sveint (Axis) vs Hermann (Sov) - Axis PoV

[sveint]

Turn 76, 11/26/1942, Snow

Objective achieved at Velikie Luki. But what next?

[sveint]

Turn 78, 12/10/1942, Blizzard

Soviet winter offensive. It's rather spread out and not too menacing so far.

A single attack in the north by concentrated corps.

[sveint]

In the center: I will need reinforcements here, and fast.

[sveint]

In the south. I already have enough strength here to defend.

[sveint]

Counter-attack easily pushes back the Sovet mech and armor corps. We leave two small corridors open as a trap.

[sveint]

Turn 79, 12/17/1942, Blizzard

A single tank corps is better than nothing.

[sveint]

Turn 80, 12/24/1942, Blizzard

A single successful Soviet attack this week.

[sveint]

Turn 81, 12/31/1942, Blizzard

A couple of very profitable counter-attacks against tank/mech corps this week.

[sveint]

We blow a hole in the Soviet lines, but have no plans to exploit it in blizzard weather.

[M60A3TTS]

Nice attack, but I have to confess I'm baffled by the combat results of that last battle. You engaged a larger force, suffered trivial losses, but nailed a third of them, over 14k. Were they pre-schoolers?

[sveint]

I can only assume that the mech corps are completely raw. As the Soviets I wouldn't put them in harms way until they are better trained.

[sveint]

Turn 82, 1/7/1943, Blizzard

Soviet offensive continues. In the north they make no dent in our defense. In the center we once again knock back 6 (somewhat stronger) corps.

[sveint]

However in the south we face a real menace. Unknown to the Soviets (we hope), the 1st Panzer army arrives on the scene. Here we will not simply push back the Soviets but hope to lure them into a trap. The way west is weakened on purpose. Let's see how Hermann will react!

[sveint]

Turn 83, 1/14/1943, Blizzard

I'm not sure if he is taking the bait or not, the Soviet advance is rather slow.

[sveint]

Turn 85, 1/28/1943, Blizzard

The Soviets finally take the bait.

[sveint]

A nice pocket, although it might not hold. I think the winter of 1943 is too early for the Soviet to try this kind of direct breakthrough.

[krupp_88mm]

Wow how many AFV's in that pocket!!! 3000??!?!

[sveint]

Turn 86, 2/4/1943, Blizzard

More than 3500 tanks bagged. I was hoping to do more but there is no getting through piles of infantry corps in level 3 forts.

[sveint]

OOB

Soviet tank strength is destroyed, but their real strength lies in the infantry and artillery. And by the time they need armor for exploitation (1944?) they should have rebuilt.

[Mike13z50]

Ivan will be more cautious about sticking his nose out next time. That should help slow him down in the future.