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

[Strela]

End of German Turn 19; January 24 1000 - 1200 Visibility 5 KM (Day)

Casualties for both sides jump with 340 Soviets and 160 Germans killed. The increased losses are reflective of the increasingly urgent tempo of operations. The victory points are little changed with the score only improving by one point and still squarely in the draw range. Visibility increases to the maximum of 5 km and both sides are well aware of their opponent's positions.



The supply situation improves but the 216th & 339th divisional HQ's remain out of command. 7 artillery pieces are unavailable, the same as last turn. Artillery is key to offset the lack of German strength, particularly in the north.



339th Infanterie presses north along the highway and successfully assaults out the 10 victory point location on the edge of the woods. The Germans are confident that they can continue north as they inflict particularly heavy casualties on their opposing units. The II Battalion of 692 Regiment advances to counter the Soviet Regiment that is threatening the German centre.



In the south the 208th Infanterie has stopped the Rifle battalion that was trying to flank their position. On the other flank, supply issues have made it difficult to push towards Proloskoye. The German cavalry is forced to bide its time while awaiting the supporting infantry. In the far south the Soviets continue to lose men whenever the Germans can engage them.



Around Sukhinichi both sides have aggressively responded to maximise their opportunities. There are 6 distinct areas that both sides are heavily engaged in. In the first, the Soviets have advanced almost a regiment of infantry to attack the northernmost victory location. The Germans have over 450 defenders and should hold. In the second engagement, the Russians continue to push north. The Axis stack the hex with whatever forces are available and are unlucky when the bicycle company disrupts. Fortunately the battered III Battalion rallies up and with the support of the Panzer Grenadiers, should be enough to prevail. In the third battle, the Germans manage to hold the critical flanking position that should limit the Soviets ability to push north. The opposing Rifle Battalion is shot up and disrupted.



In the fourth engagement, the Schutzen and armoured cars assault forward and push the Soviet cavalry squadron back. This opens up the flank of the Cavalry Regiment (engagement 5) that had advanced to the road intersection. The Germans push their few remaining tanks both north and south of the advancing cavalry with the aim of isolating them at least temporarily. In the southernmost engagement (number 6) the recon units from 208th Infanterie try to invest the victory location and potentially threaten its communication lines. This is very much grabbing the tiger by the tail as the strength of the opposition cavalry squadron is unknown. Though a gamble, the lack of Russian supporting units may create an opportunity for the Germans next turn unless the Soviet light tanks can be supported by stronger units.



With sheer desperation both sides have become fully engaged at Sukhinichi. The mix of units and their battered states means that a decision will become apparent before the end of the day.