Persistence is a virtue - Encircled (sov) vs Kamil (Axis)

[KamilS]

turn 8 - movement

In the north I adopted more defensive approach while trying to enlarge my bridgehead across Velikaya river. That is maximum what I may hope achieve with current strength I have at my disposal there.

AGC in that turn slowly grinded forward. Pocket was sealed, and that time for good (I think). Infantry in the north faced really tough opposition, while tanks in the south lacked strength to pierce through much weaker Soviet forces.

Overall, as usual situation doesn't look good. If nothing changes soon, it will be bad. Fortunatelly there was as well AGS, and contrary to developments in the north and centre there were positives.


Infantry attack near Kiev was repulsed, but thanks to success in the east it wasn't too important.

I was presented opportunity. Encircled's divisions screening Bazavluk river didn't cover Dnepr completely and carefully attacked were brushed aside. Thanks to HQ build up done in previous turn I got means to exploit it. I pushed my panzers as far as I could, securing bridgehead across Dnepr and destroying Soviet factories in Poltava.

[KamilS]

centre (8 end)

[KamilS]

south (8 end)

[KamilS]

captured industry

[KamilS]

casualties (8 end)

[KamilS]

Turn 9 - start

In the north AGN is forces into retread. Hope of holding positions next to rivers Velikaya and Sinkyaya was shattered by multiple successful soviet attacks. Either I will reinforce 18 Army or I will be forced to retreat behind Daugava river.

AGC will face another tough week. Encircled withdrew his units to next line of defence. It is protected by forests and rivers and got enough depth to contain my attacks.

Developments in the south were much more interesting. Most of Soviet forces in area were moved east to counter my thrust towards Poltava. Encircled's defence look relatively week, terrain favours attacker and he didn't have time to dig in. My only, but big problem is lack of infantry support, what lower my chances of important breakthrough. Nevertheless I will try to push him hard hoping for rout.

[KamilS]

centre (9 start)

[KamilS]

south (9 start)

[KamilS]

Turn 9 - end

Reality caught up with me, reinforcing AGN became inevitable, so I sent 2 divisions hoping it will be enough to keep me safe without weakening me elsewhere. Shall see.

AGC was once again involved in heavy fighting. Progress of infantry was very slow, many attacks had to be deliberate, moreover I could not employ all of my forces because of Smolensk garrision. Fortunately I was more successful in southern part of central front. Encircled's defences were much weaker there, so my relatively weak forces were able to brush his units aside, and penetrate beyond Desna river. It will widen Soviet front considerably and speed up my progress in next turns. I hope.

In the south panzers were finally supported by infantry. It was limited contribution, but enabled me to penetrate deeply. Established corridor is wide and strong enough to provide front units with supply and speed up arrival of approaching infantry. I completely ignored Encircled's forces elsewhere. Achieved breakthrough brought me one more prise - thanks to forested areas around city majority of Kharkov's industry will probably be destroyed. Unfortunately tanks factory has been already evacuated.

Nevertheless it was good turn.

[KamilS]

centre (9 end)

[KamilS]

south (9 end)

[KamilS]

kharkov industry

[KamilS]

casualties (9 end)

[KamilS]

Turn 10 - start

Contrary to my expectations Encircled's activity in the north wasn't diversion. It started to develop in full-scale assault and recent reinforcements (2 divisions) didn't change balance of forces in my favour. I will have to sent more valuable troops to contain that threat.

In AGC area situation wasn't favourable either. Once again supplies of panzer forces were cut off. Encircled was much more cautious in part of his front directly opposite to my advancing infantry and sensibly withdrawn his units to next defensive line.

In the south brief spell of disorganised soviet resistance came to the end. Once again I will face organised opposition.

[KamilS]

centre (10 start)

[KamilS]

south (10 start)

[KamilS]

Turn 10 - end

In the north Soviet hordes seem infinite. In previous turns AGN grew to relatively decent strength - overall 12 divisions (excluding 2 security units) but it still not enough. grrr

Surprisingly for me my progress in the centre speeded up. Several infantry divisions were sent to Bryansk area. That move will increase impact of initial attack of my panzer forces.

In the south only half of my motorised units were involved in combat- they spearheaded thrust to the east. Rest was rested while their HQ built up supplies. I think AGS is in good situation. Created opening gives me opportunity to strike either north or east, and thanks to arriving infantry blow should be strong enough to give tanks opportunity for creating decent pocket.

[KamilS]

centre (10 end)

[KamilS]

south (10 end)

[KamilS]

Odessa (10 end)