Moscow '42 AAR: Sukhinichi II : We Will Rescue You

[Dog Soldier]

Sukhinichi II is one of my favorite scenarios from out play testing too as David mentioned. The number of ways to approach this scenario from either side makes it very high on the replay ability. Both sides have opportunities and handicaps.

Our other games were exciting right down to the end. This one should be no different. Well a little different. David knows I like to try and surprise him. I already know he can surprise me.

Russian Strategy
It is the Russian intention in this scenario to avoid severe losses by being surrounded by the more mobile Germans while stinging any German units that over reach. Preventing the garrison at Sukhinichi from engaging my forces besieging them on favorable terms to the Axis is the other Russian goal.

The under strength 18th PD is on its way to relieve the Sukhinichi garrison which has been besieged by the Russians. The Russian forces in the area have no armor to counter the German panzers. The good news is that the panzers are very small in numbers and vulnerable if they engage in close combat with the Russians. The panzer grenadiers are strong. However they are worn down already from other fighting when the scenario opens.

The German foot infantry is very dangerous. The Russians will be attempting to avoid meeting these larger German battalions head on.

There are three strategic options open on the first turn to the Russian player. All are concerned with the entry of the Russian trump card, the 83rd cavalry division. The Russian player can bring them on in the north where they can attempt to slip in behind the German 18th panzer division as that unit moves to relieve Sukhinichi. Or they can enter in the south to harass the German attacking Vertnore. The southern option could be used to get the cavalry into the center of the German starting positions perimeter to attack the German corps artillery or take and hold some of the central objectives.

I intend to bring on the cavalry in the center option. This places them on the main highway into Sukhinichi from the east. I want to move them SE of the town to support the 1105 rifle regiment of the 328th rifle division. These units are blocking the main road into Sukhinichi from the 18th panzer. They are in danger though of ending up POWs being caught between the panzers and the Sukhinichi garrison.

As a benefit, if the 18th panzer attacks straight up the road, the 83rd cavalry can take them in the flank. If the 18th panzer moves to east the cavalry can block them. The best opportunity will if the 18th panzer moves to hit the Russians west of Sukhinichi. The panzer grenadiers then lose their superior mobility and become foot infantry away from the road net in the deep snow. The cavalry would then have the advantage to take the 18th panzer in the rear. I might even be able to roll up the road and secure both of the VP locations at the villages in hexes (40,11) and (37,10). Even if I do not destroy the 18th panzer, I can take them effectively out of the game by controlling the road and these two villages. I might get to bag a few German POWs of my own in the process.

Dog Soldier

The screen shot below was taken well after the start of the game from starting another blt file to show the relative positions of each side. It illustrates the movement I plan for the Russian 83rd Cavalry. From the end point, I will just have to see how the situation develops.