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