Flashing Sword of Retribution

[Ivan]

I sense a decisive battle is developing, Das Reich has decided to remain east of Volchansk and north of the main highway. Any attack towards Belgorod or Volchansk cannot proceed while they are sitting there. They have had plenty of opportunity to leave after their victory over two of my rifle divisions, but are unwilling, whether because of stubbornness or because they believe it is the right thing to do (time will tell). Some of my tank battallions have encountered an Hungarian Recon unit, whether this will be followed by more units or is just a bluff I don't know. They were accompanied by vehicles from the GD division. This was east of a tank screen designed to halt the progress of the Das Reich to the west. Unless Das Reich break through this screen they will be looking at fleeing over a river and stream to the north into thick forest, this will be difficult for their heavy armoured vehicles if not impossible in places.

A general point. My initial thoughts about better mobility were incorrect. After some initial success against weak infantry units the Germans have proved to be more mobile with many fully mechanized formations. A lot of my rifle divisions are on foot and progress is often painfully slow. Because of the large map it is difficult to rearrange things when certain groupings find themselves in trouble.

Russian artillery is very effective but slow to set up. I have learned, the hard way, that relatively small groupings of rifle divisions are prone to getting easily cut off and battered if not wiped out. The quality of many of the Russian units is very poor and in combination with a difficult supply situation this compounds their vulnerability. I am beginning to think that any Russian offenisve operation really needs good planning and a relatively large formation. This is not to say there is not a role of smaller groups. On such a large map there must be opportunities for smaller groups to go undetected. The Germans have a rail capacity that the Russians lack, and if I can damage some of this behind the enemy lines it will be to my advantage.

The south has gone quiet, I have no idea what they Germans are planning with the panzer divisions I encountered on my southern flank but I have a feeling I will find out.

All for now.