A Clash of Titans, Xhoel (Axis) vs Bitburger (Soviet)

[xhoel]

Ground and Air Losses:

Ground:



Air:

[EwaldvonKleist]

Your positioning of HQs looks good supply wise.
Not sure what you refer to with "pullback of XXXIX PC". You only need t pullback the HQ within 10hexagons /20 MPs of the railhead. If your pullback means getting closer than that, you are wasting fuel in that backward movement.
Not to forget the disruptive effects of ghost divers to your marching columns.

[xhoel]

Thank you, I'm keeping a close look on the HQs. The XXXIX PC is the Panzer Corps north of Vitebsk (1st pic AGN) and has been holding the forward position for 2 turns now. I've pulled it back to R&R since almost all units had 15ish MPs. Its the one that has one security regiment to its north and one to its south (2nd pic AGN).

[EwaldvonKleist]

You are right, I confused the PCs, thought you ware talking about the ones of PG 4.
Another thing, when converting the terrain in the South, it is useful to stage the advance.
1/3rd-2/3rd of the PCs mobile forces advance, trying to encircle an area for auto conversion. At least one PC stays within 10 hexagons/20 MPs of the railhead (only the HQ, the units can be anywhere as long as they are in range of the HQ), so at least one PC has full MP next turn to continue the quick conversion.
Also, the terrain conversion should be left to the mot. divisions whenever possible, as they have less AFVs which are scarce and very prone to movement attrition. The tank divisions stay in the rear area in good supply condition and only come forth when the Soviets offer resistance to break it.

[xhoel]

Thank you for the tip, I haven't made any tests about the effects of such long advances on the panzers but I'll take your word for it. PZGr 1 has only 2 motorized divisions though so I have to work with what I have. That makes quite a lot of sense actually, but I thought that if I make contact with the enemy and clear the terrain I'm advancing on, it will be easier for the infantry to move forward. I'm sure the Soviets will stay and fight where they are now and for any major offensive operations I will have to rely on the arriving Armies. In any case once the infantry catches up I plan to rest the whole 1st Panzer Group.
Again thanks for the tip and insight, it is always appreciated.

[EwaldvonKleist]

Here you have an example of a panzer division before and after spending 47MPs. Note the disproportional movement damage to AFVs, whereas artillery and rifle squads are still fine.
During the logistics phase, damaged elements may become destroyed, and again that will be more likely for AFVs than for squads and guns from what I know.

Converting the terrain for the infantry with motorised forces is wise, as you can double to triple their marching speed on this way, depending on their morale (the cost to enter enemy hexagons).

The next time, I would swap a Panzer division or two in the south with a motorised division from the center, also because as a rule of thumb, having high CV units (panzers) north of the swamp is more useful.

Is there a way to include spoilers in a post? On this way, I could post screenshots without interfering with the appearance of your AAR.

[xhoel]

Thanks for the screenshot and the heads up. I will keep that in mind for the future.I'm always amazed at the level of detail that WITE gives to small things like this, they make the game much more realistic. Your help is really appreciated EvK

[xhoel]

T5, 17th of July-24th of July 1941.
General overview of the situation:

The enemy continues its orderly retreat in the sectors of AGC and AGS. In the sector of AGN the enemy has strengthened his defenses and dug in waiting for our moves. Not a lot of activity registered in the air except for the bombing of one of our forward fighter bases in the Ukraine. The Soviets manage to destroy 8 airframes for the loss of 33 of theirs.

Airfield bombing carried out by the Soviets last week:





Command Changes:

The I Corps has been transferred under the command of Panzer Group 4. The recently arrived LI Corps will take their place, putting the 18th Army at maximum strength. Meanwhile the XXXXVI Panzer Corps has arrived in Prussia from the sector of AGS. It will be joining its sister formations under Guderians command. The commander of the LVII Panzer Corps is replaced by a commander that has more experience in tank warfare (GL von Arnim).

Finnish front:

The Finns continue their advance facing weak resistance from the Soviets. The city of Vyborg was liberated during this week as the Kannas Finish Army pushes towards Lenningrad. The Finnish have complete air superiority in this sector which was also proven this week during the battle of Lahdenpohja where Finnish fighters intercepted Soviet LBs that were flying to provide close air support. The Soviets lost 15 out of 20 TB-3, a 75% loss rate.

Finnish front before Axis moves:



Finnish front after Axis moves:



Finnish air superiority:

[xhoel]

AGN
The offensive for Pskov:

On July 17th 1941 the morning sky was filled with the buzzing of aircraft engines. One by one Stukas and Ju 88As took off from our forward airfields and started flying towards the Velikaya river. Troops of the 11th Soviet Army defending the gap between the rivers Velikaya and Loknya were awoken by the sound of Stuka sirens which were followed by huge explosions and screams of wounded men. The Soviet defenders were not left a moment of respite, as once the first wave of our dive bombers had dropped their bombs, the high altitude Ju88As showed up, hitting everything they could identify as a viable target. Ammo depot, gun emplacements, telephone lines and secondary trenches were the main targets. At 6:00 am, our forward observers called for precise artillery fire on already identified Soviet strongpoints. What followed was a spectacle of explosions that ran for 20 minutes straight. The whole artillery of the 16th Army was committed to the task, with a dedication to be admired. At 6:30 AM once the dust had settled our infantry moved forward. The assault was difficult as the Soviets had fortified their positions well and fought resiliently. In the end however after bitterer fighting the gap between the two rivers was in our hands. What followed after the initial assault was more heavy fighting that had to be endured by the men of the 16th Army. 10 miles north of their first defensive belt the Soviet 11th Army had established a secondary defensive line, foreseeing that our goal would be to cut off Pskov coming from this direction. The X Corps of Generaloberst Christian Hansen proved more than capable of breaching the Soviet defenses here even though they faced very heavy resistance.

Stukas flying to their designated targets:


After the collapse of Soviet defenses what laid ahead of us was open ground, ideal terrain for the armored units of the 4th Panzer Group, which wasted no time into advancing to the Soviet rear encountering only light resistance. Due to the immense outer perimeter of the Pskov pocket (150 miles only the east side), GO Hoepner requested additional armored formations to guarantee that the Soviets could not break out, since based on radio intercepts and intelligence reports the strongest Soviet units are concentrated in this sector and could, if poorly screened, slip out to the east, something that could delay the advance towards Leningrad for weeks. Seeing how the offensive in the sector of AGC has been delayed for another week, the OKH granted the request ordering the XXXIX Panzer Corps (green) and the XIV Panzer Corps (blue) to move north. After their arrival the pocket was sealed almost hermetically, the only worry being the northern side which is defended by the 1st Regiment of the Wiking SS Division. Should the regiment hold, then the fate of the Pskov pocket will be sealed, which would not only mean the elimination of around 28 divisions/brigades trapped inside it, but it would also mean that the Soviets will have to pull troops from other sectors in order to form a defensive line on the Luga, which at this time is completely defensless. This would mean a weakening of Soviet positions at the landbridge which would help our offensive plans in the AGC sector.

Soviet defenses at Pskov and envisioned attack axis:



Pskov pocket after German moves:



Meanwhile the XXVI Corps has entered Estonia and will be pushing north to capture Tallinn and Narva in order to draw Soviet defenders to the area.

General overview of AGN sector after German moves:

[xhoel]

AGC

Even though he OKH has been pressing AGC to finally begin the offensive at the landbridge, von Bock has made a case that his armored spearheads lack both infantry and air support to conduct such a difficult offensive and as such any premature move from our side would simply get stuck in the Soviet defenses and would result in a slowing down of operations and unnecessary casualties. After much discussion and due to the situation that has been developing in the sector of AGN the OKH grants von Bock his wish. This means that no offensive will be conducted in the sector this week. The 9th,4th and 2nd Armies are pushing forward at maximum speed and have managed to make contact with the enemy at several points. Probing attacks reveal that the Soviets have fortified their positions at the landbridge and are preparing a defense in depth in this sector. In the area south of Mogilev however, Soviet defenses behind the Dnepr are thinly held, a sign that the Soviets expect our main effort to be at the landbridge. A change of plans may be necessary but that is to be decided at a later time.

Smolensk area before German moves:



Mogilev area before German moves:



Smolensk area after German moves:



Mogilev area after German moves:



General overview of the AGC sector:

[xhoel]

AGS

The last resisting unit of the Lvov pocket the, 44th Mountain division has surrendered after a dedicated assault by units of the IV Corps. This marks the end of the Lvov pocket clearing operation that has taken 4 weeks to complete and has been tying down so many men and resources from AGS. The word of the day at the headquarters of AGS is speed, and speed is indeed needed to catch up to the Soviets. The 6th Army after its cleaning operation last week, has taken positions in front of Kiev while the 17th and 11th Armies enter the Ukraine in strength. The same is done by our Romanian allies albeit at a slower pace. The Romanian III Corps is to be pulled back next week for Rest and Training by German instructors, since these formations have proven to be unreliable in combat. The 1st Panzer Group regroups at Kirovograd after establishing bridgeheads over the Ingul river.
In other good news, Odessa is captured this week by the 50th Infantry Division after a heavy bombing of the city by our Romanian allies. The practice proves costly with Soviet Flak fire shooting down 12 out of 100 bombers a 12% loss rate that has made us order a cessation of all bombing operations over Soviet urban centers.

AGS sector at the start of the week:



AGS sector after German moves:



The bombing of Odessa:

[xhoel]

Losses during the Axis turn:

Ground losses:



Air losses:

[Hghx-0]

Pskov pocket looks impresive, however it can cost the advance to Smolensk, soviet units seem to be prepared (i would say level 2 forts) and if he maganes to reinforce the flanks then it may become painful breaching the defence.

Also, have you done recon around Leningrad? If your opponent does not have any defensive line there it can become a disaster of the whole front and of Leningrad in particular.

[xhoel]

T6, 24th of July-31st of July 1941
Overview of the Situation:

The pocket of Pskov has held. The Soviets have not been able to breakthrough or reestablish connection to the cut off units. The disaster at Pskov has forced the Soviets to pull back from the landbridge and the Dnepr river line, making life for us easier as Vitebsk, Mogilev and Smolensk are declared free cities and taken by our units without firing a single shot.
In the AGS sector, Nikolaev is abandoned as well as Krivoi Rog. The Soviet line of defense is established just 30 miles west of Dnepropetrovsk.

Pskov pocket:



Leader changes:

[xhoel]

Finnish front:

The Finns have reached the old Soviet Finnish border north of Leningrad but are not willing to move further south even though we are pressuring them to do so. This selfishness on their part has severe consequences as we are not fully utilizing our potential in the North, especially at such a good moment for us.

On the Karelian Army sector the Soviets have dug in behind the river there and are utilizing the narrow front to negate our superiority in numbers. This only buys them some time, as our troops are preparing to breach the defenses and race to the Svir river line.

Finnish front before Axis moves:



Finnish front before Axis moves:

[xhoel]

AGN

Reports arriving at the headquarters of AGN are cause for a celebration. Seeing how it is impossible to break out, it appears that STAVKA has ordered the surrounded units to move west and try to disrupt our supply and communication lines. This strategy makes mopping up operations easier since the new positions of the Soviets are unfortified and in open terrain. The activity in the air has been very high last week with the Soviets attempting to bomb our armored formations to little effect. Soviet losses from air operations in the Pskov area amount to around 158 planes. The LW on the other hand has only lost 3 fighters.

Overview of AGN before Axis moves:



Pskov pocket after cleaning operations:




The mopping operations are conducted by both the 18th and 16th army and supported by both Luftflotte 1 and the VIII Fliegercorps of Luftflotte 2. Soviet losses are as shown below:



Losses on our side are also heavy. Meanwhile the 93rd Division (XXVI Corps) has arrived at the outskirts of Tallinn while the rest of the units head towards the Narva. Pskov is held by the Soviets, after a probing attack by the I Corps and 6 divisions and 2 brigades are still putting up resistance in the pocket. Meanwhile the LVI Panzer Corps makes contact with the enemy at the Luga line. Here, intelligence shows that the Soviets have hastly deployed 2-3 Armies and no fortifications are present. A quick breakthrough here is crucial to the success of AGN.

Luga defense:



German units making contact with Soviets on the Luga line:

[xhoel]

AGC

In the sector of AGC the enemy has abandoned its defensive position and has redeployed 50 miles east behind the smaller Dnepr extensions. The Soviets surpass our expectations by giving up the excellent defensive terrain without a fight. Our armored formations have moved east at great speed with the aim of threatening the Soviet defenses in front of Vyazma. The rest of the units from Panzer Group 2 and 3 should be arriving next week too. Meanwhile the XX Corps (9th Army) has established bridgeheads over the Lovat and Dvina, threatening Velikie Luki and the Soviet defensive positions on the rivers.

AGC overview:



AGC after Axis moves:



Bridgeheads south of Velikie Luki:



Panzer Group 2 advance:



Panzer Group 3 advance:

[xhoel]

AGS

In the sector of AGS the enemy continues its retreat. Our units move forward at maximum speed making contact along the whole front. The 2nd Army (AGC) and the 6th Army (AGS) are conducting a joint operation in order to clear the marshes west of the Dnepr. It calls for 2 divisions to cut off the rail lines supplying the marshes and therefore isolate whatever Soviet units are still operating from the area. These leftover units are to be handled by auxiliary forces. The sectors in front of Kiev are being held by 2 Corps of the 6th Army while the rest of the 6th and the entirety of the 17th Army are massing at Kremenchug. This is a faint as the main crossing has been foreseen to happen further east near Dnepropetrovsk. The lower Dnepr is breached by elements of the XX Corps and it seems that the Soviets have decided to hold the line at the entrance of Crimea. Meanwhile the advancing 1st Panzer Group has managed to unhinge the Soviet defenses on the Bazavlik river. One Corps from this Panzer Group is being held in reserve.Our Allies are trying to keep up the pace with our advancing forces. The Romanian 3rd Corps is being pulled back to Bessarabia for rest and retraining as planned.

Joint operation of the 6th and 2nd Armies:



AGS before Axis moves:



AGS after Axis moves:



Panzer Group 1 advancing east:



Lower Dnepr crossing:



Crimea:

[xhoel]

Casualties:

Ground Losses:



Air Losses:

[xhoel]

ORIGINAL: Hghx-0

Pskov pocket looks impresive, however it can cost the advance to Smolensk, soviet units seem to be prepared (i would say level 2 forts) and if he maganes to reinforce the flanks then it may become painful breaching the defence.

Also, have you done recon around Leningrad? If your opponent does not have any defensive line there it can become a disaster of the whole front and of Leningrad in particular.

I anticipated that the disaster at Pskov would either force my opponent to thin the line at the landbridge or pull back. He choose the second option and I can't blame him. Yeah I have done recon there, and the situation seems a bit fragile but I'm sure my opponent will make up for it.