MAIN EVENT VII! Ratzki vs Joonny....

[Der Kuenstler]

The first shots are fired here by the Southern flag at the church. One of Ratzki's lead squads emerges from the woods in time to pin down a squad of Joonny's that was crossing the graveyard. Joonny's overwatch vehicles can be seen above the cliffs - they have no LOS to what is going on below.



But from Joonny's side it looks a little different. He already has a SMG squad in the church. Another two squads and the platoon HQ are poised to enter....only the trailing squad was pinned down.



On the North side, Joonny's Germans are entering the buildings on and around the flags there. But he is really pushing his men - all of them are tired. Ratzki's men can be seen approaching on the far side. Ratzki has been dropping his 82mm mortar smoke to help get them closer.



Now a few words sent in from Ratzki:

"Needless to say that I am not impressed with how this battle is shaping up. Ok,enough whining. I have decided to move a platoon of T-34's around to my other axis of attack on my right side. I seem to be able to make some headway here for the moment. I thought that I should spread my tanks out a bit in case the smoke/dash plan does
not go to plan. So far Jonny has not been much on the move except with some straggling infantry. This is a good thing cuz he could move way up and guard the lead edge of the town and I would be in huge trouble. I am banking now that he sits on the flags and holds his tanks in a very defensive position deep in the town. This should help me get a foothold. I am just afraid that my FO will not be able to position the smoke where i want it. Every now and then, for some unknown reason, I can not get the arty to work for me. Just hoping this is not the case this time around. another turn or two and operation smoke/dash will be under way."

In other news, Ratzki's T34/85 came unbogged and is now following the others around the Northwest treeline.