This was a Memoir 44 game run by Martin using his 15mm toys. He ran the Bolshevist host while I applied my inspired leadership to the business of defending European civilization. At least I think that's what my briefing said.
Above: The table setup viewed from the German side. From here there seemed to be lots of Russians. Lots and lots of them. Waaay too many of them.
Having no idea how to deploy armour, the Sovs had dug in their tanks. Clearly they hadn't read Guderian's book.
The game was set on the northern flank of Kursk (in 1943) and revolved around the village of Ponyri. The Sovs began in occupation and showed no sign of leaving.
My forces included some tank units - and this (badly photographed) Brummbar.
Most of the German armour was on the right. I sent this Tiger unit forward quite early. The round counters mark the location of the Soviet minefield. Bugger.
The early German infantry assault on Ponyri went quite well - these are my chaps nearest the camera and some dying Sovs in the middle.
So - everything hangs in the balance - what will happen next?
More coming soon.
11 comments:
I've always liked the Ponyri scenario. The battle in the village was known as "Little Stalingrad" - though I believe your Brumbar is standing in for an Elefant?
Conrad Kinch
While playing this game we were reminiscing about the bloodbath around Ponyri during the Kursk (North) Megablitz game a few years ago. It was a bit messy this time round too. I think the Brummbar should indeed have been an Elefant, but don't blame me for the toys - I was only obeying orders.
"what will happen next"
Oh! I know the answer to this one - 45 years of totalitarian socialism across the East and the re-building of Koln, Stuttgart, Hanover and Berlin with wide boulevards, lost of trees (and car parking) and the sort of modernist architecture Britain could have done with a bit more of!!
Do I get a prize?
A proper German tactic that, Tim - put your tank with the longest range gun and thickest armour where the enemy can get at it. Where are the Sappers when you need them?
Regards, Chris
Maverick Collecting
No prize - apart from the smug satisfaction of being right...
The Tigers are standing in for Elephants as I don't have any 15mm Elephants (only 6mm and 20mm ones). Besiudes the Sovs referred to them as 'Tigers'....
The Brumbar is there because some of the Assault Gun battalions at Kursk were equipped with Brumbars and it has never been in a game before.
Running the Russians with their command delay proved to be quite a challenge! I'm glad there were a lot of them.
Chris Kemp
if it works it a good tactic. Anyhow, tank gun ranges are all the same in M44.
Martin Rapier
A proper thing to do now would be to buy a load of 15mm Elefants and then never use them....
Smugness? Yeah, I can live with that! I'll 'CAD' a badge up.
Hugh
Maverick Collecting
I look forward to seeing that!
Epic beatings! Great game, looking at doing this one plus the next map beside it over the holidays
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