APOS STRATEGIC MAP - WALK THROUGH

[Redmarkus5]

Back on the OPs screen I see that one battle icon remains available. Due to the premature ending of my first assault, the enemy's second counter attack has not yet taken place. I have a chance to redeem myself!

Note that my intelligence about enemy forces has improved and that the Soviet units spotted so far are well dug in, contrary to the briefing I received.

[Redmarkus5]

From: Commander KG Redmarkus
To: Divisional HQ, SS 2nd Panzer Division
Subject: The attack on Pavlovka
Date Time Group: 1000/07/03/43

Your orders received. My attack will be renewed within one hour.

Please note the following:

1. The enemy is dug in in strength and comprises high calibre infantry supported by ATRs and several heavy machine guns.
2. We require artillery support urgently.
3. We request 1xStug platoon to cover our entry into the village.

Ende

[Redmarkus5]

Before resuming the attack I right click on one of my units on the map to open up the Platoon State report.

Clicking through this report allows me to spot any units that will need to be pulled out the line for refit during the next movement phase, or merely left out of battle.

[Redmarkus5]

The numbers under the three solder icon indicate the number of available vs. KIA or seriously wounded soldiers in each squad.

[Redmarkus5]

Clicking on the Squad's icon toggles on or off a setting that grants the selected squad or vehicle priority for repairs, reinforcements or resupply. I can use this to try and ensure that my prize units are given preferential treatment, although they will still need to be close to a logistics unit in order to qualify.

However, I don't really want to carry out this action now. Better to wait until the end of the phase when I'll know the final state of my force.

[Redmarkus5]

My plan for Phase 2 is to leave my depleted infantry platoons to hold the river crossing on the left while I force an entry into Pavlovka on the right using my Panzer Grenadiers (who are, in fact, Pioneers!) and remaining infantry.

[Redmarkus5]

Fog obscures the objective as my troops form up.

This time, I have artillery support as requested, so I prepare to lay down fire on East Pavlovka.

[Redmarkus5]

Infantry supported by Marders moves into position.

[Redmarkus5]

A Pioneer platoon on the advance.

[Redmarkus5]

Contact front! Soviet ATR Squad.

[Redmarkus5]

This develops into an intense firefight with an entrenched platoon of Soviet infantry.

[Redmarkus5]

My second Pioneer Platoon and a platoon of Infantry move up to join the fight.

[Redmarkus5]

Infantry moving up in line formation.

[Redmarkus5]

German infantry and APCs under fire and using the cover of a line of trees.

[Redmarkus5]

A platoon pushes forwards on the right flank.

[Redmarkus5]

I order a platoon of Pioneers to close up behind the rightmost infantry platoon as it advances.

[Redmarkus5]

The developing situation after 20 minutes.

[Redmarkus5]

Smoke from fires started by my artillery rises from the objective as infantry and pioneers close in.

[Redmarkus5]

East Pavlovka is captured but heavy resistance is still being experienced.

I decide the accept a cease fire offer from the AI.

[Redmarkus5]

With the completion of the last battle the turn is over. I press ENTER once to move to the operational movement screen.

You will note four specialist types of unit on the map edge, although only one can move onto the map this turn:

1. Artillery - move them up behind your attacking forces 1 hex behind and they will be able to fire on the enemy.

2. Supply - move them close to units requiring resupply. I believe that the resupply process happens automatically.

3. Repair - likewise, move them close to units containing damaged vehicles. IIRC, the repair activity only takes place if the repair unit has not moved in that turn.

4. Replacement - works like supply.

The optimum strategy appears to be to move the units requiring refit etc. out of the line and back towards your logistics units. There is some text in the manual that defines how close each unit needs to be to the target unit before the repair or refit effects will work. I will look this up and report.

SPECIAL NOTE: Do not allow your logistics or artillery units to tangle with the enemy. You will lose them and along with them you'll lose your ability to continue the fight.