Chain of Command 2 - Game Report 2

Delaying Action (Refight) – 1944

Introduction

With the reopening of Entoyment in its new location Kevin and I decided to use that as an excuse to grab a gaming table and with our new found knowledge of the Chain of Command 2 rules to refight "Delaying Action". I think the two most significant issues we learnt from the previous game, re-reading the rules, and corresponding with other players on the forum was that phases do not always alternate, and secondly the rule of 4" proximity for targeting and close assault. We laid out a broadly similar table to the previous game, and were much more precise in defining the terrain types.

Situation

The Soviet Baltic Offensive in the Autumn of 1944 has seen the German army fighting to hold onto East Prussia. However, at every opportunity the expanding torrents of our Soviet forces are finding ways to break through the German lines. Despite this the Germans are throwing every available reserve into blocking positions to allow them to develop a more coherent defence line. General Hovhannes Bagramyan Commander 1st Baltic Front has directed that every effort must be made to break through and hound the enemy mercilessly. Commander 43rd Army has ordered the 116th Separate Infantry Battalion to pursue the Army and to break through their pitiful defences. Lt Kruskov has been given the honour of leading the Battalion’s advance.

Enemy Forces

Elements of the 61st Volksgrenadier have been detected. The enemy are heavily armed with automatic weapons and light support weapons.

Friendly Forces

Lt Kruskov’s Rifle Platoon has been provided a maxim MMG and 50mm Mortar by the Company Commander. Commander 43rd Army has also allocated a Scout Section for deep penetration and recon tasks, and they will be under command during the initial phases of the operation. The Company Commissar Captain Melinkov will accompany the attack and he will ensure that the Army Commander’s orders are followed to the letter.

Mission

Lt Kruskov is to attack and destroy the enemy within bounds as soon as possible.

Post Mission Report

The Soviet patrols identified suitable jump off points for the attack where the platoon could form up out of sight of any enemy. Lt Kruskov’s plan was to use the hill and hedge line forward of it as base of fire to support a right flanking attack which he would lead with the two rifle sections.

The LMG section, MMG and sniper team were deployed successfully to provide covering fire for the advance.

The first rifle section started its advance from the woods. Already it was obvious that the Germans had occupied the buildings and fence line for defence. The covering fire would be essential to negotiate the open ground.

Captain Melinkov deployed to the fire base to coordinate the supporting fire. He also gave orders to the Scout team to start moving up to advance into the depth of the enemy position.

Both rifle sections were deployed and started to advance to the first hedge line.

The combined firepower of the MMG and LMG section was sufficient to start to suppress the enemy. The weight of fire was sufficient to force the enemy away from the fence line. There were reports of first aid parties moving forward to the German line so we had strong evidence that we had inflicted significant casualties on the German leaders.

The Scout section advanced carefully to the wood line. On the right the first section is closing up to the fence line.

The advance to the fence line is being supported by the fire from the rifle section.

As the Scout section approached the woodline a German infantry section deployed and engaged them in close quarter battle. The Scout section despite losing 4 men prevailed and forced the German grenadiers to withdraw.

The lead section was able to provide covering fire to allow the second section to cross the hedge line. The covering fire was essential as the German grenadiers were determined to defend to the last and advanced out from behind the building to fire at the lead section.

In the subsequent fire fight the lead section commander was killed, and Lt Kruskov came forward to take command of the section and the attack on the objective. The second rifle section has maned to get its LMG team over the fence.

The lead section has been sent by Lt Kruskov to provide covering fire to allow the second rifle section to advance and seize the objective.

On the other flank the German Grenadiers rallied and overran the Scout Section. The Section Commander’s body was never recovered, and it is believed that he was captured and interrogated by the Germans. The remaining Germans providing covering fire have broken and were seen withdrawing to the rear.

Outcome

The Soviet’s failed to secure the objective, when the Germans rolled two sixes in their command roll when we were under "Sudden Death". The Soviets suffered the following casualties:

The 6 men of the Scout Section, and their commander was captured.

3 men from the MMG team.

7 Rifleman and another section commander.

Conclusion

A much better game and an exciting game. The play balance was good for both sides with each having opportunities to inflict pain on the other; if only the dice gods were favourable! Despite this the rules give a very interesting game and certainly sufficiently intriguing to cause both Kevin and I to download scenario books!