Murmansk

[ChuckBerger]

Somebody was bound to raise it... somebody always does for an Eastern Front game!

And so here goes: I demand the map be extended all the way to Murmansk to show the opening offensive up north.

Just kidding, I know you're not going to do that.

But it would be nice to have a touch of chrome here. Perhaps a set of decisions that allow a chance at off-screen capture of Murmansk? The Germans did dedicate significant forces to Operations Silver Fox and Polar Fox, though in the end they weren't enough.

Perhaps Germany could get options to send additional divisions up north - maybe the two mountain divisions with AGS at start, and/or some of the reinforcement divisions. That would give a chance at successful capture of Murmansk. Or an option (costs a bit of PP and lowers relationship with some individuals) to forego the attack on Murmansk, and receive a few extra divisions instead.

Conversely, the Russians could have some options to send greater or fewer forces to the far north.

Capture of Murmansk shouldn't be easy, but should be possible. Chuck four more German divisions at it and give a 50% chance of success.

I'd say successful capture would have only a limited effect in game - the early convoys all went to Arkhangelsk, Murmansk wasn't the destination port until December 1941. But it would give a significant VP boost, maybe free up some Finnish divisions and other forces for use further south, and maybe boost relationship with Hitler and/or others? And reduce fuel allocation for Soviets from December? Maybe increase Stalin's paranoia?

[lancer]

Hi ChuckBerger,

There's a big list of possible decisions that didn't make the cut and there are a few Murmansk ones on the list.

From what I've read, however, the chances of taking Murmansk were slim and none. Very heavily fortified. Even the Finns thought it was a fools errand and the two reinforced German Mtn Div's that gave it a go up north, with Finnish help, suffered grievous casualties. In fact I seem to remember reading that they suffered the highest casualties of any German formation the entire eastern front.

Cheers,
Cameron

[Jagdtiger14]

I'm not sure if the Germans mentioned this in their Barbarossa goals, but if the rail line from Murmansk/Archangel to Vologda is cut (better yet take Vologda), then no need to bother much with Murmansk/Archangel...perhaps containment.

[Karri]

ORIGINAL: lancer

Hi ChuckBerger,

There's a big list of possible decisions that didn't make the cut and there are a few Murmansk ones on the list.

From what I've read, however, the chances of taking Murmansk were slim and none. Very heavily fortified. Even the Finns thought it was a fools errand and the two reinforced German Mtn Div's that gave it a go up north, with Finnish help, suffered grievous casualties. In fact I seem to remember reading that they suffered the highest casualties of any German formation the entire eastern front.

Cheers,
Cameron

I think they only managed to advance some ten kilometers with those casualties as well. The russian positions, in many places, were bored into bedrock...which also made artillery fire devastating against attacker. No way they could have really advanced there. There was absolutely no room for any kind of blitzkrieg warfare(or to even supply more troops). Though capturing the nickel mines at Petsamo further south was accomplished.

[ChuckBerger]

True, the direct attack on Murmansk faced formidable obstacles and failed.

But the attack in the Salla sector further south achieved considerable success initially, even with inexperienced German troops. Another 1-2 crack mountain or light infantry divisions here might have made a real difference, potentially allowing Germany to capture Kandalaksha and thus sever the rail link to Murmansk.