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

[Strela]

End of German Turn 17; January 24 0600 - 0800 Visibility 2 KM (Dawn)

With the coming of dawn, visibility improves to two hexes. As both sides stir, losses are light; 120 Soviets vs. 45 Germans as well as a pair of guns destroyed. Soviet losses are predominantly in the south.



The cessation of operations over night has really improved the supply situation. All HQ's continue in supply while the number of artillery pieces unavailable is now only five. Most are in the 208th Infanterie sector - the most active Division overnight.



339th Infanterie is on the move. The blunting of the 323rd Rifle Divisions assaults over the last two days is allowing a probe up the highway towards Verk' Syaglova. Two Landser Battalions have been tasked to push north and not surprisingly the first objective is defended. Rear area AT guns are moved forward to cover other sectors, the risk of the Soviets attempting a flank march is considered minimal.



208th Infanterie continues to push its cordon south. The 322nd has moved each turn during the night to avoid encirclement and the mass of disrupted battalions is proof of their exhausted state. Pionier Battalion 208 begins a forced march to the south to try and determine the Soviets flank and see if it can use the road to out run the retreating Russians. To the east, the mounted recon company scouts Proloskoye, but finds it heavily defended.



The situation around Sukhinichi has improved from a supply perspective but is deteriorating on the ground. Soviet pressure on the valley road south of the town, disrupts the defending infantry. They are weakening quickly and their morale state is now dire. Continued Soviet attacks from the north have also been rebuffed, but the defenders are also over 100 fatigue and in danger of being pushed back. With both flanks under pressure the ability to hold the town is starting to look questionable. Recon elements from 208 Infanterie find their way north blocked by a cavalry squadron - a formation probably too strong for them to take on by themselves. It is apparent more cavalry squadrons are recovering and they could cause real mischief during the day.




The sun is up and as expected all Soviet efforts will be centred on Sukhinichi, while ensuring they don't lose any more victory locations. The last day of battle is underway.