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)