World War 3: Vistula Crossing*
*
Date: Summer 2020*
*
Battle Location: Vistula River, Grabowo Area, 50km north of Bydgoszcz, Poland*
*
Battle Type: Polish 34 Brygada Kawalerii Pancernej (+) and Russian Armoured Regiment supported with Byelorussian Mechanized Brigade (-) meeting engagement in river crossing situation*
*
*
SPECIAL VICTORY CONDITIONS AT THE VERY END OF THE DESCRIPTION!
*
*
Russia, drived by militarism and raging economic crisis launches invasion of western Europe, thus de facto starting a new world war.*
Russia is supported by it's allies: Belarus (being economically dependant) and Ukraine (that was forcefully subdued as puppet state shortly before), as well as some allies from central east. Serbia is currently looking at Russia with positive eye and Turkey openly refuses to comply with NATO treaties.*
*
This allows Russia to launch heavy invasion on Baltic States, Poland and also Romania. Militaries of those nations fight bravely but finally succumb to armoured onslaught.
*
*
*
Let us rewind a little bit to how it all started.*
Brutal war ravages through Poland for 5 days now. Massive bombardments, ballistic strikes, paradrops on key locations. Polish forces in the east fight bravely, but are decimated under Russian, Byelorussian and Ukrainian onslaught. US Air Force tries to support Polish attempts to thwart the Russian advance, yet, technologically outdated Polish force succumbs.
*
*
Yet however, Polish General staff, in cooperation with US Army, develops massive counterattack trying to take advantage of airland battle that probably caused some casualties to the Russians. For this, elite Polish 11th Armoured Division is unleashed, supported by elements of US 4th Heavy Brigade Combat Team deployed on Polish soil. Task of the division is to advance towards Vistula river, cross it and engage in maneuver warfare with Russians where Polish forces will not be technologically inferior.
*
*
Crossing spot is chosen north of Bydgoszcz, where it is easy to deploy mobile bridges and put armoured unit into full swing. Polish forces lack bridging equipment, for this reason US enginners provide three bridges (nothern part of the map), while Polish counterparts create just one to the south. Polish 34th Armoured Cavalry Brigade is chosen to spearhead. This unit is equipped with entire battalion of mightly Leopard 2A5PL tanks - the best in polish inventory - and good quality reconneissance force. Yet, to make sure this unit is worthly, a Dragoons battalion from 17th Mechanized Brigade has been attached. They are equipped with modern and agile Rosomak IFVs which are able to effectively fight Russian vehicles. Furthermore, brigade has been bolstered with modernized OSA SAMs from divisional AA Regiment, as well as received significant artillery support from 23rd Artillery Regiment. Finally, a detached Abrams platoon from 4th HBCT is also available, protecting engineers who have just finished the construction.
*
*
This is when grave news strike and US and Polish drone operators raise alarm. Certain part of Russian force pushed hard and managed to infiltrate towards Vistula. In addition to that, enemy - who probably found out about the bridgehead - will most likely advance quickly and try to capture the mobile bridges. If this happens and Russian advance is successful, enemy will have a way open towards Oder river. 
**
Russians must be stopped at Vistula. And 11th Armoured with its three brigades must deploy to get Russians the battle they demand.
*
*
Secure the bridgehead. Conduct river crossing of your force. Eliminate Russian and Byelorussian armoured formations. At the end of the day, it is you who should stand at the eastern bank of the river.
*
*
Note: Belarus army was less than eager to fight against Poland and so far this country managed to act as 2nd line formations. Yet, this particular brigade - probably mechanized one from Grodno - suffered some losses at this point and covers Russian flank. Expect to meet them on the southern part of the map. Their equipment is less advanced, but still dangerous. Also, it seems they got desynchronized with the Russians. Take advantage of it, maybe you will be able to beat one army before a second arrives.
*
*
SPECIAL VICTORY CONDITIONS:*

First, the points. You should not suffer casualties exceeding over 35000 (35k) points (greater casualties lower your grade of victory by 2). This is tank heavy battle and so will be losses, but while 11th Armoured is fresh, you cannot sustain huge casualties on such early phase.
Decisive victory is when Russian force is destroyed and you are set firmly (but nocessarily overrun) the eastern bank and at least two bridges are up and working.*
Victory is when you have the ability to cross the river, but you do not hold firmly (singular units), but Russian opponent is still destroyed and at least two bridges are up and working.*
A draw is when both forces are effectively unable to cross the river due to bridges being covered or there is just one bridge left.*
A defeat is when you are unable to create a bridgehead and bridges are down OR if Russian forces will cross on your side, but you will be able to destroy the bridges and cut the incursion.*
A decisive defeat is when you are overrun and bridges are firmly in Russian hands.
*
*
Notes: If played against the AI the human player should take the Polish side.*
*
Sources: My imagination*
*
Design by: Marcin "SaS TrooP" Kaua* 
*
*
