Jump to content

Mozhaisk - CMBB AAR


FullAuto

Recommended Posts

In September 1941, the Germans launched Operation Typhoon, with the ultimate objective of capturing Moscow. The Das Reich division, on the highway to the Russian capital, needs to capture a strategically important objective, a crossroads, where the village of Mozhaisk has grown. The Russians are taking not one step back, defending stoically and ignoring losses. The Germans are determined to continue.

 

The unstoppable force meets the immovable object.

 

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to capture the crossroads and the town of Mozhaisk. If all goes well, securing the road beyond the village is a secondary objective.

 

Overhead.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op1.jpg

 

Approximately 700 metres from the start line to the objectives.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op2.jpg

The lay of the land is interesting. The ground slopes up, mostly, towards the objective. The rail line running parallel to the road down the centre of the map is on a bare ridge, suicide to use that. To the left of that, it's rather bare, some patches of trees, some shell craters. In the centre, it's not bad at all, plenty of trees and brush. On the right, the ridges could be used as cover IF the troops can cross the ridges before getting shot up.

 

Reverse view.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op3.jpg

 

FORCES

 

I have an infantry battalion to play with, 3 companies each consisting of 3 platoons. Each platoon has four units, three sections and a HQ. The sections are the sexy kind with two MGs, plenty of firepower.

 

For extra firepower, each platoon has a 50mm mortar team. I've taken these teams and grouped them into two lots, instead of having them try and fail to keep up with the infantry. They'll be providing bomb-droppy services from cover.

 

6 MG 34 heavy machine guns.

 

7 Sturmgeschutz assault guns, my only armour. Respectable workhorses, but not tank killers.

 

1 105mm artillery spotter, with a rather meagre 60 rounds to call down.

 

PLAN OF ATTACK

 

Main thrust will be central, 5 platoons, backed up with 3 Stugs and 2 MGs.

 

On the right, two platoons will attempt to cross ridges as fast as possible and get into the gullies. Repeat 'til objective is reached. In support, a group of 50mm mortars, and 2 Stugs. Behind the start position on the right, atop a wooded hill, 2 MGs and the arty spotter wait, commanded by the battalion HQ.

 

On the left, prospects are slim. I'm not really expecting to get anywhere here, the ground is rather bare. 2 platoons, 2 Stugs, 2 MGs, and a mortar group. Hopefully they can grind forward into positions where they can give fire support to the main attack at least.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On the left, Ross' B company eyes the bare terrain ahead and wonders just how many Russian guns are pointed at them. Enough MG fire could stall them on the start line, and crossing the rail line ridge to join the central attack could be deadly.

 

In the centre, Imhof's A company plots out its fire and movement, spying useful clumps of trees and planning who will have the honour of going first.

 

On the right, Becker's C company readies itself. Its task is to cross the first ridge as fast as possible, get into the gully and shelter there, behind the second ridge. It will then have to cross that ridge and begin the slog up to the woods and fields of Mozhaisk.

 

I have enough firepower to handle anything except proper tanks. My Stugs can only take on real tanks with extreme difficulty. So no KVs, T-34s, etc.

 

Time to kick off.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op4.jpg

Ah. Those tanky-looking things, holding that objective, they would be...?

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op5.jpg

T-34s. Of course. :clapping:

 

Turn 1.

 

Treeless view.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op6.jpg

 

Left flank: Ross orders his men forward, and both platoons Move to Contact, edging forward, using rocky ground, trees, shell craters and brush. One MG is on overwatch, the other climbs up onto one of the Stugs, ready to move forward. The mortar section stands ready to play one-way explosive egg toss.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op7.jpg

 

Centre: Imhof gives the signal and two platoons MtC as the rest wait there turn. 2 MGs on overwatch. The Stugs throw it in reverse, getting out of sight of the T-34s behind a ridge.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op8.jpg

 

Right: Becker stalls his men, and the Stugs' engines idle as they loiter behind the ridge. Only the mortar section sneaks forward, using a patch of trees for cover.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op9.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, my 50mm mortars can't reach the tanks (500m range) and even if they could, the best they could hope for is to kill a tank commander or two. My arty spotter, on the hill behind C company, can see the tanks but 105mm HE isn't the best weapon versus tanks. I'll get a tank commander or two, maybe a mobility kill, and perhaps take one out with gun damage or something, but even if they don't move out of the targeted area, they are armoured point targets and using arty on them is basically a lottery.

 

Your posts have given me an idea, however:

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op10.jpg

 

Turn 4

 

The advance continues, with the Stugs on the left spurting 100m forward to another hull-down position, accompanying the infantry push.

 

In the centre, the infantry continue on, with one section making a run across a stretch of clear ground. Only when they disappear into the trees do the platoons covering them relax a fraction.

 

The spotter makes sure the battery has the right co-ordinates, and informs the battalion HQ that firing will start in exactly one minute.

 

Reinforcements turn up:

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op11.jpg

A platoon of 4 Panzerjager tank hunters, a company of infantry, and a 81mm mortar spotter (150 rounds). The Panzerjagers aren't particularly fearsome. Their 47mm gun is okay, but they are only thinly armoured. Shoot and scoot tactics are a must, especially versus real tanks. Although their AP rounds perform decently, their tungsten rounds are much better; of course, because they're rare, my PJs don't have any tungsten rounds. :clapping:

 

I love it when a plan vaguely coheres.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op12.jpg

Blue for lines of infantry advance, green for armour, white for the smokescreen I'm laying down. My infantry carry on, while the PJs and Stugs on the left race forward. If they get into the village without being murdered by unseen tanks or anti-tank guns, they stand a (marginally) better chance against the T-34s.

 

Turn 5 is uneventful, with the only change being the first small arms fire of the battle. One of the infantry sections sprinting across open ground in the centre is shot at (infantry, not an MG, by the sound) and hurls themselves into the trees as bullets churn the earth around them. Fire came from the section's 1 o'clock, the trees near the wheat field. Might be worth hitting that area with some fire.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op13.jpg

You can see the first shell I've called down just beginning to smoke in the wheat field, too. Somewhat to the left of where I'd aimed the focus of the barrage.

 

Turn 6

 

On the left, the infantry push on without incident, and the PJs roar at top speed across the barren steppe.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op14.jpg

With open compartments and only 13mm of frontal armour, they're very vulnerable. An anti-tank rifle team could mess them up, never mind a tank or AT gun.

 

Fire from one MG and one mortar is targeted on the area the enemy infantry fired from.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op16.jpg

Hopefully this will pin them, shutting them up, or incite them to shoot back, betraying their position.

 

In the centre, a leading infantry section spots a tempting prospect.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op17.jpg

That crater next to the railway line could be a good position to get a good view of the area. However, it's also a prominent place, bare of other forms of cover, and could draw a Hell of a lot of fire. Going somewhere high and skylining yourself is a great way to get shot.

 

On the right, the smokescreen takes shape.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op15.jpg

I'll see about moving those Stugs on the right now.

 

Turn 7

 

Moving those Stugs turns out to be a bad idea, with them receiving fire through gaps in the smokescreen as soon as they peeped up. Cowardice turned out to be the best part of not getting blown up, with them reversing back down into cover. One thing I didn't notice due to brash overconfidence is that the weather is a clear spell, after some heavy rain, so the ground is muddy, slowing off-road movement considerably. The PJs are okay, their much lower PSi (6.7 vs 12.9 for the Stugs) means they can still churn across the stuff quite happily, but the Stugs are slowed drastically.

 

On the left, the infantry edge closer to the objective, slipping through the trees, wondering how close they're going to get before the defenders open fire. Movement is purposeful and definite, but cautious, with plenty of units moving simultaneously, but even more covering.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op21.jpg

Two platoons are entering the stretch of woods leading up to the village, with the two Stugs rolling behind. The PJs are MtC into supporting hull-down positions. Their 47mm guns can't deliver much HE, but an explosion is an explosion is an explosion. The mortar section toddles along at the rear, searching for a new position. Several hundred metres behind them, the company of reinforcements hurries to catch up...

 

In the centre, the infantry section steels itself and runs up the slope, terrified and relieved when they swap uphill struggle for the horror of flat open ground, and hurl themselves into the crater by the railway line.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op20.jpg

A burst of fire zips out of the village, but the men are safe, breathing hard and grinning, and with line of sight for hundreds of metres around. I've enlarged their arc of fire to 500m to take advantage.

 

Turn 8

 

On the left flank, the leading infantry section steps out from some woods and immediately comes under fire.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op22.jpg

The point man goes down screaming, and the section dives for cover. Return fire from several infantry sections and a PJ silences the enemy unit.

 

In the centre, a platoon takes a risk, and hurries out into the open, eager to back up the leading platoon, and also comes under fire. But the range is longer, no-one is hit, and the platoon hurries on as multiple MGs reply to the enemy.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op23.jpg

Looks like they picked the right time to leave, that's either a mortar bomb or artillery shell bursting to the 3 o'clock of the MG.

 

On the right, the Stugs can't take advantage of the smoke, but Becker's company use it to cross the ridge, enemy MG fire cracking over their heads, and surge down the other side and into the gully, and safety.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op24.jpg

Nearly time to earn our deutschmarks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Turn 9

 

Time fur zum aktion! On the left, the section retrieves their casualty and crawls back into the treeline. The enemy unit is targeted by a whole platoon and a PJ as another section makes a run to flank the enemy position.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op25.jpg

Another turn, and barring problems, it'll be time to assault that unit.

 

Trees off for this one, to let you see the blasts spattering the landscape. It's either 75mm arty or 81mm mortars, judging by the size of the blasts, so not massive but more than enough to mess up infantry in the open.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op26.jpg

A few trailing sections are scared into taking cover, but no-one is hurt. An accident, but a well-timed one, my moving out just as the fire was called down! Hopefully those in wooded areas on the periphery of the barrage will get clear, airbursts can be devastating.

 

The leading section in the centre, running for a crater they've spotted, comes into view of the enemy, and takes a little fire.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op27.jpg

They don't hesitate at the lip of the hole and tumble in, safe for the moment.

 

On the right, the engines roar and the T-34s start rolling.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op28.jpg

Looks like a group angling off to the right, and a loner coming down the road. I don't have a solution for those in the open, barring another go at a smokescreen, but if that single-o comes down the road, my sections hiding amongst the trees have plenty of AT weapons to use at close range.

 

Turn 10

 

On the left, the enemy unit is pinned down by bullets and 47mm HE, and seems isolated, without any mutually supporting positions. An infantry section gets closer, spots the unit, and begins shooting and throwing grenades (can you spot it?).

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op29.jpg

Assault next turn!

 

Two PJs roll on into new hull-down positions as two stay static, and the reinforcements begin to close the gap.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op30.jpg

A Stug bogs down for a few seconds, then frees itself with a glutinous slurp, and the MG team jumps off and hurries into the woods, setting out the tripod and ammo, getting the MG mounted and ready for firing next turn.

 

Turn 11

 

Well, this has really pissed me off. I've been irritated by certain things, this battle (T-3LOL4s), but this has just ticked my boxes. Section assaults across a muddy slope, fair enough, progress is slow. But the enemy unit is being fired upon by a platoon and a MG, so they'll have their faces in the mud, right?

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op31.jpg

Wrong. They get a burst of fire off and a man dies, tumbling down the slope and into the pond. So obviously more suppressing fire is needed. Fine by me!

 

In the centre, a shell lands, and not only takes out an ammo bearer on the MG team, but sets the brush alight.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op32.jpg

Couldn't care less. The team are shaken, briefly take cover, and then go back to firing. Thank our conquest of Europe for veteran troops eh? Taking one casualty from an artillery strike is good news. As the team are set up, I didn't even lose any ammo (if a MG team takes a casualty on the move, that man is lost and so is the ammo he was carrying).

 

On the right, a rather more solid smokescreen takes form.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op33.jpg

But too late, the T-34s have already moved and are already peering around the edges of it, wondering what surprises I'm trying to hide.

 

Turn 12

 

Reinforcements!

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op34.jpg

A platoon of 4 Panzer IVDs (75mm L/24 guns, not much use versus tanks but good HE chuckers), and two platoons of 4 Panzer IIIGs (50mm L/42, which is still marginal versus the T-34 at their current range, approx 1km). That's a bit more like it, but neither model has the armour to survive the T-34's 76.2mm L/42 firepower). Shoot and scoot might pay off.

 

One PzIII platoon rolls along the road, the other two tank platoons slog across the mud.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op36.jpg

Hopefully I can use the railway ridge (to the platoon's right here) as the perfect place to get hull-down, peek over, and kill some T-34s.

 

The assault becomes a marathon, as despite added firepower (another MG, and 75mm HE from two Stugs), the enemy manage to pop up and inflict another casualty on Beerbauer's section.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op35.jpg

Another man tumbles down the slope, rifle sliding with him, but before more can die, the enemy unit is wiped out with close-range fire and grenades. Shitty assault COMPLETE!

 

Pokorny's section, heading onwards to the village, come under enemy fire. But they've fallen for stepping out of the trees and getting shot before, and they stop just shy, wait, and duly receive enemy fire.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op37.jpg

No casualties, and fire is swiftly returned after the men scramble for cover.

 

The smoke screen is respectably solid now it is useless. The arty spotter, down to his last dozen rounds, glumly lets the shoot continue. Might as well inconvenience the enemy a little more.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op38.jpg

Hopefully it will last long enough to isolate a few T-34s to be picked off by the massed fire of my PzIIIs. The tank breaking off to the left was having a whale of a time, smugly grinding across the field until my squad in the crater on railway ridge opened up on him. The tank commander did his reverse-jack-in-the-box trick and the chaps had a chuckle.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Turn 13 (unlucky for some, like, er, me)

 

On the left, the reinforcements continue to hurry on, the PJs leapfrog forward, Pokorny's section grit their teeth under fire and wait for a platoon to catch up with them, a Stug shells a big building in the village because I feel like it, and oh yes, one of my PJs spots a T-34.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op39.jpg

Yes, well, we all saw that result coming. After two misses, when the T-34 was oblivious. This is a veteran crew, by the way. I can only assume an inexperienced crew would simply blow themselves up to save everybody time. I see an exploding PJ in my future.

 

In the centre, I do something I knew was a little bit silly, and told an infantry platoon to run forward to new positions. The unlucky section whose job it was to cross the road took a casualty almost immediately before making it to the safe haven of a shell crater.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op40.jpg

Time for more 50mm mortar and MG fire!

 

Overhead view for progress evalutation:

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op41.jpg

Not bad, but I'm going to have to take care of those T-34s...

 

Turn 14

 

In what may be the most pathetic tank battle of the 20th century, the T-34 misses every shot, and two PJs miss or fail to penetrate, until they get lucky.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op42.jpg

The T-34 reverses out of sight. The PJs live another turn. I mean who thinks 13mm of armour plate is enough? I thought Nazi scientists were supposed to be clever? Can you imagine the instruction manual for a Panzerjager? "When you climb into the vehicle, try not to climb in too hard."

 

Trees off so you can see what's going on. Pokorny's section gives covering fire as another section runs up, drops into a crater for cover, and joins the firefight.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op45.jpg

Another section behind that one, moving up for the assault.

 

A building blows up because I think that's hilarious.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op43.jpg

Hopefully there were some enemies in there, or something. Whatever.

 

On the right, the 50mm mortar section quickly gets the range of the newly-revealed enemy positions guarding the road, and bombs start bracketing Russian units.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op44.jpg

The mortars are small, and the Russians are in prepared positions, so I'm unlikely to cause many casualties, but combined with the MG fire, and the infantry platoons chipping in, I am likely to keep their heads down, freeing my infantry up to assault.

 

Turn 15

 

Trees off this turn so you can see what's happening.

 

On the left, the PJs are busy. One is supporting the infantry attack, splashing the enemy infantry with HE, two are static and watching for that T-34 to nose forward again, and another grinds through the trees and on into the field beyond, hoping to get closer to that T-34 and give it a nice surprise. The wheat graphic makes it difficult to make out dips and rises, but the field is basically a gently-sloped hill.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op46.jpg

The reinforcements are still playing catch up.

 

Dregger's section, who lost a man to crossing the road, are spotted by multiple tanks as the smoke screen dies, and despite their position in a hole, take two more casualties as HE shells blast the lip of the crater.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op47.jpg

In the woods to Dregger's left, infantry sections begin the assault, MtC through the trees until they spot the enemy, and start shooting, pouring rounds into foxholes.

 

Another infantry section takes a spot in a shell crater next to the railway, and comes to the attention of the enemy, drawing fire from several infantry units, and a tank.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op48.jpg

The HE drops short, thankfully. Another nice spotting position gained.

 

Turn 16

 

Reinforcements!

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op49.jpg

Three infantry platoons mounted in halftracks, a platoon of Pz IIIGs, and a platoon of Pz IIIHs. The latter has improved armour, so actually stands a chance. Time to nail those T-34s.

 

On the left, an advancing Stug rolls into the sights of a T-34.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op50.jpg

One round, one hit, one kill, and the crew bail out in seconds as the MG team spill off the back.

 

The assault goes terribly wrong, as multiple enemy units pop up and open fire.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op51.jpg

Three casualties in short order. Shit.

 

In the centre, the infantry bring their weight to bear on the enemy positions, and it becomes too much. MG fire, mortars, grenades, and the sections closing in.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op52.jpg

Enemies are killed in their positions, or flee and are killed.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hmm. 75mm L/24s all around. Pretty outgunned, aren't you?

 

Still, they ought to do some good as a distraction so the panzerjagers and panzer iiis can make a serious try without all getting splattered.

 

Panzerjager I vs T-34s are pretty sad. Your kingdom for a few marders or hetzers, right?

 

Just pray a KV doesn't show up...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I admit I am having some troubles keeping a view of the battlefield, so thanks for posting the whole picture in this last update.

 

I have a question or two on these reinforcements... Are they advance or time dependant? Can you influence them in any way before the battle even? Asking because this last batch seems worth waiting, while hiding in a bush or something...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for letting me know, SV. Will do those more frequently.

 

The reinforcements in some scenarios are random, in this one they're predetermined. The latest batch are probably the most immediately useful, although that infantry will have to roll across a lot of open ground before they can be of any use. They won't survive that exposure to tank fire, so that problem has to be solved first.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

:clapping:

 

I really could do with anything with some serious frontal armour, yes. I know the PJ is an early, bare-bones design, but at least put some serious metal on the front...

 

That would be asking for Tiger or Panther since Germans didn't have anything to stop KV in face to face battle.... Maybe a pak-38 AT would be nice or pak 40?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Neither were around in '41. So, I'm really shit out of luck. The Russians had some absolutely great tanks, the T-34 was probably the best tank in the world when it was made, and remained relevant throughout the war. Taking it on this early in the war is a bit of a struggle, and the KV is just a nightmare. The best you can hope for is a mobility kill, which requires lots of shots and luck.

 

The Pak 40 (good old 75mm, how I adore thee) would be ideal, with a brace of Pak 38s for dessert. Mmm. Lovely. :clapping:

 

I gather us wurst-gobblers won't be the only ones getting reinforcements, then, ya?

 

They definitely have. I've only seen tanks so far, but they probably have a lot of infantry in place anyway.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op53.jpg

Reinforcement points duly circled (ovaled?) in our respective colours. I received two loads on my left flank, at the rear, and my most recent lot are just easing out of the bottom-right corner. The enemy reinforcements, as far as I could see, were T-34s at the back, and a platoon of light tanks, not sure of the model yet, from the right.

 

Turn 17

 

With the infantry assault gone badly awry on the left, the mortars are called in to save the day. Jork's section takes another two casualties and panics. Bombs start raining down on the enemy positions.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op54.jpg

7 50mm mortars, each with 30 bombs. The explosive power of each bomb isn't much, but when you consider the rate of fire is approx 15 rounds a minute, they quickly add up. The enemies soon stop firing, and Jork's section regain their senses and crawl back along their own trail of dead.

 

The PJs club together, just off to the left of the infantry assault.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op57.jpg

Best to hunt that Stug-killer as a pack, chaps. Minus the PJ nosing into the field, guarding your right flank.

 

In the centre, the second infantry section to sit in a crater by the railway is not as lucky as the first, and comes under fire from a T-34.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op56.jpg

A cardinal sin, getting noticed, but they have an excellent view of the surrounding area, and two MGs to take advantage of it. Another 500m fire arc set.

 

On the right, one of my Pz IIIH reinforcements spots their first T-34, and opens fire.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op55.jpg

Veteran crew does its job yet again, and they consistently hit the target (7 shots, 5 hits, not bad at 858m), but to no effect. The shells simply ricochet into the air. You keep on knocking, but you can't come in.

 

Turn 18

 

The PJs advance together, and engage the T-34 as a trio. The T-34 slams it into reverse.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op58.jpg

But it was no use, and successive 47mm AP rounds actually managed to penetrate, and the crew bail out before the tank even stops rolling. Bonus Stug house destruction, too.

 

The remaining PJ, slowly crossing the field, is spotted by a T-34.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op59.jpg

Time to get a move on before it gets torn apart.

 

As one of my reinforcement tank platoons ease into hull-down positions on railway ridge, one of them bogs down.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op61.jpg

And then gets totally stuck. Scratch one tank.

 

In the centre, the infantry advance has slowed to a crawl, because, well, there's about 10 T-34s hunting around nearby.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op62.jpg

The infantry stay as deep in the trees as they can, finding craters or little hollows to hide in, and wait for the tank problem to be solved.

 

My Pz IIIH gets lucky at long range.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op60.jpg

I might have to get the Stugs to join in too, and see how it goes. The two Pz IIIG platoons (minus one idiot) I got as reinforcements on the left, and the Pz IIIG and Pz IIIH reinforcement platoons on the right, plus the Stugs, might actually kill some T-34s, if only through sheer weight of fire.

 

Turn 19

 

The PJ thinks about reversing for just a little bit too long.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op63.jpg

The entire 3-man crew somehow survive. Truly, there is no justice.

 

The bomb rain stops, and the infantry burst forward, two fresh sections sprinting over open ground, one jumping into a vacated enemy position, the other disappearing amongst the rubble of the destroyed house.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op64.jpg

Note the three T-34s in the background. Russian reinforcements moving up, spotted by my infantry in their craters up on railway ridge.

 

As the three tanks of the Pz III platoon peeps over railway ridge, their attention is divided. The tank on the right, as you can see by the targeting line, is shooting at a tank over the other side of the ridge, whereas the other two tanks are shooting at the T-34 reinforcements in the previous image (hence the 'side upper hull hit, ricochet' result).

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op65.jpg

The range for either set of targets is too long, and hits produce nothing but ricochets.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Turn 20

 

My PJs MtC forward, tank hunting, and one of them gets hit once and is KO'd. Bonus Stug house destruction again, though.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op66.jpg

No idea where that came from. I suspect an AT gun not a million miles away, as it was a first-shot-hit, I think. It didn't shoot at the other PJs though, and they were close by. Hmm.

 

The infantry push forward yet again on the left, and yet again enemy units pop up and engage them.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op67.jpg

This is turning into a slog, but at least I'm getting somewhere. Soon be going house to house, I hope. I'll be exploding out into the place once my platoons file through this narrow corridor of trees.

 

My Panzer IV platoon finally move their fat arses and get in on the action. I'm not expecting much, given their relatively puny L/24 75mm, but I'll cross my fingers.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op68.jpg

If not, they can start shelling infantry and blowing up houses.

 

It was the turn of the tank surge, and all my Pz III platoons and Stugs edged forward and started shooting, and although the ranges averaged out to about 700m, quite a few hits were achieved. Most were ricochets, but there were a few penetrations and partial penetrations.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op69.jpg

Sadly, no T-34s died as a result, they just kept moving and/or shooting back. Damned Russian designs, too robust for my own good. However, none of my tanks were hit, at all. Heartening result.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Shame on that PJ's your only real weapon against T-34's.... With your current armored divisions you'd be very lucky to get a kill. And those early P4's crap of a gun... Are those P3's equipped with 5 cm KwK 38 L/42 gun ? This gun is way better than that short prick what P4 has unless using HEAT ammo.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, the Pz IVs only have bog standard AP rounds, much like my Stugs, who have the same short-barrelled 75mm gun. Can't be relied upon outside of close range. The 50mm L/42 is better, but it's still not something you can bank on. I think the 50mm L/60 was introduced in late 41, early 42? Could do with some!
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Is it possible to flush out an enemy tank's crew without outright destroying the vehicle?

 

It's the norm to get an 'abandoned' result rather than a 'knocked out'. Often, the tank is damaged in some way and although technically it could carry on fighting, the crew decide they'd rather not be cooked, and bail out. Although not possible to occupy abandoned vehicles, captured vehicles are available in some scenarios, so you see German-crewed T-34s, Russian Panthers, etc.

 

The Pb 39 merely tickles T-34s, you're right, but if they come in close my chaps have some close-range AT weapons they can use that will perform much better.

 

Turn 21

 

On the left, more sections move up as MGs take up covering positions and the Stug smashes another enemy-occupied domicile.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op70.jpg

The Russians are falling back in a fairly slow manner, only one or two units at a time (minus those fleeing from shelled houses) and it's rather tough going, most of the sections who were first to arrive are low on or out of ammo.

 

On the right, a Stug takes a hit, and doesn't take it well.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op72.jpg

How sadly predictable.

 

The two closest Stugs get a rough time of it, receiving most of the Russian fire, and it cripples one, then kills the other, then finishes the first off.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op71.jpg

Two T-34s die, though, and I think a third is on the way out as it has suffered multiple penetrations. Good news, the infantry can get moving, as long as my tanks don't run out of AP. Speaking of which, some of my Pz IIIs are down to a dozen rounds...

 

Turn 22

 

As the Russian infantry respond to my advance on the left, the Stug fulfils its purpose and lets rip, blasting them with canister shells.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op74.jpg

Like a gigantic shotgun shell, the mass of projectiles tears the Russian unit apart, and the traumatised survivors make a run for it.

 

The Pz IIIs on the left finally grind through the mud and rocks and peer over the railway line and begin spotting T-34s. While they're doing that, another T-34 and another Stug die.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op73.jpg

Time to throw everything into top gear, I think. Now, where is that 81mm mortar spotter...

 

Turn 23

 

On the far left, my Pz IVs mount a hill, and spot the T-34s on the right flank, on the opposite side of the battlefield, and have a go.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op75.jpg

Don't think I saw a single hit from their rounds. Never mind. Sadly we're in a titanic struggle that will determine the future of the world, otherwise you'd be bloody fired. So, points for trying, chaps.

 

The 81mm spotter, as clever as he is attractive, soon has bombs raining down on the objective, splashing alles uber die platz.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op79.jpg

I'll just let them paste whatever's around that flag, bound to be plenty of enemy infantry there.

 

An infantry platoon with added LMG runs out into the wheatfield, looking for craters.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op77.jpg

Most of them find positions even as fire sweeps in from enemy units. No casualties are taken, yet.

 

Those T-34 reinforcements reappear, looking to get some rounds into my Pz IIIs on railway ridge.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op76.jpg

They get a bloody nose and begin reversing, put off by the fact that two whole platoons of tanks are firing back.

 

It might have taken five platoons of tanks firing in concert, but all of a sudden there are fewer Russian steel beasts roaming around.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op78.jpg

I can race those platoons in their halftracks into the main objective flag now!

 

Turn 24

 

Overall situation. Blue lines for infantry lines of advance, green for halftrack routes. Most of my tanks are going to be static, watching for T-34s.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op80.jpg

With most of the tanks on the right taken out, I'm going to risk AT guns and race my platoons to the main objective. I'm confident they'll take light casualties on the way there, barring the reappearance of tanks.

 

The infantry battle gets started in earnest as my men pass through the field and woods, and start entering buildings. As you'd expect, the Russians are dug in along the edge of town, with lines of fire sweeping out. Note the T-34s behind the town, at least five.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op81.jpg

My remaining Stug can roll forward and unload some more canister shells into the enemy while my remaining PJ pair can watch for tanks.

 

On the right, Becker's company has spent the past 20 or so turns nestled down behind a ridge, listening to the battle, and tensing with the cessation of nearby tank engines. Time to move!

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op82.jpg

They cross the ridge at a steady pace, drawing some fire, which forces some sections down onto their bellies, but the force moves on to reinforce the central push.

 

The halftracks start to roll out as the tanks finish off the remaining T-34s.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op83.jpg

It took a lot of concerted fire, but a crossfire with AP shells coming from two directions meant the T-34s had to present their flank to someone.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Turn 25

 

My Panzer IVs roll forward a little more on the hill, and spot those T-34s milling around behind Mozhaisk.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op86.jpg

Fire is exchanged, and one Pz IV is crippled, then KO'd. Not exactly an unusual result, even when the T-34s are being engaged by the two platoons of Pz IIIs on railway ridge, too.

 

Advancing over fields was never going to be particularly casualty-free, even hopping from crater to crater, and fire chops several men down.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op84.jpg

Still, there's not enough to stop or even slow the attack as a whole. The Stug rolls into position to get some canister rounds down.

 

Becker's company reaches the woods almost unhurt, with one section being the recipient of focused MG fire. Three men clumped together dropped, and there was no time to check if they were dead or wounded.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op87.jpg

Given a turn to recover their composure, even that section will be ready to get into the fight. Veterans, invaluable.

 

The halftracks start contributing early, splattering MG fire all over the enemy.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op85.jpg

It's not going to have much have an effect, but hey, that MG ammo can't just sit there.

 

Turn 26

 

The Pz IVs swap some shots and then reverse behind the hill, knowing they can't win such an uneven contest.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op88.jpg

Another Pz IV is KO'd on the way to cover, and the remaining two lurk, ready if the T-34s come around the village and down that flank.

 

The PJ's slip into the edge of the village, using houses for cover, and angle themselves to watch the left flank for tanks. The infantry push in, taking sporadic fire from the right, but driving the Russians before them.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op89.jpg

A Stug canister round wipes out a unit entirely. A few more of those will create deep cracks in the defence.

 

Halftrack casualties begin a little sooner than I anticipated, and the cause is not the glory of war, but the sad mundane reality of mud.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op90.jpg

Chaps, I hate to say this, but it's time to start walking.

 

I think this is the last T-34 on the right, who cannot stay out of sight of my tanks behind that little patch of wood.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op91.jpg

If he goes forward, my Pz IIIs in the bottom-right shoot at him. If he reverses, my Pz IIIs on railway ridge shoot at him. Unlucky!

 

Turn 27

 

On the left, Ross is riding the wave of the infantry attack, well in control and yet staying out of the shooting and dedicating himself to command.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op92.jpg

Soon have this flag, as long as those T-34s don't get involved too quickly.

 

In the centre, the infantry attack has halted. The enemy fire here is pretty serious, and any attempt to cover open ground to get to the next bit of cover will not end well.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op94.jpg

They can settle down, shoot it out with the enemy, and wait for the halftracks to arrive.

 

Mud strikes again, another infantry section piles out and kicks the tracks in disgust.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op93.jpg

Time to hitch a ride on a tank, lads.

 

Turn 28

 

On the left, my Pz IV duo get a little sniping in, peeping over the crest of the hill at those T-34s, and letting them have an AP round or two.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op95.jpg

If they can keep picking on one T-34 at a time, they might actually kill some.

 

In the centre, an infantry section picks its way across some dead ground, and finds a path to the next clump of trees.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op96.jpg

It might be a narrow funnel to fit through, but the sections can slip through one at a time, build up, and carry on pushing forward.

 

And on the right, the halftracks close in on the main objective. No losses from enemy fire yet.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op97.jpg

I'm going to race them up close to the flag, under covering fire from the infantry in the centre, and debus right into the enemy positions.

 

Turn 29

 

Everything continues with no great changes, apart from the T-34 fire finally finding its mark on my Pz IIIs on railway ridge.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op98.jpg

One down, and it had to be the platoon HQ. Meanwhile, the infantry attacks continue, and the hafltracks race closer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Turn 30

 

An infantry section comes under fire from an enemy gun. Losing two men isn't that bad seeing as the house went up.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op100.jpg

Not sure about taking it out, might just try to limit my exposure to it. But it's situated behind the village and covers plenty of it.

 

A Pz III platoon, tired of popping at T-34s at long range, crosses railway ridge to support the central attack.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op101.jpg

They'll be a great help clearing away the enemy infantry.

 

Two more halftracks bog down. Absolutely unbelievable. The infantry, tired of this nonsense, simply jog on.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op99.jpg

Assault and clear out this wood, then mount up again and continue on to the main objective.

 

Turn 31

 

Infantry advance, and some sections take advantage of the bigger buildings and nip upstairs.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op104.jpg

One flag is mine!

 

The first panzer rfile platoon assaults the woods, and finds them mostly evacuated, with only two enemy units and plenty of vacant holes.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op102.jpg

They'll clear it out, get back in their halftracks (the two that bogged down have managed to get free) and follow the other two halftrack platoons up to the objective.

 

A Pz III platoon takes a break from killing T-34s (some of them have to because they've got no AP rounds left) and follow the halftracks.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op103.jpg

They can provide plenty of supporting fire.

 

Turn 32

 

The infantry assault goes without a hitch, clearing out the wood, and the next halftrack platoon pushes by. The infantry in the woods provide support fire, escorting the halftracks with bullets.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op105.jpg

Now to move on and clear the next load of trees before mounting up.

 

Turn 33

 

I've just realised the time, and I don't know if I'll capture the main objective in time. In theory, I have at least three turns, but the halftracks are moving slower than I thought they would over this bloody mud.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op106.jpg

Piling everything on in an effort to crack the defence and get in there.

 

Turn 34

 

I have one small flag, for sure. I just don't know if I can move quick enough to grab the big one, the main objective.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op107.jpg

Infantry, tanks, halftracks, they're all moving out as fast as they can.

 

The lead tank of the Pz III column closes in, spraying enemy units.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op108.jpg

Now is when I need Stugs and Pz IVs, damn it.

 

Turn 35

 

My infantry sections who are still in good shape surge out of cover and into the field, running Hell for leather for shell craters.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op109.jpg

Few casualties are taken and they quickly start firing back, knowing the entire point of the battle is now here.

 

A house sheltering the enemy is destroyed, smashed apart by a barrage of 50mm HE rounds from my Pz IIIs.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op110.jpg

Casualties ahoy and hopefully enough to start swinging the balance around the objective in my favour.

 

Of course, once you've sited a MG well, you know it'll remind you just how important and influential it is by jamming at a critical point in the battle.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op111.jpg

Clear it, chaps, come on, are you veterans or what...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Turn 36 - Basically into extra time here, and the game could end any turn now.

 

The sole remaining Stug on the left, having expended all HE on enemy infantry, crawls through Mozhaisk until faced with a T-34.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op112.jpg

It's a losing proposition but the Stug has little choice, and a duel begins. The Stug appears to have the edge at first, getting several partial penetrations, before the T-34 manages to get on target and spalling metal kills a Stug crewman.

 

The PJs reorient and begin to hunt through the village, now aware that there are T-34s coming up the road to the objectives.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op113.jpg

the range is much closer, and their first shots will probably be at the flanks of some T-34s, so hopefully they will get some kills.

 

The lead Pz III kills the last T-34 over on the right as it cruises up to the objective.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op114.jpg

And that also looks like the main objective is now mine. Yes, that's my side's flag alright...

 

The first section of infantry to debus from the halftracks drops into a crater and gets shooting.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op115.jpg

Another platoon or two and this place is going to be firmly in my grasp. Once that happens, I can forget about the third flag, I'll have a good enough position to secure a win.

 

Turn 37

 

The Stug swaps another shot with the T-34, and the T-34 reverses out of the duel. Strange result, and the Stug is still coping with the casualty when another T-34 appears, rolling blithely by. The Stug crew ready their last AP round and do their best to make it count.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op116.jpg

The T-34 coasts to a halt. Perhaps not killed, but certainly somewhere inside, a man is wounded or dead. The Stug reverses into cover, job done.

 

More infantry debus and sweep into positions recently vacated by the enemy.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op117.jpg

They won't winkle all my men out of these holes in time to win back the objective, that's for sure.

 

Turn 38

 

My grasp of the main objective grows firmer, but there are T-34s coming up the road. The leading Pz III speeds off, and finds a hull-down position on their probable route.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op118.jpg

If it comes down to a close-range slugfest, my Pz IIIs will lose, but he should get the first one or two T-34s.

 

Turn 39 - now I want it to end before the T-34s turn up and take the main objective back.

 

A PJ, easing through the village, spots a T-34 and begins to take aim.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op121.jpg

With the range being much less than previously, this should be a kill next turn!

 

I've now got about three platoons of infantry and a platoon of tanks holding the main objective.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op120.jpg

Hard to avoid celebrating at this point, but a nice hard counter-attack could ruin things for me.

 

The lone Pz III waits just behind the rise, AP loaded, gunner with his finger on the trigger.

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op119.jpg

The T-34s are massing on the other side, he can hear four or five engines, and he knows they're not going to attack one by one, like gentlemen.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's all over!

https://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/FullAuto_2006/Moz/op122.jpg

Not one of my best, with a real skin-of-my-teeth finish because I was too cautious for most of the battle. I really let myself down not checking the weather conditions (mud nearly decided the battle), which was a silly error. My tanks performed about as well as could be expected, given the ranges and terrain, thankfully the quality of the men made up for a lot of my mistakes. The infantry in particular never failed at a single point, they were never turned back or even stopped, although individual units were badly hurt. My smokescreen attempt was a sad failure. My mortar groups performed very well, acting like mini-artillery strikes, and even the PJs managed not to both suck and blow simultaneously. My Stugs struggled to excel, given that conditions were firmly set against them, but still gave a good all-round service.

 

Comments, questions and criticisms all gratefully received, ladies and gents. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions for my next CMBB AAR, speak up. There are hundreds of scenarios available, so if you have a specific battle or operation in mind from the Eastern Front of WWII, chances are it's in my folder.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
  • Create New...