| Rating: |
5.3 (6) |
| Games Played: |
8 |
| SM: |
6 |
| Turns: |
46 |
| Type: |
Stock |
| First Side: |
Central Powers |
| Second Side: |
Allied Powers |
East Prussia, 9th September 1914: Fresh off their decisive victory against the Russian 2nd Army near Tannenberg, Hindenburg and Ludendorff ordered the 8.Armee to move east to oppose the dire threat posed by the Russian 1st Army under Rennenkampf. For their next battle, the 8.Armee was reinforced by two corps and one cavalry division that had recently arrived from the Western Front, forces that neither Hindenburg nor Ludendorff requested. With their forces now numerically equal to the Russian 1st Army, the Germans advanced to contact to meet Rennenkampf's army which had now entrenched along the Deime-Alle-Omert rivers. However, in the south of the battle line, von Mackensen and von Francois' corps were advancing through the Masurian Lakes region, with the lakes being the major terrain feature that Rennenkampf anchored his flank, and both corps had the objective to turning the Russian 1st Army's left flank. The stage was set for another German victory through flanking maneuver, however Rennenkampf had no intention of conducting a static defense. [Size: large] *See the notes document for information on scenario design decisions and historical notes.
5 - 2 - 1
burroughs
jonnymacbrown
Sgt Jasper
Gris
zorak
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A tough one for the Allies for sure. If the Allies make a blunder it will be very difficult to recover.
You have to run in the beginning, especially making sure you get the guns out (I did not, big mistake). If not you will get a quick lesson on how "Fragile National Morale" works:) Just keep retreating till you hit the major river line running north to south (Insterburg-Darkehmen-Goldap). Here you can decide to hold, rest and recover, or delay and run the majority of your units out. You will not win here, the CP has enough engineer assets to get across. You can delay and inflict some losses using the better terrain. If you can delay a day (or two is better, but a tall order) here, it really helps.
IMO, The objectives in the game are not a major concern for the Allies. You could lose most of the ones West of the area boundary. What you can't take is huge losses in guns, cavalry, and trapped battalions. This battle is about force preservation for the Allies.
Lastly, employ caution with your cavalry and boldness when presented with opportunity. The CP player can trapped them easily if you are not careful. In a stand up fight they will lose (a lot of points), but you can screen, delay, and even threaten the recapture of objectives by raiding. Remember you can block the CP supply lines too as a viable tactic.
I really feel with several plays, an Allied player can win this one. Great scenario!