der Russlandfeldzug

[melnibonian]

@carlkay58 and @xhoel Thank you both very much for your advice. I will follow it [:)]

ORIGINAL: Nikel
Like many others fascinated by this AAR, and your integration of narrative and historical and game pics.

Congratulations melnibonian ! [:)]

Thank you very much for your kind words and encouragement. It really means a lot to me to see that you guys like the AAR.

[melnibonian]

[center]Turn 14: 22-28 September 1941[/center]
[center]Moscow must disappear from the earth’s surface as soon as its riches have been brought to shelter[/center]

[center][/center]
[center]Soviet lorries racing through Moscow to bring supplies to the front[/center]

Planning Phase*

[center][/center]
[center]Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt planning his next offensive[/center]

As the major operations phase of Heeresgruppe Nord is practically finished, OKW has been focusing on the ongoing operations around Moscow and the advance in the Southern Ukraine. In the Moscow region 3.Panzerarmee will attempt to break the Soviet defences between the 32nd and 10th Army with a deep drive towards Kalinin aiming to destabilise the entire Western Front. The difficulties we are facing on this sector is the lack of adequate infantry support and the extended woodlands that make any rapid advance a real challenge. The constant rain and the subsequent mud complicates things further but at least our armoured formations can still move, albeit at a much reduced rate.

On the East of Moscow 2.Panzerarmee with infantry support will attempt to eliminate the enemy formations in Tula and hit the 22nd Army in a deep drive East of of Moscow. Parallel to this further attacks against the 3rd, 11th and 29th Armies will attempt to fragment the Bryansk Front and separate it from the Western Front.

[center][/center]

In the South an advance across the entire front is planned but the schwerpunkt will be concentrated on the enemy formations blocking our approach to Voronezh. Due to the crippling losses suffered by the enemy we expect the Red Army to be near it's final breath and thus a total collapse of the Southwestern Front is not an unreasonable proposition.

[center][/center]

Heeresgruppe Nord

After the collapse of the enemy defences in Leningrad elements of 18.Armee are being repositioned towards Volkhov and the Soviet formations of the Northwestern Front. The city of Leningrad is still in a state of chaos and small detachments of Soviet troops together with citizens are continuing to resist but these are handled by the security forces. At the same time 4.SS-Pol.Div. proceeded to the Naval Base of Kronstadt and after a brief exchange Colonel General Ivan Vasilievich Boldin surrendered the garrison.

[center][/center]

The constant rain and mud has rendered the advance difficult but XXXVIII AK, II AK and XXIII AK have managed to push the enemy formations and are slowly advancing through the forests. Strong enemy formations continue to resist in Tikhvin but 93.Inf.Div. managed to secure the city. I AK and X AK are progressing with the clearing operations and we expect to pacify the area around Podvorovye within the next few weeks.

[center][/center]
[center]Anti-tank guns of Polizei-Panzerjäger-Abteilung of 4.SS-Pol.Div. engaging enemy pockets in Kronstadt[/center]

Due to the reduction in the intensity of the fighting and the adverse weather OKW has decided to move XXXXI Pz.Kps and LVI Pz.Kps to Leningrad for resting and refitting. As soon as this is completed the armoured formations can be redeployed wherever needed in the Moscow Sector.

[center][/center]
[center]Citizens of Leningrad waiting for food and supplies in their destroyed houses[/center]

Heeresgruppe Mitte

During last week fierce battles took place in the Moscow Sector and the mass of enemy formations in the area indicate that the Soviets are indeed determined to defend the city at all cost. XXXIX Pz.Kps supported by VIII AK and XX AK have tried repeatedly to penetrate the enemy defences in the Kalinin Sector but was repulsed. Fighting has been savage but no progress is expected without further infantry support. For this reason OKW has already arranged for replacements to be sent as soon as possible. Due to the lack of progress it has been decided to try to pin as many enemy formations on the area as possible in order to facilitate the Eastern dive around Moscow.

[center][/center]

LVII Pz.Kps, XXXXVI Pz.Kps and XXIV Pz.Kps supported by V AK and XII AK have managed to enlarge the advancing corridor driving a deep wedge between the Western and Bryansk Fronts. SS-Inf.Div. mot. Das Reich has managed to reach Kurovskoe and 10.Pz.Div. secured Vorskesensk and pushed all enemy formations beyond the Oka.

[center][/center]
[center]Leading elements of I. Battalion SS-Infanterie Regiment Der Führer of SS-Inf.Div. mot. Das Reich supported by assault guns enter Kurovskoe [/center]

XXXXVII Pz.Kps supported by XIII AK, XXXXIII AK and VII AK have managed to crush the enemy formations east of Tula and create a double penetration on the rear of the 29th Army. Unfortunately bad weather and fierce enemy resistance did not allowed us to complete the encirclement but we have managed to destabilise the Bryansk Front.

[center][/center]
[center]Armoured and motorised elements of 18.Pz.Div. advancing over destroyed bridges on the outskirts of Kashira[/center]

31.Inf.Div. supported by 129.Inf.Div. fought a fierce street fight in Tula but managed to expel 110th Rifle Division and capture the city. Securing Tula is of vital importance due to the extensive rail network and other facilities and our engineers are already at work to repair the enormous damage sustained due to the fighting. Capturing Tula and driving to the rear of 29th Army will probably force the Soviets to anchor themselves along the Oka River, therefore the infantry is trying to advance as much as possible to deny them any extra respite for building entrenched defensible positions.

[center][/center]
[center]Destroyed vehicles of the Soviet 49th Tank Division outside Moscow[/center]

Intelligence reports indicate that the Soviets are digging deep into Moscow aiming to fight for every street so OKW wants to ensure the encirclement of the city as quickly as possible prior to any attack. This battle will be difficult but our latest assaults have caused significant casualties to the Red Army so we expect that the resistance will start fading soon.

[center][/center]
[center]Muscovites gather in Manezhnaya Square to observe a Ju-88A-5 of I./KG3 that was shot down during a raid [/center]

Heeresgruppe Süd

In the South XXXXIV AK, IX AK, LV AK and XVII AK have managed to cause severe casualties and force the enemy formations beyond the Don and around Voronezh. These attacks have managed to destabilise the Central Front and OKW believes that an attack on Voronezh could cemmence within the next few days.

[center][/center]

XXXV AK is applying severe pressure to the enemy north of Voronezh, thus denying the Red Army the possibility to assist the beleaguered forces defending the city. XXIX AK is applying pressure south of the city with between Central and Southwestern Fronts aiming to drive a wedge between them and impede the defensive coherency of the Soviet formations in the area.

[center][/center]
[center]Soviet troops attacking the 137.Inf.Div. in Khokhol[/center]

Further South XXXXIX AK and LI AK have all but eliminated the weak enemy formations in Rovenki opening a gap of approximately 60km to the Soviet defences. Can.RM AK has driven on along the far shore of the Donets supported by LII AK. The cavalry support has proved invaluable and after a series of unequal battles that left the Red Army severe mauled and depleted 24.Inf.Div. managed to secure Voroshilovgrad despite the enemy's attempt to hold on to the city.

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[center]Men of Pionier-Bataillon 24 of 24.Inf.Div. supported by Stug III assault guns are eliminating enemy resistance in Voroshilovgrad [/center]

XXX AK and IX AK have cleared the area around Stalino from the enemy and are moving towards Rostov amid limited resistance while in the Crimea LIV AK has reached Sevastopol and the Romanian forces are moving to secure the Kerch Peninsula.

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[center]Exhausted motorcyclists of Aufklärungs-Abteilung 171 of 71.Inf.Div. are resting between battles [/center]

Operational Summary

During last week we have suffered 31,253 casualties (13,337 dead, 55 captured and 17,961 disabled) and lost 597 Guns, 67 AFVs and 36 airplanes. The Soviets have suffered 194,849 casualties (21,155 killed, 135,941 captured and 37,753 disabled) and lost 2,279 Guns, 238 AFVs and 460 airplanes.

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[center]Ju-52 of II./KGr zbV 102 refuelling prior to a supply transport to the units in the Moscow Sector[/center]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Since there was a request for the initial troop positions I thought of including a planning phase in the narrative. Please let me know if it is something you would like to see more and I will do my best to incorporate it in the future. I have also started including some information about the Soviet OOB on the maps, but if you think they get too clattered please let me know and I will remove it.

[melnibonian]

[center]Turn 15: 29 September - 5 October 1941[/center]
[center]Moscow will be defended to the last[/center]

[center][/center]
[center]Let's defend Moscow![/center]

Heeresgruppe Nord

Heavy rainfall has hampered our advance this week. XXVI AK, I AK, X AK and II AK have all been on the offensive but their advance was slogging due to the mud and enemy resistance. These formations are engaging the enemy forces of Northwestern Front and slowly are advancing towards the Rybinsk Reservoir. After the pacification of Leningrad L AK has started moving towards the frontline and it is expected to get into action within next week.

[center][/center]

Further south XXIII AK and XXVIII AK are continuing the application of pressure on the enemy forces of the Reserve Front and are making marginal gains. The adverse weather conditions are making the situation very difficult as the reads have all but disappeared and even the smallest advance requires enormous physical effort. Despite all these difficulties our forces have managed to maul the enemy after a series of sharp and bloody clashes. Unfortunately since we are not able to capitalise on these victories the enemy is retreating only to entrench and face us again in the near future.

[center][/center]
[center]Destroyed Soviet T-34s of 33rd Tank Division in the swamps of Borovichi[/center]

Per OKW requests XXXXI Pz.Kps and LVI Pz.Kps have moved in the area of Leningrad and Novgorod for rest and refitting. OKW has called for a leadership conference next week in order to decide how to utilise these armoured formations. A number of discussions are already taking place but all decisions will be taken on the conference next week.

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[center]PzKpfw III arriving by rail to Novgorod[/center]

Heeresgruppe Mitte

During the last few weeks it has become abundantly clear that the main effort of the Soviet Leadership is the defence of Moscow at all cost. For this reason the Red Army is amassing all its precious reserves around the city and intelligence reports indicate that further reinforcements are on the way. The adverse weather and the mud causes significant problems to our troops and is restricting our movements, albeit not to the appalling level we are experiencing in Leningrad.

[center][/center]

XXXXIX Pz.Kps supported by VI AK and VIII AK have again assaulted the enemy forces covering the approaches to Kalinin and although small gains were made, so far we have failed to create any sort of deep penetration. The limited Luftwaffe support due to the weather is further exacerbating the whole situation. OKW has dispatched 7.Fl.Div. to provide extra support and this elite unit is expected to reach the designated operational are within the next few days.

[center][/center]
[center]Destroyed Soviet tank in Lotoshino[/center]

LVII Pz.KPs supported by LIII AK and V AK have pushed the enemy beyond the Moskva River and have managed to create a series of bridgeheads. Nevertheless any further advance was limited due to the weather and lack of supplies. Despite these difficulties progress is being made but if we want to avoid a costly street battle in Moscow we must achieve a penetration towards Kalinin and initiate a broader encirclement of the Soviet formations of the Western Front.

[center][/center]
[center]Supply carts of Infanterie-Regiment 329 of 162.Inf.Div. are putting gigantic efforts to cross the Moskva River[/center]

XXXXVI Pz.Kps and XXIV Pz.Kps supported by XXXXII AK and XIII AK have once again pushed in the gap between the Western and Bryansk Fronts but the enemy defences and the weather have limited the advance. 3.Pz.Div. and 18.Pz.Div. have reached Koloma and after bitter fighting managed to stop 185th Mechanised Corps from crossing the Oka.

[center][/center]
[center]Panzer 38(t) of Pz.Abt. 2 of 3.Pz.Div. advancing to Koloma[/center]

Further South XXXXVII Pz.Kps supported by VII AK and XIII AK have continued its thrust towards the Oka. Again stiff enemy resistance and mud have limited the advance but progress has been made. This thrust is expected to destabilise the Bryansk Front and OKW expects the enemy forces around Ryazan to be encircled within the next few days.

[center][/center]
[center]Engineers are working hard on repairing the supply network in the outskirts of Moscow[/center]

During the last few days engineering units have been working very hard to expand the rail network in order to have as many supplies as possible provided to the frontline troops. These repair units have been working under enemy fire but our railheads have reached our frontlines in Kubinka and Vnukovo.

[center][/center]
[center]Anti-aircraft positions in the centre of Moscow[/center]

Heeresgruppe Süd

XXXV AK, XXXXIV AK, IX AK and LV AK supported by XIV Pz.Kps and III Pz.Kps have pushed the enemy forces of the Southwestern Front and are threatening Voronezh. The enemy is retreating along the entire front after having suffered significant casualties but so far manages to retain some order in their frontline arrangements. As everywhere in the USSR the heavy rain is causing problems but OKW expects that the resuming of operations from the armoured formations will manage to put severe strain on the enemy forces.

[center][/center]

XVII AK and XXIX AK have been engaged with the Soviet 6th and 12th Armies and after brutal fighting managed to pushed the enemy in the region of Svoboda but so far we have not managed to cross the Don. Success in the region has reinforced OKW's opinion that the Red Army is near its last gasp as it seems to be unable to form a continuous defensive battle-line from Voronezh to Rostov with gaping holes appearing in the Don bent.

[center][/center]
[center]Elements of Infanterie-Regiment 190 of 62.Inf.Div. are advancing towards the Don amidst heavy enemy resistance[/center]

In the Donbas Region XXXXVIII Pz.Kps have resumed its operations and is advancing towards Rostov. The enemy resistance of the South Front is almost non-existent as the enemy is in full retreat across the entire Donets bend. XXX AK and XI AK are near Rostov and we expect to bring the city under artillery fire within the next few days.

[center][/center]

In Crimea the enemy resistance has been eliminated with LIV AK reaching Sevastopol and III RM AK supported by Mnt.RM AK having pushed the last enemy forces on the mouth of the Kerch Isthmus. OKW is working on a plan to eliminate the Sevastopol Fortress but so far no decisions were made.

[center][/center]

Operational Summary

Over the last week we have suffered 27,141 casualties (10,436 dead, 115 captured and 16,590 disabled) and lost 394 Guns, 46 AFVs and 33 planes. The Soviets have suffered 189,859 casualties (31,163 killed, 121,260 captured and 37,433 disabled) and lost 3,120 Guns, 451 AFVs and 640 planes.

[center][/center]
[center]Pilots of II./KG27 are preparing for a mission[/center]

[melnibonian]

[center]Turn 15: 29 September - 5 October 1941[/center]
[center]Minsk Conference - Strategic Situation Review[/center]

[center][/center]
[center]The Führer discusses the strategic situation with General der Panzertruppe Heinz Guderian (Oberbefehlshaber Panzergruppe 2), Generalfeldmarschall Fedor von Bock (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe Mitte) and Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Keitel (Oberbefehlshaber der Wehrmacht)[/center]

Strategische Situation im Osten

After almost four months of hard fighting OKW is convinced that the Red Army is a spent force. Over the entire front our armies are advancing and the only thing that has saved the Soviet Forces by total defeat is the adverse weather. The advent of rain has caused significant problems to our advanced units as well as to our supply situation mainly due to the extremely poor condition of the roads. Consequently the advance has been checked if not stalled at certain areas allowing the enemy precious time for reorganisation and entrenchment. Despite all these problems we have managed to keep some sort of momentum and progress has been made.

[center][/center]

The fall of Leningrad was followed by the rapid collapse of the Soviet Northern Front and the advance of our Finish Allies all the way to Svir River. OKW is aiming to push the advance all the way to Rybinsk Reservoir and the Upper Volga and entrench for the eventual winter lull. Due to the severe supply limitations OKW has decided to move 4.Panzerarmee in the Leningrad area for rest and refit. At the moment no decision has been made on where to relocate 4.Panzerarmee after the refit but OKW is making plans for units to be removed from the frontline for refitting purposes as soon as possible.

[center][/center]
[center]Soldiers of Nachrichten-Abteilung 300 of 4.SS-Pol.Div. are removing the Red Stars from buildings in Leningrad[/center]

On the Moscow Front, 2.Panzerarmee and 3.Panzerarmee are applying severe pressure on the enemy and have achieved significant penetrations, putting the entire Bryansk Front at risk of being annihilated. Further advances on the Tula Region have caused significant problems on the enemy defences as it restricts the possibilities of the Red Army to reposition units in the defence of Moscow.

[center][/center]
[center]Soviet troops are trying to put-up strong resistance to our advance in the muddy forests around Moscow[/center]

The enemy effort has make it abundantly clear that the Soviets are intending to defend Moscow at all cost. For this reason OKW has instructed the armoured formations to pursue deep penetrations on either side of the city of Moscow with the intention to isolate it prior to its destruction. The enemy is constantly bringing fresh forces to the Moscow front but these divisions are of low quality and face severe problems by their engagements with our armoured formations. OKW believes that if we manage to get two to three weeks of clear weather we will manage to encircle Moscow, but so far the weather conditions are causing severe delays in our advance.

[center][/center]
[center]Georgy Konstantinovich Zhukov Commander in-Chief of the Western Front intends to defend Moscow to the last man[/center]

Further South the enemy is desperately trying to form a coherent defensive line but OKW intends for 1.Panzerarmee to encircle and destroy the Soviet Forces in the Voronezh region. When this is achieved the entire South and Southwestern Fronts will be put under severe pressure and their eventual collapse will be just a matter of weeks.

[center][/center]
[center]The Führer and Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt (Oberbefehlshaber Heeresgruppe Süd) in Minsk for the Strategic Conference[/center]

OKW expects that as soon as the Soviet Bryansk, Central, South and Southwestern Fronts are separated and severely mauled our forces can reach the allocated forward positions and begin entrenching for the upcoming winter lull. Our aim is still to achieve total victory before the end of the year but OKW is willing to accept that a short and bloody summer campaign will probably be required before the Soviet Leadership sues for peace.

[center][/center]
[center]The Führer arrives in Minsk for a conference with the Wehrmacht High Command[/center]

So far in the war we have suffered 467,920 casualties (192,865 killed, 653 captured and 274,402 disabled) and lost 7,090 Guns, 1,260 AFVs and 1,427 planes. The Soviets have suffered 3,412,078 casualties (485,028 killed, 2,117,737 captured and 809,313 disabled) and lost 61,682 Guns, 13,099 AFVs and 12,691 planes.

[center][/center]
[center]The end of the road for one of our brave soldiers[/center]

[Francophile]

Great job on this AAR! The commentary and pictures really make it interesting!

[Nikel]

Excellent AAR!

What caused that hole in the helmet? Not just a bullet I guess.

[melnibonian]

ORIGINAL: Francophile
Great job on this AAR! The commentary and pictures really make it interesting!

Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it [:)]

ORIGINAL: Nikel
Excellent AAR!

What caused that hole in the helmet? Not just a bullet I guess.

Thank you for the support and your kind words. It means a lot to me to see that people enjoy the AAR [:)]

Regarding the hole I have no idea but it looks like a bayonet puncture or some type of shrapnel. Either way it must have been a most unpleasant experience.

[melnibonian]

[center]Turn 16: 6-11 October 1941[/center]
[center]Today begins the last great decisive battle of the war[/center]

[center][/center]
[center]Stalin's son Jakow Dschugaschwili captured during the latest battles in Voronezh[/center]

Heeresgruppe Nord

In the North our forces are making steady advances despite the adverse weather conditions. XXVI AK, I AK, XXVI AK and X AK are putting severe pressure on the enemy's Northwestern Front but lack of supplies and the terrible road conditions has allowed the Red Army to escape destruction and keep a coherent defensive line.

[center][/center]

II AK, XXIII AK and XXVII AK are advancing towards Kalinin and the forces of the Soviet Reserve and Central Fronts are in full retreat. Again the lack of supplies and the mud is severely curtailing our advance but it is clear that the enemy is truly struggling to keep coherency of their defensive positions. 251.Inf.Div. has managed to capture Maksatikha after brutal fighting and 123.Inf.Div. secured Spirovo.

[center][/center]
[center]Vehicles of Beobachtungs-Abteilung 12 of 12.Inf.Div. are trying to traverse Soviet roads[/center]

In the Leningrad area 4.Panzerarmee is refitting per the decisions taken in the Minsk Conference. New armoured vehicles are arriving from Germany and Generaloberst Erich Hoepner is discussing with OKW the best future usage of his forces. So far no decision has been made as OKW is waiting to see the outcome of the operations around Moscow before committing to any course of action.

[center][/center]
[center]Generaloberst Erich Hoepner (Oberbefehlshaber Panzergruppe 4) discusses plans of future operations with OKW[/center]

Heeresgruppe Mitte

The constant fighting and application of pressure in the Moscow sector has finally caused the enemy's Western Front to collapse at various locations. XXXIX Pz.Kps supported by XXVII AK, VI AK and VIII AK have managed to penetrate the enemy's defences despite fierce resistance. This deep penetration attempted to isolate Kalinin but Soviet 198th and 149th Rifle Divisions managed to keep a small corridor open despite the efforts of 20.Pz.Div. 2.Pz.Div. managed to cross the Upper Volga and created a bridgehead despite fanatical and almost suicidal Soviet resistance.

[center][/center]

On the right of XXXIX Pz.Kps LVII Pz.Kps supported by XX AK and V AK managed to penetrate the enemy's defences and encircled the 18th, 75th and 108th Rifle Divisions. Tough battles are fought across the entire front and our forces have to resort to close quarter fighting to expel the Soviets from their well entrenched defensive positions, causing scores of casualties on both sides. 14.Inf.Div.mot supported by 167.Inf.Div. and 35.Inf.Div. have reached Solnechnogorsk but stiff resistance from the 157th Rifle Division kept the town into Soviet hands for now.

[center][/center]
[center]Soldiers of 208th Rifle Regiment of 18th Rifle Division are entrenched and prepared to fight to their last bullet[/center]

LIII AK have managed to push to the outskirts of Moscow, crushing Soviet resistance with 5.Inf.Div. reaching Khimki. The suburb has been heavily defended but 5.Inf.Div. supported by 52.Inf.Div., 132.Werfer.Rgt. and heavy artillery managed to eliminate the enemy's resistance and by the evening of 10 October 287th Rifle Division and 87th Cavalry Division abandoned their positions after having suffered more than 10,000 casualties. The capturing of Khimki has open a deep gap on the outer Moscow defences but it is clear that the Red Army is preparing to defend the city street by street. Nevertheless the drive of our armoured formations have managed to destabilise the enemy's Western Front and have brought the entire Moscow under artillery fire. OKW understands that the city will be a very tough nut to crack and it will require significant effort and resources but our troops are just 15km from the Kremlin!

[center][/center]
[center]Moscow's Red Square appears abandoned but looks can be deceiving[/center]

XXXXVI Pz.Kps, XXXXVII Pz.Kps and XXIV Pz.Kps supported by XXXXII AK and XII AK have continued to widening the gap between the Soviet Western and Bryansk Fronts pushing enemy formations aside and applying severe pressure on the defenders of Moscow. The enemy has retreated beyond the Klyazma River and so far all our efforts to create a bridgehead have been repulsed. The river is the last natural obstacle until the Nerl River in Vladimir 50-70km to the north. If we manage to cross the Klyazma we can push towards Aleksandrov, Nogorye and Kalyasin and isolate Moscow. The enemy is aware of this as well and fights to its last bullet, standing its ground despite horrendous losses. Our troops have to crush determined enemy counter attacks but so far we have managed to keep the Soviets in check and we are trying to increase the pressure on the defenders of Moscow.

[center][/center]
[center]Close quarter fighting is occurring in the forests outside Moscow[/center]

South of the Oka XXXXIII AK, VII AK and XIII AK are continuing their advance but the Red Army despite the severe punishment it endures still manages to put up strong resistance. 268.Inf.Div. and 110.Inf.Div. have assaulted Ryazan but despite heavy casualties the Soviets are still in control of the city. 131.Inf.Div. and 78.Inf.Div. have faced similar fate in Korablino with the enemy managing to keep control of the town by the narrowest of margins. 17.Inf.Div. has approached Ryazhsk but due to severe enemy resistance the city is still in enemy's hands, although 331st Rifle Division has been mauled so severely that intelligence reports indicate that it has lost all structure and combat coherency.

[center][/center]
[center]Destroyed bridges over the Pronya and Korablino still in enemy hands despite all our efforts[/center]

Heeresgruppe Süd

In the Voronezh sector of the front the lack of rain allowed our armoured formations to get back to action and offer significant assistance to our advances. XIV Pz.Kps supported by XXXV AK executed a broad sweep behind the enemy isolating six enemy divisions between the Don and Lev Tolstoy. This encirclement together with the severe punishment administrated to the enemy has all but broken the back of the Soviet Central Front with the majority of the surviving forces retreating towards Michurinsk. SS-Inf.Div.mot. Wiking has managed to cut the rail between Michurinsk and Ryazhsk severing the connection between Central and Southwestern Fronts.

[center][/center]

XXXXIV AK supported by XXXV AK have been attacking the enemy on the eastern bank of the Don with 197.Inf.Div. capturing Lipetsk after heavy street to street fighting that cost the Soviets more than 10,000 casualties. The remainder of the Soviet 13th Army has retreated to Gryazi and are prepared to make a last ditch effort to stop our advance.

[center][/center]
[center]Civilians are trying to locate their loved ones in Lipetsk after the expulsion of the enemy[/center]

III Pz.Kps supported by XXXXIV AK, IX AK and LV AK crossed the Don and managed to achieve deep penetration on the rear of the Southwestern Front severing the connection between the Soviet 13th and 26th Army. Both Soviet formations have been hit hard and are in full retreat having suffered heavy casualties both in men and materiel. 137.Inf.Div. managed to capture Voronezh with the support of heavy artillery and the 263.Inf.Div. The street fighting in Voronezh lasted for a whole week but our superiority in heavy weapons have caused the enemy's 155th and 297th Rifle Divisions to evacuate from the city in the early hours of 9 October.

[center][/center]
[center]Soviet troops of 297th Rifle Division engaged in fierce fighting in the streets of Voronezh[/center]

In the Rostov area XXXXVIII Pz.Kps supported by IV AK, Cav.RM AK and XXXIV AK have pushed aside all enemy resistance and is driving towards the Don. Bad weather has limited our advance but judging from the very week Soviet resistance OKW is convinced that the Red Army's Southern Front is a spent force. LI AK and LII AK are attempting to severe the rail line between Rostov and Voronezh, cutting the flow of supplies and reinforcements between 22nd Army in Millerovo and the defenders of Rostov.

[center][/center]

XXX AK and XI AK have continued their advance and reached Rostov, although no attempt has been made on the city due to the well entrenched enemy and the fearsome defences. OKW has arranged for extra artillery to be sent in the area to assist in the isolation and eventual capture of the city.

[center][/center]
[center]Destroyed Soviet armour in Kamensk[/center]

In Crimea LIV AK have started preparations for besieging Sevastopol and III RM AK and Mnt.RM AK have expelled the enemy from the peninsula. 7.Cav.RM.Br supported by 7.Inf.Div.RM have crossed the Kerch Straight and attacked the enemy fortifications in Temryuk but so far the Soviets have managed to repulse our advances.

[center][/center]

Operational Summary

During the week we have suffered 27,723 casualties (10,527 killed, 67 captured and 17,129 disabled) and lost 389 Guns, 52 AFVs and 245 planes. The Soviets have suffered 211,699 casualties (30,668 killed, 164,750 captured and 34,281 disabled) and lost 3,530 Guns, 320 AFVs and 1,117 planes.

[center][/center]
[center]Go-244 Glider of III./KGrzbV5 providing front-line supply service in Voronezh[/center]

[melnibonian]

[center]Turn 17: 12-18 October 1941[/center]
[center]If they want a war of extermination, they will have one[/center]

[center][/center]
[center]Everyone in the USSR is fighting the German invaders[/center]

Heeresgruppe Nord

The weather conditions in the North is getting worse with more rain, more mud and dropping temperatures. This is having a severe influence on our progress, especially in the Babaevo area. XXVI AK and I AK have continued their advance and 11.Inf.Div. secured Podborovye forcing the Soviet 55th and 27th Armies to retreat towards Babaevo and Kadui. The adverse weather has stopped us from exploring the almost total collapse of the Soviet Northwestern Front and OKW is seriously considering to halt the advance in order to give our hard-pressed units some time for rest and refit.

[center][/center]

XXXVIII AK, L AK and X AK have hit hard on the remnants of the Leningrad Front and 58.Inf.Div. and 96.Inf.Div. have won decisive victories against the Soviet 61st Rifle Division in Kabozha. After these encounters the Leningrad front is almost destroyed and whatever is left from the various remaining units is retreating in a disorderly fashion towards Sandovo abandoning large amounts of vehicles and other equipment on their wake. Unfortunately the rain and the deep woodlands have caused significant problem to our efforts to capitalise on this rout.

[center][/center]
[center]Gun crew of Artillerie-Regiment 21 of 21.Inf.Div. are trying to move to new positions during the fighting in the swamps near Podborovye[/center]

II AK, XXIII AK and XXVIII AK have continued their pounding of Reserve Front's defensive positions in Moldoga and have managed to achieve penetrations in multiple locations. The enemy has been unable to withstand the heavy pressure and started retreating towards Bezhetsk and Sonkovo having suffered severe casualties both in men and materiel. 12.Inf.Div. has been engaged in fierce fighting with the 204th Rifle and 1st Guards Divisions and despite suffering heavy casualties managed to expel the enemy from Maksatikha. Fighting in the dense woods have been very difficult and the Soviet resistance has been fanatical, but in the end our superior tactics and training forced the enemy to retreat. Despite the victories though OKW is deeply worried about the heavy casualties our units have suffered in this sector of the front and intends to limit the offensive actions in the near future in order to get the opportunity to move depleted formations from the frontline for resting and refitting purposes.

[center][/center]
[center]Stug III Assault Gun of Artillerie-Regiment 206 of 206.Inf.Div. trying to continue the advance in the muddy roads outside Maksatikha[/center]

Heeresgruppe Mitte

In the Moscow Sector the gains achieved last week have finally broke the back of the Red Army as the Soviets are abandoning their defensive positions and surrendering or retreating in a disorderly manner across the entire front. XXXIX Pz.Kps supported by XXVIII AK and VI AK have overrun the enemy's defences creating a gaping hole between the Soviet Reserve and Western Fronts. 14.Inf.Div.mot supported by 2.Pz.Div. and 5.Pz.Div. have occupied both sides of the Volga and have secured the Uglichskoye Reservoir.

[center][/center]

LVII Pz.Kps supported by XX AK have moved towards Kimry pushing aside any form of enemy resistance and managing to encircle the 139th Rifle and 23rd NKVD Motorised Divisions. The advance has been difficult due to the terrible condition of the roads but the Red Army has only put token resistance and is retreating en masse having suffered appalling casualties. This pincer of 3.Panzerarmee has completely destabilise the defensive coherency of the Reserve Front and has put the Soviet Western Front in a totally unattainable position.

[center][/center]
[center]Panzer 38(t) of 5.Pz.Div. supported by Infanterie-Regiment 111 of 35.Inf.Div. are struggling to advance through the mud outside Kimry [/center]

LII AK and V AK have continued their push on the suburbs of Moscow with Soviet resistance failing everywhere and enemy troops surrendering or retreating further into the city of Moscow. OKW has given strict instructions for Moscow to be encircled prior to any attack so for the time being our forces are content to exchange artillery fire with the defenders of the city. The collapse of the link between the Reserve and Western Fronts have cause the total disintegration of the enemy defences west of Moscow.

[center][/center]
[center]Soviet troops surrendering in forests around Konakovo[/center]

XXXXIII AK have continued the assault on the eastern part of the Moscow suburbs and after heavy fighting have managed to link with units of V AK completing the encirclement of the city. 129.Inf.Div. captured the Izmaylovo Airfield and 87.Inf.Div. secured Mytischi. The closer the fighting taking place to the city the heavier the resistance but the enemy has suffered severe casualties and was forced to retreat into the suburban areas. The encirclement of Moscow has all but destroyed the Soviet Western Front as its units have either retreated into Moscow or surrendered in the forests around the city.

[center][/center]
[center]Soviet BM-13 Katyusha Rockets fired from the city of Moscow against our besieging forces[/center]

XXXXVI Pz.Kps supported by XII AK have moved to secure the encirclement of the city destroying all remaining enemy forces in the area. The main body of all that remains from the the Soviet 10th Army has concentrated in Zagorsk but their position is ultimately unattainable and will be forced to evacuate the area. Further east XXIV Pz.Kps and XXXXVII Pz.Kps pushed forward towards the Klyazma River breaking the link between the Soviet Western and Bryansk Fronts. 10.Inf.Div.mot have pushed towards Vladimir but lack of supplies and poor road conditions have allowed the city to remain in Soviet hands.

[center][/center]
[center]Moscow suburb of Mytischi after the expulsion of the Red Army[/center]

Along the Oka VII AK, XXXIII AK and XIII AK are putting severe pressure on the link between the enemy Bryansk and Central Fronts but so far the Soviets have managed to keep this vital connection partially intact. So far the enemy is keeping a coherent defensive posture on the far side of the Oka but the advances of the armoured formations further north will probably force them to evacuate within the next few days.

[center][/center]
[center]Spasok has been totally destroyed during the battle to cross the Oka River [/center]

Heeresgruppe Süd

After the capture of Voronezh the Soviet Central Front has almost totally disintegrated and only the atrocious weather and lack of proper roads are stopping us from pouring into the planes of Tambov.

[center][/center]

XIV Pz.Kps performed a small encirclement trapping three Soviet Divisions that will be dealt by units of XXXV AK. XIII AK, XXXXIV AK and IX AK supported by III Pz.Kps are continuing the application of pressure on the formations of the Southwestern Front but so far the Soviets have managed to hold on to their side of the river and the city of Etil.

[center][/center]
[center]Supply carts of Versorgungseinheiten 9 of 9.Inf.Div. crossing a makeshift bridge in the outskirts of Lipetsk[/center]

LV AK, XVII AK and XXIX AK have stopped their advance in order for supplies to arrive to the frontline. OKW is concerned by the lack of supplies on this part of the front and the excessive mud making the whole situation almost impossible. For this reason OKW has allowed a number of units to rest and refit, something made possible by the apparent disintegration of the Southwestern and Central Fronts.

[center][/center]
[center]Lancers of Infantry Regiment 134 of 44.Inf.Div. getting a well-deserved rest after weeks of bitter fighting[/center]

Further south LI AK, LII AK and IV AK have also ordered to stop the advance and allow the supplies to reach them. In this part of the front the enemy appears to concentrate its forces in the area around Rostov so OKW can allow some units to take a respite.

[center][/center]

Around Rostov XXXIV AK, XXX AK and XI AK with the support of XXXXVIII Pz.Kps are closing on the city and making all the necessary preparations for a siege. OKW has deemed the city to be taken as soon as possible so we can start preparing defensive positions for the upcoming winter.

[center][/center]
[center]He-111 of II./KG55 launching a torpedo against enemy shipping in the Sea of Azof[/center]

Operational Summary

During last week we have suffered 19,970 casualties (5,044 killed, 166 captured and 14,760 disabled) and lost 192 Guns, 40 AFVs and 10 planes. The Soviets have suffered 194,047 casualties (25,799 killed, 141,637 captured and 26,611 disabled) and lost 2,825 Guns, 311 AFVs and 531 planes.

[torloisk]

Great content! Impressive steamroll.

[Jango32]

What's the logistics situation? Just curious to see the network on the eve of victory.

[melnibonian]

ORIGINAL: Jango32

What's the logistics situation? Just curious to see the network on the eve of victory.

As you can see the situation is not brilliant but we have managed to sustain the advance. More work is needed in this though (especially in the South)

[center][/center]

[center][/center]

[Francophile]

This might be the only East Front game I've ever witnessed where Leningrad, Moscow and Rostov fell before Odessa.

[melnibonian]

ORIGINAL: Francophile

This might be the only East Front game I've ever witnessed where Leningrad, Moscow and Rostov fell before Odessa.

I know what you mean. In fairness so far in the game only Leningrad is captured. Moscow and Odessa are surrounded (Odessa fall on the next round - spoiler alert [;)]) and Rostov is still fighting on.

I think the reason why Odessa took so long to fall was that I messed up with the naval patrols in the Black Sea. As soon as I was told how to do that things took their turn.

[Bamilus]

Yea, if you are proactive about taking Odessa (naval patrols, making sure you have enough units and artillery, etc) you can take it in 1 to 2 turns upon reaching it, consistently.

[Francophile]

Has this AAR died?

[melnibonian]

ORIGINAL: Francophile

Has this AAR died?

No it is very much alive. I've been very busy with work that's why I did not update the AAR.

Hopefully by the end of the week manuscripts will be submitted, students will have analysed all their results (correctly this time [8|]), grant proposals will be submitted, student's PhD thesis will be sent to the printers and I will find time to write the next couple of turns.

Stay tuned more to come [;)]

[Francophile]

Sounds good! Glad to hear.

[melnibonian]

[center]Turn 18: 19-26 October 1941[/center]
[center]You can’t hang all 190 million of us[/center]

[center][/center]
[center]Every Soviet citizen regardless of age is up in arms against us[/center]

Heeresgruppe Nord

In the Northern sector torrential rain and the resulting mud has seriously hampered our operations. Small advances were made but at the moment the weather conditions are more of a problem for our troops than the enemy resistance. Intelligence reports are in agreement with our experiences on the ground that the Soviet Northwestern Front is essentially a spent force. The Soviets are nowhere to be found in the deep forests of the North and they are melting away leaving scores of dead and materiel immediately after initial contact with our troops. Unfortunately the weather conditions do not allow us to give chase but OKW is convinced that the situation will be calm on this side of front from now on.

[center][/center]

4.Panzerarmee continues to rest and refit and more units are reverting to defensive stand and trying to recover from their losses. Overall OKW is planning to revert the entire Heeresgruppe Nord to defensive stand in the next couple of weeks as no further advance is possible in these adverse weather conditions.

[center][/center]
[center]Abandoned and destroyed Soviet tanks in the forest outside Bezhtsk[/center]

Heeresgruppe Mitte

In the Moscow Sector the fate of the city is now sealed. Our forces have managed to isolate the city, subject it to sustained bombardment and OKW is convinced that the city will be forced to capitulate within the next few weeks. Despite their desperate situation though it must be said that the Soviets are still refusing to surrender and are putting up fanatical resistance.

[center][/center]

LVII Pz.Kps and XXXIX Pz.Kps supported by XXVIII AK, XXIII AK and VIII AK managed to reach the shores of the Rybinsk Reservoir and severe the link between the Soviet Reserve and Western Fronts. 2.Pz.Div. reached the Upper Volga but lack of support prevented them from establishing a bridgehead. During the extensive encirclements LVII Pz.Kps managed to isolate the 204th and 205th Rifle Divisions in Bezhtsk but at the moment the enemy is still holding to the city.

[center][/center]
[center]Citizens of Moscow are trying to find shelter in the Mayakovskaya Underground Station[/center]

On the eastern sector of the front the adverse weather hampered our advance and 2.Panzerarmee used this time to rest and refit as much as possible. OKW is earmarking units for the final assault on Moscow and any further advance at the moment is stopped due to the weather. The Soviets continue to put up stiff resistance in the area but their defensive Fronts are operating in isolation from each other making their entire situation far more difficult for them. Although we expect a few more weeks of hard fighting OKW is convinced that the enemy lacks the will and resources to substantially alter their predicament.

[center][/center]
[center]Areal photograph of the Khimki suburb in Moscow after the expulsion of the enemy troops[/center]

Heeresgruppe Süd

In the South heavy rains have limited our advances but it is safe to say that the enemy is trying to shore-up their defences in Moscow and Rostov. Overall our troops are facing minimal resistance and despite the fanatical determination of the Red Army to stop our advance the lack of resources and defensive coherency is obvious. Along the frontline the enemy is being killed or captured at increasing numbers with large areas of the font remaining totally empty of enemy troops.

[center][/center]

In the Rostov area XXXXVIII Pz.Kps supported by XXXIV AK created a penetration on the Soviet defensive line and crossed the Don. The adverse weather conditions prohibited us from exploiting the breach but our crossing of the river is putting extra pressure on the Soviet defenders in Rostov.

[center][/center]

Further South a series of coordinated attacks against the enemy at Odessa managed to crack the defences and forced the 49th Army to surrender after having received more than 20,000 casualties. The capture of Odessa is of vital importance as it frees the Romanian and Italian Allies to pursue the capture of Sevastopol in Crimea.

[center][/center]
[center]Soviet troops continue to defend Odessa prior to the surrender of 49th Army[/center]

Operational Summary

This week we suffered 18,483 casualties (6,130 dead, 89 captured and 12,264 disabled) and lost 127 guns, 35 AFVs and 73 airplanes. The Soviets have suffered 108,281 casualties (23,272 killed, 68,860 captured and 16,149 disabled) and lost 1,979 guns, 95 AFVs and 100 planes.

[center][/center]
[center]Soviet pilots are preparing for a sortie on an American B-25[/center]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A bit shorter than usual the update this turn but I have been very busy with work. I hope to get back to more detailed updates from T19 (assuming the workload is reduced)

[melnibonian]

[center]Turn 19: 27 October - 2 November 1941[/center]
[center]We are at the end of our resources in both personnel and material. We are about to be confronted with the dangers of deep winter[/center]

[center][/center]
[center]General der Artillerie Eduard Wagner (Generalquartiermeister im Oberkommando des Heeres) is concerned about the supply situation [/center]

Strategische Lage im Osten

Due to the constant rain and the resulting mud our armies have stopped their advance and are trying to keep a relatively intact frontline while at the same time the majority of our units are earmarked for refit with supplies arriving from Germany. The enemy appears to have lost their fighting spirit and are retreating almost immediately after establishing contact with our troops. Scores of discarded equipment can be found along the entire front and for now the enemy is unwilling or unable to provide any coordinated effort against our forces.

[center][/center]
[center]Entrenched Soviet troops outside Rostov[/center]

The slowdown of the advance over the last few weeks will probably give the enemy time to regroup and refit, something that is unfortunate, especially if we consider all the effort we have put to reach to this point. Nevertheless OKW is convinced that the Red Army is near collapse and this small respite due to the mud will only prolong their inevitable destruction. For now the enemy is digging deep into well prepared defensive positions across the entire frontline but as soon as the weather clears and the ground gets solid we should be able to destroy their formations were they stand.

[center][/center]
[center]MG Position of Infanterie-Regiment 408 of 121.Inf.Div. in the forest surrounding Oyat. Snow is already falling heavily in the North[/center]

So far the campaign has been truly brutal and the civilians in the rear areas have suffered heavily. Almost all villages and cities are destroyed, something that poses significant logistical difficulties for our troops. Nevertheless trains loaded with supplies arrive constantly from Germany but we are getting to a point were a few weeks of rest will actually help our fighting abilities. Obviously this respite will also help the Soviets but OKW is willing to allow for this break in the offensive action until the weather improves.

[center][/center]
[center]Soviet villagers ponder their desperate situation with the onset of winter[/center]

In the Moscow sector our troops are continuing the siege but so far the enemy appears to be unwilling to stop fighting. Small penetrations have been made but the enemy resistance is stiff and OKW is unwilling to get involved in street fighting as to avoid heavy and unnecessary casualties.

[center][/center]
[center]Soldiers of the 97th Rifle Division are holding their defensive positions in the Kuntsevo suburb of Moscow[/center]

For now OKW is allocating LIII AK, XX AK, XXVII AK and V AK to tighten the siege and soften the enemy resistance by constant artillery fire. The adverse weather is putting logistical difficulties in the allocation and repositioning of our forces but OKW is convinced that by mid-November all resistance in Moscow will have ended.

[center][/center]
[center]10.5 cm FH18 howitzer of 1.Batl. of Artillery Regiment 352 shelling enemy positions in Moscow[/center]

[center][/center]
[center]Lieutenant general Ivan Koniev and his staff preparing to defend Moscow[/center]

In the South we have initiated a siege in Rostov and managed to cross the Don in Bataysk, putting severe strain in the defences of the city. The enemy is well entrenched and a direct assault will be too costly so OKW have opted for a prolonged siege. At the moment we are bringing heavy artillery but the advance is slow due to the mud. As soon as the weather clears we expect to encircle the city and isolate its garrison. Until then our troops are resting and preparing for the next stage of the advance.

[center][/center]
[center]Soviet troops are evacuating Bataysk and retreating towards Rostov[/center]