Western Front Salmi: 2000 Hours 12/22/39
We have been ordered to the western front to advance against the aggresser Finland. I have been given command of three companies of troops plus a large tank force. Although the tanks are of the older type 1930s. Im sure we will have no problem with the Finn aggressor. The Japenese in the east have been dealt with and now we will send these upstarts to hell as well.
The terrain is very woody leading up to our objectives which are on two hills. A river runs west to east about a third down from the north edge of map. This runs right thru the center of the middle VH. I have one company north of this small river between the north and center vhs. Another company is south of the river and about 100 yards south of the center. They will swing north after they pass the hill with the VH on it. The north flank will split the north and south hill and set up defense positions here. After the center is taken they will then swing north and take there objective.
The southern VH is in a deep woods near our side of the map. The company there will take this and then set up defences in the woods. Once the counter attack by the finns has been dealt with they are to proceed to the rear objectives.
The weather is clear with heavy snow on the ground. It is cold but we are prepared for this. Visabilty is about 600 yards although the woods cuts back on that some. Which should help us i hope more then the finns.
Our tank force consists of at least 10 sections of light and medium plus 3 sections of heavy tanks. We have 2 sections each of 82 and 120 mortors to help us. Plus 2 sections of 76.2 howitzers. At our disposal from divisional is a battery of 122MM guns and 120 mortars.
We are eager and prepared to deal with these upstarts. For Mother Russia we would gladly give our life. Hail to the leaders of our country.
Commander XX Heavy Tank Force: Col Igor Razinsnoff
The Russian Bear awakens 12/22/39
Moderator: MOD_SPWaW
The Russian Bear awakens 12/22/39
Robots wear armor for skin.Grunts wear skin for armor.
RE: The Russian Bear awakens 12/22/39
Western Front Salmi: 2020 Hours 12/22/39
The southern flank has taken there objectives and are spreading out in a defensive front about 200 yds to the east in a dense woods. Not much activity there so far. a couple of recon scouts showed up about 5 minutes ago and were delt with.
The north flank has moved to with in 100 yards of where they are to set up a defence. This is a spot about 200 yards north of the center between the north objective and the centers VH. They are to screen the center from any interference from the north.
The north is about 500 yards from the hill there VH sits on. It is a some what clearer here then the north and south flanks wooded areas. There is a lot of activity on the hill in front of them. I have asked for a barrage to be placed on this hill and surrounding area. Some exchange of gunfire between our lines and theres. No losses so far on our side.
Commander XX Heavy Tank Force: Col Igor Razinsnoff
The southern flank has taken there objectives and are spreading out in a defensive front about 200 yds to the east in a dense woods. Not much activity there so far. a couple of recon scouts showed up about 5 minutes ago and were delt with.
The north flank has moved to with in 100 yards of where they are to set up a defence. This is a spot about 200 yards north of the center between the north objective and the centers VH. They are to screen the center from any interference from the north.
The north is about 500 yards from the hill there VH sits on. It is a some what clearer here then the north and south flanks wooded areas. There is a lot of activity on the hill in front of them. I have asked for a barrage to be placed on this hill and surrounding area. Some exchange of gunfire between our lines and theres. No losses so far on our side.
Commander XX Heavy Tank Force: Col Igor Razinsnoff
Robots wear armor for skin.Grunts wear skin for armor.
RE: The Russian Bear awakens 12/22/39
Western Front Salmi: 2035 Hours 12/22/39
The South flank is under heavy attack on there left flank. They have taken there VH and have moved east about 300 yards. Here they set up a defensive line. But i had to shift there line north due to so many of the enemy on there left flank. I have lost at least 2 and maybe three KV1-M39 tanks to this assault. If i dont reinforce this left flank the enemy will break thru here.
I have pulled a plattoon of men from the centers right flank to help here also. The center has been held up about 250 yards from there VH. They are causing a lot of damage to the Finns that have taken the VHs. But there seems to be a never ending supply of men. They are facing at least 2 and maybe 3 companies of the enemy. I have lost 2 Gaz AA here plus 1 Kv1 -M39 tanks and a bt5. Also have lost at least 50 men from 2 plattoons. Have been bombarding the top of the hill for the last 20 minutes. It doesnt seem to slow them down tho.
The north flank is within 50 yards of there VH. They are also under heavy attack here too. They have not been able to isolate the north vh from the center as yet. There right flank has been stalled by a major push from the enemy trying to reach the left flank of center. No report on any tank losses or the men lost so far.
I have found that most of the gunners on the tanks are lousy shots. Also my heavy MMgs are just as bad shots. Most of the troops are unable to hit anything farther away then 100 yards. They even have trouble at a 50 yard range. We need to take these people out and train them some more. If we go into the next battle as bad a shots as they are we might as well give up before it starts.
Commander XX Heavy Tank Force: Col Igor Razinsnoff
The South flank is under heavy attack on there left flank. They have taken there VH and have moved east about 300 yards. Here they set up a defensive line. But i had to shift there line north due to so many of the enemy on there left flank. I have lost at least 2 and maybe three KV1-M39 tanks to this assault. If i dont reinforce this left flank the enemy will break thru here.
I have pulled a plattoon of men from the centers right flank to help here also. The center has been held up about 250 yards from there VH. They are causing a lot of damage to the Finns that have taken the VHs. But there seems to be a never ending supply of men. They are facing at least 2 and maybe 3 companies of the enemy. I have lost 2 Gaz AA here plus 1 Kv1 -M39 tanks and a bt5. Also have lost at least 50 men from 2 plattoons. Have been bombarding the top of the hill for the last 20 minutes. It doesnt seem to slow them down tho.
The north flank is within 50 yards of there VH. They are also under heavy attack here too. They have not been able to isolate the north vh from the center as yet. There right flank has been stalled by a major push from the enemy trying to reach the left flank of center. No report on any tank losses or the men lost so far.
I have found that most of the gunners on the tanks are lousy shots. Also my heavy MMgs are just as bad shots. Most of the troops are unable to hit anything farther away then 100 yards. They even have trouble at a 50 yard range. We need to take these people out and train them some more. If we go into the next battle as bad a shots as they are we might as well give up before it starts.
Commander XX Heavy Tank Force: Col Igor Razinsnoff
Robots wear armor for skin.Grunts wear skin for armor.
RE: The Russian Bear awakens 12/22/39
Western Front Salmi: 2050 Hours 12/22/39
The center has moved to with in 100 yards of the VH with there left flank. The top of the hill is being held by a company of infantry. The southern slope and valley has at least 2 companys of ski troops. This has stopped any advance by there right flank to the hill. Both these places of troop concentration has been under constant bombardment. It doesnt seem to stop them from bringing reinforcements up to these 2 spots. I have suffered a lot of casualties and loss of armor as well in the center.
The south flank has moved at least 400 yards past there VHs. They continue to expand there fronts trying to encircle the force that is attacking there left flank. Have destroyed at least 3 tanks and 3 more have been spotted. I have lost 3 pieces of armor and heavy losses to our infantry on our left flank. But we have also inflicted heavy losses on there troops and of course the 3 tanks we destroyed.
The northern force is with in 50 yards of there VHs. There right flank has been unable to cut the north VH from the center VH. This is due to the heavy movement of men and supplies from the north to the center. They are at least 150 yards from closing off the area between the two hills where the VHs are.
I will continue to bombard the center hill top with all i have left. When i believe there resistence has been broken i will move to take the center VH. I must now start thinking about preserving what i have left in men and equipment.
Commander XX Heavy Tank Force: Col Igor Razinsnoff
The center has moved to with in 100 yards of the VH with there left flank. The top of the hill is being held by a company of infantry. The southern slope and valley has at least 2 companys of ski troops. This has stopped any advance by there right flank to the hill. Both these places of troop concentration has been under constant bombardment. It doesnt seem to stop them from bringing reinforcements up to these 2 spots. I have suffered a lot of casualties and loss of armor as well in the center.
The south flank has moved at least 400 yards past there VHs. They continue to expand there fronts trying to encircle the force that is attacking there left flank. Have destroyed at least 3 tanks and 3 more have been spotted. I have lost 3 pieces of armor and heavy losses to our infantry on our left flank. But we have also inflicted heavy losses on there troops and of course the 3 tanks we destroyed.
The northern force is with in 50 yards of there VHs. There right flank has been unable to cut the north VH from the center VH. This is due to the heavy movement of men and supplies from the north to the center. They are at least 150 yards from closing off the area between the two hills where the VHs are.
I will continue to bombard the center hill top with all i have left. When i believe there resistence has been broken i will move to take the center VH. I must now start thinking about preserving what i have left in men and equipment.
Commander XX Heavy Tank Force: Col Igor Razinsnoff
Robots wear armor for skin.Grunts wear skin for armor.
RE: The Russian Bear awakens 12/22/39
Western Front Salmi: 2120 Hours 12/22/39
The Finns are tough fighters and master of camoflage. They keep coming at me and are hard to kill. Sometime they attack with squads that have 2 or 3 men left. And they are inflicting losses with these short squads.
I have kept up the heavy bombardment of the hill in the center for the past 30 minutes. My arrty has killed 22 units by there selves. But they continue to pour in troops from some where. My original estimate of 3 companys was short. It is more like 6 or at least it seems that way. We have held the front slope for the past 30 minutes and repulsed every attack thrown at us. Our trops and tanks have also inflicted heavy losses to the enemy. But we have paid a big loss ourselves. We have lost 2 snipers, 4 recon squads, 2 engineers plattoons, 1 rifles squad, 1 HMG, 1 50MM mortar, 5 recon cars, 3 BT2s and 3 KV-1. Also at least 5 squads are down to less then half strength.
The north has taken there VHs and begun to move in a SE direction. They are trying to encircle the Finns who are attacking the center. Hope to cut off there escape route before they can cross the river to the rear.
The south has begun moving in a NE route. They too will try and link up with the center and close the southern part of the circle. So far they have met with light resistence so far.
We are still at least 1500 yards from the rear VHs. It is slow going thru the woods for my infantry and tanks. Dont know if we will reach the rear area today are not.
We must teach these men how to shoot. 3 squads empitied all there weapons at a HMG which was out in the open. The distance was about 150 yards. The only hit they had was a round bouncing off a rock and catching the gunner in the foot.
Now the Finns must all be marksmen. From 300 to 400 yards 3 shots 3 dead men all center hits.
Maybe we can capture a few of these great shooters and have them train our men. Just had a thought dont think its because of the older model rifles we have. Or maybe we just need a dam good eye doctor.
Commander XX Heavy Tank Force: Col Igor Razinsnoff
The Finns are tough fighters and master of camoflage. They keep coming at me and are hard to kill. Sometime they attack with squads that have 2 or 3 men left. And they are inflicting losses with these short squads.
I have kept up the heavy bombardment of the hill in the center for the past 30 minutes. My arrty has killed 22 units by there selves. But they continue to pour in troops from some where. My original estimate of 3 companys was short. It is more like 6 or at least it seems that way. We have held the front slope for the past 30 minutes and repulsed every attack thrown at us. Our trops and tanks have also inflicted heavy losses to the enemy. But we have paid a big loss ourselves. We have lost 2 snipers, 4 recon squads, 2 engineers plattoons, 1 rifles squad, 1 HMG, 1 50MM mortar, 5 recon cars, 3 BT2s and 3 KV-1. Also at least 5 squads are down to less then half strength.
The north has taken there VHs and begun to move in a SE direction. They are trying to encircle the Finns who are attacking the center. Hope to cut off there escape route before they can cross the river to the rear.
The south has begun moving in a NE route. They too will try and link up with the center and close the southern part of the circle. So far they have met with light resistence so far.
We are still at least 1500 yards from the rear VHs. It is slow going thru the woods for my infantry and tanks. Dont know if we will reach the rear area today are not.
We must teach these men how to shoot. 3 squads empitied all there weapons at a HMG which was out in the open. The distance was about 150 yards. The only hit they had was a round bouncing off a rock and catching the gunner in the foot.
Now the Finns must all be marksmen. From 300 to 400 yards 3 shots 3 dead men all center hits.
Maybe we can capture a few of these great shooters and have them train our men. Just had a thought dont think its because of the older model rifles we have. Or maybe we just need a dam good eye doctor.
Commander XX Heavy Tank Force: Col Igor Razinsnoff
Robots wear armor for skin.Grunts wear skin for armor.
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pappasmurf
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RE: The Russian Bear awakens 12/22/39
Western Front Salmi: 2140 Hours 12/22/39
Dam these finns are tough to beat. I have to kill every last man in the squad or they come back and take revenge on me. I have had one man squads kill 2 to 3 men of ours before he is dead. I have to root every last man out. If i dont they come back to haunt me.
The Finns still control the center hill. We have moved 50 yards there in the last 20 minutes. The lead troops have taken 2 of the 4 VHs so far. I have still got a few more rounds left in 1 gun the 122MM and a couple 120 Mortars still have a few rounds left. Once they quit it will be yard for yard hand to hand. If not for them we wouldnt be still holding our side of the slope on the hill. They must have had at least 8 companies trying to push us back. I know i keep going up on how many Finns there were. But you have to be here to see the slaughter to know what i mean. It was a human wall of flesh comin at us at all times. We are gettin very low on ammo in the center. It is impossible to carry enough ammo for what we faced for the last hour and a half.
The south is makin good progress thru the woods. They still have at least 400 yards to close the back door. One interesting note about them. Was able to get a crew back into a tank and returned to action again. Plus a Infantry gun had there crew return to the fight as well. They have run into 2 HMG trying to make it to the rear. They were cut down in short order.
The norths right flank has made it to the north side of the hill where center is located. Have cut down several squads on the centers left flank. The norths left flank is still trying to move SE and cut off the rear of center. Hardly any more opposition here except for the dense woods.
Lost another Engineer squad and a infantry squad. Plus several squads are now down to just 3 to 4 men. Most of my tanks have used all there HE up and now just using MG fire. Which is good when you have so many targets to fire at. The KV1 has 3 MMG which means a lot of dead Finns each time they fire. My infantry tanks all have 2 MG. A lot of fire power against leg troops.
Commander XX Heavy Tank Force: Col Igor Razinsnoff
Dam these finns are tough to beat. I have to kill every last man in the squad or they come back and take revenge on me. I have had one man squads kill 2 to 3 men of ours before he is dead. I have to root every last man out. If i dont they come back to haunt me.
The Finns still control the center hill. We have moved 50 yards there in the last 20 minutes. The lead troops have taken 2 of the 4 VHs so far. I have still got a few more rounds left in 1 gun the 122MM and a couple 120 Mortars still have a few rounds left. Once they quit it will be yard for yard hand to hand. If not for them we wouldnt be still holding our side of the slope on the hill. They must have had at least 8 companies trying to push us back. I know i keep going up on how many Finns there were. But you have to be here to see the slaughter to know what i mean. It was a human wall of flesh comin at us at all times. We are gettin very low on ammo in the center. It is impossible to carry enough ammo for what we faced for the last hour and a half.
The south is makin good progress thru the woods. They still have at least 400 yards to close the back door. One interesting note about them. Was able to get a crew back into a tank and returned to action again. Plus a Infantry gun had there crew return to the fight as well. They have run into 2 HMG trying to make it to the rear. They were cut down in short order.
The norths right flank has made it to the north side of the hill where center is located. Have cut down several squads on the centers left flank. The norths left flank is still trying to move SE and cut off the rear of center. Hardly any more opposition here except for the dense woods.
Lost another Engineer squad and a infantry squad. Plus several squads are now down to just 3 to 4 men. Most of my tanks have used all there HE up and now just using MG fire. Which is good when you have so many targets to fire at. The KV1 has 3 MMG which means a lot of dead Finns each time they fire. My infantry tanks all have 2 MG. A lot of fire power against leg troops.
Commander XX Heavy Tank Force: Col Igor Razinsnoff
Robots wear armor for skin.Grunts wear skin for armor.
RE: The Russian Bear awakens 12/22/39
Western Front Salmi: 2220 Hours 12/22/39
We hold the Vh on the western part of the hill. The Finns still hold the eastern part of the hill top. They will not give up. I have lost another tank to a suicidle charge by a lone ski trooper. Also another squad of men and an engineer squad. In the last 20 minutes at least 50 of my men have been killed. They are holed up in a bunch of boulders on the east side of the hill. It is like pulling teeth trying to dislodge them. I still have a 122MM raining death down on them but this just seems to anger them.
A side note to this seems funny to me right now. I went up to see how the battle was progressing a half an hour ago. We were still on the west slope 50 yards from the top. I had taken off my helmet to wipe my forehead off. One of the dam Finns thru a rock down from the top. It hit me dead center in the forehead, opened a 2 inch gash. I bled like a stuck pig for a while. Was wondering if this will qualify me for a purple heart. Would look good on my new uniform dont you think.
The south has closed there portion of the circle. Caught some more finns trying to ford the river.
Needless to say they sleep with the fishes right now. Have split off a plattoon of Engineers and 2 recon cars. They are to move on the rear VH which is about 400 yards from where they are.
The north has about 300 yards to go before they close there portion of the circle. There right flank is now at the north slope of the center hill. They have caught some of the enemy trying to move out of the trap.
I dont really know how many of the enemy are trapped on the eastern slope yet. But i know at least a company is there.
Commander XX Heavy Tank Force: Col Igor Razinsnoff
We hold the Vh on the western part of the hill. The Finns still hold the eastern part of the hill top. They will not give up. I have lost another tank to a suicidle charge by a lone ski trooper. Also another squad of men and an engineer squad. In the last 20 minutes at least 50 of my men have been killed. They are holed up in a bunch of boulders on the east side of the hill. It is like pulling teeth trying to dislodge them. I still have a 122MM raining death down on them but this just seems to anger them.
A side note to this seems funny to me right now. I went up to see how the battle was progressing a half an hour ago. We were still on the west slope 50 yards from the top. I had taken off my helmet to wipe my forehead off. One of the dam Finns thru a rock down from the top. It hit me dead center in the forehead, opened a 2 inch gash. I bled like a stuck pig for a while. Was wondering if this will qualify me for a purple heart. Would look good on my new uniform dont you think.
The south has closed there portion of the circle. Caught some more finns trying to ford the river.
Needless to say they sleep with the fishes right now. Have split off a plattoon of Engineers and 2 recon cars. They are to move on the rear VH which is about 400 yards from where they are.
The north has about 300 yards to go before they close there portion of the circle. There right flank is now at the north slope of the center hill. They have caught some of the enemy trying to move out of the trap.
I dont really know how many of the enemy are trapped on the eastern slope yet. But i know at least a company is there.
Commander XX Heavy Tank Force: Col Igor Razinsnoff
Robots wear armor for skin.Grunts wear skin for armor.
RE: The Russian Bear awakens 12/22/39
Western Front Salmi: 2240 Hours 12/22/39
The battle is over or should i say slaughter. A very deciseive victory to say the least. We lost 378 men, one 50mm mortar and 10 AFV mostly of the armored car type.
While the Finns lost a whopping 2752 people of all sizes. There tank loss was small 2 but i believe i knocked out 4 or 5. Guess i just never put the demolition people on them for a destroyed confirmation.
Once the north and south flanks closed the rear of the circle, it was death for the Finns that were still holding out on the east side of the hill. Our troops on the west slope just sat and waited for them to be flushed out from the rocks. It was like a turkey shoot they had no place to go but right into the west guns. As the men began to comprese the circle from east to west, the enemy began to run out into the open. Some of our men were laughing as they shot them down but just as many were crying.
I hope we never have to do this again. We have been called out of the lines. We are to move to the rear to refit and get replacements. After the holidays we are to again make a big push against the Finns. I just hope they try differeent tactics and dont get caught the way they did this time.
Doesnt look like we will have the time to go home and see our loved ones till after this next battle. Oh well it will be 1940 the begining of a new year. Hope this war ends soon for every one sake. Just dont think so what with that madman Hitler in Berlin. I dont trust him and his non aggression pact. He wants too much to stop with Poland.
Commander XX Heavy Tank Force: Col Igor Razinsnoff
The battle is over or should i say slaughter. A very deciseive victory to say the least. We lost 378 men, one 50mm mortar and 10 AFV mostly of the armored car type.
While the Finns lost a whopping 2752 people of all sizes. There tank loss was small 2 but i believe i knocked out 4 or 5. Guess i just never put the demolition people on them for a destroyed confirmation.
Once the north and south flanks closed the rear of the circle, it was death for the Finns that were still holding out on the east side of the hill. Our troops on the west slope just sat and waited for them to be flushed out from the rocks. It was like a turkey shoot they had no place to go but right into the west guns. As the men began to comprese the circle from east to west, the enemy began to run out into the open. Some of our men were laughing as they shot them down but just as many were crying.
I hope we never have to do this again. We have been called out of the lines. We are to move to the rear to refit and get replacements. After the holidays we are to again make a big push against the Finns. I just hope they try differeent tactics and dont get caught the way they did this time.
Doesnt look like we will have the time to go home and see our loved ones till after this next battle. Oh well it will be 1940 the begining of a new year. Hope this war ends soon for every one sake. Just dont think so what with that madman Hitler in Berlin. I dont trust him and his non aggression pact. He wants too much to stop with Poland.
Commander XX Heavy Tank Force: Col Igor Razinsnoff
Robots wear armor for skin.Grunts wear skin for armor.