The main objectives:

Spanish

1. Hold the road, town and/or bridge.

Soviet

1. SMASH the SPANISH! LEAVE NO SURVIVORS!
2. Don’t forget to control that damned Bridge.

Time = 7.5 hours (30 turns)

Casualty Count: (x-y), where x=Soviet steps lost and y=Spanish steps lost.

BATTLE SUMMARY

Soviets enter in the north and advance toward the Spanish forces entrenched at the bridge and road and occupying the town.

Soviets continue to advance under HMG, mortar and artillery fire (2-0)

A lucky Soviet artillery strike eliminates the Spanish 50mm AT Guns, so the armour is now free to advance. The armour reaches the road and the Spanish call for reinforcements. The Soviet infantry advances toward the town through the forest.

The first hour is over (4-1)

The second hour sees the Soviets focus on advancing against the east and west flanks of the Spanish position. Near the bridge they are cut to pieces, but led by the armour the Spanish HMG nest is torn apart. German reinforcements arrive in south, a couple foot platoons and some StuGIIIBs.

The next 30 mins have the Germans reinforcements advance only to be chewed up by Soviet artillery. The StuG advances into firing range. (15-7)

The Soviets win initiative and the StuG is blown to pieces! Soviets capture the entrenchment at the west-east T junction. The Spanish are now cursing that they didn’t set up more entrenchments along the east-west road.

The Soviet armour moves against the town as the timer hits the three hour mark.

Another StuG platoon and more German foot troops arrive in the south. (18-12)

Again, the German reinforcements are shredded by Soviet artillery! The Spanish leave the town to assault the T-34s and manage to eliminate two tanks. They continue the assault and blow it and are hit hard by Soviet artillery. Unlucky for the Russians, the T-34s and KV-1s are spooked by their own friendly fire! (23-17)

The Soviet armour is routed, but the Spanish numbers are dwindling. The StuG moves to fire on the fleeing KV-1. Soviet infantry charges the town.

Just past the 4 hour mark and the casualty count is too high! (Both sides reduced to 0 initiative, so I stopped counting). The StuG scores a hit against some of the T-34s. But the Soviets lose a 4th officer (only 6 proper officers left).

Soviets begin to assault the town as the StuG crosses to the north side of the road. A German Infantry company arrives in the south.

The first town hex is captured, while in the northern woods the Soviet Kommisar begins eliminating routed platoons!

German infantry platoon moves towards the town to assist, but once again they are smashed by artillery.

The KV-1 recovers and advances against the StuG. The German AFV fires but misses and the return Soviet fire takes out half the German unit!

In the far east, the few remaining Soviets eliminate the Spanish AT Gun and capture the entrenchment next to the bridge!

Just under 2 hours to go and the last batch of German reinforcements arrive. 3 Inf platoons, HMG platoon and some 50mm guns. Led by two fantastic leaders (both with +2 morale bonus!)

The StuG runs, but is eliminated.

The Soviets attempt to stop the Germans from reaching the road. A mortar strike takes out the 50mm and the KV-1 advances against the Germans.

German morale is too good and they reach the western part of the road. The Soviets, despite numerous artillery strikes can’t dislodge them.

The battle in the town rages on with both sides taking more and more casualties.

In the east the Soviets make a desperate attempt at gaining the bridge but are severely flogged.

The battle reaches its conclusion.

SPANISH MINOR VICTORY!!!

Aftermath

The Spanish hold the bridge and have German units controlling some of the east-west road on the western board, which is enough for a minor victory.

The town is mostly contested, with a lone hex being in Soviet control.

The Death Toll is astronomical. Here is the Dead Pool…

Soviets have lost 23 foot platoon out of 33. 70% losses!

Spanish have lost 8 out of 16 foot platoons. 50% losses!

German reinforcements arrived 4 times, with the first 3 “companies” completely obliterated!

Brutal.

A few notes on the gameplay:

1. Spanish should have set up a bit more along the east-west road on the Western board. They were very fortunate to be given such great German reinforcements on turn 25, otherwise, they wouldn’t have been able to have anyone on the road.
2. Soviet focus was all wrong. They really needed to capture the bridge. Consequently, they should have avoided the town, sending half their force against each flank. Once the bridge was secured, they could have moved against the town.
3. Soviet artillery was brutal against anyone not in town/entrenchments. With their on board units they could deliver 30x2 and 16x2 strikes. This was enough to demoralize and eliminate the Germans on countless occasions.

Scenario Rating: 3/5 – A good scenario. Both sides appear to have a chance at victory. Soviets need to focus more on the bridge.