General Goofy Does Barbarossa

[warspite1]

Annoyingly I do not see the AI moves - why did I go for that option???

A quick review of the battlefield shows the Soviets have tried to counter attack in the centre and have mauled a Panzer Division. The Forward Supply Bases for AGN and AGC have moved, this disrupting supplies. Fuel conservation is thus vital for the next turn or two. I will need to read the reports carefully before undertaking Turn 4.....

[warspite1]

4th July 1941
Turn 4
Army Group North

The movement of the Forward Supply Base has happened (the symbols have turned from Green to White) meaning that supplies of precious fuel for the panzers will be disrupted for a couple of turns. The symbols have also changed from trucks to locomotives. This is because the fuel travels by rail between the main depot and the FSB - but then continues to the panzergruppe HQ via truck. What I do not know is whether I get ANY fuel during this period of disruption. But I am soon to find out...

von Leeb's army group has only 4,477 of fuel in reserve. With the need to force the Dvina, I am guessing moving the FSB at this time was sub-optimal.

[warspite1]

Question I have noticed some small red circles appear on the map. Does anyone know what these denote please?

[Vic]

Hi Warspite,

Its a pleasure to read your AAR.

The red circles indicate destroyed/blown bridges.

And you can still see the AI moves by going into the history screen (button a tid bit left of the next turn button).

Best wishes,
Vic

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: Vic

Hi Warspite,

Its a pleasure to read your AAR.

The red circles indicate destroyed/blown bridges.

And you can still see the AI moves by going into the history screen (button a tid bit left of the next turn button).

Best wishes,
Vic

warspite1

Thanks Vic - that is nice of you to say [:)]

Sadly I had a very bad migraine on Thursday and so progress has been halted for the moment - but I cannot wait to resume battle in this and my PBEM as soon as I can! Stonkingly good game [:)]

[warspite1]

4th July 1941
Turn 4
Army Group North

There is no a decision to be made that directly affects AGN. However, there is a Divisional Commendation for one of its officers up for grabs.

General Kieffel of the 1st Infantry Division, 18th Army is being supported by von Leeb in gaining this award. I desperately need to get in von Leeb's good books and so, at a cost of 3pp, I support his recommendation.

Not sure this helps with von Leeb's attitude toward me, but the Division should now receive combat bonuses.

[warspite1]

4th July 1941
Turn 4
Army Group North

Three of the five remaining decisions revolve around AGC. I will leave them for the moment. The remaining two are non-sector specific and so will get out of the way now. They issues revolve around oil and the synthetic type too.

I am too busy with all this at the moment and leave the status quo for a cost of no pp.


4th July 1941
Turn 4
Finland

Back to the military situation, and in the far north, the Finns are refusing to go beyond the 1939 border. I need to worry about this almost immeditely as Finnish forces in the isthmus are about to cross the border.

Four divisions push back a motley collection of Soviet infantry on the Baltic coast but, as per orders from Mannerheim, do not advance to exploit their attack.

Slightly further north, the Soviet 43rd Rifle Division, finding their route blocked, is pushed back into the forests of Finland

[warspite1]

4th July 1941
Turn 4
Finland

Further north, on the northern bank of Lake Ladoga, further Soviet divisions fight for their lives. Firstly the 71st Rifle Division is set upon by three divisions - 5th, 11th and 15th - and pushed back to the old pre-war border.

To the southwest, three further Soviet infantry units are attacked by two Finnish division - the 1st and 18th - plus the German 163rd Division.

[warspite1]

4th July 1941
Turn 4
Army Group North

With the fuel situation being 'delicate' von Leeb tries to see to what extent he can call upon his infantry to perform tasks this turn. General Wodrig's XXVI Corps, plus the army reserve division are sent to try and storm Liepaja, which is held by rifle three divisions of mixed quality and strength - but Soviet resistance is stubborn, and the Germans are halted.

The 10th Rifle Division is pushed back beyond the Baltic port - albeit with modest losses and, to the east, the 1st Division force the 23rd Tank to retreat toward Riga.

For not great reward, the 18th Army is finished for the turn.....

[warspite1]

4th July 1941
Turn 4
Army Group North

In 16th Army's sector things are even worse. Busch's infantry are unable to engage any enemy at all, and have to content themselves with trying to catch up Hoepner's panzers...

[warspite1]

4th July 1941
Turn 4
Army Group North

And so to the panzergruppe itself. There is little choice but to make the best of a bad job. von Leeb figures that if he can get the panzer forces into position for defence, then even if the fuel runs dry, this should be only for a turn and they will be safe from attack in the meantime.

Two divisions of General Reinhardt's XLI Panzer Corps - the 1st and 6th - are ordered to take Dunaburg at all costs. The city is only defended by the weak 180th Rifle Division, and the panzers attack from two sides. The city falls, but the follow-up attack by two motorised divisions - against the 16th Rifle Division at the southern approaches to the city is a complete failure.

Concerned for the safety of the bridgehead over the Dvina, 8th Panzer is called in to provide extra defence - its place on the river bank being taken by the Totenkopf Motorised Division.

In the final attack the 8th Panzer Division, part of General Manstein's LVI Panzer Corps severely mauls one armoured division and destroys a second east of Dunaburg.

Fuel remaining to the panzergruppe? 848..... [:(]

[warspite1]

4th July 1941
Turn 4
Army Group South

Before switching to AGC I am going to have a look at AGS. Soviet units between Bessarabia and Odessa seem relatively low in numbers - and moreover - are in many cases beaten up.

von Rundstedt orders Schubert's 11th Army to take Odessa as soon as possible.....

The Soviets put a couple of blocking divisions in the way - the 44th Tank and the 25th Rifle Division. Four divisions, three Romanian, bolstered by one German division, annihilate the defenders, freeing up room for the remaining Germans to move.

The need to cross the Dneistr means that the German 11th Army have no ability to attack further this turn - but importantly, they have created a solid bridgehead over the river.

Finally the Romanians are tasked with clearing the 9th Cavalry Division on the Black Sea coast. The Guards Division, the 15th and a Fortress Division from 4th Army attack, pushing the defenders back toward the river.

[warspite1]

4th July 1941
Turn 4
Army Group South

In the north of AGC's front, von Rundstedt orders 6th Army on the march in an easterly direction. The Soviets withdraw from Rovno completely and von Rundstedt is keen to take advantage by anchoring AGS's left flank on this city.

The perennial German problem appears once again. The Infantry struggle to engage the enemy given their slow transport situation. North of Tarnopol the 197th Rifle Division is attacked by three divisions and forced into retreat. However, that is the only attack available to General von Reichenau's forces this turn.

[warspite1]

4th July 1941
Turn 4
Army Group South

The Siege Artillery is not yet available at Lvov. Stulpnagel orders the city to be surrounded, and all remaining elements to press east to relieve the pressure on the Romanian 3rd Army.

[warspite1]

4th July 1941
Turn 4
Army Group South

This leaves von Kleist's 1st Panzergruppe. The plan is to try and slice through the Soviets south of Tarnopol and drive a wedge between the Soviet 6th Army there and the three armies to the south.

The Soviets have left Tarnopol with one rifle division to defend it. von Kleist sends in a division of infantry plus the Hungarian armoured forces to try and take the city - but to the General's dismay, the defenders hold the city.

The 13th and 14th Panzer Divisions are ordered to swing south of Tarnopol and begin opening up a wedge in the defenders positions. The Soviet armour is pushed relentlessly backwards.

Following up closely, 16th Panzer heads northwest of 14th Panzer to try and finish off three badly weakened Soviet units. All three enemy units survive the attack but they are in no fit state to take any more punishment.

[warspite1]

4th July 1941
Turn 4
Army Group Centre

Back to AGC and the theatre specific reports....

- The argument about fuel scheduling appears. I am going to ask Wagner to co-operate (9pp 70% chance of a good outcome) as I have a good relationship with him and want to mend fences with Gercke.
- Truck problems also arise - but I need Bock on side (0pp) - which means sidelining Gercke!! The problems of command!
- Finally I am asked about moving an airfield closer to the front. I refuse (0pp) - Goering will only go off on one if I do....

[warspite1]

4th July 1941
Turn 4
Army Group Centre

Given the need for fuel conservation, von Bock has made clear only the infantry are to move unless absolutely vital.

After removing a surrounded rifle division, the 4th and 9th Armies are ordered to try and clear any stragglers in front of Minsk - to make this worthwhile, von Bock has to relax the fuel restrictions....

To the northwest of Minsk two divisions of General Schmidt's XXXIX Panzer Corps, together with the 18th Motorised, detached from Kuntzen's LVII Corps, attack two Soviet tank divisions. The attack forces the defenders back on Minsk, allowing the panzers to exploit the gap.

From the southwest of the city, General Lemelsen's XLVII Corps, from 2nd Panzergruppe, force a rifle division onto the defensive. Fuel is being expended at an alarming rate - although at least this now creates a pocket in front of Minsk.

However, just six divisions lie within the pocket....

The 143rd Rifle Division, in the southern end of the pocket is attacked by two divisions from 4th Army. The pocket reduces further in size but only a few of 9th Army remain able to assist, but even then such assistance is limited to preparing themselves for further turns....

von Bock decides that, the dire fuel situation notwithstanding, he cannot leave his panzers idle. Southwest of Minsk, no less than five armoured and motorised divisions prepare to attack a five rifle divisions. The defenders are beaten back - but all fuel is now used.....

[warspite1]

4th July 1941
Turn 4
Army Group Centre

In other news.....

....that's a worrying development. Where did they come from? [X(]

[warspite1]

8th July 1941
Turn 5

Good news! the Forward Supply Bases are in fully working order - Huzzah!

Bad news! I need Minsk and Dunaburg as FSB's ASAP!!!

Decision time....

- Do we expand the Romanian oilfields? I say yes at an 8pp cost (60% chance)
- More truck issues [8|] I spend 0pp and say forget about it....
- Tyres now!! what the....? I don't care! Well I do.. I will side with AGC for 5pp.
- There is also another award to be dished out - this time to the 162nd Division's commander. I support my Army Group Commander at a cost of 6pp.

[warspite1]

8th July 1941
Turn 5
Finland

Unless he can be persuaded otherwise, Mannerheim will not attack over the 1939 border. He is instead happy to satisfy himself by attacking any Soviet units that stray over the border.