Scenario 28 was a fun little night time scenario that saw the mistakes of the German initial deployment determine the outcome of the scenario.

Situation: Soviets have just seized two towns west of the Oder river, control of which will determine control of the "Reitwein Spur" - a dominant jut of high ground overlooking the flat lands of the Oder basin. Visibility is 4 reducing to two hexes.

Mission: German - To immediately wrest control of the majority of town hexes of Wuhden and the small hamlet nearby from the Soviets to deny dominance over the battlefield. Soviet - To maintain control of the majority of town hexes from the inevitable counter attack from the Fascists.

Execution: German - Phase 1: Main thrust of forces to encircle Wuhden where it is anticipated bulk of Sov forces will concentrate. Smaller force consisting of three GREN platoons, HMG and Mortar to use cover of darkness to get in position for assault on Hamlet to East of main town. Phase 2:Reduce forces of Hamlet, then consolidate and converge on Wuhden town proper. Phase 3:Attack and destroy remaining Sov forces in Wuhden. Soviet - Post token force in hamlet to tie down and split Fascists, main force to concentrate in Wuhden and deny control of town. Hold out at all costs.

AAR: The German decision to split forces and attack the small hamlet, as well as bad tactical choices by the Leutnant leading his Grenadiers there ended up in Phase 1 objective not being completed. The German commander, not hearing back from his Leutnant in time, decided to press ahead into Wuhden itself, resulting in bloody and chaotic fighting, to no avail. The Soviets were outnumbered, but fought stunningly well, and a Sgt Mostovoy and Snr Lt Savalyev particularly distinguished themselves that night, both were awarded the "Hero of the Soviet Union". The Soviets maintained control of most town hexes, 2 Sov to 1 German, the others disputed at scenario's end.

LESSON LEARNED: As the German I would advise against splitting forces in this scenario. Instead smash through with everything and try to overwhelm the opponent. As well, when preparing to assault never fully stack a hex, spread your men out! Rookie mistake!

OPINION: A fun little scenario, probably best with two players, as I found it difficult to accurately portray night time blindness solitaire. The Soviet player really has nothing to do but initially deploy either spread out or concentrated, and hold on. Interesting how my outcomes have so far followed the historical out comes!