PBEM Hell's Crossroad

[Alex1812]

0737 Soviet advanced guard (BRDM with ATGM + tank platoon) take crossroad using "move hasty" order and destoy British recon units near the bridge. Soviet motorized infantry is crossing the river under advanced guard and Mi-24 cover

[Alex1812]

0811 Two tank battalions are taking positions along the road and opening fire on British troops on the northern part of the map. One tank battalion was deployed in the forest

[Alex1812]

0814 Hard battle in Schuttorf

[Alex1812]

1009 The battle in Schuttorf is almost over. Both side has heavy casualties. Most Soviet troops were destroyed by British artillery. British player tried to attack the crossroad using two tank platoons. The attack has been broken

[Alex1812]

1120 Soviet tanks are attacking along the central road

[Alex1812]

1140 The final situation

[Alex1812]

Summary

[Alex1812]

what can I say? The Soviet side looks over powerful in this scenario. There is one battalion (about 50 tanks) which I did not use in the battle and it did not stop me to capture all victory points. 250 tanks is too much, 160 might be OK, I think

[pekische]

I agree that this battle is much more challenge for NATO side. Red side has too many resources... but could we try match in this scenario, Alex? I would like to try NATO side...

[Alex1812]

pekische, of course we could

[SunDowner]

Alex, I was your opponent for this match. My goal was to try and capture the crossroads ASAP along with the woods north of the crossroads. It was apparent that would be impossible after turn 1. Even though the Soviet Forces greatly outnumber the Brits, I think the Brits might have a chance if they could start in better positions, like the crossroads and woods north. Having to try and race the Soviets is almost impossible. It was a fun match and I learned quite a bit that I hope to employ in future matches.

Mark

[governato]

ORIGINAL: cward31548

Alex, I was your opponent for this match. My goal was to try and capture the crossroads ASAP along with the woods north of the crossroads. It was apparent that would be impossible after turn 1. Even though the Soviet Forces greatly outnumber the Brits, I think the Brits might have a chance if they could start in better positions, like the crossroads and woods north. Having to try and race the Soviets is almost impossible. It was a fun match and I learned quite a bit that I hope to employ in future matches.

Mark

I am suffering through this scenario as a PBEM NATO player . Here is some comments.

I raced the WP player to some key forward positions (that I had beautifully planned) using hasty moves, deliberate just won't do it. The problem is that the WP is already very close so only the fastest recon units get a chance to get there on time. Others were caught in the open and the superior WP firepower caused a lot of unnecessary losses. I guess no plan survives contact with the enemy, but sadly also a lot of my tanks did not.

Still I was able to deny entry to the town. My major mistakes were to 1) overestimate the power of my tanks (they just can't do much against ~ 250 Soviet tanks!) and 2) UNDER estimate the awesome destructive power of NATO artillery, which arrives about an hour or two into the scenario.

Here is my 2c: rush ahead *just* with the recon elements, try to pin down the WP columns as East as possible and long enough for the tanks to set in the forest N of the main town and on the ridges West of the river. dig the infantry inside the town. Do not engage with your tanks at a range closer than ~2km. Reorganize your OOB in mixed groups for better C&C (2 tanks, one inf, one recon).

Be patient, the scenario is long. Try to find the WP AD units, destroy them with artillery and once that is done hammer their tanks one sector at the time. The cluster bombs (Improved conventional ammunition) work great. Use the mortars for smoke covering. Mines to separate different tank waves (yes waves.....). Last but not least: do not commit all your forces at once. Keep a large reserve to use (under one HQ) where the WP starts making forward progress.

I doubt that I will win this scenario (my opponent is good and metodic) but I lasted long enough to learn a couple things, which is good.



UPDATE: the game ended early (6hours in) with a contested result. Another thing that I realized is that there are not that many location-based VPs and losses play a major role, being the WP Achille's heel. The WP needs to get the locations AND held them while being pounded by the NATO guns. Overall I think this scenario is balanced even with limited orders, and my opponent and I had a great time.