https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rui6iHC9Rms
Urrah!
Urrah!
Tuesday 28 August 2018
Sunday 26 August 2018
Battle of Kholm
Thursday night brought the face-off between the beleagured forces of the Wermacht and the attacking forces of Soviet forces as Hitler's 'Stand and Fight' order takes effect.
A rag-tag collection of German forces have gathered in the village of Kholm which straddles a main road - making it a strategic target for both sides. The road has been cut by Russian forces - cutting Kholm off from its main supply route. The Germans have just 2 units of supply available (out of supply means they fight less effectively) which means they can only shoot at full effectiveness twice. They would have to rely on airdrops to keep supplies coming.
Ian and Jon took the Germans, Russ, Mark and Frank took the Russians.
The Germans dug in both inside and outside the village - including the vehicle redoubt..a circle of damaged and broken vehicles.
Weather was rolled for - and the next hour would see Misty weather. No Russian air attacks but no German supply drops either. Visibility would also be reduced on the ground.
The Russians moved on - our winter rules mean each battalion rolls for variable movement and this kicked in straight away. Some units crawled on while others sprang forward, which could affect the concept of coordinated attacks.
Under the cover of mist, the Russians moved through the trees and into the open - but could not be seen (nor could the dug-in Germans). Mark had made much of the offensive power of the quad AA the Russians had. Unfortunately before it could get into range it became the only unit the Germans could see. They called in a mortar stonk onto it and it got obliterated.
On the other side of town, Frank's troops came on. Using the cover of trees, mist and anything else they could hide behind, they crept forward to get into range.
Mark meanwhile was soon within range (his tanks being seen before his infantry) and the Germans opened up (but not using their supplies and so less effectively than normal). But as their troops were dug in, they were more likely to win any shooting battle - especially as the Germans were concentrated.
The German off-table artillery had 6 shots each. Ian had 3 x 105mm to call in, Jon 1 x 150mm. Ian started calling in the 105's and Mark started taking casualties.
Frank in the meantime was getting closer but fell foul of some poor movement rolls and so progress was slowed. He did however use the cover of a cliff-lined hill to keep his troops relatively safe.
Over on Mark's side, firing erupted on both sides. Although Mark managed to put some suppressions on the Germans, he started taking casualties himself. He decided to move his tanks forward but was finding his own on-table artillery pretty ineffective against the Germans he could see.
On the other side, Frank crept ever closer and started trading shots with the Germans. Jon too was unwilling to use supplies and so was inflicting suppressions rather than kills. His 150mm though was called in to great effect...
Frank started trading shots and managed to suppress the closest German unit - dug in on the cliff-ridged hill. His troops were swinging round to attack the closest village sector.
Mark meanwhile was coming second in a two-horse race as he traded shots with a dug-in enemy. His troops were getting spanked and getting virtually no hits back themselves. The gaps in his line were growing bigger...
To address this, he decided close combat was the way to go and threw his left wing into the vehicle redoubt. This did not go well. German firing - then fighting dug in - followed by the worst dice rolling in gaming history saw his troops battered and mainly dead.
Frank continued his stately procession - getting into position to attack his closest village sector. The mist covered his approach from the side but his frontal attack came under sustained German fire.
Mark was bemoaning his dice rolls - so Russ rolled a few to demonstrate what he could have had!
At the vehicle redoubt, Mark lost most of his infantry had died to a man - effectively ending any action on his left wing. In return, Ian lost his first infantry unit... Ian had committed their first supply unit in this action...so only one was left. They needed a supply lift quick!
Weather was rolled for and it got worse. Heavy fog meant no supplies for the Germans, no bombing for the Russians and visibility cut to virtually nothing.
To add to his troubles, Mark managed to then lose his other wing - including his tanks - to a failed morale roll. The German situation was looking good! It was all down to Frank and Russ (whose Ski Battalion had not yet been committed)
As Russ commented - "Never mind off-table artillery. We should keep Mark off-table!"
Frank managed to kill the German unit on the hill and in a cracking display of firepower, managed (through the fog) to get his Quad AA into range (Jon tried three times to call in his 150mm onto it and failed 3 times). It killed one dug-in unit and Frank's troops managed to kill the rest in front of the village sector. A massed infantry attack beckoned.
Ian's troops (as they were free to do so) opened up on Frank's troops across the frozen river and combined with Jon's shooting managed to suppress a few of Frank's units.
A massed charge ensued and the hand to hand battle went to and fro. Jon used the last supply unit but at the end Frank's suppressed unit defied the odds and managed to take the village sector (at the cost of nearly the whole battalion). But he made the morale roll and stayed in the fight!
Frank rushed in additional troops to told the sector.
Weather was rolled for again. The fog lifted...and the mist rolled back in. No supplies and no bombing again!
If you've wondered what happened to Russ, his ski battalion finally appeared. Swishing virtually unseen through the trees and covered by the mist, they were eshelonging (is that a word?) across to support Frank's success. Jon wanted to fall back some troops into the village but could not risk moving the troops dug in in front of the ski troops as they'd be massacred. So he took some off the hill but the variable roll meant their movement was limited. As a result they were left in the open on the hill. Russ pounced (his ski troops can move unrestrictedly) and the close combat saw three German units polished off.
If only the ski troops had been in the battle earlier! As it was, the clock was ticking down. Ian started funneling some troops from his side of the river and provided supporting fire as well. His support was shot up as it crossed the bridge but his fire kept Frank pinned down.
We called it as time was up. The Germans had clearly won - they held most of the village sectors and were nowhere near routing while the Russians were looking good on the south side of the river but losing most of the troops to the north meant that victory was beyond the Russian grasp.
The guys reckoned this was a scenario we could play again and again. The variable movement and weather rolls had a significant effect on the outcome and the Russians especially saw where mistakes were made and could be rectified in a future battle.
It also gave a good indication as to how these factors would affect an operational battle.
Good fun had all round.
A rag-tag collection of German forces have gathered in the village of Kholm which straddles a main road - making it a strategic target for both sides. The road has been cut by Russian forces - cutting Kholm off from its main supply route. The Germans have just 2 units of supply available (out of supply means they fight less effectively) which means they can only shoot at full effectiveness twice. They would have to rely on airdrops to keep supplies coming.
Ian and Jon took the Germans, Russ, Mark and Frank took the Russians.
 |
| German forces dug in facing both ways. |
Weather was rolled for - and the next hour would see Misty weather. No Russian air attacks but no German supply drops either. Visibility would also be reduced on the ground.
The Russians moved on - our winter rules mean each battalion rolls for variable movement and this kicked in straight away. Some units crawled on while others sprang forward, which could affect the concept of coordinated attacks.
 |
| Mark's forces leap forward |
 |
| Here comes Frank's attack |
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| Mark's forces get closer |
The German off-table artillery had 6 shots each. Ian had 3 x 105mm to call in, Jon 1 x 150mm. Ian started calling in the 105's and Mark started taking casualties.
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| The slow advance |
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| Fighting breaks out on Mark's side |
Over on Mark's side, firing erupted on both sides. Although Mark managed to put some suppressions on the Germans, he started taking casualties himself. He decided to move his tanks forward but was finding his own on-table artillery pretty ineffective against the Germans he could see.
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| Frank closes up |
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| Russians get their first suppression on Frank's side |
Frank started trading shots and managed to suppress the closest German unit - dug in on the cliff-ridged hill. His troops were swinging round to attack the closest village sector.
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| Mark getting the worst of it |
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| Mark charges in |
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| Frank's more cautious approach |
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| Russ shows Mark how he should roll dice |
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| The aftermath..where are the Russian troops |
Weather was rolled for and it got worse. Heavy fog meant no supplies for the Germans, no bombing for the Russians and visibility cut to virtually nothing.
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| Good grief! |
As Russ commented - "Never mind off-table artillery. We should keep Mark off-table!"
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| Frank closes in |
Ian's troops (as they were free to do so) opened up on Frank's troops across the frozen river and combined with Jon's shooting managed to suppress a few of Frank's units.
A massed charge ensued and the hand to hand battle went to and fro. Jon used the last supply unit but at the end Frank's suppressed unit defied the odds and managed to take the village sector (at the cost of nearly the whole battalion). But he made the morale roll and stayed in the fight!
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| Frank takes the village sector - at horrendous cost. |
Weather was rolled for again. The fog lifted...and the mist rolled back in. No supplies and no bombing again!
 |
| Russ finally makes an appearance and kills the Germans on the hill |
If only the ski troops had been in the battle earlier! As it was, the clock was ticking down. Ian started funneling some troops from his side of the river and provided supporting fire as well. His support was shot up as it crossed the bridge but his fire kept Frank pinned down.
We called it as time was up. The Germans had clearly won - they held most of the village sectors and were nowhere near routing while the Russians were looking good on the south side of the river but losing most of the troops to the north meant that victory was beyond the Russian grasp.
The guys reckoned this was a scenario we could play again and again. The variable movement and weather rolls had a significant effect on the outcome and the Russians especially saw where mistakes were made and could be rectified in a future battle.
It also gave a good indication as to how these factors would affect an operational battle.
Good fun had all round.
Saturday 25 August 2018
Next Thursday
Mark / Frank - put your battle on.
I'll need a week or so to get the next winter scenario done so I'll take the following Thursday.
I'll need a week or so to get the next winter scenario done so I'll take the following Thursday.
Wednesday 22 August 2018
Battle of Kholm - the battlefield
A few shots of the battlefield before tomorrow's battle.
First viewpoint from the German side of the lines. The town is held by the Germans but their line of supply has been cut by Russian ski troops.
Close up of the town. The River is frozen but vehicles can only cross by the bridge. Top right is a vehicle redoubt - a circle of broken down vehicles used as a forward fighting point by the Germans.
Also seen (in excellent winter camo!) on the left is a Ju52 used to keep the German defenders in supply.
Low-down viewpoint. Ju52 to the left and Russian bomber just above the horizon.
A better view of the town, river, redoubt and the bridge.
Sunday 19 August 2018
Thursday's battle
This will be an Eastern Front battle - the Seige of Kholm (Feb 1942).
(This is for the attention of our wargaming group obviously!)
You will need to acquaint yourselves with the winter warfare house rules. Rules - Spearhead.
The background
After the failed attempt to take Moscow and the strong Russian counter-offensive against exhausted and ill-prepared troops, Hitler ordered his forces to stand and fight in small 'hedgehogs' - especially around key settlements and communication centres.
One such settlement was Kholm - a small town in Southern Russia.
The battlefield
Kholm is in the middle of the table, A road runs from top to bottom of the table and through the middle of the town. A frozen river runs across the middle of the table. Infantry and manhandled guns should cross the frozen river - vehicles can only safely cross the river by using the bridge in the middle of town.
Forests are found at the top and bottom of the table.
The town will have a number of 'village' sectors providing the defenders with +1 cover - and the Germans can 'dig in' units if they choose providing an additional +1.
There is also on the outskirts of Kholm a 'reboubt' made up of broken down vehicles. This acts like a village sector with +1 cover.
The Germans
Under the command of Maj-General Thomas Scherer a motley collection of units is offering stubborn resistance to the 3rd Shock Army.
Soviet ski troops have cut Kholm's last link with XXXIX Corps and supply is only possible from Ju52's. The small airstrip has since been captured so only parachute drops are available to keep the Germans in supply.
FOO's caught in the town can still call in artillery from two artillery battalions emplaced behind the main German lines. In addition, reinforcements and some anti-tank guns were airlifted in before the airfield was overrun.
The Germans have limited forces and face attacks from two sides.
Note that as winter rules apply, the Germans are NOT as good as they usually are!
The Russians
The battle will represent the Russian's most aggressive attempt to take the town.
The STAVKA have gathered together a significant force including a Naval Brigade, A Rifle Regiment, a ski battalion, artillery, tanks and air support.
But these forces are split and the town is a tough nut to crack.
Victory conditions
The Russians must capture the town and / or rout or force the surrender of the defenders.
Who wants who?
Let m know which force you'd rather play and I'll give you the list of troops available to you.
(This is for the attention of our wargaming group obviously!)
You will need to acquaint yourselves with the winter warfare house rules. Rules - Spearhead.
The background
After the failed attempt to take Moscow and the strong Russian counter-offensive against exhausted and ill-prepared troops, Hitler ordered his forces to stand and fight in small 'hedgehogs' - especially around key settlements and communication centres.
One such settlement was Kholm - a small town in Southern Russia.
The battlefield
Kholm is in the middle of the table, A road runs from top to bottom of the table and through the middle of the town. A frozen river runs across the middle of the table. Infantry and manhandled guns should cross the frozen river - vehicles can only safely cross the river by using the bridge in the middle of town.
Forests are found at the top and bottom of the table.
The town will have a number of 'village' sectors providing the defenders with +1 cover - and the Germans can 'dig in' units if they choose providing an additional +1.
There is also on the outskirts of Kholm a 'reboubt' made up of broken down vehicles. This acts like a village sector with +1 cover.
The Germans
Under the command of Maj-General Thomas Scherer a motley collection of units is offering stubborn resistance to the 3rd Shock Army.
Soviet ski troops have cut Kholm's last link with XXXIX Corps and supply is only possible from Ju52's. The small airstrip has since been captured so only parachute drops are available to keep the Germans in supply.
FOO's caught in the town can still call in artillery from two artillery battalions emplaced behind the main German lines. In addition, reinforcements and some anti-tank guns were airlifted in before the airfield was overrun.
The Germans have limited forces and face attacks from two sides.
Note that as winter rules apply, the Germans are NOT as good as they usually are!
The Russians
The battle will represent the Russian's most aggressive attempt to take the town.
The STAVKA have gathered together a significant force including a Naval Brigade, A Rifle Regiment, a ski battalion, artillery, tanks and air support.
But these forces are split and the town is a tough nut to crack.
Victory conditions
The Russians must capture the town and / or rout or force the surrender of the defenders.
Who wants who?
Let m know which force you'd rather play and I'll give you the list of troops available to you.
AAR - Mini-Cassino
Thursday night Ian put on a great little battle based in Italy in WW2 where a small group of veteran German paratroopers took on an attacking force of American infantry with tank and artillery support. Scale 6mm and Spearhead as the rules.
It was also an exercise is how town and village sector fighting - as well as supply lines and different hill levels - had an impact on the battle. Ian is planning an operational battle around Monte Cassino so its worth demonstrating to the players how each of these elements work.
The table accounted for 3 victory points based on 3 sectors - lower town, upper town and the monestary. . The Americans had to take 2 sectors to draw, 3 to win.
Our plan was simple. Put the HQ in a central position to provide command and control over most of the map. We put our FOO and Nashorn (mobile 88mm) on the outskirts of the monestary - giving the FOO greater spotting range and the Nashorn a wide angle of fire.
We dug our infantry in on both sides of the town and had a small reserve of engineers between them in the area in front of the hill. The idea being that if the Americans pushed on one side the reserve could be switched to support the threatened plan.
The Americans came on and Mark was immediately pulled up for trying to angle his troops to attack my dug in troops in the town sector. It was explained that he did not know they were there and he had to follow his attack arrow. So only a few of his bases could move into the area my troops were dug in. They got badly shot up.
Meanwhile Frank was brushing up against Russ' troops - and the massed firepower persuaded Russ to back off and fall back.
Mark meanwhile was determined to eliminate my small band of paratroopers and managed to surround and attack my merry band.
The Germans were Veteran and dug-in and the Americans were Green. They got shot at as they came in and (for a change) I managed to roll well. Veterans are at an advantage in melee and the overall result was the Germans lost 1 stand to the American's 8! Mark made the morale check to not rout, but as he was generally left with crew-served weapons and a small number of infantry he knew they could not attack again.
Frank on the other side was gamely attacking but the Nashorn polished off a couple of his Shermans and Russ' indirect and direct fire was taking its toll. But Frank had pushed Russ to the back of the town. He also called in artillery on the village sector the surviving numbers of Russ' troops has converged in - forcing them to move out.
He also crept up their ATG followed by a Sherman with the express objective of killing the Nashorn. Luckily for us we kept suppressing the ATG and the German's own ATG suppressed the Sherman. In the next shooting phase these two units became the target of choice and both were taken out (the Nashorn killing his 3rd Sherman of the day).
However, the battle had taken its toll and Frank's failed morale roll meant that his force routed. Mark however was already moving up the reserve - also attacking Russ' troops.
As Mark pushed up, he moved two machine guns into the village Russ had vacated. They got shot to bits then Russ moved into the village sector themselves. The Americans realised that that they could not achieve their objectives. The Germans still held all three sectors and so victory was declared.
It was a battle that could easily have gone the other way and if the Shermans had got in they would have swung it to the Americans.
Great battle and food for thought for the operational game.
It was also an exercise is how town and village sector fighting - as well as supply lines and different hill levels - had an impact on the battle. Ian is planning an operational battle around Monte Cassino so its worth demonstrating to the players how each of these elements work.
The table accounted for 3 victory points based on 3 sectors - lower town, upper town and the monestary. . The Americans had to take 2 sectors to draw, 3 to win.
Our plan was simple. Put the HQ in a central position to provide command and control over most of the map. We put our FOO and Nashorn (mobile 88mm) on the outskirts of the monestary - giving the FOO greater spotting range and the Nashorn a wide angle of fire.
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| The key objective - the monestary |
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| The 3 layer mountain dominating the town |
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| The town from the side - you can see my German troops dug in closest to camera - Russ' on the far side |
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| Engineers dug in to the left - FOO and Nashorn on the hill. Mortar tucked away by the road |
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| Mark's first brush with the Germans |
Mark meanwhile was determined to eliminate my small band of paratroopers and managed to surround and attack my merry band.
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| Here comes the attack! |
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| After the attack - Americans decimated, |
He also crept up their ATG followed by a Sherman with the express objective of killing the Nashorn. Luckily for us we kept suppressing the ATG and the German's own ATG suppressed the Sherman. In the next shooting phase these two units became the target of choice and both were taken out (the Nashorn killing his 3rd Sherman of the day).
However, the battle had taken its toll and Frank's failed morale roll meant that his force routed. Mark however was already moving up the reserve - also attacking Russ' troops.
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| Frank's artillery blasts the Germans at the back of the town as Mark's reserve moves up. |
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| Russ moves back into the village and the Americans jack it in, |
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| Man of the match - our Nashorn took out all 3 Shermans which would have made a decisive difference. |
It was a battle that could easily have gone the other way and if the Shermans had got in they would have swung it to the Americans.
Great battle and food for thought for the operational game.
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