Speedy vs Mogmark (no Mogmark)

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

After playing the Axis for a few months I figured I'd go back to playing the good ol Soviets!

We're playing the Alt VC GC with Random Weather.

Here's AGN theatre pre SU moves:

[Speedysteve]

AGC:

[Speedysteve]

AGS:

[Speedysteve]

AGN:

Usual fare up north. Not enoguh to screen so I retreat to the Velikaya Line with a few NKVD's out to the front (It's a test of their 'Political mettle') [;)]

All of the pockets were un-breakable.

[Speedysteve]

AGC:

The Pockets were also un-breakable.

I don't like all of this Sir Robin stuff so I'm forming the first defensve barrier along the Dnepr with units out front in Checkerboard to delay as much as possible.

[Speedysteve]

AGS:

This pocket was breakable and didn't require any attacks on the Axis to do so.

I also launched a couple of successful attacks on Sec Rgt's in the north of the Pocket. My units will die so may as well take some Nazi's with them.

Checkerboard out front and defences being formed on the Dnepr.

This is also a test to see how Mogmark plays and to get a gauge for how aggressive he is etc.

[Speedysteve]

Losses:

[Speedysteve]

OOB.

Some other tidbits on my strategy. I plan to evacuate as much as I can (except the useless Facs - BA-10's etc). I'll even move the HI IF and WHEN I have spare rail capacity after troop movements.

VVS - I don't like all this hiding business. Obv there''ll be no spending of AP's on upgrading planes until well later on but they'll be in the field as a fighter and interdiction force.

[Speedysteve]

Start of Turn 2 Pre SU moves.

AGN - Pockets mainly eradicated and the Velikaya is easily crossed over 20 miles:

[Speedysteve]

AGC - good moves by Mogmark as he herds many units into a near pocket. A 10 mile life line corridor exists:

[Speedysteve]

AGS - The Axis comfortably reach the Rumanian Border but fail to re-close the pocket due to stubborn resistance by 228th Rifle Division fighting off 4 Panzer attacks!

[Speedysteve]

T2 AGN post SU moves:

It seems a further PzC has been added from AGC. Not good for LG. We'll fight for it though!

The Velikaya is abandoned and my forces wheel to the NE to delay the Axis whilst fresh units are railed upto the Luga from Western Front area.

[Speedysteve]

AGC - Some of the units escaped from the near pocket (temporarily at least) and LVII PzC was cut-off to the north. A host of forces are rushed forwards to the Dnepr and some begin digging further back still:

[Speedysteve]

AGS - 11th Panzer Div. is cut off and a few attacks with the near pocket are successful against Axis units. 1 attack against 13th Panzer Div. on the east of the Pokcet was disasterous though costing 16 tanks and 2300 men.

[Speedysteve]

AGS Overview:

[Speedysteve]

Losses:

[Speedysteve]

OOB:

[Speedysteve]

I also meant to say that any unit west of the Dnepr is not on refit. Conversely any unit in the defensive line along the Dnepr/Luga is. This method will continue so that forces at the front will be on ready/reserve status whilst those in the rear refit. This will continue until at least the Winter and/or vital areas are reached and there's few defensive lines to the rear!

[Speedysteve]

Start of SU T3.

Mud in South Soviet Zone.

Pskov:

Some local Axis attacks expand the bridgehead over the Velikaya. I'm assuming Mogmark is waiting for Infantry to close up and for a little more fuel. I expect a bigger push next week. Will he go for LG direct or the right hook?

[Speedysteve]

Smolensk:

The small pocket started the previous week was reformed as Mogmark is logically waiting for Infantry to close up and more fuel to reach the front.