DAR: GE Long campaign - small core

[Brian61]

KG Krafft, 23 May, 1941 - Afrika Korps

Reorganization: At the end of Operation 25, with the exception of KG Krafft, most of 5th Panzer division needed a full refit. KG Krafft had recieved the latest supplies and had repair priority due to its role in the final pursuit operations. At the same time, 10th Panzer regiment, which was to form the armored core of the 15th Panzer division, was critically short on equipment. Since 15th Panzer was being deployed to Afrika and KG Krafft was already near a port in Greece, KG Krafft was transferred lock, stock, and barrel to the 10th Panzer regiment/15th Panzer division and embarked for Libya. No rolling stock was replaced at this time except for destroyed units, although ammo loads were brought up to current standards.

Situation: no sooner had KG Krafft disembarked than Generalleutnant Erwin Rommel ordered the unit into action in the western desert. The area of battle is mostly flat hardpack with a few small hills in the center and some scattered grassy areas.

Orders: Search and destroy, possession of battlefield at the end of battle is highly desireable. An antitank group is attached to the kampfgruppe for the duration of the action, the group is comprised of a pair of towed 88mm FlaK36 guns, a platoon of towed 5cm PaK38 guns, and a security detail comprised of one kradschutzen platoon. One of the division's 10.5cm batteries is covering the area and will provide artillery support. [Meeting engagment, visibility 68, length 28, standard victory hexes, map size 80x80]

Battle plan: Sword and shield. The sword group will consist of platoons E, F, and G together with the command panzers. Platoon D and the security element will be held in reserve. All other units will form the shield group. The shield group will deploy in the northwest, platoon H will advance to behind the first hill, the 5cm PaK38 platoon will deploy in a covering position, and the 88mm FlaK36 and sIG Ib sections will deploy in position to cover the 5cm Pak38 platoon. The kradschutzen security detail will deploy in front of the 5cm PaK38s and the KG's recon element will deploy in front of the FlaK36. These deployments will allow smoke to be laid as necessary to cover movement of the guns as well as screen the guns from light infantry. The sword group will advance across a broad front in line until contact, the panzers of the sword group will engage armored cars, soft vehicles, and infantry as encountered but will retreat in the face of enemy armor in an attempt to draw them under the range of the shield group.

Execution: The battle begins in the center and south with British scout cars exploding under the guns of the KG's PzIIIe's. In the north, massed long range fire from a platoon of A13 Mk I's damage panzer E3, E3 pops smoke and platoon E makes a controlled withdrawal to the west. Minutes later, panzer G3 is lost with all hands under massed fire from a platoon of A10's in the south. Panzer E2 is lost with all hands as the A13 Mk I's advance in the north. A bit later, in the center, panzer F1 brews up but the crew escapes. It isn't all one sided though, twenty armored cars and five tanks have been lost by the British.

Long range sniping by JPz I's claim three victims as G platoon circles at high speed west and north to rejoin the main group. Platoon E, having retreated behind the 5cm PaK38's, turns south. Two enemy tanks fall to PaK38 fire as they chase platoon E. Platoon F, covered by smoke and burning wrecks, takes possession of the northern objective area. British artillery fire continues to fall but thus far has posed no great problem. Panzer F3 is immobilized by fire from an A10, return fire from platoon F destroys the attacking tank.

Just past the one hour mark, British infantry are advancing in the north and have moved into positions on the hill southeast of the northern objective area. Platoon F attacks before they have time to settle in and routs the first wave. Artillery is called in to slow down any reinforcements. The remaining enemy tanks are advancing northwest from the center, platoons E and G are forming up to attempt to draw them closer. Platoon H continues long range sniping, claiming two more A10s. One of the 88mm FlaK36 guns opens up knocking out an A10 at long range.

At the halfway point in the battle, having thinned out the enemy ranks, KG Krafft kicks off its counter-attack. Platoon D is released from the reserve to assist in driving off enemy infantry in the north. The 88mm FlaK36 guns are being relocated just in case they are required. Division artillery continues to fall east of the northern objective area.

Four more A10 tanks are knocked out over the next few minutes, three by JPz I fire, and one by PzIIIg fire. Platoon E, with the assistance of the command element, assaults the central objective, while the KG's security platoon with help from platoon G assaults the southern objective. Two hours in, the battle is over.

Decisive victory, KG Krafft, onward to Tobruk!

Game notes: the sword and shield, a real world war II german combined arms tactic, is a bit difficult to use against the AI, at least at this scale. The AT guns only accounted for a few kills, most enemy tanks were destroyed by JPz I fire.

Last turn attached, thanks for reading

[Imp]

Originally Posted by Brian61

I have no doubt you are correct My current plans are to buy infantry with support points each battle, perhaps trading in some repair points sometimes. To make this work I may have to buy a core battery of off-map artillery to free up more support points for infantry although I'm trying to delay that purchase as long as possible.

What you can do if support points are short is buy the arty & or some infantry in the core then sell them every battle or 2 & repurchase effectivly for free. This way however they dont hang around long enough to gain experience so in effect you have increased your support pool.

[Brian61]

KG Krafft, 12 June 1941, Afrika Korps

Refit and resupply: three tanks that were knocked out in the previous battle have been replaced with Pz IIIh panzers as new equipment trickles in.

Game Note: as the majority of Panzergrenadier units in this period were using truck transport and many times the trucks were left far enough back from the front that they weren't of tactical significance, I created three formations using MobHack: a PzGrZug (mot a), which is a PzGrenZug (mot) sans trucks; a PzGr sw Zug (a), which is a MG platoon with a PzGren Grp as 0 unit; and a PzGr Kp (mot a), which is a company led by a PzGren SMG Grp accompanied by a 5cm LeGrW 36 unit and having three PzGrZug (mot a) platoons and one PzGr sw Zug (a) platoon.

Situation: A British unit is trying to break out of Tobruk. Terrain is hilly, with two small patches of woods (one in the far west, another just north of center in the east). Two streams join together in the north about a quarter of a kilometer west of center running north east from there. One feeder runs from the southwest corner of the map, the other runs from the south a bit east of center. Two east-west roads are present, a main road in the north and a secondary road in the south. There are scattered small village areas along both roads. [Visibility 31, Length 39, standard victory hexes, map size 100x100]

Orders: KG Krafft is to assist a company of the 104th Panzergrenadier regiment in gaining control of the area and preventing British units from escaping. The panzergrenadier company is reinforced with a motorized 81mm mortar group drawn from its battalion and a Jagdpanzer group of SdKfz 10/5 PaK5 drawn from division. Luftwaffe support is limited to a Storch observation plane. Division is providing fire support from one 10.5cm battery.

Battle plan: The panzergrenadier company will advance in the north supported by platoon D and the SPAA section N. The remainder of the kampfgruppe will advance in the south, swinging north after crossing the central stream.

Execution: Five batteries of British 25pdrs open up with interdiction fire along the roads, while no casualties resulted, the interdiction fire in the south worsens an already precarious timing problem for KG Krafft. Bren carriers are spotted moving in the center at the edge of the woods and in the south along the road. Long range fire from the lead PzIII destroys one carrier and fire support is called for a strike a quarter kilometer east of the bridge.

A truckborne infantry platoon advances on the northern road and is taken under fire by platoon D. In the center, three Morris CS9 armored cars advance in support of three Bren carriers. On the southern road, Bren carriers and Boyes ATR teams are engaged by platoon F. At least two Morris CS9 armored cars are advancing in support of the southern forces. The PzGr Kp commander calls in 81mm mortar fire on the northern advance.

Supporting MG fire in the north allows platoon D to advance east of the bridge and the panzergrenadier company begins crossing the stream at various points. Two A13 MkI tanks are destroyed along the southern road by platoon G and platoon F eliminates additional ATR teams east of the bridge along with a pair of armored cars. At least a section of A9 tanks is observed moving west on the southern road just east of the hill.

The lead carrier of the central force is destroyed by a SdKfz 10/5 as it rounded the south of the northern hills. MG fire continues to halt enemy movement on the northern road as the panzergrenadier company continues to advance. Platoons E and F cross the southern bridge and the KG's security element deploys on the southern objective. Platoon H, preparing to cross the bridge, engage the leading Valentine II of a pair spotted moving west two kilometers northeast of the bridge but no damage is observed.

Half an hour into the battle, platoon D advances southeast and destroys one CS9 of a group of four, the others pop smoke. Another Bren carrier is destroyed by SdKfz 10/5 fire and the last carrier of that group is fired upon by SdKfz 10/4s but continues to advance. The panzergrenadier commander cancels the 81mm fire order as the enemy has retreated from the target area. The company continues to advance. In the south, platoons E and F advance north, platoon H crosses the bridge and turns northeast, the security platoon adjusts position to defend the objective area, and the remainder of the kampfgruppe prepares to cross the bridge.

The armored cars and carriers of the northern group are destroyed by a combination of fire from platoon D and the SdKfz 10/5 section. Enemy infantry in that area continue to retreat in the face of MG fire as the company advances. The southern situation continues to be critical, while some A9 and A13 Mk I tanks near or on the road were destroyed, return fire destroyed the KG XO's panzer and only Hptmann Rittenhaus himself survived. Platoons E and F advanced northward exchanging ineffective fire with the Valentine II platoon to the northeast and the lead tanks laid down a smoke screen to cover the advance of the JPz I's of platoon H. Obrstlt Krafft's tank and platoon G crossed the river but the bridgehead is still very small and vulnerable to artillery fire. The sIG Ib section engages the Valentine II in long range direct fire, scoring some hits but causing no observable damage. Artillery support from the 10.5cm battery continues to fall on the enemy east of the bridgehead.

Enemy artillery opens up, fortunately not on the bridgehead but on the support positions of the northern group. One SdKfz 10/4 FlaK is damaged and both MG squads of the heavy weapons platoon are routed. While the enemy artillery continues to pound the support positions in the north, an exchange of fire in the south results in the loss of two of F platoon's PzIIIe's, only one of the crews survived. Also lost in that exchange was a JPz I but not before it destroyed one of the Valentine IIs. Another Valentine II was destroyed by a PzIIIg but two more Valentine IIs have arrived on the scene.

The advance in the north continues with platoon D claiming the northern objective area and destroying an approaching truck. Division artillery continues firing east of the southern objectives in a desparate effort to interdict enemy reinforcements from overrunning the security platoon. Platoon E generates another smoke screen to assist the panzers in closing with the Valentine IIs and platoon G heads north to replace platoon F on the line.

Mortar fire rains down on the security platoon's position forcing the withdrawal of the halftracks, but a few hundred meters to the north, KG Krafft finally breaks through the enemy positions destroying three Valentine IIs in the process. Though no more panzers were lost, two more of platoon F's panzers were heavily damaged rendering platoon F combat inneffective.

An infantry counter-attack in the north is quickly thrown back and the SdKfz 10/5 section crosses the bridge and moves south along with the remaining SdKfz 10/4. Platoon G along with the remaining vehicles of platoon H and the command element shadow the two remaining Valentine IIs as they head towards the central objective area. Platoon E withdraws eastward under long range fire from a Bofors 40mm AA-gun, taking up covering positions for platoon F's retreat. Division artillery continues to fall on enemy positions southeast of the southern objective area but it seems the brunt of the attack there has passed. The sIG Ib section rendevous with the SdKfz 252LGM section for resupply.

The first hour of the battle passes with the destruction of another Valentine II which fell to the combined fire of platoon G. The final Valentine II is destroyed by a combination of direct fire from both the sIG Ib section and the SdKfz 10/5 Pak5 section. Not ten minutes pass though until multiple 25pdr batteries fire upon platoon D and the resupplying sIG Ib section. One panzer was disabled and a SdKfz 252 LGM suffered damage. Platoon G discovers an infantry platoon moving north from the central objective, evidently preparing for a counter-attack on the northern objective area. HE and MG fire from the panzers soon disabuse them of that notion. The security element mounts up and heads north with the intention to take the central objective area, much of which is too soft for safe panzer travel. Platoon E takes over gaurding the southern objective area.

The counter-attack force turns out to be company strength, not platoon strength, and upon discovering platoon G at their rear, promptly turn around and attack! To make matters worse, not only was one of platoon D's panzers disabled and the crew forced to abandon, but another has been so badly damaged that it must withdraw from the battle. On top of that, mortar fire catches the security element just after they started out from the southern objective and knocks the track off of one of the halftracks.

As the counter-attacking infantry is broken between the panzergrenadiers, platoon G, and 10.5cm artillery fire, the mobile portion of the security element arrives on the scene. However, at the same time, a second, armored, counter-attack is spotted consisting of three Valentine IIs moving west on the eastern slope of the central hill. Platoon G and the two remaining JPz Is of platoon H scramble to intercept the new threat.

Five 25pdr batteries fire upon the northern objective area, immobilizing one third of the panzergrenadier company. Fortunately this did not include the platoon covering the northern approach to the central objective area, nor did it affect the movement of the SdKfz 10/5 PaK5 section into overwatch position. The counterattacking infantry near the central objective area is thrown into disarray as shells arrive from the 10.5cm battery. The armor counterattack turns out to consist of five Valentine IIs which are maneuvering north around the east slope of the central hill. Another infantry counterattack is mounted against the southern objective area but is beaten back by massed fire from platoon E.

As 150mm shells from the sIG Ib section fall on the trailing Valentine IIs, the lead Valentine II is destroyed by a 5cm sabot round from panzer G3 with support from the SdKfz 10/5 PaK5 section. Sporadic mortar fire begins falling near all three objective areas as another Valentine II explodes after being hit by multiple rounds from 5cm guns. Artillery fire on the Valentines intensifies as the division battery and 81mm mortars join in. The blinded Valentines continue to advance but two hours into the battle they are stopped for good by combined fire from platoons G and H along with supporting SdKfz 10/5 Pak5 fire. The battle continued for another half hour with sporadic shelling and small infantry counterattacks that were quickly thrown back.

Decisive victory, KG Krafft.

Last turn attached, thanks for reading

[Brian61]

KG Krafft, 2 July, 1941 - Afrika Korps

Refit and resupply: Badly damaged or destroyed panzers are replaced with PzIIf or PzIIIh models as equipment continues to trickle in to the threatre.

Situation: Desert area on the southern flank, best described as broken terrain with many wadis, some of which are rough terrain and some of those are impassable. Between the wadis are flat areas of sandy desert, including soft areas which are traversable only at very slow speeds. A low rising plateau juts towards the center from the northeast. Luftwaffe aerial reconnaissance has spotted British units in the area.

Orders: Search and destroy, possession of the battlefield at the end of the battle is highly desireable. KG Krafft is joined in this operation by an antitank group composed of a motorized 88mm FlaK36 section, a motorized 5cm PaK38 group, and a kradschutzen platoon. The area of battle is beyond the range of division and corps artillery assets. Luftwaffe support is limited to one Storch observation plane and two Bf109F fighter-bombers.

Battle plan: Sword and shield, attempt to engage enemy in the central region of the area. Sword group is composed of KG command panzers and platoons E, F and G. Platoon D and the kampfgruppe security element will be held in reserve. The shield group is composed of all remaining units.

Execution: Aerial recon spots a platoon of Matilda IIs advancing in the north and a group of mixed tanks (A9 and A13 Mk I) accompanied by Bren carriers in the south. The southern group is flanked by Morris CS9 armored cars to the north. Half an hour after arrival in the area, KG Krafft opens fire with sIG Ib and 88mm FlaK36 sections from long range destroying one Bren carrier and one A13 Mk I tank of the southern group. An airstrike is ordered on the northern group. Minutes later two Hurricanes strafe KG Krafft but inflict no damage.

The battle rapidly degenerated from there. The combination of the terrain and the dual threat of aerial and artillery bombardment rendered high speed compact formation maneuvering impractical. The first hour of the battle was characterized by long range cannon fire at targets of opportunity as panzer platoons slowly wove their way through the diabolical terrain taking care to keep plenty of distance between adjacent vehicles. In this manner, the entire British southern force was picked apart, a surprising number of kills being made by sIG Ib direct fire. As the southern threat fell apart, the reserve was committed to take the southern objective area.

Panzer platoon G provided long range support on the southern flank and platoon E advanced on the central objective while platoons F and H maneuvered into overwatch positions for the northern objective area. The 5cm PaK38 platoon was also deployed into overwatch positions for that area and the 88mm FlaK36 section moved to another similar position awaiting the arrival of the lumbering Matilda IIs and Valentine IIIs. The kradschutzen platoon was ordered to join the advance on the central objective area.

Enemy infantry in at least company strength advanced upon the central objective but was greatly slowed by cannon fire. Airstrikes were repeatedly called in on the northern force, managing at best to cause a few riders to bail. The Hurricanes made a second pass, destroying one SdKfz 251/1, and were both shot down by a combination of halftrack and SPAA fire.

Shortly after the first hour mark, a Matilda II was destroyed by 88mm FlaK36 fire. About the same time, the southern portion of the central infantry assault ceased to exist as an effective force as the cumulative affects of long range cannon and machinegun fire took their toll. Just past the halfway point, things are not looking good. Although another Matilda II has been destroyed by 88mm FlaK36 fire, the southern objective area is still being contested, the central objective area is about to be overrun by infantry, and the northern objective area is dominated by heavy tanks.

In what can only be called a lucky shot, a Bf109F destroyed a Matilda II with a 20mm shell. Another Matilda II was destroyed by an 88mm gun but artillery has begun to fall on the northernmost 88mm position. At the southern objective area, the security element, with support from platoon D, is making headway, albiet slowly. The center is up for grabs, the smoke from an earlier British artillery mission has cleared, allowing panzers to fire upon the advancing infantry, but Valentine IIIs and Matilda IIs are approaching from the northeast. The panzers have to fall back towards the plateau edge to the north in order to avoid being taken in the flank by 2pdr fire.

Some good news, it appears that some of the earlier strafing runs managed to immobilize a couple of Matilda IIs on the northeast plateau, so they are not in position to threaten the center. A smoke screen is laid down north of the center objective area by the sIG Ib section and a PzIIIe, platoons E, F, G, and H maneuver so as to bring as many 5cm guns as possible to bear at short range to the anticipated passage route of the heavy tanks. The 5cm PaK38 guns are pushed by their crews into better firing positions and the stage is set for an ambush. The security element, with the assistance of platoon D, gain the southern objective area.

Two 25pdr batteries fire upon the edge of the area where the panzers are assembled, one JPz I is lost with all hands. The first Valentine III through the smoke screen is brewed up quickly by a PzIIIh. Two more Valentine IIIs are destroyed and 150mm shells begin to rain on the central objective area. As the two hour mark comes and goes, all heavy tanks near the central objective area have been destroyed by the combined fire of 5cm and 4.7cm guns. MG fire and 150mm HE have broken the back of the infantry in that area as well. One of the 88mm guns is destroyed by artillery fire.

Two hours and fifteen minutes into the battle, all objectives are under control of KG Krafft. All known enemy units are either in rout or immobilized. Artillery is being called on the immoblized tanks and the remaining 88mm gun is being towed into place for the kill. The remaining British forces surrender before the kills can be made.

Decisive victory, KG Krafft.

Last turn file attached, thanks for reading

[Brian61]

KG Krafft, 7 August, 1941 - Afrika Korps

Refit, resupply, and reorganization: Oberstlt Krafft's command tank is replaced by a PzKw IIIh and platoon D recieved a PzKw IIf as replacement for a worn out PzKw IIc. The destroyed JPz I and SdKfz 251/1 were replaced and all other vehicles repaired. KG Krafft has been reinforced with a panzergrenadier company and supporting elements for the duration of the campaign in theatre. These reinforcements consist of a PzGren Kp (mot) with a PzGrMG Zug (mot), a PaK Zug (mot) having three 5cm Pak 38's, a FlaK Grp (mot) having two 2cm Vierlings, and two Kraftradmelder sections.

Situation: Open desert area dominated by a central plateau. The eastern, northern, and western portions are dominated by numerous wadi, many are impassable to vehicles. Numerous sand dunes, some over half a kilometer in length, are found on and around the plateau. Radio intercepts indicate that a British armored column is operating in the area. [Meeting engagement, visibility 86, length 37, standard victory hexes, map size 100x100]

Orders: Destroy the armored column, possession of the battlefield at the end of the battle is highly desireable. Be advised that the British have achieved air superiority in the area at present. A recon group from division is operating in the area and will be attached to KG Krafft for the duration of the battle. This recon group consists of 1x SdKfz 222 (commander), 3x SdKfz 221, 2x SdKfz 231(8), a Kraftrad platoon, 1x SdKfz 223 (Fu), 2x SdKfz 251/2 GrW, and 2x SdKfz 10/4 FlaK. Artillery assets available consists of a 17cm K18 battery from korp, this battery will engage in counter battery fire missions only.

Battle plan: The panzergrenadier company will advance to the wadis northwest of the central plateau and deploy into a defensive position. The recon group, supported by panzer platoon F, will advance south of the central plateau and upon encountering the enemy, will maintain contact at extreme range and withdraw to the northwest. The panzer company will advance to the edge of the plateau slightly north of center and will engage all enemy units except heavy armor. Panzer platoon E, panzergrenadier platoon S and the panzer company's security element will be held in reserve.

Execution: The panzergrenadier company successfully deploys in the north, two A9 tanks are spotted moving towards their position. Panzer platoon G gains the central plateau with platoons D and H following. A British motorized column is advancing towards them and is taken under fire, destroying trucks and carriers as well as disrupting dismounting units. The recon group advanced in the south, taking the southern objective and the armored cars of the group move northwest onto the plateau firing at the motorized column from the flank. A section of Morris CS9 armored cars are attempting to intercept them but popped smoke under fire from the 231(8)s. Supporting panzer platoon F, near the southern objective area, fires upon scout cars, armored cars, and an A9 tank section which is advancing towards them. Local artillery fire from the sIG Ib and SdKfz 251/2 GrW sections is called upon the central enemy force.

Six 25pdr batteries fire upon positions behind the panzergrenadier company, endangering the withdrawing transports. Platoons D and G fire upon the central advance destroying a few more carriers and trucks as well as suppressing enemy troop movements. The 150mm and 81mm shells begin falling, catching at least two trucks and impeding reinforcements. The armored cars of the recon group continue to maneuver northwest, firing upon the flank of the central force. In the south, platoon F continues to destroy scout cars and armored cars as they advance. The kraftrad platoon withdraws west, taking cover in a wadi until needed.

One truck is destroyed by 25pdr fire and a pair of 3in mortars lay smoke in front of the northernmost platoon of the panzergrenadier company. An advancing Bren carrier is destroyed by PzIIc fire in the center and the adjusted barrage of 150mm and 81mm shells continues to disrupt the enemy force. A number of scout cars and armored cars along with one A13 Mk I tank are destroyed by panzer platoon F as they advance in the south.

The enemy force in the center is completely stopped, mostly destroyed. The enemy advance in the south intensifies as a platoon of Crusader I tanks and Mk VIc light tanks advance with infantry support. Numerous enemy tanks and armored cars are destroyed by panzer platoon F and the kraftrad platoon is called forward to assist in repulsing the infantry advance. The armored cars of the recon platoon take over panzer platoon G's responsibilities as it advances to assist platoon F. The light panzer platoon D together with KG Krafft's spaehtroop section advance on the central objective area with overwatching support from platoon H and the command vehicles. An infantry platoon is spotted advancing just north of the plateau and is engaged by long range machinegun fire from the panzergrenadier company. The 5cm PaK38 platoon continues to hold its fire as the pair of A9 tanks slowly advance.

As the first hour of battle draws to an end, 25pdr batteries begin firing on previously vacated positions on the plateau and upon platoon F's position in the south. Platoon F withdraws to the west as platoon G provides convering fire from the north. An airstrike by a pair of Hurricane fighter bombers destroys the SdKfz 251/2 GrW section in the southwest. In the north, the A9 tanks finally come within effective range and are both destroyed by 5cm PaK38 fire. The K18 battery knocks out one of the 25pdr batteries but shells continue to fall in the south.

Enemy armor in the south continues to take a beating caught between platoons F and G at short range. A section of Crusader I tanks is sighted advancing towards the plateau, platoon H is ordered into forward positions to support platoon D. The infantry advance in the north is brought to a halt by the panzergrenadier company and a fire mission is called in to the sIG Ib section to break up the attack. Oberstlt Krafft orders committment of the reserves, platoon E will move to reinforce the panzergrenadier company, the security element is ordered to support the armor in the south, and the panzergrenadier platoon is ordered to support the armor on the plateau.

The enemy counterattacked in the center with three Crusader I's along with infantry, the attack was repulsed and the tanks were destroyed by close range fire from platoon D. An hour and a half into the battle and all objectives are firmly under control by KG Krafft. At two hours into the battle, a pair of Hurricanes destroy one PzIIc, one of the attacking planes is damaged by AAA fire. Despite another battery being knocked out by counterbattery fire, an armored car is lost to artillery fire as the remaining 25pdr batteries continue to bombard various areas. The battle ends shortly thereafter as the British force has no hope of capturing any objective areas.

Decisive victory, KG Krafft.

Game notes: this was a fun one, I added the infantry company to the core but will replace it when KG Krafft leaves the theatre. As it turned out, the panzergrenadiers weren't really needed in this battle. The southern armor advance by the AI was disasterous for it, especially once platoon G was able to attack the flank as it came off the plateau. Ranges in the center and south dropped so low that Pz IIc's were firing point blank at Crusader I's coming out of the smoke, at that range the 20mm was very effective. In the south, at least three late arriving Matilda IIs were given the same point blank treatment by Pz IIIg's and h's.

Last turn file attached, thanks for reading

[Brian61]

KG Krafft, 8 August, 1941 - Afrika Korps

Situation: Open desert with extensive wadis, many impassable, and numerous dunes. A plateau juts down from the north just east of center. [Advance mission (special battle), visibility 51, length 35, standard victory hexes, map size 100x100]

Orders: The destruction of the British armor column in the last battle left their division command post only lightly defended. Eliminate the enemy forces and control all objective areas. Speed is of the essence so no refit or replacements are possible. The only artillery battery capable of covering the area is the same 17cm K18 battery that supported the previous battle and is only to be used in counterbattery fire. Luftwaffe has made four Bf110E-2's available for close support.

Battle plan: There are only two usable routes for vehicular traffic, along the far north, and just south of the plateau. Trucks are in short supply so infantry will ride panzers to the disembarkation points. The kampfgruppe will be divided into three columns: column A will consist of panzer platoons D, E, and H along with panzergrenadier platoon Q and the security element; column B will consist of panzer platoons F and G along with panzergrenadier platoons R and S; column C will consist of all remaining assets. Column A will use the northern route with the primary objective being the northern objective, column B will use the southern route with the primary objective being the central objective. Column C will follow column A at a one kilometer interval and provide support for both columns. After capturing the northern and central objectives, a fourth column will be formed taking the best half of each column A and B, its objective will be the southern objective.

Execution: An early airstrike on suspected enemy positions results in the destruction of a Matilda II, the immobilization of an A13 Mk I, and two Matilda IIs. The aircrews also spotted additional tanks and infantry east of those positions. A 2pdr AT-gun fired upon tanks of platoon G, heavily damaging one and forcing the others to pop smoke, disembark infantry, and withdraw.

Airstrikes are continuously called on enemy positions and the sIG Ib section bombards a clump of tanks as infantry leads the way. Infantry units destroy the AT-gun but more are suspected in the area. An airstrike destroys a Matilda II. One panzergrenadier squad is crippled by mortar fire and three trucks are destroyed, another damaged, by 25pdr battery fire. The enemy mortar is spotted and engaged by 81mm mortar and machinegun fire.

Forty minutes in and an airstrike destroys an A13 Mk II and immobilizes a Valentine II, one Bf110E-2 is shotdown by Bofors 40mm AA-gun fire. 150mm shells destroy another A13 Mk II and the only remaining tank in that group is routed and soon abandoned. In the south, infantry destroys a second 2pdr AT-gun and machinegun fire routs the 3in mortar. Armor advances along both routes as the sIG Ib section relocates.

At the one hour mark, the advance is back on in full swing. Both 81mm and 150mm shells rain on enemy tank positions and airstrikes continue. A PzIIf is lost to fire from a pair of 2pdr portees and a kraftradmelder is destroyed by a previously unspotted infantry squad. Two 25pdr batteries rain shells around the panzergrenadier heavy weapons sections. Both columns continue to advance, three more portees are destroyed and a number of infantry squads put to rout.

Halfway through the battle, KG Krafft is within reach of two objective areas but a full company of Matilda IIs plus a few Valentine IIs and an unknown number of infantry positions remain. An airstrike destroys another Matilda II but other Matilda IIs kill a PzIIIe. Column B infantry seizes control of the central objectives. A Matilda II near the center objective area is destroyed by close assault, a second one adjacent is also assaulted but survives although retreating.

Another PzIIIe is destroyed by long range Matilda II fire, however, the crew from the surving Matilda II from the close assault abandoned it and in a push on the north objectives, two Matilda IIs and an A13 MkII were destroyed by platoons E and H with assistance from column A's infantry. A PzIIf was destroyed by a Valentine II but fire from a nearby 5cm Pak38 killed the Valentine. With the northern objectives secured, KG Krafft prepares to defend against a counterattack from the south.

Past the two hour mark, a 25pdr barrage destroys the panzergrenadier company's machinegun squad, the K18 battery counters and knocks out the battery. The sIG Ib's and 81mm mortar squad, with some help from panzergrenadiers, lay a smoke screen south of the central objective area. All operational panzers with 5cm guns together with platoon H charge to positions just behind the smoke screen. As luck would have it, no sooner had the panzers charged than a 25pdr battery began firing on the new positions.

Close assault was the order of the day, three Matilda IIs were destroyed or had their crews bail out, two more fell to point blank 5cm fire after being softened up by close assaults. The remainder of the Matilda II company was destroyed by close range 5cm fire, though at some cost. Two PzIIIh's were badly damaged, and another PzIIIe was destroyed. Finally, on the last turn, the southern objective area was secured. British artillery kept firing up till the very end, destroying a truck on the last turn.

Decisive victory, KG Krafft.

Last turn file attached, thanks for reading

[Brian61]

KG Krafft, 15 September, 1941 - Afrika Korps

Refit and resupply: all destroyed PzIIIe's replaced with PzIIIh's.

Situation: ANZAC forces are attempting to cutoff the 21st Panzer's lines of supply during a reconnaissance in force near Bir el Habata. Area is coastal plains, with a small number of scattered hillocks and a few grassy areas. [Delay mission, visibility 8, length 34, scattered victory hexes, map size 100x100]

Orders: KG Krafft is the only unit able to reach the area in time to block the ANZAC attack. Prevent ANZAC forces from controlling the western portion of the area. The only available artillery with the range to cover the area are two Italian 149L40 batteries, an Italian artillery observer (motorized) will join KG Krafft shortly before the battle. [only the Italian observer will be used to call in fire missions for the two Italian batteries]

Battle plan: spoiling attack on a broad front with infantry in the center, panzer platoon D interspersed among the infantry, panzer platoon E on the north flank, and panzer platoon F on the south flank. Reserve consists of panzer platoon G and the KG's security element. Once contact is made, force will fall back, shifting as necessary to maintain cohesive force.

Execution: contact made across the front, infantry interspersed with armored cars of various types. Artillery called in on central infantry advances. The armored cars were quickly dealt with, but the infantry, seemingly a regiment's worth, just keeps coming. Attempting to execute a fighting withdrawal, KG Krafft's far flung elements slowly retreat towards the western center.

At the half hour point, with all units engaged, Oberstlt Krafft ordered the reserves to be brought forward, ready to commit at a moments notice. Not ten minutes later, a half dozen 2pdr portees came up through the ANZAC lines, destroying one panzer before they could be eliminated. Panzer platoon G was ordered into the gap between platoon Q and the ill treated S platoon, in a desperate attempt to save platoon S and the guns supporting it.

To the north, platoon R was withdrawn from the line and replaced by the security element. Panzer platoon D was ordered to regroup in the center, while panzer platoons E and F were ordered to regain contact with their neighboring infantry platoons as they were in danger of being cutoff. The only good news was the artillery duel, the two Italian batteries along with the KG's organic artillery did much to ease the pressure on the center. Elsewhere, three 25pdr batteries fired short and caught their own frontline troops.

One of the last two PzKw IIIe panzers was destroyed by a 2pdr round from a portee in the north. The elite crew is rescued by three BeiwagenKrads and carried to safety. At the two hour mark, a JPz I destroys a scout car that had snuck by in the north, the two remaining kraftradmelders are scouting the rear area for any more flankers. The center has become a salient and to avoid being cutoff, a withdrawal is ordered. Platoon D and the security element is being withdrawn to form a new reserve, and the sIG Ib section is being relocated and resupplied.

One and a half hours into the battle, just a bit past halfway, all PzIII's are running critically low on mg ammo. As soon as platoon D resupplies, panzers will be rotated out of each platoon to resupply. Although the panzergrenadiers have taken quite a beating, now that the artillery is arriving on target they should be able to hold during resupply.

Two 25pdr batteries fire on the northern flank throwing it into disarray, at the same time, scouting reports indicate an unknown number of infantry have outflanked the KG on the far north and far south. The situation calls for a change in resupply strategy, platoon E is pulled out of line (was on the north flank) and heads for resupply. Another barrage from 25pdrs and platoon G's central position is threatened, this forces a change of plan.

The decision is to have platoon G counterattack the flanking infantry to the south, this leaves platoon F and the command panzers to cover the slow withdrawal in the center. As soon as platoon D is resupplied, it will lead the counterattack against the flanking infantry to the north.

At the two hour point, ANZAC forces hold 2/3rds of the objectives, panzergrenadier platoon R has been decimated, and ammo shortages restrict available options. Both counterattacks are running into stiff opposition, the advances are slow at best. The center has deteriorated into an artillery duel, the only saving grace is that the 25pdr batteries are firing short half the time. Command panzers are forced to engage targets on the north flank to avoid collapse of the front.

The enemy northern and southern flanking forces turned out to be much larger than hoped for, together with eight 25pdr batteries pounding the ever shrinking pocket in the center, and the near total loss of the panzergrenadier company, at two and a half hours in, Oberstlt Krafft ordered all units to break contact and flee to the east.

Result: Draw, grrrr!

Last turn attached, thanks for reading

[Ts4EVER]

Delaying with a tank heavy force in these sight conditions against an infantry heavy opponent is bound to end in disaster.

[Roman]

[quote=Brian61;748088]A small core, fictionalized historic long campaign covering the entire war from the viewpoint of a German Panzer company. The personnel of this company will see action in Poland, France, Balkans, North Africa, Eastern Front, and Western Front.(1)

The core force consists of a reinforced Panzer Kp(2) drawn from the 1939 German 4th army, under Guderian's XIX Motorized Army corp. Specifically the 1st company of II battalion, 5th panzer regiment, 3rd panzer division. In game, this is modeled as a heavily modified Panzer Kp (le) consisting of 2 PzIIIb/d, 1 PzIBef, 5 PzIIc, 10 PzIb, and 4 PzIVb tanks. Attached to this company are a Flak Sp Grp consisting of 2 SdKfz10/4s, an Infantry platoon (security element), 2 Spaehtroop sections (4 teams total), an 8cm GrW platoon, and a transport group of 3 Kfz70s. Additional organic transport is initially considered to be off-board and not present in the core.(3) This company, under Oberstlt Kraft, is being employed as a small 'fire brigade' within the XIX corp during the Sept 1939 offensive versus Poland.

Hello Brian. I'm a little late with this story. I'll be back at the beginning because I am interested in starting a long campaign with a force similar to yours.
It is admittedly difficult to achieve order of battle at the battalion and company.
What do you think of changing the panzer III by those of 38t and less Panzer IV.
As I write this I got an order of battle of the 3rd panzer division with the number of tanks per regiment. It is in Spanish.
http://www.panzertruppen.org/heer/panzer/3org.html
I had no panzer 38t.
Well. I'm still investigating

[Brian61]

Originally Posted by Roman

Hello Brian. I'm a little late with this story. I'll be back at the beginning because I am interested in starting a long campaign with a force similar to yours.
It is admittedly difficult to achieve order of battle at the battalion and company.
What do you think of changing the panzer III by those of 38t and less Panzer IV.
As I write this I got an order of battle of the 3rd panzer division with the number of tanks per regiment. It is in Spanish.
http://www.panzertruppen.org/heer/panzer/3org.html
I had no panzer 38t.
Well. I'm still investigating

The only 38t's fielded in 1939 were with the 3rd Leichte Division and it had no PzI's, PzIII's or PzIV's. It did have one platoon of PzII's per company. If you wanted a bit more of a challenge perhaps try one of the light companies of the 1st Leichte Division or the 11th Panzer Regiment, both of which had PzII's and 35t's. I believe the 3rd Leichte became the 8th Panzer Division in 1940 and the 1st Leichte became the 6th Panzer Division at about the same time. I haven't done the research on the 11th Panzer Regiment, it probably was taken into one of the new 1940 panzer divisions. (just did a quick check, the 11th Panzer Regiment also became part of the 6th Panzer Division)

A good reference I've found for at least the early part of the war is http://niehorster.orbat.com/index.htm. Dr Niehorster keeps the site updated and slowly adds new data over the years. With Niehorster's data you have to do a bit of extrapolation and use it with other sources to get a tank platoon breakdown. One thing I find really nice about that site is the data on the other elements of a division, like how many and what size of artillery batteries were organic, the makeup of its recon forces, etc.

Hope this helps! Have fun and thanks for reading, hope to read of your experience