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RE: Just ducky - 5/2/2011 5:33:12 AM

IdahoNYer

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Klydon -

Yeah, if, and that's a big if, I can find a weak spot, I'll resume offensive action. For now, based on the Soviet response to the last turn - which ROUTED 1st Pz and 29th Mot!!!!, I'm transitioning to the strategic defense. Can't pentetrate line of multiple level 3-4 fortifications - and now I've found a level 5 outside of a city!! This is crazy trying to breach this kind of defense..

And I've got to ask myself, "what is the overall objective" for the '42 offensive? Well, its to kill Russians...period. Well, as an aside, taking out population centers is a good thing - such as Moscow, but the best outcome is to kill Russians - who are encircled trying to protect valuable assets such as Moscow. Well, right now, the loss ratio isn't going very well. My panzers especially are being worn down.

As I said, this feels more like summer 1943 rather than 1942, at least as so far as overcoming Russian defenses. I don't "think" he's got a massive offense capability yet - but with how I've stretch the lines to mass for offensive operations, I really don't wan to find out the hard way...

So, for now, and probably for the long haul, the mighty Wehrmacht is going to the strategic defense to "bleed them dry". In other words, try to keep Berlin German though 1944...

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Post #: 241

RE: Just ducky - 5/2/2011 1:36:55 PM

Klydon

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He doesn't have much for offensive capability that will truly hurt until he gets infantry corps and it will be interesting to see how many points he has been hoarding. If you are going strategic defense (I don't blame you), then I would not look at holding the line you are on and would be looking to dig in depth with as many troops as you can afford to pull off the line. This is going to somewhat take the flavor of a WW1 game where you will be looking to launch a counter attack as he moves through "no mans land" with units that are not fortified.

The only thing with this is watching other AARs later in the war, straight attacks are not going to be that hot in terms of casualty ratios. You will have to not only attack, but also look to encircle advancing Russians and then manage to keep the pocket closed while you remove Russian units out of the game. I don't know that you can do that with just a short withdraw, but rather a larger step back would be helpful. You would like a bigger "no mans land" in order to string him out and have some space to operate.

The final thing is I don't know if you shut other stuff down and try just for Moscow or not. Certainly it is a big prize to put out of action in terms of population, etc. Has he still got industry there, etc?

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Post #: 242

Axis High Water Mark - AGN - 5/7/2011 5:13:52 AM

IdahoNYer

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Turn 59; Jul 30, 1942.

Axis Forces are officially transitioning to the strategic defensive along the front. Instead of pounding against heavily fortified defenses, we're adopting Manstein's elastic defensive strategy to keep the Soviets at bay. Overall, I'll hold a fortified line, but instead of backing that up with the preferred carpet, I really want to hold until the line breaks - then counterattack with concentrated panzer forces. Risky, but without wasting the panzers in senseless attacks, I have that ability right now. We'll see how well it works..

In any case, its going to be a while before Scar's mightly Soviet Steamroller is ready to roll. He's just starting to convert to Rifle and Tank Corps. I figure he'll do small offensive actions - which should be costly - until winter 1942/43 when I'll see a big threat to punch through somewhere.

In Army Group North's area, the primary goal is to hold on to Leningrad as long as possible - well in 1944. To that end, 18th Army with two Korps is brought up to dig in along the Volkov and backstop the Finns. I don't trust the Finns' ability to hold a major Soviet attack, and although I don't think that is likely right now, Scar's going to realize sooner or later that the Finns are stretched thin and come barrelling toward Leningrad.

16th Army is in good defensive positions, and is in fair shape to defend. Reserves consist of a motorized Div and two infantry divisions which have been out hunting partisans.

9th Army has one PzKp, the XXXXI with 2xPz Div as a mobile reserve. The front is fairly well fortified, with terrain favoring the defense. We can delay west for a long time here.

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Post #: 243

RE: Axis High Water Mark - AGN - 5/7/2011 5:28:54 AM

IdahoNYer

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Army Group Center....

Here's where we start to get stretched along the line, in open terrain.

3rd Pz Armee is in pretty good shape, recently reinforced for its advance toward Moscow - where it got close, damn close...
It's infantry are not yet stretched and in fair to good shape defending in poor offensive terrain. Its defenses are backed up by two PzKps, the LVII and XXXIX with 4xPz and 2xMot Divs for any counterattack.

4th Army was not reinforced during the abortive summer offensive - one single new infantry division was received. The others are stretched and understrength - but in good fortified positions, largely behind the Oka River.

2nd Army is also stretched, but had been reinforced to support the offensive. It doesn't have a good river to defend behind for much of its frontage, but it does currently have 2nd Pz Armee right behind it....

2nd Pz Armee was bloodied heavily in the abortive attack toward Voronezh. It still packs a punch with 3xPzKps and an infantry Korps (5xPz, 3xMot, 4xIN). This is the counterattack force to cut off and destroy a Soviet penetration! Fingers crossed of course....

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Post #: 244

Axis High Water Mark - AGS - 5/7/2011 6:45:15 AM

IdahoNYer

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Army Group South -

6th Army in the north isn't too bad off. It took somewhat heavy losses in the abortive attack, but also received some reinforcements to balance things out. III PzKps w/2xPz Divs is the backstop and counterattack force.

4th Pz Armee was pulled off the line to re-coup losses. With 2xPzKps, 1xIN Korps (4xPz, 2xMot,4xIN), it faired poorly in the abortive offensive. I was going to put 4th Pz in the the line, replacing the Hungarians, and still might. But, I'm second guessing this right now since I really don't want panzer divs in the line if I can avoid it, and the Hungarian infantry is in better shape than many German units are at this point.

2nd Hun Army is holding a very valuable piece of real-estate - guarding Kharkov-Belgorood area. For now, with a German Infantry Div to each Hun Corps as a "corset", it should be able to hold for a while. So, I'll probably leave things are for the time being.

17th Army, holding a line along the Donets river isn't in bad shape to defend a river line. Its weakenend infantry is compenstated by the river defense. For immediate reserve, it has the very strong 16th Mot Div.

1st Pz Armee has gone into the line between the 17th and 11th Army with at least its infantry korps. It's two PzKps (4xPz, 4xMot) remain out of the line and were pulled out of the offense before they could suffer heavy losses. There a potent force to counterattack in the south.

11th Army has been pretty much neglected, but remain in viable fortifications. With the panzers of 1st Pz nearby, the Soviets are not going anywhere quickly here.

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Post #: 245

RE: Axis High Water Mark - AGS - 5/7/2011 11:55:05 AM

fiva55

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It warms my heart to see the colours of al those armies grouped together so nicely

.

Btw, isn't it a bit early for a strategic defence. Since the Soviets don't have many infantry corps and tank corps yet, I figure you could still do a few medium encirclements without the risk of the Soviets breaking out. Though you should probably concentrate your Pz Armies to have any success.

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Post #: 246

RE: Axis High Water Mark - AGS - 5/8/2011 1:57:09 AM

IdahoNYer

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quote:

Btw, isn't it a bit early for a strategic defence. Since the Soviets don't have many infantry corps and tank corps yet, I figure you could still do a few medium encirclements without the risk of the Soviets breaking out. Though you should probably concentrate your Pz Armies to have any success.

Agree fully Fiva55...or I did a few turns ago....see post 238. After trying to penetrate the fort lines near Voronezh, 2nd and 4th Pz Armee's linked up encircling about 10 divisions - in level 3-4 forts. After two weeks of trying to hold the ring which the Soviets were able to breach against double stacks of panzer divisions - I abandoned that plan. The result was a panzer, mot division and 2xIN Divs routed and a combined loss of some 800 tanks in a month of futile attacks.

I'm done with trying to punch through that mess. Let him come to me and come out of the forts.

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Post #: 247

From Blitzkrieg to Sitzkrieg - 5/25/2011 1:02:36 AM

IdahoNYer

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Turn 77; Dec 3, 1942

Game is still rolling along, just haven't posted for while as there has been little to report.

Well, absolutely no changes in the front lines for the last 18 or so turns. Russians seem to be getting a bit ancy, so that may change here shortly. In any case, with the abandonment of the German Summer 42 Offensive in late July, the Russians were no where ready to go on to the offensive. Figure that's starting to change.

As for the Germans, we've been chasing partisans throughout the rear areas - which seems to be a losing fight. They keep getting stronger despite full garrisons and being attacked each turn. There is NO WAY to "kill" a partisan unit - can't conduct multi unit partisan sweeps to seek out and destroy partisan infested areas. That's too bad - I have the uncommitted forces to do that right now.

Both 2nd and 4th Pz Armee's remain uncommitted behind the lines - prepared to launch counter attacks once the Russian Steamroller gets moving. 18th Army is fortifying the Lenningrad's Volkov Line, already getting to Level 4 fortifications. Haven't focused on much rear area fortifications - I want a mobile counterattack fight in 1943 - risky, I know....but more fun.

We'll see what happens.....

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RE: From Blitzkrieg to Sitzkrieg - 5/25/2011 2:59:16 AM

Mynok

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Keep holding and refitting as best you can. You will definitely want rear area lines already dug for your retreating troops. Trust me on this.

The Dnepr should be line 1 but by the time he gets there, he's gonna be massive.

You want another one further back with a shorter line because you will quickly find that 3 inf divs in level 3 forts will not be able to hold against a determined Russian assault. Even with reserves.

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Post #: 249

Soviet Steamroller starts rolling - 5/27/2011 4:13:10 AM

IdahoNYer

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Turn 81: Dec 31, 1942....Blizzard

Well, here comes the Soviet Steamroller! Very localized, Scar attacks in two areas along the front. The first one, shown here, surprises me. A concentrated combined arms attack, blasts through 20miles worth of level 4 fortification and penetrates up to 30miles. The defending German Korps was simply pushed aside and split in two - although, causing heavy losses to the Soviets.

In response, I have two options (I'm not ready to abandon large stretches of the front at this point), re-seed the front line with available forces and hold as best as possible, or figure a way to counterattack.

The positive side here is that in exploiting the attack, the Soviets have moved out of their level 4 fortifications and are a bit fatigued.

So, I'm going to take a gamble here. I move 2nd Pz Armee northwards, ready to take position between 2nd Army and 6th Army, but hopefully far enough west to avoid Soviet recon. Elements of 2nd Army south and east of the penetration are handed off to 6th Army for C2. 4th Pz Armee is brought up behind 6th Army. The overall intent is to allow the Soviets another turn of attack, but funnel them west and attempt to hold the shoulders of the penetration. Then, launch 2nd and 4th Pz Armee in a counter attack aimed to destroy his lead tank corps.

We'll see how well that works.....

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< Message edited by IdahoNYer -- 5/27/2011 4:14:19 AM >

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Post #: 250

RE: Soviet Steamroller starts rolling - 5/27/2011 4:27:45 AM

IdahoNYer

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Further south, toward the end of the line, the Soviets have a more traditional grinding attack....lots of infantry backed by artillery and some tanks. The Soviet attack powered pass/through XI Korps on a wide 40 mile front. XXXXVI Pzkps moves south to stabilize the threat, forcing the two tank brigades to retreat with heavy loss and then holding the line with the remnants of the XI Korps infantry. XXXXVIII PzKps is held back to counterattack should the situation present itself.

I'm probably going to give some ground here to hopefully give the Soviets the opportunity to make a mistake. I abandon Gorlovka at the tip of the line, which will facilitate further withdrawals.

Mass stacks of Soviet Rifle Corps are not a target to counter attack against - he needs to try and exploit for any counter attack to be successful. On the positive side, he's not going to get to Berlin by advancing 10m a week....

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Post #: 251

Welcome to 1943! - 5/28/2011 4:26:04 AM

IdahoNYer

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Turn 82; Jan 7, 1943 Blizzard

We open the New Year with a counterattack - as soon as I launched it, I second guessed myself thinking I should have waited another week. Too late.

Instead of really exploiting west, the Soviets catiously attack west, but vigorously attack south to widen the breach, gaining 10m. 3xTank Corps and a Cavalry Corps spearhead the Soviet attack, and they are the targets of the counterattack.

I want to use the fewest panzer divisions as possible, and I start with III PzKps attacking to cut off the spearhead from the south. Two Rifle Corps stand in the way - no match for a mighty rested PzKps!!

How wrong I was! Two attacks heavily supported by the Luftwaffe are repulsed hard, losing over 100 panzers. So much for cutting off the spearhead!

Plan B: Commit 2nd Pz Armee to smash the spearhead. This takes the full combined weight of all three PzKps - partially due to the distance required to march to the objective. 2 of 3 Tank Corps are routed, as is the Cavalry Corps. Panzer losses, outside of III PzKps are minimal.

The result isn't what I hoped for. III PzKps needs a rest and refit , and the Soviet's despite losing heavily in tanks, will probably continue the attack. 2nd Pz Armee is now pretty much committed in line between 2nd Army and 6th Army - only 4th Pz Armee remains available - which looks to be needed if the mass of Soviets detected east of the Hungarians decide to attack!

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Post #: 252

RE: Welcome to 1943! - 5/28/2011 5:02:37 AM

IdahoNYer

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Sometimes, its where you least expect success, you find it.....

I had planned to actually withdraw here in the south as he was just grinding forward with stacked infantry corps. Well... he continued to do so, but had but a single infantry division holding the flank in the south - outside of his previous fort line. Behind it, recon showed two artillery brigades - another tempting target for a spoiling attack.

So, XXXXVI PzKps is brought around to the southern side of the Soviet penetration and attacks into its flank - making good progress, retreating the rifle divisiona and the artillery brigades. Hey! There might be some real opportunity here!

The only problem to achieving some "real success" and cutting off the lead infantry corps - are the three Rifle Divs protecting the northern shoulder of the Soviet attack. Having learned of the new found resilliance of Soviet units on the defense, I mass 4xIN Div of the LIX Korps in a deliberate attack to force the retreat of the Soviet divs. Now come the XXXXVIII PzKps into the breach, Grossdeutschland with the first Tigers in combat, push forward and link up with XXXXVI PzKps coming up from the south. Local attacks against tank brigades and other soft targets widen the breach, isolating 12x Rifle Corps and 3xRifle Divs.

I fully expect these troops to break their isolation - but may be weakened enough to be routed at the next opportunity.
The downside to all this is that 1st Pz Armee is fully committed, and somewhat exposed - so if the Soviets can break the isolation and gain some mobility, things could go down hill rather quickly.

I position a mountain div and the 27th Pz to the west of the very weak XI Korps which is screening the Soviet attack - just in case....

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RE: Welcome to 1943! - 5/29/2011 6:31:11 AM

IdahoNYer

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Almost forgot. Forces available as we go into 1943.

Not as bad as it could be. Its just going to get worse.....

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RE: Welcome to 1943! - 5/29/2011 6:31:50 AM

IdahoNYer

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and casualties...

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RE: Welcome to 1943! - 5/29/2011 10:12:38 PM

IdahoNYer

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Turn 83; Jan 14, 1943...Blizzard

As feared, the Soviets open up a major offensive against the 2nd Hungarian Army. Even worse, it looks as though the objective of this attack is to link up with the attack north of Kursk to encircle the 6th Army!!

Good to see we've left the trench warfare behind, at least for now!

The Soviet attack does fairly well against the northern flank of the Hungarians, with lead Tank Corps gaining upwards of 40 miles from their start lines. Two Tank Corps and two tank Bdes lead the charge to cut off the 6th Army. The southern half of the Soviet attack, with two tank corps, gains 10 miles towards Belgorod, but does not penetrate the Hungarian line.

What I don't think Scar picked up on was 4th Pz Armee sitting some 50 miles behind the Hungarians.

4th Pz Armee's two PzKps, the XIV and LVI, cut in behind the northern force and force their retreat deeper into the "pocket" and away from Soviet lines. One Tank Bde routs back toward freedom, but two Tank Corps and a Tk Bde are firmly encircled as III Pzkps from 6th Army is pulled from its attack in the north. XXIV PzKps is pulled from 2nd Pz Armee to 4th Pz Armee to push back the attack near Belgorod, and it pushes the two Tank Corps back to their start lines - that's enough for now.

2nd Pz Armee's attack on the northern Soviet attack, while successfull last turn, is shut down and the Armee transitions to the defense - to prevent any Soviet penetration southward. Risk is taken toward the west, toward Bryansk - if the Soviets shift direction toward the west, there really isn't much to stop them. While I don't this is too likely, I pull 19th Pz south from 3rd Pz Armee to "exchange" with one of the worn out Pz Divs of XL PzKps (2nd Pz Div down to less than 50 tanks!).

To backstop the Hungarians defending the approaches Kharkov, 27th Pz Div (OKH Reserve) is brought up from behind 1st Pz Armee. While I don't want to comit this division, I'm concerned that the Soviets may expand this attack southwards at the boundary of the Hungarians and 17th Army.

While this counter-attack should bloody the Soviets, it will not stop their offensive momentum in this area - I will likely have to withdraw 6th Army westwards out of the current position which is currently becoming much too exposed.

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RE: Welcome to 1943! - 5/29/2011 10:22:07 PM

IdahoNYer

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1st Pz Armee is forced to halt its counter attack at the southern end of the line. Unfortunately, but not unexpectedly, the Soviets push the German ring aside, regaining a line of communication with their encircled Rifle Corps. While potentially I could re-establish a ring to re-isolate the Soviets, I would expect that ring also to be broken through - the Sovs are just too robust right now. And the cost in panzers have been very, very heavy. As an example, 11th Pz Div was my strongest division on the front - having about 180 panzers and 90+ experience. Now, its down to about 50 panzers! The experience is going to plummet! Not good.

In any case, I pull both PzKps of 1st Pz Armee back behind the lines as I prepare to pull the entire line back.

Here's a question for some smart guy....Why do I still have an Army Group South in Jan 1943 and not an Army Group A and B????

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RE: Welcome to 1943! - 5/29/2011 10:54:06 PM

Klydon

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<-- not necessarily a smart guy.

You did not hit the prereqs to bring AG B on line. (pg 148 in the manual. It will show up in March 1943 even if you don't hit the targets.

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RE: Welcome to 1943! - 5/29/2011 11:18:14 PM

Mynok

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He has a lot of rifle corps for this point in the game. This is not a good thing.

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Post #: 259

RE: Welcome to 1943! - 5/30/2011 3:54:05 AM

IdahoNYer

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Thanks Klydon!

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RE: Welcome to 1943! - 5/30/2011 3:57:08 AM

IdahoNYer

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Mynok - yeah, well....when you go about 5 months with little or no activity, you can really stock up on the old APs! That was the one big drawback to halting offensive operations - giving the Sovs a great opportunity to transition their army. However, its still going to be a few more months until the industry goes into high gear.

Frankly, I'm scarred as hell of the damn infantry corps....especially when defending in stacks. Very, very hard to penetrate. And they pack a whallop when attacking!

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Post #: 261

2x Tank Corps destroyed - 5/30/2011 4:59:14 AM

IdahoNYer

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Turn 84; Jan 21, 1943...Blizzard

Looks as though the front may be stabilizing. Soviets failed to rescue their isolated elements, and both Tank Corps and a tank brigade were destroyed. Numerous Soviet attacks to rescue their comrades were repulsed, resulting in very heavy soviet losses. In most areas, the Soviets are back to their start lines, or within 10 miles of them.

That's the good news....

The bad news is that the panzer divisions are in pretty bad shape, many with 50 or so panzers remaining. If the Soviet continues to press his attacks, things might get ugly fast.

Along the front, 2nd Army's position is probably the weakest. 2nd Pz Armee, with 2xPzKps, holds the northern shoulder of the Kursk bulge, is in pretty good shape. 2nd Pz Div is replaced by 19th Pz Div which is sent to recover in 3rd Pz Armee's AO. 6th Army pulls back a few square miles, but for the most part, retains its fortified lines. 4th Pz Armee moves into the line, and creates a bullward of concentrated forces where the current most dangerous Soviet attack is likely. This could get expensive if he attacks, but I figure he'll look for easier avenues after the losses he's sustained. 2nd Hungarian's frontage is reduced, and seems to be in pretty good shape. 17th Army is untouched, but possesses no real reserves to counter any major thrust.

Further to the south, the Soviets did not attack 1st Pz Armee, but rather seemed to consolidate.

Overall, its been an interesting month of attack and counterattack. While the Soviets have been bloodied, so have the panzers. With some luck, he'll give me a few weeks to rest and refit the panzer divisions before resuming the attack.

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Sitzkrieg returns - 5/31/2011 3:09:59 AM

IdahoNYer

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Turn 87; Feb 11, 1943...blizzard and snow mix

Looks like the front has indeed stabilized. Scar has pulled pack his attack forces and all offensive operations have ceased for the last three weeks. I have decided to hold the current positions, including the 6th Army's Kursk Salient. With some luck I can hold these positions through the mud season. Perhaps, just perhaps, he's played out for the winter.

Not a bad thing in my book. I can now focus on rebuilding the panzerwaffe.

Construction has also begun on some rearward positions, including the vaunted "Eastern Rampart" that traces the Dniepr from Mogilev south to the Dniepr bend - being constucted by the Luftwaffe Field Divs as well as the Axis Allies. The "Bryansk Line" is also being dug behind the 4th and 2nd Armies - being constructed by a Korps of 3xIN Divs. The "Volkov Line" is already at level 4 fortifications protecting Leningrad along the Volkov River, which is also occupied by the uncommitted 18th Army (I don't trust the Finns combat ability right now).

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RE: Sitzkrieg returns - 6/1/2011 3:22:41 AM

IdahoNYer

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Turn 90; Mar 4, 1943....Snow

No action along the front. Soviet offensive units have been pulled off the line. The only thing of note is that German casualties reach the 2 million mark!

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RE: Sitzkrieg returns - 6/1/2011 3:27:25 AM

IdahoNYer

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And Forces available Mar 4, 1943. Soviet tank production starting to arrive - Up from about 4000 to 6000 tanks since the beginning of the year. So much for parity.....

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RE: Late Winter Soviet offensive - 6/5/2011 3:07:14 AM

IdahoNYer

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Turn 91; Mar 11, 1943...Blizzard

A late winter Soviet offensive begins against the Finns. 8 Soviet armies using massed Rifle Corps attacks push the Finnish IV and VI Corps back 10 miles despite level 4 fortifications. Depsite weekly recon flights, this concentration of Soviet troops went undetected, and the attack was a surprise this late in the winter.

This is where I originally expected the Soviet winter offensive to strike, starting the Volkov Line early on "just in case". The Finnish troops are tired of being away from Finland and their morale reflects this. However, when the Soviets struck toward Kursk, I thought the Finns would be spared until the Summer offensive season.

There is not much we're going to do to stop attacks from 3xRifle Corps against a single defending brigade, regardless of the morale or fortifications of the defenders. The Soviets are going to press forward, albiet slowly.

So we'll give ground slowly. I've brought down the Finnish Armored Div from position in reserve to the north, and the 16th Army's mobile reserve, the 36th Mot Div, to the shoulders of the attack in case the Soviets try and exploit the attack with tank brigades.

Due to the late winter/early spring timeframe, General Mud will likely terminate this offensive rather than any great Axis generalship.

The remainder of the front remains quiet, with no indication of any Soviet attacks.

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Post #: 266

RE: Late Winter Soviet offensive - 6/5/2011 4:38:35 AM

IdahoNYer

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Turn 92; Mar 18, 1943...mix Snow and Blizzard

Soviets expand thier offensive against the Finns to include the northern Korps of the German 16th Army. As with the previous week, massed Soivet Rifle Corps attacks are largely successful, but gains are limited. The newly introduced Guards Airborne Corps is bloodily repulsed is the only exception.

Just waiting for General Mud to arrive and close down the offensive. Rest of front remains quiet.

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(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 267

RE: Late Winter Soviet offensive - 6/5/2011 5:44:56 AM

Mynok

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Joined: 11/30/2002
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You're still in fine shape for 43. Just get those panzers refitting fast. You'll need them to whack on his exploiting tank corps. They are very vulnerable to that.

Rifle corps are walking death. And he has a bunch. That's your main problem. Your only hope is that they are slow and can only grind it out. The bad news is that they will and you will suffer massive casualties when they do.

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(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 268

RE: Late Winter Soviet offensive - 6/6/2011 4:35:48 AM

IdahoNYer

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Joined: 9/6/2009
From: NYer living in Boise, ID
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Mynok - Panzers refitting pretty quickly - just taking a big experience hit when they gain the replacements. Can't do anything about it of course.

Rifle Corps are very nasty - already found that out. Especially when stacked.

Will have to draw him out in order to launch a successful counterattack. Lot of risk involved with, but otherwise I'll just be ground to death.

(in reply to Mynok)

Post #: 269

RE: Late Winter Soviet offensive - 6/6/2011 5:52:45 PM

Scook_99

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Joined: 6/20/2007
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I think you are in tremendous shape as Germany! Seeing your 3 million man army, and he is only at 6 million at March '43 is good news. Just be patient and hope he get impatient and over-extends.

(in reply to IdahoNYer)

Post #: 270