1st Ukraine Front - Insiders look at a Play Test

[Strela]

While some of the men of II/GR107 are probably going to get the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for their part in the attack against the Soviet mechanized infantry it is unlikely they will live to see them.

It was a little surprising that the Luftwaffe was able to make such a strong and effective appearance particularly given the fairly light Soviet air activities in Turn 10. Were the Russians holding back on some of their air assets?

I agree, poor II/GR107 is probably gone after their heroics. You may have noted I have not lost any formations to date, but the Soviet breakthrough required desperate action. In a historical context it is probably appropriate -the German doctrine was based around offense, immediate counterattacks encouraged....

As far as the luftwaffe, the stock scenarios have a very high level of air. We have not changed these (yet) as we need to see the effect through playtesting. In this scenario the Germans have more than double the Soviet air and this was reflected last turn by 3 Russian strikes to 7 German air attacks. Importantly though, 6 of the 7 German air units were carpet bombing and subject to scatter (3 missed), while all of the Russian air was point attacks (Sturmoviks).

Reading both Nash and Zetterling the Russians had a superiority of aircraft (double) but the Germans had the close proximity of Uman air base. The Russians were noted as being pretty ineffective in this battle while German air made a significant impact - particularly when the weather was clearer, though level bomber forces (HE-111) had to be diverted to supply drops and other logistics once the pocket formed.

I also was aggressive with the German air last turn, desperately trying to impact the breach south of Pavlovka. I need to check the parameter data, but I believe there is a lower chance of the German air returning.

All in all, air is a work in process.

Finally to all those following this thread, I am having a (short) hiatus from the AAR this weekend as I am off fishing in Malaysia :smoke: but will have the next installment of 1st Ukraine not long after my return!!