Semi-Interactive AAR: Return Road to Kharkov

[Plodder]

I'd dismount the inf. and clear the woods with the half-tracks following the road. Bring up the panzers to where the half-tracks are now so they're close to the action.

[Geordie]

I like the tapping of the insert key feature to change modes.  In CM you had to keep what you had for the whole time, gridded terrain for example.
 
Can you turn off the trees fully as well?  I remember in PC-K you could do this partially.

[jamespcrowley]

ORIGINAL: The Plodder

I'd dismount the inf. and clear the woods with the half-tracks following the road. Bring up the panzers to where the half-tracks are now so they're close to the action.

This would be my approach. It keeps the advance to the village screened, then the tanks can support the infantry as they assault into the village. The attacking force should then be quite well hidden from the Soviet counter attack.

Presumably, there is the possibility of vehicles bogging in off-road terrain, particularly mud and deep snow? Or do they just reduce movement?

[rickier65]

ORIGINAL: Geordie

I like the tapping of the insert key feature to change modes.  In CM you had to keep what you had for the whole time, gridded terrain for example.

Can you turn off the trees fully as well?  I remember in PC-K you could do this partially.

Yep you can toggle the trees from none, to some to all. you can also toggle the grid off and on, as well as the AI map.

Thanks
rick

[Tim Coakley]

Lead (1st) PzG platoon advances a few minutes before dismounting to clear the 1st objective with the halftracks in support. 2nd PzG platoon clears the woods on the East of the road as they advance along the low ground between the hill and woods. Take up a position on line with 1st platoon. Bring the tank platoon up behind 2nd platoon and get into an overwatch position at the crest of the hill to cover the open area to the East of the village (top/right of the map), isolating half of the area.

This sets the stage for the remaining reinforcements to quickly come up behind this intial battle position and attack the village.

[Erik Rutins]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your advice! I see some great strategies unfolding here and Turn 2 is proceeding. Based on the feedback here, the consensus seemed to be to use the Panzergrenadiers dismounted with halftracks in support to clear the woods, focusing more on the woods on the east side of the road (right side from where our forces entered the map). The consensus also seems to be to send the Panzers to the east, though most favor keeping them close to the infantry for now as possible support. I will go with those orders and report back shortly for Turn 3.

Regards,

- Erik

[Erik Rutins]

Here are the plots for Turn 2. I used the F12 key to turn the trees off so that you could see the plots more easily. The PanzerGrenadier platoon that's furthest out is sending its infantry to the left of the road while the halftracks join the second Panzergrenadier platoon on the right side of the road. The Panzer platoon is regrouping to a Wedge formation in the treeline where the second Panzergrenadier platoon was, in preparation for supporting the infantry or moving out further, depending on how things go and future advice.

[Erik Rutins]

Our Panzergrenadiers getting into position...

[Erik Rutins]

By the way, you see three objectives on the minimap there and I realize my initial briefing had an error. There is an objective on the road in the woods, but it's only worth one point. The first objective in the village is worth 20 points, the farthest objective in the village is the big one that's worth 40 points. If we take all the objectives, it's worth about the same as two of our Panzergrenadier platoons in terms of VPs.

Regards,

- Erik

[Erik Rutins]

Ok, Turn 3 and no enemy contact yet. Our third platoon of Panzergrenadiers just arrived. The first two platoons are almost in position and per your advice, I will make sure they're organized in line with infantry in the lead before moving forward. The Panzers are in position as well, but based on the consensus I will keep them there until we see what the infantry finds. What should I do with the third platoon of Panzergrenadiers? I will move them up in reserve of the first two for now and run one more turn, then wait for another round of feedback.

Here's the situation at the start of Turn 3:

[Erik Rutins]

Here are the plots for Turn 3, just getting everyone into position and moving up the 3rd Platoon to a reserve position until I hear more advice regarding how to use it.

[Erik Rutins]

Ok, Turn 3 Finished! Everyone is in position now. Here's the latest look at the map.

I need some more input and advice now. No enemy contact so far - the woods objective did switch to our control due to proximity, but we haven't gone far enough in to truly scout the woods yet. Proceed with the plan for 1st and 2nd platoon and send them further in to clear the woods? Keep the Panzers where they are for support or send them out on the flank to the crest or farther out to the right edge of the map?

What about 3rd platoon? Keep it in reserve, send it into the woods to support 1st and 2nd platoons, or send it around one flank or the other?

I will run the next turn in about an hour, so please get me your feedback by then!

[Plodder]

We should keep our options open for the moment and stick with the plan.Keep 3 Plt. in reserve for the moment.

[jamespcrowley]

I would be inclined to keep 3rd platoon on the road but move it towards a parallel postion with 2nd platoon's current position. It is doing no good where it is and will then be in a position to help 1st or 2nd, if required.
What LoS do the panzers have - can they see beyond the next tree line in the direction they are facing towards the limit of the map? If not, I would consider sending a section forward to that tree line, with the HQ and remaining section on overwatch. 

[Erik Rutins]

Ok, thank you to my "war council" for your advice. Based on your comments, I will keep 3rd Platoon in reserve, but move it forward halfway towards the 2nd Platoon position. I will also move a section of Panzers forward, as the platoon's LOS currently ends at the treeline thats on the crest of the field.

[Erik Rutins]

Here are the plots for Turn 4. I've set 2nd Platoon to Bound forward. You can see the squad with the solid line is moving this phase, while the others with the transparent movement line are covering. They will switch in the next phase. 1st Platoon is Advancing. The Halftracks are also Advancing in support of 2nd Platoon. Let's see what we find in the woods!

3rd Platoon did a Regroup -> Wedge to a reserve position closer to 2nd Platoon while still remaining available for movement in any direction.

The Panzer IIIL platoon switched to Engage orders and I kept the three on the left (that are closest to the infantry) on Engage->Hold so that they would automaticlaly provide fire support on any targets they spot, while the two on the right are on Engage->Move and heading for the next treeline to see what they can see.

[Erik Rutins]

We have CONTACT! Here's a view of things from the HQ Panzer's position. You can see the section ahead and to the right. They spotted some Soviet tanks ahead once they got up that slope. I'll show you in the next few screenshots.

[Erik Rutins]

Here's a view from the Panzer section on the right. You can see that they are being targeted.

[Erik Rutins]

Here's a look from the turret of the rightmost Panzer.

[Erik Rutins]

And here's the view from the enemy side - five T-70s in total (that I can see), targeting me from 530 meters away.