1st Ukraine Front - Insiders look at a Play Test

[Strela]

Soviet Turn

As the sun sets on the first day, all major Russian formations are now released and engaged in breaking through the German resistance.





Once again the attack at Baran'ye Pole is repulsed with another SU left burning in the snow. 233rd Tank Bde took the STuG Bn head on, losing 2 tanks to 1. Round 1 to the STuG's. The Brigade pulls back with an aim to probe further south.

Two successful assaults resulted in the northern part of Zakutintsy falling to sappers as well as 1892nd SU regt. The entrenchment immediately to the west is also taken. Krutyye Gorby is finally confirmed as cleared.





In 40th Army sector,  infantry from the 109th Infantry Regt (74th Rifle Division) successfuly push back the Marder unit and infantry company south of Pavlovka. This opens a gap big enough for 45th Mech Bde to exploit. 54th Tank Regt manages to push back a supporting German unit behind Pavlovka and the bunker complex is almost isolated. 2/45 MB follows up 54th Tank despite being disrupted to ensure the lines of communication remain open. 1/45MB pushes south east and is not stopped until it stumbles onto entrenched artillery.

418th Infantry Regt (133rd Rifle Division) clears another bunker north west of Pavlovka and the whole complex is now close to being compromised.

5th GTC continues to shoot up Motylevka, but takes no ground this turn. Further infantry move up to support the armor.

All in all, things have improved significantly in the last four hours for the 40th Army with the mobile troops through the bunker complex and running into rear area forces.




German Turn 7


Last turn's brave counterattack at Pavlovka seems to be for naught. To recover the line will require further ground assaults. With the Russians threatening artillery emplacements it is time to move the guns and hopefully seal the breach at least temporarily.





The first counterattack is against the southern shoulder of the Russian penetration. Artillery manages to disrupt the remaining good order rifle bn. The assault is successful but at a terrible price.





The second counterattack charges the disrupted infantry of 45 MB, pushing them back to the safety of 54th Tank Regt. The Russians suddenly find their communication lines are cut. Again the Germans pay dearly for their success. The Fusilier Bn will have to hold for at least the next turn to help retard the Russians.





With the Russian penetration pinched at the shoulders it is imperative to stop the Mech Infantry from over running the artillery. STuG ABT 239 is approaching, but will not make it this turn. 34th Infantry's Marders will have to take point despite their disorganised state. Hopefully the Russians will pause while they try to clear their lines.

Though falling back one bunker at Motylevka, the seam between 34th and 198th Infantry Division is holding. 5th GTC has forced the Germans out of another entrenchment but are not in a position to take advantage.

The decision is made to stay in the Pavlovka complex and force the Russians to try and rescue their stranded comrades. Anything to cause delay.





In 88th Infantry sector, ammunition is running low at Baran'ye Pole after yet another Russian attack. Surprisingly, STuG Abt 202 fought off at least 60 tanks for little loss. Russian forces continue to follow up our 'relocating' infantry.




The intensity for the Germans has picked up and it is only though desperate means that things are still holding together. The victory score reflects the heavy combat....