Main Event IV: M1A1 vs. Schwerpunkt

[Ratzki]

The six tubes of the 81mm mortar battery start to pay off and four Russian squads go BROKE and ROUTED. In the panic a couple of them take off doing the famous headless chicken dance where some German squads take pot shots at them untill by chance the Russians break contact. Mr. X has been a little lucky and BROKE one of M1A1's HQ squads in the attack. Now M1A1 has a tough decision, to hold up here for five or so minutes untill everyone comes bake on line or press on minus 75% of a platoon.

Just a quick glance across the battlefield shows what the Russians are up against. M1A1 will have to bring his best to attain his objectives over here. There is still no sign of any German armor and most of the German force is just a contact marker at the moment. A daunting task, a little rooting for the Russians might help motivate them somewhat.

M1A1, presses forward with his armor slowly when a shot rings out. It is followed by another, then the source makes itself clear. The German 50mm has a bead on a Russian T-34. Another shot and the round bouces off the sloped frontal armor of the T-34, spalling shards of metal fly through the inside of the turret. The Russian armor locates its foe and starts to return fire. A third German 50mm round misses the mark. The T-34 is able to range the gun... the 50mm squeezes in one more shot before the end of the turn and scores a solid hit, but will it be enough?

Mr. X gives us his thoughts:
"OK! Tricky move now. In the Center, my AT gun opened up. I have 6 tungsten rounds. 3 misses and one front turret penetration. Kill % is low, but with two more may kill/shock/disable gun... Now that is the first part. I am now moving up one Reg PzKwIV. Why? To engage the one remaining tank. The T-34 is taking hits from my PanzerAbwehrKanone 50. The second is trying to sneak through scattered trees to enter the open field on my left (which I control!). I am splitting a squad and am going to attempt to take him out with one grenade bundle. That leaves one of his three tanks still in position. I am not sure if I will be able to spot him, but I will engage his infantry with HE shells and lure him back out. That will force him into contact with my AT gun again! I still have half of my 105mm shells left to maintain a steel curtain between the flag and the bulk of his infantry. Intricate right? Maybe too much so... Situation on my right is still stable. I am about to drop some of that deadly German mortar fire on his far left infantry platoon. Between that and two HMG's (one is currently jammed) I should put the stopper on that side for a few more turns. HMG's and light mortars continue to suppress the majority of his support weapon fire! My infantry has the flag, will consolidate and expand the objective perimeter. Overall? I am happy with the situation. If I can take out a tank here and there, I will be in a good position to move all that beautiful Infantry Vorwahts! My tanks have yet to show their hand - especially that deadly 76,2mm Marder! Gruss!"