Soviet Set-Up: Entrenchments in B21/0811; B21/0807; B21/0803; B8/0617; B8/0614. One HMG(red) + INF in each entrenchment save for the easternmost one (only the HMG(red)). LT+INF in B21/1113 to spot from 60-m (trees at 40-m); HMG(full) + 2xINF+ATR in the western village; 2xINF in eastern village; 2x82mm in B21/0405.

Italian Set-Up: as prescribed.

From a game perspective, perhaps the most profitable Italian strategy would be to go for eastern “end” of the defensive line and work one’s way westward (assuming Soviets allow this) or to infiltrate through the ENT line and attempt a town infiltration (again, assuming the Soviets just let this happen). Based on the extreme cold conditions, I took the following approach with the Italians: look, men, there are two places to our north that have stoves and fireplaces. The Russians hold both. We’d better well take one or take a bullet. It’s better than freezing.

By Turn Three things looked bad. Soviet OBA finds the range delivering a step loss to an HMG (Italian HMGs were targeted both for their lower morale and higher firepower rating). As it turns out, neither HMG platoon ever made it into action as both were demoralized by the 30-col BF.

Turn Five, the Russian spotting platoon moves out to harass the reduced HMG and a demoralized leader; this forces a SCIA platoon to cover. Meanwhile, the remaining SCIA platoons (x5) move to join up in the map center to attack ENT at B21/0803 guarding the approach to the eastern village. Italian OBA scores a lucky hit and demoralizes both Soviet units in this entrenchment. Thus, rather than move to attack the town directly (avoiding the ENT), the SCIA units move to assault this hex hopefully before the Russians recover as this will earn VPs and provide a recovery hex for subsequent town assaults. Meanwhile, the Soviets begin to move units, including the full strength HMG, from the western village and guarding ENTs to reinforce the clear target of the Italian attack.

Approach is not easy. Russian OF demoralizes an SCIA and the mortars obtain an X result. The initial assault goes well for the Italians, but not well enough. Several soviet steps are killed by assault and/or compound demoralization from fleeing units. Unfortunately, first fire from the Soviets demoralizes an SCIA and the major who flee. They are subsequently bombarded by Russian mortars/OBA killing the major. This prevents another demoralized units recover and it too is lost on the next turn due to compound demoralization. The Soviet commander reinforces the ENT with fresh units including the full-strength HMG.

Farther west, it required four turns of assault for the SCIA+HMG(red) to eliminate a lone Russian INF+LT. Emerging victorious, these units moved northwards in the hope of attacking the now weakened western town: both were demoralized upon approach by an OBA strike on Turn 13.

The Italian side tried two more assault/recovery/assault/recovery steps at the main attack point, but the Russians simply had too much firepower established in the assault: first fire morale failure prevented any substantive Italian attack and, eventually, a massive Soviet attack broke the mostly frozen SCIA troopers. I gave some thought to pulling two of the three SCIA units involved out of the assault a few turns earlier, gave that a 40% chance, rolled % dice, and the Italians stayed (and died).

Both sides had lost six steps and the Italian survivors were left to make their way back south to their starting positions.

Despite the outcome, I enjoyed the scenario and think it holds several possibilities of approach for both attack and defense.

PS My first play with Fronte Russo. My poor eyes could certainly have used a better visual distinction between Soviet and Italian units (e.g. a red/white/green stripe on the Italian counters). The red star on the Russians and the font for the leaders is identifiable, but when giving a cursory glance over the map, I found the two sides difficult to distinguish.