Defence of the Transcaucasian Front November 1942
Introduction
With the release of Bolt Action Version 3 the call went out from Michael to meet at Entoyment for a day’s gaming to explore the new rules. Everyone jumped at the chance to try out the new rules – me included. So, I, along with everyone, leapt into the new Rules to create an army of our own choice. I went for my Soviet Forces.
The new rules provide a much richer set of possible scenarios. The first game was A “Seek and Destroy – Meeting Engagement” mission using the long edges for deployment. My first battle was against H’s German force in a desert-ish scenario.
Situation
The Wehrmacht’s offensive Case Blue has been underway for the last 3 months, with deep penetrations into the Caucasus. The Red Army has deployed a stop line on the Terek River, while on the flanks the German’s are trying to widen and deepen the attack. To counter this the General Grechko’s 47th Army deployed on the south of the German penetration, with its back to the Black Sea, was ordered to launch spoiling attacks into the German’s flanks to protect the port of Tuapse.
Enemy Forces
Air recon was not available, and therefore available information was limited to a small number of stay behind parties communicating over the available telephone infrastructure. Reports indicated that the German forces were mobile but limited or no armour support.
Friendly Forces
1367th Rifle Regiment of the 414th Division formed a task force to launch spoiling attacks this was led by Lt Pruskov. He was given a Heavy Weapon Platoon of a mortar and a MMG to support him along with an artillery observer with on call artillery and a scout squad for deep attack. The 414th Divisional Commanders also obtained support a tank platoon from 47th Army with a T34 and a T70.
Mission
1367th Rifle Regiment is to attack NW to relieve pressure on Tuapse destroying all German forces within boundary.
Post Mission Report
Lt Pruskov decided to advance strongly on the right flank using the natural rough ground for cover. He deployed his more inexperienced rifle section on the left of his attack. Jun Lt Shuskiy deployed the heavy weapons in support behind the rough ground. The Scout section infiltrated as far forward as possible but immediately came under fire and was pinned down.
Lt Danikplov’s Tank Platoon arrived on the central line of the axis of attack to the left of Pruskov’s Platoon. They immediately moved forward using the firepower of their MGs to suppress the enemy infantry to support the infantry’s advance. At the same time the Germans are rushing troops forward to seize the vital ground they have identified in the centre of the battlefield.
The German rush to seize the ground resulted in the demise of two vehicles and a rifle team. This was being carried in the Kubelwagen and when the team bailed out they were assaulted by the remains of the inexperienced rifle squad and destroyed.
The Scout squad was pinned down in the palm trees and taking casulaties. The T34 moved forward in support.
The Scout squad suffered three hits, and I rolled for saves failing very badly, before the Germans tried to damage them and also failed!
The Germans boldly moved their Panzershrek operator forward by himself in a solo attempt to destroy the T34, only to be gunned down in the attempt.
On the right the supporting troops anchored themselves to the difficult going in order to protect themselves for the German fire.
Outcome
Lt Pruskov’s forces prevailed by 6 dice to 1.
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