1 - 4 December 1941 (Axis)

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

1^st to 4^th December 1941 

Turn 19 (Axis)

 

Replacement DR = 4,4 (-1) so FTR, 2 Pax

Attrition DR = 4,4 (+1) so – 2Pax, -1 Eq

No FTR to replace so wasted, Pax offset, so net loss 1 Eq

Supply DR = 3,3 so 11 (+1)

 

Zemtsy

 

With no new supply convoys reaching the front, the defenders of Zemtsy could not mount any attacks.  They could, however, try to help the attempts of their kameraden in Smolensk by slowly extending a line of troops down the connecting railway line.

 

Smolensk

 

11^th Panzer was given sufficient fuel and ammunition to move to Dukhovschchina and attack (and eliminate) the garrison unit, 54^th Cavalry Division.   20^th Panzer Division remained in the Smolensk area in case of another Soviet push south.

Rhzev – Sychevka – Vyazma

 

Forward elements of the German push east are struggling back west.   339.ID, out of supply but still fighting, overran 29^th Cavalry division.  The lone regiment holding a fort on the Sychevka line survived on scraps of food.

Regretfully, considering the cost in men and supplies they had paid to capture it, the Germans pull back from the Vyazma fort line.  They risked being trapped by the Soviets moving to their north.

 

Spas Demysansk – Zaporezh’e

The deep snow slowed all movement and lack of supply prevented combat.

Kherson

 

The failure of an artillery barrage to affect 39^th Strelkovaya disappointed the Axis.  Nevertheless, there was confidence as the first offensive action for months in the sector took place near the coast.  The defending infantry were hit by artillery and Cossack and Rumanian cavalry swept in.  The Cossacks led the charge, knowing their skill and high morale made it likely surprise would be achieved.  Instead there was disaster.  The Russians were waiting and destroyed the cavalry before they could get close.  (Rolled a 1,1 on surprise DR: the only roll that would allow the Soviets odds shifts).

 

Supply:                      Axis rec’d                  12 SP

                                    Axis used                   12.5 SP

                                    Soviet used              2.2 SP

 

Dead Units

Soviet                           2 x 6(2)4                   29^th, 54^th Cavalry Divisions

Axis                               3(5)4                          Aufklärung Cav. (Cossack)

 

 

1 - 4 December 1941 (Soviet)

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

 

Turn 19: 1^st to 4^th December 1941

Weather dr = 5 so DEEP FREEZE/ LIGHT FREEZE 

           
Air Conditions DR = 2,1 so NIL

 
Initiative DR:      Axis 4, 3                                             Soviet 4,1

 
Axis allows Soviets first go.



Replacement DR = 3, 4 (-1) so 1 FTR 2 (+1) Pax, 1 Eq

 

Supply DR = 2, 6 so 22 + 1 = 23 SP

 


Zemtsy

 

After being pushed back from Smolensk, the Soviets swung their attention to the Zemtsy – Smolensk railway.  The heavy snow slowed all movement, so no combat took place.


Smolensk – Vyazma

 
The Katyushas finally earned their keep.  After grinding their way forward to get in range, they rained hell on 192^nd Assault Gun battalion, completely destroying it.  This left only a disorganised rabble of administrative offices from 8^th HQ to defend the truck depot.  They were no match for 9^th Guards Infantry Division.  The truck convoys fell back to Smolensk.

 
The other artillery was just as successful.  86.ID lost a regiment and its morale, and the already fatally weakened 113rd Panzer and 6^th HQ were demoralised further.  All were wiped out in attacks, though 86.ID did force the Russians to retreat after the battle.

 
The only bright news for the Germans was the performance of a lone artillery group which not only held off the attackers, but even destroyed an infantry regiment.

 
To the south of Vyazma, the Soviets were less successful.  They did manage to gain some territory, but at a heavy cost to the attacking units.  13^th Tank Brigade was able to destroy an artillery group in battle and then overrun another.

 
Spas Demyansk to Zaporezh’e

Very slow movement in the snow, no action.

 
Kherson

 

The slightly better weather in the south allowed the Soviets to mount several attacks, one of which destroyed the 4^th Rumanian Mountain Brigade.  95^th Strelkovaya, one of the better Soviet units, volunteered to cross the river and hold a bridgehead across the frozen river.  To the disappointment of the Russian commander, an enormous combined arms attack on a Gebirgsjäger division was an almost complete failure.  After artillery bombardment and the expenditure of vast amounts of supply, the Germans stood their ground while the Soviets withdrew.



Supply                 Soviet rec’d =       23 SP

                             Soviet used =       19.1 SP

 

                             Axis used =            1 SP


Dead Units

German                5(5)8                    192^nd Assault Gun Bn

                             20(4)3                  86.ID

                             2 x 8-0                  6^th and 8^th HQ

                             6(3)3                    4^th Rumanian Mtn Brigade

                             8(4)6                    113 Pz Bn, 1^st Pz Div

                             2 x 26(2)(3)2        Artillery Group

 
Soviet                            3(3)2            USSR Cadet Infantry Regiment