SS Totenkopf - "Fire Brigade" (M44 Campaign)

[von Nev]

Turn 13 - Massive Tank Battle Erupted

In a single turn the whole front erupted. Two very dangerous attacks are occuring on the flanks of Totenkopf.

To the north the 337th Infantry Division's right flanks is starting to dissolve under the massive pressure of the Russian horde. The head of the Russian attack includes tanks like the massive JSU-122 and the SU-85. These units proved more than a match for the Jagdpanzers of Totenkopf. They quickly lost 2/3rd's of their panzers in the shootout. Even though Totenkopf's Tigers are reinforcing I decided to rush north the SS Panther battalion. The reason is that just off the map to the north it is open tank country. If the Russians break through the lines of the 337th infantry it is clear shot to the Dnepr and I could lose several corps. I have to blunt the Russian tank attacks.

In the center Totenkopf's Pz-IV battalion also has its hands full as it had two massive Soviet tanks to deal with including a JSU-152 unit and a JSU-122 unit! In the ensuing fight I disrupted the JSU-122 unit but lost 10% of my panzers in the process. I rushed a company of FFH's Pz-IV's to reinforce Totenkopf's center with AT support.

Down south FHH's has arrived in force and just in the nick of time. The 12th Infantry was also starting to flounder.

Overall, this turn I finally start to realize what I am up against and I am concerned. The Russian forces are massive and the German infantry divisions are no match for a combined arms Russian assault. I am already starting to plan my retreat to the Dnepr. I have to save as many infantry units as possible in order to have a credible defense fixed on the Dnepr river.