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