Panzers vs The Bear: A WitE2 MP AAR (Axis Perspective)
Moderator: Joel Billings
RE: Halder
all fascinating stuff but perchance better as a thread on its own rather than as a distinct divergence within a MP AAR? Makes it hard for someone who is just following that to work out what is relevant here?
Week 9
Turn 9, 17.8.1941
The Soviets committed their airforce to bombing the Pskov railyard without effect. Only few bombers reached Pskov and all were shot down. However they also hit Smolensk hard. First wave was intercepted and slaughtered to the last pilot but the second wave found empty skies, causing heavy damage. At least FlaK got another 18.
AGC
The two axis drives towards Moscow continue. 3rd Panzer Group moved along the Minsk-Smolensk-Moscow road, literally the only one good road in Soviet Union. Hoth's men reached and captured weakly defended Vyazma. Defended only by some 3000 men strong cavalry division.
Tim is using cavalry very effectively, cutting my spearheads or intruding behing my lines. But the cavalry are also paying the price and are often massacred, most of the cavalry divisions are barely few thousand men strong now.
2nd Panzer Group did some progress as well. I decided to bypass Orel and threaten Soviets with big encirclement.
AGS
1st Panzer Group is advancing to Donbas. Dnepropetrovsk and Zaporozhye both of which have been turned into the fortresses therefore I decided to divert FBD towards Kremenchug because I have no idea when I will be able to get Dnepropetrovsk.
More to the south 11. army and Romanians crossed Dneper on broad front.
Not much to report from the north. Raining as forecasted, Panzers are resting and next week will rain too. If I am not mistaken this will be fifth week with rain, its a little frustrating.
The Soviets committed their airforce to bombing the Pskov railyard without effect. Only few bombers reached Pskov and all were shot down. However they also hit Smolensk hard. First wave was intercepted and slaughtered to the last pilot but the second wave found empty skies, causing heavy damage. At least FlaK got another 18.
AGC
The two axis drives towards Moscow continue. 3rd Panzer Group moved along the Minsk-Smolensk-Moscow road, literally the only one good road in Soviet Union. Hoth's men reached and captured weakly defended Vyazma. Defended only by some 3000 men strong cavalry division.
Tim is using cavalry very effectively, cutting my spearheads or intruding behing my lines. But the cavalry are also paying the price and are often massacred, most of the cavalry divisions are barely few thousand men strong now.
2nd Panzer Group did some progress as well. I decided to bypass Orel and threaten Soviets with big encirclement.
AGS
1st Panzer Group is advancing to Donbas. Dnepropetrovsk and Zaporozhye both of which have been turned into the fortresses therefore I decided to divert FBD towards Kremenchug because I have no idea when I will be able to get Dnepropetrovsk.
More to the south 11. army and Romanians crossed Dneper on broad front.
Not much to report from the north. Raining as forecasted, Panzers are resting and next week will rain too. If I am not mistaken this will be fifth week with rain, its a little frustrating.
Week 10
Turn 10, 24.8.1941
Soviets launched series of attacks, mostly aimed against AGC. 19th Panzer Division was most heavily punished. Divided into three regiments, guarding the rear of 18th Motorized Division in Vyazma. All 3 regiments were routed.
Its worth noting that worn down formations, especially if they now lack active combat elements, are at risk of this sort of collapse.
In general with WitE2 you find that actions have consequences, so having made a rapid advance some of my key formations are now suffering till they have chance to rest and refit.
Still raining therefore no progress this week. AGN on rest. AGC regained the lines from previous week.
In the south, 1st Panzer Group is severely weakened and on rest too. Some panzer divisions have no more than couple dozens of tanks. 17th Army did isolate Dnepropetrovsk and 11th Army made big push from the shores of Dneper towards Crimea.
The happy times of big gains are definitely over.
Probably due to the bad weather, I had tremendous ops losses this week. Lesson learned, don't fly in bad weather. Soviets grounded their air force.
Soviets launched series of attacks, mostly aimed against AGC. 19th Panzer Division was most heavily punished. Divided into three regiments, guarding the rear of 18th Motorized Division in Vyazma. All 3 regiments were routed.
Its worth noting that worn down formations, especially if they now lack active combat elements, are at risk of this sort of collapse.
In general with WitE2 you find that actions have consequences, so having made a rapid advance some of my key formations are now suffering till they have chance to rest and refit.
Still raining therefore no progress this week. AGN on rest. AGC regained the lines from previous week.
In the south, 1st Panzer Group is severely weakened and on rest too. Some panzer divisions have no more than couple dozens of tanks. 17th Army did isolate Dnepropetrovsk and 11th Army made big push from the shores of Dneper towards Crimea.
The happy times of big gains are definitely over.
Probably due to the bad weather, I had tremendous ops losses this week. Lesson learned, don't fly in bad weather. Soviets grounded their air force.
RE: Week 10
Thanks for showing the consequences of flying in bad weather - that's eye opening.
A potentially new Kesselschlacht is forming between Panzer Groups 2 & 3. It will be interesting to see if Gloriousruse withdraws from that area or not.
Where are your FBD's located? It looks like you may have a super-depot in Smolensk? Does 2nd Panzer Group have enough fuel for such a drive? And lastly, given the current weakness of many of your motorized troops, could you even maintain an encirclement?
Although you are "ahead of schedule" compared to the historical Barbarossa, the consequence of driving too far ahead of your logistics appears to be catching up (as you and Gloriousruse have described).
A potentially new Kesselschlacht is forming between Panzer Groups 2 & 3. It will be interesting to see if Gloriousruse withdraws from that area or not.
Where are your FBD's located? It looks like you may have a super-depot in Smolensk? Does 2nd Panzer Group have enough fuel for such a drive? And lastly, given the current weakness of many of your motorized troops, could you even maintain an encirclement?
Although you are "ahead of schedule" compared to the historical Barbarossa, the consequence of driving too far ahead of your logistics appears to be catching up (as you and Gloriousruse have described).
RE: Week 10
ORIGINAL: MAS
Thanks for showing the consequences of flying in bad weather - that's eye opening.
A potentially new Kesselschlacht is forming between Panzer Groups 2 & 3. It will be interesting to see if Gloriousruse withdraws from that area or not.
Thats the plan, if they retreat I will unleash Panzers into the open terrain if not I will go for pocket.
Where are your FBD's located? It looks like you may have a super-depot in Smolensk? Does 2nd Panzer Group have enough fuel for such a drive? And lastly, given the current weakness of many of your motorized troops, could you even maintain an encirclement?
Although you are "ahead of schedule" compared to the historical Barbarossa, the consequence of driving too far ahead of your logistics appears to be catching up (as you and Gloriousruse have described).
FBDs are at Luga, Smolensk, Bryansk and Kremenchug. 2nd Panzer is literally sitting on a depot so yes they do.
Soviets have the capacity to open encirclements so I always count it is 50/50 (break/hold).
RE: Week 10
Kremenchug is fairly distant from PzGrp 1, and Luga a bit distant from the last screen shot of PzGrp 4. Are FBDs still the only way to convert rail gauge, or can other engineer support units do it automatically?
RE: Week 10
ORIGINAL: MAS
Kremenchug is fairly distant from PzGrp 1, and Luga a bit distant from the last screen shot of PzGrp 4. Are FBDs still the only way to convert rail gauge, or can other engineer support units do it automatically?
you have less (both sides) of the auto-repair SUs. If I recall the Germans start with 9, and in testing most players are giving these initially to AGN as they are good at piecing back together the Baltic rail net.
The bigger issue though is (& I realise this sounds obvious), this isn't WiTE1. A functioning 'super' depot 10-12 hexes behind the front is of far more practical value than having your rail net up to the front lines.
Which, predictably, sets up a dynamic. Repair to a big railyard, set it up to supply operations, at some stage the front moves too far that it starts to really cost trucks to access that depot. So you disband the infrastructure (HQ and FBD) and repair another stretch and repeat the process. Behind one of your army groups you can have one FBD repairing and one aiding the logistics but elsewhere its getting a feel for when to make these moves
if your FBD just repair, you're going to run into real problems.
All this applies to both sides pretty equally. In the end the Soviets have about 8-9 NKPS but then they need more (& larger depots) to supply their offensives
Week 11
Turn 11, 31.8.1941
As seems to be common practice, the Soviets launched again few counterattacks when they saw some opportunity. Nothing serious this week but they managed to cut off 3 mobile units in south.
I already mentioned that 1st Panzer Group is severely weakened. Some of the Panzer divisions can now hardly be called tank units. Won't do any offensive operation with them this week.
Dnepropetrovsk looks lightly defended, attack value only 4 and defense under 100. That is good sign, my estimation is 2 or 3 divisions inside.
Dnepropetrovsk was successfully attacked, defended only by 2 rifle divisions. I am not sure if building fortress was worth the admin points.
17th Army is marching towards Donbass and leave Romanians to deal with Zaporozhye. The city is not on the main rail therefore no pressure here.
11th Army started to grind into the Crimea.
The only new offensive operation conducted happened in north. Though the advance has been only 3 hexes, we finally reached gates of Leningrad. As a bonus five enemy units ended isolated. Those rainy weeks enabled a build up to 100CPP for 4th Panzer Group.
That infantry division on train is the Spanish Blue Division.
In center, 2nd and 3rd Panzer Groups are building CPPs for planned operation against the salient between Vyazma, Kaluga and Orel. There is a chance for decent pocket if Soviets will not abandon it.
After continuously poor weather, there will be rain all over the Europe next week too. However our eastern armies have new ally in form of high pressure front that will hold the guard over the whole east front. If so, I can look forward to some clear weather at a critical stage.
As seems to be common practice, the Soviets launched again few counterattacks when they saw some opportunity. Nothing serious this week but they managed to cut off 3 mobile units in south.
I already mentioned that 1st Panzer Group is severely weakened. Some of the Panzer divisions can now hardly be called tank units. Won't do any offensive operation with them this week.
Dnepropetrovsk looks lightly defended, attack value only 4 and defense under 100. That is good sign, my estimation is 2 or 3 divisions inside.
Dnepropetrovsk was successfully attacked, defended only by 2 rifle divisions. I am not sure if building fortress was worth the admin points.
17th Army is marching towards Donbass and leave Romanians to deal with Zaporozhye. The city is not on the main rail therefore no pressure here.
11th Army started to grind into the Crimea.
The only new offensive operation conducted happened in north. Though the advance has been only 3 hexes, we finally reached gates of Leningrad. As a bonus five enemy units ended isolated. Those rainy weeks enabled a build up to 100CPP for 4th Panzer Group.
That infantry division on train is the Spanish Blue Division.
In center, 2nd and 3rd Panzer Groups are building CPPs for planned operation against the salient between Vyazma, Kaluga and Orel. There is a chance for decent pocket if Soviets will not abandon it.
After continuously poor weather, there will be rain all over the Europe next week too. However our eastern armies have new ally in form of high pressure front that will hold the guard over the whole east front. If so, I can look forward to some clear weather at a critical stage.
RE: Week 11
Regarding the AGN screenshot:
1) the 'blue' division's rating of 1=1 is obviously weak for a new, fresh division. Is it shown that way because it's onboard a train?
2) presumably you have converted the double track to Luga, and established a priority 4 depot there. Given the direction of your schwerpunkt (PzGrp 4), I'm surprised at the single track conversion you appear to be conducting 2 hexes NE of Luga. I would have thought you'd continue converting the double track more directly behind PzGrp 4, or left the FBD at Luga for a 'super-depot'. What am I missing?
3) the motorized division 2 hexes SW of Leningrad shows 6=4. Is it that weak due to high fatigue, low supply, low CPP? That spot looks very vulnerable to a Soviet counter-attack from just the adjacent 10 and 11 stacks, with the unknown tank division 2 hexes east possibly able to exploit and re-occupy the hex. Given how retreating units in WITE2 seem to take high casualties, would it have been better to leave another one of your exploiting divisions (perhaps the 7=12 motorized xx to the NW) in that hex as well?
Maybe you have a cunning plan...
BTW, I'm not trying to be critical, I'm just jealous you have the game and I have to wait 3 weeks! Thanks for your excellent AARs and patience with my many annoying questions.
1) the 'blue' division's rating of 1=1 is obviously weak for a new, fresh division. Is it shown that way because it's onboard a train?
2) presumably you have converted the double track to Luga, and established a priority 4 depot there. Given the direction of your schwerpunkt (PzGrp 4), I'm surprised at the single track conversion you appear to be conducting 2 hexes NE of Luga. I would have thought you'd continue converting the double track more directly behind PzGrp 4, or left the FBD at Luga for a 'super-depot'. What am I missing?
3) the motorized division 2 hexes SW of Leningrad shows 6=4. Is it that weak due to high fatigue, low supply, low CPP? That spot looks very vulnerable to a Soviet counter-attack from just the adjacent 10 and 11 stacks, with the unknown tank division 2 hexes east possibly able to exploit and re-occupy the hex. Given how retreating units in WITE2 seem to take high casualties, would it have been better to leave another one of your exploiting divisions (perhaps the 7=12 motorized xx to the NW) in that hex as well?
Maybe you have a cunning plan...
BTW, I'm not trying to be critical, I'm just jealous you have the game and I have to wait 3 weeks! Thanks for your excellent AARs and patience with my many annoying questions.RE: Week 11
ORIGINAL: MAS
Regarding the AGN screenshot:
1) the 'blue' division's rating of 1=1 is obviously weak for a new, fresh division. Is it shown that way because it's onboard a train?
2) presumably you have converted the double track to Luga, and established a priority 4 depot there. Given the direction of your schwerpunkt (PzGrp 4), I'm surprised at the single track conversion you appear to be conducting 2 hexes NE of Luga. I would have thought you'd continue converting the double track more directly behind PzGrp 4, or left the FBD at Luga for a 'super-depot'. What am I missing?
3) the motorized division 2 hexes SW of Leningrad shows 6=4. Is it that weak due to high fatigue, low supply, low CPP? That spot looks very vulnerable to a Soviet counter-attack from just the adjacent 10 and 11 stacks, with the unknown tank division 2 hexes east possibly able to exploit and re-occupy the hex. Given how retreating units in WITE2 seem to take high casualties, would it have been better to leave another one of your exploiting divisions (perhaps the 7=12 motorized xx to the NW) in that hex as well?
Maybe you have a cunning plan...
1) Yes, thats because its boarded on train
2) That double track is blocked by Soviets so I converted also the single one to Novgorod in the meantime. I am expecting the front lines won't move much there so depot in Novgorod will help to reduce trucks needed for supplying 16. Army.
3) Yes it is weak probably due to the high fatigue(90) but still have 45 CPP. That 7=12 MD is on reserve. I want Soviets prevent to break into the pocket that will also result in cutting off some of my mobile units. Having them to fight through 2 hexes should do the job, that unit is basically scapegoat.
RE: Week 11
ORIGINAL: 821Bobo
ORIGINAL: MAS
Regarding the AGN screenshot:
1) the 'blue' division's rating of 1=1 is obviously weak for a new, fresh division. Is it shown that way because it's onboard a train?
2) presumably you have converted the double track to Luga, and established a priority 4 depot there. Given the direction of your schwerpunkt (PzGrp 4), I'm surprised at the single track conversion you appear to be conducting 2 hexes NE of Luga. I would have thought you'd continue converting the double track more directly behind PzGrp 4, or left the FBD at Luga for a 'super-depot'. What am I missing?
3) the motorized division 2 hexes SW of Leningrad shows 6=4. Is it that weak due to high fatigue, low supply, low CPP? That spot looks very vulnerable to a Soviet counter-attack from just the adjacent 10 and 11 stacks, with the unknown tank division 2 hexes east possibly able to exploit and re-occupy the hex. Given how retreating units in WITE2 seem to take high casualties, would it have been better to leave another one of your exploiting divisions (perhaps the 7=12 motorized xx to the NW) in that hex as well?
Maybe you have a cunning plan...
1) Yes, thats because its boarded on train
2) That double track is blocked by Soviets so I converted also the single one to Novgorod in the meantime. I am expecting the front lines won't move much there so depot in Novgorod will help to reduce trucks needed for supplying 16. Army.
3) Yes it is weak probably due to the high fatigue(90) but still have 45 CPP. That 7=12 MD is on reserve. I want Soviets prevent to break into the pocket that will also result in cutting off some of my mobile units. Having them to fight through 2 hexes should do the job, that unit is basically scapegoat.
Ah, that explains it. It'll be interesting to see the results of the battle, assuming Gloriousruse attacks there. Hopefully either Gloriousruse or you can screenshot the battle results for us. Thanks.
Week 12
Turn 12, 7.9.1941
With September's weather looking more promising than August, as a high pressure front hangs on over the Eastern front, bigger offensive operations will be renewed.
AGN
18th Army eliminated the small pocket and 4th Panzer Group has been redeployed north of Novgorod with the aim to cut land connection to Leningrad in upcoming weeks.
AGC
This week's main undertaking was the combined operation by 2nd and 3rd Panzer Group with the goal to encircle large enemy forces between Vyazma and Orel. My estimation is that is 20 divisions encircled.
From intercepted enemy transmissions it is clear that enemy have been considering retreat but in Stavka the opinion prevailed that the Germans would continue their direct thrust to Moscow. However, after all those Soviet counterattacks I could not leave such a strong force in my flank. Some similarities with history come to mind. Guderian is not always right and you can't ignore strong enemy forces capable of offensive operations in your flank.
AGS
1st Panzer Group is outflanking Stalino. From west are incoming two fresh formations(2nd and 5th Panzer Division) to assist this most weakened panzer group. Stalingrad is out of reach but I have hopes to get Rostov at least.
It turned out that Zaporozhye was defended with only one division and Romanians had no problem to deal with it.
11th Army made decent progress into Crimea. I have started to hoard siege artillery and naval air groups for the upcoming siege of Sevastopol. To support it, 11th Army was already set to assault status a few weeks ago.
With September's weather looking more promising than August, as a high pressure front hangs on over the Eastern front, bigger offensive operations will be renewed.
AGN
18th Army eliminated the small pocket and 4th Panzer Group has been redeployed north of Novgorod with the aim to cut land connection to Leningrad in upcoming weeks.
AGC
This week's main undertaking was the combined operation by 2nd and 3rd Panzer Group with the goal to encircle large enemy forces between Vyazma and Orel. My estimation is that is 20 divisions encircled.
From intercepted enemy transmissions it is clear that enemy have been considering retreat but in Stavka the opinion prevailed that the Germans would continue their direct thrust to Moscow. However, after all those Soviet counterattacks I could not leave such a strong force in my flank. Some similarities with history come to mind. Guderian is not always right and you can't ignore strong enemy forces capable of offensive operations in your flank.
AGS
1st Panzer Group is outflanking Stalino. From west are incoming two fresh formations(2nd and 5th Panzer Division) to assist this most weakened panzer group. Stalingrad is out of reach but I have hopes to get Rostov at least.
It turned out that Zaporozhye was defended with only one division and Romanians had no problem to deal with it.
11th Army made decent progress into Crimea. I have started to hoard siege artillery and naval air groups for the upcoming siege of Sevastopol. To support it, 11th Army was already set to assault status a few weeks ago.
RE: Week 11
ORIGINAL: MAS
... Thanks for your excellent AARs and patience with my many annoying questions.
I for one appreciate your questions, and don't find them annoying in the least.
Week 13
Turn 13, 14.9.1941
It came not as a surprise that Soviets were able to break the pocket. 20th Panzer Division routed halfway back to Germany. This shows the main difference between the WiTE2 and WiTE1 combat engine. This outcome was impossible in #1 but happened here as the front line combat elements were badly weakened.
And 1st Panzer Group suffered again from counterattacks. Enemy managed to push back two stacks and rout the Slovaks.
I have been over optimistic and the high pressure front hanging over east for last two weeks has now disappeared. Autumn and rains are coming. From now on I will try to be careful to not find myself in a bad position as the weather turns. Freeing any encircled units in heavy mud can turn out to be impossible.
AGN
Only few hexes have been gained in north but if enemy fails to fall back another ten or so units could end in pocket.
AGC
Troops in central sector secured the pocket more tightly.
Guderian's panzers flipped few hexes and are now threatening Moscow from south. I could have gained few more hexes but decided to not take any risks.
AGS
Not much happening in south. Kharkov fortress have been isolated and 1st Panzer Group is resting again.
Very good progress in Crimea. Romanians will deal with Kerch and remaining Soviet forces. Task for 11th Army is unambiguous, Sevastopol! Naval patrol groups are positioned to cut off the port from sea.
It came not as a surprise that Soviets were able to break the pocket. 20th Panzer Division routed halfway back to Germany. This shows the main difference between the WiTE2 and WiTE1 combat engine. This outcome was impossible in #1 but happened here as the front line combat elements were badly weakened.
And 1st Panzer Group suffered again from counterattacks. Enemy managed to push back two stacks and rout the Slovaks.
I have been over optimistic and the high pressure front hanging over east for last two weeks has now disappeared. Autumn and rains are coming. From now on I will try to be careful to not find myself in a bad position as the weather turns. Freeing any encircled units in heavy mud can turn out to be impossible.
AGN
Only few hexes have been gained in north but if enemy fails to fall back another ten or so units could end in pocket.
AGC
Troops in central sector secured the pocket more tightly.
Guderian's panzers flipped few hexes and are now threatening Moscow from south. I could have gained few more hexes but decided to not take any risks.
AGS
Not much happening in south. Kharkov fortress have been isolated and 1st Panzer Group is resting again.
Very good progress in Crimea. Romanians will deal with Kerch and remaining Soviet forces. Task for 11th Army is unambiguous, Sevastopol! Naval patrol groups are positioned to cut off the port from sea.
Week 14
Turn 14, 21.9.1941
So rain is here again and this is probably the definitive end of summer campaign, though I don't plan to completely cease all offensive operations yet.
The pocket held but during a series of Soviet attacks 10th and 18th Panzer Division have been routed.
In south similar fate met the two Hungarian motorized brigades.
You may have noticed lot of cavalry divisions trying to put my units under ZOC or cut off not only mobile units but also infantry units. However I believe this is mistake. Those cavalry formations are very weak(I already mentioned this previously) and in return I try to attack them with deliberate attacks as much as possible even though a hasty attack would have been more than enough if all I wanted to do was to make them retreat. As a result, lot of them shatters. I have already destroyed 15 of them.
Nothing interesting has happened in the center sector during my movement. I have largely reduced the pocket and relieved units that Soviets cut off.
AGN
Soviets pulled out most of the units from the small salient with huge units concentration therefore I continued in my original aim to cut off Leningrad's land connection. Only two more hexes to achieve it.
AGS
1st Panzer Group conducted probably the last big offensive operation in south for this year. The newly arrived fresh 2nd and 5th Panzer Division were great boost for the southern theater. Stalino and surrounded area with around 10 enemy formations have been encircled. Considering the weakness of many my units there is no doubt enemy will be able to break in.
I guess Croats are missing the sea so they rushed and were first to reach gates of Sevastopol. The port is already cut off by naval interdiction.
So rain is here again and this is probably the definitive end of summer campaign, though I don't plan to completely cease all offensive operations yet.
The pocket held but during a series of Soviet attacks 10th and 18th Panzer Division have been routed.
In south similar fate met the two Hungarian motorized brigades.
You may have noticed lot of cavalry divisions trying to put my units under ZOC or cut off not only mobile units but also infantry units. However I believe this is mistake. Those cavalry formations are very weak(I already mentioned this previously) and in return I try to attack them with deliberate attacks as much as possible even though a hasty attack would have been more than enough if all I wanted to do was to make them retreat. As a result, lot of them shatters. I have already destroyed 15 of them.
Nothing interesting has happened in the center sector during my movement. I have largely reduced the pocket and relieved units that Soviets cut off.
AGN
Soviets pulled out most of the units from the small salient with huge units concentration therefore I continued in my original aim to cut off Leningrad's land connection. Only two more hexes to achieve it.
AGS
1st Panzer Group conducted probably the last big offensive operation in south for this year. The newly arrived fresh 2nd and 5th Panzer Division were great boost for the southern theater. Stalino and surrounded area with around 10 enemy formations have been encircled. Considering the weakness of many my units there is no doubt enemy will be able to break in.
I guess Croats are missing the sea so they rushed and were first to reach gates of Sevastopol. The port is already cut off by naval interdiction.
Week 15
Turn 15, 28.9.1941
AGS
Lot of Soviet planes have been shot down during their phase, over 300. Half of them over Donbas and rest over Black Sea when they tried to counter my naval intediction around Sevastopol.
As expected, Soviets were able to break into the Stalino pocket. I sealed it again, no gains around Donbas.
The biggest surprise came in Crimea with the first assault on Sevastopol led to the immediate surrender of the fortress. This unexpected quick success will free 11th Army for operations around Rostov just in time.
As an aside, since this game was started the terrain for the Sevastopol hex has been changed to rough. That will make it much harder to take in 1941 if the Soviets commit a reasonably strong defensive force.
AGN
4th Panzer Group finally stands on the shores of Neva and Lake Ladoga. Fall of Sevastopol will have one more consequence, groups flying naval interdiction can redeploy to the north and try to cut off Leningrad supply via Ladoga.
AGC
The pocket in the center was eliminated and drive to the east continues. Moscow seems to be within a hand's reach. However mud season will most probably halt all movement.
Those 300 Soviet lost planes on that turn should start to really cost the VVS. This week air war has been bloody and at the end of the turn the toll was 1101. I am wondering how many Migs and Yaks they have left.
AGS
Lot of Soviet planes have been shot down during their phase, over 300. Half of them over Donbas and rest over Black Sea when they tried to counter my naval intediction around Sevastopol.
As expected, Soviets were able to break into the Stalino pocket. I sealed it again, no gains around Donbas.
The biggest surprise came in Crimea with the first assault on Sevastopol led to the immediate surrender of the fortress. This unexpected quick success will free 11th Army for operations around Rostov just in time.
As an aside, since this game was started the terrain for the Sevastopol hex has been changed to rough. That will make it much harder to take in 1941 if the Soviets commit a reasonably strong defensive force.
AGN
4th Panzer Group finally stands on the shores of Neva and Lake Ladoga. Fall of Sevastopol will have one more consequence, groups flying naval interdiction can redeploy to the north and try to cut off Leningrad supply via Ladoga.
AGC
The pocket in the center was eliminated and drive to the east continues. Moscow seems to be within a hand's reach. However mud season will most probably halt all movement.
Those 300 Soviet lost planes on that turn should start to really cost the VVS. This week air war has been bloody and at the end of the turn the toll was 1101. I am wondering how many Migs and Yaks they have left.
RE: Week 14
ORIGINAL: 821Bobo
You may have noticed lot of cavalry divisions trying to put my units under ZOC or cut off not only mobile units but also infantry units. However I believe this is mistake.
+1
Those are the same divisions the Soviet player is going to want to convert to cavalry corps in the winter.
Week 16
Turn 16, 5.10.1941
Mud season with rain all over Europe is here. Taking an optimistic view, no heavy rain this and upcoming week therefore some limited operations can continue.
AGN
Luftflotte 1 started naval interdiction flights around the Osinovets port. How effective is this preventing Soviet freight movement via Ladoga is currently unknown.
Except Leningrad itself, the Neva's left bank is completely under my control. For next week a crossing is planned in that exposed hex which can be attacked from 4 directions. Only level 2 fort looks promising for this endeavour.
AGC
The opportunity in Moscow sector has been exploited after unexpected Soviet retreat from 3rd Panzer Group's left flank. Hoth reached Kalinin without fight, city itself is defended. Guderian is standing at the gates of Tula.
AGS
Stalino pocket was reduced, only the city itself and Makeevka remains in Soviet hands.
11th Army is moving as fast as possible to help taking Rostov.
Mud season with rain all over Europe is here. Taking an optimistic view, no heavy rain this and upcoming week therefore some limited operations can continue.
AGN
Luftflotte 1 started naval interdiction flights around the Osinovets port. How effective is this preventing Soviet freight movement via Ladoga is currently unknown.
Except Leningrad itself, the Neva's left bank is completely under my control. For next week a crossing is planned in that exposed hex which can be attacked from 4 directions. Only level 2 fort looks promising for this endeavour.
AGC
The opportunity in Moscow sector has been exploited after unexpected Soviet retreat from 3rd Panzer Group's left flank. Hoth reached Kalinin without fight, city itself is defended. Guderian is standing at the gates of Tula.
AGS
Stalino pocket was reduced, only the city itself and Makeevka remains in Soviet hands.
11th Army is moving as fast as possible to help taking Rostov.