1st Ukraine Front - Insiders look at a Play Test

[Strela]

Soviet Turn

5th Guards Tank Corp is released this turn. 5th Mech Corp is also now in position to batter the German bunkers, but can only get its Sherman's forward. The motorised infantry is stuck in traffic in the rear.






In 27th Army sector, the Germans continue to be pushed out of their strongpoints . A bunker and an entrenchment fall this turn. Soviet units are now starting to engage formations from the 198th Infantry Division. Artillery and direct fire are disrupting more units and an effort will be made soon to push towards Medvin. Russian formations are in reasonable condition in terms of fatigue, but are prone to disrupt.





40th Army sector now has 6th GTA up in the front line. 5th MC disrupts two bunkers after heavy artillery fire and push the defenders out. The German forward bunkers are looking precarious. Significantly, exploiting units are now faced with entrenchments in some areas. Are we clear of the bunker line?

5th GTC is also now at the front north of the Vinograd road. Hopefully this will restart the stalled attack in this sector. Note, the new tank rider unit - we are testing the tank brigade's organic infantry in a different format, which will allow the infantry to keep up with the tanks.


German Turn

Things just got immeasurably harder.

The successful assaults by the Russians in both the north and south will require quick action.






In the 88th Infantry sector, the Germans are trying to both restore the line and pull its II/GR246 out of Krutyye Gorby and move closer to its parent formation. The pressure from the Russians has been relentless and it will be at least another turn before a robust response can be mounted.







34th Infantry has been pushed back but is still in a reasonable condition. Exposed forward bunkers are evacuated and once clear other defence points will be reinforced. In front of 5th MC, the Germans are back to the final bunker line. If any of these break then there is a real risk that the Soviet rate of advance is ahead of history.









Turn 6 to follow.....