Introduction to the next Operational Game.

The countdown is now on for the 18th March Operational Game.  I need to firm up on a few rules, OOBs and a lot of rail track.  However, I thought it would be a good idea to outline the historical background for the forces involved and give a more specific period feel for our first Eastern Front Operational Game.

It is July 1941, a few weeks since Hitler launched Operation Barbarossa and the invasion of the Soviet Union.  Despite the vast forces deployed and the overwhelming success of the first few days, time and the immeasurable resources of Stalin's Russia are beginning to tell against the Wehrmacht.  The vast Axis offensive has been split into three commands, North, Central and South Army Groups.  Our game will be situated within Northern Army Group and it's crucial drive towards Leningrad.




It is July 1941, a few weeks since Hitler launched Operation Barbarossa and the invasion of the Soviet Union.  Despite the vast forces deployed and the overwhelming success of the first few days, time and the immeasurable resources of Stalin's Russia are beginning to tell against the Wehrmacht.  The vast Axis offensive has been split into three commands, Army Groups North, Centre and South.  Our game will be situated within Northern Army Group and it's crucial drive towards Leningrad.

Leningrad is the second city of the Soviet Union and the birth place of the Russian Revolution.  It is the base for the Baltic Red Banner Fleet, a major communication and population centre and a vital industrial hub.  Hitler has vowed to level the city and enslave the population!



Leningrad is the second city of the Soviet Union and the birth place of the Russian Revolution.  It is the base for the Baltic Red Banner Fleet, a major communication and population centre and a vital industrial hub.  Hitler has vowed to level the city and enslave the population!

Army Group North has tasked XXXXI Panzer Korp to destroy Soviet defences in the Baltic States and clear a path towards the conquest of Leningrad.  At this time the Soviets are attempting to gather any forces available and create a stop position on the River Luga which will buy time to build up the meagre defences of Leningrad.



Our game will be in an area of the Luga River which our Russian players are trying to hold.  An armoured train has been assigned to area defence and the Soviets can count on a variety of units to hold the tables but cannot count on their quality or morale.

The German players will be using elements of 1st and 6th Panzer Divisions, the spearhead of XXXXI Panzer Korp.  18 points, as usual, are assigned to the tables and victory will be ascertained as follows;

1 - 9 points equals defeat - the Germans can look forward to a long winter short of Leningrad.
10 - 15 points and the Germans have secured a launchpad for the rest of the Corp to march on Leningrad - the war may still be won in 1941!
16 - 18 points and the road to Leningrad is clear - kick and the whole rotten structure will collapse (Hitler's words)!

Conversely, the Soviet points are as follows;

1 - 5 points equals defeat - you will all be shot!
6 - 9 points equals stalemate - you have done better than any other Soviet Units - Stalin requires only one of you to be shot!
10 - 15 points - a notable victory securing time for the defences of Leningrad.
16 - 18 points - the sacrifice of your men will be enshrined in Soviet history!

We only have this Thursday and next Thursday to get some practice games played before we have the pre-game planning on Thursday 15th March.  If anyone would like a more thorough refresher of Eastern Front fighting I can organise a battle at mine on Saturday 11th March - just let me know.