Night Battle at Noromaryevka


At the village of Noromaryevka, January 1st 1943: In an effort to threaten Rostov from the northwest, the
Russian XXV Tank Corps launched its '42-'43 winter offensive on Army Group Don in an attempt to strike
at the rear of Army Detachment "Hollidt." Misled by the slight resistance offered by the Italian Eighth
Army, the Russians neglected to send out advance reconnaissance units. Catching the Russians completely by
surprise, the armored column was quickly surrounded. Using separate packs of tanks, the Russians
repeatedly tried to force a breach in the noose. One such breakthrough attempt met with some success as it
raced torwards the village of Noromaryevka. Here, Major Bake held a covering position with his 2nd
Battalion, 11th Panzer Regiment.

Game Length: 8 turns

For the Russians to win they must capture all the stone buildings of Noromaryevka
For the Germans to win they must prevent the Russians from taking Noromaryevka

Boards: #3, #4, #5

Germans: Squads, LMG's, PF's, AFV's
Russians: Squads, MTR's, LMG's, AFV's 


Aftermath: The German defense consisted of only a few Panzer IV's and a handful of infantry. In addition
there were a few damaged, unmanned German tanks awaiting repair scattered around the village. The Russian
attack came a few hours after midnight. Close action tank battles soon developed between and around the
houses of the village. In the uncertain light of the night, the Russians regarded the German unmanned
tanks as intact vehicles and concentrated much of their fire on these targets. This gave Bake the time he needed to move into better firing positions. By the time daylight broke the Russian breakout attempt had
been eliminated. Daybreak also brought the same fate to the remainder of the XXV Tank Corps.

Source: ASL Scenario 105, Night Battle at Noromaryevka
    