DAR - The Cauldron Of Fire

[Cole]

Turn 29

Probably no more screen shots until the game is over (4 more turns) as the game will be won or lost around two VP hexes and both forces fighting toe to toe and back and forth over the same ground. Once the situation changes in any sector I'll post relevant screen shots. Nail biting stuff now for the Russians and I think the Germans too.

Russian artillery accounted for almost 20 SP's of German troops during my replay. Unfortunately friendly fire killed five of my own but that's what happens when the forces are so close. I've been trying to whittle down the German lead in points for casualties but can't break the -100 mark. Right now the Germans have killed 1083 or so SPs of Russian losses and I've killed around 936. I think at the end of my turn I had closed that by about 20 points or so.

West Sector - Russians in full withdrawal mode and will make a stand in the forest.

N. Ponyri - VP hex has now changed hands for the 6th time. When the Germans advanced last turn they bought in a Ferdinand platoon to accompany the infantry. Fortunately the infantry was separated from the tanks by Russian artillery fire and the Russian counterattack easily pushed them back. Cannot consolidate beyond the VP hex as more Ferdinands occupy the heights to the north of town and engage any Russian unit in sight.

Hill 253.5 - The German infantry rallies and this turn is accompanied by assault guns. A good portion of the German infantry is pushed back but the Russian defenders are getting tired and running out of ammo.