A snapshot AAR

[Tarhunnas]

A view from the Soviet side on the last turn before the pocket, map after Soviet moves. The line looked safe enough, and I had even withdrawn from the Kursk bulge, but it is always hard to judge on those turns when the weather goes from mud to clear. It is easy to underestimate the mobility of the Panzers.

[Tarhunnas]

Some consolation is that the German mobile formations actually don't have very impressive combat values, motorized divisions with a CV of 4 or 5 for example. And it is possible to kick around some units of the outer ring, but not break the pocket. Map after Soviet moves turn 47. German supply will probably be difficult in the corridor, so STAVKA estimate is that they will not be able to repeat the performance next clear turn. Map after Soviet moves.

[Tarhunnas]

On the production side, tank pools are brimming, while rifle units are slow to build up. Apparently, somewhat paradoxically, the Soviet army has lots of hardware but a lack of soldiers! STAVKA will switch new units raised from infantry to more tank units. It is still my opinion that separate tank battalions are the most AP, truck and manpower efficient way of getting tanks to the front.

[Tarhunnas]

A review of Generals performance uncovers some unexpected issues. Where did this guy get his idea for a moustache style? Do we have a case of doubtful loyalty?

[jwolf]

Great updates, Tarhunnas, thanks they are a pleasure to read.  As you say, Akimov's political rating seems very high in view of his 'stache.  Maybe that "explains" his 6-16 won-lost record.  [;)]

Too bad about that pocket.  I didn't think you could break it but it will be sad to see those guard units taken prisoner.

What is your manpower pool at the moment (if it's not secret)?

[STEF78]

I made a mistake while reading 8 and not 28 for the Pzd stack on the north of the Pocket [:(] A 28 CV stack couldn't be moved. I definitely prefer the "old" counters.

In the South your troops were too far...

As long as the Pzd/mot will be close from the rail line, they will keep high MP value.

Summer 1942 won't be an easy task.

[timmyab]

Turn 48 Crimea
The Soviets build a defense along the Salagir river in an attempt to extract some of their doomed units. Lucky for me though the Southern half of the Crimea is mud free and my armor is able to assault the line and cut off the retreating forces.
I now have four German corps committed to this offensive and I can't help but feel it's a waste of effort despite the prisoners I'll take. I'm in two minds whether or not to abandon the place after mopping up.
There really should be VPs in the Crimea. Sevastopol obviously and perhaps Kerch and Simferapol too. 5 VPs in the Crimea would be worth fighting for and would reflect the importance it held for both sides.
53rd corps has been sent South to capture the port at Henichesk but this has left the area South of Zaparozhy weak. The Soviets have noticed and launched a minor offensive in the area so I've had to dispatch 1st corps from the strategic reserve with 2 mot divs and 2 inf divs to restore order.

[randallw]

Maybe it is time to hold off on ordering any more tank battalions; that tank pool looks kinda small.

[Tarhunnas]

ORIGINAL: jwolf

What is your manpower pool at the moment (if it's not secret)?

Manpower pool turn 49.

[Tarhunnas]

Turn 49 is clear, and the evil fascist invaders create another pocket. However, heroic attacks by the 1st Shock Army succeeds in pushing a corridor to the surrounded comrades. Next turn will be mud, which means that the pocket will survive for at least another two weeks, even if their eventual fate is probably sealed.

[Tarhunnas]

OOB and losses turn 50.

It is comforting to see that the Red Army has been growing since turn 46, even with two armies lost to encirclement. However, German men at the front is also increasing slightly. But, German tank strength has been going down!

[randallw]

Another spot to attack is that German division with army HQ on top, between two guards cav corps.

[Tarhunnas]

ORIGINAL: randallw

Another spot to attack is that German division with army HQ on top, between two guards cav corps.

I did try, but my offensive power was exhausted... Note that there are two flipped hexes to reach attack position, and most Soviet units cannot hndle that and make a delib. It sure would have been nice to cut the panzer wurst in two peices.

[821Bobo]

ORIGINAL: Tarhunnas

ORIGINAL: randallw

Another spot to attack is that German division with army HQ on top, between two guards cav corps.

I did try, but my offensive power was exhausted... Note that there are two flipped hexes to reach attack position, and most Soviet units cannot hndle that and make a delib. It sure would have been nice to cut the panzer wurst in two peices.

That's exactly the case when tank corps would come handy.

[jwolf]

Tim's tank force is trashed! [X(]  Is he going to have anything left for the 42 summer?

[timmyab]

I left most of the armor out during the blizzard and it hasn't recovered. From a purely gamey point of view there's probably still a lot to be said for simply running 200 miles in the South and preserving all the best armor and infantry intact in rear cities.
Never mind, as long as there's one tank left to capture VP 260 that's all that matters.

[timmyab]

Here's the pocket from my point of view at the end of the turn it was made. I thought there was a 60% chance of it holding, but there are weaknesses I hadn't spotted. I could have made it impregnable but I was very keen to occupy the wooded area to the SE.

[jwolf]

ORIGINAL: timmyab
I could have made it impregnable but I was very keen to occupy the wooded area to the SE.

This part I don't understand. After Tarhunnas's counterattacks aren't you more or less forced to pull those units back anyway? And even if not, wasn't securing the pocket more important than holding the woods?

[timmyab]

With hindsight, yes I should have secured the pocket completely (well 99% anyway). Just got greedy I suppose.
The woods were the icing on the cake, but I forgot to bake the cake - D'oh!
I've only had to relinquish one of the hexes.

[STEF78]

May be it's time to give ground for SHC...