A Clash of Titans, Xhoel (Axis) vs Bitburger (Soviet)

[xhoel]

AGS

In the sector of Belgorod the Soviets hit us hard were we are weakest. They pushed back the hastily put up Kampfgruppe made of our Italian and Hungarian allies and they also pushed back the depleted 113th ID (38% TOE) causing the division heavy losses. We give ground and are awaiting for reinforcements to arrive. 4 Infantry Divisions deployed in the sector are understrength and need to pull back for R&R. Further to the south our units held back two Soviet attacks.







Circled in black are our understrength formations.

In the sector of Voroshilovgrad the enemy pushed us back and managed to put two Cavalry divisions forward. We counterattacked and pushed the Soviets back. Reinforcements are on their way to this sector too. In the Stalino area, we were pushed back only in one place. Our units quickly close the gap that is created. The thin ice on the Don prohibits Soviet attacks and movement across the river for this week as well. The river is expected to freeze next week.



Counterattacks:





Crimea

In the Crimea our units continue to dig fortifications, preparing for a Soviet assault. Rail repair is going slowly, but it's progressing.



Casualties

Heavy casualties as the Soviet offensive has begun. The Soviets have suffered around 30.000 men KIA, the Axis around 5.500. Frostbite and the terrible conditions are also taking quite a toll on the men, guns and machines. 4.311 trucks lost only last week.

[xhoel]

ORIGINAL: Crackaces

ORIGINAL: xhoel

ORIGINAL: Balou




The figures presented in your AAR suggest that with a weekly replacement rate of roughly 120000 troops (as mentioned above) and 13 weeks to go the sov OOB would be 5,8 mio by march 1st '42 (not counting battle/attrition losses). Plus they have 8000+ tanks right now by mid january 42. Is that really what's called a weakened state ?

Your numbers are a bit off. The Soviets do get 120k fresh recruits every week but are also losing around 70k men each week. That means they gain 50k a week. So in 13 weeks that's around 650k. By March 42' they would have 5mio men in their OOB. Many of their divisions will also be spent after the winter offensive and will need to refill their TOEs which translates to them being pulled off the front thus making it more vulnerable. And replacements do lower the exp of divisions which is quite an important factor in combat. Anyways as I said in the post above, the Soviet Army looks anything but weak right now. The CVs of their frontline units are off the roof and they will cause a lot of damage in the winter weeks.

Since my name is being used here .. I want to clarify...[8D]

So clearly the Soviets can push the Germans around in the winter. The real problem I see (N=2), is when the next summer offense comes along.

Somebody can correct me, but it is my observation that a division requires about 5,000 to be ready, 7,000 to be effective, and 9,000 is full TO&E. Corps require even larger demands on manpower. So let's say minimum 5,000 men to put a division in a hex 2,000 for a brigade 5M means 1,000 hexes covered minimally. It goes to 714 using 7K. Of course, the Soviets build Corps size units and that reduces coverage by 3 hexes, and concentrates manpower per hex. Stacking 3 Corps to get an offensive advantage even tilts this further ..

With 8MP and an OOB around 5.5M on turn 55 there simply was not enough manpower in units to cover the front from North to South deep enough. A look at the AAR showed that with 5 deep the Germans were able to push deep during a snow turn. On turn 55 the Germans were about to envelop multiple Soviet units.

IN the 2x3 with about 4.3M the Soviets were definitely able to push the Germans back in panic and even surrounded some units in the blizzard. A single division will hold a hex in the winter, and the Soviets concentrated forces against our weakest points. But now on turn 35 and 20 turns for the summer the Soviets are looking at a real challenge to cover the front from North to South. The intensity of the winter offense has multiple turns that the manpower did not increase appreciably.

I understand that the Soviets take even more losses with the latest version? My analysis is simply saying there are X number of hexes to cover with Y manpower no matter the version. About 5 deep where the Germans might attack in the summer is about what it takes to slow the 42 offense. If this is 2 or 3 deep … the Soviets are in trouble.

It is nice to have the insight and calculations that you provided. Right now I'm concerned with keeping a solid front and avoiding unneccessary losses. Will have to see how the Soviet OOB and Army develops during the winter.

[bigbaba1111]

wow, just wow. what a intense game. great beginning and than the soviets skillfully used the holes in your line to run havoc with their cavalery. hope you can hold off the red hordes until the end of blizzard. but your fort levels seem pretty low for a static defense.

good luck.

[xhoel]

ORIGINAL: bigbaba1111

wow, just wow. what a intense game. great beginning and than the soviets skillfully used the holes in your line to run havoc with their cavalery. hope you can hold off the red hordes until the end of blizzard. but your fort levels seem pretty low for a static defense.

good luck.

Thanks for the encouraging words! It is indeed a very intense game and we are both enjoying it a lot. We are not planning on a static defense, just hoping to delay/bleed the Soviets dry, while minimizing Axis casualties.

[xhoel]

T27, 18th of December-25th of December 1941
AGN

The Finnish forces continue attacks to unhinge Soviet defenses in the north. 4 attacks were conducted this week with good results. The Soviet forces were pushed back with heavy losses and our Allies even managed to rout a Soviet division.
The L Corps (2 divisions) deployed is being pulled back and will be redeployed in the sector of AGC next week since the Vaidai sector where it has been during this time is relatively quiet at the moment.





AGC

In the Rzhev sector, the Soviets are pushing hard. 4 succesful attacks were launched this week by the enemy. Their numerical superiority in both men and guns is freightening. We are forced to give ground slowly and are running out of good defensive terrain.

Soviet attacks:



Second battle from the left:



After German moves:



40 miles west of Moscow the Soviets launch two attacks against the Spanish ''Blue'' Infantry division. The Soviet attacks fail to dislodge the defenders who fight tenaciusly. The heavy fighting has destroyed most of the fortifications and the G.D Mot Regiment is rushed to assist the ''Blues'' in holding the line. The Soviets have crossed the frozen Oka during the week in three points and have pushed back German defenders from 2 fortified positions. In one of the battles, our forces take heavy losses. 10 miles to the south, our forces hold a Soviet probing attack.



Circled in black, holding battles by the German forces.

Battle marked ''Heavy Losses'' in the pic above:



Positions after Axis moves:





German pullback south of Tula. Counterattacks marked with a diamond shape.

The sector of the 2nd Army has taken the brunt of the fighting for this week however. The Soviets have pushed our defenders back in several points and are putting serious pressure in the area. Intelligence reports that the Soviets have deployed a lot of mechanized formations in the area and recon flights have finally discovered where Soviet cavalry is deployed. 10 formations are present in the sector, one of which has been identified as the 3rd Cavalry Corps. This is in addition to the 1st Shock Army formations deployed here (among which are some strong Mountain divisions). To worsen things, we have intercepted Soviet communications that indicate that the dreaded Zhukov is in command of the Volkhov Front and that a strong offensive here is imminent. To counter the threat we have given ground where we could after conducting small local counterattacks on Soviet Armored Brigades. The Totenkopf Motorized Division has been deployed in forward positions to prevent a Soviet breakthrough. Other reinforcements will be arriving soon (2 Infantry Divisions from AGN, 1 Panzer, 1 Motorized and 1 Light Infantry Division from AGS). We are only hoping that we can prevent a disaster for the time being.

2nd Army sector showing Soviet attacks and Cavalry concentration:





Positions after German moves:



German counterattacks marked in diamond shapes. We managed to rout 2 Tank Brigades here.

[SparkleyTits]

Great stuff man
I always find players that show keen aggresion and all in plays scary and hard to gauge properly but you seem to have this well in hand for a very nominal winter!

Glad my shouting of fear is looking like absolutely nothing [:D]
Good use of the Finns too!

[bigbaba1111]

ORIGINAL: SparkleyTits

Great stuff man
I always find players that show keen aggresion and all in plays scary and hard to gauge properly but you seem to have this well in hand for a very nominal winter!

Glad my shouting of fear is looking like absolutely nothing [:D]
Good use of the Finns too!

indeed. playing against stef78 atm (he plays the red army part). i was quite shocked after opening his first turn. he attacked my units where he could. of course in 99% of the cases his red hordes got mauled badly but if thats how the game will continue i feel quite scared about that.

[SparkleyTits]

Oooooh I would really love to see that game!
Do you have a delayed AAR in the making we can all enjoy soon or in lew of that any super special secret info pics you want to send me? [:D]

[xhoel]

AGS

The Soviets continue their attacks in the south. They have hit our weakened Infantry divisions once more and forced them to retreat, taking heavy losses in the process. The Rumanian divisions deployed in the sector have also taken a beating. In 2 battles they have lost a combined 1.000 men and have been weakened substantially. We have counterattacked and pushed back a Soviet tank brigade. Fresh forces are arriving in the sector.



4th battle from up:





The Soviets have made gains further to the south as well. They have pushed back our forces in several positions and pushed forward Tank Brigades or Cavalry divisions. We have counterattacked where possible. A Soviet attack against the exposed 5th Rumanian Infantry division managed to rout the Rumanians and caused heavy losses. The 34th Rumanian Artillery Battalion was overrun and destroyed in the process. The Rumanian forces have pulled off a stunning hold however as they held on to the town of Lutugino against a heavy Soviet attack. Both sides took heavy losses in the battle. 2 Rumanian Infantry divisions were decimated in the fighting and are unready for combat. They have been pulled back.





Battle of Lutugino:



Positions after Axis moves:



In the Rostov sector we have pulled back the 4th Mountain and Das Reich Mot SS Division. They will be transferred to AGC to stop the Soviet offensive there. The 14th Panzer Division will also be transferred to that sector. The Don is now completely frozen so we expect Soviet attacks all along the front next week.



Crimea

Rail repair continues slowly in the Crimea. Our units continue building fortifications, preparing for the Soviet offensive to begin once January arrives. The 7th Flieger Division is being pulled back next week. We expect the port of Yevpatoriya to become operational in two weeks. This should help improve the supply situation in the Crimea considerably.

[xhoel]

Casualties

A lot of casualties were taken this week, many of whom where Rumanian forces. Axis KIAs amount to 7.600 men and Soviet ones at 29.800. We lost a total of 4.115 trucks during the week. In the air the LW continues to contend the skies above the battlefield and our air groups are doing their best to assist defensive operations.





A troubling development: The Rumanian Army

One of the biggest problems we have right now is the terrible condition of the Rumanian Army. The heavy fighting and the harsh winter have taken quite a toll on our Rumanian allies. At the moment, 6 Rum. Infantry Divisions are combat unready and need to be put on R&R.



To make things worse, the Rumanian industry cannot keep up with the demands of the frontline units. Right now the Rumanian Armament pool is 0. They produce 2.500 Armament points a week and can receive 1.000 Arm points a week from Germany, for a total of 3.500. This is still not enough. The main culprit of such shortages is the Rumanian OB. A Rumanian Rifle Squad consist of 17 men and is almost twice the size of their German conuterpart (10). This means that a Rumanian infantry division has 2.000 riflemen more than a German one. The OKH has suggested that the Rumanian Armed forces should adopt a new TOE and a new rifle squad formation for months now and finally the Rumanians have agreed to do so, mostly out of necessity. The new TOE and Rifle Squad organisation will come in effect on the 1st of January. The reorganization should help alleviate the shortages that we are seeing right now.

Rumanian Industry:



Rumanian Rifle Squad formation:



The new Rum. Infantry Division TOE (comes in effect on January 1942):



We are 11k trucks short at the moment:

[xhoel]

ORIGINAL: SparkleyTits

Great stuff man
I always find players that show keen aggresion and all in plays scary and hard to gauge properly but you seem to have this well in hand for a very nominal winter!

Glad my shouting of fear is looking like absolutely nothing [:D]
Good use of the Finns too!

Thanks for the kind words ST!

I'm still not feeling very confident in the Orel sector, especially considering that the Soviets have concentrated almost all of their cavalry there as well as their best leaders. I hope my line doesn't break next week because reinforcements are on the way.

[bigbaba1111]

ORIGINAL: SparkleyTits

Oooooh I would really love to see that game!
Do you have a delayed AAR in the making we can all enjoy soon or in lew of that any super special secret info pics you want to send me? [:D]

i will make some screenshots when he has his turn 2 done and publish few. got no screenshots for turn 1..sadly.

[HardLuckYetAgain]

ORIGINAL: xhoel

ORIGINAL: SparkleyTits

Great stuff man
I always find players that show keen aggresion and all in plays scary and hard to gauge properly but you seem to have this well in hand for a very nominal winter!

Glad my shouting of fear is looking like absolutely nothing [:D]
Good use of the Finns too!

Thanks for the kind words ST!

I'm still not feeling very confident in the Orel sector, especially considering that the Soviets have concentrated almost all of their cavalry there as well as their best leaders. I hope my line doesn't break next week because reinforcements are on the way.

You look fine. The first few turns of the blizzard are not the problem in my opinion. It is the last turns of Dec & Jan that could be hectic. But I see nothing in here in my eyes to worry about. You are keeping an eye on the salient in front of Kaluga but other than that let the Russians eat German infantry brigades (that never route it seems) and let the PZ's rest. Thumbs up in my opinion so far

[xhoel]

ORIGINAL: HardLuckYetAgain

ORIGINAL: xhoel

ORIGINAL: SparkleyTits

Great stuff man
I always find players that show keen aggresion and all in plays scary and hard to gauge properly but you seem to have this well in hand for a very nominal winter!

Glad my shouting of fear is looking like absolutely nothing [:D]
Good use of the Finns too!

Thanks for the kind words ST!

I'm still not feeling very confident in the Orel sector, especially considering that the Soviets have concentrated almost all of their cavalry there as well as their best leaders. I hope my line doesn't break next week because reinforcements are on the way.

You look fine. The first few turns of the blizzard are not the problem in my opinion. It is the last turns of Dec & Jan that could be hectic. But I see nothing in here in my eyes to worry about. You are keeping an eye on the salient in front of Kaluga but other than that let the Russians eat German infantry brigades (that never route it seems) and let the PZ's rest. Thumbs up in my opinion so far

Thanks HLYA. They don't need to rout to actually damage the Germans. Low TOE divisions take a lot of losses and have to be pulled off the line for R&R. That's a couple of turns in the rear at least.

[HardLuckYetAgain]

ORIGINAL: xhoel

ORIGINAL: HardLuckYetAgain

ORIGINAL: xhoel




Thanks for the kind words ST!

I'm still not feeling very confident in the Orel sector, especially considering that the Soviets have concentrated almost all of their cavalry there as well as their best leaders. I hope my line doesn't break next week because reinforcements are on the way.

You look fine. The first few turns of the blizzard are not the problem in my opinion. It is the last turns of Dec & Jan that could be hectic. But I see nothing in here in my eyes to worry about. You are keeping an eye on the salient in front of Kaluga but other than that let the Russians eat German infantry brigades (that never route it seems) and let the PZ's rest. Thumbs up in my opinion so far

Thanks HLYA. They don't need to rout to actually damage the Germans. Low TOE divisions take a lot of losses and have to be pulled off the line for R&R. That's a couple of turns in the rear at least.

Break them into regiments and they will take even less losses Do the comparison from the attacks on regiments to divisions. Granted the Regiments will retreat but the loses are far lower.

[xhoel]

ORIGINAL: HardLuckYetAgain

ORIGINAL: xhoel

ORIGINAL: HardLuckYetAgain





You look fine. The first few turns of the blizzard are not the problem in my opinion. It is the last turns of Dec & Jan that could be hectic. But I see nothing in here in my eyes to worry about. You are keeping an eye on the salient in front of Kaluga but other than that let the Russians eat German infantry brigades (that never route it seems) and let the PZ's rest. Thumbs up in my opinion so far

Thanks HLYA. They don't need to rout to actually damage the Germans. Low TOE divisions take a lot of losses and have to be pulled off the line for R&R. That's a couple of turns in the rear at least.

Break them into regiments and they will take even less losses Do the comparison from the attacks on regiments to divisions. Granted the Regiments will retreat but the loses are far lower.

It is not always the case. I did run the tests and I'm seeing it in my game as well. It also depends on the attacking units and many other factors. I wouldn't defend with regiments unless I really had no other choice. Plus, no reason to gift the Soviets free wins when you can help it.

[xhoel]

T28, 25th of December-1st of January 1941
AGN

The Finnish Army continued their attacks on Soviet forward positions this week albeit with mixed success. The Finnish managed to rout 3 Rifle Divisions and force another one to retreat. However due to strong Soviet resistance and bad terrain, 3 attacks failed. The plan is working however, the offensive is succeeding in unhinging Soviet defenses. We can only hope that the Soviets will redirect units in the area, therefore easing the pressure elsewhere.



Soviet holds marked with red circles.



AGC

In the Rzhev sector the enemy attacked in three positions during the week. Two of those attacks succeeded but a third one was repulsed by our forces. Soviet casualties were high. We slowly give ground to avoid our units being cut off. The L.A.H SS Mot Division has been pulled off the frontline and has entered winter quarters in Rzhev. They will redeploy to Orel next week.



Soviet losses are not entirely KIAs, but what the game considers lost. The number is per battle not total.



The Moscow sector remained quiet as most of the fighting in was concentrated east and north-east of Tula. Soviet attacks north-east of the city not only managed to push back German defenders but did so, while causing heavy losses. We switch around units of the 4th Army with several units that have been defending the idle Oka sector (Including 2 divisions from the 18th Army) therefore giving the men a much needed rest and at the same time pressing forward fresh formations to the defense.

East of the city, the XXXV Corps under GM Kaempfe managed to hold back two Soviet attacks. We give ground slowly in the area and our troops have now reached the secondary defensive lines.



3rd Battle from the north:





Heavy German losses were recorded in the Orel sector as well, as our formations were forced to yield to heavy Soviet attacks. We give ground slowly here as well, retreating to create a buffer between us and the enemy. Some units have reached the secondary defensive lines where fortifications have not yet been completed. Fortified Regions have been disbanded and the line will be held by the 2nd Army. The reserve Das Reich SS Mot Division has arrived from the south and is awaiting deployment on the frontline. A counterattack against a lone Soviet tank Brigade failed.



First battle to the north-east:





The failed attack on the lone Soviet Tank Brigade circled in red.

Tula overview:

[xhoel]

AGS

Soviet attacks in the South continued during the week. We suffered heavy losses in the battles east of Belgorod. The Rumanian 4th ID was routed and the 46th Rum Independent Artillery Battalion was overrun and destroyed in the heavy fighting. We have pulled back 3 infantry divisions which were reduced to regiment strength and have put them on R&R. Reinforcements are on their way and their arrival should stabilize the situation in the sector.



Very Heavy Losses battle:







German Infantry division reduced to regiment strength put on R&R in the rear. Notice the low morale.

In the Stalino sector we managed to stop 2 out of 3 Soviet attacks. The third one fell hard on our defenders at Lutugino and caused heavy casualties. The Soviets attacked with 9 Rifle Divisions and 1 Cavalry Corps, outnumbering us 3 to 1 in men and guns. We have pulled out Rumanian units that were combat unready and reinforced the line here.



Lutugino battle:





In the Rostov area the enemy has only attacked one position and forced one of our Light Infantry Regiments to retreat. We have pulled one understrength infantry division and are sending them for R&R to the rear. If the sector continues to remain quiet, we will transfer an additional Light Infantry division to other sectors.



Cavalry formations in the south:



Crimea

The 7th Flieger Division was pulled this week out of the Crimea. No action yet in this sector. Rail repair continues and our ground commanders are looking forward to the port of Veypatoriya becoming operational. The weather will change next week to blizzard and our forces here will need to hold their positions until February arrives when the weather is predicted to improve.

[SparkleyTits]

Great stuff as always!

[xhoel]

Casualties
Ground:

Heavy casualties were taken this week by our side. The Soviets are showing great care in picking their targets and hitting them with all their might, therefore curbing their losses considerably. 3.600 trucks were lost this week because to all causes. The opening of the Crimea front next week will see action there too and casualties are sure to rise.



Air:

In the air the LW continue to contest the skies and to fly supplies to units that need them. Transport losses are increasing.