Scenario 5
"Luostari"*
13th October, 1944*
114th Rifle Division*
Near Luostari*
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We have taken the Lanweg and can now move east with tank and artillery support. Our next objective is the Arctic Ocean Highway, which will lead us directly to Nikel and the Norwegian border. Two rivers, the Petsamojoki and the Namajoki, represent the biggest natural obstacles in our way. The Germans will surely fight another delaying action here. Yesterday we took the village of Luostari and the dominating Erloeserberg, an erstwhile German command post. Despite our artillery being positioned on that hill and the bridge burning, the Germans managed to retreat across the river and dig in.
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We have emplaced part of our divisional artillery on the Erloeserberg. This terrain feature gives us excellent fields of fire across the two rivers and represents our base of fire. In addition to this artillery support, some tanks of the 7th Guards tank brigade have managed to negotiate the Lanweg and joined your force. The bridge across the Petsamojoki burned down last night, so your task is finding a suitable crossing site, attacking across the river and reaching the arctic ocean highway.
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Intelligence: You face a battalion of Gebirgsjaegers, dug in on the other side of the river. This close to the road they may have support by antitank guns as well. We don't expect any artillery heavier than 105mm howitzers. The main challenge will be crossing the river: look for areas of shallow water, but be mindful not to bog down too many tanks. It might be better to leave parts of your tank force on this side of the river in order to give fire support. Also use the Erloeserberg for this purpose by deploying your direct fire guns on there.
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Objectives: Cross the river and reach the Arctic Ocean highway. Upon successful completion of this scenario you will receive men and material to refit and reorganize your forces for the advance into Norway.*
