DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

USSR vs. Germany

Mission: Delay, Bialystock, USSR, 6/1941 - grouped objectives.

Enemy: Reinforced Battalion Strength – 1-2 Armor Co, 2-4 Infantry Co, 1 Artillery Btry, plus ATG and AAA. Strike aircraft possible. Average force experience, ~75.

I did a few runs allowing the AI to select a force based on the number of points it will have available for an advance. The wild card is rockets. In one run, the AI took a whole battalion of rockets. Consequently, their ground force was smaller.

Terrain: Map = 100x100. The battle area is made up of mostly clear ground with low, rolling hills. Roughly half of the map is level 0 and the other half is level 10. Crossing the map on a NNW-SSE diagonal is a stream. It enters from the south edge about 250m from the east edge of the map. Angling across the map, it exits the north edge about 2000m from the west side. There is a fairly sizable lake just below the north edge and almost completely blocks any chances of flanking along that side. Along the stream and lake are some swamps and trees. The only trees on the map are found in two locations. As mentioned, they can be found along the stream and they are also next to any cultivated fields. There are five of these fields. The trees don't seem to present anywhere in enough numbers to block LOS anywhere critical. One other natural item of note is tall grass. It is reasonably prevalent on the map, but not in the center. The tall grass isn't likely to have an impact.

On the side of man-made features, there are few. Two roads are on the map. One of little consequence parallels the stream to the NNE at about 2000m. It is entirely in my deployment area and well behind the objectives. The second road runs from WSW-ENE, entering from the west edge and exiting the east edge. There is a bridge when it crosses the stream. Finally, there is one building. It wouldn't even be worth mentioning if it weren't for its located; the building is located right next to one of the flag groups. Visibility = 90.

Troops: Battalion Strength – 1 Armor Co. (7xT26 1939, 5xT26 M1931), 3 Infantry Co., 1 Support Co (3xHMG sec., 2x45mm ATGs, 2x82mm Mort. sec., 2xBA6 ACs, 2xScouts w/trans., 1xEng. Plt, 1xAAMG sec. and 2xSupply Trucks). Average force experience, ~75.

This is the exact same force used in my last battle.

Time: 37 Turns

Analysis

There is no real way to hide on this map. While it might be possible for a person to swing around toward the south edge for a while concealed, it is unlikely the AI will plan to use this. Some may inadvertently use it so this must be taken into consideration.

With the openness of the map, enemy rear area units (AA and ATGs) might actually be able to contribute to the advance with suppressive fire. Again, this will depend on where the AI opts to position such units. If they are on level 0 ground, they will play no part in the battle. On level 10 ground, they should be able to put fire on all level 10 ground in range. This will come into play during my deployment.

The road stretching from one side of the map to the other should play a major part in the battle. Even if not by design, I expect enemy units will end up on it and quickly advance toward the center of my line. Use of this road needs to be covered. The rapid advance of enemy units along this road and the expected slower advance of units elsewhere might allow destruction in detail on the road.

The placement of the stream doesn't really give it any tactical uses. One objective group is on the stream, one forward and one to the rear. With the center objective group to the rear of the stream, covering the two flank groups should cover the center group by default. There is the remote possibility of the enemy flanking along the right side, but it would require moving through a 100m wide gap along the lake after crossing the stream. Covering the northern most objective group will protect against this risk. The other flank doesn't have this problem, but the echeloned nature of the stream means any flanking movement would be delayed once they get through, allowing me to adjust. I believe the stream is just there and really won't play a major role.

One thing I'm going to have to watch is the high visibility and the dirt road. If the enemy uses the road heavily, it may create a dust screen that bisects my line of sight. Periodically, it could be a problem.

Overall, it is hard to plan for any specific line of approach by the enemy. All lines are open and aside from on the road, enemy units should arrive roughly at the same time.

Plan

I'm going to go with my standard deployment using each infantry company to cover selected sectors. Since the center objective group is to the rear of the others, I won't dedicate any units to specifically cover it.

My general deployment will be reverse slope. This is to make sure my units don't draw enemy rear area fire. The high ground will be covered with machine gun teams to the rear of the main line. I hope to be able to sweep the high ground and separate the enemy infantry from their tanks.

Alpha Company will cover the northern objective group. This is located on the stream. Two platoons will be positioned on the back slope of a hill immediately to their front, meaning they will be west of the stream. One platoon will be held in reserve just on the east side of the stream. Three machine gun teams will be located east of the stream and be able to sweep the hill forward of the position. Three medium tanks are also positioned reverse slope on the east side of the stream as well.

Bravo company will be positioned in a salient in the middle of my line. Their main role will be to cover the road coming through my line. The line will be in the form of a salient to conform to the hill to their front. Since my infantry doesn't have any integrated AT weapons, the engineers will be attached to this company. The single engineer squad with flame throwers and satchel charges will be point. One platoon of Bravo will form up on the right and another to the left. The last platoon will be in reserve. Machine guns will be positioned on a hill to the rear to cover the hill in front of Bravo. One light tank platoon will be positioned in the low ground along the road to support any of the three infantry companies. On the rear side of the hill the machine guns are located on will be my two ATGs. If things get hairy, they can move onto the reverse slope quickly for safety.

Charlie Company will position on the left flank, covering the southern objective group. Since the objective group is located on the back side of a hill, two platoons will position on the rear slope of the same hill but somewhat to the south. Since the natural shape of the hill leaves the left flank somewhat in the air, my two armored cars will be located well off to the left to provide additional cover. One platoon of infantry will be positioned in reserve. Machine guns will be positioned on a hill to the rear of this position. Three medium tanks will support the infantry.

The flanks of my line will be covered by a scout team and Kosmolets.

Since the front of the German armor might be stronger than my guns can handle, my medium tanks are positioned on the flanks. One side or the other should be able to hit a soft spot on the enemy. My up top ATGs can deal with units with thin armor.

I've attached a map with my basic plan outlined on it.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 0 (Prep Fire)

No prep fire by either side.

Casualties

Friendly: Zero.

Enemy: Zero.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 1

To start with, dust is a factor everywhere. It isn't confined to just the road. I found that out very quickly.

Enemy advancing in three groups. One is heading to each of my defending companies.

Two armored cars (231) heading towards Alpha.

Three tanks (Mk IIIe w/37mm) heading towards Bravo.

Seven tanks (Mk IIIe 2w/50mm, 5w/37mm) heading towards Charlie.

Casualties

Friendly: Zero.

Enemy: Zero.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 2

More enemy armor sighted.

Still just two enemy armored cars advancing on Alpha. They are advancing quickly and will be up to my line in a turn or two.

Nine tanks (Mk IIIe 5w/50mm, 4w/37mm) now sighted advancing in the middle.

Seven tanks approaching Charlie misidentified last turn. They are five Mk IIIe w/50mm and two w/37mm.

Well into the rear, two tank destroyers also sighed. I have 20 enemy armored units to deal with.

Casualties

Friendly: Zero.

Enemy: Zero.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 3

Opened up on enemy armored cars with three tanks I have on the right flank. Punched a hole in one at 1300m, but no kill. They closed to within 250m of my line.

The center group of tanks seems to be heading towards a seam between Bravo and Charlie. The southern group of enemy tanks is now in the low ground west of Charlie. I can't see them, but can see the dust.

Casualties

Friendly: Zero.

Enemy: Zero.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 4

Destroyed one of the enemy armored cars on the right with my tanks, but had trouble drawing a bead on the other. Opened up on it with one of my ATGs until it was immobilized. That is good enough for now.

The main concern is the rapidly approaching enemy tanks. Currently, the center group is located about 500m WSW of Bravo left flank and 1000m W of Charlie right flank. They are still in the seam, but my ATGs might have a good day soon. The southern group of enemy tanks is heading to the area to the left of Charlie's left flank. Their current route should put them in the gap between my tanks and armored cars, heading straight for my machine guns. Depending on how I handle Charlie, this could be very good or very bad.

Casualties

Friendly: Zero.

Enemy: 1xSdKfz 231(6) armored car destroyed.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 5

Fired my ATGs at the German tanks with lighter armor. Punched a hole in one at 1300m. I found out the tanks are carrying infantry, so I opened up with all my machine guns. The goal is to separate the infantry from their tanks. There were some casaulties in the enemy infantry, but hard to gage. Started shifting Bravo's reserves to the left.

Casualties

Friendly: Zero.

Enemy: Estimated 5 casualties.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 6

Still firing my ATGs, but no luck this turn. Continued to go at the enemy with my machine guns as well. Their tanks fired a couple of shots at my machine guns and tanks. One of my medium tanks popped up and took some shots at about 1000m, but no damage. It ducked back down because it was in the LOS of the immobilized enemy AC.

Started my right flank tanks moving to the left. Just after they moved out, the enemy started to pound their old position with artillery.

Casualties

Friendly: Zero.

Enemy: Estimated 5 casualties.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 7

Some moderate firing being exchanged between my units and the enemy. I punched a couple of holes in a few tanks, but still no kills. They moved up and were assaulted unsuccessfully a couple of times as well. One of my ATGs lost a man. My armored cars are also firing. The problem is the Germans pop smoke everytime a shot gets close. There seems to be cloud of smoke drifting across the battle field that I can't destroy tanks within it.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties.

Enemy: Zero.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 8

This is a real mess. The enemy tanks are in knife fighting range. Assaults resulted in one immobilized enemy tank. My ATGs immobilized another. I my tanks scored one kill and heavy damage to another. It is very difficult to gauge progress since I'm not getting many kills. I started shifting Bravo south since the enemy center group is partially hitting their flank and another part of the enemy group pushed forward. My Charlie reserves are moving to their left flank. I've got mortars dropping into the area behind the enemy tanks to the south to cut off any trailing infantry. I'm taking moderate casualties right now. Too many shots are either missing or not killing when they hit.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 15 casualties.

Enemy: 1xPzKw IIIe 50mm tank destroyed, estimated 5 casualties.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 9

The enemy center group, which was composed of 12 tanks, has split into two groups. One group is tangled with the left flank of Bravo. Of those, two are now immobilized and another one of their tanks has taken a hard hit. It is supported by at least three squads of infantry. I've got all of Bravo heading into that direction. The other splinter group is composed of seven tanks, of which four have been destroyed. This group took fire from ATGs and tanks to the south and north. They don't have any infantry support at this time. I lost one of my light tanks due to an error in judgment and my infantry near one of the immobilized tanks is getting hit hard. I need infantry AT weapons.

To the south, there is also another group of 12 tanks. Of these, three have been destroyed and at least one other has taken a major hit. They have a platoon of infantry supporting them, but are off to their rear. That one might have retreated out of view. I've been going after them with my two armored cars and three medium tanks. All of Charlie is moving into the area.

There are other enemy units sighted. Between the two groups of tanks, three tank destroyers are moving up. Given I still have 17 live tanks to deal with, I'm not that worried about three open top TDs without machine guns. Somewhere further back, I've also seen a couple of flak trucks. Those die with small arms. Along the southern edge of the map, half of an infantry company is moving up. They are too far away to be of concern at the moment.

Enemy artillery is dropping near my northern group of tanks, so I'll move them out of there.

The main enemy effort seems to be along the left side of my line. I'm going to start moving two platoons of Alpha heading that way. The third platoon has already moved out to put away the enemy armored car. Once they complete that task, they will drop back and cover the northern objective.

Casualties

Friendly: 1xT26 M1931 tank destroyed, estimated 15 casualties.

Enemy: 1xPzKw IIIe 37mm tank and 5xPzKw IIIe 50mm tanks destroyed, estimated 15 casualties.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 10

The center and southern enemy armor groups are merging as the approach the south objective group. With the three tank destroyers, they are moving in from the west and southwest. The exception are the five tanks mixed with Bravo's left flank. One of those tanks was destroyed. Of the four left there, two are immobilized. There are still three enemy squads, but back a bit from the tanks. My infantry is swarming around, but they aren't able to do much against the enemy tanks.

A few hundred meters from the south objective groups are nine tanks and three tank destroyers. I was able to destroy two more tanks in this area, but lost one of my own, plus one ATG. The enemy is skirting my reverse slope line, staying on the hill and out of range. My mortars hit the enemy infantry causing some to run and immobilizing one more tank. Enemy artillery is still hitting a whole bunch of nothing.

The enemy infantry along the southern edge has started to turn toward the objectives the tanks are after, but they have a long way to go.

Two platoons of Alpha are moving that way with HMGs and light mortars. While the enemy might take the southern group of flags, they will have trouble getting more. The battle is raging as it is, but their numbers are starting to dwindle. Once they lose all of their armor, their infantry is done.

Casualties

Friendly: 1xT26 M1939 tank and 1x45mm ATG destroyed, estimated 15 casualties.

Enemy: 2xPzKw IIIe 37mm tanks and 1xPzKw IIIe 50mm tank destroyed, estimated 15 casualties.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 11

I'm trying to close in on the enemy tanks and infantry groups. Slowly, I am digging into their armor numbers. Four more tanks destroyed. I'm working on isolating and suppressing tanks, before moving my tanks into position fire. My infantry is being used as cannon fodder for this, but I have to do it some way. One of the enemy tanks destroyed was on Bravo's flank. That leaves three, two of which are immobilized. The enemy pounded one of their own tanks with mortar fire. On the hill west of the south objective group, there are still six tanks and three destroyers. At least one of those tanks is damaged. The central core is surrounded by smoke, so it is hard to get a shot, but all my medium tanks are up top right now. If they do pop out, I want as many guns on target as I can get. My armored cars are swinging up from the left flank to get involved as well. Their LOS is blocked by burning tanks to the north. Enemy artillery is dropping on my infantry all around the perimeter, but nothing I can do about it.

Enemy flak trucks are moving up from the rear, so I moved my light tanks up top to fire that them. Both have lost some men, so they won't last long. At least my light tanks are good for something in this battle.

Along the south edge, I'm moving up one Kosmolets to see if it can slow down six advancing enemy squads. The Germans don't need anymore troops in this battle right now.

Now that I started moving Alpha out, three enemy squads appeared heading towards the north objective group. I might have to recall some or all of my troops to cover those. The enemy armored car has been finish off, but the platoon that performed that task still has to get back. They are the ones who spotted the approaching infantry.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 20 casualties.

Enemy: 3xPzKw IIIe 37mm tanks, 1xPzKw IIIe 50mm tank and 1xSdKz 231(6) armored car destroyed, estimated 10 casualties.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 12

Just evaluating my forces, it seems like half of Bravo is shattered, but the enemy confront them is just as bad. The immobilized German tank that got pounded by their artillery is as good as dead, because the crew bailed and I hammered them hard with infantry. The lone mobile tank is moving forward to join the others, leaving one immobilized tank there alone.

The enemy main force confronting Charlie lost another tank, but so did I. With the new arrival, they still have six tanks and three tank destroyers around the southern objective group. One of the enemy tanks broke from the group and turned two flags. Charlie's right flank is a mess, but if I can take out the remaining enemy armor, they can move back and retake the objective. I still have five medium tanks, two armored cars and an ATG capable if killing tanks. Also, I've plotted my mortars on the open topped enemy tank destroyers and it should come in shortly. They have been sitting still for a while.

My light tanks finished off the enemy flak trucks and is swinging back to help Alpha, if they need it. They don't have a place in a battle with medium tanks. The infantry advancing on Alpha is taking small arms fire and machine gun fire. Unless more than a platoon shows up, they have no chance.

Along the south edge, one Kosmolets and my HMGs are slowing down the enemy infantry there.

Enemy artillery and mortars are dropping rounds in a number of different locations. The are trying to hit my HMGs down south and also Charlie's light mortar.

Casualties

Friendly: 1xT26 M1939 tank destroyed, estimated 20 casualties.

Enemy: 1xPzKw IIIe 37mm tank and 2xSdKfz 10/4 flak trucks destroyed, estimated 20 casualties.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 13

Alpha is facing a whole infantry company based on what I see right now. There are eight enemy squads advancing from the west. They shouldn't be a problem, but I really could use this company elsewhere. The enemy is getting hit from the south by light tanks, east by small arms and machine gun fire and by one Kosmolets further north. I'm still working on getting my troops back into position, but they are placed well enough now to hold them off.

That one immobilized enemy tank is having a field day shooting up Bravo. I need to get something over there that can take it out. One enemy platoon was seen heading west toward the south objective group. Some were shot up by my infantry.

The area around Charlie is a mess. Since the enemy controls the area in between, several of my squads ceased to exist. I took some shots at one of the enemy tanks that has broken through with my armored cars. Rounds bounced off and I lost one AC. My infantry FINALLY killed a tank by themselves. As expected, my mortars scored on the tank destroyers, killing one. One of the enemy tanks took some shots at a light mortar near by, cutting down the number of rounds put into the TDs.

My south Kosmolets isn't doing more than harassing the enemy. It isn't putting anyone down, but they are slowing them down.

Incoming mail still hitting around my HMGs.

Casualties

Friendly: 1xBA-6 armored car destroyed, estimated 20 casualties.

Enemy: 1xPzKw IIIe 37mm tank and 1xJPz I TD destroyed, estimated 10 casualties.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 14

Slowly chewing on enemy infantry around Alpha. All my units that can see them are firing. We are inflicting some casualties on them and they are slowing down their advance. I'm going to bring some light mortar fire in on them as well.

The crew to the last immobilized enemy tank bailed. He will NOT be allowed to get back in. My infantry can focus on dealing with enemy infantry for a change. Bravo is probably under half strength, so they will have to be careful. There is still enemy armor in the area.

Charlie is also about half strength and still at the broken end of the bottle. I believe there are seven enemy armored units on the hill and they have close to two platoons present. My machine guns should keep their infantry contained but I need to destroy their tanks and TDs. My mortars were off target this past turn, so I need to adjust.

The enemy coming up from the south took a casualty or two. I'm going to have to turn some of my HMGs on them as well if they are available.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties.

Enemy: Estimated 10 casualties.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 15

Germans moving on Alpha got one of my HMG teams at 500m. They just beat him to death. The enemy took casaulties, also. There isn't much they can do to my light tanks as long as I keep them at a distance. My forces are almost lined up on the reverse slope, so they will draw a lot of fire once they get close to the edge.

Trying to get Bravo regrouped. Life is easier since there are no tanks in the immediate area to deal with. They do have one light tank supporting them. I moved it out to the west to hit any additional enemy infantry that might come up or lay into any pausing to rally. No rallying allowed! Incoming mail did hit one of my HMG sections and sent him running.

Two German tanks managed to turn the rest of the flags of the southern group, but paid with their lives. My mortars got another tank destroyer as well. That should leave them with three tanks and one tank destroyer. Once those are done, all there is to deal with is infantry. One enemy squad did poke through the smoke of the burning tanks and since mine didn't have anything better to do at the time, they laid into him. Last seen running back to Berlin!

Scored better against the infantry swinging up from the south edge. Between my Kosmolets and one HMG team, they got about three or four.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 10 casualties.

Enemy: 2xPzKw IIIe 50mm tanks and 1xJPz I TD destroyed, estimated 20 casualties.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 16

More mortar rounds dropping on enemy. They have moved close enough to the edge to draw fire from my troops from the reverse side. My light tanks are moving in and hitting their right flank, which is starting to collapse. Enemy mortars dropped on tanks old position.

Bravo is putting together an east-west line from their old position toward the southern objective group. Any enemy infantry that pops through catches fire from them and tanks. When they run, they run down along the line, catching fire the whole way.

Charlie is still exchanging fire with enemy on hill. They are also getting hit from one tank still up there. I need to take it out and will move my armored car and tank in if the time looks right. One enemy tank did come off the hill heading east and drew a shot from my armored car. It popped smoke and scooted off the the northeast and my ATG took a shot. Mortar rounds still dropping on enemy units on the hill. Incoming maile on my HQ hill. They are targetting my AAMGs which have been firing at enemy and tanks that present themselves.

Still fighting the enemy moving up from the south edge. It is more of a side show, but I am slowing them down.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 10 casualties.

Enemy: Estimated 20 casualties.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 17

Still checking on infantry moving on Alpha. There still seem to be some fresh units coming up, but not enough to make me worry. More than anything, it is just more targets for my light tanks and HMGs. My infantry has traded some fire with a few enemy that get close, but they aren't making it forward in much strength. Most of them are holding their ground and nothing more.

Some of the smoke cleared between Bravo and the Germans, so a lot of small arms fire traded. I've got one tank that had his main gun blown off a while ago, so I'll probably move him up to provide some assistance with his machine guns. My light tank is still hitting the running German units from the back side.

I think the German armor has finally been dealt with. The tank that popped out last turn got finished off by my antitank gun. Another one came through the smoke and had too good holes punched in him. He has turned and is running back east, giving me my three tanks and one ATG a lovely view of his side. He should be done next turn. The last of the enemy tank destroyers was also destroyed by mortar fire. If I'm right, my armor can focus on hitting infantry now. It does look like some fresh units are making it on to Charlie's hill, so my tanks freeing up will come just in time.

Peppering the enemy down south still. A few more down.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties.

Enemy: 1xPzKw IIIe 50mm tank and 1xJPz I TD destroyed, estimated 15 casualties.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 18

Enemy forces are starting to thin on Alpha's front. Sent two to the great beyond. There are only eight within rifle range and of those, only one is in a Ready status. Most of the others are Pinned. I'll focus my light tanks and HMGs on the one who is Ready. I've still got light mortar rounds dropping on them, but the enemy is after my tube. They are dropping 105mm stuff about 100m short.

Moving tanks up to support Bravo. They destroyed the last known enemy tank. Lots of small arms fire still being traded because the occasional fresh or rallied German shows back up on the scene. There is about the remnants of one enemy company from the edge of Bravo's hill and the edge of Charlie's hill. One of my mortars hit center mass of an enemy platoon. The other was a touch off, but could cause some suppression.

My tank and armored car popped up from Charlie's position and sent two enemy squads to the great beyond. I'll have to poke around with my infantry, but the hill is starting to clear. I've got a couple of fragmented squads near the objective group, so I should be able to start turning flags as long as I can rally them enough to move.

It seems like the enemy from the south are breaking contact enough to slide up to the group between Bravo's and Charlie's hills. Those might be the units I'm seeing move into there, since there are only three close to my Kosmolets now.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties.

Enemy: 1xPzKw IIIe 37mm tank destroyed, estimated 20 casualties.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 19

Four enemy units on Alpha's front are Pinned. The rest are running. One popped out this turn out of nowhere, so there might be some others unseen up there. The only units I have close and up top are my light tanks and they aren't the best spotters. They can clobber what they do see, however and they have been doing that.

Pressure building on Bravo again. A new enemy platoon has appeared heading through the pass between the hills. My mortars are shifting that way and three of my four tanks are in position to provide support. Most of the enemy in the slot are running.

Scooted my tank and armored car around so they can shoot at some enemy on the hill that are visible. I'm pushing them back slowly. I managed to turn two of the flags in the south group, so it attracted the attention of a near by enemy squad. He got peppered from a number of directions.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 10 casualties.

Enemy: Estimated 20 casualties.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 20

I moved all of Alpha up and am pushing the enemy back. My forces may take more casualties this way, but it will get rid of them quicker also. I did "find" a sniper, who dropped five of my men before my light tanks zeroed in on his position and took him out. My troops also found two scouts, one of which has gone on a personal visit to the war gods. The enemy have a few units holding, but most are running. My troops will help inspire them to run.

Bravo is still holding fast and the enemy coming up the slot are starting to break. Not so much because of my infantry, but because of my tanks and mortars.

Pushing remnants of Charlie forward, too. They are spotting a few enemy survivors on the hill and my armor is taking care of them. Threw back the enemy squad near the objective group and turned four more flags. I only have one to recover.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 10 casualties.

Enemy: Estimated 25 casualties.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Turn 21

Most of the enemy infantry is running on all fronts. The main problem this turn was incoming mail. Both Alpha and Bravo were hit and took casualties.

Last flag turned, but the enemy doesn't appear to be completely done yet or this battle would be over. I'm going to spend time raking the units I can shoot to try to bring this to an end.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 10 casualties.

Enemy: Estimated 20 casualties.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Decisive Victory!!!!

Turn 22

Alpha cut lose at everything in range, which wasn't much. There were a few pinned units, including an FO. Destroyed the FO and a scout. A few squads in range were sent running to the rear. My light tanks on the left side had LOS of a few units the main line didn't and tore into those. The only response from the enemy was a little artillery on and behind the line.

Repositioned a couple of tanks along Bravo's line so everyone could shoot. I didn't fire my infantry because there were still a lot of enemy in sight. Most were on the run, but Bravo is basically shattered and I didn't want to lose the rest of a squad for the loss of one man. I did swing my light tank south on Bravo's hill so it had a better view of enemy retreating on the low ground. It laid into some and hurt them badly.

All the enemy on Charlie's hill was retreating or routed, so I pushed them forward a little more. I also moved my tank and armored car again to get more shots. The only fire the enemy put on the hill was by one squad the Kosmolets down south had kept pinned. That little track did well at delaying the enemy from that sector.

Mortar fire continued to pound the slot, hastening the enemy departure.

The Germans decided they had enough.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties.

Enemy: Estimated 20 casualties.

Total Casualties

USSR

Men: 243
Artillery: 1
Soft Vehicles: 0
APCs: 0
AFVs: 4
Air Transports/Helos: 0
Aircraft: 0

Germany

Men: 513
Artillery: 0
Soft Vehicles: 0
APCs: 0
AFVs: 31
Air Transports/Helos: 0
Aircraft: 0

Score

USSR: 5143
Germany: 411

Final Comments

This battle was everything I expected it to be. I faced basically four German Infantry Companies and two German Tank Companies. They were as tough as I expected.

The fire support that the enemy was able to employ helped them some, but not as much as it could. Too much of it was spent targeting isolated targets instead of massed targets. It finally got around to massed targets near the very end, but it was too late by then.

I'm still not convinced that my infantry can stand alone without armor support. A total of 29 armored vehicles were destroyed. Of those, my infantry accounted for two; one tank and one already immobilized and damaged armored car. They also immobilized one other tank. Of the remaining 27 AFVs destroyed, my mortars accounted for three and my tanks, armored cars and ATGs for 22 and two were classified as destroyed because they were abandoned at the end of the battle. While I didn't keep track, I believe only 20% of my assaults resulted in any positive result. This is mainly due to the fact that they have no integrated AT weapons. An assault with grenades can work, but it is almost a last resort. If I can't beef up my infantry AT capability, I need to do it some place else.

My defense worked about as well as could be expected. The enemy hit me in a seam in my defenses. Bravo and Charlie were not in contact. This is where they hit me. My armor defense was spread out to handle attacks along the front and they concentrated all their tanks in this one area. I stopped them, but at the expense of having Bravo and Charlie mauled. Maybe that is the nature of the game and in the end, I won.

During the repair and refit stage, I'm going to have to seriously look at my force and see where it can improve. I lost three tanks and will have to consider my options. Realistically, there probably wouldn't be any replacements early in the war. I'm not going to allow my core, which has already been gutted, be totally destroyed. It will take some thought. I might have to start using more of my support points as well. They may end up being cannon fodder, but could be used to dull the German blade while my core breaks it in half.

I've attached the save just before I ended my last turn. Enjoy!

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Doing a touch of research to determine how I can realistically upgrade my force, it seems there is no way to really do it. Given the location that my last battle took place, Bialystok, USSR, the vast proportion of the Soviet forces didn't make it out. The 3rd Army was capture; the 10th Army was captured; the 4th Army survived, but units were starting to be transferred by the end of 7/41. I've also found that all Soviet mechanized corps were destroyed early in the war and none were created again until 8/42. My next battle is in 7/41.

Based on this information, I will have to deviate from reality sooner or later. First off, I'm generally defying history by surviving. This can't be helped, since I'm not going to lose to be realistic. For the most part, the parent units of all Soviet units in the Bialystok area ceased to exist shortly after the battle. There were survivors, but those were parceled out to other armies. I have no idea which ones did survive and where they went. This gives me something of a blank check as to where I want to be. From what I read, I won't get that blank check until after 7/41.

All that said, I'm going to compelled for sake of realism to stick with equipment similar to what I already have, at least with respect to armor and ATGs. My infantry, I can upgrade since it generally involves changes in small arms. While I don't have any integrated AT options until 10/41, I can incorporate SMG teams into each of my platoons. I'm also going to make sure all of my engineers have flame throwers and satchel charges.

The only thing I have left to decide is should I replace my lost armor. In the June-July time period, it is highly unlikely line units were receiving replacement tanks. More than likely, it was repair and get them back on the line. I'm going to leave my four destroyed armor units (two medium tanks, one light tank and one armored car) out of action during the next battle. If needed, I'll use support points for next battle. During the reassignment after 7/41, I'll replace based on my new parent unit.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Your battalion is within a regiment/division/corps/army that is historically pretty much wiped out but, a surviving battalion out of a corps means the corps *is* pretty much wiped out from the operational perspective. So you're the surviving battalion :)

That line of thought opens up the question: What happened to survivors from sibling units? You could draw a parallel to what happened with the Black Brigade (Polish 10th mechanized) in that campaign; they replenished many of their losses by picking up strays along the way - that included some armor. (What finally killed their armor was lack of gas not direct enemy action.)

So it wouldn't be unrealistic I think to pick up a replacement tank or two (as well as personnel or crewed weapons such as an ATG) from otherwise wiped out units within the same regiment/division/corps. The tanks might be odd ducks, different than what they're replacing (BT's for example), and maybe, just maybe, that might give you an excuse to pick up one 57mm ATG which would make your life quite a bit easier vis-a-vis german armor.

While the late war German TOE's were the most blatant example of wishful thinking, it was rare for any unit in any army during WWII to have exactly the gear their TOE called for. They all picked up useful things along the way, accepted different equipment as replacements when there was little other choice, and discarded things that were useless (when no one was looking of course).

Just a thought :)
Brian

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

You could even make a little "scenario" out of that. Say you have a delay mission. In that case you could buy a heavy tank, but play it as if it was broken down and immobile, to simulate ad hoc defenses and units that were left behind etc.

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

All valid thoughts, but I don't think I have to worry about it much. My next battle turns out to be an advance, so I can expect to run up against 25% of what I just saw.

After this battle, my battalion will find itself attached to a tank brigade :D This will allow me more realistic options and excuses during later battles.

I've attached one .PDF that I use as a guide for my TO&E. It helps, but I don't take it as gospel. I've got a whole bunch of these .PDFs for different nationalities and time periods. They are handy :)

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

Interesting document, any idea where I could lay my hands on a set? I'm always on the lookout for more information sources.

Thanks,
Brian

Re: DAR: USSR vs Germany
 

I can't remember where I got them, but I downloaded a whole bunch. Send me an email address in a private message and I'll send you all that I have. I've got a lot for post WW2 also, so they can be helpful with WinSPMBT as well.

Cheers,

Ray