Scenario: The Battle Of Sokolovo

[Tomas]

Now for something different and not so common, it's actually probably first scenario with playable Czechoslovakian unit.

Battle Of Sokolovo

Date: March 8, 1943

Battle Location: Sokolovo, Ukrainian SSR

Battle Type: Czechoslovakian defend vs German assault

Description:
1st Czechoslovak Independent Field Battalion arrived to freshly recaptured Kharkov at 1st March 1943 and was ordered to defend area southeast from Kharkov to prevent Axis from crossing the Mzha river.

Three companies deployed along the river which was frozen at the time. Decision was made to deploy 1st platoon on the southern bank of the Mzha river in Sokolovo village, while other two companies stayed on the northern bank of the river, trying to cover as much area as possible.

After fall of the 78th Guards Infantry Regiment at Taranovka, Germans advanced north and reached Sokolovo at 8th March. Two hours after brief probe, elements of 6th Panzer Division started to assault the village. Czechoslovakian troops, with only limited anti-tank weaponry were soon pushed out of their positions and established defensive perimeter around the church in the village.

Before loss of link to higher HQ, lt. Jaros was able to call for reinforcements, however only one infantry platoon was able to traverse the frozen river. Few tanks from 179th Tank Brigade were stopped, after first tank to cross the river broke through the ice.

At 1900, Czechoslovakian troops retreated towards the river and eventually crossed it. Second day, there were attempts by 2nd Platoon to retake Sokolovo, but were cancelled due to high losses. At 10th March it was quiet and at 12th March whole unit was ordered to retreat, as the Germans recaptured Kharkov and danger of encirclement was imminent.

Notes: If played against the AI the human player should take the Czechoslovakian side.

Source: Internet.

This is not very easy scenario, but i tried to keep things accurate as much as possible. Any comments or ideas are welcome.

EDIT: I've played through it twice, first time it was measly draw, second time i managed decisive victory. So, it might not be that hard afterall.