Dog Fight - Ostkreig Tournament Round 2

[Ricky B]

Soviet turn 4:

My forces had a good turn with HQ command, with only 1 HQ failing its command check, and over half my disrupted units rallying, a surprising number for the Soviet army in 1942.



It appears that the Germans have evacuated the 25 pt objective being approached by my western group, without a fight. I also believe their line is stretched in that area as the 11th Panzer Div is still tied up in its attack on the central bridgehead, so I will push hard in the west to try and force a breakthrough this turn. I have 3 strong T34 units located just southwest of the objective, in perfect position to force a hole and exploit it, including the 2 shown above.

In the center, my bridgehead is in trouble with the Germans having the potential to cut off part of my retreating forces, so protecting their retreat is my main job there. Meanwhile the cavalry will keep wearing down the eastern German forces.

The attack in the west goes well, with a Luftwaffe StuG unit, a single kilometer and an AT gun with no ZOC blocking my way, as I find out when I advance. I am able to destroy the StuG unit and open a hole into the German rear, into which 2 T34 units penetrate, as shown below. This will force the Germans to break off their attack on the center bridgehead or at least pull out significant forces to move west against my breakthrough.



Next turn I will have to decide what to do with my tanks that penetrated into the rear. There is an exit hex to reach, or I can send the units to help the central bridgehead or the cavalry.

This was a good turn for the Soviets. This early breakout in the west, due to a lack of depth for the Germans and the need to hold the line with AT guns in the area I strike, is important as it will relieve pressure on the other forces.