Rzhev-Kaluga
Orel
Stalino
The Zhukov-less Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
Moderators: Joel Billings, Sabre21
RE: The Zhukov Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
North
Rzhev-Kaluga
Orel
Stalino
Rzhev-Kaluga
Orel
Stalino
RE: The Zhukov Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
looks like Dave is being very annoying [;)], giving just enough ground to stop you putting in much pressure but only slowly falling back?
in your industrial report, why are you spending admin pts on disbands of the LB regiments? I can understand moving the factories etc, but if the unit sits in the reserve it takes no supply/fuel (or am I wrong about that?) and unlike in WiTW its not as if the pilots are then available for other units (or is that another misunderstanding?)
in your industrial report, why are you spending admin pts on disbands of the LB regiments? I can understand moving the factories etc, but if the unit sits in the reserve it takes no supply/fuel (or am I wrong about that?) and unlike in WiTW its not as if the pilots are then available for other units (or is that another misunderstanding?)
RE: The Zhukov Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
Yes, it is annoying and further reduces wins needed for guards units.
It doesn't cost APs to disband air units, only to buy them. Eventually my active bomber force will be 95-100% tactical air.
It doesn't cost APs to disband air units, only to buy them. Eventually my active bomber force will be 95-100% tactical air.
RE: The Zhukov Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
8-14 January 1942 (30th week of the war)
Orel falls to Grechko’s 37th Army. Attacks are successful against individual Finnish divisions, but across the Western and Northwest Fronts things have stalemated through a series of unsuccessful attacks. Comrade Stalin expressed his great displeasure at this latest turn of events and instructed Army Commissar of the 1st Rank Lev Mekhlis to go to the Northwest Front and determine where failure lays. This cannot be a good sign of things to come. I am to consult with General Armii Meretskov on progress of the Western Front and determine what steps need to be taken to push forward again.
The Industrial Council reported that the last of the Moscow factories has departed for the Urals.
Orel falls to Grechko’s 37th Army. Attacks are successful against individual Finnish divisions, but across the Western and Northwest Fronts things have stalemated through a series of unsuccessful attacks. Comrade Stalin expressed his great displeasure at this latest turn of events and instructed Army Commissar of the 1st Rank Lev Mekhlis to go to the Northwest Front and determine where failure lays. This cannot be a good sign of things to come. I am to consult with General Armii Meretskov on progress of the Western Front and determine what steps need to be taken to push forward again.
The Industrial Council reported that the last of the Moscow factories has departed for the Urals.
RE: The Zhukov Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
15-21 January 1942 (31st week of the war)
Attacks continue with some local success but more setbacks. The low level of enemy casualties in the summer and fall period combined with returning reinforcements in this winter period has allowed them to now hold positions across much of the front. Nightly briefings are becoming more tense as Comrade Stalin continues to vent his frustrations at the lack of progress in the area of the Western Front.
Attacks continue with some local success but more setbacks. The low level of enemy casualties in the summer and fall period combined with returning reinforcements in this winter period has allowed them to now hold positions across much of the front. Nightly briefings are becoming more tense as Comrade Stalin continues to vent his frustrations at the lack of progress in the area of the Western Front.
RE: The Zhukov Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
22-29 January 1942 (32nd week of the war)
The Germans are continuing to recover from their earlier winter losses and now counterattacking in a number of places. Our troops achieve some local victories but nothing decisive that will permit a breakthrough.
Our southern forces are 50 kilometers from Kharkov.
We continue to control half of the Crimea.
The Volga Military District reports 25 tank brigades in training.
Karelia
Kalinin Front
Western Front
Kharkov
Crimea
losses
production
The Germans are continuing to recover from their earlier winter losses and now counterattacking in a number of places. Our troops achieve some local victories but nothing decisive that will permit a breakthrough.
Our southern forces are 50 kilometers from Kharkov.
We continue to control half of the Crimea.
The Volga Military District reports 25 tank brigades in training.
Karelia
Kalinin Front
Western Front
Kharkov
Crimea
losses
production
RE: The Zhukov Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
30 January- 4 February 1942 (33rd week of the war)
We continue to have local success in the far north against the Finns and in the south near Stalino. In the area between Bryansk and Kharkov, the enemy falls back where they can afford to give ground. It is clear they will retain control of both cities. Meanwhile we are holding a line 100 miles west of Moscow but face a strongly entrenched enemy that cannot be dislodged.
Army Commissar Mekhlis reported to the State Committee for Defense that the commanders of the Northwest Front show a lack of what he calls " a willingness to expend mens lives for the accomplishment of the missions at hand." Marshal Budyonny as Front Commander in response has scoffed at this claim, countering that the STAVKA has failed to provide adequate forces to support him. Total nonsense.
We continue to have local success in the far north against the Finns and in the south near Stalino. In the area between Bryansk and Kharkov, the enemy falls back where they can afford to give ground. It is clear they will retain control of both cities. Meanwhile we are holding a line 100 miles west of Moscow but face a strongly entrenched enemy that cannot be dislodged.
Army Commissar Mekhlis reported to the State Committee for Defense that the commanders of the Northwest Front show a lack of what he calls " a willingness to expend mens lives for the accomplishment of the missions at hand." Marshal Budyonny as Front Commander in response has scoffed at this claim, countering that the STAVKA has failed to provide adequate forces to support him. Total nonsense.
RE: The Zhukov Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
ah, Mekhlis really was such a nice man wasn't he [;)] .. and so competent
RE: The Zhukov Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
5-11 February 1942 (34th week of the war)
Much the same level of activity, but the number of German counterattacks is increasing. Their troops are no doubt recovering from the initial injuries caused by the severe weather.
One spot of good news is that forces from Koroteev’s 23rd Army and Sokolovsky’s 28th Army of Leningrad Front have pushed the Finns back and are on the western bank of the Volkhov.
The first group of three combined air division bases (SAD) is disbanded.
Our Rear Area Services reported this week that 322,376 vehicles support the logistics of our army. Of these, over 76,000 are currently under repair. The truck fleet is some 30,000 less since the start of severe winter operations mainly due to losses while performing resupply missions.
The Industrial Council reported that the last of the factories of Stalingrad have been evacuated to the Urals.
Much the same level of activity, but the number of German counterattacks is increasing. Their troops are no doubt recovering from the initial injuries caused by the severe weather.
One spot of good news is that forces from Koroteev’s 23rd Army and Sokolovsky’s 28th Army of Leningrad Front have pushed the Finns back and are on the western bank of the Volkhov.
The first group of three combined air division bases (SAD) is disbanded.
Our Rear Area Services reported this week that 322,376 vehicles support the logistics of our army. Of these, over 76,000 are currently under repair. The truck fleet is some 30,000 less since the start of severe winter operations mainly due to losses while performing resupply missions.
The Industrial Council reported that the last of the factories of Stalingrad have been evacuated to the Urals.
RE: The Zhukov Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
12-18 February 1942 (35th week of the war)
Kalinin and Northwest Fronts are attempting to isolate Rzhev, but the enemy appears capable of holding the city for several more weeks. Meanwhile our window of opportunity for any offensive action is closing rapidly with improving weather conditions.
In recognition of his capture of Tula, Mikhail Efremov, 21st Army commander, has been promoted to General-Polkovnik.
Localized attacks are taking place on both sides, but the Germans seem to be getting the better of us. Comrade Stalin insists that more decisive action in the area of Kharkov could have resulted in the liberation of the city. Many of us have difficulty arriving at that conclusion given the substantial numbers of Germans returning to their active roster.
62nd Army forming outside Moscow under Gen-Maior Beloborodov consisting of 8 rifle divisions and 1 rifle brigade.
Rzhev
Kalinin and Northwest Fronts are attempting to isolate Rzhev, but the enemy appears capable of holding the city for several more weeks. Meanwhile our window of opportunity for any offensive action is closing rapidly with improving weather conditions.
In recognition of his capture of Tula, Mikhail Efremov, 21st Army commander, has been promoted to General-Polkovnik.
Localized attacks are taking place on both sides, but the Germans seem to be getting the better of us. Comrade Stalin insists that more decisive action in the area of Kharkov could have resulted in the liberation of the city. Many of us have difficulty arriving at that conclusion given the substantial numbers of Germans returning to their active roster.
62nd Army forming outside Moscow under Gen-Maior Beloborodov consisting of 8 rifle divisions and 1 rifle brigade.
Rzhev
RE: The Zhukov Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
19-25 February 1942 (36th week of the war)
Little change from the previous week as our strategic winter offensive has almost run its course.
26 February- 4 March 1942 (37th week of the war)
General Leitenant Konev and his 24th Army launches a pair of successive attacks against the German 6th Tank Division at Rzhev and drives them from the city.
Four of our rifle divisions are awarded guards titles.
The Red Army is now at 6.76 million men vs. 3.83 German. Our losses since the start of the war have reached 3.26 million compared to 608,000 Axis. Half our losses come from troops captured by the Fascists. In artillery, we now possess 76,100 tubes vs. 37,800 German.
Our air losses since the start of the war are now over 6,500 vs. 1,400 Axis. Air-to-Air losses favor the Germans by about 4-1. Losses due to anti-aircraft fire favor the Germans by 2.5-1.
865,260 men were mobilized in the first two months of this year.
Rzhev
Little change from the previous week as our strategic winter offensive has almost run its course.
26 February- 4 March 1942 (37th week of the war)
General Leitenant Konev and his 24th Army launches a pair of successive attacks against the German 6th Tank Division at Rzhev and drives them from the city.
Four of our rifle divisions are awarded guards titles.
The Red Army is now at 6.76 million men vs. 3.83 German. Our losses since the start of the war have reached 3.26 million compared to 608,000 Axis. Half our losses come from troops captured by the Fascists. In artillery, we now possess 76,100 tubes vs. 37,800 German.
Our air losses since the start of the war are now over 6,500 vs. 1,400 Axis. Air-to-Air losses favor the Germans by about 4-1. Losses due to anti-aircraft fire favor the Germans by 2.5-1.
865,260 men were mobilized in the first two months of this year.
Rzhev
RE: The Zhukov Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
5-11 March 1942 (38th week of the war)
The severe winter conditions have relented and the Germans have begun attacks in the Moscow and Kursk regions. There is mainly an effort on their part to push us back in the north while surrounding units in the south. Over 44,000 of our soldiers are trapped in a sac 100 kilometers west of Kursk. These are mainly from Southwestern Front but also includes a cavalry corps from 1st Shock Army.
General-Leytenant Vatutin is transferred from command of 8th Army on Northwest Front to 39th Army near Moscow. 39th Army consists of eight guards rifle divisions formed from numerous airborne brigades.
63rd Army under General-Maior Sergei Biryuzov is formed to the south of Rostov. It receives four guards rifle divisions and one regular rifle division from various armies of Crimea Front.
General-Maior Ivan Mikhailovich Chistyakov replaces General-Maior Kuzma Podlas as commander of 40th Army, Crimea Front. 40th Army has to date had reasonable success against the weaker German forces operating in this area. note: It is also where I am managing my attempt to create guards divisions
The severe winter conditions have relented and the Germans have begun attacks in the Moscow and Kursk regions. There is mainly an effort on their part to push us back in the north while surrounding units in the south. Over 44,000 of our soldiers are trapped in a sac 100 kilometers west of Kursk. These are mainly from Southwestern Front but also includes a cavalry corps from 1st Shock Army.
General-Leytenant Vatutin is transferred from command of 8th Army on Northwest Front to 39th Army near Moscow. 39th Army consists of eight guards rifle divisions formed from numerous airborne brigades.
63rd Army under General-Maior Sergei Biryuzov is formed to the south of Rostov. It receives four guards rifle divisions and one regular rifle division from various armies of Crimea Front.
General-Maior Ivan Mikhailovich Chistyakov replaces General-Maior Kuzma Podlas as commander of 40th Army, Crimea Front. 40th Army has to date had reasonable success against the weaker German forces operating in this area. note: It is also where I am managing my attempt to create guards divisions
RE: The Zhukov Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
12-18 March 1942 (39th week of the war)
Strong German attacks are unleashed against the Bryansk Front, north and south of Kursk. Orel has been surrounded as well by German tank forces. Comrade Stalin is demanding immediate counterattacks in the area, but Bryansk Front commander General Leitenant Remezov warns that our forces are outmatched.
In the last few weeks I have been with the Western Front trying to get them on the move again but have had admittedly little success due to strong German defenses. On the 18th, a new development. Army Commissar Mekhlis has appeared at the Front HQ on Stalin's instruction to serve as an independent observer and to "lend assistance as a political commissar, as the need arises." That I was not warned he was arriving is disturbing enough. What assistance he might propose to provide- unclear.
Strong German attacks are unleashed against the Bryansk Front, north and south of Kursk. Orel has been surrounded as well by German tank forces. Comrade Stalin is demanding immediate counterattacks in the area, but Bryansk Front commander General Leitenant Remezov warns that our forces are outmatched.
In the last few weeks I have been with the Western Front trying to get them on the move again but have had admittedly little success due to strong German defenses. On the 18th, a new development. Army Commissar Mekhlis has appeared at the Front HQ on Stalin's instruction to serve as an independent observer and to "lend assistance as a political commissar, as the need arises." That I was not warned he was arriving is disturbing enough. What assistance he might propose to provide- unclear.
RE: The Zhukov Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
ORIGINAL: M60A3TTS
Four of our rifle divisions are awarded guards titles.
what is your overall conversion count to Guards?
RE: The Zhukov Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
A total of 27, including those from converting airborne brigades.
RE: The Zhukov Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
ORIGINAL: M60A3TTS
A total of 27, including those from converting airborne brigades.
not too bad given how much Dave has tried to limit your opportunities. So 14 Gds rifle corps should give you 3-4 armies with some real power and the ability to form a couple of reserve groupings?
RE: The Zhukov Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
14 guards rifle corps won't significantly alter the landscape of 1942. I assign some to army commanders that could use wins to get promotions so eventually they can move to front commands.
RE: The Zhukov Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
19-25 March 1942 (40th week of the war)
German attacks continue in the Bryansk Front area as the ground remains firm for mobile operations. 37th Army of Bryansk Front under General Grechko is coming under particularly heavy punishment. The Germans clearly have massed armor and air forces in order to drive in the direction of Tula. In the evening briefings, Stalin continues to demand more counterattacks in the area that we are simply incapable of mounting. On the area of the Crimea Front, General Chistyakov and his 40th Army continue local counterattacks. Our intelligence indicates the Germans have allocated only a single tank corps to the area south of Kharkov.
note: This army on the far southern side of the line is being used for guards farming
In reviewing the various army combat reports, the 40th Army showed considerable success against the enemy in their area of operations. Among the divisions having considerable success was the 44th Rifle which sounded familiar for some reason. I had to review my earlier entries before realizing that was Colonel Chernyakhovsky's division, newly formed only early this winter. He is still having success and is worth keeping an eye on.
German attacks continue in the Bryansk Front area as the ground remains firm for mobile operations. 37th Army of Bryansk Front under General Grechko is coming under particularly heavy punishment. The Germans clearly have massed armor and air forces in order to drive in the direction of Tula. In the evening briefings, Stalin continues to demand more counterattacks in the area that we are simply incapable of mounting. On the area of the Crimea Front, General Chistyakov and his 40th Army continue local counterattacks. Our intelligence indicates the Germans have allocated only a single tank corps to the area south of Kharkov.
note: This army on the far southern side of the line is being used for guards farming
In reviewing the various army combat reports, the 40th Army showed considerable success against the enemy in their area of operations. Among the divisions having considerable success was the 44th Rifle which sounded familiar for some reason. I had to review my earlier entries before realizing that was Colonel Chernyakhovsky's division, newly formed only early this winter. He is still having success and is worth keeping an eye on.
RE: The Zhukov Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
26 March- 1 April 1942 (41st week of the war)
Little change in the situation along the front. With warming temperatures and heavy Spring rains expected to return next week, the Fascists are not stretching themselves.
While I am remaining in the field with the Western Front, word is coming down from some personal contacts of mine within the Kremlin that Commissar Mekhlis has made his report to Stalin. He describes a malaise throughout the formations he has inspected and believes I am at fault for not pushing the troops to their limits, thereby gaining victory and restoring morale. He has recommended a change of leadership at the highest level and it seems Marshals Voroshilov, Kulik and Budyonny are in agreement. The four of them have Stalin's ear as old comrades and would appear to be making the worst form of mischief. Regardless, my conscience is clear and I continue to perform my role as I see it, not others.
Little change in the situation along the front. With warming temperatures and heavy Spring rains expected to return next week, the Fascists are not stretching themselves.
While I am remaining in the field with the Western Front, word is coming down from some personal contacts of mine within the Kremlin that Commissar Mekhlis has made his report to Stalin. He describes a malaise throughout the formations he has inspected and believes I am at fault for not pushing the troops to their limits, thereby gaining victory and restoring morale. He has recommended a change of leadership at the highest level and it seems Marshals Voroshilov, Kulik and Budyonny are in agreement. The four of them have Stalin's ear as old comrades and would appear to be making the worst form of mischief. Regardless, my conscience is clear and I continue to perform my role as I see it, not others.
RE: The Zhukov Memoirs - GC41-45 M60 vs smokindave redux
2-8 April 1942 (42nd week of the war)
Mud has returned across the front and brought fighting largely to a halt. Eighteen new tank corps are formed, with two each assigned to 2nd, 3rd and 4th Shock Armies. Others will be assigned to tank armies come summer.
The commander of 2nd Shock Army, General Lelyushenko in his role of special advisor to the Armor Directorate is asking that Generals Danilov and Krylov of 3rd and 4th Shock Armies be replaced by commanders more skilled in tank warfare. This makes sense from the standpoint that the shock armies are to be a tank heavy force. The problem is there have already been too many run-ins with Stalin as of late. To suggest replacing competent commanders who are not perfectly suited for their role may be difficult.
Mud has returned across the front and brought fighting largely to a halt. Eighteen new tank corps are formed, with two each assigned to 2nd, 3rd and 4th Shock Armies. Others will be assigned to tank armies come summer.
The commander of 2nd Shock Army, General Lelyushenko in his role of special advisor to the Armor Directorate is asking that Generals Danilov and Krylov of 3rd and 4th Shock Armies be replaced by commanders more skilled in tank warfare. This makes sense from the standpoint that the shock armies are to be a tank heavy force. The problem is there have already been too many run-ins with Stalin as of late. To suggest replacing competent commanders who are not perfectly suited for their role may be difficult.