DAR - The Cauldron Of Fire

[Cole]

Turn 5 late afternoon
Major Ivshkov's radioman reports that he's lost contact with the isolated platoon to their NW. Before he can reply surviving members of the ATR platoon rush back into the relative safety of the bunkers. The survivors could only escape the murderous HE fire from the assault guns because a timely Russian artillery barrage disabled one of the enemy tanks. While the artillery may have scored a minor victory German panzers move forward from all directions, most ominously two platoons of PZ IV's equipped with the new side armor move to cut off the only avenue of retreat south. Russian machine gunners attempt to disrupt advancing German engineers before they can move to assault the bunker but in the smoke and confusion their fire is ineffective.


Besides his last stand at the AT strong point most of Ivshkov's 1st Battalion is dead or fleeing south as fast as possible. Both ridge lines to the west and east are controlled by the Germans and any Russians left on the hill tops are hiding.

Things fare little better in the 884th's sector. Compared with Major Ivshkov's bravery Major Yakovich has departed the AT strong point in the village of Semonovka and has fled south (lost cause so I'm moving him out to deny the enemy VP's). He knows he's expected to die with his troops but he cannot face the terror anymore.

Fortunately for the Russians Yakovich's own troops defending Buzulik are living up to Russian soldier's reputation on being stubborn in defense. The survivors of two different companies have been holding their lines in the face of heavy German artillery fire and the best efforts of about two battalions worth of infantry well supported by machine guns. The Russian units are constantly being disrupted and are suffering losses each turn but they have been repelling repeated close assaults. In frustration the German commander has now ordered his Elefant tanks in for close fire support. The soldier's sacrifice makes it possible for Russian artillery to extract a measure of revenge.



Turn 6 - evening / night

Resistance in Semenovka has ended. To the west Major Ivshkov and his brave defenders have been overrun. The Germans have poured over all the ridge lines behind the front Russian line and now are quickly moving forward throughout the night in order to be able to assault the 2nd Russian line at dawn.

The brave defenders of Buzulik still fight on against long odds. During the night two platoons on the eastern side will be overrun but there are still three platoons fighting off assaults on their trenches and calling in more artillery. Corps HQ is pleased that they are receiving reports that more Elefants are being committed to the battle. Each tank fighting in Buzulik is one less tank available tomorrow for the renewed assault.