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The Cauldron of Fire - The Matrix Games version of East Front II

The Cauldron of Fire Image
Campaign Series Ladder

The Cauldron of Fire

By von Earlmann
Axis 13 - 7 - 7 Allies
Rating: 8.62 (19)
Games Played: 27
SM: 7
Turns: 33
Type: Custom
First Side: Axis
Second Side: Allies
Downloads: 810
Version 1.03 All units are fixed for turn one to allow each side to set op fire and initial artillery barrages. This scenario is the second in the Ninth Army series of the Kursk offensive and is designed for team play. The German XXXXI Panzer Corps has been ordered to attack in conjunction with XXXXVII Panzer Corps which is on the right flank (Olkhovatka scenario). The aim is to make a breakthrough to Kursk and link up with 4th Panzer Army, closing the Kursk salient and trapping a large number of Russians in the pocket. The Russian 13th Army is well prepared to meet the onslaught as they have been making defensive works for the past two months. This battle features the debut of the Ferdinand assault guns in addition to the Brumbars and Stugs in support of two infantry divisions. The Germans also reinforced the battle with the understrength 18th Panzer Division.The Russians countered this with a regiment of the new SU 152 assault guns and two Tank Brigades from the 3rd Tank Corps in support of two rifle divisions. Ponyri featured the largest concentration of artillery in any one sector by the Russians with a full artillery division being assigned this sector. The battle raged for 7 days and many considered it the Stalingrad of the Kursk battle. The German infantry moved steadily forward in spite of the intense artillery barrages.This battle also featured savage street and house to house fighting with sections of the town changing hands two or three times daily. On July 5,1943 the XXXXI Panzer Corps truly entered "The Cauldron of Fire" that was awaiting them at Ponyri.
Player Voting Stats
Member Balance Enjoyment
Von Earlmann's ProfileVon Earlmann Slightly Pro Axis 8
Von Earlmann's ProfileVon Earlmann Slightly Pro Allies 8
H.v.F.'s ProfileH.v.F. Well Balanced 10
Tiger 88's ProfileTiger 88 Well Balanced 8
Peiper's ProfilePeiper Well Balanced 8
Gaming Records
1st Side Player 2nd Side Player Result Score
Axis Oberst's Profile Oberst vs. Tankertony Tankertony's Profile Allies Axis Major Victory 84 14
Allies Oberst's Profile Oberst vs. Panzerjaeger Panzerjaeger's Profile Axis Allies Major Victory 84 14
Allies PawelM's Profile PawelM vs. Panzerjaeger Panzerjaeger's Profile Axis Allies Major Victory 84 14
Allies dawags's Profile dawags vs. Oberst Oberst's Profile Axis Draw 42 42
Allies Tiger 88's Profile Tiger 88 vs. Von Luck Von Luck's Profile Axis Allies Major Victory 84 14
Tiger 88
tough battle for the germans as they approach the vhexes in this one. ivan can make life miserabel for germans if they know how to defend. a masterpiece by von earl!!
Steelrain60
Excellent large scenario. Lots of options open to Axis. Achieved major victory on second-to-last turn. A real meatgrinder.
Boisforas
Major General
Boisforas Tue Jun 20, 2017 6:47 pm
Axis must advance through heavy concentrations of Soviet artillery.
Tankertony
Lieutenant General
Tankertony Frid Mar 19, 2021 5:25 pm
CAUTION: the scenario "The Battle for Ponyri" by Edward Hayes uses the same file name as this epic, great scenario.