Lead elements of a German Battlegroup have managed to capture an intact bridge across a not impassable but troublesome river. They intend to hold the position until the rest of the Battlegroup arrive however reports from aerial reconnaissance say that the Soviets have a force enroute to push back the Germans before reinforcement arrives.
The Sdkfz222 takes up position on the bridge with a MMG team and infantry squad in the nearby field and a PAK38 in the ruined building in support.
The Soviets are not long in arriving.
The T34s swing into action the PAK38 surviving a near miss.
Meanwhile on the Soviet left they launch a diversionary attack towards the hill.
A Sdkfz7 mounting a 20mm flakvierling arrives and takes up position against any incursion by the VVS.
It doesn't take long for it to fire in anger an IL2 "Sturmovik" zooms in with a timed air strike. The cannon barrels roar and the attacker is driven off!
Things are not going so well on the German left a Stug receives a glancing hit from HE fire which rattles the crew and they abandon the vehicle!
Where did that come from? A 76mm infantry gun! Really?
Things are looking dicey for the Germans, there was once a PAK38.
How soon the fortunes of war turn though. A T34 is stopped in its tracks.
The fight isn't all going one way though the German infantry in the field are pinned by mortar fire.
Another T34 has taken advantage and turned the German left and takes a side shot at the victorious Stug but misses! The Stug turns and fires and doesn't
Over on the German right the diversionry attack isn't faring well. Combined fire cuts down the Soviet infantry attempting to cross the open ground.
The remaining T34 is also taken out, this spells the end of the Soviet thrust who are only one counter away from exceeding their Battle Rating anyway.
A cracking game fought over five turns with two hours of play, more than enough time for us older gentlemen.
Until next time happy gaming and KBO.
A splendid game which might easily have gone either way; the Soviet assault just ran out of orders, steam and dice when it mattered most! As Phil says, 2 hours just right for we overc21's!
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