24th PzD - Enemy at the Gates - Red Victory

Size: Huge. Playtime: 4+ Hours Play Type: Best as multi-player H2H (AI is not scripted - it is difficult to script AI in such a large scenario). Recommended Optional Rules: Alternate fire density; Vehicle Fire Over. \\STALINGRAD, RUSSIA, 16 SEPTEMBER 1942. \\Tactical Situation: The 16th of September would find 24th PzD trying to consolidate its gains and clear the southern city. Even though KG Edelsheim had taken all of its objectives and reached the Tsaritsa Gorge bridge on the 15th, the defense was porous. In the face of increasing Russian counterattacks on the isolated positions, it was decided to pull back to the railroad station and set up a perimeter for the night. For the 16th, KG Edelsheim was ordered to resecure the same objectives and link up with 71st ID across the Tsaritsa Gorge as well as clear the area between Soviets Street and Cherepovetsk Street. Meanwhile KG Hellermann would continue to grind forward into the suburbs. Supported by the 4th Aufklaerung (Recon) Battalion, KG Hellerman's main objective for the day would be the Army Barracks on the edge of town. The 24th PzD began its assault at 0700. \\Historical Result: With the recon battalion attacking on the left & 2nd Battalion/21st Panzer Grenadier on the right, Hellermann hoped to conduct a double envelopment of the Army Barracks. A Soviet counterattack interrupted the assault, but by 2100 hrs the Barracks were captured. \\While KG Edelsheim resecured its objectives, a lack of infantryman meant that the hold was tenuous & combat power was spread thin; ever increasing counterattacks were sapping the Germans of precious manpower. A last minute counterattack by remnants of the 42nd Rifle Brigade retook the Rail Station from the depleted platoon Edelsheim had left to defend it. By nightfall KG Edelsheim had to once again abandon the river crossing and pull back into a tight defensive perimeter between the Bank and Vacuum Tube Factory. To alleviate pressure on the over-extended 24th Panzer, the 94th ID took over responsibility for the area all the way to Barrikad Street. By now both sides recognized the Grain Elevator's importance. The Soviets would garrison it heavily. \\Design Notes: The impassable area represents the sector of the German 94th Infantry Division who was fighting to the south and is out of play. Pay attention to on-map artillery arrivals & withdrawals; this helps control its use so the AI or players will not expend it all early on. It is available for a limited time; when they are withdrawn, they are gone. There are several variable reinforcements for each side that will build in intensity over time. This will also make every game different.