Scenario 7
"Crossing at Holmfoss"*
23rd October, 1944*
114th Rifle Division*
At the Norwegian Border*
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The 99th Rifle Corps has reached the Norwegian border, marked by the Pasvik River. If we manage to cross it and construct a bridge, we will be able to reach Kirkenes, ending the offensive successfully. The Germans are scrambling to defend the river, but lack the necessary forces for a continuous line.
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We have identified a suitable site for a pontoon bridge, near the Norwegian hamlet of Holmfoss. It is your unit's task to cross the river, seize the bridgehead and secure it against German counter attack, so the pioneers can commence building the bridge. You have been reinforced heavily for this task. Artillery support is not yet available, but we don't have time to wait for it to be established. A small task force of tanks and assault guns from the 73rd Seperate Guards Heavy Tank Regiment and the 339th Guards Heavy Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment has been assigned to your force. In order to ship the tanks and most of your own infantry across the river, you will be provided with two barger carriers. Two more have been held up on the Arctic Ocean Highway and will arrive later.
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Most importantly, you have been given command of a company from the 284th OSNAZ battalion. These special forces are equipped with American amphibious jeeps and rocket launchers and will be instrumental in establishing a bridgehead on the other side. Note that the swimming vehicles are unarmored though, which means you will have to support them with tanks from the other side of the river. Using your mortars to create a smoke screen could also be a good tactic.
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Intelligence: Information is sketchy, but elements of the 2nd Gebirgsjaeger Division are arriving in the area to contest any crossing.
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Objectives: Cross the Pasvik River and secure a bridgehead in the marked areas. Disperse the German units around the landing sites in order to allow construction of a pontoon bridge.*
