Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Turn 9 Update it deserves one

A + B were fairly straight forward found an extra squad in each location but managed to deal with simply enough.

C - The house on the hill either belongs to the Commander or is full of Gold Bullion defended or what.
https://i.imgur.com/gBjLOxJ.jpg
Kicked off with the MkIV firing smoke behind the splash attack hex so we could move up safely to assault the squad there.
Sods Law dictated just when you want splash it hardly happened just pinned adjacent squads.

Followed up starting around 1 clearing W>E
Trying to get position on the pinned squad at 3 we discovered 2 more dug in squads at 2.

Panther & MkIV assisted from 2 then Flame HT from 3 so can move on hex 3 & assault.
However squad that was at 4 is still an issue for further advance so that had to go as well.

All because that row of 3 entrenchments had 4 squads that would route into them & likely dig in, its been a slog.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Somewhere in this a squad decided to look on the hill & paid a stiff price - just how many are there defence in depth save the Gold.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Situation now.
We are boxed in looks like another line of mines in the South so trying to create space we could be here a while, hello artillery.
We are poised for the next push not over extending at all!
A - priority is the lower of the 2 squads might smoke the other.
B - If squads here remain routed (3 80mm Mortars will fire) we can move to 2 & get on the hill.
Flame HT is now in hex SW of 2 with the MkIV, they can fire at C from 2 kicking things off.
Can't see it but another unit at ? will put a spanner in things.

This is a tough one I am really enjoying this battle, considered going round but where is the fun in that.

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

That arty is a bit close for comfort looking at it should have left flame HT 1 hex to SW.

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Quick screen
https://i.imgur.com/Bot0OxG.jpg
Arty did land OK however B had 2 pinned squads but we decided to go anyway as thought still a way, had better thoughts.
Its now developed into a full on brawl honeymoon phase is over, it could not last urban fighting normally has higher casualties than we have been taking. If I move someone takes a shot at me, attempts to support just leads to more units that need help so we are now overextended.

So much for my comment there will not be anyone at ? hex there was & he had a few Comrade's 8 new units discovered entrenchments highlighted.

AT teams made an appearance touting AT rifles & caused light damaged to 4 or so vehicles including a MkIV then to top things off a still hidden T-34 took out a halftrack.

At least things are quiet up North everybody is here :)

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Turn 13

https://i.imgur.com/QdpSJGY.jpg
Fell into that oh so easy trap at least for me in urban warfare of becoming a bit Gung Ho normalcy has now returned.
Its the road networks I think, tempts me to reinforce quickly rather than sensibly & suddenly units are scattered to the 4 winds & cohesion is gone which can be dangerous as your reacting to the enemy & tying yourself up in knots.
Luckily this map has a lot of paved areas so got away with it as vehicles can actually take position because enemy squads do not have ranged AT weapons. This means the Flame HT is far more effective on the Eastern front though we lost the other one to ATG fire as it was moving to take its first shot as shown.
The squads heading for the Mortar were in position to move in for an easy kill.
Bunkers Gun only has light penetration so Sturmpanzer will engage.

Next group has just cleared the area of a couple of squads & AT teams, ATG missed a flank shot so smoked for now rather than find as had enough to deal with already. Bonus arty was plotted on AA Gun here already as we should attack the others this turn freeing the spotter plane to fly again.

Lower Group has finally cleared the area if you look at a previous screenshot you will see progress has been slow.
If we had not cleared the South mine & broke through there we would probably have been here for another turn or 2.
Just cleared 2 other gaps so we are good to move out against the AA guns.

Despite the hold up still on target to wind up in about 25 turns, 17cm Battery has still only CB fired once.
Still using infantry to path find but letting vehicles enter a unentered hex to attack now as that is probably it for the mines.

For an urban map this one is an easy play as no real areas with houses lining both sides of the road. You can leap frog from cover to cover & vehicles can take position on targets relatively easy. No idea if this is the norm for BATloc 111 but I will try it again its great fun.

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Turn 15

The lower group made rapid progress after breaking out but has now hit the wall of AT units that has been giving the centre trouble & slowed progress to a crawl.
The next line of defence mainly consists of AT Teams & HMG with the odd squad thrown in.
I cannot remember the position of all the AT Teams but most are shown, we also killed a few squads & HMGs that I cannot recall in heavy fighting.
Spotter plane made its pass okay revealing some of the T-34s.
A few turns back we had about a 10:1 kill ratio now its jumped to 15:1 - Losses stand at 4:60 currently.
We have lost quite a few men though probably adding up to at least another 3 squads.

https://i.imgur.com/lgyZAKl.jpg
From the top
Its quiet here we have killed the Mortars & are moving onto another bunker but now need to wait for infantry to catch up as we ended up supporting action further South

At the next crossroads I think we can move on the T-34 without interference from other units however its not ideal.
Our AT Teams are several hexes away & the other T-34 there will move at some point.

At A fighting has been heavy got both ATGs & all the AAMGs but most any action taken around here drew fire from a hidden unit.
The squad at A took the worst of it, the AT teams were dead or routed when he moved & got cut down to 7 men, tank placed smoke, not the best way to find enemy units.
The T-34/85 was also hidden & the tank fired dischargers before it could score a hit.

Lastly the bottom group finally made contact after killing the AT Team infantry moved back into cover so the vehicles can lay some firepower before they take up positions again.

The VHexes are tantalisingly close but getting to them is no easy matter.

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Turn 17

Never got the chance to mount an attack on the tanks our artillery hit vacated locations as the enemy is on the move.
Should make it easier though we can only attack 1 as shown the others will hopefully run in to our sights.
Since realising my transports keep dying had been doing a much better job but made a couple of silly moves & lost 2 last turn. One had a Pioneer on board who survived but needed rescuing. This guy gets into trouble a lot had to rescue him in nearly every battle so far (only have 1 unit like him so notice).

Placed smoke to screen spotter run but misjudged & it made its last circuit on the wrong side of it taking damage.
Revealed those 2 AT Teams set well back, bit odd but could have caught me out if sent a halftrack to get last VHex.

So we will take out 1 tank & wait a turn to see what the others do. In the South for the points can go for the 37AA gun as 1 is revealed for the points & need to take up position for the counter attack. Couple of squads with range turned down as spotters & a tank should be enough to supplement the AA & MGs

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Turn 22

The tanks were easy enough as ran straight into our sights as were the units we bypassed who did the same, seven squads in all they never fired a shot.
I only manually fired 3 or 4 shots at them as they routed into our arms op fire did it virtually all for me.

Good thing I took infantry when headed to kill the AA guns there were 2 ATGs as well but without infantry support picking off was straight forward.

Decisive victory & as did in 22 turns would have been the same result with timed objectives on
https://i.imgur.com/yQ8l9xj.jpg
The gif will not show influence I think due to booby traps it could not figure it out.
Odd as well last frame a Russian squad suddenly pops up - only did every other frame though.
https://i.imgur.com/apkoBKO.gif

Had a blast playing that one not because we thrashed them just for the fun factor map actually provided lots of different ways to approach things.
It would actually have been more difficult vs US or Brits due to their AT weaponry meaning you need to be far more careful with supporting vehicles.

Flame Halftrack helped keep the momentum going its speed meant it could get to problem areas fast which is what I want them them to deal with.
Don't use flame vehicles often but vs US Brits I would go with a tank as you need the armour

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

While I remember as made a few changes its still April so ended up on the Eastern Front again in the Crimea offensive.

Assaulting again across open land & woods this time visibility is 31 hexes length 40.

CORE
Some of our veterans have been deployed elsewhere to bolster the ranks.
Sold 3 Infantry Platoons, 1 Panzer Grenadier Platoon, 2 AT Teams & repurchased so 4 Squads now have Panzerfausts as AT weapon rather than a mine.

Sold a sniper & the Sturmpanzer's & bought 3 222 Armoured Cars plus switched StuG(i) for a Marder 1. See if I can keep it alive.
Added 2 3.7cm Flak Guns

AUX
6 Pioneers half have flamethrowers
2 Scouts (smg)
10.5cm Battery
2 Munitions Dumps
Sniper (did not know it was an assault & that is when they are useful).
Spotter Plane
2 Fw 190F-8 carrying 2-250 & 1-500kg bombs

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Turn 1 end

The initial spotter plane run was a bit risky it took fire the next one from a Gold Spot will hopefully be safer.
Early to say for sure but I would say there are no tanks situated in the open ground this side of the treeline.
Russian defence is different no wire anywhere this time.
https://i.imgur.com/wJpwZuv.jpg
A & G - Units on the flanks are just there to try & get eyes on ATGs in case they have been deployed there again.
C - Will split either side of the road & take position before heading down it, I expect the road to be mined so it could be faster to pass elsewhere. Artillery will be likely here also in my view.
D - Will spread a bit also on its way to the gap in the woods, had hoped C & D could go undetected I thought the high grass would block LOS from X & Y as road is at zero but had to place smoke as it does not. Will need more around D or to risk exposure, all AT Teams are with groups C+D.
E - All HMG & 2 snipers are here but kick off delayed due to artillery.
F - The 2 squads here are checking LOS for the tanks as some tree hexes are slightly raised so should give decent views across the high grass.

All pine trees are dense, mixed trees are just that around 50:50 dense transparent.

Not sure what to do with South Forces once we go much past the deploy line tanks will be susceptible to flank shots. Pushing hard with D to get eyes on the clear area in the East may be a priority.

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Turn 4 Start
https://i.imgur.com/Dkp3TVR.jpg
Have to say this is not going as expected we are at their deploy line & only thing detected is a booby trap, I expected mines there.
As noted exposed squad did not take fire, the scout vehicles their took minor risk minimal exposure.
In a couple of turns once infantry moves up I might expose a 222, fairly confident no tanks but ATGs?
That said my spotter may be a bit blind though don't think it is detected nothing - not risking a 3rd AA fire climbed to 8% on last pass.

I have dropped some artillery but the Russians have done nothing since initial turn bombardment.

I am wondering if the are this side of the crossroads is empty & the mines start there as spotter saw nothing at all

If we do not find mines going to pull Pz Grenadiers back in case of artillery & go round the boobytrap. Disarming later with a lone Pioneer may attract arty, to me that is the reason its there so it knows we are.

Forgot to mark depressions last time the only other one encountered later is obvious.

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Turn 7 end

This is not playing anything like the way I envisioned it would go so far.

Russian artillery fell last turn around 6-76mm guns but no off map yet, expect it on the road as we have cleared mines there so cleared area.
https://i.imgur.com/oefL7V9.jpg
No sign of the enemy in top half of the map despite me sitting out in the open, not a normal tactic but put light armoured stuff out there to see if we get an ATG response.
Units North of the road will run along beside it to see if its mined further.

In centre squad that received fire moved to safety & sniper is been ganged up on by vehicles. Need infantry fresh as may be mines further back here they need to locate.

Transferring more units to B as minimal exposure while attacking unit near the road.
Decided to bring 3 AA units up to expose as longer range so less chance of a hit than sticking out a 222, they just drew artillery on old positions.

There is a band of tall grass below B that badly obscures view unless you are around A

At the bottom was not going to attack here initially but its well screened & the AAMGs are in that field just off the screenshot.
We will probably run a taxi service here especially for the HMG as transports cannot do much elsewhere for fear of mines. They can also give fire support out in the open areas here if we drop a bit of smoke.

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Turn 11 start

As you can see its been slow going I need to improve my game really done a few silly things.
https://i.imgur.com/dbYgiW8.jpg
Previously the idea of leaving the vehicles out resulted in a dead AA unit. It confirmed there were AT guns & we got it but not the best way our unit was nearly twice as expensive.
In this area we then received fire from a HMG - the 250/11 put in the kill shot.
Next turn both ATGs opened up but this time we had enough firepower to kill a man in each so its unscathed.
Ended turn with Pioneer moving to clear road & having to smoke due to fire from another HMG.
Mines are hampering things until we can get some infantry across the road the tanks are hiding.

Heading down the break in the trees towards the ? is now a priority as it looks like there are mortars nearby.
I mentioned this should be a priority at the start but have hardly any units there - my bad.
Oddly the Squad at Y has vanished from sight, its not been fired at I am assuming its still there & took cover??

In the open area mines is the big question, are there any & if so where.
We may find some as in position to try moving adjacent against the central group this turn. We can silence or smoke the HMG there

At the bottom as had not planned to push here we have no Pioneer so one is grabbing a taxi. We already have one squad on mines & can push through there & attack that squad from the rear.

Russian arty seems to consist of 6-76mm, 2-81Mtrs & a 122mmBattery that immobilised the halftrack, its stopped currently expect it this turn. Losses are G1:R4

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Turn 12 Start

What a difference a turn can make not much has changed up North but it looks like we are facing at least a reinforced company down South
Some artillery came in including up North causing a few pinned units but otherwise okay, 122 Batt will be this turn.
https://i.imgur.com/hlgc2qS.jpg
We will move a few more units to support the push towards the mortars, they were busy taking out the ATGs this turn.

Getting the unit to A to attack the entrenchments proved quite difficult lost a couple of men drawing distant fire from the squads at B as fast moved but with the help of the 222s got both to retreat status so risked a pioneer Mech Assaulting.
Placing smoke as we need to check mines & create a path so the infantry can get ahead of our armour.

Engaging the squads in the mixed woods to the far South makes no sense till we are past the mines it will consume time & probably men, the squad here took more fire than I was expecting the Marder had to cover him as pulled back.

We have lost some men & the AA unit while the Russians are down 10 units 3 each of Squad, HMG, ATG & we got one AAMG. Took around 15 shots before scoring
a critical HE hit.

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Turn 15 Start

Things are finally happening now we cleared the Northern minefield.
https://i.imgur.com/mby7ua0.jpg
We took out a HMG & squad taking over there positions in preparation for the push on top Vhexes.
JagPz had a close call when 57mm ATG took a shot at it but its luck held, squads in the woods have not been so fortunate. Advancing through Pines in particular is always dangerous & caused several casualties.
Trying to take out that ATG (its routed nearly dead) we found another which was fortunate as the tank at A was going to move adjacent to attack B. In the end used both tanks there one to kill the ATG the other against B so the Pioneer could get it running.
Discovered the 45mm ATG in enemy turn when it routed our squad its untouched. Close range I know but ATG fire was surprisingly viscous vs the infantry.
Nearly at the Mortars at least 1 squad is in our way, plane attacked artillery in top right corner just routing possibly damaging its okay but heavy AA in vicinity.

https://i.imgur.com/mby7ua0.jpg
I thought we were in trouble here as facing the enemy across quite a wide front & still dealing with the mines.
Smoke helped no end cleared most of the mines & managed to pick off a few units so we can concentrate on the units in the woods.
With the mines clear & no sign of any AT units or guns the vehicles are operating more freely.
No idea if there are more units to the East as smoke is just clearing but tanks are getting to them to retreat status & 250/11 risked a run to dig them out. It will do the same this turn as will the 222AC which is great close up.
Units at B have just cleared the mines - this turn will just go for easy targets & clearing mines.
Next turn most smoke will have cleared all squads will be entrenched & the HMGs & FOO will be in place so we can hit them hard.

Forgot to smoke the squad hiding behind the pines he got hammered.
This area is going far better than I expected so far a 57mm or larger ATG could have caused problems & no sign of tanks yet.

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Sorry first Screen
https://i.imgur.com/cQz9aFP.jpg

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Turn 16

This is a two parter as we have had a mad minute with bullets flying everywhere over 10 Russian units died & several more are badly mauled however we were not unscathed either.

Starting with the lighter fighting up North - Units above the red line have not taken their turn yet unless marked.
https://i.imgur.com/ujn17SG.jpg
Blue shows fire during AI turn killing & immobilising 2 halftracks (Sorry showed wrong tank initially)
Tank battle - In our turn the smoke on the road cleared & presumably the squads on the road spotted both T/34/85s.
The MkIV (C) had LOS to the nearest one from its position so we fired which revealed the T34/76 as both tanks returned fire.
Committed now so JgPnz (D) moved into trees so 2 on 2 we cannot see the other one.
During the exchange the 85 continually missed but the 76 surprisingly as more distant damaged both - MkIV has reduced shots JgPnz is okay.

Moved a few units killed the last ATG & found the AA gun (A) scout at B will smoke letting MkIV take first shot at it without exposing its flank. Still moderately risky if the AA gun gets a good penetration hit at that range I am damaged but lets give the infantry a break.

There are obviously more tanks around spotted the other one earlier the artillery will fall this turn so would like to engage it. Preferably starting with a long shot which is why I highlighted the terrain hinderance squads will need to see if they can find a firing position.
I would have liked to send the planes in here to see if more tanks are in the open but AA is to heavy so they are attacking down the bottom they should come in this turn. More in the hopes they spot something on the approach like that HMG than for the damage.

Units below the line have already had their turn, after taking part in the attack they are moving East to try & get a look at the open areas beyond the tree line.
Specifically hopefully to spot anymore tanks or possible AA ATG fire.
During this (E) took HMG fire so as JgPnz has 2 dischargers it moved up & fired one.
Worst case next go if I cannot find something better it could move & take the opening shot vs the T-34, wont hit anything but facing change & return fire is a possibility.

Living a bit dangerously here still no sign of ATGs & we are not far from Vhexes we should wait for more infantry.

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Turn 16 end

Pulled the pin big style down here as you may have noticed as no planes we pulled all 6 mobile AA units forward around turn 10. They are great vs grouped infantry & the AI has amassed a big group again this battle.
https://i.imgur.com/fNGBcjO.jpg
This went virtually without a hitch opened up with everything but the squads & 222 who then moved adjacent & finished the job.
Of course while its the fast way to hit entrenched units its not without risk especially when you discover previously undetected units.

The 222AC was the first casualty to a hidden squad.
The other major loss several men was my bad as shown I should have realised there would be a squad at A though was not expecting the other. Our squad had 1 shot left after taking fire so it smoked & we sent in another.

Ended up overextended a bit against the hex with 3 routed squads due to finding new ones. The Panther fired smoke & we sent a halftrack in for a mech assault, unfortunately it travelled quite far & was not effective the squad is still entrenched.
If one of those squads recovers & damages our fast moving squad they could all recover so moved the other units so 4 hexes shown can fire at that hex just in case.

We could actually pull off Phase 2 without driving the vehicles round to the field side, remember no ranged AT weaponry so can take position 2 hexes away safely.
Mines are an unknown factor I think they are every other hex down the road, hopefully when they route we will get a clue if I watch the paths.

Mentioning AT we have not seen any Tank hunter Teams this game.

Situations like this are quite good fun you need to determine the best order of attack or you lose momentum & keep a few units in reserve for the unexpected. AA units in my case as mobile & nasty but suppressing to retreat is good enough before the boys pile in.

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Turn 18 Start
https://i.imgur.com/7zGVGHC.jpg
The Russians have started moving would have saved us a load of effort if they had done it a turn earlier.
In the South this cost us a couple of men as was not expecting it & a couple of our units got ganged up on. One of the 3 squad pile did rally & get a shot off but don't think he killed anything.
Movement into the field here has halted we have found the AT Teams though only equipped with mines.
Looks like the AI has deployed them behind the squads again here so an easy kill there are also some up North mixed in with the infantry.

The planes spotted the Pillbox & HMG at A which fired on the 2 squads shown so I am thinking there is a closer unit somewhere by them.
For those that think MGs are not effective it killed 3 men at around 1000m.
Probably need to move tanks up fire dischargers so infantry can move freely then take out bunker & find the other HMG.

Up North positioning to attack the T-34/85 meant we were in a good location when they broke cover here.
Much like previously finding the other ATG while trying to kill the first it played into our hands.
The previous turn we had 4 tanks against 1 & it had been hit by artillery, most shots missed the only hit caused 1 damage to the T-34 so I left them up as we had target lock & high hit chances.
Minor panic when in AI turn firstly the AA Gun opened up & one tank assisted the infantry. Then the other tanks appeared one was killed with first shot at 17% accuracy the other took a few shots. As the AI does it switched between units all fire by & at the original T-34 missed.
Luckily the most Southern MkIV was not distracted by other units & still has target lock showing a 84% hit chance now.

Infantry just south of the road took fire from a pillbox, I am assuming as JagPz has been there a couple of turns it does not have good AT weaponry.

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Turn 22

Not a lot else happened the North was fairly easy as they had left the foxholes & we encountered several more bunkers in the South but as the armour was there they did not cause much damage.
Forgot to mention fairly early on I lost a sniper to regular infantry fire which was a bit gutting.

Sorry forgot the screenshot lets just say it was a decisive victory.

As going to Normandy in a couple of battles we are going to try Russia again they are not normally such pushovers.

Location Jassy visibility is 45 hexes we are defending screen shows overview of deployment.

I sold all but 2 tanks (kept Company Commander & sidekick who have experience of 99 & 101) & repurchased so now have.
2 - Panthers (1 is Co Comander)
1 - StuGIV
1 - Jpz IV/48
10 - MkIV's as switched a couple

This along with switching out infantry last turn has bought our average experience down to 82. It also means we only have AP ammo no Sabot rounds anymore.

AUX
Considered buying ATG's but want the new tanks to get some kills, bit worried if the Russians bring some heavies that we are armour light.
10.cm Off Map Battery
2 AT Teams + 2 Bren Carriers adapted for German use.
https://i.imgur.com/HWUzdhW.jpg
No fire control but 3 chances to hit they could be fun if artillery lets them live.

https://i.imgur.com/zVZNJ1L.jpg
Deployment not ideal more concerned with surviving the artillery so extensive use of rough hexes & trying to avoid likely spots especially with light armoured vehicles. Exception is the road expecting artillery there & on Vhexes initially plus mainly in the South as most Vhexes are situated there.

Screen of fields of fire by the road.
https://i.imgur.com/HVkTOEx.jpg

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Sorry tanks are in firing position but restricted range to 12 to stop taking shots switching targets & reveal our position.
Will manually fire initially & quite possibly pull back after as probably outnumbered & will attract artillery

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Turn 2 end
https://i.imgur.com/nLmxuQw.jpg
The artillery barrage consisted of around 16 pieces half being of map elements, we CB fired on a 150mm battery but there are still 3 out there. We have a dead MMG, abandoned AA gun & 3 other men KIA.
2 - 82mm Mortars have revealed themselves along with several puffs they are using units with 3 mortars each which is a major problem they cause heavy suppression.
2 are together on clear so targeting with 10.5cm battery however I may need to relocate it using a Gold Spot before it fires as has 3.0 call time.

So much for my prediction yes it fell on Vhexes but around half hit around A followed by a major smoke screen.

I have to assume the big push is in the top half of the map so have moved a few units but still will not be able to see the approach above A which is a major problem.

If the AI delays its push or sends scout vehicles first which is what I need to see around A is still viable as the smoke should clear. Near the road is a bigger problem its a deep smoke screen we could be in trouble pretty quickly. Its looking like we will not be able to thin out their armour before they are upon us.

B- Panzer Grenadiers loaded up & possible moves

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Turn 4 end

Not going to draw the artillery unless it impacts on engaged units lets just say I think there is more & our casualty list is climbing.
The Pz Grenadiers are doing there best to avoid it rather than get somewhere at present.
https://i.imgur.com/4xxH2Om.jpg
Up North this is looking more like a typical Russian engagement we have Su76s & T-34 76 & 85s approaching.
This is initially going to be an armour clash & if I do not take some out while they are fast moving on approach I am probably going to regret it later.
A - Panther is hanging in the breeze with not great support from the MkIV. Of all the tanks I do not want to loose its him but they are the only ones that can cover the far North. Hoping experience means he hits but we cannot stay there long.
B - MkIV in wood are staying put smoke should clear in a turn or two.
JagPz - should be able to move to engage & realised bottom MkIV should move for a better field of fire, at present just sees a single hex row. He can hit & run from the trees if the opportunity arises.
AT Team - considered moving North behind trees but he is my eyes & they may swing his way for lower Vhexes.

In the South
https://i.imgur.com/xnltAg1.jpg
Moved the artillery here to support the previously mentioned Panther.
Flank move so far by T-34/85s & T34OT (flame) the riders dismounted themselves MG fire is blocked.
Got 2 85's so far & the Pz Grenadiers that deployed near the map edge to avoid arty came back. They were heading for the centre but artillery stopped that idea pretty sharpish.
Confident nearest squad will not make it through the trees so AT Team should go undetected & hopefully will get a kill.
Set all tanks to engage infantry at 5 hex range as I do not want them getting distracted.

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Turn 5 Midway fired & the odd move what might you do now

The artillery continues unabated 12 men lost several light vehicles damaged & a 222AC destroyed. Thinking is I can defend from a position for a couple of turns then I will need to move, the issue is I could still find I have moved into a barrage.

North
https://i.imgur.com/kLl60Om.jpg
The 250/11 got one T-34 with fire in our turn the other is now facing it so no hope of a kill.
Squad has LOS if more try flanking the question is where are they going AI sometimes ignores Vhexes & keeps straight on before swinging in.
Artillery restricts our options couple of moves we can do in case they go straight.
250/11 probably move a hex so can retake position if more show or reinforce MkIV.

Centre
The Panther killed 3 Armoured Cars & 4 tanks are down the other one fired on was unharmed.
Thinking here is I probably need to stop worrying about the top & concentrate on destroying the push we can see. Panther is way to exposed to multiple angles & any push there will enter the woods so IF I can get them there infantry can tackle them, its a big ask with current artillery.
https://i.imgur.com/XpfXjzh.jpg
A - Fire smoke so flank not vulnerable if move now its straight into 152mm arty.
Panther has a few choices due to speed the MkIV does not.
B - All 3 have multiple targets in LOS staying put is to dangerous though going to leave tank at X where it is it has not fired yet.
C - 222AC is on what may be a bit of a suicide mission it can deal with Su76s close up.
D - May therefore try to prioritise T-34s & move to trees, all depends on how fast & where they move.
E & F (Panther) are possibly on the way over main reason for move though was in heavy artillery & smoke obscured their LOS
Y - need more but squad to take up position to assault if tanks come this way.

Big question is where to go when relocate crestline shown limits possibilities those trees are no good. Maybe advance including to Y that would probably avoid artillery initially & near the crest line for shots to NE.
Cannot see any good plan & smoke will probably mess things up losses look inevitable.

South
https://i.imgur.com/kvmQVRv.jpg
At least this went well squad getting fried was the only issue the AT Team got both tanks. Question here is have I got to many units here am I just going to get piecemeal pushes or is there a big one coming. We have to hang around for a few turns to find out.

Right now I am wishing we had more Panthers the extra speed makes relocating & dodging arty far easier.
Off to see friends for a few days so short break.

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Turn 6 End

Just posting this will do on occasion as just shown how 2 videos using replay function.
Screen shows end turn & our units that placed smoke as its visible throughout the replay
https://i.imgur.com/gt2hpnF.jpg
Went well apart from 250/11 taking a look

AI turn 5 & our turn 6 Our turn starts after you hear the chinks from artillery.
https://www.filehosting.org/file/det...Turn%205-6.mp4
AI turn 6
https://www.filehosting.org/file/det...AI%20Turn6.mp4

To use you need to follow the link > enter your email & they send you a download link.
Tested but cannot post download link here says its only valid for 1 use.

If you have problems or know of a better free hosting site say a video would be good from time to time as you get to see the action & artillery.

Caution if slow internet connection file sizes are 400 & 220mb perhaps try AI turn first if smaller.

If all works okay & would like videos for major action turns either leave a comment saying yes or no or just press thanks button for yes.

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Okay wrong links above those are to download so may work for first person to use
these are the links to the page
https://www.filehosting.org/file/det...Turn%205-6.mp4
https://www.filehosting.org/file/det...AI%20Turn6.mp4

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Turn 9 Start

We are back I take it the video idea was not a hit.
We have lost control of the situation in the North I have been trying to get position for a few turns now but tanks appearing from the area of the KV85 are causing issues. Also they have finally stopped charging several units are doing 4 mph or less, to date there hit chance has often been 6-12% I think we have only taken 2 hits.

The Russians have brought all the heavies I think there are 2 x IS-2s left along with a load of SU-152's & a KV-85 has just appeared, I assume it has company.
Ideally I would like to take on the SU-152's in the open as they have a low rate of fire so can probably only manage a couple of shots at best if moving & are pretty inaccurate at range they are not the best armour for infantry to try & tackle. They are a pain though even a near miss can cause heavy suppression and hence reduce my hit chance.
https://i.imgur.com/fqnLiXP.jpg
A - 250/11 immobilised the T34 last turn I don't think there are more, we are vacating moving to cross the road & help versus the SUs.
If anyone survives they can try to stop the Russian infantry there when it gets to the road.
Considered moving the MkIV 1 hex towards road but if the artillery shifts slightly it could get clobbered so risking staying & hopefully rally & attack next turn.
B - Artillery should hopefully stop the squads here, not ideal but squads are falling back into arms of AT units (LOS shown) as one of the T-34s has a flamethrower so ranged attack preferred.
Also they are short on AT mines as killed 2 already, a single squad is staying in place for a good assault chance.

J+K - are going first here the squads will have to engage the guard unit & will probably take fire from the T-34 in the process.
L - the squad here will take a look as will the J+K if still capable of moving which is doubtful, tanks will then engage.
M - Squads here will hope to get the IS-2 if it comes through the trees which will probably use their remaining AT mines.

C - The tanks here will engage their targets & now it gets tricky I want 2 to head North but also somehow need to get position to cover the area the KV is at & be aware of the hidden IS-2 nearby.
E - The squad & sniper near here are the only infantry that can take a peak & they have been spotted, the 222AC at D can also risk a look, not ideal but they are cheap.
D - Don't like doing but all 3 in same hex to save smoke panther still has dischargers if okay they can attack the group of SU-152s or whatever else is there.
E - After they draw fire E can attack at closer range but it needs to avoid the two stationary T-34s.
These attacks are likely going to require smoke after or pulling out as the KV is coming, hopefully E can make it to around the red E & squad can smoke which might leave it in a position to target units arriving in the KVs area. That assumes it survives damaged 2 shots if it moves & dischargers are used.
Centre is nearly cleared of armour though there are a lot of routed infantry that may return, artillery has been concentrated here.

No more units have turned up in the South just a few routed squads there to my knowledge. Moving out due to artillery sending a few more North rest will take positions further forward to detect infantry if incoming & let the MGs work.

Writing things down makes you realise a lot of thought goes into a turn its actually far more complex than it first appears not only are you looking at what to do this turn but also the position you will be in later on.

Losses are 5 for 52 most of which must be armour so wondering how much more is to come.

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Turn 9 update

Infantry in the woods managed to get 2 tanks one is immobilised the other KIA however artillery was very light last turn only 2 on map units fired.
We have CB fired against 4 batteries so far but expecting a big hit in the woods & in the area the Panther has been working from.

Attacking the North is proving difficult both getting position & actually killing the heavies when you do.
The 222AC is leading a charmed life turned out there was an IS-2 a couple of hexes from our position it had to dodge. Got that one & a SU-152 the other near IS-2 was attacked by 4 tanks at 250-400m resulting in the loss of a StuGIV, its retreating but otherwise unharmed! Was not expecting that it has also caused a MkIV to end its turn exposed to 2 KV's.


Things went well in the centre we managed to kill 3 T-34s & infantry assaulted the SU76 killing it. Hidden IS-2 was one hex further back in retreat & also died to the making our options easier for position this turn as do not need to worry about it.
At least 2 KV85s have shown up in this area to replace them.

Chasing down the last of the Southern infantry going to risk sending a platoon out as 3 Mortars are visible, bit risky but would like to reduce artillery footprint.
I am leaving this area lightly defended I don't think there is anything inbound as infantry is now flooding the North

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Got a bit involved tricky few turns so on 13 start now

Only on map artillery has resumed firing off map must have long call times even if its back this turn its to late the infantry in the woods operated unhindered the armour battle is virtually over.

The Woods smoke off
https://i.imgur.com/A2SmkC9.jpg
Killed 2 squads when they reached the road so only a HMG & perhaps another squad remain above the road.
We held the line stopping the armour in its tracks here most of our squads here have exhausted their AT mines & the Bren Carriers were effective with 3 kills so far
See what happens with arty but falling back here as no AT & several units can then target what advances.
Would like to send a few units down the road or North of it to try & get behind infantry but see next.

Open area
https://i.imgur.com/WCHtg9A.jpg
Its now a case of keeping a gap between our armour & the infantry while we wait for infantry support, due to not knowing what the arty is doing its slow coming as passengers are not staying on board.
With only a few KV's remaining the halftracks will act as gun platforms to contain the infantry.
We lost a MkIV to a KV85

We can probably get 2 of the KV's
A - MkIV & Panther should get LOS on one the 222 currently has LOS so might put a shot or 2 in first, its done really well several
SU76 kills to its name & dodged serious fire a few times.
B - These guys can try the other KV, if they fail units at C can clear that squad & the MkIV there can put one up the tailpipes.
Both KV's are stationary but got hit by artillery.
Panther & tanks here will go East after to try & clear expected artillery

The original battle ground now seems to be ours advancing further may be unwise but will probably have a little push as you do.

South
Nothing else has turned up going for the mortars 4 in about 6 turns on foot

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Wow that was it a MkIV took 4 damage in that last exchange but the AI threw in the towel really early.
Look at the amount of infantry remaining, 6 new tanks also arrived as reinforcements hence the extra blips on the GIF last frame.

That went really well shows the power of combined arms & why I never play with a tank heavy force.
Infantry rule you need at least one squad per tank to keep tank losses down, the 222AC lived a charmed life filling in for them at one point guess being small helps.
We had infantry for the main battle in the centre to spot & check lines of fire often placing smoke to cover the tank at turn end so it could advance through it & repeat the process.
Still an ace result only 11 of our tanks were involved as the others were covering the South needlessly. Got to give the infantry their due as well performed exceptionally in the woods, love that Bren Carrier as an ambusher never used it before.

Decisive obviously crushing I would say from early towel throwing.
https://i.imgur.com/7Sl7pUg.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8Z9l9xH.gif

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Going to take a break & play 1970's for a while

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

Hey John,

Loved the defense battle. Was really surprised that the battle ended at T13. I can sense that you put in alot of effort to draw the maps so that it makes sense to the reader but I still find it too busy to comprehend.

Re: German Campaign using War Cab
 

So was I & agree a lot does go on which is why I posted the video once shown how.

Odd campaign I am pretty good at keeping my tanks alive but in this one constantly managed it. Maybe writing things down points out things & makes you play a bit better, for me the act of writing commits things to memory.

That said it will be a lot harder when we restart both opponents & terrain