Defending Maciejow 1944

This week's game was a return to the Eastern Front, I adapted the excellent scenario for Rapid Fire by Richard Marsh the latest issue of WSS for a game using Battlegroup rules for the Bagration operation. The one vehicle equals ten ratio provided by Richard was ideal to suit the vehicles I have in my collection. With one vehicle equaling ten I did not use the ammo load outs from Battlegroup with the exception of the IS2 which was limited to five shots as per the scenario. The resulting Battle Ratings worked out at 39 for the Soviets and 32 for the Germans. To win the game the Soviets have to reach the far end of the table within twelve turns with an AFV and an infantry squad of at least six figures, just an AFV and it would be a draw and of course they would win if the Germans exceeded their Battle Rating.

German Panthers, PAK40 and a squad of Panzer Grenadiers lie in weight. In reality they were heavily camouflaged and the Soviets were taken by surprise. To replicate this without making it a game killer I made it harder for them to be spotted if they hadn't fired.

A 251/9 lurks awaiting any Soviet advance on the left.

Taking cover in the village is a vehicle mounted quad 20mm on ambush orders awaiting any VVS intrusion.

The Soviets begin their advance, T34/85s, truck mounted infantry and a Zis2 57mm ATG mount a diversionary attack on the German right flank.

The tank platoon commander urges them on Ura! Ura!

The PAK40 aims to give them a warm welcome.

After several glancing hits the first T34 falls victim to it.

Soviet infantry move up in support, fire from the T34 is having no impact on the PK40.

The infantry come to rescue and add their fire

The Soviet main thrust reaches the road but the lead vehicle is quickly despatched by the awaiting Panthers.

It's not all one way traffic a Panther is taken down.

While the crew of another is rattled by the 85mm shells bouncing off it and abandon their vehicle.

The VVS arrive, a timed airstrike but it only manages to knock out an empty 250/1 transport. The resulting chit draw is a special 'Low Ammo' which is immediately played on an advancing Soviet infantry squad and it appears someone neglected to load the truck up with the ammunition boxes.

Meanwhile on the other flank the Panzer Grenadier squad is killed or surrenders.

A replacement squad is motored up and promptly despatches another T34 with its Panzerfaust.

The Zis2 in action.

The Soviet 82mm mortar battery proves a nuisance, but by turn 7 the Soviets call off the attack. With only one T34 in action and the IS2 advancing slowly and with two Panthers remaining the odds were against a Soviet win. Neither side were approaching near to exceeding their Battle Rating and finishing time looming we called it.

Also in turn seven the Germans had drawn an Air Attack chit so we diced to see if one appeared at the beginning of turn eight and low and behold a Stuka 87G with two 37mm auto cannons would come roaring in adding to Soviet woes. So history had repeated itself. A cracking scenario that needed more time to play really. Both parties enjoyed it and that's what matters.

Until next time.........................KBO