I'm getting things ready to go on holiday, but don't wish to lose the points for an AAR so will add a very short version here and then I will edit and go into detail on my return

This battle was played face to face and skyped against Wayne Baumber and I have to say how surprised I am nobody else has played this. The VC's are set up so that there is no point where both players can sit back and go for a draw. There will always be an assailant and it appears very well balanced

Long and short of this battle is that the Germans got off to a cracking start by ploughing through a first Soviet line of defence. However, they had to push onto the further western most boards. This, when done, activates Soviet forces there plus they get their reinforcemnts at some point from turn 7 onwards (of course, Wayneski got them right away)

Upon pushing forward, the Germans became far too cocky and complacent, pushing forward with infantry and yet leaving their AT capability trailing (in fear of Soviet OBA and 120mm mortars). The Soviets crashed their 10 platoons of T26's in concentrated 3 stacks, and the carnage began. Losses, for VC's do not matter for the Soviets, but the Germans do have a 'loss maximum'. This was exploited well by Wayne, and the resultant slog-fest could only suit his forces

In the end, this was a comfortable win for the USSR and a good battle fought by Wayne (if not his best when I've played him). The mistakes made by the Germans will NOT be repeated

Great scenario, well-balanced, and a must play from the original box-set

Losses : German 24 steps & 2 officers, Soviet 22 steps and 1 officer