1.04 The Wolf and the Bear (no Gids)

[Tarhunnas]

Map after German moves. The fight is tough, but I believe we can finish off the larger encirclement as well.

[Tarhunnas]

While the stranglehold on the Soviet forces at Ryazan is increasing in strength, some withdrawals are made on the rest of the southern front to free up forces to reinforce the decicive battle.

[Tarhunnas]

Turn 108. July 1 1943.

The grind around Ryazan continues. Map after German moves.

[Tarhunnas]

Turn 109. July 8 1943.

The Soviets broke the encirclement, and we reestablish it again. Feels like the same thing over and over again...

Map after Axis moves.

[Flaviusx]

Why are you on the offensive?

[Tarhunnas]

ORIGINAL: Flaviusx

Why are you on the offensive?

It is my nature. [8D]

[Flaviusx]

Don't just do something, stand there.

[JAMiAM]

ORIGINAL: Flaviusx

Don't just do something, stand there.

Well...where's the fun in that?[:D]

[Tarhunnas]

ORIGINAL: JAMiAM

ORIGINAL: Flaviusx

Don't just do something, stand there.

Well...where's the fun in that?[:D]

Exactly! [:)]

[Tarhunnas]

Turn 110. July 15 1943.

Another round at Ryazan! This time I have a three deep wall for the encirclement. Lets see if that works...

A little subsidiary breakthrough hitting a weak spot in the Soviet lines north of Lipetsk unfortunately got stuck without breaking clean through.

[Tarhunnas]

Losses turn 110. Soviet losses pass the 11 million mark.

[Ketza]

Wow what a fight.

[Tarhunnas]

Turn 111.

I tire of trying to isolate those Soviet divisions, I rout them out instead, so that I can establish a clear frontline, and rest my panzers. Most of the mobile units are pulled back behind the front for some R&R.

[kfmiller41]

if being on the offensive prevents the Russian player from doing it, then it is worth doing. Make him react instead of setting the tone and the war will last much longer. The one downside is casualties, German manpower is going to plummet later on if your losses stay on this pace. Just my humble opinion based on my late war game as Russia[&o].

[Tarhunnas]

Turn 112.

The Soviets are stepping up their attacks along the Southern front. Here is the front from Tambov and south before Axis moves.

Edit: Note that a withdrawal to the Donets is being prepared, but we haven't told the troops yet.

[Tarhunnas]

A nasty almost-encirclement east of Boguchar.

[Tarhunnas]

And a map after German moves. The mobile troops are being rested in the second line. A couple of armor divisions have been transferred south, where Soviet pressure is evidently growing.

[Tarhunnas]

Turn 113. August 12 1943. Clear.

The Soviets are attacking in force all over the southern front. Overview of the front from Tula and south showing Soviet attacks.

[Tarhunnas]

Army Group A has, on the insistence of the Fuhrer, been holding a bridgehead south of the Don opposite Rostov "in preparation for the resumption of offensive opreations in the southern direction". However, after an acrimonious debate at the Wolfsschanze, AGA has been given permission to withdraw north of the river.

[Tarhunnas]

The south after Axis moves. A brave division of our Hungarian comrades in arms was cut off east of Boguchar, but despite strenous efforts by our panzer forces (2 attacks actually) it proved impossible to open a supply route. The Fuhrer has spent the night in sleepless dejection, mortified that we cannot free the brave Hungarians.

Other than that little mishap, things are looking good. Fallback positions are being prepared, shown by yellow lines on the map below, with an intermediate line in dashed yellow.