boldairade
Matrix Hero
Posts: 722
Joined: 1/15/2005 Status: offline
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July 16, 1943 East Front-North/Baltic Despite the Russian fleet being in raider mode, German bombers easily find them, and score two hits on BB Marat. The German fleet then also finds them, scoring a hit on CA Kirov. If we had not suffered losses, I would be tempted to slug it out with the German surface ships. However, already damaged, and being at the mercy of the Luftwaffe naval squadrons, we reluctantly withdraw to the relative safety of Kronstadt harbor which has AA guns and fighter cover. Prior to withdrawal, however, the Russian ships sink 5 MM. Center-SLEDGEHAMMER: After prepping by ground strikes, the Russian offensive kicks off over its narrow frontage. The very best of the Red army are thrown at the German III Corps. 5th Guards Tank, 1st Shock Army, 1st Guards Tank, 3rd Guards Tank, 1st Siberian Army, 35th Army, 2nd Siberian Army, 6th Guards Tank, 1st Ukranian Army and 3rd Ukranian Army all participate in the assault, supported by multiple air armies and fighter groups. Odds are poor, ranging from 1-1 up to 4-1 in all attacks. Losses run about 3-1 in favor of the German formations, even when we achieve decent odds, we cannot seem to score any damaging attacks. Ultimately, German III Corps IS displaced, and we push 1st Siberian into the German line. This formation will be easily repulsed next turn by the Germans however. Nirosi, seeing the Soviet build up, had already moved additional formations here. Likely after retaking the hex, he will occupy it with either an armor or mech formation, which means further attacks will be even more costly. We are caught in a double negative here. This offensive is obviously foolish. However we cannot afford NOT to attack and occupy the Germans in some way. Still, their losses are so trivial, it is hard to justify even attempting to continue. The one area Germany takes some losses is surprisingly in the air, where the Red Air Force takes heavy losses, but does some damage of its own. South-This front right now has been reduced to a sideshow. However, SLEDGEHAMMER has drawn off many of the reserve formations from this area. Mech units have been upgraded here, as they now compose the primary mobile reserve. Still, this front could be vulnerable.
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< Message edited by boldairade -- 1/24/2022 9:48:21 AM >
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