Introduction

October 28, 1941 The Blue Division (German 250th Infantry Division), made up of Spanish fascists are here to fight alongside the Germans against the hated Russians.

Here they meet elements of the Soviet 305th Rifle Division defending the village of Dubrovka.

Note: Score will be denoted by (x-y), where x=Soviet casualties, y=Spanish casualties.

THE BATTLE

The first hour

Spanish forces move forward against Soviet artillery to flood the northern village. The town is overrun and the two Soviet platoons are eliminated. Spanish lose half a HMG platoon to artillery (4-1)

The second hour

Imbetween Dubrovka and the Spanish are a large stretch of woods or some HMGs inhabiting some fields. The Spanish choose to go for the open fields rushing into the the Soviet HMGs and artillery.

Soviets advance two platoons north toward the Spanish mortars (east edge) which the Spanish move to intercept. (5-2)

The third hour

In the centre the Soviet mortars are overrun and the Soviet HMGs counter-assault. Both sides suffer serious casualties..

Along the east edge, the Spanish Infantry Gun is hit by artillery but the Soviet infantry is routed. (10-4)

One third time

In the centre assault the Soviets are overrun, the mortar is lost and the captain flees. (14-4)

The Spanish begin to advance through the woods. Soviet artillery causes the loss of another platoon (14-6). Spanish are getting near their casualty limit!

The fourth hour

Soviets are hit in both the east and west woods as the Spanish move forward through the woods toward Dubrovka. Another platoon is reduced by Soviet artillery (21-7)

The fifth hour

The woods are cleared of Soviet defenders and the Spanish advance to the town edge into the minefields next to the eastern half of Dubrovka. (22-8)

The sixth hour

Spanish get shot up badly trying to cross the minefields and can’t advance into the town. An infantry half platoon is lost. (Ninth Spanish step lost!)

Spanish lose another half platoon to HMG fire before assaulting the town. The Soviets are overrun and flee!

Spanish forces flood the southeast village and quickly half the town is under Spanish control.

The Soviets have little chance versus the Spanish engineers.

With one and a half hours to go, the Soviets concede the eastern half of the village and the battle is considered a draw.

Aftermath

A fun battle with a lot of choice on how to defend and how to advance. Unfortunately, the Soviet victory condition is quite impossible (fewer losses) against a far superior Spanish force.

With 6 turns to go, 10 Spanish steps were lost with still the need to clear out the western half of Dubrovka.

Scenario Rating: 3/5 (average). This is a pretty good scenario let down by poor victory conditions likely resulting in a draw.