I rated this scenario a '5' from my solo play because I not only enjoyed every turn of it but each turn became more intriguing as the battle progressed up until the final few dice rolls. Also, I believe that despite the stats here that it is very balanced for either side to win or at least get a draw out of it. In my personal, handwritten records I recorded it as a Soviet victory but that was due to random events which I always use when available for solo plays to keep things unpredictable and in some cases give a side a chance that has odds stacked against them to at least have one stroke of luck (or further misfortune). In this case, three times the Soviets recieved 'New Orders' and all three times the new victory conditions changed so that there was no chance of a draw, that simply if the German side did not win then the Soviets would. However, to be fair, as random events are an optional rule, I logged this play in as a draw.

With my Soviet set-up I decided to forget the town and not even try to prevent the Germans from crossing the river. Instead I had most units dig-in on the road between the two forest areas on map 6, carefully placing units so that the Germans would have to move in close to spot or get direct fire results due to woods hexes blocking LOS or functioning as limited terrain. One leader was placed alone and away from units to act as a forward observer to spot for Soviet mortar fire. I didn't consider town hexes as road hexes for victory conditions though there are roads in the town. I know it would seem logical to place at least a token garrison force in the town but in this case I gambled that dug-in road hexes spread out would buy time for the Soviets in the course of 7 hours or 28 turns and that perhaps 8 steps of German units could possibly be eliminated as well through either opportunity direct fire, indirect fire (both +1 v.s. Calvary) or having the dug-in first fire advantage in assaults. I beleived that somehow, in the end, in the worst case I could keep just the one required Soviet unit on the road to at least get a draw.

Well, the initial German calvary charges started at first light when visibilty became 2 hexes. German OBA was successful in demoralizing one of the two HMG units before the first charge and when those first calvary units made it in they were able to resist opportunity and first fire and devastate the machingun nest by rolling a 6 on the 24 column, eliminating 2 steps of the HMGs right away and then forcing a 3rd step loss from the HMG already demoralized, leaving just one reduced and disrupted HMG left in the assault hex. Amazingly the Soviet Major in the hex avoided getting eliminated or failing his morale check. This happened at just 05:30/turn 10 and by 05:45/turn 11 the Soviets had lost the other step of HMG and one road hex was cleared. Soon both the Soviet 82mms would be eliminated and there would only be INF units left with no support units. It looked like a sure German rollover with plenty of time to exit the 6 required units off the map before the end of play.

By 09:00/turn 24 all Soviet units had been cleared off the road and at 09:15/turn 25 the Germans had exited the 6 required units off the east edge but the two remaining good order Soviet INF units (the third remaining Soviet INF was demoralized in woods out of spotting or firing range) were ordered by a recovered LT to run out the woods and split up, taking two separate hoad hexes adjacent to two German HMG units stacked, which had just fired on them. With just 30 minutes/ 2 turns left it seemed there was a small chance that one of those two units may just hold onto a road hex in the end. On the other hand, it seemed also likely that either adjacent, German HMG fire or the combinaton of OBA and mortar fire would blow those sneaky reds to bits the next turn or at least leave what was left in a weakened state for a final, devastating calvary charge.

Well, by a stroke of luck, at 09:30/turn, a random event occurs giving the Soviets 2 aircraft (1xPo-2 and 1xIL-2) but the Germans still have the initiative. The HMGs fail to get results on the one Soviet INF platoon poised to run like the wind towards the vacant town. Then the airstrike, with a combined direct fire factor of 28 demoralizes one of the German HMGs. The next Soviet activation allows that one INF platoon to move further down the road and a very frustrated German LT gives chase to call down OBA but the Soviet units pass their morale checks. The remaining German calvary are too far away to catch up to this one defiant unit and have the other leaderless INF unit on a road hex to contend with. At 10:00/turn 28, the Germans get the initiative with three activations first. A final calvary charge finishes off one leaderless Soviet INF platoon on the road but nothing can catch up to the last one headed west except for indirect fire. German OBA misses by rolling a 7! Then the mortars fire and though one step of Soviet INF is eliminated a demoralized step remains on the road. And that's how it ends. Perhaps a purist would scoff at how the random events played into the turnout of this scenario but I am quite satisfied with the 'Eastern Front' events table, a lot more than the 'Desert Rats' ones. Perhaps if that one Soviet airstrike had not occured then maybe the German HMG it demoralized may have been able to mow down that one fleeing unit, maybe not. I still believe that without incorparating the random events that this one would have ended in a draw and that also there is a good balance with this scenario as it is. In retrospect I believe I should have spread Soviet units out a lot further apart forcing the Germans to to either split their forces up and that had there been calvary charges against town hexes that German step losses may have been higher. In this case only one step of German CAV was eliminated. So far, turn by turn, this has been the best 'Eastern Front' scenario for me yet and only 105 left to go.

This scenario takes place on June 22 1941. German cavalry meets Soviet infantry. The goals for the German commander are to exit 6 units off the east map edge and clear the main road of Soviet units. The Soviet must prevent this and inflict 8 step losses on the Germans to win.

Turn 1 0315 Hours

The Germans begin advancing along the road and across the river via the bridge. Under the cover of darkness, no Soviet unit are able to see them and the German cavalry [3-2] move along the road toward the town. The Soviet forces, elements fo the 75th Rifle Regiment are distributed in the town as well as in the forest groves to the east, lying in wait. The town is defended by three infantry platoons [4-2], a heavy machinegun platoon [7-4] and an 82mm mortar unit [8-10], led by a Major [9-0-0], who is high morale but a poor overall leader. The Soviet units remain idle.

Turn 2 0330 Hours

It is still quite dark, but the Germans continue to advance toward the town. The Soviets have the initiative but cannot see the Germans and decide to await their arrival. The German units move forward toward the town. On the left flank a Lieutenant [9-0-0] brings three cavalry platoons [3-2] while another Lieutenant [9-1-0] holds the right flank and the main road with three platoons. This Lieutenant has a good combat rating [reflecting his skill and experience].

The German Lt. Colonel [9-1-0] brings up a HMG [heavy Machinegun] platoons which is loaded aboard wagons on the main road and the Captain [9-0-1] brings up the rear with HMG’s and 81mm mortar units, also aboard wagons. The Captain has a good morale factor which demonstrates his ability to inspire his men. The Soviet commander remains pat, while he waits for the Germans to expose themselves. [Opportunity fire has a modifier and the cavalry have a negative modifier when targeted.]

Turn 3 0345 Hours

The Soviets retain initiative but decide to pass. The German commander sends the Lieutenant forward to scout the town with a cavalry platoon. The Lieutenant moves into the northern section of the town, which is unoccupied. The Soviets issue opportunity fire from an infantry platoon [4-2] and a HMG [7-4]. The Soviet’s gain a number of columns shifts. The German cavalry platoon suffers disruption as it is sprayed with Soviet direct fire. Nonetheless, the Lieutenant is in position to spot for the off-board artillery. The Soviet Major in the eastern part of the town orders the 82mm mortars to fire. The indirect fire misses as the German units are in the town and it is a night turn.

The German Lieutenant calls in fire from the off-board artillery. [2X 16 points]. The Soviet HMG is hit and becomes demoralized. Friendly fire hits the German units in the town as well, but no harm is down. The Soviet HMG attempts recovery, an with the help of the two modifier, improves to disrupted. Soviet 82mm mortars barrage the Germans in the northern section of town but this fails to hit the enemy.

Turn 4 0400 Hours

It is still dark and there is limited visibility. The Germans take the initiative and have first activation. The German Lieutenant in the town leads three platoons to assault the western section which is held by a Soviet infantry platoons and a disrupted HMG. Both sides come to a stand off during the assault.

The Soviet Major, who is in command in the town, orders the mortars to fire at the cavalry platoon in the northern section of town. The German cavalry passes its morale check unharmed.

The German off-board artillery fires at the Soviet units in the eastern section of town. All of the Soviet units there check morale and are okay. [Captain, infantry and 82mm]. Friendly fire drifts into both of the other parts of town but this fails to cause any harm to the German troops.

The other German Lieutenant [9-1-0] who is taking the right flank, orders his three platoons to move around the southern side of the town. The leader and one of the cavalry platoons is hit by opportunity fire from Soviet infantry in the southern part of town, and they suffer disruption. A second cavalry platoon is hit by opportunity fire and becomes demoralized. The third platoon moves in freely.

The German Lieutenant [9-1-2] with the most skill, brings three platoons around to the north side of the town and enters unopposed. The Soviet units have all fired and have no opportunity fire.

Turn 5 0415 Hours

It is still not possible to see more than a one hex range. The Soviet 82mm’s and the infantry in the eastern part of town resume their efforts to stall the German attackers with close ranged fire, but this is ineffective. A number of units on both sides attempt to rally.

The German Lieutenant resumes his assault bringing a third cavalry platoon in to the mix. This results in heavy casualties to the Soviet infantry platoon which takes a step loss. The infantry platoon also becomes demoralized. The HMG’s also become demoralized. The German cavalry have negligible casualties. The Soviet infantry platoon quickly recovers morale [disrupted] but the heavy machinegun unit remains demoralized and pulls back toward the east. It is seen by the Germans in the north part of town and they issue opportunity fire upon them. The HMG fails its morale check and loses one step [3-4].

The German Lieutenant [9-1-2] in the north part of town begins an assault with three cavalry platoons on the Soviet Captain in the center of town. Both sides remain locked in a standoff. The German Lieutenant calls in off-board artillery [32 points] to strike the Soviet infantry in the southern section of town. The infantry maintains good order through the artillery bombardment.

Turn 6 0430 Hours

The Germans have the initiative with three activations. The Lieutenant in the western part of town continues with his assault. Three cavalry platoons are attacking a Soviet infantry platoon which has taken heavy casualties and suffered disruption. Both sides remain locked in combat.

Three cavalry platoons resume their assault in the center of town. The Axis forces are led by a Lieutenant [9-1-2] with above average skills. The Soviet position is held by an infantry platoon, and 82mm mortar unit and a demoralized HMG [3-4] which has already taken heavy casualties. A Soviet Major [10-0-0] is on hand but is rather inexperienced. The Soviet infantry takes heavy casualties and but remains in good order. The mortars suffer disruption and the HMG is eliminated. The German Lieutenant and one of his cavalry platoons become demoralized, while the second cavalry platoon suffers disruption. The third cavalry remains in good order. The Soviet 82mm mortar unit in the center of town recovers from its disruption.

Turn 7 0445 Hours

The Soviet forces wrestle the initiative from the Axis and start with two activations. The infantry in the southern part of the town uses direct fire against the cavalry to the south of the town. [The German Lieutenant 9-1-0 is with the cavalry platoon]. This has no effect. The Soviet commander decides to pass and remain on the defensive.

The German Lieutenant in the center of town attempts to recover from demoralization. The demoralized cavalry platoon also recovers morale and the disrupted platoon returns to good order. The German cavalry to the south of the town use direct fire on the Soviet infantry in the southern part of town to no effect.

In the western part of town, the German Lieutenant resumes his assault against the Soviet infantry. The Soviet unit has already taken heavy losses and is reduced [2-2] and then becomes demoralized. The German commander holds back on the artillery fire to avoid friendly fire casualties.

Turn 8 0500

The Germans regain the initiative and have the first two activations. The Lieutenant in the western section of town continues the assault against the demoralized Soviet infantry. [2-2]. The Soviet infantry is completely eliminated. This brings the total Soviet steps lost to 5. The Soviet infantry in the southern section of town fire at the German cavalry to the south, which are out in the open. This has no impact. The German Lieutenant counters by assaulting the infantry platoon with three cavalry platoons. This leader has a positive combat rating [9-1-0]. In the ensuing combat, the Soviet infantry takes heavy casualties and loses a step. The Germans take no losses and maintain good order. The Soviet infantry also suffers disruption.

The Soviet Major calls for the 82mm mortars to the east to bombard the German assault in the center of town, although he and his units are also there. This has virtually no effect and neither side suffers any losses. One of the German cavalry platoons in the center of town recovers to good order while the other two resume their assault on the Soviet infantry and mortar unit. The Soviet infantry [2-2] becomes demoralized. The German cavalry incurs no damage in the assault.

Turn 9 0515

The German forces win initiative with first activation. The visibility is still only one hex and most of the action will involve assault combat in the town. The Soviet forces are not holding up and have lost six steps so far. The assault in the center of town continues, with three German cavalry platoons [3-2] against a Soviet mortar unit and a demoralized infantry platoon [2-2]. The Soviet forces take more casualties and the 82mm mortar is eliminated. The Soviet Major [9-0-0] suffers disruption and the demoralized infantry platoon is destroyed. The Soviet Major is lost [wounded or killed]. This lowers the Soviet by “one” as the leader is lost. Additionally, the eighth step is lost and this lowers the initiative by another “one” to (-1).

In the southern sector of town, the German Lieutenant [9-1-0] leads three cavalry platoons in an assault against the lone infantry platoon [2-2 disrupted]. The Soviet infantry is hit but passes its morale check.

Turn 10 0530###

The Soviets seize the initiative with first activation. The infantry platoon under attack in the town successfully attempts to recover from disruption, and returns to good order. The Germans resume their assault. Both sides force a morale check. The Soviet infantry passes and the German Lieutenant and his three cavalry platoons also pass.

Two German cavalry companies advance toward the east, by-passing the town. The other company remains in the town to clear the remaining infantry. Meanwhile the mortars and HMG’s are moved forward under the cover of darkness.

Turn 11 0545

The Germans regain the initiative and have the first two activations. The assault is resumed in the town. The soviets have an under strength infantry platoon holding out. It is hit but stubbornly maintains good order. The German cavalry remain engaged. The German wagons move toward the southeast and prepare to set up the guns in the field to the west of the main road. Otherwise there is not much action.

Turn 12 0600

The Germans maintain the initiative with two activations. The assault in the town continues. Another stalemate there. The Soviet infantry in the woods to the east fire on the German units which are now becoming visible, but inflicts very little damage.

Turn 13 0615###

The Soviets have first activation. The infantry in the eastern woods take another shot at the cavalry but the direct fire fails to hit. The German guns begin to set up in their positions. The Soviet HMG’s in the woods manage to hit one of the cavalry platoons in the center. Although the Lieutenant is okay, the cavalry becomes demoralized. Back in the town, the German cavalry company finally finishes off the Soviet infantry platoon. [The Soviets have lost 9 steps and a leader].

Soviet 82mm mortars begin to fire on the demoralized cavalry platoon in the center but fail to hit the target. The German Lieutenant calls in the off-board artillery to fire on the infantry in the eastern woods. This triggers a morale check, but the Soviet unit remains in good order.

Turn 14 0630

The German commander has initiative with one activation. The demoralized cavalry attempts recovery. This is successful and the morale improves to disruption. The Soviet infantry in the woods fires at the cavalry again, but with no effect. The German commander calls in off-board artillery [32 points] which hit the Soviet infantry in the woods, but they pass are able to pass their morale check. Soviet HMG’s are also ineffective. The German 75mm gun battery is now set up in the field. It fires on the Soviet infantry in the western section of the woods and manages to cause a disruption. The Soviet infantry attempts recovery right away and returns to good order. The German Lt. Colonel calls in the 81mm mortars to return fire on the Soviet HMG platoon but this has no effect. The HMG on the western end of the field re-deploys on the eastern edge. Meanwhile, the German cavalry company in the town rides forward to the edge of the woods, with their Lieutenant [9-1-0].

Turn 15 0645

The Germans retain the initiative with three activations. Off-board artillery [32 points] is called to barrage the Soviet infantry that is deployed in the western section of the woods. The barrage is quite effective and the infantry takes heavy casualties [1 step loss]. As a result, the Soviet platoon suffers disruption. Then the German Lieutenant [9-1-0] assaults the infantry with three cavalry platoons. The Soviet infantry [2-2 disrupted] becomes demoralized with no adverse effects to the German cavalry. The German 81mm mortars [16 points] fire at the Soviet HMG in the woods adjacent to the assault, but this is completely ineffective.

The Soviet infantry [2-2 demoralized] attempts to recover its morale but fails. It flees and is subject to enemy fire. It is forced to make another morale check, but passes. The German 75mm and the HMG’s fire at the Soviet infantry in the woods to the south of the position that has been assaulted. This is ineffective. The Soviet HMG’s open fire on the German cavalry that had assaulted. Soviet 82mm mortars fire on the center of the German line and manage to disrupt some of the cavalry. One of the German Cavalry companies outflanks the wooded area to the north and prepares to assault the Soviet infantry in the north section of the woods.

Turn 16 0700

The Germans retain initiative with three activations. The off-board artillery [32 points] bombards the Soviet infantry in the north section of the woods. This has no effect. At the western edge of the woods, the German Lieutenant [9-1-0] and three cavalry platoons assault the Soviet 82mm mortar unit and the demoralized infantry [2-2]. A Soviet lieutenant is also on hand. Both sides remain poised for action, but none suffer any losses. On the northern edge of the woods, a German Lieutenant [9-1-2] assaults the Soviet infantry [4-2]. The Soviet infantry becomes demoralized. The German cavalry suffer no harm. The Soviet infantry unit immediately recovers morale to a disrupted state.

The German 81mm mortars target the Soviet HMG platoon on the western edge of the woods. The barrage hits the HMG’s and they pass their morale check. In the central assault hex, the Soviet infantry [2-2 demoralized] attempts recovery but fails. Instead it flees deeper into the woods. The rest of the direct fire has no effect for either side. Both of the disrupted cavalry recover to good morale.

Turn 17 0715

The Germans maintain the initiative with three activations. The German Lieutenant calls in off-board artillery to barrage the Soviet HMG platoon [7-4]. This is very successful and causes numerous casualties [HMG loses one step]. The Soviet HMG becomes demoralized.

The German assault on the center continues. The Soviets defend with only an 82mm mortar unit and the Lieutenant. The Soviet leader is fine but the mortar unit becomes demoralized. On the northern flank, the German Lieutenant [9-1-2] assaults the Soviet infantry [4-2 disrupted]. Both sides remain locked in battle.

The German 81mm mortars [16 points] fire at the Soviet HMG’s again. The Soviet unit suffers another demoralization and is subsequently eliminated. The Soviet mortars to the north manage to rally to a disrupted state.

Turn 18 0730

The Germans have first activation. The assault in the northern sector of the woods continues. The German cavalry pummels the Soviet infantry platoon [4-2 disrupted] and it becomes demoralized. Meanwhile, the 82mm mortars [8-10 disrupted] recovery to good order jus to be assaulted again by the German cavalry. Both sides remain locked in battle. The Soviet infantry platoon [2-2 demoralized] in the center of the woods manages to recover to a disrupted state.

Two Soviet infantry platoons begin to dig in along the main road to the east. German off-board artillery [32 points] fires a barrage against the Soviet Lieutenant and his infantry platoon deployed on the western part of the woods. The Lieutenant [8-0-0] suffers disruption but his platoon remains in good order.

The German Lieutenant on the center, advances with his cavalry [3 platoons] and assaults the Soviet Lieutenant [disrupted] and his infantry platoons. As a result, the Soviet Lieutenant becomes demoralized and the infantry suffers disruption. Two of the German cavalry also become demoralized. The German 75mm and HMG’s fire on the Soviet infantry on the southern edge of the woods. The Soviet Lieutenant [6-0-] is okay, but the infantry platoon becomes demoralized.

Turn 19 0745

The Axis has the initiative with two activations. In the northern section of the woods, the German Lieutenant [9-1-2] orders his three cavalry platoons to assault the demoralized Soviet infantry platoon. The Soviet infantry [4-2 demoralized] is eliminated [two steps].

In the center of the woods, the German cavalry [demoralized] attempts to recover. Both recover to a disrupted state. The third assaults the Soviet infantry. Both sides must check morale and both pass. In the southern section of the woods the demoralized Soviet infantry recovers to disrupted morale.

The German Lieutenant [9-1-0] in the center of attack continues his assault against the Soviet mortars. The mortars make a morale check and remain in good order. The Axis off-board artillery [32 points] returns fire with no effect. Like wise, the German 81mm mortars [16 points] fire on the Soviet infantry with no effect. The two Soviet infantry platoons on the main road to the east complete digging in. The rest of the German direct fire fails to inflict any damage on the defenders.

Turn 20 0800

The Germans retain the initiative with two activations. The German Lieutenant [9-1-2] in the northern position assaults the Soviet infantry [2-2 disrupted] in the center of the woods. This time the infantry platoon is wiped out. The Soviets have lost a total of 15 steps and a leader. The German off-board artillery fires at the Soviet infantry in the southern woods. This manages to demoralize the Soviet Lieutenant [6-0-0], but the infantry remains disrupted. The Lieutenant subsequently fails to recover and flees to the east, leaving his platoon behind.

In the western sector of the woods, the German cavalry, led by a Lieutenant [9-1-0] continue to assault the Soviet mortar team. Again there is no effect. Just to the south of this position, another cavalry company continues its assault on the Soviet infantry. The Soviet leader [Lieutenant 8-0-0] becomes demoralized while the infantry suffers disruption.

Both the Soviet Lieutenant [8-0-0]and the infantry [4-2 disrupted] recover morale in the assault hex in the center of the lines. The German mortars have no effect, The two German HMG platoons advance to the western edge of the main road.

Turn 21 0815

The German forces have the initiative with two activations. On the center of the attack, the German Lieutenant continues his assault with his cavalry company. The Soviet infantry [4-2 disrupted] incurs heavy casualties. The infantry becomes demoralized. The attackers have no losses. The off-board artillery bombards the Soviet infantry in the southern edge of the woods. The Soviet infantry becomes demoralized. These quickly recover to disruption. The German 81mm mortars barrage them and the infantry unit becomes demoralized again.

The Soviet infantry [2-2 demoralized] in the western section of the woods recovers to disruption. The Lieutenant remains demoralized however. The German assault in the northwestern section of the woods has no effect.

Turn 22 0830

The Axis has initiative with four activations. The German commander calls for off-board artillery [32 points] to hit the demoralized Soviet infantry [4-2 demoralized] on the southern edge of the woods. This results in a step loss and a morale check. A second demoralization eliminates the unit. The Soviets have now taken 17 step losses and a leader loss. The Soviets take another initiative loss.

The German Lieutenant [9-1-2] advances with his cavalry company and comes across the Soviet Lieutenant [6-0-0 demoralized.] The Lieutenant manages to elude capture and hides in the woods a bit to the east. The German cavalry continues the assault against the mortars in the northern section of the woods. There are still no results. Two German cavalry platoons in the center recover to good order.

The Soviet Lieutenant [8-0-0 demoralized] in the center recovers to disrupted. Both 81mm mortars load onto wagons to move forward. Additionally, the 75mm guns are limbered and hooked to wagons to advance. The German HMG’s [2X 9-5 platoons] move to the road and then east toward the Soviet infantry that is dug in along the road. The Lt. Colonel and a Captain are with the two HMG units.

Turn 23 0845

The Axis has initiative with two activations. The cavalry in the center resumes its assault on the Soviet infantry. The German attackers are forced to make a morale check and one of the cavalry platoons suffers disruption. The Soviet infantry are untouched.

The German Lieutenant [9-1-2] and his cavalry advances into the woods where the Soviet Lieutenant [6-0-0 disrupted] is hiding. This time the Soviet leader surrenders. [This drops the Soviet initiative to –3].

The Soviet Lieutenant on the western edge of the woods recovers to good order, while his infantry platoon remains in a disrupted state. The German cavalry in the northwestern part of the woods continues with its assault against the Soviet mortars. The Soviet Lieutenant becomes demoralized while the mortar unit suffers disruption. Both attempt to recover but fail and the Lieutenant flees to the east.

The German off-board artillery fires at the westernmost dug in position along the main road. This results in heavy casualties to the Soviet infantry platoon. The Soviet infantry also suffers disruption. The German Lt. Colonel and Captain advance along the main road with the two HMG platoons and a group of wagons. The 81mm mortars and the 75mm guns continue to advance toward the east.

Turn 24 0900

The Germans have initiative with four activations. The off-board artillery strikes again at the Soviet infantry dug in along the road. This time the infantry passes their morale check. The Lt. Colonel orders the two HMG platoons to issue direct fire into the position. The Soviet infantry becomes demoralized as a result of the HMG’s.

The German Lieutenant [9-1-2] leads his cavalry into an assault against the position. The Soviet position falls as the last of the infantry platoon is eliminated. One of the cavalry platoons suffers disruption.

The German assault in the northern woods fails to dislodge the Soviet mortars again. The Soviets return fire from the woods just to the south of the last dug in position on the main road, but this fails to deter the cavalry. The German Assault in the center [west edge of the woods] stalls again. The 81mm mortars unload and deploy.

The German cavalry receive direct fire from the Soviet infantry that is dug in along the main road. This triggers a morale check. The Lieutenant [9-1-2] and one cavalry platoon suffer disruption, and one cavalry platoon becomes demoralized. Meanwhile, the 75mm guns move into position along the main road.

Turn 25 0915

The Axis has initiative with four activations. The German Lieutenant [9-1-2 disrupted] recovers his morale as does his cavalry. The good order cavalry pulls back to the west [to alleviate the negative modifier for three stacking].

The German Lieutenant calls in off-board artillery [32 factors] to hit the Soviet dug in position. The Soviet infantry passes the morale check. The assault in the northern section of the woods leaves the Soviet 82mm unit demoralized. Just to the south another assault continues and this leaves the Soviet Lieutenant [9-0-0] and his infantry platoon [2-2 disrupted] demoralized.

The Soviet infantry in the woods just south of their dug in positions fires at the German cavalry to the west. The officer passes his morale check, but one of the cavalry platoons suffers disruption. The German Lieutenant counters by calling for the 81mm’s to fire on the Soviet infantry in the woods, south of the main road. As a result, the infantry platoon suffers disruption.

The Soviet 82mm mortars recover from their demoralization. Just to their south, the Soviet Lieutenant flees along with the infantry. Since there is no rearguard, the Germans get a “free shot’ and eliminate the fleeing infantry. The Soviets have now lost 21 steps and two leaders. The Soviet Lieutenant [8-0-0 demoralized] that is hiding in the middle of the woods, recovers his morale [disrupted].

Turn 26 0930

The Germans have the initiative with four activations. The German cavalry that has advanced to the east pulls back from the dug in infantry, while two HMG platoons advance into better positions to hit the Soviet position. This triggers opportunity fire which proves ineffective.

In the northwestern part of the woods, the assault between the German cavalry and the Soviet mortars continues to bog down with no results. The Soviet infantry, flanking the dug in positions, recovers its morale, while the German off-board artillery fires on the infantry on the main road. This has no effect. The 81mm mortars also issue fire with no effect.

Turn 27 0945

The German forces have the initiative with three activations. The off-board artillery fires away at the Soviet infantry which is dug in along the main road. This is rather effective and the infantry absorbs heavy casualties and becomes demoralized. The 82mm mortars fire on the infantry in the woods just to the south of the dug in position. The infantry passes the morale check. The heavy machineguns open fire on the dug in position but have no effect.

The Soviet infantry on the main road [2-2 demoralized dug in] manage to recover their morale. [disrupted]. The cavalry in the northwestern woods leave on platoons behind as the rest outflank the woods to the north. Back on the main road, the Soviet infantry hiding in the wooded area south of the road manages to hit the cavalry with direct fire. One of the cavalry platoons becomes demoralized.

Turn 28 1000

The German forces have initiative with two activations. The German HMG’s open fire on the dug in positions with no effect. This is followed by off-board artillery [32 points] which also has no effect. Meanwhile, the dug in infantry [2-2 disrupted] attempts recovery but fails. The Germans return fire with the 81mm’s but fail to damage the Soviet position.

The German Lieutenant continues to advance with his cavalry toward the northeast, outflanking the woods. A German cavalry platoon near the main road attempts to outflank the Soviet position on the main road. The Soviet infantry to the south employs opportunity fire to no effect.

Turn 29 1015

The Axis has the initiative with three activations. The off-board artillery misses the target again. The 81mm mortars fire on the Soviet infantry in the woods south of the main road, but these pass their morale check. The German HMG’s fire on the dug in units [2-2 disrupted] and demoralized the infantry. The demoralized infantry fail in their attempt to rally. Then the German Lieutenant [9-1-2] and two cavalry platoons assault the position. The Soviet position is taken as the remnant of the infantry platoon is eliminated.

The Soviet infantry in the woods on the south flank use direct fire on the victorious cavalry. As a result, the Lieutenant and one platoon suffers disruption while the other platoon becomes demoralized.

In the northern sector, two cavalry platoons and a Lieutenant move off-map to the east, while their third platoon moves to the edge. Another Lieutenant and his cavalry company advance to the map edge.

Turn 30 1030

At this point in the battle, the Soviets have lost 23 steps and two leaders. The Germans have exited two of the six units required and the road is clear, with one Soviet infantry platoon deployed in the woods south of the road.

The Germans win the initiative with three activations. The first is used to rally the cavalry that was blasted by the Soviet infantry platoon. The Lieutenant and both cavalry platoons recover. The off-board artillery [32 points] is called in to fire at the last Soviet infantry platoon. The Soviet infantry passes the morale check. The 81mm mortars also target the Soviet infantry but miss entirely. The Soviet infantry returns direct fire at the German cavalry and the Lieutenant, but these all pass their morale check.

The German HMG’s put some direct fire on the Soviet infantry in the woods but this is ineffective. Four cavalry platoons and a lieutenant exit the east map edge. This fulfills the German VP requirement of exiting at least six units.

The Germans met the Victory Conditions by exiting six units, and removing all Soviet units from the road, while losing less than eight steps.

The German cavalry gets an early start and charges against the Russians holding the town. 8 Russian platoons occupy the town, but by the time dawn begins to break at 5:15 only 2 and a half platoons remain.

At 7:00am with the town almost completely cleared, 3 cavalry platoons race into the east to charge the Russian mortar crews therein. Within minutes, the crews are eliminated or routed.

There is one problem left for the German horsemen, which is some Russian infantry dug-in on the road heading east in the middle of the forest.

At 8:00 the final charge against the Russian infantry begins to mixed effect. The cavalry are cut down in the morning light, but the German batteries suppress the Russians.

By 9:00 the road is cleared as the Russian forces flee into the woods. A mad dash is made by the German forces to get to their objective in the far east in time, but 3 cavalry platoons get distracted chasing down a disrupted Russian infantry squad. The infantry is eliminated before it can regain position on the road, but the grandfather clock strikes 10.

The Russian forces were almost totally eliminated and only 3 German cavalry steps were lost. But, insufficient time meant that the Russians “stalled enough to obtain a draw”. Another 15 minutes would have seen enough Germans exit the map for a German victory.

Victoria alemana en el turno 22 (28 turnos en total). La caballería alemana consigue una trabajada victoria. La mayoría de las fuerzas soviéticas se concentra en la población del centro del tablero. Los alemanes atacan sin precipitarse y, métodicamente, van conquistando hexes de población hasta conquistarla completamente. Las escasas reservas soviéticas fuera de la población no son rival para las fuerzas alemanas. Bajas alemanas: 2 "steps". Bajas soviéticas: 21 "steps" y todos los jefes. Sólo sobreviven dos pelotones y medio de infantería soviética, todos ellos desmoralizados. Buena parte de la partida tiene lugar en noche cerrada. Escenario interesante.

This seemed biased toward the Germans, especially with weak Soviet morale. It seemed playable, where both sides had to stay sharp. It seemed open to alternate strategies as well.

Soviets had decent force in the town with the bulk in the treeline along the road. German assault on the town was very effective, driving the forces out. The bulk of the German force moved through the woods south of town, then dashing across to the East seeking cover & then attacking Soviet positions. Soviet forces especially, artillery, slowed the German movement but could not stop it. Any force the Germans engaged were sent fleeing & such units lacked the morale to ever return to the fight in most cases. By the time the last German needed for victory left the map, the Soviets had no units that could approach the thin road defenses left by the Germans. Again, more leadership may have made it possible to rally enough force to challenge the road.

If trying this again I might concentrate more Soviets in the deeper woods to dig in on the road & other forces to stay disengaged & threaten returning to road. Soviets can get lucky & deal victorious damage but more likely is hoping for a draw if Germans fail their road defense.

This was a tough one for the Germans. Their cavalry is not equal to the Soviet infantry in a head to head match, let alone with the Soviets having the advantage of cover and darkness. Basically, poor German cavalry bumped into dug in Soviet infantry deployed well forward in the town on board 4. If the scenario was part of a larger campaign, then I would have bypassed it, and screened it off while continuing my reconnaissance of the road. Unfortunately, the scenario dictated that the road had to be cleared of enemy troops by game end, which meant the Germans had to invest the town and take it by storm.

Things started off poorly for the Germans. As the lead element of cavalry came to the town's edge, opportunity fire from successive hexes first reduced it, and then eliminated it. Two steps lost almost immediately!!! The Germans, having been alerted to the presence of enemy troops in the town, carefully deployed around the western approaches to the town in an attempt to maximize fire. This took precious time, and with the arrival of sunrise, it became painfully clear to the Germans that this town would be a tough nut to crack. The Soviets had deployed forward in strength, were dug in, and had been very fortunate in their leader selections.

The rest of the match saw poor German dice (generally ineffective fire results) and fortunate Soviet dice rolls (rallied at approximately 85% success rate). The Germans just could not get enough troops in position to attack the relatively few demoralized Soviets, and even when they could mass in proximity to weakened enemy units, the Soviets would almost always rally prior to the assault. Eventually, the Germans would have to withdraw and rely on stronger troops and masses of dedicated OBA to reduce the town to rubble before continuing their advance.

The German 1st Cavalry headed out under cover of darkness on the night of June 22, 1941 with an objective of capturing the city of Pinsk. Around 0330, a picket cavalry platoon ran into stiff Soviet resistance from elements of the 75th Rifle Division hiding in a small hamlet; however, a German sniper picked off the only officer in the small town, which limited the activity of the remaining units until another officer could be summoned to move forward. Then, suddenly at 0400 hours, all German forces were ordered to withdraw before dawn. Apparently, the Führer had awakened suddenly in the middle of the night with a new Directive, Operation Schnickelfritz, that called for all troops to head West immediately. Lt. Kovoshenko, who had moved west to provide command for the units in the hamlet, heard the German rustling and called on the local units to move west from the hamlet to intersect the bridge. This quick action prevented the Germans from achieving a total withdrawal, as they slowed both an HMG and cavalry platoon from reaching the bridge.

This 3-map scenario has primary objectives that involve German step loss, road control and unit exit. The German units set up near the main road for quick movement, while Soviet units were set in the small town along the road, in the woods adjacent to it, and north and south of the road. These latter units dug in immediately before they could be spotted by the Germans. On the fourth turn, an event roll led to a withdrawal command for the German forces, so the victory conditions changed quickly to allow a German victory if all units could exit the board within six turns, essentially by dawn. The Germans had a demoralized cavalry unit that was in a safe hex in the woods north of town, and it took three turns for it to regain good order. By that time, the Soviets had the road blocked; an HMG unit was left to try and clear the blockade but was unable to do so and exit the board, as it ended up demoralized as well. So, the scenario ended abruptly with step losses even at one apiece, and a rather ersatz draw; the Soviets were unable to eliminate eight German steps and still occupied a road hex, while the German could not withdraw all their units.

German forces are aiming to clear the road and exit the map, so they basically just set up in a column with the heavy weapons bringing up the rear in their wagons. The expected point of resistance is the center town. The plan is to bring up the heavy weapons down the road while the cavalry surrounds the town to exploit any vulnerabilities that the heavy weapons and off board artillery can produce. The cavalry can then fan out, mop of the stragglers, and run off the map before time expires.

The Soviets concentrate their defense in the town, setting their heavy weapons there along with roughly half the infantry. The goal is to generate the step losses they need through this concentrated defense, and then try to be generally irritating with the remaining batch of infantry. This force spread into 3 groups, each commanded by a leader. One in the north woods, and one in the south woods on the eastern map, with the last setting up behind the hill on the center map with an aim to march west and take up positions in the woods there. These disparate groups aim to dilute the Germans, forcing them hopefully into 1 on 1 assaults that will stalemate out, preventing them from exiting the map in time. Alternatively, if ignored, they can run out and sit on the road in the final turns.

The town fell relatively quickly with no German losses due to artillery rolls and a few well placed cavalry charges on the already disordered defenders. This sealed off any chance of a Soviet victory, but the secondary strategy of playing for a draw was still a go. The Germans were succesfully bogged down in the west, unable to root out the infantry hiding in the woods there, but were able to clear off the eastern woods defenses in time to walk off the board.

I see this as a very tough scenario for the Soviets to win based on the victory conditions, however if you consider a draw to be a Soviet win, it would be far more balanced. At least from my sample size of one play.

Author	t1M0t8yk
Method	Solo
Victor	Germany
Play Date	2020-11-23
Language	English
Scenario	EFDx004

This is the real start of Barbarossa among the EFD scenarios. There are many 22 Jun 1941 scenarios, but this one starts the earliest.

The victory conditions are really about road control, although Germans exiting and Soviets causing casualties can affect the result. I played this one out of the box, without any balancing. I lined the RKKA forces up on the road between the trees, digging in while the cavalry advanced into attack positions. Four cavalry platoons were set west of the RKKA, while the remaining five moved around the trees to attack the other end of the defenders.

I considered delaying the German attack until dawn, when the mortars and OBA would help soften up the lead rifle platoons. I decided to attack anyway; poor nighttime visibility would inhibit Red Army responses. At first it looked good for the Reds. Two cavalry platoons were reduced, and at one point a cavalry platoon and leader were demoralized in an assault. The Soviets used the opportunity to counter-assault with an adjacent platoon and leader. Unfortunately for the Reds though they got no more good shots. The Germans were able to methodically wear down the road defenders until clearing every last one. They benefited from the abundance of time provided to accomplish their mission.

I was surprised the Soviets did not do better. Stringing them out along the road puts pressure on the Germans to capture many, many hexes, but didn't maximize Red Army opp fire. It would be interesting to play again with a modified defensive setup. Solid, relatively quick-playing scenario. No AFVs, but cavalry are their own fun.

Les tropes russes, dividides, es van situar a la ciutat i als boscos més orientals.

Aprofitant la nit, a cavalleria alemanya va encerclar la ciutat i va començar a assaltar-la per diferents punts. Els combats dins la ciutat son molt durs, els penalitzadors a l'atac son molt elevats i això fa que si no hi ha una gran diferencia de FP es bloquegi l'avanç i s'enquisti la situació.

Possiblement sigui realista però com a joc és lent i feixuc entrar en aquest tipus de combats amb forces massa igualades, acaba essent un festival de daus, cap a un costat i cap a l'altre.

Al final la sort va somriure als alemanys i van destruir totalment les forces soviètiques.

Segon cop que jugo aquest escenari. La primera vegada es va enquistar la situació a la ciutat, va ser un fracàs per als soviètics i, a més, no vaig gaudir-lo gens. Per això, aquesta vegada l'estratègia serà una completament diferent.

Al ser de nit, només tenim visió a un hex, per tant les artilleries son inútils. Per solucionar això, els soviètics col·loquen diverses unitats repartides al llarga de la carretera. A la que vegin unitats enemigues, les artilleries podran obrir foc.

L'estratègia ha funcionat i ha frenat l'avanç alemany que no ha pogut acostar-se a la ciutat fins que era de dia i amb les tropes reduïdes, d'aquesta manera les HMG i la INF a la ciutats han evitat l'entrada de la cavalleria. I al torn 13, es provocava el 8é step perdut per l'eix que donava la victòria als soviètics.