Russian may have no choice in the matter. Many of his units may still be fixed. What you are considering as his 'aggressive' play may be his 'inability' to play (retreat). I've been on both sides of this in the games and eaten and been eaten many times with fixed units. Many scenarios use fixed units to limit our after the fact knowledge and ability to respond. Bulge is a good example. How many American units (the 106 ID and 14 CG come to mind) would we immediately start withdrawing to more defensible positions with our knowledge that these are not 'local attacks. JMHO:)
Good point Phil. I have played the Russians in the campaign once and could´t recall if i had a lot of trouble with fixed units.
I just checked the fixed Russian units and all troops at or near the frontline are released at noon the second day with a 60/65% chance. Also most units will be released on turn one because of LOS.
In the south i advanced towards Tula from the south. The Russian 413th inf starts fixed but because of LOS they should have been released on turn one. I can see them indeed trying to retreat(see my first day describtion). The troops defending Tula itself are about half fixed, fixed scheduled for release at noon the second day and the troops around Tula are not fixed, including the troops at Kashira.
Another front was at Olkheva. All Russian troosp in this area, including Sobatino are not fixed.
The Russian 1st guard at Naro/Fominsk is fixed but because of LOS should have been released on turn one. The battle for this city was much later.
The troops around Dorokovho are not fixed except for the 32th inf(rease day 2 at noon). Troops near Kubinka are released on turn 2. The 32th inf is interesting because i did encounter some units from turn one on but still during day 2 they did not seem to have retreated. Mayby not all units were released in time to withdraw.
Then i attacked at karinskoye and Safanikho. Here the Russian 144th and 78th inf are fixed untill noon the second day. The 50th inf is not fixed. The 78th should have been released when they were attacked on day one. Most of the 144th was only encountered on day 2. So the majority of the units could still be fixed while they were attacked and therefore unable to retreat in time.
All troops north of Safanikho are not fixed untill we reach the 107th inf near Maksimovo. They are scheduled for release also at noon the second day. The battle against the 107th started during the second day. So probably also they were not released in time to withdraw.
The motorcycle regiment more north should have been released after LOS. Indeed they did move during day 2.
Last frontline was at Strasovich. Here all frontline troops are fixed and should have been released by LOS. The 186th and 179th inf did not have LOS and should have been scheduled for release(65%) on day 2 at noon. I reached Davydova at the end of day 4. My opponent whould have been very unlucky if those troops weren´t released after 2,5 days to escape. But it happens.
I cannot be 100% sure, only my opponent can, but it looks like that the 107th, 144th, 32th inf were indeed captured because they were fixed.
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