1.04 The Wolf and the Bear (no Gids)

[Tarhunnas]

It was some time since I posted production, so I add that for the benefit of future scholars. Filtered to Germany.

[Tarhunnas]

And the number of Rifle squads, as that was an issue in the past.

[Apollo11]

Hi all,

ORIGINAL: Tarhunnas

Southern half of front after Axis moves. 2d Panzer Army breaks through to the sothwest and cuts the railway between Rostov and Stalingrad. The situation is beginning to look precarious for the Soviet forces in the Donbass. Now I have a new conundrum. Turn right and head for Rostov to cut off the Soviet southern front, or turn left to take Stalingrad?

I suspect though, that STAVKA might be withdrawing the Southern Front to Rostov...

Rostov! [8D]


Leo "Apollo11"

[Klydon]

I agree with Leo on Rostov. The only reason you are headed for Stalingrad is the industry there and he can move that. You don't mind a stretched front, but not that much.

Getting to Rostov (and just to the south if you can swing it) is also the activation trigger to bring in AG A and B. (This happens regardless in 1943, but given the overload situation, I would think sooner is better). Going for Rostov also will result in a shorten line for you eventually not to mention trapping more Russians.

Finally, Rostov keeps you on mission: destruction of Russian counters if you can get any type of encirclement.

[Tarhunnas]

ORIGINAL: Klydon

I agree with Leo on Rostov. The only reason you are headed for Stalingrad is the industry there and he can move that. You don't mind a stretched front, but not that much.

Getting to Rostov (and just to the south if you can swing it) is also the activation trigger to bring in AG A and B. (This happens regardless in 1943, but given the overload situation, I would think sooner is better). Going for Rostov also will result in a shorten line for you eventually not to mention trapping more Russians.

Finally, Rostov keeps you on mission: destruction of Russian counters if you can get any type of encirclement.

Hmm, maybe you're right. But Stalingrad is somehow... symbolic. But maybe I wouldn't have much fun in Stalingrad... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGRpPGRZ1pE

[Q-Ball]

I have to agree on Rostov; he is probably already moving or has moved all the industry in Stalingrad, which accomplishes the objective of disrupting production there.

If he has any reserves at all, they can easily hold you up along the Don by Kalach. Maybe he doesn't, but chances are you can fall short.

Turn toward Rostov, the worst that can happen is that he pulls out of that bulge, uncovering alot of population and straightening your line.

[Tarhunnas]

Turn 66. Sepember 17 1942.

Why settle for one objective when you can try for two at the same time? What could possibly go wrong? [;)]

Soviet defenses are weak and 2d Panzer Army goes for Rostov, while 1st and 4th aim for Stalingrad. There is still a substantial amount of industry there.

I am surprised STAVKA isn't reacting to the threat against Rostov, but maybe Stalingrad has gotten all the attention...

The units on trains south of Stalino are reinforcements sent to the area in preparation for a push east to connect with 2d Panzer Army.

[Tarhunnas]

Turn 67. September 24 1942.

1st and 4th Panzer Armies have battled their way to the suburbs of Stalingrad.

Meanwhile, 2d Panzer Army breaks through to the west, encircling Rostov to the north and south. Once the start to meneuver, the Soviet forces in the Donbass seem like an empty shell, they are falling apart. Hungarian armor break through in the north, while 11th Army makes a break in the front at Stalino. Here resistance is stubborn however, and there is no breakthrough to contact 2d Panzer Army.

[Tarhunnas]

Closeup of the Stalingrad area. A brave but pitifully weak Panzer Division has cut the rail connections to the east.

Both armies are exhausted, note low CV of units on both sides.

[Tarhunnas]

The rail situation is good. I have not used buildup at all during 1942. The mobile divisions usually have 30-40 MP anyway, except for the last two turns, when distance to railheads is beginning to tell.

[Tarhunnas]

Losses and OOB after Axis turn 67 (I forgot to look at the beginning of the turn, then looked twice, thats why everything is 0. I really wish they could make that window better).

[Tarhunnas]

A closeup of the situation at Rostov. The Italian motorized division has pleaded to be allowed to lead the offensive, so they have been given the chance. Any bets on how that will end...?

[Apollo11]

Hi all,

ORIGINAL: Tarhunnas

Why settle for one objective when you can try for two at the same time? What could possibly go wrong? [;)]

Soviet defenses are weak and 2d Panzer Army goes for Rostov, while 1st and 4th aim for Stalingrad. There is still a substantial amount of industry there.

I am surprised STAVKA isn't reacting to the threat against Rostov, but maybe Stalingrad has gotten all the attention...

This total catastrophe for the Soviets... of epic proportions... simply can't understand why they were not withdrawn when the Rostov become endangered... [X(]

I think this might be path to total victory (plus if you managed to catch industry in Stalingrad - with rails cut it can't get evacuated right now)! [:D]


Leo "Apollo11"

[Flaviusx]

The Red Army is being woefully mismanaged here.

[Apollo11]

Hi all,

ORIGINAL: Flaviusx

The Red Army is being woefully mismanaged here.

Yep... but there are still millions of them (even after the latest huge pockets are cleared)! [;)]

It will be very interesting fight! [:D]


Leo "Apollo11"

[Tarhunnas]

ORIGINAL: Flaviusx

The Red Army is being woefully mismanaged here.

I agree, more could have been done on the Soviet side in the last few turns. I would have withdrawn the forces in the Donbass a couple of turns ago. I think STAVKA might be somewhat dejected, considering the heavy blows of summer.

[Klydon]

You are very close to triggering AG A and B activation. Need a couple of the villages to the south and east of Rostov. May want to check the manual on that. [;)]

[Tarhunnas]

ORIGINAL: Klydon

You are very close to triggering AG A and B activation. Need a couple of the villages to the south and east of Rostov. May want to check the manual on that. [;)]

Actually, I did. If I am not mistaken I have just captured exactly those villages. [:)]

But I think I have to hold them during the end of the Soviet turn.

[Tarhunnas]

Turn 68. October 1 1942.

The panzers are closing up on Stalingrad. Menawhile on the Rostov front 11th Army has broken through and joined up with 2d Panzer Army, and the Donbass pocket is beginning to look more solid. Taganrog has been captured, so there will be no sea supply.

The Soviets have been active on the northern flank. The effects of a breakthrough by two tank corps can be seen north of Boguchar. They were routed, but unfortunately they broke the rail line. That northern flank is a headache. I am using every unit I have, to the point that there are only single divisions allo the way up to Ladoga on the rest of the front.

One more turn of probably clear weather, then there will very likely be mud. Will I be able to take Stalingrad, or will the rasputitsa once again save Mother Russia?

[Tarhunnas]

Here is a map of the entire front.

My reflection is that despite a very successful 1941 summer, a mild winter and a very successful 1942 summer offensive, I am nowhere near capturing the territory taken by the Germans in the historical 1942 summer offensive.