SS Totenkopf - "Fire Brigade" (M44 Campaign)

[von Nev]

Fast forward to turn 21.

Despite overwelming Russian infantry and some tanks, Totenkopf has not budged from its very strong defensive positions just west of the Pronya river. They have inflicted significant casualties on whatever Russian infantry that charges the dug-in PzGrenadier battalions. The Russians casualties have been so great that the Russians are keeping a safe distance away. Instead they are probably bringing up artillery to blast Totenkopf out. The relative calm that is over the battlefield has allowed nearly all of the 337th Infantry Division to be pulled out of the lines for rest and refit over the Dnepr River that is farther to the west.



Totenkopf's defensive positions will not be there forever as the 110th Infantry Division that is holding their left flank is in full retreat. The Russian pincer attack from both the south and the north pocketed and destroyed about 30% of the division. The rest of the division, with the assistance of Totenkopf's Tiger company, rapidly withdrew west and was able to prevent a breakthrough but at a very high cost. Luckily for the Germans there are numerous forests and swamps that channel the Russian armor attack. Within this channel are the majority of the available panzer assets (Totenkopf's Tiger's and three Stug Batteries). I can only hope that they can sting the Russian armor enough that they stay off the heels of my retreating infantry.



Finally, after 2 days of heavy combat, Totenkopf is bloodied but still in relatively good shape. They have 82% of their infantry, 98% of their guns and 77% of their armor. They will need every ounce of their strength although over the next two days trying to protect the retreating German infantry.