Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis)

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Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/20/2011 3:48:23 PM

Q-Ball

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Baelfiin is already doing an AAR, so I thought I would start one now that I have a little more time, so you guys can see the other side.

It is already T-14, so mostly this will be around the BLIZZARD and beyond. Hopefully it helps!

As you can see, this is a RANDOM WEATHER game, started in last couple weeks (I think 1.0542?).

These shots are all my Turn 13, so next turn for Baelfiin will be TURN 14. All the MUD has happened already, so he has 4 more Clear turns to make some hay.

War So Far:

Baelfiin has a very good tactical grasp, and has really pressed me in terms of losses and territory.

Where I think he is doing well is nailing the Red Army. I have lost 2.4 mil men so far, despite taking all kinds of precautions against pocketing. He has more units this turn "in the bag", so that number figures to climb to 3 million-ish by the end of Summer. That's a pretty solid number for him. Axis losses are not bad; this is mostly because he has really made big massive pockets netting easy surrenders. Some of these pockets, I don't know how he does it. And for the most part, they are unbreakable.

His strategy is an "all-in" on Moscow. My thinking has come around to that this should be the #1 target for the Germans in 1941, so I agree with that. But I think you can do Moscow AND Leningrad, and this is where his strategy might be costing him.

Leningrad has been invested with nothing more than a thin screen. It won't fall, and that means I am prioritizng Leningrad Front, because I plan to keep it through 1942 as well. I think he should have gone for it; you can at least make a decent attempt by using a single Panzer Corps, and 18th Army, sending everyone else to Moscow. Instead, 4th Panzer Army went for Moscow.

The other part is that he is also going "all-in" south of Moscow. This isn't all bad, as I have lost Tula, Orel, and will probably lose Ryazan, big chunks of Manpower. But further south, his advance on Kharkov is suffering, and is non-existant toward the Donbas. With the new RR Rules, the Donbas is probably the limit of German advance now, and it can be taken in 1942, so I think that's a good decision. But I would clear the Crimea more; that figures to be a problem for him in Blizzard.

But this is a game of tradeoffs, and Baelfiin is killing me around Moscow. I have prioritized Moscow for reinforcements, commiting everything, but he keeps destroying formations. It's going to be close whether I hold the place, despite keeping guys digging from Turn 1, and making every preparation I can. He is doing a good job here.

So, I think his overall strategy is good, though I would strengthen the flanks more, go for Leningrad, and at least get to the Perekop to put a bottle on the Crimea.

Partisans:

I thought about Partisans on this one. IMO, Partisans are most critical in 1941, and THIS is when you focus on them. Once the Germans have a redundant railnet, which they will by 1942, they are much less important; just a nuisance, really. In many cases, garrisons can take care of partisans, and a couple Romanian Cav units are enough to fill the slack. They just aren't much of a problem.

But in 1941, they can cripple the German advance. Twice now, I have cost Baelfiin a turn of FBD construction due to RR damage. This is important, as the Germans generally will advance in the south to the limit the RR will support. Attacks in Blizzard can be more critical; hate to think what happens if a whole line goes down in the middle of it.

Starting very early, I stocked all my VVS airbases with IL-4 and TB-3, and set them all on supply. I don't use those planes as bombers, they just drop ammo and Vodka to partisans. I use them manually to drop to Partisans in very key spots; those units are smothered with supplies.

So, Partisans are already having an impact, and I recommend to all Soviet players to focus on Partisans early. After 1942, I wouldn't spend as much time on it.

I also recommend to all German players to garrison every city immediately.....

Industry:

Baelfiin is not a factory-hunter. I have left smaller factories to be overrun, and focused on the larger ones. All Tank and A/C factories that are worth anything are moved to safety. I have lost 18 Armaments, and I don't see losing much more than that.

I am leaving the Vehicle factories; I just don't think they are worth moving. It's Lend Lease that counts for Vehicles.

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< Message edited by Q-Ball -- 12/20/2011 3:51:51 PM >

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/20/2011 5:09:15 PM

ComradeP

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This screenshot shows quite clearly why I personally think a "Moscow or bust" strategy favours the Soviets greatly. This isn't the first AAR with an Axis player trying to go all in for Moscow that shows a lack of progress in the north and south. 1941 is one of the few years where you can afford to make a reasonable push in all sectors as the Axis and you should do so.

Going all in for Moscow allows the Soviets to fight a set piece battle/war of attrition that in the end favours them greatly. Yes, Axis grinding hurts, but it only really hurts if the Axis can keep it up.

Also: there's more manpower between the Dnepr and Rostov in the south than in the Moscow area, and the Moscow area is difficult to hold whereas an advance in the south straightens the lines and creates some space between the Soviets and the minor Axis countries.

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/20/2011 5:12:46 PM

sillyflower

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Hmmm. Whilst I respect Mr B hugely as an opponent ( my current game with him is my longest ever), I share your doubts about a moscow-only strategy. As a Russian I would swap M for L + Donbass any day. He's going to be very stretched come winter with a v. long front, so you should be able to make whoopee in the blizzard. IF you can keep your army intact until then.

I will remember your advice about partisans should Carnage ever get more than a few hexes into Mother Russia.

< Message edited by sillyflower -- 12/20/2011 5:14:24 PM >

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/20/2011 5:32:02 PM

Flaviusx

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You really can't just ignore Leningrad like that. Pressure on Leningrad actually helps the Axis advance on Moscow, as it can suck in many units. The trick is to take it early enough to give you time to switch PG4 to the center. In the meantime, two panzer groups can pound away in the center and create the conditions for taking Moscow when joined by PG 4.

Baelfinn imo messed up the south when he made his Dnepr crossing north of Kiev. That really doesn't lead anywhere. If you want to stress the south, the crossing needs to be made at or south of Cherkassy, from there you can threaten the Dnepr bend, Poltava, Kharkov, and set yourself up for the Donbas. It also tends to dislocate any Soviet line on the lower Dnepr.

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/20/2011 5:44:55 PM

ComradeP

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Well, he did have a fairly early crossing of the Dnepr, and he could have rolled up the line if he had kept his units moving east. As long as the crossing happens west of Dnepropetrovsk, you're not really threatening the part of the line south of Dnepropetrovsk in any case. In fact, a crossing like his might even make an advance easier because he doesn't have to worry about the units behind him, which he would if he'd try a pocket near Cherkassy with a reasonable Kiev defence in place.

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/20/2011 5:53:54 PM

Q-Ball

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He crossed one arm in a swampy area north of Kiev; while undefended, he got bogged down there a couple turns. You really can't send mobile units up in there.

I've tried to set-up defenses that are really strongest 3-4 hexes back out of range of Wehrmacht infantry, but despite that he has pocketed alot of guys.

I still think Moscow first is a good strategy, but maybe not an "all-in". 1941 is pretty much the only time you can take Moscow; the Donbas can be taken in 1942 pretty easily, so being behind in the South isn't that big a deal IMO. He can make it up in 1942.

The key here is Leningrad; holding that is important.

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/20/2011 6:18:52 PM

Klydon

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I don't see him being serious about taking Leningrad at this point. He is going to pay for that most likely when the snow flies. That river line in the south won't hold jack, especially with just Rumanians around.

I would expect some point in the south that he would try to drive to the Sea of Azov for some mega pocket attempt. If not, his line is too long for him to defend properly in the winter, so that means he will have to retreat like a mad man. If he doesn't, this game doesn't have a long shelf life I don't think.

Of course, it could come down to holding Moscow against the all in push to break him too. If you put everything you had into a thrust for Moscow and still didn't get the job done, how would your moral be as a player?

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/20/2011 7:53:28 PM

ComradeP

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You could even land troops in Odessa for some really nice surprises in the blizzard. You can't really supply them on the long term, but it would be a nice initial surprise if he doesn't capture Odessa.

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/20/2011 8:12:26 PM

Q-Ball

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quote:

ORIGINAL: ComradeP

You could even land troops in Odessa for some really nice surprises in the blizzard. You can't really supply them on the long term, but it would be a nice initial surprise if he doesn't capture Odessa.

Actually, I tried to Naval Transport troops into Odessa, but I couldn't land them. Maybe because of the multiple ZOCs on the hex, I don't know. But I can't get anyone in.

I can move the unit OUT if I choose, but I don't see ever doing that, unless Sevastopol is about to fall

So, the Rifle unit there is just going to sit there for now. Defensive CV on it is 24; it's a high-quality unit for the Soviets at this stage

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/20/2011 8:18:05 PM

Q-Ball

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Klydon

I don't see him being serious about taking Leningrad at this point. He is going to pay for that most likely when the snow flies. That river line in the south won't hold jack, especially with just Rumanians around.

Leningrad is done; it was written-off from turn 1. I didn't realize that until T-3 or 4, but I held Riga until T4, so that was the first indication that he wasn't focusing at all up there.

quote:

I would expect some point in the south that he would try to drive to the Sea of Azov for some mega pocket attempt. If not, his line is too long for him to defend properly in the winter, so that means he will have to retreat like a mad man. If he doesn't, this game doesn't have a long shelf life I don't think.

Of course, it could come down to holding Moscow against the all in push to break him too. If you put everything you had into a thrust for Moscow and still didn't get the job done, how would your moral be as a player?

I expect a push against Sea of Azov in 1942. It's very logical place. I will have to have my running shoes on for 1942 down there, but the meantime, we can make hay, particularly if a single Romanian Corps holds 10 hexes like it is now.

Baelfiin is very reliable, and I don't expect him to quit. He has a very good tactical sense, so I expect to sweat in 1942.

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/20/2011 8:18:14 PM

Flaviusx

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Moscow is a perfectly valid target, but the basic problem here is that any strategy that ignores substantial parts of the front will fail. That is to say, any all in won't work. (Doesn't matter where.) An all in done in the south won't work either (see Pelton's game against me for an example of such a failure.)

It makes the Soviet defensive situation far too simple. In order to stretch the Red Army to the breaking point you have to apply pressure across the whole front. To my way of thinking, Leningrad is a necessary and useful preliminary to Moscow.

Just piling on the 3-4 panzer groups in the middle and ignoring the flanks won't do it.

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/20/2011 8:22:18 PM

Q-Ball

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Flaviusx

Moscow is a perfectly valid target, but the basic problem here is that any strategy that ignores substantial parts of the front will fail. That is to say, any all in won't work. (Doesn't matter where.) An all in done in the south won't work either (see Pelton's game against me for an example of such a failure.)

It makes the Soviet defensive situation far too simple. In order to stretch the Red Army to the breaking point you have to apply pressure across the whole front. To my way of thinking, Leningrad is a necessary and useful preliminary to Moscow.

Just piling on the 3-4 panzer groups in the middle and ignoring the flanks won't do it.

This is what JAMiAM did against me, and I helped him of course by not committing enough to Leningrad. That was my error. But he focused extra Panzers against Leningrad through T-7 or so, then as soon as it was isolated, turned everyone south toward Moscow. By then, you have the railnet to support a transfer. That's the way to do it.

Unfortunately, JAM has been very busy, so that game really stalled after the first few turns. A shame. I guess it's still going, but it's T-12 or so. I picked up this game, because I want to get to 43/44 as Soviets in less than a calendar year!

For Baelfiin's part, I will say he is further along in front of Moscow than JAM at the same time. It just cost him elsewhere.

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/20/2011 9:49:31 PM

ComradeP

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quote:

Actually, I tried to Naval Transport troops into Odessa, but I couldn't land them. Maybe because of the multiple ZOCs on the hex, I don't know. But I can't get anyone in.

Hmm, that might be due to the new rules for landing forces in the Black Sea, but it's a bit weird that you can't ship anything into a friendly hex.

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/20/2011 10:01:03 PM

gingerbread

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I would say that B has done rather well.

2.5+M (adjusting for Hiwis) Soviet losses by turn 13 and 10-ish divisions bagged is good, bordering on very good. He was somewhat unlucky in that the one turn of summer mud in the north zone did not happen before he got there, but the next two turns will be clear. Tula by T13 is not late.

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/20/2011 10:40:06 PM

ComradeP

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Yes, but what passes for his southern flank is hanging in the breeze and he isn't going to capture Leningrad either provided Q-Ball defends it at least somewhat enthusiastically.

< Message edited by ComradeP -- 12/20/2011 10:42:21 PM >

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/20/2011 11:31:51 PM

gingerbread

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You don't see a revival of the ole' deep right hook towards Lake Ladoga in the clear turns that are left, then?

One turn to Visny-V, bagging � of Northwestern Front while at it and then due north, praying for no more mud while rolling on the September weather column.
I dare say that there is a dearth of Soviet reserves with those losses on the books. It does give up Moscow but Kleist could force Southwestern Front to have to watch their backs.

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/20/2011 11:41:58 PM

ComradeP

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1 turn to Vyshnyvolochek is rather optimistic with there seemingly being no armour north of Rzhev and considering the terrain. A push towards the Svir all the way from where his mobile unit concentrations are now would be the ultimate "everything or nothing" gamble currently as if it fails, it would leave his mobile units very badly exposed with little to no supplies during the mud turns.

I only do such an extreme hook against the AI (well, a bit less extreme one, through Velikie Luki and Torzhok), several turns earlier than this.

< Message edited by ComradeP -- 12/20/2011 11:45:19 PM >

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/20/2011 11:53:02 PM

gingerbread

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OK, so the choice is "Moscow or bust" then.

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/21/2011 2:25:04 PM

Q-Ball

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Baelffin has done well in the loss column. No issues there.

I have been wary of the "turn north" since T-7 or so. I have a unit parked in V-V, as well as dug-in 2 hexes west along that river. That means a Panzer Thrust would have to dislodge that unit, or drive over Rough terrain, both of which would cost too many MPs for a quick move. Another unit is dug-in along the river between V-V and Torzhok to watch that gap. (and, a unit in Torzhok)

The terrain up north there is tough for the Germans, but I have seen in AARs, and been victim to, big runaways throuh that terrain. By leaving units in a few key spots, you can prevent big breakouts.

Up north, this means making sure you garrison as above, plus Kalinin, the Volga canal, a unit or two in that swamp, and even a couple units along the major river west of Yaroslav. In the south, this means a strong line along the OKA.

I have been digging-in along these axises for awhile. I rotate units out to the front once they fill-out, so alot of it is UNREADY, but that's better than nothing.

It's too late for Leningrad for sure. Moscow is probably 50/50. He is now almost to Ryazan, which is hugely far in the center, but that doesn't matter much; he's at the end of his fuel.

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/21/2011 10:05:13 PM

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Just looking at the OOB you posted a couple of turns ago, the Luftwaffe and tank strength are also pretty shot for him at this point in the campaign. Have you been bombing the crap out of his bases or what exactly has gone on that he has lost so many planes to?

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/22/2011 2:30:14 AM

Q-Ball

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Klydon

Just looking at the OOB you posted a couple of turns ago, the Luftwaffe and tank strength are also pretty shot for him at this point in the campaign. Have you been bombing the crap out of his bases or what exactly has gone on that he has lost so many planes to?

After you said that Klydon, I looked up similar OOB for my game vs. Bletchley Geek. It was about the same. I lost a ton of planes in that one too, and probably the same way. All I am doing in this one: I set Fighter Intercept to 300, and I am packing every fighter I have at the front. That's it. Not Rocket science!

His tank losses are about on par I think. It's pretty tough to drive from Poland and not leave a trail of broken ones behind you.

T-14: Battle of Moscow

The Screenshot below tells a good tale I think. I really tried to build advanced forts on the flanks north of Moscow (between the lakes north of town), and also south (along the OKA). Nobody ever takes Moscow from the front, it's always a double-envelopment around both flanks isolating the town, so it seems most logical to focus on those points.

Anyway, we'll see if it works. Regardless of what happens, I plan to make this area a major focal point for Blizzard, mostly because I don't expect the Germans to run West of Moscow. Around Ryazan, I am sure they will run west.

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/22/2011 11:56:39 AM

ComradeP

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That's a risky defensive deployment at Moscow, Q-Ball.

If Baelfiin pays attention to there being only 1 unit in the Moscow hexes, he could try to manipulate the retreat results in such a way that he'd only face the cavalry units (which will fold fairly quickly).

With the forces he has now, he could always go for the "small" encirclement directly around Moscow (most people get greedy and want to do a big encirclement no matter what).

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/22/2011 12:01:34 PM

Flaviusx

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Realistically, he's probably going to lose Moscow, and doesn't want to have a large army bagged in it. Channeling the Germans into a narrow advance into the city proper isn't the worst way to deal with this. Since he's done well elsewhere, Moscow isn't quite a do or die proposition as it might be in a game where Leningrad and the Donbas have gone as well. He's under no pressure to match the German all in with a Soviet one.

I like the plan.

What you see as bugs in it I think are probably features.

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/22/2011 2:33:46 PM

Q-Ball

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Flavius basically summed up my thinking: The last thing I want to do is lose Moscow, AND a big army. Because I think I can re-take it during Blizzard, or at a minimum make him fight for it. So, a direct assault on it is fine by me. I just don't want a big encirclement, and my defenses are organized to prevent that #1.

I am reading Baelfiin's AAR vs. Carnage, and from that I know Baelfiin understands that trying to hold your ground everywhere as Germany is not a good idea. I expect him to withdraw in many areas, particularly that big bulge that is now east of Tula/Orel. While it would seem logical to concentrate my forces there to eliminate that bulge, the reality is that I think he'll pull out of it anyway, because there is no defensible terrain in there.

So, I want to focus on areas where I expect him to want to fight. Regardless of what happens, I expect Moscow to be an area he digs-in and attempts to hold his ground. So this is where I will focus my forces, to create favorable combats for me, and make guards.

I also plan to attack around Nikolev, just because that is so far in his rear, he can't ignore it.

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/22/2011 2:57:13 PM

ComradeP

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Still, not wanting to lose an army and using units with some of the lowest defensive CV's around to hold the city are two different things. The least you could do is make him fight for it. You want to keep him busy until mud/the blizzard, you don't want to lose most of the city on turn 15 just because the units defending the place are not worth much.

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/24/2011 1:36:31 PM

Q-Ball

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T-15: Almost Mud

That was a nice turn by Baelfiin. At some points, you root for your opponent, because you want a nail-biter of a game. If I retained Moscow, Leningrad, and the Donbas at the end of Summer, I wouldn't want that to screw the game up.

No chance of that though, and to boot Baelfiin created yet another large pocket. I thought I had the flaks there pretty set, and that SW corner was not very thick, but he did a skillful job of "Herding" units into it. Another 20 divisions down the tubes!

Moscow:

At the end of the turn I hold the town and a corridor into it, but decided that trying to hold that narrow corridor open would be throwing good Comrades after bad. A handful of units in Moscow were too deep to get out, so we are occupying the city, and will basically allow him to isolate it next turn. That will leave Turn 17 to actually take the City, and mark the end of the Summer campaign.

Tip of the hat to Baelfiin; he beat my defenses.

South:

Elsewhere, his advance is less spirited, as he is "all-in" on Moscow.

I am falling back on Voronezh, because the Bryansk Front was mostly destroyed in a series of battles. Not sure if he is going for Voronezh, but I am preparing defense lines. There are Panzers around Kursk apparently gassing-up, so I am concerned about an assault here.

Further south, I abandoned Kharkov, as I was pressured on both flanks. I'm OK with that, T-16 is pretty late for Kharkov.

First Panzer is finally moving SE toward the Sea of Azov, and in the process pocketed a few divisions.

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< Message edited by Q-Ball -- 12/24/2011 1:39:46 PM >

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/24/2011 9:11:35 PM

Q-Ball

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T-16 Coming up

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/24/2011 11:18:29 PM

Peltonx

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Tula south there is more manpower then in Moscow+ Leningrad

Flaviusx is right a hvy push on Leningrad will help greatly to take Moscow. By turn 7 you can pull armor out of north and let infantry take Leningrad.

But looks like he will take Moscow anyways, if he plays he cards right he can still sweep most of the south.

More then one way to skin a cat I guess.

Let see how Q-ball does during blizzard.

Pelton

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/27/2011 5:05:16 PM

Q-Ball

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T-16 Soviet

Next turn is T-17 for the Germans, the last guaranteed Clear one this summer. Afterwards, he can still get good weather, though it's a greater than 50% chance of Mud everywhere, so can't really count on sustaining the offensive.

I will post final maps and stats next turn, but Baelfiin will probably start winding this down soon.

Overall, I think he has had a good summer offensive, though his lines right now are very long, don't have tons of forts (yet), and appear to have ample opportunity to cause problems during the Blizzard.

Moscow:

Baelfiin surprised me a bit by continuing to attack around Moscow, though he can probably push me a bit more back to create some space for Blizzard.

Blizzard Planning:

I am already thinking about Blizzard, and taking a few steps.

First, all Mountain Divisions and some Cav have spent the summer training and building morale. Mountain divisions help, because they have better mobility in the snow. I have also taken a few 60-Morale Rifle units out of the line, and they are training-up to become nucleus of Shock Armies.

I plan to focus mostly around Moscow, simply becuase the Germans can't really run there.

Further south, from Ryazan to Voronezh, I will commit almost nothing new; I think Baelfiin will just pull out of this area, leaving me punching air. No sense committing much to that!

I also plan a push on Kharkov, because I can either take it back in Blizzard, or he'll have to fight. Either one is good.

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RE: Under the Red Banner: Q-Ball (R) v Baelfiin (Axis) - 12/29/2011 3:57:04 PM

Q-Ball

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T-17: Last Call

Ouch! I thought that Baelfiin might wind things down a bit to start digging for Blizzard. No chance. He attacked, and pocketed at least another 24 divisions. This will make a real nice end to the summer campaign for him.

The Red Army has really suffered this summer, and will inhibit my opportunities to hit back come Blizzard. On the bright side, I saved most of my armaments, and my Manpower situation is in good shape, as I continue to hold Leningrad and the Donbas, which should pump out enough extra peasants and workers to keep the Red Army sustained through Blizzard losses. Still, losing Moscow hurts.

MOSCOW:

Baelfiin continued northward, forcing me to shift forces north, and also pocketing a bunch of guys near Moscow. More than I expected.

In the short-run, I think he is stretching out alot, and I see Zero defensive preparations for Blizzard. Not sure what he is going to do in Snow, but I think continue to attack. I hope so. He is getting dangerously stretched out (though, I could be better as well!)

In the long-run, 1942 may be a campaign to get Leningrad toward the Finnish border.

South:

Here I made some costly mistakes. I didn't think he had the MPs or the balls to make a major encirclement of my guys along the Dnepr. Wrong on both counts. Instead of a great launching pad for Blizzard offensives, I have a whole army destroyed. Ouch.

The only silver lining, is that between MUD and air supply these guys might be tough to wipe-out. I hope I can delay it a couple months at any rate.

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