MAIN EVENT VII! Ratzki vs Joonny....

[Der Kuenstler]

First a shot of Ratzki's central force in distress - we can see the German AFVs to the North are targeting the poor Russian troops who are trying to get through the rough ground to the seatown. It is having quite an effect - one of the bursting shells even managed to kill the commander of Ratzki's lead T34/85 hiding begind the ridge.



Joonny's central infantry force has reached the safety of the woods and will likely make it to the flags intact, especially with the German AFVs peppering the Russians and delaying their advance. This entire force is tired, though, and unless stopped for a break they will fight less effectively.



In this overhead shot we can see where Joonny's infantry is compared to Ratzki's. Even though Joonny had his men running, he tired most of them out doing so, with the result that they are only slightly closer to the flags than the Russians. But the Russians will still be late due to all the woods they have to get through vs. the Germans' clearer ground.



Joonny's central armour forced has already entered West side of the seatown and his Panther has found a target -one of Ratzki's struggling infantry squads on the hill.



Meanwhile, here's the end of the conscript ISU-152's story. This prompts the normally quiet Joonny to crow: "I think that makes first blood to me : )"



I heard a total of seven shells slam into the hapless vehicle, not counting the numerous ricochets and ground bursts. Needless to say, the poor schmucks never got to fire a shot. Only one battered crewmember was able to crawl away. Reminds me of a certain gruesome scene from the end of the movie "Bonnie and Clyde."