RE: Update (Full Version)

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xhoel -> RE: Update (11/12/2018 9:18:28 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: chaos45

you could probably just screen off Leningrad with regiments and let them starve out over the winter. Then use all those infantry divisions you have marching to Leningrad plus the Finns to keep pushing more east until blizzard.

They will have supplies for a couple weeks yet due to all the supply stored in the Leningrad city areas...but they are all effectively doomed and worthless units to the soviets at this point. In fact letting them starve out is better for you because u can use 2 weak divisions broken down in to regiments or a division and a couple independent regiments for the Leningrad prison camp and it will then be longer until the soviets get those units back to start the agonizing process of the retraining them from like 15-25 starting EXP/Morale.




Army Group North is under direct orders to take Leningrad proper before the onset of the mud period and von Leeb is not one to disappoint.

While I get the idea of prison camps and all the benefits it brings, I'm not a fan of the tactic. I prefer cleaning up pockets as soon as possible. As for advancing further east, don't really see the point of stretching my logistics to attack the Soviets over difficult terrain without any objectives whatsoever.

Thanks for the comment however!



xhoel -> T16 (11/12/2018 9:20:54 PM)

T16, 2nd of October-9th of October 1941.
Air situation

The VVS has launched massive airstrikes against our airfields as well as undertaken resupply operations by air for the Soviet forces trapped in Leningrad and in Tula. The resupply operations are useful at Tula but not at Leningrad. This does not come as a surprise since the city is being defended by at least 120.000 men. 2 Rifle Divisions however receive enough supplies to bolster their defenses.

Attacks against our airfields are thwarted by the Luftwaffe at disastrous cost for the Soviets. The enemy loses 500+ aircraft and has barely managed to put a dent on our the well defended airfields. Fighter groups and AA battalions have performed to the highest standards.

During the week the VVS suffers more losses as all our offensives are conducted under heavy air cover. The Soviets lose another 400 planes bringing the total of losses since last week to 900 airframes. As of now the Soviets only have 3.700 airframes in operational order.

[image]local://upfiles/57112/B3C9D498239545248560E6797CCF5B66.jpg[/image]



chaos45 -> RE: T16 (11/12/2018 9:50:57 PM)

The reason to push more east is so you can slowly fall back during the blizzard, while you have forts built for a final winter line. As the soviets are slow moving through enemy hex control plus blizzard...so you can take some extra space then just retreat 1-2 hexes a turn over blizzard until you hit your fort line that has extra time to build.

As well it then pulls the soviets from their supply lines in blizzard and softens the blizzard because then the soviets cant really attack your lines for several weeks and by the time they can they are expending trucks and farther from their own rail lines.

That would be the reason.



xhoel -> RE: T16 (11/12/2018 10:28:30 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: chaos45

The reason to push more east is so you can slowly fall back during the blizzard, while you have forts built for a final winter line. As the soviets are slow moving through enemy hex control plus blizzard...so you can take some extra space then just retreat 1-2 hexes a turn over blizzard until you hit your fort line that has extra time to build.

As well it then pulls the soviets from their supply lines in blizzard and softens the blizzard because then the soviets cant really attack your lines for several weeks and by the time they can they are expending trucks and farther from their own rail lines.

That would be the reason.


Fair point but grinding through all those Soviet troops in that god awful terrain is not something I am fond of. I will keep the advice in mind though, thanks :)



xhoel -> RE: T16 (11/12/2018 10:41:26 PM)

AGN

The orders of AGN are clear: Leningrad must be taken before the onset of the mud period. To achieve that objective the 18th Army is tasked with clearing the approaches to the city. The cities of Pushkin and Kolpino are the objectives. Pushkin falls easily after a coordinated attack by 3 Divisons, heavily supported by artillery and air assets.

Situation at the start of the week:
[image]local://upfiles/57112/4ABAF0F0689843CA82BF92A1E84D1C12.jpg[/image]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/iiu5RH9.jpg[/img]

Battle of Pushkin:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/ytp1qWu.jpg[/img]

Kolpino however proves a tough nut to crack. The first assault by 7 German divisions supported by 1474 artillery pieces, 5 Pioneer Battalions and heavy air support gets stopped dead in their tracks by a powerful counterattack of the 70th Rifle Division coming from the outskirts of northern Leningrad. The losses suffered are stunning: 700 men lost on both sides for a total of 1.400 men. The VVS flying air support for the belaguered Soviets suffers appalling casualties: 62 planes are lost.
A second attempt to take the city is undertaken by the veteran II Corps, which receives 2 Heavy Howitzer Battalions for the task. The second assault is successful, and the Soviet defenders surrender the city. Our losses are negligible.

First Battle of Kolpino:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/7cT0FIa.jpg[/img]

Second Battle of Kolpino:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/tHdW0CD.jpg[/img]

Notice the major air supply effort the enemy has undertaken.

With the 2 cities in our hands, the rest of our units move forward towards Leningrad. Unfortunately only 3 divisions can mount an assault on the major urban center, a number inadequate to overcome the city defenses. It becomes clear that Leningrad will not fall this week. Nevertheless, the 3 divisions are ordered to launch an attack at the city to test Soviet defenses. As expected, the assault doesn't do much. The Soviets hold their ground and even manage to counterattack with the 35th Cavalry Division arriving from the north. We lose 625 men while the Soviets lose 317. Leningrad remains a level 5 fortress.

Probing attack on Leningrad:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/fQhUEFR.jpg[/img]

Further up north, the 11th Infanty Division (I Corps) clears the Soviet defenders of Sviritsa. The rest of the Corps is ordered towards Leningrad. Together with the II Corps they have been earmarked to assault the city and break the last of the Soviet defenders.
The rest of the 4th Panzer Group are on their way to Rzhev where they will be put on lager in preparation for the offensive of Moscow. Once Leningrad has fallen, the I Corps is expected to follow in their tracks.

Intelligence has finally been able to gather precise information on the amount of Soviet units trapped inside the pocket: 10 Rifle Divisions, 1 Cavalry and 1 Tank Divisions, 5 Fortified Regions, 2 Army HQs, 5 AA Regiments (inside Leningrad), various artillery and sapper formations and one more unidentified formation located in Osinovets.

Positions at the end of the week:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/5fUKImx.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/Lu8377H.jpg[/img]

Luftflotte 1 fighter groups have been ordered to be on the standby to intercept Soviet attempts to resupply the pocket.






xhoel -> RE: T16 (11/13/2018 12:09:09 AM)

AGC

In the center the Rzhev pocket holds and the Soviets attempt to do everything in their power to harass out units by offering heavy resistance, thus complicating supply and movement. The 9th Army is ordered to crush the Soviet troops and expand the bridgehead over the Lama river. 6 of the defending Soviet divisions surrender, but not before putting up stiff resistance. 3 divisions still remain and Rzhev itself is still in enemy hands.

A notable mention of the tenacity of the Soviet defenders would be the 102nd Rifle Division which manages to hold back 6 attacks by our forces, constantly performing retreats in good order until it was finally destroyed east of the town of Lukonvikovo. At the beginning of the week the division had 9.300 men and 110 guns. At the time of its surrender it numbered 6.500 men and 52 guns. The lone division managed to tie up a considerable amount of forces that could have been used for the offensive over the Lama river and to relieve our panzers in the north, who will now have to hold the line for another week.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/H8nuRNi.jpg[/img]

Rzhev pocket. In Yellow, retreat paths of the stubborn 102nd Rifle Division.

Our units enlargened the bridgehead over the Lama river and armored units drove east creating a penetration 50 miles deep, taking key bridgeheads over the MV Canal and routing or shattering various Soviet formations in the process. Crucial to the operation was the well rested and well supplied (HQ Build Up) LVII Panzer Corps who was committed at the right time. Next week, the 9th Army has been tasked with securing the corridor. This will be a vital staging point for the offensive on Moscow once the weather clears again.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/pWYGT9F.jpg[/img]

Further south, the 4th Army is tasked with 2 objectives:
1) clear the pocket of Tula, to free up the LIII Corps for operations elsewhere,
2) Establish a bridgehead over the Oka, north of the smaller Moskva river.

4th Army sector at the start of the week:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/SOdpGHS.jpg[/img]

For his consecutive failures to take Tula, General Karl Weisenberger is relieved of his command and Generalleutnant Walther Graessner takes command of the LIII Corps. Graessners Corps is reinforced with the 260th Infantry Division, with additional Howitzer, assault gun and pioneer battalions. Moreover, the II Fliegerkorps provides air support, taking heavy casualties while bombing the city due to intense AA fire concentration: 18 bombers are lost. The massive concentration of men and firepower breaks the Soviet defenders: 22.000 men are captured as well as around 385 guns.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/ZiRbe7N.jpg[/img]

Third Battle of Tula:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/uCen7Mm.jpg[/img]

To complete its second objective, the 4th Army concentrates all of its forces at a single point and manages to eliminate the Soviet bridgehead over the south of the Oka. At this point the only place where an attack had even the slightest chance of success was the position defended by the lone 194th Mountain Division. After an intense bombardment by our bombers (which was quite effective, 7.000 men were disrupted) our 3 divisions, supported by artillery and pioneer battalions launched their attack across the river and to our surprise no Soviet reserves activated. At the end of the day, we had gained a bridgehead over the Oka. To secure it, the XXXIX Panzer Corps immediately ordered two of its fresh motorized divisions into the breach. Forward elements of the 18th Mot. Division even managed to catch a Soviet Tank Brigade off guard and in the ensuing attack, forced it to shatter.

The most important battle of the week:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/qlNK0gY.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/9dmLbnC.jpg[/img]

The immediate orders of the 4th Army for next week are to secure and expand the bridgehead over the Oka. The hope of an offensive on Moscow succeeding now remains on the shoulders of the Panzergrenadiers of the 18th and 3rd Mot. Divisions defending the key bridgehead. Further south, the 2nd Army has received orders to shift its units north to cover the extended right flank of the 4th Army.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/EzaUjW3.jpg[/img]

2nd Army shifting north to cover the right flank of 4th Army.

Moscow before and after German moves:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/QzsPZ3b.jpg[/img]

[image]local://upfiles/57112/0CF1A8D2F3594A1EA9BB0E609C659782.jpg[/image]

The feat that AGC has pulled this week has stunned the OKH as no one was expecting the capture of 1 bridgehead this week, let alone two. It is however a very welcomed news that has increased the overall morale and optimism. If those bridgeheads hold, Moscow will most likely be surrounded come November. But the Soviets still haven't had their say in the matter...





xhoel -> RE: T16 (11/13/2018 1:42:01 AM)

AGS

AGS had to contend with a difficult situation this week. The Soviets managed to escape the trap laid for them and pulled most of their forces out of the position they were in. In the process, they managed to encircle the III Panzer Corps.
The plan of AGS called for the rescue of the III Panzer Corps, sealing the pocket of the remaining Soviet forces and securing a crossing over the Don river.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/Dpi9m0A.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/p3VQpns.jpg[/img]

Infantry forces of the 11th and 17th Army, supported by the Italian Expeditionary Corps and the XVII Corps (6th Army) broke through Soviet defenses south of Voroshilovgrad, restoring communication lines with the III Panzer Corps. Due to the terrible supply situation the infantry could do nothing more than that. With the corridor firmly in place, the XXIV Panzer Corps (supported by the Cavalry Rumanian Corps) was ordered to press northeast towards the Donets, to create a buffer zone between the Soviet forces defending Rostov and those defending Voroshilovgrad. The manouver is successful and our units have managed to create a 70 mile gap between the two forces (only the 11th Cavalry Division is located between them).

Meanwhile the rest of the Infantry together with the III Panzer Corps, seal the pocket of Soviet troops. 3 Rifle and 1 Cavalry Divisions are encircled in the process, while 2 more divisions (1 Rifle and 1 Cavarly are routed). Our troops are forced to abandon their position west of Rostov. The industry of the city has not been evacuated yet. A head on assault is out of the question. The only option remains surrounding the city and judging by the poor state of Soviet defenses, the plan might just work. Northwest of Stalino the XXXXVIII Panzer Corps is on R&R preparing for offensive operations next week.The II Romanian Corps seals exit routes from the port of Taganrog, but the Soviets will most likely evacuate their forces by sea.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/bWkReKd.jpg[/img]

The 3rd Panzer Division manages to force a crossing over the Don and its forward elements also manage to secure a bridgehead over the Manych. The Division however is only a shell of itself. Its TOE is at 41% and it only has 19 operational tanks. The division will be put on R&R as soon as possible. Meanwhile the LV Corps (6th Army) has been moved to Dnepropetrovsk for R&R.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/y20vTYZ.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/CakvsSy.jpg[/img]

Orders for the 2nd Army to shift its forces north affect the 6th Army which is ordered to take their place and also shift its forces to the north. The XXIX Corps clears Soviet defenders in front of Voronezh. The Soviets have reinforced the city so a direct assault is out of the question. Voronezh remains a primary objective for AGS however.

Voronezh sector before and after Axis moves:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/J9EGDyK.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/ob1QJxi.jpg[/img]



xhoel -> RE: T16 (11/13/2018 2:06:27 AM)

The Crimea

Due to logistical problems the Romanian 35th Reserve Infantry Division pulls out of their positions in the Crimean Mountains. The I. and V. Romanian Corps have arrived in the theater and should take their positions next week.The 132nd Infantry Division is transferred to the Manay sector preparing for the offensive there. After taking into consideration the supply situation General von Salmuth has ordered for the attack to be postponed by 1 week.

To confuse the Soviets about the real target of our offensive, the Romanian Air Force bombs Soviet units defending north of Sevastopol.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/KfaINKA.jpg[/img]

[image]local://upfiles/57112/D49CF4FA96A240369E95316805A98C43.jpg[/image]

Bombed Soviet units circled in black.



xhoel -> RE: T16 (11/13/2018 2:12:04 AM)

Ground losses:

A overall succesful turn with normal casualties on our side. The Soviets lose around 120k men of which 100k are captured men. Around 2000 guns are also captured or destroyed. For air losses see the first post of T16.

[image]local://upfiles/57112/863D761D18244ABA8C3D55550D16D278.jpg[/image]



xhoel -> T17 (11/21/2018 12:29:10 AM)

T17, 9th of October-16th of October 1941
AGN

The Soviet Air Force continued its efforts to resupply the Leningrad by air last week too. Their efforts were relatively successful as intelligence reports indicate that around 9 front line formations received supplies by air, improving their combat capabilities considerably. The news was not recieved well in the Headquarters of Army Group North at Pskov. Orders from the OKH are to take Leningrad by the end of the week no matter what.

To make sure the assault on the major urban center is successful AGN has received 19 Pioneer Battalions, 3 Werfer Battalions, 1 Werfer Regiment, 5 Assault Gun Battalions (Stug), 1 Flammpanzer Battalion as well as 38 independent Gun/Howitzer Battalions of which 4 are Heavy Howitzer Battalions.
The plan calls for the X Corps and the crack II Corps (both corps are part of the16th Army) to break through Soviet defenses and take the city. In total, 6 infantry divisions with various other divisions in reserve. Due to the heavy AA presence in the city, the assault will be conducted without a preemptive air bombardment and without air support. Generalleutnant Karl Strecker, the commander of the II Corps leading the assault is hoping that the massive artillery concentration will do what the Luftwaffe couldn't.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/4hEEGfo.jpg[/img]

Battle for Leningrad
*disclaimer: The following is a detailed account of the battle of Leningrad. If you wish to just know the result skip to the end. This part of the AAR is only for flavor.*

At dawn on the 9th of October the cold still air around Leningrad was pierced by a rain of fire and fury, falling on the belaguered city at an intensity not seen before on the Eastern front. For 2 hours straight 1.600 German guns bombarded Soviet ammo dumps, strongholds and fortifications. After the guns stopped, with the city in flames, German Pioneer Squads in forward positions begun the painstaking difficult task of clearing obstacles and minefields, clearing Soviet forward bunkers and identifying safe avenues from which the infantry of the X and II Corps could advance. The artillery fire had shredded Soviet positions in certain sectors to pieces, but in other sectors, as the pioneer squads would see soon enough, the Soviets remained heavily entrenched, offering bitter resistance from various strong points, supported by heavy machine gun and mortar fire.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/u6i2dPT.jpg[/img]

Troops of the crack 12th ID inside Leningrad.

By the end of the 9th our units had managed to take the Gaza district but heavy fighting raged on everywhere else. On the following days, the battle detoriated into house to house fighting as the ferocity of the Soviets increased with each meter lost. On the 11th the Soviet 35th Cavalry Division counterattacked forward German positions in the Vitebsk train station, catching the defenders of the 121st ID by surprise. Casualties mounted and by the 12th of October GL Strecker informed the 16th Army HQ that his forces were exhausted, having been figthing non stop for 4 days in street to street encounters with stiff Soviet resistance. The assault on Leningrad had failed. On the evening of the 12th Generaloberst Busch, commander of the 16th Army radioed Strecker to switch to the defense and wait for relief to arrive.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/5Ihu4em.jpg[/img]

The first assault on Leningrad.

At 2:25 am GO Busch telephoned the HQ of the I Corps and asked for Model to be put on the phone. After exchanging words, a grim looking Model ordered for his Storch plane to be made ready to fly to Tosno, where the HQ of the 18th Army was located. Further south, GO Busch gave similar orders. The meeting that took place in the early morning of the 13th of October was quick and Model was informed that Operation Graufuchs (grey fox), the subsequent assault on Leningrad, should Streckers assault fail was to be launched immediately. Both GO Bush and GO Kuechler made it clear to Model that Leningrad was to fall before the weather turned, no matter the cost!

[img]https://i.imgur.com/Jk5X6i5.jpg[/img]

Movement into and out of Leningrad on the 13th continued non stop as the exhausted formations of the II and X Corps left their place on the battlefield to the fresh I and XXVI Corps. The plan for the subsequent assault on the city had been in the making for at least 2 weeks now, but everyone had hoped that it would not come to that, as Streckers assault would surely succeed. Reality however proved differently.

With his troops in position on the 13th Model gave orders for the assault to begin on the 14th at dawn, after artillery had bombarded what was left of the Soviet positions.
On the 14th after another heavy bombardment, led by the battle hardened troops of the I Corps our units managed to take the Liteynyy district separating the Soviet defenders in two. Defending on the east was the 216th Rifle Division, the 220th Rifle Division as well as the 30th Fortified Region defended the Nevskyi district to the west. Fighting continued through the night as the ring around the 216th Rifle Division tighened. On the 15th, exhausted Soviet troops of the 216th RD, having spent their last ammunition, with food and supplies running low surrendered to troops of the XXVI Corps.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/ymNTZZ8.jpg[/img]

Heavy fighting continued on the western side of the city. By midday our troops captured the Yevropeyskaya Hotel and by nightfall our Grenadiers were withing meters of the Astoriya Hotel. Seeing that the situation was helpless, the 220th RD was ordered to retreat across the Neva at night, leaving only blocking detachments to assist the 30th Fortified Region, holding onto the Winter Palace and the Admirality. The final assault took place on the night of the 15th -16th of October. The Prussian 1st Infantry Division, Models best unit, was ordered to take the Winter Palace and the Admirality. At 7:23 am the division radioed back to the I Corps HQ that the Palace had fallen. Leningrad was in our hands.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/0EM14EK.jpg[/img]

The objective of Army Group North was completed albeit at a heavy cost. 900 men were killed on the assault on Leningrad, while another 700 were WIA/MIA. Soviet losses amounted to 25.000 men as well as over 1.000 guns. 1 Rifle Division, 1 Fortified Region and 5 AA Regiments were destroyed in the fighting. The norther part of Leningrad remains in enemys hands however.
With the fighting for Leningrad concluded, AGN ordered the I Corps to prepare to transfer to the sector of AGC. Various other units of the 18th Army as well as the II and X Corps of the 16th Army were pulled back from the front to recover from the losses. The 4th Panzer Group completed its move to the AGC sector and both panzer corps are now awaiting for orders.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/TQ1lGWE.jpg[/img]

South of Novogorod the XXVIII Corps attacked a Soviet Rifle Brigade forcing it to rout. Further south the Soviets recaptured Peno, taking advantage of the XX Corps open flank. The 122nd ID was transferred to the sector and the Soviets won't be able to advance further. Air assets are being transferred from the north to the AGC sector. Only fighter and stuka groups remain in the north.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/nZf1zIc.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/WZZT6l2.jpg[/img]



xhoel -> RE: T17 (11/21/2018 11:28:42 AM)

AGC

In front of Moscow the enemy gave little ground, shortening his line and relocating reserves elsewhere.

In the sector north of Moscow the enemy moved units into the corridor, using their usual hugging tactics to constrain our supply. Their thrusts were beaten back and the corridor was secured allowing us to extend the bridgehead further to the east. We now have a 30 mile wide crossing, with the town of Verbilki serving as a strong point of the defense of our gains. The fresh 7th Panzer Division managed to advance 20 miles east of the town before going on the defense in the wooded area there.
Further to the west, infantry divisions of the 9th Army cleared what was left of the Rzhev pocket and the city fell during the week.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/P1UUJPw.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/hAKud6E.jpg[/img]

In the sector south of Moscow the enemy launched a very powerful counterattack against our bridgehead over the Oka. Their assault faltered and they lost a massive amount of troops: 2.300 men dead and 152 tanks destroyed. The Panzergrenadiers managed to hold onto the bridgehead and the Panzerjager Battalions that were assigned to them last week played a crucial role in defeating the Soviet attack. Seeing how strong Soviet forces around the bridgehead were, 4th Army units assaulted over the river further south securing a secondary 20 mile bridgehead here.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/ifbXPSG.jpg[/img]

Battle for the Bridgehead:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/Cp9HOVY.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/nnd7XrA.jpg[/img]

The 2nd Army keeps shifting formations to the north to cover the flank of the 4th Army. Its XII Corps dislodged the Soviet defenders north of Voronezh, tightening the ring on the city.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/VmKPTdr.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/NQLUtJM.jpg[/img]

Moscow sector: before and after German moves:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/knpa7oE.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/LRfs7nB.jpg[/img]



xhoel -> RE: T17 (11/21/2018 12:30:39 PM)

AGS

In the sector of AGS, the 3rd Panzer Division which had made a crossing across the Don last week was isolated by Soviet forces. The Soviets have moved numerous formations in order to block our advance across the Don and further north towards the Donets. The objective for AGS is the clearing of the Soviet pocket north of Rostov and the encirclement of the city in order for our infantry to capture it after the weather clears.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/GKEJBJs.jpg[/img]

With the pocket clear our units moved towards the Don, where the infantry broke through the weak Soviet defenses. After that, the fresh XXXXVIII Panzer Division secured the bridgehead and moved to cut Soviet communication lines leading into Rostov. While the pocket on Rostov was closed, we missed an opportunity to enlargen the pocket as our units failed to enter the town of Azov in strength. As a result, 3 Soviet divisions will escape next week. The city however is doomed to fall, and with it the precious industry too.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/DsEcS7a.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/4C9DJX1.jpg[/img]

The rest of our units further north, put pressure on the Soviet defenders south of the Donets but in terms of miles gained the results are lacking. We only managed to advance 10 miles, the biggest constrain right now being supplies and not enemy resistance.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/JBRJmF9.jpg[/img]

The battered 3rd Panzer Division was pulled back from the line and will be sent for R&R. Next week the 1st Panzer Group will be pulled of the line (if possible) and will be sent to R&R and prepare for offensive operations when the weather clears. The LV Corps which was on R&R has managed to get all 3 of its Infantry Divisions up to full strength. The influx of green troops however has considerably lowered the experience of the divisions. This is especially noticeable when inspecting MG and rifle teams.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/uAB0AgI.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/WF52A6J.jpg[/img]



xhoel -> RE: T17 (11/21/2018 1:03:40 PM)

Crimea

In the Crimea the XXX Corps broke through Soviet defenses west of Ak-Manay routing the defending Soviet units. In the direction of Sevastopol nothing new has happened yet. The Romanian formations there are in defensive posture. The main problem in the Crimea is the lack of supply due to the slow rail repair coming from the Ukraine. Something needs to be done soon to rectify the problem.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/ojuzYRC.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/Qai8XPk.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/2S3oNkE.jpg[/img]



xhoel -> RE: T17 (11/21/2018 2:05:40 PM)

Casualties and conclusions on the summer campaign:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/DHPOgSF.jpg[/img]

The summer campaign was a successful one, albeit not to the degree we had expected. The Soviets have suffered in total 2.9 million casualties, of which 2.3 million (79%) are irreversible casualties (KIA and captured). An additional 560.000 are WIA/MIA. In addition to these manpower losses the enemy has lost approximately 39.500 guns of all calibers as well as 17.500 AFVs. In terms of units destroyed, the Soviets have lost 137 Rifle, 30 Armored, 16 Motorized, 12 Cavalry and 6 Mountain Divisions, along with various other formations. An additional 15 divisions (12 Rifle, 2 Cavalry and 1 Tank divisions) are encircled and will be destroyed as soon as the weather clears.

The heavy enemy resistance and failed attacks in certain sectors have taken a toll on our troops as well. We have lost 356.000 men of which 104.700 (29%) are irreversible (KIA and captured), 6.350 guns and 2.760 AFVs. We hope to use the break in the fighting to bring our formations to full strength, in preparation for the winter offensive.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/NykswVD.jpg[/img]

In the air the Luftwaffe has decimated the VVS in a series of battles both offensively and defensively. The Soviets have lost 13.000 aircraft, while the LW has lost 1.600. Intelligence indicates that the Soviets only have 3.000 operational aircraft right now but those numbers will surely rise as the fighting slows down to a crawl in the following weeks. Our air groups are in top form right now and we are expected to play a major role in the winter offensive that will follow.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/ZDRK5ou.jpg[/img]

OOBs:

The Soviet OOB is suffering but it will be able to recover in the upcoming weeks. Intelligence estimates predict that the Soviets will add more than half a million men to their OOB before offensive operations can resume again. By November, the Soviet OOB is expected to reach 4.4-4.5 million men and also will see an increase in operational AFVs, aircraft and artillery tubes.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/Rvve0iv.jpg[/img]

In term of actual objectives the Wehrmacht has performed quite well:

AGN completed it's objective and took Leningrad just before the weather turned bad.
AGC is within striking distance of Moscow and the city will be the main battleground of the winter.
AGS has captured Kiev, Kharkov and Stalino, has encircled Rostov and is withing striking distance of both Voronezh and Sevastopol. Once the weather clears, AGS will have the duty to capture Voronoezh and capture/isolate Sevastopol.

Objectives:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/BoLchI6.jpg[/img]



xhoel -> RE: T17 (11/21/2018 2:15:07 PM)

That's about it for the summer campaign. I hope you guys have enjoyed it. I have not gone past T13 in so long so I'm into uncharted territory here. The hope is that we encircle Moscow and Voronezh and then we will switch on the defense. But as always advice and feedback is welcomed so let me know if you think that something needs to be changed about the AAR structure (too many pics, too much text etc) or about the strategy.

Best regards,
Xhoel



SparkleyTits -> RE: T17 (11/21/2018 2:31:09 PM)

Your AFV numbers and manpower ratios are solid mate, well done.
Just over 8 times the kills and with your captured manpower centres your 42 will be well set up mate.
In your position trying to garrison as much as you can over winter will likely pay divedends for next year.
Soviet OOB is enough to threaten you for some control over winter but he is at least blunted enough to have to make choices on all out offensives or building up for 42 which he will need to balance well and think ahead on, both you can use to your advantage which is nice.

The realist in me says if I was in your position I would of been very tempted to halt all offensives this turn, build up my forts for winter and send all my AFV & selected infantry off to their winter homes.
In actuality though denying a Moscow snow brawl is always too tempting & I would of caved and had to try it too. All forces ahead!!! [:D]

This is a brilliant AAR and I am very excited to see it become a long standing game buddy



xhoel -> RE: T17 (11/22/2018 7:19:00 AM)

Hey ST, thanks for the comments!
I plan to send as many forces as possible to their winter homes but first Moscow has to be taken care of. The offensive on Moscow is not only being done for the sake of taking the city itself but because the Soviets have a massive amount of troops deployed in the sector. If left to their own devices, they can be a major threat come December. I'd rather close the ring on the city, and eliminate as many units as possible before going on the defense. And if by some miracle, the city falls during this time, it will be an appreciated surprise.



SparkleyTits -> RE: T17 (11/22/2018 7:42:35 AM)

Yeah it's definitely got a nice risk, reward so I understand completely.
It's all but impossible to deny the lure of Moscow even in the snows, it's the sweet sirens song none of us can ignore!

I hope it pays off bud but if it doesn't then completely selfishly it'll still make for a fun winter read [:D]



xhoel -> RE: T17 (11/22/2018 1:29:28 PM)

That is a spot on description for Moscow really haha!

We will see. I do want to weaken the Soviets more before the winter actually kicks in but it is not like I have a lot of time to do so.



SparkleyTits -> RE: T17 (11/22/2018 2:05:46 PM)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUfQUzPjDuI

The conundrum we all feel when infront of Moscow and a huge stack of Soviets [:D]



xhoel -> RE: T17 (11/22/2018 3:02:52 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: SparkleyTits

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUfQUzPjDuI

The conundrum we all feel when infront of Moscow and a huge stack of Soviets [:D]


Hahaha [:D][:D]



timmyab -> RE: T17 (11/23/2018 3:13:43 PM)

Excellent AAR.

Looks like a tough nut to crack. Not trying to put you off or anything, but I think the Soviets can hold it assuming non-random weather. The Oka bridgehead will be particularly tough to break out of. Good luck.

The battle of Moscow is about to begin. Hitler knows he must break us in this city or lose the war [:)]



xhoel -> RE: T17 (11/24/2018 5:29:31 PM)

Thanks timmyab. I got the turn back yesterday and realized I have messed up a lot. Comes with the territory of being a noob I guess. Right now the offensive on Moscow isn't really looking like the best course of action. I will explain in detail when the AAR gets updated though!




mouse707 -> RE: T17 (11/26/2018 11:53:53 PM)

Nice AAR. Don't be swallowed by the deepness of Russia. Moscow is tempting but you have very few turns to achieve your movement. It seems quite risky



xhoel -> RE: T17 (11/28/2018 8:08:38 PM)

Thanks. I have changed my mind in regards to Moscow due to developments in T18. Will see where we go from here.



HardLuckYetAgain -> RE: T17 (11/28/2018 8:18:29 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: xhoel

Thanks. I have changed my mind in regards to Moscow due to developments in T18. Will see where we go from here.


So you changed to pursue Moscow now? :) Oh goodie. I will be waiting for some pictures if you did.

Thank you.



xhoel -> T18: Mud (11/28/2018 9:07:41 PM)

T18, 16th of October-23rd of October 1941
Situation Overview and Evaluation

I know that usually AARs tend to skip the mud period of 1941 but considering what occurred during this turn I decided to include this turn and the others that follow to the AAR.

The Soviets exploited the empty space between our units to go on the offensive before the weather went bad last week. This has seen a major advance to the west, in the sector of the 2nd and 6th Army (trapping 3 Infantry divisions behind enemy lines) as well as in front of Moscow and on the Rzhev sector, where after a successful attack, Soviet forces have moved north, attempting to trap our armored formations located east of the Moscow-Volga Canal. These operations on the Soviet side have been more of a result of our mistakes in failing to ensure that we have a continuous front, therefore giving the enemy the opportunity to exploit our mistake to the fullest.

The arrival of the mud does not make the situation any easier. Army Group South has been hit the worst. In the Rostov sector, numerous formations have been isolated due to supply columns not being able to reach the front. A similar situation has occurred in the Crimea and in the Voronezh sector.

Offensives on Moscow and/or Voronezh are completely out of the question now.

AGN

In the sector of AGN the enemy has made small incursions to the west in the 16th Army sector south of Novogorod. These advances were checked by our units and a continuous front has been reestablished. The sector that is doing the worst supply wise is the Svir sector where several Finnish formations are cut off from supply. Little can be done for the Finns except to hope that their rail repair Battalions behind the front speed up their work in repairing rail lines. Next week, a number of Finnish formations will be departing the front. AGN has already worked out the details of which units will be taking their place.

The boundary between AGN and AGC has proven to be a problematic sector. Here the Soviets have exploited the gaps in our defense to advance west and have trapped 1 Infantry division (of the 9th Army) behind their lines. The gaps in our defenses have been closed by the quick deployment of 1 Panzer and 1 Infantry Division.
Before:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/Pkbqopy.jpg[/img]

After:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/3dYj77F.jpg[/img]

Before:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/VNUh5Ad.jpg[/img]

After:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/MjEx0e6.jpg[/img]



xhoel -> RE: T18: Mud (11/28/2018 9:27:30 PM)

AGC

The Soviets launched a successful attack at the feet of the Moscow-Volga Canal, and drove hard west, in an attempt to cut off supply to our spearheads located in the sector. Powerful local counterattacks by our formations lead to the shattering of 1 Cavalry Division and forced a Rifle Division to retreat thus reestablishing a 30 mile long corridor. Our armored formations have been pulled off the front line and will be sent to the rear for R&R in the following weeks.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/uSveeuA.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/MjEx0e6.jpg[/img]

Circled in black, failed Soviet attacks, in red, successful ones.

In front of Moscow and on the Oka the enemy has made advances too. They were quickly checked by our troops. No more surprises are expected in this sector.

Before and after:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/4SYGZkf.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/33Lll9u.jpg[/img]

The sector of the 2nd Army is where things are really FUBAR. The Soviets have trapped 2 Infantry Divisions behind their lines and there are no units in the vicinity which can control their advance. There is a 150 mile wide front open for business. Reinhards Panzer Corps has been railed to Orel immediately and one Hungarian Mobile Brigade has left its garrison in Kursk and is headed to the front.

Before and after:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/MQ1FhVT.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/oqHTLRV.jpg[/img]



xhoel -> RE: T18: Mud (11/28/2018 9:34:24 PM)

AGS

In the Voronezh sector, the enemy has crossed the Don in 3 places and cannot be pushed back. Our units have been split up in regiments to create some sort of wall and hinder further advance.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/2wLnNwW.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/rkgzGR8.jpg[/img]

The most concerning sector of AGS is the one located north-east of Gorlovka, where the enemy not only has trapped one Infantry division, but has concentrated at least 15 cavalry divisions ready to exploit the situation. There are no reserves in this sector except for the Rumanians that have already been dispatched. The only thing that eases our mind here is that the Soviet logistics are as stretched as ours.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/hy6DsMM.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/HxzAIuc.jpg[/img]

In the Rostov sector, our units have given ground to the enemy and some formations have been pulled back in order to remain in supply. One Soviet Cavalry Division which had left Rostov in order to complicate our supply situation was destroyed during the week. Fuel has been flown in for 1 Panzer and 1 Motorized Division in order to allow them to retreat west and be put on R&R. Hopefully the rail repair will improve the situation soon.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/LteCOzi.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/v5mL7lZ.jpg[/img]

Crimea

The situation in the Crimea is just as bleak as everywhere else. The XXX Corps has ordered its units to pull back, leaving only the 92nd Airlanding Division to hold their postions on Ak Manay.
Several Romanian formations have been pulled back as well. Only a thin screening of 3 divisions remains in front of Sevastopol.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/9FykFUv.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/0hl1ZiE.jpg[/img]



SparkleyTits -> RE: T18: Mud (11/28/2018 9:48:23 PM)

This is giving me some unwelcome flashbacks of the first time this happened to me too, it's a quite a shock to say the least [X(]
On the good side though I am damn well sure it's something you will never let happen again after experiencing it once [:D]



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