1st Panzer Long Campaign AAR

[Enigma6584]

Well done sir! A most excellent AAR. Very enjoyable.

[FNG]

The second battle in the campaign is another assault, this time through a village. I have been given three Pz Kpfw IIs, two panzer grenadier squads and one 50mm mortar team as support. The plan has been as follows:

HQ and Pz Kpfw III platoons push through the centre, while three panzer grenadier squads leapfrog through the buildings, supported by the 50mm mortar. Pz Kpfw IV platoon to find and engage known Soviet armour (T-26s) on the right, supported by two panzer grenadier squads and a Pz Kpfw II. Recon platoon and two attached Pz Kpfw IIs to go wide left to threaten the objective.

We join the action in turn 14 after most of the village is secure. A number of T-26s have been destroyed on the right, where 76mm infantry guns have also been spotted. The Soviet infantry has had a rough time of it due to little anti-tank support.

The red line shows the path of the advance so far:

[FNG]

In the centre, the HQ and Pz III platoon over-run the infantry resistance.

[FNG]

The Pz IV platoon advances on the right, still wary after being attacked by at least two 76mm infantry guns. One has definitely been knocked out but there may be survivors...

[FNG]

On the left, the Pz IIs have run into at least two T-26s and the commander of one panzer has been killed before they make it into cover behind a building.

[rickier65]

thanks for this AAR. I'm really enjoying reading these. It looks like you're taking some losses now though. For your sake, I hope they get recovered at the end.

Thanks!
rick

[FNG]

Back on the right, two attached panzer grenadier squads secure the flank of the Pz IV platoon. They are calling in artillery fire on the copse where the Soviet infantry guns were spotted.

[FNG]

One of the pesky T-26s has been spotted and given the appropriate treatment:

[FNG]

Thanks Rick!

Hopefully all the AARs will convince the fence-sitters to make the jump into PCO

[Mad Russian]

Nicely done. Taking out enemy tanks in a village can be difficult at times.

What did you think of this map?

Good Hunting.

MR

[FNG]

I really like this map - the village allows you to deploy and advance your infantry in cover, but can also hide some unpleasant surprises as the next set of screenshots will show! The variety of woods and open ground in other areas of the map is challenging because you frequently lose contact with enemy units, but certainly keeps things exciting.

[FNG]

Ah ha - the Soviet infantry have managed to rustle up some anti-tank defence.

[FNG]

More Soviet infantry, mostly rifle squads but with some flamethrowers and anti-tank rifles, push up towards the objective.

[FNG]

One of the risks of limited infantry support in urban areas becomes apparent as the lead Pz Kpfw IIIG is in danger of being close assaulted.

[FNG]

Full reverse!

[FNG]

One of the problems caused by grass and woods - disappearing infantry targets (the grey lines showing where targets are no longer visible).

[FNG]

One of our panzer grenadier squads is taken in cross-fire by a Maxim HMG and a 50mm mortar - man down!

[FNG]

The maxim is spotted by a panzer and fired upon, while the rest of the Pz IIIs hold the village and engage advancing Soviet infantry. On the right, the Pz IV platoon continues to find and kill Soviet infantry.

[FNG]

Our infantry on the right comes under fire from units trying to flank the Pz IV platoon.

[FNG]

On the left, our Pz IIs break cover to support the main attack. This screen shot shows the difference between the buttoned and un-buttoned icons.