Kalinin. Strengthening the line and beat back a couple of security regiments.
Volkov. I win the critical battle and bring a couple of armies over to help to reopen the pocket next turn, as am sure Axis will close it again.
This has gone quite well for Axis, as well as the pocket they did serious damage with their attacks in this area last turn. It shows the difference between Axis and Soviet combat power at this period of the game, Axis can win battles with single stacks and move and attack again. Soviets really need 2-3 full stacks of good units and after one attack they are just about used up for the turn. It makes the Soviet offensives all very slow and cumbersome.
Central area. Most of my attacks win. SW Front had got most of their units REFITTed and with the rail line in action am able to extend the offensive further East.
Stalingrad. Try a couple more attacks, they are dismal failures. Will wait another few turns before trying again. I think Axis units are dropping 1 morale a turn so gradually getting weaker, though they have no shortage of supplies.
Far south. Nothing much, Axis form a new line against TC. I can't really attack here as have shipped so many units out.
Heavy losses this turn, mostly from the Axis attacks.
We are maybe half way through the winter, no sign of any Guards conversions yet.
All in all progress in rebuilding the Soviet army is going fine with a steady growth in experience/morale/wins, there is just a concern about saving those Volkov divisions over the next few turns. If I lose some ground there I don't mind.
Will be interesting to see what Axis does in the area next turn, can see 3 possibilities:
Strong reseal of the pocket, but does he have the troops for it ?
Extend the offensive further north, where I have weakened my front line
Crush as many of the exposed units as possible while pulling back the exposed Panzers.
Think I might be inclined to go for option 3, but it does depend on what he has in the area.
