Elephant Hunt: Semi-Interactive AAR

[Mobius]

Are there any emplacements?

[Yoozername]

Given the limited info on the Germans so far, I would go for the defensive scheme I sketched here.

I would expect the Germans to use long range overwatch from hill 248. The Germans will go for the flags and this channels the attack. I don't know how much time they have or if they get points for exiting AFV or units or what. Really hard to say anything definite given the limited info.

As the Soviets, I would conserve my forces and defend the 5 flags I seem to control. My ability to get a better victory might hinge on what happens in the KZ (killzone). I would want to hit the Germans on all sides there and even ram them if need be.

Again, I think that more map and unit information is needed to do anything but make general speculation.

[Yoozername]

Another 'time' issue is how will the game be played as far as Orders/Reaction phases. 

[Mad Russian]

The game is setup as a normal 40:40 sequence. 40 seconds for both the orders and reaction phases.

Good Hunting.

MR

[Mad Russian]

ORIGINAL: Yoozername

Given the limited info on the Germans so far, I would go for the defensive scheme I sketched here.

I would expect the Germans to use long range overwatch from hill 248. The Germans will go for the flags and this channels the attack. I don't know how much time they have or if they get points for exiting AFV or units or what. Really hard to say anything definite given the limited info.

As the Soviets, I would conserve my forces and defend the 5 flags I seem to control. My ability to get a better victory might hinge on what happens in the KZ (killzone). I would want to hit the Germans on all sides there and even ram them if need be.

Again, I think that more map and unit information is needed to do anything but make general speculation.

That works for me. There really is no more map information to give you. These are open fields with some woods.

Lt. Yerokhin says, according to the text in the book, that his unit was told to advance. According to the text he was in the advance element of a battalion of tanks sent to stop the German advance rather than wait in place for them.

The orders I created in this scenario, concerning enemy forces, location, direction of attack are all standard issue orders from when I was in the Army in the mid-70's.

Lot's of time, if not most of the time, the information you know about the enemy is "they are over there, go get them." Meeting Engagements, which the text for this action implies, are even more notorious for having scanty details about the enemy.

That's why,in the text, our hero was leading the recon troops. The Soviets didn't know where the Germans were. So, I'm playing along with what seems to be just about normal fare for the way the Soviets conducted some of their attacks/counterattacks.

Good Hunting.

MR

[Mad Russian]

Unless I hear differently this is where the units will be placed.

TC = Tank Company

Plt = Infantry Platoon

Good Hunting.

MR

[Ratzki]

I'd like to see that 2TC over with the 3TC, but we can see what happens with it where it is now.

[Yoozername]

I would want the 2nd TC as far forward and on the right as possible. This gives some eyes on all the road network without leaving the 2nd company exposed if the Germans get setup on the map and can see the unit right off the bat. Where the German mobile units are at the start will be a big factor. My goal would be to setup a mobile ambush so that at least one of the Soviet tank companies is hitting the enemy in the flank. For the Soviets to charge over/around hill 254 at the start of the scenario would throw away any advantage that they have right now.

Soviet recon for a tank battalion would be a 3 tank platoon typically. I will try to position 2nd Company:Lt Yerokhin - 1 tank - elite plus one vet platoon through the woods on the right. The other two vet platoons will hold firing positions that cover the KZ.

I have seen one source that states the 4th Panzer as having:

I./ PR 35 with 1 Pz Kw IV F; 95 Pz Kw IV Ausf. G and H; 6 Pz Bf Wg III.

I./ Pz GR 12 mechanized with Sd Kfz 251 (102).
II./ Pz GR 12 motorized with Sd Kfz 70, Opel Blitz and Maultier.

Pz GR 33 motorized.

I./ PAR 103 with Le FH 18.
II./ PAR 103 4 and 5 batteries with 6 Wespe each and 6. Battery with 6 Hummel.
III./ PAR 103 7. Battery with K 18 (100 mm) towed; 8. and 9. batteries with sFH 18 (150 mm) towed.

Pz Jäg Abt 49; 1, 2 and 3. companies with 8 Marder II each and 4. company with 8 pak 75 mm towed.

Plus 13 LIG 75 mm; 3 sIG 33 150 mm; 43 mortars 81 mm; 858 MG.

Manpower: 403 Offs; 2439 NCOs; 9972 Enlisted men; 258 hiwis and 94 officials.

Source: 4 Pz Division Kursk 1943. Wydawnictwo Militaria Nº 97. 1999.

[Mobius]

The area looks typical of the Kursk Salient geography. Low rolling hill/ridges about 1-2 kilometers apart. The Russian could fortify the forward side of a hill with AT guns in emplacements. Their tanks could occupy the rear of the hill with their tanks to take on the Germans at short range when they rolled over the crest.

A tactic the German would use is to shoot from the crest of one hill to clear out the depression below them. That is when Soviet artillery could spot them and the German couldn't remain stationary for long before heavy artillery fell on.

Hopefully, MR gives the Soviets some artillery this time.

[Mad Russian]

Sorry, the AAR from our Elephant hunter never mentions artillery. I'm sure the he wanted all the glory for himself.

Here then is the final setup as given to me.

Good Hunting.

MR

[Mad Russian]

Here we are on the ground.

Lt. Yerokhin and a veteran tank platoon.

[Mad Russian]

The rest of the 2nd Tank Company overwatching the Killing Zone.

[Mad Russian]

1st Tank Company behind the trees in the center of our position.

[Mad Russian]

3rd Tank Company to the west of our position.

[Mad Russian]

And our infantry screen along the road.

[Mad Russian]

What are our orders?

Good Hunting.

MR

[Yoozername]

Is there any way you can make the map available for download?  I would personally want to see things like LOS, adjusting the tanks formations, etc.  I would do this before setting SOPs and giving orders.

[Mad Russian]

I'm working on making the map available.

However, as overall commander you wouldn't be concerned with LOS restrictions etc....that would be my job as the lower sub-unit commander.

Good Hunting.

MR

[Mad Russian]

Haven't forgotten you. Still trying to upload the map.

Good Hunting.

MR

[Enigma6584]

Could you also vary your screenshots a bit by providing us with down-low, close in views of the equipment and troops. I'd like to see the detail as well as the overhead tactical view. Thanks. Great idea by the way in terms of a semi-interactive DAR. I don't think I've ever heard of anyone doing this type of thing before.