Guderian’s Folly

[plloyd1010]

26 July 1941 - Guderian's Panzer Group has been thrusting eastwards to create jumping off points for the next 'bound' in the offensive (much to the annoyance of more senior German Generals who would like the Smolensk pocket to be closed). Currently 10th Panzer Division is situated just beyond Yelnya – as far east as any German unit in the Soviet Union.

Mission
The tanks of the division are being withdrawn to begin refitting. Guderian insists that this bridgehead be held and the only troops available are the motorized infantry of 10th Panzer Division. Prevent a Soviet breakthrough at all costs.

Available forces
86th Panzergrenadier Reg with a company from 90th Panzerjäger Batt. Support from the 322nd Flak Reg and 401st Sturmgeschütz Batt.

Anticipated Enemy forces
Your intelligence services suggest a likely immediate counterattack by tanks and infantry of the Soviet 105th Tank Division

Historicity and notes
The battle about to be fought is a PG adaptation of the scenario in Grey Steel, Red Storm by Andrew Rolph. The Yelnya offensive actually began in August. The offensive created the Bryansk pockets, which created the fallacy of being able to support the 6th Army at Stalingrad a year later. The 10th Panzer Div was actually present at the Battle of Yelnya. The 105th Tank Div is a fictitious unit, though it's component formations are real or would become by the end of 1943.

[plloyd1010]

86th Panzergrenadier Regiment: 1D2 150mm IG, 1+1D2 Engineer, 1 MTC, 3 Halftracks
    I/86th Motorized Infantry Battalion: 6+1D3 Rifles, 1+1D2 HMG, 1D2 37mm  AT, 1D2 75mm lG, 1 ENG
    II/86th Motorized Infantry Battalion: 6+1D3 Rifles, 1+1D2 HMG, 1D2 37mm  AT, 1D2 75mm lG, 1 ENG
1 company of 90th Panzerjäger Battalion: 3x 50mm AT
322nd Flak Regiment: 1x 88mm FlaK, 3x 20mm AA, 1x Sdkfz 7
401st Sturmgeschütz Battalion: 4x StuG IIIb

Leaders are determined per C&CV1: War in the East, DIY scenarios, p 53. Number determined per formation, after force randomization. Initiative and morale are on p 54.

[cjsiam]

Guderian's Folly.... 
 26 July 1941 - There is an opportunity to inflict the first defeat of the campaign on the enemy.  Guderian has over extended his advance and now has his motorised infantry holding a shaky bridgehead across the Densa River.

Mission
Drive the enemy back and puncture his line with th earmour at your disposal. Further units will follow up on your success.

Available forces
Two tank regiments and a motorised rifle regiment of the 105th Tank Division

Anticipated Enemy forces
A motorised infantry regiment with some support.

[cjsiam]

Soviet Forces
210th Tank Regiment - BA6, 2+1DAv BT7, 2 T34as, 1 KV1c
211th Tank Regiment - BA6, 2+1DAv T26, 2 T34as, 1 KV1c

1/105th Mtr Rifle Btn - 2+1DAv+1D2 Rifle, 1+1D2 HMG, 82mm Mtr, wagons
2/105th Mtr Rifle Btn - 2+1DAv+1D2 Rifle, 1+1D2 HMG, 82mm Mtr, wagons
3/105th Mtr Rifle Btn - 2+1DAv+1D2 Rifle, 1+1D2 HMG, 82mm Mtr, wagons
105th Regiment Support - RCN, 1+1D2 Eng, 1D2 75mmIG, 1D2 120mm Mtr, 1+1D2 45mmAT, 1+1D2 37mmAA, wagons, Trucks


One Aircraft Random Draw/Hr. + 2 anytime desired (only one/turn)
   -- if not spotted by Major or above Target is "not directed" for +2 shift

1/105th Art. Btn -- 2x18 OBA
2/105th Art. Btn -- 2x18 OBA

See above for Leader and morale establishment

[cjsiam]

And So....
...It Begins....

[plloyd1010]

Let the (Russian) bodies hit the floor!
For the first session, the Soviets are moving up.
   

Just 2 turns so far. The Russians are moving in, but I'm holding back. I expect to reveal positions next session.

[plloyd1010]

After a couple weeks of distraction, mostly mine, The game moves along. Some problems revealed, perhaps systemic, decide that later. Otherwise the Soviet attack is forming up.

My trucks attracted some artillery. An airstrike did a flyover and strafed some infantry near the trucks, So I am sure my opponent has some field intelligence markers down. I am wondering where the T-34's are. They need to be under observation by someone. So that makes them 12 hexes behind the rearward infantry or the armored car.

Some map notes seem to be in order.

• The southern road does not exist.
  
• The towns on the north-center board are villages.
  
• The road from the north-west town to the villages is a trail, east of the last intersection, it doesn't exist.
  
• The river is a 20m elevation line.
  
• The south west town is a 40m hill.