OKH Plan 1942 - Alpha AAR

[janh]

You'll soon have three armies to spare for reserve duty, and to bolster your offensives in the Rostov and Leningrad AOPs. This is going to be a very interesting winter, and much more interesting summer 1943.

[wiking62]

Glad to see you are back in the saddle with your AAR Jon. Hope your back improves soon.

[SGHunt]

...and a second pocket forming to the NE of Moscow!   Looks like you have done enough damage to win the game from here?   (Especially as the threats to the North and South have been contained.)

I'm surprised how little there is that's in a position to support Moscow, especially in terms of armour, compared to what's in front of Kleist.  Surely the programme sees Moscow as the highest priority for a relief operation?   Or are we still waiting for the victory conditions to be built that would drive such an imperative for the AI?

[PyleDriver]

(BAR) The threat near Leningrad opened up as the Soviets put a big hurt on 18th Army...

[PyleDriver]

(DAR) Armin's PzC (2 PzD's, 1 MzD and a MzB) pulled from the line and was ordered north to help stem the tide...

[PyleDriver]

(AAR) The Moscow pocket became smaller as the attack continues. Hoth pressed more units across the Klyazma River...Kleist rested his PzA this week...

[SGHunt]

Armin has proved to be quite the fire brigade.   

And so, it will be Christmas in the Kremlin after all... is 'the Boss' still there do you think?

Well played, Jon

[janh]

Beautiful execution. Wouldn't it be time to conclude offensive moves for the winter in the eastern part of Moscow and reorient major parts of the mobile forces to the south? I would suggest to place near Voronesh in readiness by spring, and repeat the "Kleist maneuver" up the flank with just a little more maneuvering depth, say aiming for the rail lines that connect Gorky to the Rostov/Stalingrad. That way you may break open the Rostov front, and may even get a chance to deploy some of your force towards Stalingrad if the Russian Southern Front crumbles. You should keep this AAR alive well into 1943, it is really exciting.

[The SNAFU]

Moscow has been hopelessly surrounded and the front pushed well East. Unless I missed something the question of where the Soviet armored reserves are has not been answered. Does the armor exist? If not what happened to it and if it does exist, same question, what happened to it?

[SNorth]

Personally, I regard Leningrad as a major thorn in Pyledriver's side. That would be my next target.

[kevini1000]

I agree here completely. When Moscow falls wouldn't Leningrad be the next target. Secure that front then move on to another area. Or do them similtanously with Leningrad being the main empasis.

Sath/Kevin

[Neal_MLC]

I think it is unanimous, Leningrad is next.  However I think moving into a defensive would be a mistake. I think PD should keep the pressure so the Soviets cannot build up any kind of reserve.  Go for the throat

[janh]

Leningrad should be taken out next, maybe still in winter if possible. But Leningrad is also quite bad terrain for mechanized and mobile forces. I fear you'd waste the edge those troops have when sending more than just a few up there, and even those might earn greater laurels in the open steppes beyond the Kursk/Charkow/Voronesh plains.

[SNorth]

Your argument has merit, jahn. Perhaps it would be easier to cut the rail supply further east of Leningrad, and gradually close an immense pocket around the city? I don't know if the front north of Moscow could be properly called a bulge---To me it is an immense jutting cliff!

[ComradeP]

There's little to no reason to send any concentration of Panzer or Motorised forces North after Moscow is captured, the terrain is much better further to the South. The Finns and German infantry should be able to handle the situation in the North after Leningrad is captured (the Soviet winter offensive in the area seems to be hurting the German forces, so I'd say the Leningrad are isn't likely to be secure until spring, because additional forces and siege guns will need to be moved up there).

[PyleDriver]

(BAR) Leningrad front...Alot of talk is being said about attacking the city, I'm wondering how to stop their offence...

[PyleDriver]

Heres the current OOB...Theres still alot of Soviet forces and growing...

[PyleDriver]

Heres the German production now, and 20% goes west, and in 1943 30% will.

[PyleDriver]

I snuck to the Soviet production to show you what there up agianst, this doesn't include Lend Lease...

[PyleDriver]

(DAR) Voronezh Front...At least 4 Tank corps were spotted in a weak area. LVI PzC moved south, and will attach to 3rd PzA as Reinhardt moves his PzC and another corps there...This area is a must to protect...Guess you guys are seeing now where there Tank corps are poping up. On another note theres alot more armor in smaller support units in HQ's...