The Rumble in the Tundra, a Vet (Sov) JB (Axis) rematch

[HardLuckYetAgain]

Hmmmmm, seems the defense towards Leningrad is heavier than Moscow. Should be interesting to see how this pans out.

[Veterin]

Hmmmmm, seems the defense towards Leningrad is heavier than Moscow. Should be interesting to see how this pans out.

I had 1.5 fronts around Leningrad and 2.5 fronts on the Moscow front. I think the biggest mistake (of there are many) i have is defending some area of the south rather than abandoning it to strengthen Moscow. I also defended the southern approaches to Smolensk heavier than the northern approach which was taken.

[jasonbroomer]

Hmmmmm, seems the defense towards Leningrad is heavier than Moscow. Should be interesting to see how this pans out.

[jasonbroomer]

T6 Logistics

My new approach to running the supply routes is now really beginning to pay dividends, with my supply need reaching 20,579 (some 1,000 tons lower than in my game versus HLYA). This may not seem much of a reduction but I was beginning to master the supply dynamics in the game against HLYA. When you compare it to my first game against Vet last year, the need was 25,540 at this stage, this game is a noticeable improvement and I suspect many players will have supply need in excess of this. As a result, my troops are at the front with good supply which allows them to move quicker and hit harder (higher ammo means greater CV).

My trucking losses are a mere 1,982 (2,900). This ensures that my units have a surfeit of trucks which helps retain MPs while allowing them to ship more freight.

The abandon Baltics strategy that Vet has followed allows me great opportunities for supply. This turn some 17k tons was shipped across from Danzig

T6 AGN SoT 17k supply shipped in.png (2.4 MiB) Viewed 1699 times

Note that I am running NP in the Baltic to ensure that the interdiction is >2. Controlling the sea lanes greatly diminishes merchant shipping losses which in turn facilitates greater supply shipments.

A further boon is that I have managed to get a SEC division onto the Saaremaa Island. NP has isolated the port so the entire island has flipped to me, reducing Soviet interdiction from its port. This island can be a pain to take and can distract a regiment (and therefore disrupt a division) for several more turns. Getting a SEC unit there on t6 is ideal as it will teleport to the Garrison TB next turn. Any Soviet presence on the island would deny me this stratagem and could distract a division for a lengthy period.

Good port supply, combined with the rapid rail repair programme, has allowed elements of 4th Panzer to move to supply priority 4! An unheard of proposition for the sixth week of the campaign

T6 AGN SoT Allows priority 4 but mud still an issue.png (3.52 MiB) Viewed 1699 times

This will allow the relatively limited number of troops that I have in the Baltics to be very potent. IDs with 16 MPs potentially allows them to attack and regain virtually all CPP when under an assault army.

Sadly, the rain has created some light mud in the important hex (highlighted) that I wished to attack from this turn. This has reduced the CV of this unit to 75%

[jasonbroomer]

T6 AGN

I contemplate forcing the Narva this turn, as the hex north of Lake Peipus is defended by two militia units and a motorised brigade. Their CV of 41 is probably overstated

T6 AGN 34 MPs to cross into forest, mud not helping.png (1.98 MiB) Viewed 1678 times

I might be able to clear the hex over the river, I have the 2 RFSS brigades at OKH with good CPP but it is a gamble.

I do some careful calculations. Despite having motorised division on hand with 44 MPs and even if I can could clear the hex over the river, I would not be able to hold it. Just to cross a major river, ZoC to Zoc, into a forest costs 34 MPs! This was an instance when Vet's interdiction might have been important, though I think the light mud was enough to stymie any hopes of forcing a crossing this turn.

I elect to clear the western banks. In any event, the northern most part of the Narva is my preferred crossing point as will be explained in later turns

I usually forget/neglect to use scouting attacks but with light mud about I want to utilise my limited resources in the most efficient manner

T6 AGN Narva scouting attack.png (1.38 MiB) Viewed 1678 times

This intel confirms that the Soviet divisions are strong ones so a firm attack is planned. Note that one of Germany's best leaders, Rendulic, has been assigned to replace the lousy starting leaders in this zone. A lot of resources need to be deployed to clear 3 full fat Soviet divisions in a marsh. Thankfully, supply is so good that even some stukas can be called up.

T6 AGN Narva good attack.png (3.63 MiB) Viewed 1678 times

A follow up attack reveals that Vasilevsky is in play. Good Russian leaders greater diminishes Soviet casualties. Thankfully, he was not commanding the main body.

T6 AGN Narva follow up attack reveals Vasilevsky.png (1.35 MiB) Viewed 1678 times

Still we bag 6.5k in the follow up attack. While 3 powerful divisions of Soviets remain on the western side of the Narva, these are now isolated, as we manage to hasty the Soviet brigade sitting in Narva town. These 3 divisions are now left in a very vulnerable position. They won't be able to cross the Narva in my ZoC and are threatened either with isolation destruction or to be attacked next turn out in the open.

[jasonbroomer]

T6 AGN Cont

Moving eastwards to the Pskov front, our recon reveals an impressive defensive position being built around the Luga line

T6 AGN SoT these triple stacks look daunting but I cant believe that theyre strong.png (3.36 MiB) Viewed 1672 times

These triple stacks look daunting but I have no intention of attacking here. Indeed at this stage, I am thinking that I will not be taking Leningrad but hopefully I can tie up a lot of defenders to retain control of this key city. I am therefore delighted if Vet is deploying a lot of resources to this sector. In any event, I intend to push across the Narva eastwards, completely out flanking these defences.

So we act to maintain pressure on this sector and posture with a modest advance

T6 AGN EoT A measured advance as railhead approches Pskov.png (2.29 MiB) Viewed 1672 times

Supply routes are lengthy in this sector but my RADS are gradually repairing the line to Pskov. (Hint, if you are not using a FBD in the north, RADs can push forward the rail heads northwards even if the line is not fully connected behind. I deployed a RAD deployed at the marked hex this turn, which potentially allows 3 RADs to be deployed on the dual line the following turn)

[jasonbroomer]

T6 AGC

Vet suicides a tank division to grab an airfield. I doubt that I had anything on it, possibly some recon planes

T6 AGC SoT Soviet grabs an airfield.png (3.3 MiB) Viewed 1664 times

I frittered away my infantry in the blown storming of Smolensk last turn but I still have powerful mobile units. Now where to deploy them? Do I continue north of Smolensk or switch south?


My recon shows a heavy Soviet defence. Surprisingly, Smolensk looks near abandoned with just a para brigade there. Turning on AA defence provides a good indication of the ground defence

T6 AGC SoT northern route looks lighter.png (3.16 MiB) Viewed 1664 times

I am positioned for a northern push and this recon suggests that there is little to be gained from going south. The 9,2 hex suggests strong elements in some heavy woods otherwise the way doesn't appear too bad.

We make good progress until we press our luck too far, as a pesky activation blows a chancy attack

T6 AGC That's a nuisance.png (2.92 MiB) Viewed 1664 times

Here we were working the flanks of that 8?46 stack (the 9,2 strong point revealed by our air recon) to ensure that Vet had to retire it next turn. We decide to pause the offensive here

T6 AGC EoT A measured advance as we lick our wounds.png (2.74 MiB) Viewed 1661 times

Fresh infantry has been brought up and we don't want to exhaust our mobile units. Next turn we will have powerful forces to deploy as two full panzer groups launch their offensive towards Moscow.

[jasonbroomer]

T6 AGC cont

To the south of Smolensk we make tentative progress with very limited resources. We make an opportunistic attack or two, well because we can

T6 AGC concerned about leaving my division vulnerable to isolation in this backwater.png (3.27 MiB) Viewed 1659 times

I don't think that Vet has anything to worry me in the area (although the presence of Tolbulkin is a concern) but I don't want to divert units from Smolensk to bail them out if they get themselves into trouble.

T6 AGC A slow advance into this supply wasteland.png (2.49 MiB) Viewed 1659 times

We are a long way from the depots here so a modest advance is fine with limited forces sucking up a trickle of supply.

As previously highlighted, the SEC divisions only have 4,000 or so men in them yet can flip hexes as a division. This makes them very useful as they take 1/4 of the supply of a full division.

As the TBs are open I will stop a couple of these units from being transferred to the Garrison TB next turn. While as SEC units, their small CV is doubled in the TB Garrison I prefer to keep a couple on map. Later on, as regiments, they are a cheap way of building second line ZoC lattices in areas too far north for Roms.

[jasonbroomer]

T6 AGS

Surprisingly Vet has managed to protect the length of the Dnepr. My plan is to get over it so I must force my way across

T6 AGS River crossing first attempt.png (1.34 MiB) Viewed 1644 times

Useless attack by a rested panzer division. Very disappointing, but I had not anticipated a decent Soviet leader being on the other side. I must now now use the motorised division that had sufficient MPs to cross and attack - I had hoped to use this to clear the pesky CV in the second line (crossing major rivers into a ZoC is MP intensive)

T6 AGS Dnper crossing taken.png (1.38 MiB) Viewed 1644 times

Position established. I had hoped to make further headway but this is enough for my immediate objective.

My objective? Kiev? No, Kharkov! Of course this is miles away and even further from my rail head. Currently, the rail repair team has just reached Fastov, SSW of Kiev

T6 AGS Preparing a logistics surprise.png (2.85 MiB) Viewed 1644 times

But a logistics surprise is being planned for next turn...

[jasonbroomer]

T6 AGS

Essentially the entire 17th Army continues to linger in the rear

T6 AGS 17th Army reforms and resupplies.png (2.43 MiB) Viewed 1637 times

It is not required to help flip hexes at the front, so it enjoys a little R&R to rebuild where supply is plentiful. Supplies can be loaded up within the divisions at priority 4. The units are slowly drifting eastwards as supply depots begin to build a surfeit. Corps by corps, these can be released on forced marches to the front in anticipation of requirement. Note how a corps of the 1st Panzer army is also full of resting infantry. As part of the assault army, they receive accelerated CPP recovery and soon will be ready for their forced march to Kharkov.

Further south, the cavalry division holding Odessa is overwhelmed by Romanians. The 11th Army prepares to assault Kherson

T6 AGS 11th Army moves into position to assault Kherson next turn.png (1.97 MiB) Viewed 1637 times

Kherson is looking to be a worryingly tough nut to crack. Attacking a port city is no easy thing and the defenders look strong.

[Veterin]

T6 Soviet

1.png (1.22 MiB) Viewed 1508 times

I wasn’t expecting my Narva line to fall so easily this turn but he has a lot more units in Estonia than I expected. There’s at least 1 infantry corps in addition to the motorised corp. I will be able to unisolate these units next turn by moving north however they will still get hit hard next turn for heavy losses. Ideally I want to try and stall at least 1 turn on the major river but don’t know if I have enough units in the area to do so. He’s got airfields building in Estonia so this is clearly an important area for his advance on Leningrad.

2.png (1.51 MiB) Viewed 1508 times

No battles of note here. He’s just working his way through my trash unit/roadblocks. I should have lvl 2 forts across most of the line but I would have preferred higher

3.png (1.92 MiB) Viewed 1508 times

JB is making good progress in the centre so I will need to reinforce this area. Rather than go for a double pincer it looks like he’s sending most of his units north of Smolensk so I’ll need to readjust my line accordingly. There is a path in this direction that has a road and at least 2 hexes wide of no heavy forest/swamps so I suspect that’s the path he’ll take. I might even explore a counter attack this turn but I just have to be cognisant it will weaken my defence the following turn.

[Veterin]

T6 Soviet Cont...

4.png (1.88 MiB) Viewed 1507 times

Axis forces have crossed the Dnepr in force near Kremenchung. His supply lines would be starting to stretch now so I’ll keep an eye out for opportunities. Currently I don’t have much strength in the area.

5.png (1.45 MiB) Viewed 1507 times

No combat around Kherson this turn. Given I have some strength on the direct approach to Crimea I suspect he’ll cross the river further north which he could easily do so. I’m trading manpower & space for time so I’m ok with that approach.

6.png (2.17 MiB) Viewed 1507 times

I sacrificed about 2k trucks to isolate the Leningrad spearhead but I think it was worth it. Fully rested anti-tank brigades and NKVD moto have 35 MPs in 41 which is huge for Soviets. Might even give my Luga line another turn to prepare defences. His units would still be fresh without having much combat so maybe he’ll press on next turn ether way.

If he decides to pocket those suicide units, it will impact his supply as well as moving units up because of the ZOC. If he decides to hit them out, also great as I won’t give Axis free trucks.

7.png (86.8 KiB) Viewed 1507 times

One of my suicide units must have displaced a HQ as Manstein is dead! JB usually stacks his HQs on units in the rear and it looks like he had space in those hexes to do so here so not sure what happened. As far as I am aware, the only way a leader can die through the ground phase is to be displaced.

[jasonbroomer]

T7 SoT/Logistics

Grim news from the north as Vet's sneaky raid kills Manstein, one of the best leaders in the game

T7 SoT sneak raid costs me Manstein.png (980.95 KiB) Viewed 1462 times

This totally sucks. I'm normally pretty diligent about looking after my leaders but I overlooked my end of turn housekeeping for this 'unimportant' sector. Of course Sod's Lw dictates that the leader left in the lurch was Manstein and it so happened that this is where Vet directed his incursion. There is something like a 33% chance that a leader will be killed in a displacement (this is something that I've tested). Just plain bad luck! [Incidentally, we are currently at turn 14 and this remains my only leader death].

Fortunately the game is big enough to absorb events such as this. Anyway, while I'm not wild about allowing leaders to be transferred from the TB, under the circumstances Vet kindly agreed to allow me to call up Rommel to the eastern front.

Further bad news is that it continues to rain in the north, though at least it has eased up in the centre. Fortunately the forecast is brighter. Bad weather disrupts NP.

T7 SoT Bad weather affects interdiction, 3 cargo ships lost.png (2.32 MiB) Viewed 1462 times

3 Cargo ships went down. Thankfully 13 remain in the north so we have sufficient. Cargo ships need to be husbanded in these early turns. Strong supply makes an enormous difference for the Axis, both in CV and MP. See my Narva front which is building up supply following its rush through the Baltics

T7 SoT More mud but one clear hex.png (719.09 KiB) Viewed 1462 times

I am contemplating a crossing this turn but only one hex on the river is clear of mud.

Supply across the entire front was an impressive 32,000 this turn, sending my supply need spiralling down to 17,716 (19,107). I suspect not many players experience that at this stage. More so, my truck losses were a mere 1,702 (2,018)

[jasonbroomer]

T7 AGN

We start taking revenge on Manstein's death with murderous effect

T7 AGN That was nice.png (1.94 MiB) Viewed 1460 times

These troops were fatigued and out of entrenchment so super vulnerable. I did contemplate retreating the 2 Soviet divisions to this kill zone hex but I find it very difficult to gauge how hard to hit them. I suspect that they are both full ToE but having been isolated for a turn, with weaken morale. With hindsight, I should have scout attacked them. Anyway, these two divisions were subsequently routed and a further 7k added to the pot.

I decline the notion of forcing a crossing this turn, instead I shall continue to build strength and wait for the weather to improve.

T7 AGN May atempt Narva crossing next turn.png (2.03 MiB) Viewed 1460 times

I also bide my time on the Pskov front. Vet's raid may help me mask my intentions here - I don't intend to press on this sector.

AGC

While it is quiet in the north, I expect to be very busy in the centre where a juggernaut it about to be unleashed.

Firstly, three large infantry attacks clear the first line of defences

T7 AGC 3 big ID attacks to open the way.png (2.46 MiB) Viewed 1460 times

then the armour starts to roll forward, smashing retreated divisions in the open

T7 AGC opening the way for the armour.png (2.44 MiB) Viewed 1460 times

Here a single panzer division causes 15k dead, not bad for a unit of only 18,000 men

[jasonbroomer]

T7 AGC Cont

Fresh armour rolls forward establishing impenetrable positions at the front

T7 AGC Juggernaught begins to roll.png (1.43 MiB) Viewed 1458 times

The combined resources of two fresh panzer groups is impressive. While fresh infantry arrives from the rear

T7 AGC EoT fresh corps approaching.png (3.71 MiB) Viewed 1458 times

The Soviets should be afraid, very afraid. Further good news comes from AGS, where our plans are coming together

[jasonbroomer]

T7 AGS

Firstly we turn to our bridgehead over the Denpr, remember our target is Kharkov. The heavy AS ordered over the bridgehead was not quite as strong as anticipated with only 6 planes actually flying (supply issues no doubt)

T7 SoT AS not as strong as planned but enough to stop interdiction.png (1.26 MiB) Viewed 1455 times

But these were enough it ensure that no interdiction took place over the vital crossing hexes. With Vet not contesting the crossing area (who can blame him as 70 CV is already over the river) we broaden our bridgehead. I want the railway line through Kremenchug under my control this turn.

We are surprised to find some tough units in the area.

T7 AGS some tough divisions along here.png (1.34 MiB) Viewed 1455 times

although these just melt away once they have been retreated

T7 AGS wow, though it had retreated.png (1.63 MiB) Viewed 1455 times

by the end of the turn we consolidate our positions

T7 AGS Consolidate on northern bank of Dnpr.png (2.62 MiB) Viewed 1455 times

[jasonbroomer]

T7 AGS


One of the downsides of targeting Kharkov early is the supply situation. So we put into place our carefully considered logistical plan, and repair a full 180 miles of the dual rail line running along the Denpr!

T7 AGS 180 miles of rail repaired.png (2.56 MiB) Viewed 1453 times

This transforms the outlook for 1st Panzer, which till now has been largely reliant on air resupply.

Kherson is well defended

T7 AGS Kherson too well defended.png (507.53 KiB) Viewed 1453 times

That's fine. We don't need to attack here. We are very happy to see a large Soviet force tied up here, as we are around the Pskov sector. A maelstrom to in the process of hitting the Soviet lines at the Narva, the Moscow front and to Kharkov as fully rested, supplied and supported Panzers are all unleashed. Vet will be facing enormous pressure over the coming turns.

[M60A3TTS]

T7 AGN

We start taking revenge on Manstein's death with murderous effect


T7 AGN That was nice.png


These troops were fatigued and out of entrenchment so super vulnerable. I did contemplate retreating the 2 Soviet divisions to this kill zone hex but I find it very difficult to gauge how hard to hit them. I suspect that they are both full ToE but having been isolated for a turn, with weaken morale. With hindsight, I should have scout attacked them. Anyway, these two divisions were subsequently routed and a further 7k added to the pot.

I decline the notion of forcing a crossing this turn, instead I shall continue to build strength and wait for the weather to improve.


T7 AGN May atempt Narva crossing next turn.png


I also bide my time on the Pskov front. Vet's raid may help me mask my intentions here - I don't intend to press on this sector.

Not really enthusiastic about the happenings in the north. Creating doubt in your opponents mind is one thing, but this operation is essentially two wings that are incapable of supporting one another. This is fairly obvious. Unless your opponent seriously blunders, you aren't getting over the Narva any time soon. This leaves units sitting around wasting time, the one commodity you don't have. It would be better to secure Estonia, and fort four divisions on the western bank of the Narva. Release everything else for duties elsewhere.

As an aside, it's understood that Leningrad is not a priority for you, but it seems as though you are not going to be taking what amounts to a lot of good defensible terrain. That could come back to haunt you if your Moscow Offensive stalls out for any reason. Granted, this is a strategy that HLYA has offered up, but I'll tell you that it opens up a whole set of strategic options later in the game for the Soviets.

[jasonbroomer]

Not really enthusiastic about the happenings in the north. Creating doubt in your opponents mind is one thing, but this operation is essentially two wings that are incapable of supporting one another. This is fairly obvious. Unless your opponent seriously blunders, you aren't getting over the Narva any time soon. This leaves units sitting around wasting time, the one commodity you don't have. It would be better to secure Estonia, and fort four divisions on the western bank of the Narva. Release everything else for duties elsewhere.

As an aside, it's understood that Leningrad is not a priority for you, but it seems as though you are not going to be taking what amounts to a lot of good defensible terrain. That could come back to haunt you if your Moscow Offensive stalls out for any reason. Granted, this is a strategy that HLYA has offered up, but I'll tell you that it opens up a whole set of strategic options later in the game for the Soviets.

In 1941, the Soviets cannot stop any determined attack from getting through, all they can do is force a delay. I get across the Narva in this game and versus HLYA, albeit with some delay to prepare fully.

Supply availability is the principal reason I like this route. As you astutely pointed out earlier, sending two FBDs south leaves AGN/C straining for supply. Basically I have both these army groups reliant on one dual line railway at this stage. By splitting half of AGN to the Narva, I can fully make use of the single line running north from Memel to Sonda in Estonia and the supply coming across the sea.

A second dual line to Smolensk is planned, but in the meantime the supply constraints faced by AGC can be mitigated by fully resupplying the infantry divisions before sending them to the front lines.

By this stage I think I was getting a depot operational at Pskov but I was mindful that operations on the Pskov front would be taking away supply from AGC (as they shared the same dual rail line source). In contrast troops on the Narva could be resupplied without restriction.

[HardLuckYetAgain]

Not really enthusiastic about the happenings in the north. Creating doubt in your opponents mind is one thing, but this operation is essentially two wings that are incapable of supporting one another. This is fairly obvious. Unless your opponent seriously blunders, you aren't getting over the Narva any time soon. This leaves units sitting around wasting time, the one commodity you don't have. It would be better to secure Estonia, and fort four divisions on the western bank of the Narva. Release everything else for duties elsewhere.

As an aside, it's understood that Leningrad is not a priority for you, but it seems as though you are not going to be taking what amounts to a lot of good defensible terrain. That could come back to haunt you if your Moscow Offensive stalls out for any reason. Granted, this is a strategy that HLYA has offered up, but I'll tell you that it opens up a whole set of strategic options later in the game for the Soviets.

In 1941, the Soviets cannot stop any determined attack from getting through, all they can do is force a delay. I get across the Narva in this game and versus HLYA, albeit with some delay to prepare fully.

The Germans won't be in position to sustain long term operations without troop commitments. Germany can push for 3-5 turns but without extra reserve troops to commit to the offense will grind to a halt with exhausted troops attacking every turn, even though there is plenty of supply. So yeah, Soviets can't stop any determined attack, but the Soviet play should be to exhaust out the Germans. At least that is how I play the Soviets, it is a cumulations of battles over many turns taking its toll on the Germans.