DAR - The Cauldron Of Fire

[Cole]

Turn 28

The German assault of Hill 253.5 is now turning into a toe to toe brawl between isolated groups. In some areas the assault has been pushed back but in others a few German platoons have cleared the Russian fortifications and are pressing on. In a turn or so they may threaten the VP hex.

The fight in North Ponyri is living up to it's name of the Stalingrad of Kursk. The VP hex has now changed hands for the 4th time. The Russians counterattack but supporting German infantry behind the VP hex are concealed in captured bunkers making it almost impossible for the tired Russian infantry to keep their counterattacks going.

In the western sector the Russian forces are in full flight and the VP hex captured. Sasha and his tank have survived and hopefully will survive the remaining 5 turns or I'll have to employ some creative writing as I've already described how he tells the story of this battle to his grand children.

The score is tied. The loss of the 500 VP hex in North Ponyri gives the Germans a minor victory. If I lose the 500 VP hex on the hill then any chance of a victory or even a draw is gone.