DAR - The Cauldron Of Fire

[Cole]

Turn 24 Night
Apologize for any that are following this DAR for the time lag between posts. Lately both Larry and I have been busy at work and at home and play our turns when we can. I've been reducing other CS commitments so should be able to get this DAR back to the normal posting rate.

Today I've only played on one sector of my front.

Here's a screen shot of the Russian counter attack towards Shirokoe Bilota. We've intercepted German radio traffic from this sector expressing concern to higher headquarters over the unexpected amount of Russian armor coming over the hill at them. The surprise goes both ways as there's more infantry and assault guns on the scene than I expected.



Two T-34 platoons have started to withdraw down the south slope in the face of heavy German AT and assault gun fire. On the east side of the screen shot the German commander has boldly moved 4 AT gun teams forward. These light guns have accounted for two destroyed T-34's and caused a couple to retreat. The AT guns were accompanied by a screen of German MG platoons.

The Russians are determined to take revenge on the German gunners. It takes about 3 tank platoons to disrupt a MG platoon stationed forward of the gun positions.



Yet again Sasha Lenartovich and his company are ordered forward. Sasha's platoon assaults the disrupted German MG gunners and cause them to retreat to the safety of the AT guns. Another MG platoon stands between Sasha's two T-34's and the exposed German gunners rapidly trying to reload.
Sasha gives the order to engage the MG platoon but as soon as the T-34's fire they are taken under fire by 76mm AT guns stationed on the north slope. The heavy fire causes Sasha to give the order to retreat before his tanks are destroyed. His platoon is highlighted in the screen shot above. A close by platoon of Heavy KV-1 tanks are ordered forward next but before they can engage the MG platoon they are bought under fire from another 76mm AT gun position and they also quickly retreat before they suffer casualties.

Next a SU-76 is ordered to ignore the German infantry directly in front and engage the MG platoon. They disrupt it. It is now possible to overrun the guns. Sasha's 3rd platoon and a T-70 platoon are recalled from the north slope and move to overrun but the T-34 is forced back by yet more AT gun fire!! The T-70 platoon commander knows he might not be able to do the job with his platoon of three light tanks. Unfortunately the only other Russian armor close enough to assault and also able to withdraw in time from the vulnerable ridge hex-side is another T-70 platoon. The T-70s race up the north slope and join their sister platoon. Amazingly they are not engaged by any German guns.

The Russian commander selects close assault and rolls the dice.......




This engagement is only an afterthought in Divisional Headquarters. The Germans have taken the 500VP victory hex at the State Farm. Next post will detail the fight there.