NGP85 "81: Better Dead than Red v1.1"

[JDR Dragoon]

092200Z May 1981

FROM CENTAG G2
TO COMCENTAG

RE: Recent developments in the intelligence picture in the US V Corps sector.

The intelligence picture here is much more spotty than is the case for GE III Korps. Possibly because we are dealing with fewer units, possibly because the Soviet units in this sector are simply better at maintaining EMCON.

The first indicators came at 1200Z, showing enemy units amassing on the Hünfeld-Fulda axis.




Two hours later, units amassing on the Eisenach-Bad Hersfeld axis was spotted as well, this time in the process of dismantling the border fortifications.




During the afternoon even more units are identified on the Eisenach-Bad Hersfeld axis, this time including engineers.






The onset of darkness at 2000 makes direct observation impossible. The units massed on the Hünfeld-Fulda axis seems to practice excellent EMCON, but a single HQ still showed its presence at 2000. Of particular importance is the presence of a likely Polish divisional HQ on the Eisenach-Bad Hersfeld axis. This suggests that a Polish division might advance as part of the second echelon here.






Based on the evidence above, it seems that a WAPA army, with at least two Soviet divisions in its first echelon of attack, is poised to strike into the V Corps sector. The most likely axes of advance seems to be a division each in the direction of Fuld and Bad Hersfeld respectively. A Polish division is likely advancing behind the Soviet division on the Bad Hersfeld axis of attack, ready to exploit any openings.

[JDR Dragoon]

092200Z May 1981

FROM CENTAG G2
TO COMCENTAG

RE: Recent developments in the intelligence picture in the US VII Corps sector.

The intelligence picture here is quite overt and most alarming. In no other corps sector has there been such a concentration of identified HQs, in this case including both Soviet and East German units.

The first reports from the period 0600-0800Z tells of Soviet units massing on the Meiningen-Bad Kisskingen axis. At 0800Z East German units are spotted massing opposite Hof as well.








During the period 1000-1400Z even more East German units are detected north of Hof, this time coupled with Soviet units massing on the axis Hildburghausen-Coburg. At 1400Z more units are spotted massing on the Meiningen-Bad Kissingen axis as well














Between 1600-1800Z, the well-established pattern of WAPA units demolishing the border fortifications are repeated. In addition, several new HQs are detected and tentatively categorized. Of special importance is the suspected Army HQ detected at 1600Z near Ohrdruf.














At 2000Z more alarming news ticks in, as it appears that Soviet units might attempt a flanking movement towards Coburg, and a new Soviet formation is detected, poised to advance along the axis Kronach-Bamberg.








The final intercepts from 2200Z shows what we believe to be a secon echelon division near Ilmenau, ready to follow up the attack on the Meiningen-Bad Kissingen axis, in addition to a possible Army HQ.






We must thus conclude, that US VII Corps is the most gravely threatened. In the north, a Soviet army, with at least 3 divisions in the initial echelon, and at least one division in reserve, is poised to strike along the axes: Meiningen-Bad Kissingen, Hildburghausen-Coburg, and Kronach-Bamberg, with one division likely being assigned to each axis. In addition, an East German army with at least 3 divisions in its leading echelon stands ready to attack, with one division likely attacking along the axis Kronach-Bamberg, with the remaining two attacking along the axis Hof-Bamberg.

[JDR Dragoon]

092200Z May 1981

FROM CENTAG G2
TO COMCENTAG

RE: Recent developments in the intelligence picture further into East Germany.

In addition to tracking the whereabouts and activity of enemy units deployed immediately in front of the respective CENTAG corps, we have also attempted to track and verify the presence of HQs and units away from the immediate border areas in the hope of detecting major HQs and enemy reinforcements moving towards the front.

At 0600 emissions are detected from a Soviet and an East German HQ in the vicinity of Erfurt. Based on the strenght of the emissions, they are likely Army or Front level HQs, but since we are reasonably certain that the NVA are not supposed to form the basis of a Front, we must suppose that it is some kind of Army HQ.




Two hours later a HQ which might be that of a Soviet Army was detected moving towards Meiningen.




8 hours later, at 1600Z, the same picture repeats itself in the exact same area.




In the evening, both the suspected Soviet Front HQ and the suspected East German Army HQ are detected again near Erfurt.






The intelligence picture is thus reasonably clear: CENTAG is about to be attacked by a Soviet Front, whose HQ is in the vicinity of Arnstadt. This Front consists of four armies (2 Soviet, 1 Polish, 1 East German) with a likely total of 10-11 divisions in its first echelon, and a second echelon of at least 3 divisions to follow up this initial attack. The CENTAG corps most threatened is the US VII Corps, which will be hit by 2 WAPA armies with 5-6 divisions in their initial attack echelon. The stance and position of WAPA units mean, that they will now be able to initiate an attack with a warning time of only minutes.

[JDR Dragoon]

Players notes and considerations:

And so it kicks off.

I would have liked a few more turns of preparation, but so it blows...

Up in the GE III Korps sector, the 2. Mechanized Division (a Polish unit) tentatively probe forward with T55 tanks in company size towards the north and west. Both probes are stopped with heavy losses by the West German covering forces. In addition, located artillery and HQ positions are subjected to withering artillery fire. So far everything looks good in this sector.



In the V Corps sector units of the covering force, primarily the 11th ACR, has been in contact with units of the Soviet 39th Guards Motorized Rifle Division over a broad front of some 29 kilometers. In most places the Soviets probed with T62 tanks and reconnaisance units in company strenght, but were turned back with losses. HQs were detected here as well, and taken under fire by long-range artilleri.













In the VII Corps sector, several Soviet and East German formations were positively identified. In front of Meiningen, contact was made with the soviet 79th Guards Tank Division, whose probes in battalion strength still only made cursory contact before withdrawing. Further HQs were detected here as well, and taken under fire.







An East German HQ (likely divisional) was also detected moving towards Meiningen or Coburg, which means that the number of divisions attacking VII Corps can be upped by 1.




In front of Coburg the Soviet 6th Guards Tank Division is detected attacking southwards in regimental strength. They are stopped and delayed by the 12th Cavalry Squadron/3rd Infantry Division, which then proceeds to withdraw towards Coburg.




In front of Hof, the East German army attacking in this sector is positively identified as the 3. Army. In addition one of the attacking Motorrifle Divisions are identified as the 4th. Several artillery and HQ units are detected as well, and is taken under fire where possible.










The problem here is, that this area is defended by a single brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division plus a cavalry squadron from the 2nd ACR. Against a a single East German division they might have been able to hold, but not against 2-3. So the withdrawal starts early here, with the units falling back gradually towards Kulmbach, giving up Hof and its 1000 VPs to the reds. I cannot really afford to do this a lot, since there is sudden death houserule in effect: If WAPA scores 10000 points from objectives within the first 72 hours of the game, they score an automatic victory. I am thus forced to defend forwards. Another problem here is, that several units from the 3rd ID bummed their midnight refuel check and are thus low on fuel for the next turns. This is of course just an additional incentive to get out before the units are pocketed and destroyed by the enemy units detected encircling Hof from the south.

I am still solidly ahead on the scoreboard though:




The enemy seem content so far to probe over a broad front and in disparate directions in the GE III Korps and US V Corps sector. This is not so in the US VII Corps sector, where attacks are being mounted in earnest. It is clear that the enemy main effort is here. Steps will have to be taken in order to safeguard against the collapse of the US VII Corps.

[JDR Dragoon]

100100ZMay1981

FROM: COMCENTAG

TO: COM US V Corps, COM US VII Corps, COM Territorialkommando Süd.

FRAGO

SITUATION:

A: Enemy Forces.

1: Enemy composition, strenght and disposition.
Two enemy armies, comprising a soviet army (unknown designation) and an east german army (3rd Army), with at least six divisions between them (the soviet 6th Guards Tank Division and the east german 4th Motorrifle Division being positively identified here) is attacking of the US VII Corps.

2: Enemy Capabilities and Limitations.
NIL

3: Enemys most likely and most dangerous course of action.
NIL



B: Friendly Forces.

1: Higher HQs mission and intent.
NIL

2: Adjacent Units.
NIL

3 Supporting:
NIL


C: Attachments/Detachments.

As of 100400Z May1981, US V Corps will relinquish control of the 1st BN/75th Ranger Regiment and the 4th Infantry Division(-), retaining a single brigade (4th) as Corps reserve. As of 100400Z May1981, Territorialkommando Süd will relinquish control of Heimatschutzregiment 76. As of 100400Z May 1981, US VII Corps will receive the 1st BN/75th Ranger Regiment in OPCON and the 4th Infantry Division(-) in COCOM, and Heimatschutzregiment 76 in TACOM.



MISSION:
NIL


EXECUTION:

A: Commanders Intent.

Due to WAPAs main effort being directed at the US VII Corps, COMCENTAG have decided to prioritize REFORGER and CONUS reinforcements. Since the REFORGER units originally slated for the US VII Corps arrives as some of the last in the reinforcement chain, COMCENTAG have decided that the US VII Corps will temporarily take control of REFORGER units and reinforcements originally slated for other sectors. In addition, german territorial units will be used to hold defensive positions in cities and along major rivers, where their lack of armor and artillery will be less of an issue.

B: Concept of Operations.

1: Scheme of Maneuver.
Motorized infantry units of the german TerritorialHeer will be used to hold the urban areas of Würzburg, Schweinfurt and Bamberg, along with positions along the Main River. The Ranger Battalion will be used along the boundary between the US V and VII Corps in order to reinforce this wooded sector untill the 8th ID is able to reinforce this area. 4th ID will stand in for the 1st ID with regard to tasks.

2: Fire Support Plan.
NIL

C: Tasks.
NIL

D: Coordinating Instructions.
NIL

LOGISTICS:

NIL


Signals:

A: Signals.
NIL

B: Command.
HQ 4th ID will be E of Würzburg, HQ Heimatschutzregiment 76 will be west of Bamberg.

[JDR Dragoon]

Players notes and considerations.

Second turn of combat rolls around. This turn is dawn (04 to 06 am), so visibility is still restricted to one hex.

Soviet special forces units begin showing up in the NATO rear areas, threatening V-Hexes and disrupting reinforcements moving towards the front by going into deception mode. In addition, WAPA long-range aviation begins to attack NATO units marching in road column behind the front.

Own air units are still unavailable for several hours more, as NATO wrestles for air superiority and units scatter to secondary airfields.

Spetsnaz probes the position of a German territorial unit on the outskirts of Würzburg:



In the West-German III Korps sector the Polish 2. Mechanized Division continues to probe the West-German covering forces, but are so far unable to do anything to really force them to relinquish their current position. The remnant of the West-German Korps uses the time bought to lay even more mines and begin to blow up bridges that are not needed by own units withdrawing.




In the US V Corps sector, the first contact is made with enemy main forces, with BTR equipped Motorrifle troops of the 39th GMRD probing the approaches to Fulda. The 11th ACR sends them packing though. Located artillery and HQs get shelled as well.




South of Fulda, BMP and T62 equipped units of the 39th GMRD also probe in company strenght against the 8th ID and the 11th ACR with similar results. Located artillery and HQs are also taken under fire here, but the number of targets now exceed the number of long range guns.

In the US VII Corps the 79th GTD continues to probe the outskirts of Mellrichstadt, supported by artillery. Of special interest here is the East German HQ, which reinforces the estimate, that an East German unit seems to be preparing to follow the 79th GTD on the Meiningen-Bad Neustadt axis of attack.





Further to the south a new WAPA unit blunders into the covering force, their recon screen taking debiliating losses. The 27th GMRD seems to be attacking between the 79th GTD and the 6th GTD.



In front of Coburg the 1st Brigade/3rd ID delays the 6th GTD before withdrawing into and behind the city. Coburg itself and its accompanying V-Hex is now the frontline.




East of Coburg 6th GTD reconnaisance units probe south towards Kronach, but withdraws when encountering the 2nd ACR.



Around Hof the situation remains the same, with a gradual US withdrawal, shadowed by East German units of the 3. Army. So far only the 4. MRD have been identified positively, but the intelligence reports clearly suggests that further units are lurking out of sight, ready to follow up and /or try outflanking manuevers. The situation here continues to be hamstrung by the fact that the units of the 2nd Brigade/3rd ID have not yet received their fuel. In addition WAPA air-activity starts here, with a single reconnaisance sortie over american lines.










Despite of the loss of Hof and the various losses to enemy aircraft interdicting my columns travelling in the rear, the scoring still remains solidly in NATOs favor. The early shift of my reinforcements towards the VII Corps sector should be able to blunt any enemy hope of a rapid breakthrough here as well.

[JDR Dragoon]

Players notes and considerations.

This turn is morning (06 to 08 am), Sun is up, visibility is 3 hexes (4,5 km) and soviet aviation is out in strenght.

4 ATAF reports that units with rough strip capability has almost finished re-locating from their peacetime bases.

The first REFORGER units show up, in this case the 2nd Brigade/4th Infantry Division. From now on, REFORGER brigades will arrive with 8 hour intervals for the next days. They are heavily delayed by WAPA special forces units removing roadsigns, blocking and mining roads and attacking them directly and thus move along the winding forest roads from Kaiserslautern only slowly.



In the West-German III Korps sector the Polish 2. Mechanized Division surprisingly chooses to break contact with the West-German covering forces and withdraw. The presence of a T72 equipped unit immediately south of Göttingen suggests that the Poles might try to outflank the German covering force with a Tank Division, rather than trying to bull through with the 2. Mech. Div.



Further to the south in the GE III Korps sector a further Polish unit, the 4. Mechanized Division, slams into the 5th Panzer Divisions covering forces, but gets checked quickly. The covering forces here are not anchored on any major river though, so in order to avoid being flanked through the woods they retreat slightly.

In the US V Corps sector a new enemy unit, the 57th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, whose Tank Regiment is seen attacking on the photo, is detected attacking parallel to the Polish army. They are supported by attack helicopters and fighter bombers. The covering force here, the 3-12 Cavalry Squadron/3rd AD and the 3rd Squadron/11th ACR stops them ably, assisted by attack helicopters.



The 3/11 ACR is also tested by a new enemy unit, hitherto undetected: The 20th Guards Motorized Rifle Division, whose reconnaisance screen rapidly breaks contact after taking sizeable losses.



East and South-east of the town of Fulda all units of the 39th GMRD now seems to be accounted for. Its attack is on such a large frontage, that it cannot be more than diversionary in nature. Predictably it fails in driving away the American covering force (1/11 and 2/11 ACR plus the 2nd brigade/8th Infantry Division, supported by attack helicopters).

In the US VII Corps sector, the 79th GTDs BMP Motorrifle regiment has now proceeded to outflank Mellrichstadt from the south, supported by attack helicopters.








To the south of Mellrichstadt the 27th GMRD continues to probe, this time with T62 tanks in company strength. Again they withdraw quickly.




North of Pfarrweisach, a hitherto unidentified unit equipped with BMPs and T64s are observed breaching the border fortifications.

In front of Coburg the enemy seems to be gathering his strength in anticipation of a further push. The units of the 3rd Infantry division prepares to hold the line until the pressure becomes so high as to force a withdrawal. North of Kronach, what appears to be at least a battalion and possibly a whole regiment of BMP equipped infantry is hiding in the woods.




Around Hof the gradual withdrawal continues, with the East Germans following slowly. Fuel has finally gotten through and my American units are now free to maneuver.
In addition an East-German unit equipped with T72s is detected, and since intelligence assures me that the only polish/E-German units equipped with T72s are the Tank Regiments in a Tank Division, the presence of such a unit is thus likely. The East-Germans seems remarkably passive here, seemingly content to attrition the American forces by artillery and air bombardment. An East-German Mig 17 fighter-bomber takes a REDEYE up the tailpipe though, marking my first kill of an enemy aircraft.




Signals intelligence again confirms that the enemy main effort lies to the north of Coburg and Hof, with several enemy HQs being detected.







Finally the suspected East-German Army HQ near Erfurt is detected again. If only I had some reconnaissance planes to go out and check what type of HQ it actually is....



Mostly due to my units traveling in the rear taking losses from marauding WAPA fighter bombers as they deploy towards the front, I do not advance the difference in losses further. The score stays in my favor, but not by a large margin.

[JDR Dragoon]

Players notes and considerations.

This turn is mid-morning (08 to 10 am), Visibility is still 3 hexes (4,5 km).

Air is finally here: 4 ATAF reports that 2 Wings of German Alpha Jets (41st and 49th Jagdbombergeschwader, each 2 squadrons) plus the entire USAF 81st Tactical Fighter Wing (6 squadrons of A-10 Thunderbolt II Ground Attack Aircraft) are ready to support the struggle below. Reconnaissance is provided by a Wing of German F-4E (Aufklärungsgescwhader 51 w. 2 squadrons) and 2 US Wings (10th and 38th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, each 1 squadron) equipped w. the F-4E as well.

Roving WAPA fighter bombers and special forces continue to be a nuisance to units moving behind the front-lines. Here a Spetsnaz unit is spotted between Koblenz and Limburg, trying to interfere with the movement of the 64. Heimatschützbrigade. German TerritorialHeer units also succeed in rooting out a Spetsnaz unit that had the Autobahn between Wetzlar and Giessen under surveillance. So far things are going the right way in this regard.



The Polish army attacking the German III Korps sector is now positively identified as the mobilized Slaski Military Distrikt (also known as the Polish 2nd Army)



The Polish 2. Mechanized Division continues to steer clear of the West-German covering force, but the congregating polish T72 tanks and BMP units near Göttingen means, that the West-Germans might soon have to pull back anyway for fear of being outflanked. 4 ATAF support against detected enemy artillery positions here runs into SAM and fighter cover before they can engage. The 1000 VP hex at Göttingen also falls to the Reds this turn. Only 8000 VPs before I lose the game by default...




Further to the south, anotherPpolish division, the 5. Armored, is now positively identified. It is attacking intermixed with the 4. Mech Division. The danger of encirclement makes the W-German covering force pull slightly back. Alongside it, the 57th GMRD gradually forces the US covering force back towards the Fulda river, again by the gradual threat of a flanking maneuver.



The axis of advance for the 20th GMRD seems to have been adjusted slightly to the east, where the divisions reconnaissance units continue to probe the US 3rd Armored Divisions defenses without success. Further to the south, the extended 39th GMRD seems satisfied with further probing of the US covering forces as well and does not seem to want to try and force NATO aside.



In the Rhön mountains the remnants of the 39th GMRD increases the pressure on the 8th Infantry Divs. covering forces, but are still unable to really budge the Americans. The problem comes further to the south, where the 79th GTD, heavily supported by frontal aviation, causes high losses on the Ranger Battalion deployed here and advances into the forests north of Mellrichstadt. The situation is dangerous, because this area is the link between the US V and VII Corps. V Corps reacts immediately, sending in attack helicopters and a flight of A-10 aircraft, which disrupts the lead T64 battalion, causing heavy losses. The 3/8 Cavalry Squadron then immediately counterattacks in force, causing further losses. The enemy must either be stopped or heavily delayed here, otherwise he will outflank the defenses to both the north and south.




South of Mellrichstadt it is clear that the forces of the 79 GTD and 27th GMRD are trying to outflank and encircle the covering forces deployed in the city proper, heavily supported by attack helicopters. In order to be able to reconstitute a reserve, the commander of the 12. Panzer Division orders the covering forces to fall back, abandoning Mellrichstadt, but still demolishing the bridges between there and Bad Kissingen.




North of Pfarrweisach, the unit attacking is identified as the T64 equipped Tank Regiment of the 27th GMRD. It is quickly checked by the strong American forces here.

In the battle of Coburg however, disaster strikes. An attacking Tank Regiment of the 6th GTD, supported by fighter bombers, comes swinging out of the blue, hitting the 3rd Infantry Divisions screening forces east of the city. B Coy/1-30 Infantry Battalion, acting in support of the 2-64 Armor battalion is driven out of its position and destroyed by the enemy tanks and aircraft. The commander of the US 3rd ID reacts by sending in attack helicopters and A-10 ground attack planes, which cause heavy losses to the lead T64 battalions. It is however clear that the NATO position in Coburg is quickly becoming untenable. A gradual withdrawal towards Bamberg is ordered. This is bad news, since Coburg is worth another 1000 VPs....

This also means, that the 2nd CAVs positions near Kronach is becoming untenable as well. Again a gradual withdrawal is ordered back across the Main river and south towards Kulmbach, in order to avoid being encircled on the wrong side of the river. A possible further East-German Motorrifle Division is identified advancing towards Kronach from the east, making the US position here even more precarious.






The disengagement of forces near Kronach has a ripple effect on the forces near Hof as well, who begins to outright disengage in order to avoid being encircled form the north. Not before the advancing T72s of the newly identified East-German 7th Panzer Division receives a bloody nose though. They quickly pull back out of sight.






To the north of Hof more East-German HQs are detected, making it possible that a further division is lurking in reserve here.




The timely arrival of 4. ATAF swings the kill score firmly in NATOs favor. This also includes losses caused by interdiction to the advancing WAPA forces. But WAPAs score is still rising, chiefly due to the objectives captured.

[JDR Dragoon]

Players notes and considerations.

This turn is midday (10 to 12 am), Visibility is still 3 hexes (4,5 km).


The fight in the rear against infiltrators and fifth-column progresses this turn as well. A team of Spetsnaz is caught by the 853. Jäger Battalion, while trying to remove the prepared demolitions across the Rhine river bridge at Worms. As they were wearing civilian clothing at the time, they will face court martial and likely execution.

Near Göttingen the 2. Kompanie of the 2. Panzeraufklärungsbattalion, detailed with guarding the Leine river against any crossing attempts spot a tempting target along the opposite riverbank: a Polish towed artillery battalion supporting the advance of the 10. Armored Division. The attached FAC calls in two flights of Alpha Jets (one with napalm and bombs, the other one sporting a less than ideal load of armor-piercing cluster munitions), which spreads about ½ of the artillery battalion across the hillside in bloody chunks. 2. Kompanie then closes in and use their 10 Leopard 1 main battle tanks to further add to the carnage, shooting across the river. Once all is said and done, about 2/3rd of the artillery battalion is destroyed, and I have got a positive ID on the unit at Göttingen. I need more results like this if I am going to win.

South of Göttingen the Polish 2. Mech Div. Seems to have gotten their house in order again, and supported by airstrikes they advance boldly against the W. German covering force. Advance guards also roll along the road-less western bank of the Weser, which I am not attempting to contest. A heavy dose of artillery causes debilitating casualties (ca. 33%) on the lead BMP company though, which should dissuade further advances a bit. It is however clear now, that the threat of a double envelopment of the covering force deployed east of the Weser is becoming very real. The covering force (6, Panzer Brigade, 2. Aufklärungsbattalion plus parts of the 4. Panzergrenadier Brigade) falls back about 3 kilometers, to the next prepared line of defense (the large forested hill just west of Göttingen).




On the western bank of the Weser the remnants of the 2. Mech Div. seems to be content to sit tight and wait me out, while the Polish 5. Armored Div. continues to press the covering force deployed here (14. Panzer Brigade, 5. Panzeraufklärungsbattalion plus parts of 13. Panzergrenadier Brigade) towards the NW (the Polish 4. Mech. Div seems to have dropped back into reserve).




In the US V Corps sector the 57th GMRD continues to force my covering force to grudgingly give ground (1.5-3km on average this turn), but not without getting attritioned itself. The 20th GMRD also seems to prepare to add its forces to the push in earnest. At this pace they will reach the Fulda river as darkness begins to fall. V Corps long range artillery is very effective at their counter-battery tasks this turn as well. Air-Recon also reports the presence of a unit of East-German Grenztruppen in this sector, but no NATO force has so far been in contact with these forces. The 39th GMRD forces directly opposite Fulda seems content to sit tight too.




Down in the Rhön, the 39th GMRD begins to get its groove on: The T64 equipped Tank Regiment, supported by a battalion of T62 tanks (likely from the Divisions´ BMP-equipped Motorrifle Regiment) tries a double envelopment of C Troop/11th ACR and A Coy/3-68 Armor. This draws out a heavy response, from 8th IDs Attack Helicopter Battalions, supported by A-10s and the counterattacking 2-68 Armor Battalion, which allows the threatened units to extricate themselves. Further to the south the 2nd Squadron/11th ACR withdraws into the main battle positions: The covering force battle here is over....




On the boundary between US V and VII Corps, the offending T64 battalion runs into a buzzsaw. A combination of attacks by 5 Attack Helicopter Battalions (3 from the V Corps Aviation Brigade, and one each from the 11th ACR and the 3-8 CAV), sustained attacks by A-10s and attacks by all three ground troops of the 3-8 CAV reduces the battalion from having close to 30 MBTs to the size of a reinforced platoon. Further to the south the remnants of the 79th GTD doesn´t seem too eager to come out and play either, contending themselves with glowering at the NATO positions across the valley. The 27th GMRD sends forth a probe in company strenght, but a W. German battalion size counterattack by the 36. Panzer Brigade, supported by the weight of the divisional artillery, stops them with 50% losses.




At Pfarrweisach, the T64 battalion stopped last turn breaks contact and slinks back to the north. More units, likely also from the 27th GMRD appears, appears to the NW. At Coburg and Kronach the 6th GTD seems surprisingly inactive, seemingly content with watching the US covering forces break contact and withdraw to the W and S. The suspected E-German Motorrifle Division attacking on this axis is spotted this turn as well. The V-hex at Coburg is unoccupied, yet strangely still controlled by NATO....




The covering forces falling back from Hof have no problem disengaging either, and rally around Münchberg. Their East-German pursuers doesn´t seem very eager here either.




I got in several good licks this turn, and thus the difference in kill score grows in my favor. The grinding down of enemy armor and artillery was especially welcome. The problem is my opponents approach to this game. He doesn´t seem to be very eager to attack, and seems satisfied with pushing slowly forward across a broad front, only sending small probes forward, typically in company to regimental(-) strength. This is both good and bad. Good because it allows my covering forces to hold on longer in most places, and gives me more time to prepare my main battle positions. It is however bad in the sense that the constant probing across a broad front forces me to be present everywhere, and to send my scarce reserves scurrying back and forth, parrying each thrust. I fear that once he finds a vulnerability, he will pursue it mercilessly. The only way to counter this is to build up large operational reserves, but the REFORGER units needed for this purpose are still several hours, if not days, distant.

[JDR Dragoon]

Players notes and considerations.

This turn is midday (12 to 14 pm), Visibility is still 3 hexes (4,5 km).


No Spetsnaz caught this turn, but the slippery buggers continue to delay and harass reinforcements moving across the Rhine towards the front.

In front of Göttingen the Polish 10. Arm. Div. seems content to sit tight and gather strength, so I decide to shake them up a bit. First the Korps Attack Helicopter Battalions strike at a deployed battery of ATGM vehicles on BRDM chassis south of Göttingen, which is then followed up by a flight of Alpha Jets loaded with AP Clusterbombs. The offending unit (likely part of some army-level ATGM unit, since it seemed to be screening the terrain between the 10. Arm. And 2. Mech Div) is no more. I hope that can shake him a bit. The bad thing is, that one of the Alpha Jets got creamed by a SAM as it screamed down the Leine valley towards its target. Oh well, tough break. At least the ATGM unit got totally destroyed.




After molesting the Polish artillery last turn, the 2. Kom./PzAuklBtn 2 decides to head north parallel to the Leine River, in order to make sure that no sneaky polish engineers try to erect crossings further downstream from Göttingen. South of Göttingen the 2. Mech Div. follows the retreating NATO covering force only slowly, allowing the W-Germans ample time to get away. The 2. Mech unit trying to advance north along the western side of the Weser river, that got creamed by artillery last turn, also decides that it is perhaps wise not to press the issue. I give them some more artillery just to keep that thought foremost in their mind :cool:




South of Witzenhausen the Poles doesn´t seem eager to hunt the covering force too much either and follows only fitfully here as well, allowing me to fire even more artillery at them. Parts of the 57th GMRD do follow the withdrawing W-German 5. PzAufklBtn along the boundary between the US V Corps and GE III Korps, directing airstrikes that cause heavy losses to the W-German Recon units, but losing an SU-17 to a US CHAPARELL SAM as well.




In the US V Corps sector only the 57th GMRD seems to be determined to push forwards, while the 20th GMRD seems content to sit tight, gathering its strenght and bombarding with artillery. They force the US covering force a few clicks more back towards the Fulda river, where several engineer bridges have been erected to facilitate their withdrawal. Counter-battery fire against identified gun positions prove effective this turn as well. Although the assigned Air-Recon missions prove unable to find the exact positions of the located enemy artillery, they do provide useful information on other enemy dispositions.




South of Fulda the 39th GMRD relapse into inactivity, either unable or unwilling to press forward against the US covering force. The units threatened last turn thus slips away. I am somewhat worried by the presence of the unidentified Airmobile Infantry Unit though, since this might mean that he is up to something sneaky-beaky. Time will tell....




In the VII Corps sector, the savaged T64 battalion withdraws quickly to avoid annihilation. That is one problem averted. The persistent threat of infiltration from the woods north of Mellrichstadt is also averted somewhat when heavy concentrations of W-German and US artillery brings the lead BMP company to a halt with heavy losses. This area also sees WAPAs first attempt at quelling my artillery by counterbattery fire, but all they manage to do against my well entrenched rocket launchers is to rubble the nearby city of Bad Neustadt. The rest of the 79th GTD seems satisfied hanging back from direct observation. Perhaps the unit is about to be relieved?




Between Bad Neustadt and Pfarrweisach, things are heating up. The BTR equipped company that I smashed with artillery last turn still lingers around and it gets the ”Treatment” again, followed up by a napalm and clusterbomb strike by A-10s. The net result is that the company is wiped out. More results like that please!




Further to the south, the remnants of 27th GMRD, heavily supported by airstrikes, skirts westward through the woods, taking care to avoid the heavy US presence near Pfarrweisach. They crash into the West German covering forces holding the line to the north of the Americans, causing heavy losses. Supported by artillery and A-10s, the West German 342. Panzergrenadier Battalion from the 34. Panzer Brigade which constitutes the covering force here disengages. The problem is, that a breakthrough here, on the juncture between GE 12. Panzer and US 3rd Infantry would threaten both the integrity of the VII Corps (by capturing Schweinfurt), which have very few reserves, and risk the units deployed east of Bamberg being cut off and destroyed in case the 27th GMRD chooses to swing south. Local reserves are quickly sent to the area: Attack Helicopters from 3rd Infantry Division, a Tank Battalion from the 1st Brigade/3rd Inf, plus 4 battalions of Leopard 1 tanks from the 34. and 36. Panzer Brigades/12. Panzer Div. This should suffice, but still doesn´t remove the problem of me playing a shell game with reserves shuffling back and forth. If more than one crisis develops in the VII Corps sector before the REFORGER units arrive, I might very well be done for.




At Coburg the V-hex still hasn´t changed color, and the retreat continues flawlessly. The only traces we have of the enemy is a cloud of dust on the horizon, corroborated by SIGINT. Further to the south, 2nd Squadron/2 ACR completes its withdrawal behind the Main river, blowing the bridge behind them.




SE of Kulmbach, the 1st Squadron/2 ACR and the 2nd Brigade/3rd Inf pulls back another 10 kilometers. The flanks have been secured by blowing the bridges across the ”White” Main at Kulmbach, but the units are still in danger of being cut off if they do not withdraw behind the ”Red” Main before dark. The crossing site over the "Red" Main south of Kulmbach is secured by a West German company from Jägerbattalion 761. As at Coburg, the Americans have no problem losing their slowly advancing East-German pursuers.




SIGINT shows the now familiar agglomeration of E-German HQs N of Hof, and a possible Army or Front HQ moving towards either Meiningen or Coburg. All my Recon-missions have been expended on targets nearer the frontline, and in any case, the airplanes available to me now are not suitable for going on deep strikes against such targets. I will just have to wait untill more suitable strike-aircrafts become available.







The score doesn´t advance much in my favor this turn, primarily due to the loss of a strike aircraft, but the destruction of two enemy companies was very welcome to me. The operational problems I am contending with remains the same though: If I do not advance my lead in scoring, I will stop his first attack echelon, but my units will be so ground down in strength that I cannot hope to stop the next. In addition the problem in the VII Corps sector is aggravated further, thus necessitating me giving ground up quicker than I would have liked to, in order to avoid units being cut off.