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T58 Moscow

New Soviet formations come to reinforce the final two hexes protecting Moscow from encirclement
The northern 3 prove to be tough troops to crack
Our offensive forces are deep enough to allow us 3 attacks, which is finally enough to achieve a break through. Panzer replacement battalions prove the Axis with extra punch, and as they are SUs, they are easy to refit

The 3 formations to the south prove to be an easier nut to crack and our first attack is successful
Moscow is sealed tight

T58 AGS Stalingrad


The Soviets launch a counter offensive led by the guards corps

However, the defences around Saratov now seem to be weak, can we attack here to force him to redeploy his counter offensive troops to the defence?

t58 AGS

Firstly, we'll use our panzers to blunt the main thrust of the Soviet counter offensive

Then we'll herd some Soviets into a nice pocket


Which can be sealed shut and consumed next turn

We still have some panzer forces so let's isolate this Soviet corps and force it to rout away

t58

We have been consistently running down the Soviet forces on the map since the start of the spring offensive, however, we have caused fewer casualties in the last couple of turns as we engineer the Moscow kessel.
Is the Soviet frown about to turn into a smile?

i dont see Soviet bombers, was it house ruled ?

No, I'm not sure why they didn't fly. With Moscow incapacitated, supply down single track rails from places like Saratov may be limited. Looking back through the game, MSAG seems to have only used them for interdiction, in particular targeting GA on leading panzer formations

if MSAG is reading this then GS must be used, it is very effective now, especially tactical bombers

T59 Moscow

We first attempt to capture Moscow West, as we will need this hex to assault Moscow itself.
It fell surprisingly easily, well perhaps not considering that it was facing an entire assault army, almost a quarter million strong, made up of veterans and led by an able general.

The key seems to have been pioneers, the siege artillery only had a minor impact

T59 AGS

Air recon doesn't identify too many threats in this sector. Where are the Russians? I know that we have been pounding them, but there are still 5.5m of them.
Anyway, our blood is up, let's just ravish them. Firstly tidying up last turn's pocket


Then ravage the front that we started on last turn

T60 Moscow

Model and Guderian rest and prepare for the coming assault


Tambov

The Russians have finally come alive and threaten my massively undermanned flank between Moscow and Tmbov
But real embarrassment comes further south, as the Russians ignore my offensive and strike hard and deep destroying my supply for 11th Army
Around Rostov, the defenders pocket my troops that were about to pocket them


Am I getting too cocky?

T60 AGS Response

The campaign against Stalingrad cannot continue without risk to the encirclement of 6th and 11th Armies. I am not 'the world's greatest general' so I concede that I must withdraw,


Around Rostov, we smash the counteroffensive and reseal the pockets. Bizarrely, the Italians had to be called upon to restore order


Further north, mobile elements of 3rd Panzer were already on their way towards Tambov and, although tired after their recent attacks, 1st Pz are able to stabilise the situation

T61

AGS begins to look to be in a precarious position, and the Kessel begins to warm


Rostov, again our pockets are reversed and the Romanians on a land grab get a good kicking


The Russians attempt to break the Moscow siege, with a huge 250,000 men assault


...but these are flicked aside

T61 Moscow

The entire 3rd Pz is thrown at Moscow, either directly or on reserve activation.


A comfortable success. I quickly tidy up the situation in the south and return the turn with a message about accepting terms. I have 755 VPs, which I need to hold on to for 6 turns before the next sudden victory check.

MSAG concedes at this juncture and I thank him for a greatly enjoyable game. This game has shown that the Axis can pummel the Soviets defending open terrain during the first half of 1942. MSAG admits that he has been too passive, my guess is that he may have been scarred by his previous game against Tyronec. It is surprising how personal confidence/morale affects your play as a wargamer.

This has been my first PvP game and it has been very instructive. I finally now feel that I have mastered most of the mechanics of how to use the operating system and I am eager to develop my tactical and strategic insights. Taking control of the Axis forces in 1941 feels like being given the keys to an expensive sports car.

Post Game Stat Porn

nice AAR, thanks for doing it!

Well played, congrats on the win.

An interesting game and congrats on your win