The Rumble in the Tundra, a Vet (Sov) JB (Axis) rematch

[Veterin]

T10 Soviet

Might have been last turn or the turn before, but I just realised I’ve made massive mistake that will cost me. I usually change the status and TOE to ready/100% at the start of every turn for on map units but it looks like I’ve accidently done it for my TB too. I’ve got a lot of manpower + ground elements going into units that I don’t want to receive any. Unfortunately, once a depleted units status/max TOE has changed, there’s no way for me to change it back to zero/unfilled. I can either disband some divisions in the TB or cap it at 50%. Such a waste of resources though either way ☹. All my manpower is going isn’t going into the units I need them to be.

1.png (1.88 MiB) Viewed 2165 times

I was expecting a lot worse around the centre this turn. I am very weak around Rhev but it looks like JB didn’t want to push through without rails. That being said, a lot of open terrain behind it and not much behind it last turn. Another risk I was worried about was a push to encircle Vyzama from the north or the south. This attack came from further south than I thought it would. I should have enough MPs to retreat those units directly east of Smolensk that will be at risk of a pocket next turn.

There is a lot of Axis strength in the north too so it’s likely he’s trying to unhinge my Vyzama defence for the double rails which he will likely take this turn or the next.

2.png (1.84 MiB) Viewed 2165 times

In the Leningrad sector, my strongpoint had been taken by an overwhelming axis attack. With 730 defensive CV in that battle, there is not much Soviets can do to muster more forces in a hex than that. I will do some recon but it’s likely I’ll thin the line out further east to slow down his advance on Leningrad from the west.

3.png (1.24 MiB) Viewed 2165 times

Looks like the battle of Crimea is not too far off. Given he’s flanked my Kherson line from the east I’ll need to fall back this turn. There isn’t any port other than Kherson so if I lose the land bridge all those units to the west would be isolated and I can’t risk that. Based on the attacks his made he’s got at least 2 moto units there. Given how quickly he advanced from D-town/Zaph he would have at least 1 moto corps in the area with the other one being around Kharkov.

4.png (1.93 MiB) Viewed 2165 times

End of turn near Leningrad. I continue to reorientate my defence to face the threat from the west. I’ve started building some forts behind the line so will see how far he is able to get through my units over the next 1-2 turns.

[Veterin]

T10 Soviet Cont

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6.png (2.34 MiB) Viewed 2164 times

End of turn around the Centre. If he wants Rhev next turn he can easily take it but he probably has enough strength to go straight to Moscow as well if he wanted to slog it out. In a way I’m glad he’s pivoted south but I’ve got few units here so he may choose for a wide flanking manoeuvre on Vyzama forcing me to retreat or rush towards Bryansk. I’ll have some reinforcements going to Bryansk this turn.

7.png (1.82 MiB) Viewed 2164 times

End of turn Kharkov. I’m defending the main double rails/Kharkov city in depth whereas I have little to the north. He may choose to bypass this for now and go to Kursk next turn. I’ve also sent some reinforcements to Kursk this turn too.

[jasonbroomer]

T11 AGC

With the sledgehammer so nicely warmed up last turn, we break from tradition and jump straight into the action in the centre

T11 AGC SoT prime the battering ram.png (2.82 MiB) Viewed 2017 times

Now that we are through the first line of Soviet defences, it is just a matter of pushing through a few fields to encircle Rzhev. Supply is beginning to strain in the centre but hopefully the still relatively high CPP will gain us sufficient momentum to bust through the defences this turn

Almost immediately we run into a stumbling block with an activation on an apparently lightly defended hex held by a single division, so trying again

T11 AGC Two failed attacks, killing my plans.png (2.35 MiB) Viewed 2017 times

we blow our attack to work our way around to the right of Rzhev. So we are obliged to try the other side

T11 AGC and another.png (2.01 MiB) Viewed 2017 times

Once again we hit an activation. This really isn't good and serves me right for being so economical with my attacking force. Brute strength is sometimes a requirement, so to improve my morale I commit Model's corps in a large attack near Vyazma

T11 AGC a victory at last.png (1.4 MiB) Viewed 2017 times

Not a great result, but a victory nevertheless

[jasonbroomer]

T11 AGC cont

so the Axis blows rain in, leaving the sector poised thus

T11 AGC EoT slow progress.png (3.47 MiB) Viewed 2012 times

Having fail to make a solid pocket around Rzhev but begin our preparations to take Vyamza next turn. All in all, pretty dispiriting stuff. Each turn we spend with a large formation in an extended position our supply difficulties grow. We must get the rail line to Vyazma and beyond established soon. A FBD is due any day now and we are preparin gdepots on the unrepaired line but at the moment only RADs are inching their way out of Smolensk.

Towards the bottom left, you can see a routed Axis unit. This was the one routed out of the marshes NE of Smolensk. It took a couple of turns to rally - very irritating and unusual. Its presence at the front was missed.

AGN


Our recon of the Leningrad shows what we already know

T11 AGN SoT Leningrad defended.png (1.7 MiB) Viewed 2012 times

the ground is lousy with Soviet formations. While this is depressing news for AGN, it is actually precisely what our strategy has been working for. The Axis have a panzer assault army and a single infantry division in this sector and they are doing a great job in tying down masses of Soviets.

So we blast our way through from the Narva, with luck on our side as even activations don't save the Red Army in their limited field fortifications.

T11 AGN At least we learn from AGC centre mistakes.png (1.41 MiB) Viewed 2012 times

Leaving the sector looking like this. While I may have screwed up my logistics in the centre and certainly feel that this way is a softer approach to Leningrad than approaching from the south through the Luga line.

T11 AGN EoT I should have removed that militia unit.png (2.56 MiB) Viewed 2012 times

I suspect that I should have routed the highlighted unit sitting in those heavy woods but at the time I assessed that it would have taken too much to dislodge even a militia unit that was entrenched.

[jasonbroomer]

T11 AGS

We continue to gradually push NE of Kiev to flatten the salient that has developed. In hindsight, I may have been better ignoring this sector entirely and looked to getting my FBD to Smolensk ASAP (two are in the south, one in this area and one improving lines in the rear). However, this salient was getting bigger and bigger and increasingly vulnerable to Soviet counterstrokes

T11 AGS a pecular retreat.png (1.77 MiB) Viewed 2003 times

I recorded this battle not for its importance but from the completely unexpected retreat route that the Soviets took. I wish I had some armour on hand to capitalise on the opportunity. Indeed this sector is something of the twilight zone with lots of unexpected events taking place

T11 AGS Roms shattering.png (2.31 MiB) Viewed 2003 times

as a division of Roms shatter a Soviet brigade in a marsh!

The main action lies with 1st Pz outside of Kharkov, where the Soviets appear to be making a stand. Perhaps they are not aware of the level of supplies and preparation available in the Axis formations. So we hit them once we have retreated them

T11 AGS Hit the Soviets when we get the opportunity.png (1.29 MiB) Viewed 2003 times

and hit them again time again with bloody effect

T11 AGS Hit the Soviets when we get the opportunity, again and again.png (1.66 MiB) Viewed 2003 times

[jasonbroomer]

T11 AGS

we didn't take much land in this turn

T11 AGS EoT Soviets gave blood to protect land.png (3.13 MiB) Viewed 1999 times

but the earth we took was blackened with Soviet blood.

Further south, the Crimea defences appear formidable

T11 AGS EoT it will take time to get through.png (907.58 KiB) Viewed 1999 times

There is no rush here and it will take time for a RAD to repair the rail south. So the 'Afrika Corps' turns north to capitalise on the undefended southern approaches to Stalino

T11 AGS EoT outflanking Stalino defences.png (1.78 MiB) Viewed 1999 times

As an extra bonus, this brought this corps within command radius of 1st Pz HQ, so it is rested just within our lines to prepare.

[jasonbroomer]

T11 Losses update

As noted in a earlier update, open TBs make this a game of attrition and the body count.., well counts. So far we have done a good job on consistently battering the Soviets

T11 SoT losses.png (628.08 KiB) Viewed 1993 times

This has so far managed to keep the Red army nicely compressed

T11 SoT.png (643.41 KiB) Viewed 1993 times

Despite the disappointments in the centre, turn 11 was something of a blood bath for the Soviet formations

T11 AGS EoT losses.png (368.02 KiB) Viewed 1993 times

[Veterin]

T11 Soviet

1

1.png (2.06 MiB) Viewed 1863 times

Slower progress than I expected on the Leningrad front but it looks like he consciously choose to not push further rather than not being able to. His panzers on the frontline are all high CPP and didn’t make any attacks last turn. I’ll likely have some more units pocketed next turn but I’ll try and balance that against the need to hold up the advance to Leningrad. There were ~35k losses from the isolated infantry on the southern end of Narva river. I was able to unisolate the pocket once so all the ZOC would have slowed him down marginally but I was never going to be able to free them permanently from the pocket.

2

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3

3.png (2.3 MiB) Viewed 1863 times

Rhev is encircled this turn but I’ll be able to temporary open it for 1 more turn. Once Rhev falls there is clear terrain in the immediate vicinity and he has plenty of options. He could head north to Kalinin to take the city and cut the double rails to Leningrad, he could head towards Moscow or most likely he could flank my defensive line to try and get me to fall back from my defensive position on the direct path to Moscow.

Rather than going for a wide flanking manoeuvre east of Smolensk looks like he’s chosen to prioritise Vyzama. Without Vyzama, his supply is a bit stretched.

[Veterin]

T11 Soviet Cont

4

4.png (1.44 MiB) Viewed 1862 times

Some very heavy Soviet losses around Kharkov with the city isolated this turn but it was unavoidable unless I abandoned Kharkov. If I did so, he’d be able to move to Kursk/Orel much faster though and I’ll have a similar challenge there of open terrain.

5

5.png (1.67 MiB) Viewed 1862 times

Will need to recon this area but it’s likely he’s moved his motorised elements away from Crimea and headed to Stalino as it’s more lightly defended.

6

6.png (1.25 MiB) Viewed 1862 times

Only 1 attack in Crimea and given that it looks like he hasn’t moved units up, I suspect he’s decided not to push for Crimea yet.

7

7.png (261.38 KiB) Viewed 1862 times

The issue I mentioned last turn on the depleted units now being minimum 50% Max TOE is still a pain as you can see my reserve forces continue to grow. A lot of this is genuine reserves but a part of it is manpower going into these units unintentionally. I managed to get 175k manpower into on map units this turn so that’s better atleast but the last 1-2 turns where I didn’t notice this issue a lot less went into on map units. Manpower in reserves means delays in getting strength on map where I need it most.

[Veterin]

T11 Soviet Cont

8.png (1.78 MiB) Viewed 1861 times

Back to the central front, I made 1 attack on the western flank so I could get my units in closer to hug the axis advance. Given I still hold Vyzama, his local depo most be somewhere just south of Vyzama so by doing this, I’m hoping I can create a lot of ZOC through the axis logistic phase, burning trucks and reducing supplies going to the spreadhead

9.png (1.82 MiB) Viewed 1861 times

10.png (1.9 MiB) Viewed 1861 times

Final positioning around the centre. Fair to say I’m in trouble and Moscow is at risk in 41 (and definitely in 42!). By next turn Axis forces would have likely cleared the Rhev area will be on open terrain. I think he’ll go north towards Kalinin as well as trying to envelop my frontline along the river rather than try and rush Moscow.

[jasonbroomer]

T12 AGN

We press on through a thicket of Soviets in the north. We get through to the second line without triggering any activations

T12 AGN Cleared way through level 2 fort line, no activations.png (1.84 MiB) Viewed 1855 times

so we press on routing them out of the way with our troops that our gradually degrading their combat power

T12 AGN Second line routed away.png (1.89 MiB) Viewed 1855 times

Note a mistake of mine in keeping the 1st RFSS (and indeed the 2nd) in this sector, when it should have been transferred to the Moscow front. SUs can be replenished back at OKH (in Berlin) so have lower supply requirements

With the weather once again is forecast to turn against us next turn, so we decide to press on and give the third line a little tickle with our panzers

T12 AGN third line tickled before weather changes.png (2.28 MiB) Viewed 1855 times

This results in an attractive array of broken Soviet formations in the back fields

[jasonbroomer]

T12 AGC

Vet makes an inspired move that severely hampers supply to my already supply deficient spearhead

T12 AGC SoT pesky Cv driven away, but caused truck and supply losses.png (2.15 MiB) Viewed 1852 times

Well worth the cost of a few thousand men.

I decide that this marsh hex must be taken despite all the relatively attractive open ground elsewhere

T12 AGC I decide that this marsh hex must be cleared.png (1.58 MiB) Viewed 1852 times

Ammo is becoming very short and I my need to pause my offensive at a critical juncture to allow supplies to be brought forward.

Central to this, we frontally assault Vyazma

T12 AGC Vyazma assaulted and irritating spam removed.png (1.64 MiB) Viewed 1852 times

and I intend to use this city as a super depot next turn.

[jasonbroomer]

T12 AGC cont

And our FBD finally makes its way to Vyazma. With Vet's successful cavalry incursions and my stretched troops, I am paranoid about protecting this vital railine

T12 AGC EoT FBD at Vyamza, paranoid about being cut off.png (3.02 MiB) Viewed 1845 times

Note that I have kept back a couple of SEC units from the T7 transfers to the Soviet Garrison TB. These units are useful in the Garrison TB as their CV counts double, however, they are cheap to supply and even broken down into regiments provide the same ZOC locks as a full strength division. This makes them very useful to protect rear areas.

Our grasp on Rzhev now appears secure

T12 AGC EoT Rzhev secured.png (1.25 MiB) Viewed 1845 times

But once again my forward units are ZOC locked so won't get much supply this turn. In hindsight I should have bitten the bullet and assaulted Rzhev frontally, even if I had to do it over the small river.

[jasonbroomer]

T12 AGS

In the south Kharkov is secured ready for assault next turn and we move on to threaten Kursk

T12 AGS EoT Kursk will have to be abandoned.png (3.16 MiB) Viewed 1842 times

Further south, I am unsure what Vet was trying to achieve with this incursion

T12 AGS SoT Soviets targeting planes.png (2.66 MiB) Viewed 1842 times

Possibly hoping to cut my rail (which wasn't in use) or possibly take the airport to kill a few planes on the ground. Anyway, this motorised division is locked up and Stalino positioned for capture next turn

T12 AGS EoT as will Stalino.png (1.85 MiB) Viewed 1842 times

Everything appears to be going to plan in the south

[jasonbroomer]

T12 AGS - Crimea

We may as well start our campaign in the Crimea this turn. I know that this will be a long slog through prepared defences. The first attack can only come through a single hex so we mass some of our best troops

T12 AGS a chancy attack.png (829.97 KiB) Viewed 1837 times

This is slightly chancy, especially as Vet will have many troops set on reserve. We positioned our forces to allow some activations of our own. We roll the dice...

T12 AGS we get through despite activations.png (1.52 MiB) Viewed 1837 times

A win but at significant cost (probably largely from the Rom guard division that was activated). If you want a division to act during in reserve activation, it is best if it hasn't moved (this isn't in the manual but appears to be far move significant than size). A good general is also helpful, especially when leading an important attack

Now for another mistake with my FBD rolling west (?!) from the Crimea

T12 AGS EoT Oops.png (2.09 MiB) Viewed 1837 times

missing out on connecting the dual rail line Fortunately we recognise our mistake and can place a RAD there so the FBD doesn't have to go back to correct it.

Another decent turn of thinning the Red Army

T12 AGS EoT losses.png (301.48 KiB) Viewed 1837 times

Note the limited losses of Axis AFVs

[Veterin]

T12 Soviet

1

1.png (1.58 MiB) Viewed 1757 times

Steady progress is being made by axis forces in this sector. I had a few triple stacks in the front that were pushed back with heavy losses but there were some battles that had more favourable loss ratios such as this one. I’ll need to shift fresh units from Novogorod/Luga area north and rotate with some of my weaker ones. I need to be careful he doesn’t pocket the units in the far western section by traversing between the mountains. The most likely path of advance though is directly east so I’ll continue to strengthen that area given there is a lot of good defensive terrain there.

I know the markets aren’t always accurate but Axis fuel/ammo/CPP looks low with moderate to high fatigue. Supply looks high though so a lot of that ammo will be replenished next turn. The rain has started so that should help with sapping some axis strength over the next few turns.

2

2.png (1.9 MiB) Viewed 1757 times

I was expecting a breakout to the clear terrain this turn but looks like it’s coming next turn. This was a turn of axis consolidating by pushing away my spam units and clearing critical hex with overwhelming axis firepower. 110k Axis units did the job and cleared me out of the swamp hex. About ~20k manpower isolated in Rzhev and I don’t think there will be anyway to relive them this turn.

3

3.png (1.8 MiB) Viewed 1757 times

Vyzama has been captured and this frees up the rails to his main spearhead at Rzhev.

4

4.png (1.64 MiB) Viewed 1757 times

Kharkov has been reisolated again. He’s made a lunge towards Kursk and I don’t have much strength in the area to slow it down. The Donnets has also been crossed south east of Kharkov however I don’t expect this to be a major advance, more just to try and unhinge my defence along the river line.

[Veterin]

T12 Soviet cont

5.png (2.21 MiB) Viewed 1756 times

Stalino will likely fall in the next 1-2 turns. There aren’t many axis forces here but there aren’t many soviets either

6.png (891.77 KiB) Viewed 1756 times

I actually thought Crimea would be bypassed but it looks like 11th army is still here to finish the job. Axis progress here is inevitable despite my forts/triple stacking with strong units as Soviets just can’t get enough firepower into one hex until they have more SUs or Corps sized units. Hoping to make this an expensive adventure for Axis forces with 2.5k killed and ~6k damaged. About half the axis losses from this battle are Romanians though so it doesn’t count!

7.png (1.24 MiB) Viewed 1756 times

8.png (281.1 KiB) Viewed 1756 times

Periodically I’m contesting the air through AS in some sectors. This turn I had a lot of my MIGs (longest range), based around Crimea as I wanted to have another go at the NP being run supplying Kherson. Lost a lot of MIGs but I can afford to do so and overall I’m happy with this trade.

[Veterin]

T12 Soviet Cont

9.png (1.65 MiB) Viewed 1755 times

End of turn positioning. I’m continuing to shift my defence to face the main threat from the west. I’ve got a lot of reinforcements to deploy this turn so I’ll send some to Leningrad as I’ve had to merge some rifle divisions to keep them as a viable defence.

10.png (1.55 MiB) Viewed 1755 times

Not sure if this was worth it or not but I attack Vyzama on mass. I saw he had a FBD there when I hugged it so I wanted to displace it as well as clear the deposit that was no doubt built on Vyzama last turn when captured. I want to do everything I can to stretch supply of the main axis forces near Rzhev. I’ll have enough MPs on the units to get in to a “safer” position but I’ll still be weaker on defence following this attack.

[M60A3TTS]

missing out on connecting the dual rail line Fortunately we recognise our mistake and can place a RAD there so the FBD doesn't have to go back to correct it.

You too, eh?

Don't beat yourself up over that. It's so easy to miss and there are other traps like this on the map where you think you have the required connection, but don't.

[jasonbroomer]

T13 Axis

Bad weather and the forecast is for it to spread.

T13 SoT Poor weather which is expected to spread across front.png (212.86 KiB) Viewed 1706 times

I have advanced deep into Russia across all three sectors, light mud is not going to help my supply system which is beginning to strain, nor with my offensive capabilities.

Vet has been irritating, as usual.

T13 SoT Lucky.png (2.15 MiB) Viewed 1706 times

I'm amazed that he was able to engineer an attack on Vyazma, this required a further attack to clear a route. I had considered the possibility so had enriched the division with SU battalions and provided it with rare air support. Even Model as general defending a city was not enough.

This is a real pain, the good news is that the FBD has been displaced to a depot on the dual rail line (circled). I will use it as a super depot this turn, though I suspect that it won't be as effective as Vyazma.

Also down in the south

T13 SoT A pain.png (1.78 MiB) Viewed 1706 times

Hmm, I keep been surprised by the offensive potency of the Soviets and this is costing me my momentum. I shall probably have to rest the isolated units this turn as they have lousy MPs.