DAR - The Cauldron Of Fire

[Cole]

Turns 18 - 20 night through late morning.

After a lull during the night the Germans have forced all Russian defenders from the ridge line. Most of the Russian tanks and some infantry have made it to the relative safety of a small river valley. In the east the Germans have pushed forward and as of early morning have started their assault on Hill 253.5.

During Turn 19 I retreated from a bunker overlooking the west side of the hill due to deadly direct HE fire from various German tanks. My defenders were surprised that German troops were able to rush in and take the bunker. Fortunately in all my years of playing CS I was able to witness what has been my most successful op fire. My infantry that was stationed out of LOS next to the bunker complex were supposed to move back in once the Germans got close. This infantry's op fire disrupted all the German units and even took one SP.

Here's the situation that threatens my defenses on the hill and offers the Germans excellent LOS over much of Ponyri's defenses:



Fortunately my troops were able to surround the bunker complex and overrun the tired defenders. My T-34 platoon got a little ambitious and tried to kill an Elefant only to watch one of their own tanks exploded when engaged by close range op fire.

In the center Sasha Lenartovich was monitoring his radio and was relieved to hear many reports of the Germans moving troops east and not advancing on the Russian positions in the river valley. The Germans left a few Ferdinands to provide covering fire over the plains and have stationed many troops on top of the ridge to cover the ground below. Sasha's relief didn't last so long as his platoon was ordered to be the first to expose themselves to any German op fire and engage the troops on the ridge. Not wanting to ask his comrades to take a risk he wouldn't Sasha's tank was the first to climb back up and almost immediately his vision was obscured by smoke and dirt flying everywhere. His platoon was being engaged by Ferdinands a few kilometers away to the east. Amazingly all of his tanks were unscathed and they managed to kill 1 MG SP and disrupt the position. Instead of being allowed to retire Sasha was ordered to stand his ground in order to offer the chance of absorbing op fire as other Russians tanks took their turn in moving into firing positions. Next up was a platoon of KV heavy tanks. Sasha's quick selfish prayer was answered and the German gunners ignored his platoon of T-34's and started concentrating on the KVs. A few KV's were hit but the heavy armor deflected the shells fired from such a long range.

The situation below shows the two platoons of T-34's and KV tanks after they have finished firing. They both were able to retreat back to safety without any loss and cleared the way for the rest of the tanks to engage the enemy. The others were even able to take out a StuG III that was positioned just off this screen shot. The German MG positions suffered a few losses but the brave infantry held on and did not retreat.