Stalin's in the gulag, I'm in charge! II - vs 2ndACR (Axis)

[TulliusDetritus]

Yes, we updated to latest patch. It's a history thing though [:)] The truth is in the real war the Soviets could not launch a massive assault across the whole front, from the Baltic to the Black seas. The offensive was successful in Moscow area (the main blow against the most dangerous enemy units). But it was a fiasco in Leningrad... In my opinion a general assault IS ahistorical, that is why I will always stick to this rule [:)]

The Winter Offensive was a lesson to the Soviets. It showed the very poor coordination between different fronts. The Germans were trashed, yes, but mostly in Moscow area (the vital objective of the Soviets).

[Sabre21]

ORIGINAL: TulliusDetritus

Yes, we updated to latest patch. It's a history thing though [:)] The truth is in the real war the Soviets could not launch a massive assault across the whole front, from the Baltic to the Black seas. The offensive was successful in Moscow area (the main blow against the most dangerous enemy units). But it was a fiasco in Leningrad... In my opinion a general assault IS ahistorical, that is why I will always stick to this rule [:)]

The Winter Offensive was a lesson to the Soviets. It showed the very poor coordination between different fronts. The Germans were trashed, yes, but mostly in Moscow area (the vital objective of the Soviets).

In the games I've tested with 1.04 so far, i am only averaging 35 to 40 attacks as the Soviets during the blizzard with about a third failure rate. I'm seeing the same with some of the other aar's. If someone decides to make a hundred attacks, which is possible, they will end up with a 70% failure rate which doesn't do them any good.

With forts now being able to mitigate some of the blizzard effects, and with less of a morale loss per turn, german froces are quite capable of defending pretty well now come blizzard.

[TulliusDetritus]

On the last 3 or 4 turns I am making much more attacks. And MANY retreats. But of course he was VERY weak in the south, between Orel and Stalino (that's why I launched a Mud Offensive)... In the north and center that's another story: he is well entrenched (2-units stacks in many places with good fort levels). Most attacks would have been against the odds (they were not launched that is).

[TulliusDetritus]

[center]Turn 36[/center]
[center]19 february 1942[/center]

Come on, 2ndACR, blizzard is almost over. One more little push!

This turn I cannot advance in the Southwestern Front, which means he might save 2 infantry divisions I was planning to kill [:)] I attacked an adjacent hex, forcing its defenders to retreat but cannot advance and surround the 2 units.

33
Bryansk
Southwestern
Southern

34
Northwest
Bryansk
Southwestern

35
Southwestern
Southern

[TulliusDetritus]

Now I've got 36 Guards Rifle Divisions, which has to be a good thing.

[TulliusDetritus]

The two German divisions in Makeevka. 2ndACR keeps airdropping kartoffel and Iron Crosses... I guess I will not wait and attack this same turn. Or maybe not.

[TulliusDetritus]

The Red Army is apparently putting to good use the captured stuff.

[TulliusDetritus]

I'm way too impatient [:)] I attacked. 71 and 295 Infantry Divisions annihilated. Just like the other divisions I have destroyed he had attached them to OKH.

[TulliusDetritus]

In the Southwestern Front I cannot advance. One exception: there was a gap therefore a tank brigade advances [;)]

[Klydon]

What were your impressions of the Cav corps TD?

Outstanding winter offensive btw. Lot of guards units, which is one of the things the Russians want out of the winter. That should give you a good core of units to work with, especially when you can start assembly of infantry corps.

[TulliusDetritus]

ORIGINAL: Klydon

What were your impressions of the Cav corps TD?

Outstanding winter offensive btw. Lot of guards units, which is one of the things the Russians want out of the winter. That should give you a good core of units to work with, especially when you can start assembly of infantry corps.

Ah the Cavalry Corps. I am... very disappointed with them. But I am pretty certain this is due to my OWN INCOMPETENCE!

As you may remember I created 11 on the first december turn. Theoric offensive value: around 5 (which seems threatening). Real offensive value: very poor [:(] To my surprise I found out such corps (let's say 5=x) cannot defeat a lone German infantry division (let's say a miserable ant 1=1 [:D]). Infiltration duties? Almost zero value as well. A tank brigade is far far better.

I mentioned my own incompetence. Why? Because they were kept attached to Stavka... Had they been attached to Front Armies MAYBE their performance would have been much better.

In other words, I haven't used them correctly, I suspect [:)]

[Klydon]

Interesting. I was just curious on them. Did you take advantage of the fact you can attach support units to them to make them a bit tougher? Pioneers and probably tank battalions are the way to go I would think.

The thing I found with them is it is tough to rest them and let their fatigue drop down in order to get their really good mobility going again.

[Ketza]

My limited experience fighting the Calvary corps has shown them to be fairly easy to punch around and rather brittle.

They due tend to be squirm though the lines however which seems to be their main job.

[TulliusDetritus]

ORIGINAL: Klydon
Interesting. I was just curious on them. Did you take advantage of the fact you can attach support units to them to make them a bit tougher? Pioneers and probably tank battalions are the way to go I would think.

The thing I found with them is it is tough to rest them and let their fatigue drop down in order to get their really good mobility going again.

What I said! I am an utter incompetent! No, I haven't attached anything. I forgot I could do that LOL

Anyway (now trying), I only can attach AA Bns and Tricycle Regs (evil kids ride them though). Am I missing something?

Yes, Ketza, that has been my experience. Rather lousy units. I guess the future upgrades will strenghten them.

Still, I don't blame anyone of you (those who convinced me to form them) [:)] On this blizzard offensive I haven't used infiltration that much. I have basically pushed 2ndACR's forces. Suffice to say that I have almost totally ignored the Cavalry divisions as well (I have like 15). The tank brigades are the deal: lots of MPs.

[TulliusDetritus]

Ok. Attacks done. "Only" 37 retreats this turn. Far better than the december attacks but, less than the attacks made on the last 4 or 5 turns.

Active Fronts (only 2, remember):

Northwest
Southern

Leningrad attacks.

[TulliusDetritus]

Volkhov and Northwest (active, I advance) Fronts.

[TulliusDetritus]

Kalinin Front. Notice the high defensive value of 2ndACR's forces here [:)] Few attacks are possible.

[TulliusDetritus]

Western Front. Not advancing either.

[TulliusDetritus]

Bryansk Front. "Normality" is back. I pull back the 1st Shock and 43rd Armies.

[TulliusDetritus]

Southwestern Front, northern part (not advancing, except one tank brigade).