The Carpathian Cauldron

[Capt. Pixel]

Well, it's happened again. 3/2 ACR called me out (quite politely, I might add)

We agreed on a Rumanian vs Czechoslovakian engagement on a beautiful map that Rick created. (I say 'beautiful', but I really mean 'hideous'. Especially if you have to move troops over it!)

The map is a North-South road down in a deep rift with elevation 60 ridges to the East and West. Many streams and rivers traverse the map. Snow-covered rough and trees dominates the landscape. Boulders and rocks strewn about further limit the east-west traverses. This is 'mountain battles' at it's worst.

Dawn in Carpathian Mountains is dreary this time of year. A steady rain heralded the day of battle. (I've mentioned this before, but I'll say it again- I hate the bloody rain!)

Rumanian troops have broken the treaty and made a short incursion into the motherland and must be dealt with extreme prejudice. My fine Czech troops are saddled up and ready to ride. Our objective is to destroy the Rumanian forces and hold both ridges overlooking the road critical to the small Czech town of Ubl'a.

In a surprising move, the opening artillery battle blew one of the Czech kitchen trucks right off it's chassis. There were no survivors, and there's creamed chipped beef everywhere. Further Rumanian bombardment yielded few results as units under the barrage moved away in a hurry. (I'm really glad I picked up a Command Post)

Czech 22cm artillery returned the compliment by dropping the only bridge across a canal on the Rumanian side. The commander estimates that maneuver alone ought to yield two or three immobilizations as the Rumanians attempt their crossing.

Other artillery assets pound the mountainside in an effort to further reduce enemy movement through an already severely restricted terrain. One road over the Rumanian side has been seriously pock-marked with shellholes and are now nearly impassable by vehicles. (several road sections through Rock terrain have been shelled)

On to a Czech victory against the untrustworthy Rumanians!! :p

[3/2 ACR]

No one likes war
but how can a nation survive, when the Czechs have cornered the market on chipped beef and hold my nation hostage

So it is the intent of the mighty Rumania
will now take control of the trade route and seize any and all goods traveling along the highway.

If the Czech's have an issue, then as a Nation I invite you to give up your monopoly on the precious chipped beef and give back what you stole.

-----------------------------------------------------

the next morning

1. The sound of Artillery ahead of us is deafening. I can only wonder what the day ahead is going to be like.

2. we are now moving (more like racing) through a landscape that does not resemble the planet earth anymore.

3. as we move towards the highway I see my fellow soldiers to the left and right of me, riding on their steel chariots hungry for battle.

4.we have made it to the highway with out firing a shot. could it be that all this talk of the mighty Czechoslovakia Army, they will stay in their barracks??

Rick 3/2 ACR

[Capt. Pixel]

Judging from the speed of the Rumanians, I can only guess that they're not dealing with a rainstorm on their side of the mountains. :rolleyes:

A forward scouts reports a half-score of tanks and a handful of ACs have made it into the Rift. (So much for the 'Impassable road' reports.)

They're escorted by a loaded civilian bus. (The route sign says "Bucharest Express" ::cue Herb Alpert's 'Tiajuana Taxi' :: )

If chipped beef is all you want, wait a minute while we scrape it off the road, and we'll deliver it to you. :p