Matrix Games Forums

Forums  Register  Login  Photo Gallery  Member List  Search  Calendars  FAQ 

My Profile  Inbox  Address Book  My Subscription  My Forums  Log Out

RE: Soviet TOE changes, Summer 1942.

 
View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest
Users viewing this topic: none
  Printable Version
All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> Gary Grigsby's War in the East Series >> After Action Reports >> RE: Soviet TOE changes, Summer 1942. Page: <<   < prev  20 21 22 [23] 24   next >   >>
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
RE: Soviet TOE changes, Summer 1942. - 12/29/2019 3:02:56 AM   
M60A3TTS


Posts: 4014
Joined: 5/13/2011
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Telemecus

quote:

ORIGINAL: xhoel
@M60A3TTS: In my opponents defense, Bitburger did use tank brigades in successful attacks during the blizzard offensive but then left them on the front which made them vulnerable to counterattacks. So their wins get balanced by the losses taken from the German counter moves. Last time we talked he mentioned that unfortunately there are no Guard Tank Brigades/Corps yet.

I am very curious if there is any definitive duide to farming guards tanks. I suspect M60A3TTS might know it.


I never saw a guide, but in the 8MP game farming wins for tank brigades was part of the Soviet blizzard plan from the first week. We just didn't spam them everywhere since you generally aren't going to need more than 14 guards brigades for the corps conversions. Plus it burns way too many trucks sending them all forward. Probably 75-80% of the tank brigades simply hung out in the rear gaining experience the whole blizzard, while the ones that had any wins at all were the brigades selected for farming.

(in reply to Telemecus)
Post #: 661
RE: Soviet TOE changes, Summer 1942. - 12/30/2019 9:48:42 AM   
xhoel


Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: M60A3TTS

We just didn't spam them everywhere since you generally aren't going to need more than 14 guards brigades for the corps conversions. Plus it burns way too many trucks sending them all forward.



This seems to be a good plan. As long as you take care of the Brigades after they get some wins, they should get Guards status. I am curious why 14 is the "right number" though? That would translate to 7 Guard Tank Corps, but why settle for 7 when you could get more?

_____________________________

AAR WITW: Gotterdammerung 43-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4490035
AAR WITE: A Clash of Titans 41-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4488465
WitE 2 Tester and Test Coordinator

(in reply to M60A3TTS)
Post #: 662
RE: Soviet TOE changes, Summer 1942. - 12/30/2019 3:13:20 PM   
Telemecus


Posts: 4689
Joined: 3/20/2016
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: xhoel


quote:

ORIGINAL: M60A3TTS

We just didn't spam them everywhere since you generally aren't going to need more than 14 guards brigades for the corps conversions. Plus it burns way too many trucks sending them all forward.



This seems to be a good plan. As long as you take care of the Brigades after they get some wins, they should get Guards status. I am curious why 14 is the "right number" though? That would translate to 7 Guard Tank Corps, but why settle for 7 when you could get more?


The impression I get is that Soviet commanders like to make as many tank units as possible and believe the T34 production pool is limitless. The Soviet commanders who have got to the end of the game know it is not - indeed in the last three long games I have seen the Soviet side ran out of medium tanks before the end of the war. So there is an optimum number to pace yourself with - guess 7 tank corps is it?

_____________________________

Wargamers Discord https://discord.gg/U6DcDxT

(in reply to xhoel)
Post #: 663
RE: Soviet TOE changes, Summer 1942. - 12/30/2019 11:53:31 PM   
M60A3TTS


Posts: 4014
Joined: 5/13/2011
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: xhoel


quote:

ORIGINAL: M60A3TTS

We just didn't spam them everywhere since you generally aren't going to need more than 14 guards brigades for the corps conversions. Plus it burns way too many trucks sending them all forward.



This seems to be a good plan. As long as you take care of the Brigades after they get some wins, they should get Guards status. I am curious why 14 is the "right number" though? That would translate to 7 Guard Tank Corps, but why settle for 7 when you could get more?


No, you are making the common mistake of thinking that tank and infantry guards corps use the same formula. They do not. For tanks, the corps when formed takes for its combat record the most wins and losses of all three brigades.

As an example, here are the combat record of three tank brigades to form a corps.

12-9
0-0
2-10

The record of the corps will become 12-10. That makes it guards eligible. So the goal is to get 14 brigades to 12 or so wins so they can all convert to guards tank corps. The 14 is simply the most I typically get based on the percentage of guard tank corps to total tank corps allowed in the game.

(in reply to xhoel)
Post #: 664
RE: Soviet TOE changes, Summer 1942. - 12/30/2019 11:57:07 PM   
M60A3TTS


Posts: 4014
Joined: 5/13/2011
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Telemecus
The impression I get is that Soviet commanders like to make as many tank units as possible and believe the T34 production pool is limitless. The Soviet commanders who have got to the end of the game know it is not - indeed in the last three long games I have seen the Soviet side ran out of medium tanks before the end of the war. So there is an optimum number to pace yourself with - guess 7 tank corps is it?


So as to not overburden the truck fleet, I cap my total tank corps out at around 28. topeverest ran into problems with trucks in his game because in part he overbuilt tank corps.

(in reply to Telemecus)
Post #: 665
RE: Soviet TOE changes, Summer 1942. - 12/31/2019 4:48:12 PM   
xhoel


Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline
@Telemecus: True, it seems that overbuilding Tank/Motorized formations is a flaw in many Soviet players strategy.

@M60A3TTS: This is very interesting info indeed, thanks for posting. I have not seen this documented in the manual at all, might be a good idea to post it on another thread, for all players to know. 28 sounds about right to me. If I recall correctly the Soviets build around 30-31 Tank Corps in total (even though not all of them were active) so your numbers seem spot on.

Thanks for the info again!

_____________________________

AAR WITW: Gotterdammerung 43-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4490035
AAR WITE: A Clash of Titans 41-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4488465
WitE 2 Tester and Test Coordinator

(in reply to M60A3TTS)
Post #: 666
RE: Soviet TOE changes, Summer 1942. - 12/31/2019 10:31:53 PM   
mouse707

 

Posts: 57
Joined: 6/3/2013
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Telemecus

The impression I get is that Soviet commanders like to make as many tank units as possible and believe the T34 production pool is limitless. The Soviet commanders who have got to the end of the game know it is not - indeed in the last three long games I have seen the Soviet side ran out of medium tanks before the end of the war. So there is an optimum number to pace yourself with - guess 7 tank corps is it?


Yes, in a game against Bitburger going to 1945, I had too many tank corps, then tanks shortages and more importantly, truck shortages, even in 1944

(in reply to Telemecus)
Post #: 667
Update on the game state. - 1/10/2020 11:27:59 AM   
xhoel


Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline
As some of you may have noticed, my opponent Bitburger has resigned from all of his ongoing games on the 1.11.03 patch. He did offer to resign from this one for reasons that I understand very well. By talking things through, a resignation has been avoided and the game will continue albeit it will be on pause till a new patch comes out.

I understand Bitburgers frustration with the current patch. The experience bug affects the Soviets a lot and prohibits the Red Army from being as formidable as it can be. Another thing that was mentioned was that the OOB is too low due to the multipliers being changed. These and other factors means that the Red Army doesn't have a lot of punch and can only counterattack in rare cases unlike historically.

The current beta patch fixes the exp bug and increases manpower multipliers as well as makes logistics harder. It also adds more features that can help the Soviets, like making urban centers harder to take. However it is very unstable as many of the bug postings have shown. Therefore we are waiting for a stable version to come out, before switching to it and continuing the game in that version.

PS: We are now on turn 65 and all the pockets have held. Cleaning them up has yielded around 200k Soviet casualties.

< Message edited by xhoel -- 1/10/2020 11:57:28 AM >


_____________________________

AAR WITW: Gotterdammerung 43-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4490035
AAR WITE: A Clash of Titans 41-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4488465
WitE 2 Tester and Test Coordinator

(in reply to mouse707)
Post #: 668
RE: Update on the game state. - 1/10/2020 12:19:35 PM   
Telemecus


Posts: 4689
Joined: 3/20/2016
Status: offline
Wonderful news that it will go on - both for the game and this AAR.

Also has the added benefit that it will be the first serious AAR in 1942 when the v1.12 stablises.

So good news!

_____________________________

Wargamers Discord https://discord.gg/U6DcDxT

(in reply to xhoel)
Post #: 669
RE: Update on the game state. - 1/10/2020 2:30:17 PM   
xhoel


Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline
Thanks Tele, fingers crossed morvael posts a new stable patch soon! Only 4 more weeks till the clear season ends.

_____________________________

AAR WITW: Gotterdammerung 43-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4490035
AAR WITE: A Clash of Titans 41-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4488465
WitE 2 Tester and Test Coordinator

(in reply to Telemecus)
Post #: 670
RE: Update on the game state. - 1/10/2020 10:53:02 PM   
John B.


Posts: 3909
Joined: 9/25/2011
From: Virginia
Status: offline
Thanks for the update and kudos to Bitburger for keeping the fight alive!

(in reply to xhoel)
Post #: 671
RE: Update on the game state. - 1/12/2020 5:41:39 AM   
Vifee

 

Posts: 12
Joined: 2/10/2019
Status: offline
Hope to see this game continue in 1.12.

(in reply to John B.)
Post #: 672
RE: Update on the game state. - 2/18/2020 3:34:45 PM   
xhoel


Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline
@Vifee: It will continue in 1.12.03!

I sent the turn to Bitburger yesterday. We are continuing the game in the new patch. Expect updates soon!

_____________________________

AAR WITW: Gotterdammerung 43-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4490035
AAR WITE: A Clash of Titans 41-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4488465
WitE 2 Tester and Test Coordinator

(in reply to Vifee)
Post #: 673
RE: Update on the game state. - 2/18/2020 4:27:11 PM   
Telemecus


Posts: 4689
Joined: 3/20/2016
Status: offline
This AAR was too good to lose, so glad it is back!

_____________________________

Wargamers Discord https://discord.gg/U6DcDxT

(in reply to xhoel)
Post #: 674
RE: Update on the game state. - 2/18/2020 5:51:33 PM   
vilcum

 

Posts: 141
Joined: 8/24/2009
Status: offline
real good news

(in reply to Telemecus)
Post #: 675
RE: Soviet TOE changes, Summer 1942. - 2/20/2020 1:08:43 AM   
Model1950

 

Posts: 145
Joined: 8/1/2019
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: xhoel


quote:

ORIGINAL: M60A3TTS

We just didn't spam them everywhere since you generally aren't going to need more than 14 guards brigades for the corps conversions. Plus it burns way too many trucks sending them all forward.



This seems to be a good plan. As long as you take care of the Brigades after they get some wins, they should get Guards status. I am curious why 14 is the "right number" though? That would translate to 7 Guard Tank Corps, but why settle for 7 when you could get more?


Nice.

I believe reserve reaction is not working - but no big deal who uses it

(in reply to xhoel)
Post #: 676
RE: Soviet TOE changes, Summer 1942. - 2/20/2020 11:41:54 AM   
xhoel


Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline
@Telemecus and @vilcum: Thank you gents, for the kinds words! Feels nice to be back in the game.

@Model1950: To get a unit to reserve activate you have to fulfill a number of requirements: proper MPs, proper distance, proper command, good rolls, proper CV ratios. I've seen it happen on both sides so don't think it is broken, maybe you are just lacking some of the reqs or just had bad luck with the rolls.

_____________________________

AAR WITW: Gotterdammerung 43-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4490035
AAR WITE: A Clash of Titans 41-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4488465
WitE 2 Tester and Test Coordinator

(in reply to Model1950)
Post #: 677
RE: Soviet TOE changes, Summer 1942. - 2/21/2020 2:41:36 AM   
Model1950

 

Posts: 145
Joined: 8/1/2019
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: xhoel

@Telemecus and @vilcum: Thank you gents, for the kinds words! Feels nice to be back in the game.

@Model1950: To get a unit to reserve activate you have to fulfill a number of requirements: proper MPs, proper distance, proper command, good rolls, proper CV ratios. I've seen it happen on both sides so don't think it is broken, maybe you are just lacking some of the reqs or just had bad luck with the rolls.


You know the rules ( how they should work) you get a gold star - but yes it is not working.

Tell morveal he do the work and fix it, hope he is feeling better or this game will be a sht show same for 2.0




< Message edited by Model1950 -- 2/21/2020 2:44:48 AM >

(in reply to xhoel)
Post #: 678
RE: Soviet TOE changes, Summer 1942. - 2/21/2020 11:47:15 AM   
xhoel


Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Model1950

You know the rules ( how they should work) you get a gold star - but yes it is not working.



Ah yes, being condescending to someone, who answered to your complain and was trying to help you out, that's a great way to engage someone.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Model1950

Tell morveal he do the work and fix it, hope he is feeling better or this game will be a sht show same for 2.0



I think you need to get down from that palace in the clouds where you are residing and understand that neither morvael, nor I take commands from you. Use that tiny brain of yours to post bugs in the Tech Support section, but make sure your game version is the proper one, so you don't go around posting non existent bugs like you did last time. Also notice that this is an AAR, not a discussion about whatever bugs you are encountering. Post in the appropriate sections.


_____________________________

AAR WITW: Gotterdammerung 43-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4490035
AAR WITE: A Clash of Titans 41-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4488465
WitE 2 Tester and Test Coordinator

(in reply to Model1950)
Post #: 679
RE: Soviet TOE changes, Summer 1942. - 2/21/2020 7:26:48 PM   
John B.


Posts: 3909
Joined: 9/25/2011
From: Virginia
Status: offline
Very glad that this AAR is back!

(in reply to xhoel)
Post #: 680
RE: Soviet TOE changes, Summer 1942. - 2/25/2020 1:56:55 PM   
xhoel


Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: John B.

Very glad that this AAR is back!


Thanks John, always nice to see the people are liking the AAR!

_____________________________

AAR WITW: Gotterdammerung 43-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4490035
AAR WITE: A Clash of Titans 41-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4488465
WitE 2 Tester and Test Coordinator

(in reply to John B.)
Post #: 681
RE: Soviet TOE changes, Summer 1942. - 2/25/2020 2:41:09 PM   
king171717


Posts: 294
Joined: 5/14/2016
Status: offline
Happy to see the AAR is back in action! :)

(in reply to xhoel)
Post #: 682
RE: Soviet TOE changes, Summer 1942. - 2/26/2020 5:10:39 PM   
xhoel


Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: king171717

Happy to see the AAR is back in action! :)


Glad to see all the support!

_____________________________

AAR WITW: Gotterdammerung 43-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4490035
AAR WITE: A Clash of Titans 41-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4488465
WitE 2 Tester and Test Coordinator

(in reply to king171717)
Post #: 683
T65 - 3/4/2020 9:46:07 AM   
xhoel


Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline
T65, 10th of September-17th of September 1942.

Game info:


This is the last turn that was run on 1.11.03 as we updated to the newest patch (1.12.03) which fixes a lot of problems that were present. I know that the AAR is mostly written to read as a historical record of what is happening and that I rarely explain how or why I do some things. So I wanted to add some little tips to various parts of the AAR that would give new players, or just readers in general a better idea of what to do in certain situations and why. I'd be happy to read your feedback on this new feature!

Finnish AG

The Soviet forces in the north have stopped pulling back and are holding the river lines as well as the heavy wooded terrain. Finish forces as well as some German units have made contact with them but no attacks were launched this week and no proper offensive has been planned for this sector. We expect it to remain static until the end of the summer.

The 18th and 2nd Finnish Infantry Divisions have been pulled back to the north and have started R&R. Once they are back in shape, they will rotate with other units on the front.

Start of the turn:



After Axis moves:



AGN

Soviet forces north of the Volga launched 2 counterattacks and pushed back our regiments. In both battles air support from the LW played a vital role (500+ casualties caused in each battle by German bombers) adding to the heavy losses suffered by the enemy. The Soviets have redeployed their mobile reserve south-west of Yaroslavl and are holding a strong defensive line, but have not launched any attacks yet. The 8th Guard Rifle Corps has pulled back from their fortified forward position leaving only 1 Rifle Division holding the position (7=22 CV unit).

The 9th Army as well as the 3rd Panzer Army have been ordered to attack the Soviet lines to the south and after heavy fighting have made good progress, advancing 40 miles, trapping 2 strong Soviet Rifle Divisions on the Volga, routed 3 units and reached the Nerl river. The Soviets put up stiff resistance, launching local counterattacks (reserve activations in 4 battles) but they were eventually defeated at a high cost for our formations.

Tip: I tend to go for a ratio of 3:1 when considering how much attacking CV is needed to take a hex. This is because of the various rolls that units and leaders go through as well as because of unforeseen situations such as reserve activation or heavy enemy air support. You will sometimes get a bit of an overkill, but if you get a bad roll or something doesn't go as planned, you will be more than happy that you had an extra unit in the fold. Like the saying goes: better safe than sorry.

The breach means that the Soviets are left without fortifications in this sector and we expect their mobile reserve to redeploy here to counter or advance. Given the strength of the enemy reserves in the sector, we expect heavy fighting.

North of the Volga we have made good advances too. Using the 2nd and 20th Panzer Divisions deployed there as well as infantry divisions from the 16th Army we have pushed back Soviet forces and deployed in a more secure defensive perimeter which should stabilize the sector.

AGN start of the turn:



AGN after German moves:




Hold marked in red in the map above:



Heavy fighting in the northern sector:



Soviet forces deployed on the northern flank of Moscow (10=33) were pushed back by a concentrated attack of the XX Corps. Due to miscommunication and poor intelligence the LW deployed 2 bomber groups without fighter support which were torn apart by Soviet fighters. We lost 54 bombers in one raid!

Group II. of Kampfgeschwaeder 3 and Group III. of Kampfgeschwaeder 27 are out of action and will need to be pulled back to Germany for R&R.

Moscow start of turn:



Moscow after German moves:



Decimated German bomber groups:







Attachment (1)

_____________________________

AAR WITW: Gotterdammerung 43-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4490035
AAR WITE: A Clash of Titans 41-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4488465
WitE 2 Tester and Test Coordinator

(in reply to xhoel)
Post #: 684
RE: T65 - 3/4/2020 9:58:48 AM   
xhoel


Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline
AGC

The pocket in the Center held and the enemy chose to not launch any counterattacks, but they have deployed strong forces in the defense. Intelligence reports that the Soviets have hastily raised 2 more Rifle Corps (3rd and 2nd) and deployed them together with their Tank Corps and their Guard Rifle Divisions in order to stem our advance.

The bulk of the 2nd Army as well as elements of the 4th Army were ordered to clear the pockets and did so after heavy fighting. 2 Guard Rifle Corps, 2 Rifle Divisions and 5 Guard Cavalry Corps (as well as 15 attached tank battalions) were destroyed. Their deployment to this task however meant that very few units were available for offensive operations further to the north.

Adding to that problem is the fact that most armored/motorized divisions that were guarding the pocket are very low on fuel and cannot mount any offensive, nor can they advance forward, without being refueled and resupplied. Only 4 armored/motorized divisions were available for offensive operations and orders were to push as quickly as possible towards Kovrov and exploit the "weakness" in the Soviet defense. We managed to advance a mere 10 miles before having to stop and await for resupply. Kovrov is now 20 miles away.

Meanwhile 2 Panzer Corps have been ordered to move south for refuel and resupply. They have been earmarked for a new offensive, codename Operation Tigerbiss (Operation Tiger Bite), which aims at securing the rail line for the southern push and to link up Army Group Center with Army Group North. 3 infantry divisions have also been pulled back from other quiet sectors and are assembling/preparing for the said operation. More units are expected soon, as the timetable sees the operation start no later than the 24th of September (turn 67).

The operation has been planned in absolute secrecy and all attempts are being made to prevent information leaks. Expect new updates as the operation date comes closer.

Due to no major combat in the other AGC sectors, we are sparing the readers a report.

AGC start of the turn:



AGC after German moves:




Detailed losses of the battle shown above:



Notice the heavy losses before the Soviets surrendered, 700 KIAs.

Close call in one of the pocket clearing operations:





Attachment (1)

< Message edited by xhoel -- 3/4/2020 10:00:53 AM >


_____________________________

AAR WITW: Gotterdammerung 43-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4490035
AAR WITE: A Clash of Titans 41-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4488465
WitE 2 Tester and Test Coordinator

(in reply to xhoel)
Post #: 685
RE: T65 - 3/4/2020 10:17:58 AM   
xhoel


Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline
AGS

The pocket south of Stalingrad held and the isolated units were destroyed swiftly. The Soviets launched 2 counterattacks last week, one of them pushed back the Slovakian Mobile Division while the other one aimed at the 13th Panzer division, failed.

Our troops launched a well coordinated attack against the Guards Rifle Division holding a strongpoint south of the Volga and managed to push them off. Also other attacks were conducted south and west of Stalingrad and were successful as the Soviet defenders proved to be too weak to resist concentrated attacks. After opening this gap, 2 Panzer Corps of the 1st Panzer Army were unleashed on the weak Soviet forces holding the defensive ring around the city and managed to push them back, destroying fortifications and advancing north-west of Stalingrad. A small forward force has reached the Volga bank, north of the city. We expect our pincer to link up here.

The Panzer Corps are in a precarious situation however, since the enemy has a lot of strong forces in the area, can launch counterattacks and threaten to cut off our forward divisions.

Tip: When on the attack, always pay attention to enemy offensive CV as it will tell you a lot about the quality of the units you are facing (most of the time, offensive CV will tell you more than defensive CV will). Look at the screenshot below at the 3 Rifle Division stack south of the city (8=22). They are sitting on a level 3 hex and have a decent defensive CV of 22. However their attacking CV is way too low (only 8 for 3 Divisions, when 1 standard Soviet Rifle Division has a CV ranging from 8-10). That should tell you that the only reason why the defensive CV is high, is because of the fortifications. Rifle Divisions that are so weak are usually low morale, low experienced, freshly raised units who also barely have the proper TOE strength. A successful attack on them, will most likely force them to rout as it did in this case.

German forces have crossed the Volga near Baskunchak after pushing back the weak Soviet forces defending the line. A 20 mile wide crossing was secured which was used by the III Panzer Corps. All 4 divisions are across the Volga and have been refueled by air but their supply situation is precarious. The XXIX Corps (6th Army) and the LIV Corps (11th Army) are preparing to cross the river too next week.

There is a 60 mile gap between the 1st Panzer Army forces north of Stalingrad and those north of the Volga. Once this gap is closed, the pocket of Stalingrad will be sealed and the elimination of Soviet formations inside it can begin.
In total, we managed to rout 15 Soviet formations in the Stalingrad sector this week.

Tip: Always try to protect river lines with proper forces. If the crossing points had been secured by strong Rifle Divisions, it would have taken me at least two weeks to secure a bridgehead north of the Volga, like it happened in the AGN sector at the start of the summer.

The constant combat is taking a heavy toll on the 1st Panzer Army formations however. Many of the Panzer Divisions have lost a lot of their CVs because of the low number of operational tanks. Below are 3 such formations. Notice their tank numbers and their CV, which even with very high morale is on par with a good German Infantry division and far away from what it can be at full TOE.

Stalingrad sector start of the week:



Stalingrad sector after Axis moves:






Panzer divisions of the 1st Panzer Army:







The span from the Volga to Voroshilovgrad is being held by Rumanian forces, and the Soviets seem to be screening the area thinly, indicating that they are not planning to mount an offensive here.

The pocket of Voroshilovgrad also held, as the Soviet forces pulled back and are holding the Kuma river line. Fighting to eliminate the pocket was harder than expected as Soviet forces kept retreating to the center of it, refusing to surrender. It was finally destroyed but this meant that no German forces in the area were able to advance east as they had to regroup and wait for resupply. The task fell to the Rumanians who made some advances but have not managed to exploit the breakthrough.

Next week our forces will reorganize and push further east towards Grozny. Rumanian Mountain divisions are arriving in the area too and will be deployed to the Caucasus.

Volga to Voroshilovgrad span start of the week:



Voroshilovgrad sector start of the week:



Voroshilovgrad sector after Axis moves:





Attachment (1)

< Message edited by xhoel -- 3/4/2020 10:18:12 AM >


_____________________________

AAR WITW: Gotterdammerung 43-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4490035
AAR WITE: A Clash of Titans 41-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4488465
WitE 2 Tester and Test Coordinator

(in reply to xhoel)
Post #: 686
RE: T65 - 3/4/2020 10:25:54 AM   
xhoel


Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline
Casualties

The losses of this week were very heavy for the Soviets. The enemy lost 246k men as irrecoverable casualties, of which 201k were POWs. Adding to that was the loss of 700 AFVs, resulting from the destruction of the 5 Guards Cavalry Corps and their attached tank battalions.

Around 18.500 men and 300 guns escaped from the pockets this week and have returned to Soviet lines.
In total 2 Guard Rifle Corps, 5 Guard Cavalry Corps, 2 Guard Rifle Divisions, 9 Rifle Divisions, 3 Rifle brigades, 2 Fortified Regions, 1 Sapper Battalion and 15 Tank Battalions were destroyed this turn.

Total ground losses:



Losses from pocket clearing:



Escaped men from pockets:



In the air the losses have been heavy on both sides. Axis forces lost 254 aircraft (highest losses since the start of the summer offensive), at least 80 of those were lost in 2 unfortunate raids without fighter cover. The Soviets lost 601 aircraft.

Air Losses:



Soviet OOB has fallen to 4.1 ready million men, but the enemy still has a strong grip on Moscow and still has some room to manouver around Stalingrad. Both armies have concentrated most of their strength in these two key sectors, with long stretches of the front remaining on static.

OOB:








< Message edited by xhoel -- 3/4/2020 10:29:24 AM >


_____________________________

AAR WITW: Gotterdammerung 43-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4490035
AAR WITE: A Clash of Titans 41-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4488465
WitE 2 Tester and Test Coordinator

(in reply to xhoel)
Post #: 687
RE: T65 - 3/5/2020 3:59:33 PM   
EwaldvonKleist


Posts: 2038
Joined: 4/14/2016
From: Berlin, Germany
Status: offline
I am delighted to see game&AAR to continue.
The Soviets delay you more around Moscow than I would have thought a few turns ago, and you will probably not close the encirclement before the mud. But still I don't see them stopping you during the winter, as they also lose the defensive advantage of rivers. You did a good job reducing their forces to the point where you are almost even in manpower. With Moscow and Stalingrad+some of the Caucasus taken, I am sure you can eventually pacman them to submission.

How is your truck situation? Why do you keep your infantry fallback line East of Moscow? The threat of a Soviet attack in the near future seems minimal. Could you post an overview map?
Regards
EvK

< Message edited by EwaldvonKleist -- 3/5/2020 4:01:49 PM >


_____________________________


(in reply to xhoel)
Post #: 688
RE: T65 - 3/5/2020 4:20:59 PM   
xhoel


Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline
Always nice to see the support and to get questions!

Honestly when the Moscow operation began in the Summer I was really optimistic about it and many of the commentators thought it was a done deal. The Soviets have done a fantastic job on the defense and progress was nowhere near to what I planned. However, turn 66, which I have just sent to my opponent changed that. I won't go into much detail, as the AAR update will be posted soon, but I can tell you that we made an unexpected breakthrough in the 3rd Panzer Army sector and I am now more optimistic about closing the pocket before the mud hits.

We will see how things go. They will recover from the manpower hit a bit during the mud and snow. Also, the static sector between Moscow and Stalingrad is heavily fortified, so if the Soviets transfer their reserves here after Moscow falls, it will be hard to achieve a breakthrough. Other offensives in the Moscow area as planned in the summer will probably be put on pause, since I now know firsthand how difficult it is to fight in the terrain here. I will also be very reluctant to attempt broad offensives during the blizzard. My AFV pools are empty and as you can see from the screenshots of the Panzer divisions, these units only have a handful of their tank strength and will need to rest and recover.

The truck situation is good. I had an 8k surplus on turn 65 but unfortunately under the new patch, in turn 66 I now have 73k surplus! Not a big fan of this change, but morvael has promised that it will be changed in the data changes soon and I don't aim at abusing it.

I am guessing you are referring to the units west of Moscow? They are simply there to hold the level 3 forts (will build forts to uphold the level 3 soon) and just keep the Soviets in check. Some of those regiments, will be taking part in the planned offensive operation soon.

Will post an overview map of the whole front in the next update!

_____________________________

AAR WITW: Gotterdammerung 43-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4490035
AAR WITE: A Clash of Titans 41-45
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4488465
WitE 2 Tester and Test Coordinator

(in reply to EwaldvonKleist)
Post #: 689
RE: T65 - 3/5/2020 4:44:36 PM   
EwaldvonKleist


Posts: 2038
Joined: 4/14/2016
From: Berlin, Germany
Status: offline
quote:

but I can tell you that we made an unexpected breakthrough in the 3rd Panzer Army sector and I am now more optimistic about closing the pocket before the mud hits.

It is difficult to predict, especially about the future!

Thanks for the other explanations and can't wait to see the next instalments of the Moscow operation.

quote:

My AFV pools are empty and as you can see from the screenshots of the Panzer divisions, these units only have a handful of their tank strength and will need to rest and recover.

True, yet the Soviets have the same problem with manpower and maybe other categories, yet the regenerate quicker. I wouldn't wait until spring/summer with a continued offensive except if you are at risk of running the truck fleet to the ground. The Volga salient between Moscow and Stalingrad is clear terrain, has a few manpower centres and a good rail network plus you seperate the Northern and Southern Soviet front.
You can't make Omelette without breaking a few eggs!



< Message edited by EwaldvonKleist -- 3/5/2020 4:45:20 PM >


_____________________________


(in reply to xhoel)
Post #: 690
Page:   <<   < prev  20 21 22 [23] 24   next >   >>
All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> Gary Grigsby's War in the East Series >> After Action Reports >> RE: Soviet TOE changes, Summer 1942. Page: <<   < prev  20 21 22 [23] 24   next >   >>
Jump to:





New Messages No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages Locked w/o New Messages
 Post New Thread
 Reply to Message
 Post New Poll
 Submit Vote
 Delete My Own Post
 Delete My Own Thread
 Rate Posts


Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.4.5 ANSI

1.000