Red Snow : The Days Our Mothers Died

[Neogodhobo]

Oopsie haha. Ill correct it, thanks !

edit : I forgot this guy's name so Ill have to fix it on my next turn.

[Neogodhobo]

Leningrad Front (14).png (1.97 MiB) Viewed 764 times

Leningrad Front (15).png (1.2 MiB) Viewed 764 times

Report from General-Major Mikhail Katukov, Commander of the 64th Army
To: General Armii Ivan Tyulenev, Commander of the Volkhov Front
Date: 16 August 1942
Subject: Urgent. Situation Report on the 64th Army

Comrade General Armii Tyulenev,

I report with great regret the unfolding situation of the 64th Army, currently encircled by enemy forces near Tukums, northwest of Riga. In adherence to the operational objectives outlined for this sector,The 64th Army was tasked with executing an ambitious maneuver aimed at advancing toward Tukums to sever enemy supply lines and rear logistics supporting their frontline forces in Riga, thereby isolating the enemy and weakening their position on the Riga Frontline.
The operation commenced on July 19th with the intent to exploit reported weaknesses in the German defensive line. Initial progress was made, with our motorized brigades penetrating into the rear of the enemy and threatening its supply routes. However, unbeknownst to us at the time, they had positioned significant reserves, including the 41st Panzer Corps and the 2nd RFSS Motorized Brigade, in concealed positions to the west of our axis of advance.

On August 2nd, these forces launched a rapid counterattack, severing our supply lines and cutting off the 64th Army from the main body of the Volkhov Front. Despite heroic resistance by our forces, including the valiant stand of the 1st Motorized Brigade, the Famously known "Katukov's Devils", the overwhelming numerical and mechanized superiority of the enemy has led to critical losses.

Current State of the 64th Army:
The 299th and 228th Rifle Divisions, along with the 4th Airborne Brigade, were encircled south of Tukums and surrendered on August 11th.

Within the Tukums pocket, the 21st and 34th Motorized Brigades were overrun and forced to capitulate yesterday.
The 1st Motorized Brigade continues to resist near Meškeliai, repelling two successive attacks but is now critically low on ammunition and fuel. Their survival is tenuous.

The 82nd Motorized Brigade has successfully withdrawn from the pocket and is currently regrouping to the east near Kelmės sen. Their commander seeks orders on whether to attempt a relief operation for the 1st Motorized Brigade or withdraw to join the 1st Shock Army's lines.

Lessons and Recommendations:
The current situation highlights several challenges faced during the operation:

Underestimation of Enemy Reserves: Intelligence failed to identify the positioning of the 41st Panzer Corps and supporting units, leading to the surprise counterattack.
Overextension of Forces: The decision to push deep into enemy territory left our formations exposed to encirclement. While boldness in maneuver is necessary in war, in this instance, it has proved costly.
Logistical Constraints: The inability to sustain supply lines under enemy pressure hindered our ability to maintain combat effectiveness within the pocket.

I humbly accept responsibility for the operational decisions made under my command. However, I also stress the necessity of maintaining such bold offensives to prevent the enemy from consolidating their hold on the region. The loss of the 64th Army is a severe setback, but the men under my command fought with the utmost courage and dedication to the cause.

I request your guidance on how to proceed with the remnants of the 64th Army and whether the 82nd Motorized Brigade should attempt a relief effort or consolidate with the 1st Shock Army to reinforce the broader front.

For the Motherland,
General-Major Mikhail Katukov
Commander, 64th Army

___________

Leningrad Front (16).png (1.19 MiB) Viewed 764 times

Correspondence from General Armii Tyulenev to General Armii Meretsov, STAVKA
To: General Armii Kirill Meretsov, Representative of STAVKA
Date: 16 August 1942
Subject: Encirclement of the 64th Army near Tukums

Comrade General Armii Meretsov,

I write to you with urgency regarding the recent developments involving General-Major Katukov and the 64th Army near Tukums. While the encirclement and subsequent losses are undeniably severe, I must emphasize the extraordinary circumstances under which these events have unfolded.

The decision to execute a bold encircling maneuver was consistent with the operational spirit we must adopt to challenge the fascist invaders and disrupt their logistical efforts in the northwestern sector. While the maneuver ultimately failed due to unforeseen enemy movements, it was executed with great determination by General-Major Katukov and his men.

Comrade Katukov has proven himself to be one of our most capable commanders in the mechanized arm of the Red Army. His leadership in past engagements, isuch as the battle of Jelgava, has demonstrated his ability to inspire his men and achieve results even under the direst conditions. The 64th Army’s losses, though significant, are not solely the result of his decisions but also the consequence of the overwhelming enemy concentration in the area.

I respectfully request that STAVKA intervene to ensure that Comrade Katukov is given the opportunity to redeem himself. The Red Army cannot afford to lose commanders of his caliber. I propose that he be reassigned to command a tank army where his experience and leadership can be fully utilized.

Furthermore, I request additional reinforcements to stabilize the Volkhov Front, including reserves to reconstitute the 64th Army. The enemy threat in this region is severe, and we must act decisively to prevent further German advances.

Yours in service,
General Armii Ivan Tyulenev
Commander, Volkhov Front

________

Leningrad Front (17).png (1.19 MiB) Viewed 764 times

Response from General Armii Kirill Meretsov, STAVKA
To: General Armii Ivan Tyulenev, Commander of the Volkhov Front
Date: 17 August 1942
Subject: Current Status of the 64th Army Operations

Comrade Tyulenev,

Your report on the situation near Tukums and the performance of the 64th Army has been received and reviewed by STAVKA. The losses incurred by Comrade Katukov’s forces are significant and regrettable, particularly given the importance of the Volkhov Front’s operations in this sector.

STAVKA recognizes the courage and boldness displayed by General-Major Katukov and his men. While his decision-making has led to grave consequences, it is also evident that such boldness, when tempered by prudence, is essential to achieving victory against the fascist invaders.

In light of your recommendation, Comrade Katukov will not face disciplinary action at this time. Instead, he will be reassigned to command the 1st Tank Army. This new command will provide an opportunity for him to apply his skills in a manner that better aligns with the operational demands of the Red Army.

Reinforcements to stabilize the Volkhov Front are under consideration, and additional resources will be allocated as the strategic situation allows.

For the Motherland,
General Armii Kirill Meretsov
STAVKA

______

[Neogodhobo]

Katukov "The Madmen"'s new command

Leningrad Front (18).png (1.04 MiB) Viewed 760 times

[Neogodhobo]

Leningrad Front (20).png (1.71 MiB) Viewed 753 times

Leningrad Front (21).png (1.6 MiB) Viewed 753 times

Leningrad Front (23).png (1.85 MiB) Viewed 753 times

Leningrad Front (24).png (1.63 MiB) Viewed 753 times

[Neogodhobo]

Leningrad Front (25).png (1.49 MiB) Viewed 749 times

Leningrad Front (26).png (1.65 MiB) Viewed 749 times

[Neogodhobo]

On the Southern Front, the Germans completely abandoned the idea of moving forward. They launched an attack to encircle part of 38th army..

Untitled.png (1.59 MiB) Viewed 709 times

And were successful at it, with 3 divisions stuck behind. We have moved swiftly adn surrounded the 13th Pz. Div. but I feel like they will be able to break out of it rather easily. The entire available Panzer forces in the South seems to be concentrating in this sector.

Untitled1.png (1.53 MiB) Viewed 709 times

The rest of the Southern Forces will, once again, move to Odessa. Our tank forces had it rough in their first weeks. They are currently refitting in the rear and will be moving back once this is done.

[Neogodhobo]

August 16th 1942 at turn ends

Untitled3.png (1.45 MiB) Viewed 708 times

Untitled4.png (1.73 MiB) Viewed 708 times

5.png (1.1 MiB) Viewed 708 times

[NightTime977]

Hey I forgo to the post again I really like the pictures of the driffent type of equipment and weapons that you and the germen player used during the battles and the numbers it must take a while to write all the aars and put pictures in and another thing I liked was the story writeing ( If it is anything about it ) it makes it feel like your there telling us what's happening in person like you where there when it happend

Know on to the game situation. I feel like the germens are on there last legs or maybe they have something up there sleeves not sure if you are you looking forward to cuting off the germens around the Baltic states to make a Courland pocket type situation? Alltho there is a ton of panzers around to counterattack you It might just put the nail in the coffin ( if it hasn't happend already ) thanks for the AAR would love to see more after this one

[Neogodhobo]

Hey ... this one

Hi again !

Thank you, I appreciate it ! it is taking a very long time to do these yes, haha. But I enjoy it.

The Germans were beaten badly during the Winter Counter Offensive. To my surprise they are putting up a very aggressive defense. I really enjoy how the German player is playing and its making for some very interesting operations lately. I am definitly hoping to cuttting him off in Koenigsberg and and re-creating history, although it has been my third attempt at cutting him off there and so far the previous two were not sucessfull so Im staying on the cautious side.

Im hoping he tries a massive retreat but seeing how this player plays, it seems like he's going to be staying and fighting for it !

[thedoctorking]

Boy, this was fun to read! Maybe rekindling my desire to play this game again.

[EwaldvonKleist]

What is the idea of having all the cav divisions in the rear waiting around? They are very useful for flipping hexagons whenever you get a breakthrough.

[Neogodhobo]

What is the idea of having all the cav divisions in the rear waiting around? They are very useful for flipping hexagons whenever you get a breakthrough.

The idea was to refit and resupply them as they were all closed to 0% TOE after the winter. Currently they are being used as backup forces if the need arise and to build fortification behind the armies.

Boy, this was fun to read! Maybe rekindling my desire to play this game again.

[Neogodhobo]

Pskov pocket is grinding down every week now. One division completely shattered and disappeared out of sight.

Untitled.png (249.17 KiB) Viewed 601 times

Pskov Pocket (1).png (1.75 MiB) Viewed 601 times

[Neogodhobo]

Leningrad Front.png (1.96 MiB) Viewed 598 times

Leningrad Front (2).png (2 MiB) Viewed 598 times

Leningrad Front (3).png (1.85 MiB) Viewed 598 times

Leningrad Front (4).png (2.02 MiB) Viewed 598 times

[Neogodhobo]

Not much has been happening in our other Fronts. Central Front has been helping Kalining Front so that they can push to Koenigsberg. They (Central Front) are stretching their frontline thin in order to face more German divisions ( who are not attacking). Their low numbers dooms them to being stationary basically.

Kalinin Front (3).png (1.92 MiB) Viewed 595 times

As for Western Front. They are stretched very thin but we finally sent them reinforcements. They should be able to conduct offensives now, or at the very least, create pockets to be eliminated at a later date.

Kalinin Front (2).png (1.94 MiB) Viewed 595 times

In the Southern parts, sporadic battles and skirmishes are happening on a daily basis. It is not very concerning other than the enemy having Panzer Divisions close by. We are trying to dislodge the Germans that have created massive fortresses out of their positions. In theory it seems simple to just drive forward considering our vast numbers but it is not so. Our divisions are still weak in numbers, supply and reinforcements. All of our rifle divisions are capped at 50% TOE as well.

Kalinin Front (4).png (1.61 MiB) Viewed 595 times

In the most Southern parts, another breaktrough ? Or is it another trap from the enemy ? They'v encircled once or twice by letting us advance before, but the thing is, their numbers are so low, that this is not a huge threat. And so we will bite. Our tank corps were refitting directly on our depots and so they were basically reinforced entirely in a single week. They have been sent to spearhead the attack once again.

Kalinin Front (5).png (1.56 MiB) Viewed 595 times

We feel the enemy is on its last leg. After our early summer pause, in order to refit and resupply, the enemy had gain confidence to attack. Which was a major mistake on his part. Its our opinion that he should have heavily focused on defense and retreat to a smaller frontline. It may be possible that our pause, gave him confidence, gave him the idea that we couldnt push anymore, instead of what it actually was, a resupplying operation.

Our rail lines are being repaired more and more and pushing into enemy territory wont be a problem so much. We are hoping to cut the German in Lithuania (North) and destroy their remaining divisions there. After which, we may be able to walk to Berlin unopposed.

Currently we have created even more pockets with some HQs :

10th Corps and 2nd Corps HQs are encircled. 7th SS and Netherland SS are encircled. 369th Croation sep regiment and parts of 329th inf. div. are encircled as well.

[Neogodhobo]

_AAR.png (2 MiB) Viewed 594 times

_AAR (2).png (791.24 KiB) Viewed 593 times

[Neogodhobo]

The Germans are quite stubborn, I have to admit. Last week we almost encircled their entire armies in the North, and yet, this week, they are still attacking us, and they do not seem to be retreating. Altho some of their forces have went to fill the gap. Thinking somehow, that this will save them.

Leningrad Front (32).png (1.94 MiB) Viewed 575 times

Leningrad Front (28).png (1.62 MiB) Viewed 577 times

On the first day of the week, August 30th, Vatutin and Morozov's forces broke trough the only axis forces stopping them from reaching Koenigsberg.

Leningrad Front (29).png (1.69 MiB) Viewed 577 times

General Kempf, whom, unbeknownst to us, had transfer from Southern Front to Northern Front, no doubt to use his panzer divisions to counter our attempt at closing the Lithuanian Frontline. Well, he may have been a good opponent against the likes of Konev and Shaponshnikov, but he didnt last a single day against us. But this means that 48th Mot. Corps is still around somewhere and we should be careful nonetheless.

Leningrad Front (30).png (1.65 MiB) Viewed 577 times

[Neogodhobo]

Recon indicated some unknown enemy force south, therefore Vatutin, knowing that it could be 48th Mot. Corps, decided to go North in order to close the Lithuanian Pocket.

Leningrad Front (31).png (1.86 MiB) Viewed 571 times

When the news broke to the troops, Gerasimov, with his 31st army went nuts with joy and excitement, or so I heard from Bogdanov (Kalinin Front). Gerasimov had been sitting quietly all this time, and it seems like fresh good news was all he needed. He took his 31st army the next day and sprang forward, wanting to make sure the Germans would not be able to properly answer, at least from the North.

Leningrad Front (33).png (1.72 MiB) Viewed 571 times

Bogdanov immediately requested 1st Shock army to transfer to him so he could send him to recon the enemy further south.

Leningrad Front (34).png (1.68 MiB) Viewed 571 times

Some re-organisation was in order.

Leningrad Front (36).png (1.92 MiB) Viewed 571 times

3rd Shock also went to Kalinin and will push with 1st Shock. 4th Army (whit its airborne corps) along with 23rd army were sent to Central Front, and will be also be pushing Southward towards Vitebsk. Both of these armies are cavalry forces. 22nd and 53rd armies were transfered to NW Front. 34th and 10th armies were put into Voronhez Front (previously with Central front).

[Neogodhobo]

While everyone was moving forward and taking advantage of finally having broke trough the German defenses in Lithuania, 54th Cav. Div. from 23rd army actually discovered where the Panzers from 48th Mot. Corps were.

Leningrad Front (37).png (1.72 MiB) Viewed 567 times

The race forward to Berlin was maddening. Everyone wanted to be the first one. The German lines collapsed like they'v never before since last winter. It was wide open for the taking ! Now the German Panzers could either follow their original orders, to help out with the Lithuanian Pocket, or they could address a much more important matter, the race to Berlin. 53rd cav may have just sealed the fate of all Germans stuck in the pocket.

But this isnt saying the Germans cant break out of that pocket on their own.. But, seeing as the mission was accomplished by another Front, 3rd Shock army was able to assist in adding pressure to the pocket and moved Westward instead of Southward.

Leningrad Front (38).png (1.55 MiB) Viewed 567 times

[Neogodhobo]

Operation Symphony of Destruction was a success.

Leningrad Front (39).png (1.68 MiB) Viewed 565 times

But the war was not over..But..basically it was...But it wasnt. The Germans needed to be not just defeated, but destroyed.

As such, 43rd Army pushed forward in the hope of encircling the Axis forces present in Bielorussia.

Leningrad Front (40).png (1.68 MiB) Viewed 565 times

Now if the Germans decided not to retreat from there... Then 20th army went on and encircled some forces..

Leningrad Front (41).png (1.69 MiB) Viewed 565 times

Taking advantage of knowing 48th Mot. Corps and most likely, almost all Panzers from the Souther Front had been railed to the North, Crimean Front decided to go into a mad dash towards Bucharest. Hoping only a single Pz. Div. (13th Pz.Div.) stayed in the area.

Leningrad Front (42).png (1.47 MiB) Viewed 565 times