Out of Luck

Baruth, Germany, April 26, 1945: The 9th Army was trapped and encircled between the two 
Soviet fronts which were competing to take the ultimate prize - Berlin. Having convinced 
Hitler that he could link up with the 12th Army and drive to the defense of Berlin. The 
9th commander, General Theodore Busse ordered a break out to the west with the goal of 
reaching the Western Allies. He directed Kampfgruppe von Luck from the 21st Panzer Division 
and Kampfgruppe Pipkorn from the 35th SS Police Grenadier Division with armored support from 
the remnants of the 10th SS Panzer Division "Frundsberg" to hold the town of Halbe for the exit 
point of the encirclement. To reach Halbe, the battlegroups had to take the valley town of 
Baruth and use its road, since the remainder of the valley was useless for tanks. Anticipating 
this move, the Russians had placed the 50th Guards Rifle Division and dug in Stalin tanks to 
hold this vital town.

Game length: 6.5 turns

For the Germans to win they must exit troops to reach the Allies to surrender
For the Russians to win they must hold the town of Baruth to prevent the German escape from the Soviets

Germans: Squads, MMG's, LMG's, PSK's, AFV's
Russians: Squads, MMG's, LMG's, ATR, ART, AFV's

Boards: #U, #V

Aftermath: Colonel Hans von Luck's battlegroup met fierce resistance from the prepared Russians. 
He dispatched a column to attempt to bypass north of the town but was frustrated by the drainage 
ditches and marshy farmlands that hidered movement when vehicles strayed from the road. After many 
hours of fighting von Luck was forced to withdraw, but the way was blocked. Disobeying his orders, 
he told his men to disband and move towards the Elbe as best they could. He was captured by the 
Soviets the next day while attempting to get back to headquarters.

Source: ASL Scenario S28, Out of Luck
