Russo-German War 1941-45 VICTORY CONDITIONS: The Axis Player wins by holding Berlin at the end of the scenario. The Soviet Player Level of Victory is according to the following schedule: If the Soviets Capture Berlin after January 1, 1945, the game is a Soviet Standard Victory. If the Soviets Capture Berlin by June 1, 1944, the game is a Soviet Marginal Victory. If the Soviets Capture Berlin by June 1, 1943, the game is a Soviet Substantial Victory. If the Soviets Capture Berlin by June 1, 1942, the game is a Soviet Overwhelming Victory. Special Condition - For a Soviet Human vs. Axis Computer game - If at any time the Axis [Computer] captures Leningrad, Moscow or Stalingrad, the game will end immediately in a Soviet Player loss. Rasputitsa (the roadless quagmire season}: Caused by the poor drainage of underlying clay-laden soils found in the regions of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, there are periods of greatly reduced movement, combat ability and supply. These come into effect around the following turns (slight variance may occur) due to the Russian Rain Season and Spring Thaw which turned the primitive Russian roads into mud: 32-42 - Fall 41 84-92 - Spring 42 137-146 - Fall 42 188-194 - Spring 43 240-248 - Fall 43 290-299 - Spring 44 342-356 - Fall 44 During these periods the following will be in effect on all areas of the map: 'Nachsch Kol' Supply Units will be in Garrison Mode [unable to move, but still provide Supply boosts]. Both sides will experience reduced Supply. Both sides will suffer 20% Shock [approximately 80% of all land units will not be available for orders, all land units will be at 20% of normal strength]. Note that this will affect the Major Ferry Capacity of units, so if you have units that are dependent on supply being ferried, they will most likely lose that supply during mud turns [a unit must have 10% Major Ferry Capacity in order to cross Major Rivers or Major Canals]. Event Engine Variable [EEV]: You may notice this as a value in the Situation Briefing. This value monitors the on-map situation and will trigger events pertaining to the PO when the timing is appropriate. The player need not be concerned with the EEV [it doesn't affect you directly and there is no need for you to be concerned about it]. Turn 1 Axis Theater Option: Activate German General Reserves The Germans began the campaign with approximately 20 divisions in Reserve. They are all scheduled to arrive as they were released historically [based on the Axis advance]. If this Option is chosen, the divisions will instead be available at the start of the scenario. SOVIET INFORMATION: Soviet Production: In TOAW terms, Production is measured by increases and reductions to the Replacement Rate. This data can be reviewed in the Inventory and Replacements screen. Soviet production starts on turn 1 at 80%. Locations of Economic Importance are indicated on the map by Industrial, Mine and Oil markers [for examples, see Leningrad, Petsamo and Grozny] and are also in CAPITAL letters. The Soviets moved most of their threatened Industry to the Urals or further east. Therefore, when a Soviet Industrial location is threatened by the Axis [any unit within a few hexes, it varies from 2-6], the Soviet Replacement Rate will be reduced by 5% [as the production is moved], but 120 days later [35 turns] the Replacement Rate will return as the relocated industry begins production at its new location. Where possible, Factories and Plants have been given their historical designations. There is a Soviet Production document [SvtProd.txt] included with this scenario for those that would like to see more details. Soviet Tank Brigades: After the Red Army's pre-war mechanized corps failed to live up to expectations, independent tank divisions began to be formed. However, these also performed inadequately. Therefore, in August 1941 the Soviets began forming separate Tank Brigades in order to support their infantry formations. The number of separate Tank Brigades grew to 125 by July 1942, but thereafter this number declined as these units were incorporated into new Tank and Mechanized Corps. In the scenario, separate Tank Brigades will begin arriving as reinforcements in August 1941 and will be attached to various formations thru out the OOB. Starting in mid-1942, Tank and Mechanized Corps will begin forming [marked by the arrival of their HQ's]. All of these units may reconstitute if destroyed, but those that enter prior to March 1942 have 'early' equipment and eventually there may not be enough in the On Hand Pool for these early units to reconstitute if they are destroyed. Soviet Division sized units will not break down as a result of combat, nor can they be broken down by the player. There is a side effect - some smaller units will display a Division Symbol, but this has no physical effect. This applies to units such as the German Brandenburgers and the Soviet Border units. Soviet Rifle and Artillery Regiments that begin the scenario in the front line contain equipment that is not used by any other units. Therefore, it is just as well to eliminate them on turn 1 rather than surround them for destruction on turn 2. [Units that are unsupplied at the beginning of the turn on which they are eliminated return none of their equipment to the replacement pool]. Initial Soviet Rifle and Mechanized Corps experienced poor to non-existent communications and had little or no signals capability. Therefore, they are set to Internal Support and will only cooperate well with units in their own immediate formation. The ratio of Rifles to Submachine-guns in Rifle divisions decreased over time from 10:1 to 2:1. Therefore, Rifle Divisions are given excess Rifle Squads at start and will begin receiving PPSh SMG Squads in December 1941. When the war began the Soviets fielded ten Anti-Tank Artillery Brigades. These were plagued with the same problems as the rest of the Soviet forces and were mostly wiped out early on [and therefore do not reconstitute in the scenario]. Thru 1941-42 the Soviets continued attempts to form effective anti-tank units but were unsuccessful. At the end of 1942 the introduction of a more effective 76mm gun and the formation of successful Tank Destroyer Artillery Regiments greatly improved the Soviets ability to combat the German Panzer formations. In the scenario these late version Tank Destroyer units will arrive at various times and understrength. As the scenario progresses they will fill out and become stronger. The Soviets used the PTRD-41 or PTRS-41 anti-tank rifles thru out the war. However, they had none at the start of the war and hasty construction of an anti-tank rifle was ordered in July 1941. While these weapons certainly had no great impact on the outcome of the war, many units begin the scenario with no authorized anti-tank rifles but will gain them once production of these weapons starts in July 1941. Assault Guns/Self-Propelled Artillery were not developed by the Soviets until December 1942. Early models and their organization proved ineffective and are not included. Development of successful models [SU-85 and ISU-122] and their organizations [Self-Propelled Artillery Regiments] did not occur until after August 1943. These weapons are represented by SU-85's and SU-100's in the Guards Anti-Tank Brigade's. Soviet Air Force: The Soviet Air Force endured one of the most devastating defeats in aviation history. In Mid July 1941 the Soviets admitted to the loss of 3985 of their aircraft, whereas the German air force claimed they had destroyed 6857 planes. Following this defeat, the Soviets slowly recovered thru the mostly successful evacuation of the aircraft industry to the east, the successful creation of a talented command staff, successful reorganization which transformed air divisions to consist of one type of aircraft thereby improving the logistics and command efficiency, the growing installation of on-board radios, and tactical changes. Even with all of these improvements, the Red Air Force was never able to match the efficiency of the Luftwaffe. In the scenario the Soviet Air Units will operate at the following Shock Values: Turn Shock Value 1 5 4 50 11 75 178 85 265 90 369 95 Sevastopol Supply: There is a 75% Soviet Supply Point located at the port of Sevastopol [147,283]. This represents the Soviet Navy's ability to resupply Sevastopol by sea. If the Axis captures the major Soviet Naval Base at Novorossiysk [181,282], the Sevastopol Supply Point will be removed. Partizans: Soviet Partizans were active thru out many areas of Russia, and the Axis had to dedicate various security and police units to combat them. In order to facilitate the ease of game play, for the most part Partizans are not included. Most German Security and MP type units that are included will be withdrawn from the order of battle as the game progresses to simulate their need in securing the rear areas. In June 1944 the Soviets launched Operation Bagration against Army Group Center, and Partizans played a significant role in the planning and execution of this offensive. Therefore, Partizan units will appear at that time. AXIS INFORMATION: Capturing and holding a Mine or Oil location has the benefit of increasing Axis Supply by 2 for each location captured and held. Soviet Supply will be reduced by two for each Mine or Oil location captured by the Axis. Note that during the course of the scenario, Soviet Supply will occasionally increase due to development of off map resources. The player has no influence over these increases. Petsamo Nickel Mine: Located at 132,14, if the Soviets occupy this mine the Axis Supply will be reduced permanently by four. The Soviets will gain nothing as the Mines are considered destroyed. Bautrupp: These units are for railroad repair and were designed specifically for easier playability. They can move only by rail, and will repair damaged rail lines nearest their location. Repairs take place automatically between turns, and require no action by the player. A bautrupp unit need not be directly adjacent to broken rail lines in order to make repairs, just nearby or in the vicinity. It should be sufficient to keep these units several hexes behind the front and out of harms way. The game engine repairs rail hexes each turn automatically, and it will tend to focus on broken rail lines near any bautrupp units [embarked or not]. Therefore, the player can easily channel rail repairs to specific important areas. Because it is a large map you may not notice all repaired hexes as they can occur anywhere. These units will all reconstruct, but there is no need to put them in harm's way so you really shouldn't lose any of them. Note that if you hit the '.' [period, dot] key on the keyboard, you can easily cycle thru these units [if they are embarked as they should be]. The maximum number of Axis Rail Repairs is set to twelve, although during the Axis Supply Collapse the maximum number is reduced to three [from November 16th, 1941 to March 1st, 1942]. During this time period it may be best to concentrate all Bautrupp units in one area in order to see any effect. Nachschub Kolumn [Supply Column] Abbreviated as 'Nachsch Kol', these units enhance Supply to adjacent units and to any other units that are within the Supply Radius of a Nachsch Kol unit. The Supply Radius can be seen in the Force section of the Situation Briefing, or in the Special Abilities area of a Nachsch Kol Unit Report. The effect of these units is not cumulative, so their recommended use is to keep them in areas where you want Supply to be focused, such as near the front of an important offensive drive, or in support of an important defensive line. At start there are three of these units, one for each German Army Group. In October 1941 [t31], when Axis Supply begins to drop, two more of these units will arrive, and in December 1941 [t56] an additional two units will arrive. As Axis Offensive Capability declines, two of these units will withdraw in October 1943 [t241], and two more will withdraw in October 1944 [t343]. If at any time Warsaw is captured by the Soviets, the original three Army Group Support units will be withdrawn. The Axis 1942 Offensive: After the failure of Barbarossa in 1941, the Axis aimed at more limited objectives for 1942. Code named 'Case Blue', the Germans new offensive would now turn away from Leningrad and Moscow in order to head southeast towards the Volga River and Caucasus Mountains. In the scenario, around turn 90 [May 1942] the Axis will get a Theater Option to 'Begin Case Blue'. This TO will be available until turn 117 [August 1942]. If chosen, this TO will provide the Axis a 120% Shock bonus and a +5 Supply bonus for ten turns. These bonuses give the Axis player an advantage that experienced players may find unnecessary, but beginners and novices may find helpful. The Axis 1943 Offensive: After the failure of the Axis 1942 Summer Offensive and the following Axis defeat at Stalingrad, the Axis no longer had the ability to launch large scale offensives. Therefore, the Germans planned an offensive to cut off and capture a large bulge in the line around the Kursk area, known as Operation Citadel. In the scenario, around turn 193 [April 1943] the Axis will get a Theater Option to 'Begin Operation Citadel'. This TO will be available until turn 221 [August 1, 1943]. If chosen, this TO will provide the Axis a 120% Shock bonus for five turns. After the five turns of 120% Shock, the Axis will suffer 90% Shock for fifteen turns. This represents the Axis throwing everything into this attack after which they required time to regain their strength and supplies all along the front. This is a fairly significant penalty and the player should weigh the consequences. If you can't put a significant hurting on the Soviets with five turns of 120% Shock, is the fifteen turns of 90% Shock worth it? Panzer Divisions: Panzer Divisions have their Panzer and PanzerGrenadier Regiments combined into three separate Kampfgruppes. Historically, these divisions were often organized into four or five KG's, but for this scenario they were not organized that way in order to not water down their effectiveness. Of the three KG's in each Division, two are named Motorized (and given the Motor Infantry icon) and one is named Panzer (and given the Armored icon). However, all three are relatively equal in their composition. This reflects the historical flexibility of the Panzer Divisions. As the war progressed, the Panzer Divisions were often withdrawn from the front to refit. In this scenario, these refits are handled in two different ways. First, some Divisions will be withdrawn by an event that the player has no control over. Typically, there will be a warning in the news string one or two turns before the unit withdraws. The player will usually not know when the 'refitted' Division will return. Some will not return at all. This accurately portrays the unpredictable nature of Hitler's decisions as to how to employ his units. Second, most Panzer Divisions will undergo a major refit during the summer of 1943. Starting around turn 221 (8-1-43), the player will begin receiving Theater Options to refit some Panzer Divisions. Each Division gets its own Theater Option. Once chosen, the three KG's from the corresponding Division will be disbanded, and new 'refitted' KG's will arrive as reinforcements. The equipment from the original disbanded units is used to rebuild the new ones. The original HQ, engineer and recon elements are not withdrawn, and remain in the game unchanged. This system gives the player control over the departure and arrival of these units. [Note: When the newly 'refitted' KG's arrive, they are weak and susceptible to enemy air attack. Therefore, it is best to let them sit in place for at least one turn before moving toward the front]. The units of Panzer Division formations will reconstitute, except for the instances outlined below. 1.Panzer Division: The 1st Panzer Division was transferred to France in January 1943 for refitting. After several months it was sent to occupied Greece in June 1943 and participated in the disarming of Italian forces there in September 1943. It returned to Russia in October 1943. In the scenario, it is withdrawn automatically in January 1943 [t165] and will return in October 1943. German Motorized Divisions converting to Infantry Divisions: The conversion TO's for the 14th and 36th Motorized Divisions will convert them to a standard Infantry Division [so read those TO's carefully before choosing!]. Historically these divisions were sent out for refit but due to equipment shortages and lack of transport they did not remain motorized. German Infantry Divisions: A typical German Infantry Division [those not mentioned below] is eligible to reconstitute if destroyed. As these divisions represent a large period of time in which many changes occurred, they will automatically change over the course of the scenario. They will start receiving Panzerfaust Squads in June 1943, and Panzerschreck Teams in December 1943. The Panzerfaust was a single shot, recoilless anti-tank weapon that fired a 149mm projectile to a range of 60m. There were several versions of the Panzerfaust, the most common being the Panzerfaust 60 [which is the one represented in this scenario]. The Panzerschreck was a reusable anti-tank rocket launcher that fired an 88mm projectile to a range of 150m. Most Infantry units are also eligible for the following upgrades as the scenario progresses: 120mm Mortars, 75mm Anti-Tank Guns, and Hetzer Tank Destroyer's. All SturmGeschutz Units [StuG's] are contained within Infantry Divisions and models will upgrade automatically as the scenario progresses. Welle 13 divisions [302,304,305,306,320,321,323,327] and Welle 14 divisions [332,333,335,336,337,339,340,342] were historically formed in France in 1940-41 for security and occupation duties. Late in 1942 they began transferring to the East Front to replace burnt out divisions. In the scenario they are eligible to receive the same upgrades as the other Infantry Divisions. These divisions will not reconstitute, and if destroyed their associated HQ Unit will disband. German 78.Infantry Division: At the beginning of 1943 this division was reorganized as an 'Assault/Storm' division. The division now included subordinate Sturmgeschutz (assault gun), Heavy Mortar, and Nebelwerfer (rocket launcher) battalions, and a tank destroyer unit equipped with Marder IIs, as well as extra regimental artillery support. In the scenario, the Axis player will have a Theater Option on Turn 161 to 'Reorganize 78.Inf Div as 78.Sturm-Div'. This Option is removed on Turn 162. If this Option is Accepted, the current 78.Inf Div will be disbanded and a new 78.Sturm-Div will arrive understrength and in need of a few turns to fill out with equipment. In addition to an infantry divisions standard equipment, the new 78.Sturm-Div will be eligible to receive the extra equipment listed above. The downside is the unit will be out of the line for several turns, and the new equipment it will get will come from the pool that is used by other units [thus, some other units may be weaker]. German Infantry Divisions converting to Light Divisions: The following is true for each of the 5, 8 and 28 German Infantry Divisions. If the Infantry Division unit is destroyed, its' HQ unit will be disbanded and the Division will be automatically reformed as a Jaeger [light] Division [arriving in Berlin]. German Panzer Grenadier Divisions: German Motorized Infantry Divisions are upgraded to Panzer Grenadier Divisions via Theater Options which begin arriving in mid-1943. The new Panzer Grenadier Divisions arrive understrength and will partially fill out by using the Motorized Division's equipment that was automatically disbanded by the Theater Options to upgrade them. The Reconnaissance and Engineer Battalions are included in the Panzer Grenadier Regiments, therefore the Panzer Grenadier Divisions consist of three units, the HQ unit [which includes the divisional artillery] plus two Panzer Grenadier Regiments. SS.Div LAH: At the start of Barbarossa, the Leibstandarte Adolph Hitler Regiment was being upgraded to a division, but this process was far from finished. In the scenario, the LAH is represented by one over-strength regiment. It begins in the Army Group South area as part of the 1.Panzer Army. It will not obtain Division status until it is upgraded to a Panzer Grenadier Division via Theater Option in 1942. In July 1943 the Western Allies invaded Sicily. The threat of further Allied landings in Italy or southern France made Hitler transfer the SS-PGD LSSAH to Italy. Therefore, in the scenario the Axis player will receive a two turn warning in July 1943, after which the SS-PGD LSSAH will be disbanded [historically it left its heavy equipment to other units and was itself refit before deploying to Italy]. In October 1943 the LSSAH, having been refit as a full Panzer Division, will return to the East Front. In May 1944 this unit will withdraw to the West Front and will not return. SS Panzer Grenadier and SS Panzer Divisions: The Reconnaissance and Engineer Battalions are rolled into other units of these divisions, therefore these Divisions consist of four units - the HQ unit [which includes the divisional Artillery and Engineers] plus three combat Regiments. Note that the first regiment of each division is the 'reconnaissance kampfgruppe', the second regiment is the 'assault kampfgruppe', and the third regiment is the 'defense kampfgruppe'. Don't freak out over this! It just means that each of the regiments is slightly different from the others. You can use them as you wish, just be aware that KG.1 is a little better at recon, KG.2 is a little better at assaulting, and KG.3 is a little better at defending. 5.SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking" When this division is upgraded to a Panzer Division at the end of 1943, an Estonian Battalion [represented by [36] Rifle Squad + LMG] was historically attached to the division. Therefore, the Westland PzGr Regiment will contain this battalion at this time. SS Units and Reconstitution: SS Units that have Black on Red Unit Icons will NOT Reconstitute. Not actually part of but often subordinated to the SS were several units of 'Russians'. These units have Brown unit icons in the scenario and none of them will reconstitute if lost in combat or disbanded. 7.Flieger-Division: Prior to the attack on Russia, the 7.Flieger-Division had participated in the air assault on Crete and had suffered heavy losses in securing that island. After refitting, the Division was again ready to be deployed in September 1941. Fully parachute capable and jump ready, the division was sent to the front near Leningrad and used as regular infantry. The division withdrew to Germany in December 1941, and returned to the East Front in October 1942. In May 1943 it moved to France and was re-designated 1.Fallschirmjäger-Division [it later moved to Italy where 'The Green Devils of Cassino' remained for the rest of the war]. Historically this unit was to be dropped during Barbarossa but the operation was canceled, and this unit was also to be dropped during Case Blue but it was not. In the scenario, the 7.Flieger-Division will arrive in September 1941 [as four regiments plus HQ], it will withdraw in December 1941, it will return in October 1942 [as one unit], and withdraw permanently in May 1943. None of it's units will reconstitute if lost in combat, but all are capable of Air Dropping. 22.Panzer-Division: The 22.Panzer-Division was formed in France in September 1941 and equipped with obsolete Czech, French and German tanks. It was rushed to the southern sector of the Eastern front in February 1942 when it was not yet considered fully ready for action. It participated in the Battle of the Kerch Peninsula, the 1942 summer offensive and the Battle of Rostov before it was encircled and almost destroyed during the fighting near Stalingrad. With few replacements available for a Panzer Division, it was disbanded in March 1943 and absorbed into the 23. Panzer-Division. In the scenario the 22.Panzer-Division is rated lower than a typical Panzer Division and its units will not reconstitute. If you manually disband its units, they will not reform and much of its equipment will subsequently go to other units. However, if this unit sticks around long enough it will get a Theater Option to upgrade. Even if upgraded, it still will not reconstitute [due to lack of replacements], but it will have better equipment. 25.Panzer-Division: The 25.Panzer-Division was created in Norway on 15 May 1941 to spearhead the possible invasion of Sweden. In August 1943 it sailed to Denmark to take part in the disarming of the Danish Army. It was transferred to France in September/October for training exercises, the division was sent east, and eventually arrived on the Eastern front (central sector) in early November 1943. It survived fighting the Soviets from late 1943 to the end of the war. In the scenario its units will reconstitute, although it is on a slightly lower priority for replacements than typical Panzer Divisions. Its Engineer and Recon units have been rolled in with its HQ and first KG, respectively. At the beginning of May 1944, the division will receive a TO to refit. This refit will keep the division out of service for 40+ turns, and when it does return it will be a shell. To fill out it will very much rely on equipment that is in the replacement pool. Therefore, it is recommended to take this TO only if the division has taken heavy casualties from which it will most likely not recover. 27.Panzer-Division: The history of the 27.Panzer-Division is too very sad, and it therefore is not included in this scenario. 99.Leichte Infanterie-Division: The 99.Leichte Infanterie-Division [99.Lt/JG in the scenario] fought with AGS until October 1941 and was re-designated the 7.Gebirgs-Division and sent to Finland at the end of 1941. It fought in Finland and Norway until the end of the war. In the scenario, on turn 39 the Axis player will get a Theater Option to 'Refit 99th Lt/JG as 7th Gebirgs for Finland'. If this option is taken, the 99.Lt/JG will withdraw next turn and the 7.Gebirgs-Division will arrive in Finland later in the scenario. If not taken, the 99.Lt/JG will remain in play. This TO is not removed and can be taken at any time, or not at all. 3.Gebirgs Division: The German 3rd Gebirgsjaeger Division starts the scenario in northern Finland in the Petsamo area and will not reconstitute if destroyed/lost in combat. Historically this unit suffered such heavy casualties in the attacks towards Murmansk that its' remnants were withdrawn to Germany. This is the only unit in the scenario that will follow its historical demise for no good reason. In November 1941 it will withdraw from the game. However, in November 1942 a new 3.Gebirgs Division will arrive in Berlin. The 3.Gebirgs historically fought the remainder of the war on the Eastern Front, most famously at Velikiye Luki and Stalingrad. 270.Infantry Division: This was a Static Garrison unit used to defend Tromsö in Norway from April 1942 until the end of the war. Therefore, in the scenario it will be unable to move and is eliminated if forced to retreat. German Artillery: Besides the divisional Artillery included in the Headquarters units, the Germans had a pool of independent Artillery. These Artillery units have been organized under their historical German Korps HQ's at the start of Barbarossa as ArKo [Artillery Commander] and Harko [Higher Artillery Commander] units. While the Germans never mastered the art of massed artillery as their opponents did, these German Artillery units provided Artillery support wherever it was deemed necessary. In the scenario they are organized as Korps formations so the player is encouraged to use them as they were historically [spread across the front], but does allow the unhistorical option to mass them. As the war progressed, more and more captured equipment was pressed into Axis service. Therefore, some of the German Artillery units will begin or arrive with empty artillery slots [i.e., 0/36]. These slots will be filled later in the scenario [most of the captured guns arriving generally from February 1943 to August 1943]. Sicherungs [Security] Divisions: When the war in Russia began, it was deemed necessary for each army group to have some sort of rear area security to protect the supply lines and lines of communication from partisan groups and bypassed Soviet forces. As the war progressed and partisan harassment increased, the need for rear area protection grew. This need changed when the huge Soviet breakthroughs were achieved. Much too often security divisions were drawn into the shattered line, or used to fill the ranks of depleted divisions. They often used whatever equipment they could get their hands on, including Soviet volunteers. Usually a Division contained quite a few different sub units, which were often rotated among them. In this scenario none of the Security Divisions or their components will reconstruct. At the start of the scenario, the Germans have a full compliment of Security Divisions and Police battalions. As the scenario progresses and the Axis advance deeper into Russia, more and more of these units will be withdrawn from the order of battle in order to simulate their participation in rear area security. Withdrawals of Security and Police units are not accompanied by any pre-warnings (Soviet partisans didn't warn when and where they were going to be active!). When these are withdrawn, they will actually be disbanded and a mirror skeleton unit will appear somewhere on map. This unit will fill out over time and will be in Garrison Mode [unavailable for movement or orders unless retreated due to combat]. This represents the units being pressed into front line combat later in the war as the front lines moved back toward Germany. Luftwaffe Field Divisions: Following the heavy losses of the 1941 campaign, it was suggested that the German Army could be bolstered by transferring personnel from other services. The head of the Luftwaffe, Hermann Göring, formulated an alternative plan to raise his own infantry formations under the command of Luftwaffe officers. The plan was approved and the divisions were raised from 200,000–250,000 Luftwaffe ground, support and other excess personnel. They started forming in mid-1942, and by Göring's personal order they were intended to be restricted to defensive duties in quieter sectors. Despite the high standard of Luftwaffe recruits, their reputation as combat troops was poor, at least in part from being required to perform roles (ground warfare) for which they as airmen had little training. By late in 1943 those that had not already been disbanded were handed over to the Heer and were reorganized as standard infantry divisions. In the scenario, most of these divisions will not reconstitute. Panzer Abteilungen 51 and 52: Tank Battalions 51 and 52 were equipped with the new Pz-V 'Panther' tanks. These early production Panther's were plagued with mechanical problems but were still sent to the front as they were considered a necessary component of the Kursk offensive. At the end of August 1943 the 51st and 52nd were disbanded and those tanks remaining and their personnel were sent to the units that originally had been used to form them [the 9th and 11th Pz Div's]. In the scenario, the 51st and 52nd will arrive as reinforcements and will contain Ausf. D's. These are the only units in the scenario that contain these 'early' Panther's, and there are no replacements for them [all other units receive Ausf. G's]. Both of these units are withdrawn at the end of August 1943. Panzer Brigades After the destruction of Army Group Center in June 1944, Hitler ordered the formation of Panzer Brigades, small strong tank units more easy to maneuver than the larger Panzer Divisions. Guderian disagreed with this policy as he felt that all panzer resources should go to rebuilding the Panzer Divisions. Eventually the Brigades proved to be a failure, and by October 1944 all were either disbanded or absorbed by refitting Panzer Divisions. In this scenario there are four Panzer Brigades which arrive in July 1944 by Theater Option. This TO is available for one turn only, and is removed the next turn and will not be available again. If this Theater Option is not chosen, the Panzer Brigades will not be formed and their equipment will instead be sent to the replacement pool a few turns later, from there to be distributed to other units. Therefore, it is your decision - do you want these additional units or would you rather distribute their equipment to other units? Schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilung 653: This unit was part of Schweres Panzerjäger-Regiment 656 which was formed in June 1943. The 656th contained the 653rd and 654th abteilungen, which were equipped with Ferdinand heavy tank destroyers, and the 216th Abteilung which was equipped with Sturmpanzer IV's. As a unit, the 656th participated in the Kursk Offensive. In January 1944 all Ferdinand's were withdrawn to Germany to be refit/improved. The first updated Ferdinands were formed into 1./Kompanie and moved to Italy to fight at Anzio. By April 1944 the remaining thirty Ferdinand's had formed the 2./Kompanie and 3./Kompanie and were moved back to the East Front. On 1 May 1944 the panzerjäger's name was formally changed from 'Ferdinand' to 'Elefant'. In August 1944 the handful of remaining Elefant's were grouped together as the '614th Heavy Panzerjäger Company'. This unit would see out the rest of the war fighting the Soviets, with two Elefants surviving until the Battle of Berlin in May 1945. [Part of the 653rd also fought on the West Front, equipped with the JagTiger]. In the scenario the historical units of the 656 Rgt arrive as they did in June 1943. The Ferdinand/Elefant's get no replacements. The 653rd is not withdrawn because it would just be returned in a couple months and the time that it was away from the East Front will coincide with a mud period when it can't be used for much anyway. Therefore, the 614th is not represented, but due to lack of replacements the 653rd will eventually fritter away due to combat losses as it did historically. Luftwaffe: The German Air Units received new planes and new models as the war progressed. This will occur automatically - units will withdraw and new units will arrive to take their place. These withdrawal events will generally take place during the mud turns so as to not create a vacuum when units are withdrawn. The German Air Units have been color and icon coordinated in order to make quick identification easy. Fighter Units are White on Grey [Me-109 and FW-190A&D], most have the Fighter Icon but some have the Fighter-Bomber Icon as they are long range and may have been used in the Ground Support role [Me-110 and Me-410]. Ground Attack Units are Black on Grey and use the Fighter-Bomber Icon [Ju-87 and FW-190F&G]. Bomber Units that were used mostly in a Ground Attack role are Black on Grey but have the Bomber Icon [Ju-88 and Hs-129]. Bomber Units are White on Grey [same as Fighters] but have the Bomber Icon [for example, He-111 and Do-217]. Hopefully this allows you to decide at a glance how to use each unit. These schemes are based on the unit's historically assigned mission, but you may use them as you like. The colors and icons are only for easy identification [hopefully!]. The quick version: Fighter Icon = Fighters; Bomber Icon = Bombers; Icon with Black Center = Ground Attack planes. Axis FlaK Units: Some of the Axis FlaK Units are scheduled to arrive in Soviet territory on turn 1 for games where the PO controls the Axis. Obviously, these units will only arrive when their scheduled arrival hex is friendly controlled. Most of these units are also unable to move. These restrictions are to help Elmer in defending airfields. Other FlaK units have a movement allowance of one. This is to discourage the human player from using these units unhistorically in the front line. Still other FlaK units have normal movement allowances as they were used in the front lines. Axis Minor Nations: THe Axis Player will have control of the forces of Finland, Hungary, Slovakia, Spain and Rumania [and possibly Turkey]. In the scenario you will have full control of these units to use however you like. This is quite unhistorical as these countries donated national formations to the Axis cause in order to pursue their own agenda. Finland and Hungary took German advise under consideration, but often did as they pleased. To a certain extent, Italy and Rumania cooperated a little closer, but in the end were still liable to not follow suggested German orders. The Germans also found that they needed to keep the Rumanian and Hungarian formations separated as they did not like each other at all. The scenario has no hard self imposed rules, but you may want to keep in mind the following historical guidelines: Finland was only interested in regaining the territory it lost during the Winter War and was also under pressure from the USA and Britain to not advance into Russia. The Finns were not going to help Germany to take Leningrad and were not going to cross the Svir River. There are some 'stop' signs on the map to note where the Finns historically stopped their advances. It's probably a good idea to observe these stop lines, and maybe allow the use of Finn units to garrison important locations that may fall unhistorically [Leningrad, Murmansk, Arkhangel]. None of the minor countries cooperated well with each other, and only cooperated with Germany when it was convenient. None of their units should be stacked with the units of any other nation, and they should be kept together on the map as national formations [not interspersed with German units]. Keep the Rumanians and Hungarians at least several hexes apart! Rumanian Units: The Rumanian OOB changed thru the war, so this is a 'best of' and 'universal' type of OOB put together from various reliable sources. This makes the game easier to manage for both Elmer and the player, while not having any affect on the scenario. No Rumanian units will reconstitute except the 1st Armoured Div. This unit will only exist as long as it maintains a compliment of 35t Tanks. This is a technical matter - if this unit is lost in combat, it will only reconstitute if there are approximately [40] PzKpfw 35t's available in the Replacement Pool. This unit does get some nice upgrades over time, but as stated, it may not be easy to keep it in the field if it takes heavy casualties. The Rumanian 2nd Tank Regiment was historically attached to the 4th Rumanian Army and operated separately from its parent 1st Armoured Div. You may recombine these units by disbanding the '2.Tank Rgt' unit [it is at hex 102,266 at the start of the scenario]. It's tanks will automatically go to the 1st Armoured Div [no sooner than the following turn]. This happens because these are the only two units that contain the French R-35 tanks. You may take this action at any time. Note that the 2.Tank Rgt does not reconstitute if it is lost in combat, and if it is disbanded its' F-17 Tanks will be 'retired'. In April 1942 [around turn 85] the three Rumanian Mountain Brigades will Disband and three new Mountain Division units will arrive. They will be understrength and will use the equipment disbanded from the Brigades to partially fill out, the balance being in new equipment. In April 1942 [around turn 90] the six Rumanian Cavalry Brigades will Disband and six new Cavalry Division units will arrive. They will be understrength and will use the equipment disbanded from the Brigades to partially fill out, the balance being in new equipment. In the spring of 1943, large quantities of modern German weapons were imported to Rumania. Therefore, on turn 187 some Rumanian units will receive some new equipment. The types and amounts of this equipment can be seen in the '1943 Equipment' unit that is in the Rumanian Border Gds Formation. This is not a playable unit, it is automatically disbanded on turn 187 and the equipment it contains will go into the Replacement Pool. From there it will be distributed to Rumanian units. Rumanian units will be withdrawn by the loss of Bucharest. Excluded Zones: There are two Excluded Zones in the scenario. The first zone runs from Hanko to the Estonian mainland. This zone is removed as the Axis advance into northern Estonia. The second zone runs across the Gulf of Finland about twelve hexes west of Leningrad, and a separate leg divides northern and southern Finland. This zone is removed if the Axis occupy Leningrad. Finland Units: Finnish infantry divisions saw an increase in the number of M/31 submachine-guns as the war progressed. Therefore, the number of M/31 'Suomi Groups' will slowly increase while the number of 'regular' Finn infantry squads will decrease. If the Axis captures Leningrad, the Finnish 4th Corps will go into permanent Garrison Mode. This includes the 4th Corps HQ unit, plus the 4th, 8th and 12th Finnish Infantry Divisions. This will occur four turns after the Axis occupy hex 136,118 and will be in effect for the duration. This event simulates that the Finns would have garrisoned the Leningrad area and would have used the 4th Corps to do so. It is recommended to use the Finn's Rail Repair Unit [the '1.Construction' unit in the 'Mannerheim GP' formation] only to repair rails in Finland or on the Belomorsk-Onega-Arkhangelsk rail line. Anything else could be considered an unfair advantage to the Axis. Most Finnish units will reconstitute and with the loss of Helsinki they will surrender and their units will be withdrawn. Additionally, once the Soviet summer 1944 offensive begins, the Axis loss of Narva (123,111), Tolvajarvi (149,84) and Viipuri (129,98) will result in Finland withdrawing from the war. Units contained in the Ryti-Ribbentrop formation that are located at the western map edge are not intended to be in-play units. These units monitor the Finnish withdrawal conditions. Hanko [Finland 95,117] The Port and Fort at Hanko, Finland, was ceded to Russia at the end of the Winter War. In the early stages of the Russo-German War, the Soviet Garrison at Hanko was able to receive sea supplies. As the war progressed, the Soviet Navy was no longer able to provide supplies due to the loss of ports to the Axis advance and the interference of the Luftwaffe. Therefore, in the scenario the Soviet Supply Point at Hanko will eventually be removed. Finnish Theater of Operations Optional Deployment: The Axis Player will have a Theater Option on turn 1 titled 'Finnish Theater of Operations Optional Deployment'. Historically, the German National Defense Division under General Jodl prepared a campaign plan in September 1940. Part of this plan concentrated forces in the south of Finland for attacks coordinated with Army Group North either towards Leningrad or across the Svir River to Tikhvin. No attacks in northern or central Finland were contemplated. If the Axis Player choses this Option on turn 1, the 3.Gebirgs Division will arrive on turn 2 at Kemijarvi [122,48], the 169.Infantry Division and SS.Kampfgruppe Nord will arrive on turn 2 at Savonlinna [135,95]. The XXXVI.Gebirgs Korps HQ, along with the 40.z.b.V. PzAbt, 211.Pz Abt and 43.Bautrupp will arrive on turn 2 at Savonlinna [135,95]. If the Axis Player does not choose this Theater Option, the 3.Gebirgs Division will arrive on turn 2 at Kirkenes [130,12], the 169.Infantry Division and SS.Kampfgruppe Nord along with the XXXVI.Gebirgs Korps and its' attached units will arrive on turn 2 in the Kemijarvi-Salla area. Hungary: On June 27th 1941 Hungary joined the war against the Soviet Union. Hungarian participation in Operation Barbarossa during 1941 was limited in part because the country had no real large army before 1939. Most of their divisions were used in rear areas as security forces until the extending front lines in summer of 1942 forced the Germans to request the 2nd Hungarian Army to guard the front at the Don River. During the Soviet winter offensive in 1942-43, the Soviet breakthrough at the Don River sliced directly through the Hungarian units. Hungarian troops, fighting without antitank weaponry or armored support, tried in vain to retreat. The Hungarian army ceased to exist as an effective fighting force. The Hungarian units will equip with German AT-guns later, but their low proficiency makes them unreliable. They will not reconstruct, have a low replacement level and are withdrawn with the loss of Budapest. The Spanish Blue Division: Officially designated as 'División Española de Voluntarios' by the Spanish Army and as '250.Infanterie-Division' in the German Army, this was a unit of Spanish volunteers and conscripts who served (1941-1944) in the German Army on the Eastern Front. It also included volunteers from Belgium, France, Russia, Portugal, Italy, Argentina and Cuba. Under pressure from the Allies and conservative Spaniards, the Spanish government ordered all troops to return to Spain on November 3, 1943. In the scenario, the Spanish 250.Blau Division will withdraw on turn 248, with news a few turns earlier. Turkey: If the Axis reach Makhachkala [252,297] on the Caspian Coast, Turkey will succumb to pressure to join the Axis. Turkey, similar to Spain, was a poor country with an antiquated military of limited value to the Axis cause. Additionally, Turkey had no interest in supporting Hitler, but if Makhachkala is Axis controlled it is assumed that the Axis position is strong enough that Turkey risks a hostile invasion of its' territory. Turkey's military contribution to the Axis will be one corps consisting of one cavalry and two infantry divisions. These units will not reconstitute. The possibility of this event occurring is canceled on November 8th, 1942. On that date the Western Allies successfully landed in Northwest Africa and this would have been enough to discourage Turkey from siding with the Axis. NEWS SPOILERS: Some News Events are simply news and have no effect on the scenario. Other News Events indicate that something has happened or is about to happen. The following is a list of News [and the effect]: Hitler Suspects Italy may withdraw from the War. [Italian units will withdraw soon, never to return]. Italy Signs Armistice! [All Italian units are withdrawn]. German Replacement Priority switches to the West Front. [Axis Replacements - 25%]. German Supplies are diverted to the West Front. [Axis Supply Level -7]. Axis forces occupy the Vorkuta Coal Mining region. [Soviet Supply Level -2 for 24 turns]. There is no benefit to the Axis as the amount of resources needed to keep open such an extended line of communications would offset occupying this area. Operation Countenance - Anglo-Soviets occupy Iran! [Soviet 50% Supply Point is placed at 243,341]. TERRAIN NOTES: Badlands: You might find this terrain anywhere. It represents very rocky, or marshy, or dense woods or escarpments, the kind of stuff that motorized and tracked units can't get across. It appears a little brownish-red/orange with little streaks of brown. Don't confuse it with Arid, which is a little plain looking. It might be mixed with other terrain and therefore partially blocked from view. Supply can be traced into it, but not thru it. Only foot traffic can enter it, and Mountain troops can get thru it a little easier. The Road of Life: The winter ice road transport route across frozen Lake Ladoga provided the only access to the besieged city of Leningrad while the perimeter in the siege was maintained by the German Army Group North and the Finnish Defense Forces. In the scenario this road is represented by Shallow Water hexes which will freeze during winter and allow Supply and Units to reach Leningrad from the far shore of Lake Ladoga. The Shallow Water hexes are noted on the map by asterisks [*]. The Sivash Sea: At the northern part of the Crimea is the Sivash [Syvash] Sea [around 152,267]. Also known as the Putrid Sea or the Rotten Sea, it is a large system of extremely salty shallow lagoons with bottom silt up to 5m (16 ft) thick. Therefore, large scale troop movements within or across, even by assault boat, were not realistic. The Soviets did, however, on occasion send foot troops across areas deemed fordable. Therefore, while most of the Sivash is made up of Deep Water hexes which prevent movement, there are two Shallow Water hexes which will allow movement during winter freezes. These are located where the two hexes are labeled 'Sivash Sea'. ABREVIATIONS: Bde Brigade DR Das Reich LAH Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler LSSAH Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler Mtn Mountain Nachsch Kol Nachschub Kolumn [Supply Column] PGD Panzer Grenadier Division PO Programmed Opponent [aka Elmer] PPSh Pistolet-Pulemyot Shpagina [Shpagin machine pistol] PzGr Panzer Grenadier R. River Rgt Regiment RHG Rückwärtiges Heeresgebiet [Army Group Rear Area Security] SS Schutzstaffel TO Theater Option TK Totenkopf Sources: Inside the Third Reich by Albert Speer The Nafziger Orders of Battle Collection Panzer Battles by F.W.von Mellenthin Panzer Commander by Hans von Luck Panzerjäger Info by James A. Broshot and Jason Long Panzerkrieg by Peter McCarthy and Mike Syron Panzer Leader by Heinz Guderian Railway Guns of WWII by Steven J. Zaloga The Russo-German War 1941-1945 by Albert Seaton The Soviet Partisan Movement 1941-1944 by Edgar M. Howell Stumbling Colossus, Colossus Reborn [and Companion to] by David M. Glantz Achtung Panzer.com Alan Hamby.com Armor Site! by Fabio Prado Axis History.com Feldgrau.com Lexikon der Wehrmacht.de Niehorster.org Tanks-Encyclopedia.com ww2.dk and many many Wiki's! July 2024