29 - 30 November 1941 (Axis)

Guderian’s Blitzkrieg II (including Enemy at the Gates and Case Blue)

29^th to 30^th November 1941

Turn 18 (Axis)

Replacement DR = 3,3 (-1) so 1 Pax

Attrition DR = 6,2 (+1) so – 2Pax, -1 Eq

Supply DR = 3,3 so 13 (+1) SP

 

With the whole of the north in danger, trucks raced to set up a road connection between the Zemtsy – Nelidovo rail line and the Bryansk line.  This was achieved by setting up an interim depot at Spas Demysansk.  From here, other truck and wagon depots were enough to keep the north in trace supply.  Getting ammunition to them would be much harder.

Zemtsy

All the Germans could in the Zemtsy area was adjust their defensive line.  Lack of supply made any offensive action expensive: units would have to use internal stocks which would be expensive to replace.

 

Sychevka

 

To the troops cut off near Sychevka, there was no option but to try to break out using their one supply stores.  Some degree of success was achieved, as a Soviet rifle division, a tank battalion and a cavalry division were destroyed in the area. But the trapped units were still trapped, and the tanks were virtually defenceless.

 

Smolensk

 

All available fuel, ammunition and transport was made available to units in the Spas Demyansk area.  11^th and 20^th Panzer Divisions with nearly a dozen independent mobile units raced towards Smolensk.  In a critical attack, 9^th Tank battalion was overrun, allowing units to contact the other Russians close to Smolensk.  All were destroyed in combat., for the cost of one German unit.  The threat to Smolensk was over, at least for now.  To slow down any attempt to move more troops up, German aircraft flew interdiction over the track north to Staryy Torpopets.

 

Vyazma – Spas Demyansk

 

An attack on the fortified line south of Vyazma was partially successful, with a rifle division destroyed and a fort captured.  Unfortunately a tank battalion was lost in the attack.

Brysansk – Zaporezh’e

Very little movement: supply preference to the endangered north meant little was available for the south.  Some excess wagons were railed north.

Kherson

Some adjustments were made to the defence line following the abortive Russian attacks

 

 

 Supply          Axis  rec’d                 14 SP

                        Axis used                   15.5 SP

                        Soviet used              3.1 SP

 

Dead Units

Axis                 6(5)8                          II/27 Tank Bn, 19^th Panzer

                        4(5)8                          92^nd Aufklärung Bn, 20^th Panzer

Soviet             2 x 12(2)2                 8^th, 239^th Strelkovaya

                        2 x 7(3)6                   9^th, 28^th Tank Brigades

                        6(2)5                          20^th Tank Brigade

                        7(3)4                          3^rd Division, 5^th Cavalry Corps

Position maps for end of November 1941

North

 

South

Crimea

 

 

 

 

 

 

29 - 30 November 1941 (Soviet)

Guderian’s Blitzkrieg II (including Enemy at the Gates and Case Blue)

 

Turn 18: 29th to 30^th November 1941

Weather dr = 3 so LIGHT FREEZE/MUD 

Air Conditions DR = 4,3 so LIMITED

 
Initiative DR:      Axis 4, 3                                             Soviet 6, 4

Soviet elects to go first (double turn)


Replacement DR = 3, 1 (-1) so 1 Pax

Supply DR = 5,3 so 22 + 1 = 23 SP

 

Zemtsy – Smolensk

 
The Russians sprang their trap.  From Staryy Torpopets an avalanche of cavalry and armour raced towards Smolensk.  Rail links to the huge supply base were cut, and the small garrison’s only link south is the highway.  With the loss of contact to Smolensk, nearly the entire German Army in the north is out of supply.  Although only two armour brigades and a cavalry division made it to Smolensk, large forces are following: at least 10 cavalry divisions.  It must be assumed that a supply depot and headquarters are also present.

At the same time, a huge air and artillery barrage presaged another attack on the German positions north of Zapadnaya Dvina.  Some Il-4 bombers were lost, but the defenders were badly affected.  201^st Security division, already at half strength, was lost, though it destroyed 56^th Infantry Brigade.  1291^st Infantry Brigade also died while attacking the French Volunteers, who were able to escape.  The most success, however, was the destruction of 206.ID.

 
Rhzev – Sychevka

 
It is not clear whether the push west from the Sychevka area was timed to coincide with the drive for Smolensk or if it was just a fortunate coincidence. It was not important, as the thrust to Pussii was damaging enough in itself.  An assault gun battalion that had just arrived at the rail station was wiped out unprepared for combat and a small amount of supplies captured.  Hundreds of kilometres of territory are undefended.

Back in Sychevka, 8.ID was destroyed, completely cutting off the troops trapped in the fort line to the east.

 
Spas Demyansk – Zaporezh’e

The Soviets are concentrating men and supplies in the north, and this whole area saw no action.

 
Kherson

After weeks of stand-off, the Soviets decided to test the defence.  An SB-2 was shot down on a bombing mission as 10 miles of the front was disrupted.   A single attack was made which ended in disaster.  The attack, led by a marine brigade, was surprised by a defending machine gun battalion and the marines did not return.

 

Supply                  Soviet rec’d                   23 SP
                              Soviet used                    13.3 SP

                             Axis used                       1.2 SP


Dead Units

Axis                     6(2)2                              201^st Security Division

                             2 x 20(4)3                      8.ID, 206.ID

                             5(3)8                              202^nd Assualt Gun Bn

Soviet                   4(2)2                              56^th Infantry Brigade

                             3(2)2                              1291^st Infantry Reg’t

                             4(3)3                              6^th Marine Brigade

Air Losses

Soviet                  Bombers                         1 step SB-2
                                                                    1 step Il-4

 

 

26 - 28 November 1941 (Soviet)

Guderian’s Blitzkrieg II (including Enemy at the Gates and Case Blue)

26^th to 28th November1941

Turn 17 (Soviet)

Replacement DR = 6,5 (-1) so 2xFTR, 4xPax, 2xEq, Truck, Artillery, Emergency

No fighters available for rebuild.  Il-2; 48^th, 79^th, 2^nd Krasnodar Cavalry; 16^th, 25^th Tank Brigades; 26^th Guards Mot Division.

Supply DR = 5,4 so 25 (+1) SP

Zemtsy

 

Soviet artillery targeted one sector of the front line west of Zemtsy, around Zapadnaya Dvina.  Although there was some success (an unfortunate security division) , yet again the Katyushas failed.  Stavka is unable to understand why these units, which consume so much supply, have not been able to destroy the German defenders.    

To make matters worse, a huge attack involving the equivalent of three divisions against the shell shocked security division was only able to weaken it and force it back.  Zapadnaya Dvina was captured, but a Soviet rifle brigade was lost.  There will be no breakthrough for now.

Further west, however, cavalry divisions can be seen heading south down the track from Staryy Torpoperts.  There is also appears to be a build up around the town.  Is there a threat to the important German supply hub at Smolensk?

Rzhev - Sychevka

 

Detecting a weakness in the German defence, the Soviets smash through 137.ID, leaving no survivors.  Mobile units surge through the gap created, heading west and north.  An attempt by 403^rd Security Division to halt the attackers saw it wiped out.  The rashness of the advance of 86.ID is now apparent, as it is completely cut off.

The Soviets have moved into contact all along the front.

More of a concern to OKH is that the way west is open and Soviet cavalry units are poised to sweep into the German rear areas.

Spas Demyasnk

 

The probing attacks by the Germans in this area have only caused the Soviets to withdraw from a few exposed positions. 

Orel – Kursk

All Soviet units have withdrawn towards Orel.  No indications of any attempt to recapture Kursk or relieve the garrison of Ponyri.

 

Khar’kov

 

The Khar’kov – Zmiyev line remains motionless.  Belgorod is held by light forces, but the supply lines are secure.

Zaporezh’e

 

All Russian troops bar one rifle division have withdrawn behind the Dneipr.  In addition, all units have pulled back, leaving a 5 mile gap along the whole front.

To the east, the Russians have retreated behind the Volchnia.  A solitary Worker Brigade remains to protect the road east.

Supply           Soviet rec’d              26 SP

                        Soviet used              17 SP

                        Axis used                   1 SP

Dead Units 
 

Axis                 20(4)3                       137.ID

                        6(2)2                          403^rd Security Division

Soviet             3(2)2                          47(R) Infantry Brigade

 

 

 

26 - 28 November 1941 (Axis)

Guderian’s Blitzkrieg II (including Enemy at the Gates and Case Blue)

 

Turn 17: 26th to 28^th November 1941

 
 
Weather dr = 4 so LIGHT FREEZE/MUD            
Air Conditions DR = 4,3 so LIMITED


Initiative DR:      Axis 6,1                                               Soviet 6,2

 Soviet selects Axis to go first

 
Replacement DR = 6,3 (-1) so  1 Ftr, 2 Pax, 1 Eq

Attrition DR = 6,1 (+1) so  - 2Pax and -1 Eq

Replace Messerschmitt Bf 109E

Losses are offset with replacements.

 
Supply DR = 5,1 so 13 + 1 = 14 SP

 

Zemtsy

Although the Axis troops launched no attacks, Russian artillery attempted to weaken the front line.  It had no effect, despite the use of an entire Katysusha regiment.


Rzhev – Sychevka

 

Reluctant to abandon the hard won gains near Sychevka, Axis units pull back slowly.  86.ID tried to stem the Soviet tide by counter-attacking, weakening a rifle division and forcing it and an accompanying tank brigade to retreat.   In a follow up attack it destroyed 32^nd Tank Brigade.  The elite 214^th Regiment, 4^th Airborne Division was also destroyed when attacked by 1.PzD and an infantry unit, but 4^th Aufklärung was lost in the attack.


Vyazma – Bryansk

Large numbers of German infantry are moving north

 
Orel – Kursk

To the south, rail conversion engineers have reached Solintsevo.  Kromy is occupied and troops move slowly towards Orel, wary of a counter-attack.  The town of Ponyri is now isolated.


Khar’kov

Some re-organising of Axis units, but effectively a stand-off

 
Zaporezh’e

 

2^nd Krasnodar Cavalry Militia did not have long to enjoy its victory over the Hungarian Security troops.  It in turn was hit by 14.PzD and was destroyed. 79^th Kavaleriy was also destroyed by 14.PzD after being disrupted by an air attack.

Despite their efforts, however, 14.PzD could not eliminate the bridgehead across the Dneipr: there were too many Russians to move.  Nor could it get close enough to have an effective spotter to call in artillery on the headquarters supplying the invaders.  Only a lucky air strike put the bridge out of action for a while.

To the north, the slow advance towards Vasikovka continues.

 

Supply                       Axis rec’d                  14 SP
                                    Axis used                  10.3 SP

                                    Soviet used               4.2 SP


Dead Units

Axis                             3(5)8                          4^th Aufklärung, 1.PzD


Soviet                         5(4)4                          214^th Reg't, 4^th Airborne Div
                                    7(3)6                          32^nd Tank Brigade
                                    8(4)4                          2^nd Krasnodar Cavalry Milita
                                    7(3)4                          79^th Kavaleriy

 

 

22 - 25 November 1941 (Soviet)

Guderian’s Blitzkrieg II (including Enemy at the Gates and Case Blue)

 

22^nd to 25^th November1941

 

Turn 16 (Soviet)

 

Replacement DR = 5,4 (-1) so FTR, 4 Pax, Eq

No fighters available for rebuild.  42^nd and 68^th Kavaleriy Div, 54^th Tank Brigade

Supply DR = 4,4 so 23 (+1) SP

 

Rzhev

After sending troops to make contact, Soviet artillery hit two German headquarters in the Rzhev - Vyazma area, greatly hindering movement across the rivers.  Ground assaults followed, and while one led to an exchange of casualties, in the other the crack 87^th Motorised Infantry Reg’t was caught by surprise and annihilated.   Russian tanks and cavalry broke through to cut off several units.  In continuing bad news for the Luftwaffe, a Messerschmitt unit was badly hurt while trying to halt Soviet bombing.

Vyazma – Bryansk

Nothing of note

 

Orel – Kursk

 

18^th Mountain Kaveleriy raced south as the main body of Russians pulled north towards Orel, evacuating Kromy.  It overran trucks of 17.PzD but they managed to escape.  Its ride came to an end when it tried to also overrun 27^th Artillery Reg’t, 17Pz.D.  Firing over open sights, the artillerymen destroyed the charging cavalry before retreating to safety.

 

Khar’kov

Sitzkrieg

Zaporezh’e

 

A fighter sweep over the airbase cost the Soviets a few I-16s, but they maintained pressure, again pouring across the Dniepr.  Another headquarters had set up temporary bridges, but this time no armour crossed. 

105^th Hungarian Security Division was overwhelmed when hit by cavalry, as was the unfortunate 4^th Artillery Reg’t, 14.PzD which could not dup0licate the feat of 27^th Art. Reg’t.  Wiped out in attacks were 64^th Kradschützen and a police battalion.

North of Zaporezh’e, things were more even, as an NKVD regiment was lost storming a divisional line near Vasikovka.

 

Supply                       Soviet rec’d              23 SP

                                    Soviet used              13.3 SP

                                    Axis used                   .3 SP

Dead Units

Soviet                         6(2)4                          18^th Mountain Cavalry Division

                                    8(3)3                          NKVD “Crimea” Regiment

Axis                             8(4)3                          87^th Mot.Inf. Reg’t, 16.ID (mot)

                                    20(3-3)3                   4^th Art. Reg’t, 14.PzD

                                    1(3)2                          581^st Police Bn

                                    4(0)2                          105^th Security Div (Hungarian) 

 

Aircraft Losses

Axis                             Fighter                       1 step Bf 109E

Soviet                          Fighter                       1 step I-16   

 

 

 

22 - 25 November 1941 (Axis)

Guderian’s Blitzkrieg II (including Enemy at the Gates and Case Blue)

 

Turn 16: 22^nd to 25th November 1941

  

Weather dr = 2 so LIGHT FREEZE/MUD             Air Conditions DR = 4,2 so LIMITED

 

Initiative DR:      Axis 3,2                                               Soviet 2,2

 
 Axis elects to go first

 
Replacement DR = 6,2 (-1) so  1 Ftr and 2 Pax

Replace Messerschmitt Bf 109E
 
Attrition DR = 6,3 (+1) so  - 2Pax and -1 Eq

Lose 600 Assault Gun Bn (5(5)8).  Pax losses are offset with replacements.


Supply DR = 4,4 so 13 + 1 = 14 SP

 
Zemtsy

Using fresh replacements which had previously been railed from Kherson, 256.ID was brought back to full strength.  Then, using its own stored supplies, it overran the 53^rd Kaveleriy which sat astride the single rail-line south.  It was not enough to force the Russians to retreat: they must be annihilated.  Even with the cavalry reduced to using their sabres, it was not an easy battle, but finally the supply lines were clear. 

The withdrawal continued, with a new defence line set up at Zapadnaya Dvina.

West of Nelidovo, a concerted effort was made to clear the area of Soviet cavalry.  In general, it failed due to poor performance.  Artillery support failed to support the first attack though the infantry managed to destroy 48^th Kavaleriy Division.  40^th Kavaleriy Divsion merely retreated, after inflicting so many casualties to 161.ID that it ceased to exist.  To the north-east, 125.ID was more fortunate, wiping out 75^th Kavaleriy for no loss.  Of the four units threatening the left flank, only two were destroyed: not a good result.


Rhzev

 
Most of the units that were involved in the attempt to cut Soviet supply have now pulled back, many being used to screen the exposed left flank from Soviet cavalry.

 
Bryansk

Axis units in the Bryansk area began to move, but the intention is not clear.

 
Orel – Kursk

 
An attack on Kromy failed, as did another on Soviet units on the road to Orel.  Luckily 3^rd Panzer rescued the operation from complete failure, destroying 112^th Strelkovaya in combat and then taking care of the fleeing 19^th Tank Brigade as the tanks exploited their victory.

South-east of Kursk, the railway town of Solintsevo was captured, the garrison dying at their posts.

 
Khar’kov

No action


Zaporezh’e

 

Axis units were content to wait and see whether the Soviets would dare to cross the Dneipr again.


Supply           Axis rec’d                  14 SP

                        Axis used                   13 SP

 

                        Soviet used              3 SP

 
Dead Units

Axis                 20(4)3                       161.ID

 
Soviet             8(4)5                          53^rd Kavaleriy Division, Dovator Group

                        7(3)4                          48^th Kavaleriy Division

                        4(2)4                          75^th Kavaleriy Division

                        10(0)1                       242^nd Strelkovaya

                        12(2)2                       112nd Strelkovaya

                        6(2)5                          19^th Tank Brigade

 

 

 

19 - 21 November 1941 (Soviet)

Guderian’s Blitzkrieg II (including Enemy at the Gates and Case Blue)

 

19^th to 21st November1941

 

Turn 15 (Soviet)

Replacement DR = 5,4 (-1) so FTR, 4 Pax, Eq

Rebuild Yak 1, 5th Cavalry Division, 132^nd Tank Brigade

Supply DR = 3,1 so 18 (+1) SP

 

Staryy Torpopets

 

Struggling to keep up with the retreating Germans (even in the moderate freeze) the Soviets were reluctant to use their faster units to attack.  Artillery may be the problem.  To slow the withdrawal, Russian bombers have interdicted the tracks relied upon by the Germans.

As predicted, the failure to eliminate 53^rd Kavaleriy has hurt the Axis.  The cavalry have survived being cut off from food and moved to block the vital railway line to Smolensk. 

The abandoned town of Staryy Torpopets and its now empty airbase are recaptured.

 

Rhzev

 

The Soviets were content to move up a few units and to threaten breakthroughs with their forward cavalry divisions.

Sychevka – Vyazma

 

With unerring accuracy Soviet artillery wiped out 184^th Assault Gun Bn.  With no armour support and already weakened by weeks of fighting, 162.ID fell to pieced when hit by a mixed artillery and cavalry force.  The efforts of the Luftwaffe were not only in vain but costly: both fighters and bombers were shot down over the area.

Orel – Kursk

 

Perhaps sensing that the troops freed by the surrender of Kursk would head north, the Soviets started pulling back towards Orel.  It was an orderly withdrawal however, and the Russians did not overlook the opportunity to inflict losses on the Axis armoured divisions as they moved out.  3^rd Panzer lost a motorised infantry regiment, while 17^th Panzer was unable to assist its Aufklärung Bn.  The only Soviet losses were in the air where a group of old I-16 fighters were destroyed.

Khar’kov

All is quiet on the Kha’kov Front

Zaporezh’e

Fresh units move up to the south bank of the Dneipr.  All that can be identified are infantry

Supply           Soviet rec’d              19 SP

                        Soviet used              18.3 SP

 

                        Axis used                   .3 SP

Dead Units

Axis                 5(5)8                          184^th Assault Gun Bn

                        20(4)3                       162.ID

                        7(4)3                          3^rd Motorised Infantry Reg’t, 3.PzD

                        3(5)8                          27^th Aufklärung Bn, 17.PzD

Air Losses

 

Luftwaffe      Fighters                     1 step Messerschmitt Bf 109E

                        Bombers                   1 step He 111

VVS                Fighter                       1 step I-16