When to start 42 offensive

[Cavalry Corp]

I am playing as Axis PBEM - both players new to the campaign
To keep my powder dry have started my summer offensive in late June 42 - playing historical weather so the mud terns give the Soviets to much time to react...
I did ok in 41 3.6 M casualties on the Russians for 400k. Took Leningrad but stalled in the south as learning supply - its my first campaign. first turn routed plenty and managed to pocket 11 Divs including two tank Corps south of Kharkov but despite the 41 casualties there seem to be a lot of Russians, advice please.
Map shows before the attack -

[Cavalry Corp]

No I have worked out screen shots I will post the next turn later.

[Stelteck]

The defense looks weak, why do you think now is not a good time ?

Only one line of fortified troops in defense is piece of cake for you. There is also already a hole south vodolaga without having to cross a river.

Create a 3 hex gap with infantry and send panzers in the middle. You can reach stalino in one turn. But Maybe we do not see any units there because of lack of fog of war and lack of air reco.

you can also try to encercle the soviet front by reaching close to sinelnikovo.

[Cavalry Corp]

Thanks That is the turn before recon - The Russians have about 3 layers of forts mainly level 2 - there are no gaps - I will post another screen shot - all tips welcome

[timmyab]

I think the Spring clear turns should be thought of more as a primer for the 42 Summer offensive than as an extension of it.
The main object should be to keep your opponent confused and uncertain of what your intentions are while at the same time softening him up for the main attack which should not come before June 25th.

The art of deception is very important for the German player at this stage.

[Cavalry Corp]

Thanks for that - agree with you. that is pretty much what I did.
I see you are not so far away in Bristol - me up on the Moors!

[Cavalry Corp]

9th July - situation developing but hordes and hordes of Russians

[sillyflower]

If playing mild blizzard, your summer O should start 1st turn in Feb '42 at the latest. See my AAR v BrianG as an example. Even with full fat winter, 1st week of March at the latest. Leaving it as late as you did gives R too long to build up his strength + defences.

Still, your late start seems to have a good beginning with that pocket though I expect you will have to reseal it next turn. The 2 unit stack E of D'town (1 of which is an HQ) looks like toast, and if your opponent is like BrianG, he will break the lower one too......

[Cavalry Corp]

Normal Blizzard?
agree with you so far though have in pockets bagged 300,000 . Total losses 5.4m