Entrenched in the East.

Game of WW2, East Prussia - late 1944.
Using Battlegroup in 20mm.

Organized, using terrain and models by David and Adam.
AAR by David Pentland.

Players

German  : David Pentland.
Russian  : Adam Smith.

An ad-hoc German defence line, based around dug in Flak 88 and PAK 38 At-guns, supported by a Volksgrenadier platoon, a Stug and a Quad AA gun, straddle the line of the advancing Soviet juggernaut. 

Waiting off board are a mixed T34/76 and T34/85 company, a mixed Js2 and Su75 platoon, and a mech infantry company. 

Prior to the Soviet ground attack Adam had a nasty surprise up his sleeve for the German defenders. A rocket armed IL2 Sturmovik! First though it had to face AA fire from a Mobelwagon, but remarkably came through unscathed, however its rocket salvo in turn missed its targets, and the Germans breathed a sigh of relief.

The Soviets roll (2d6 +3) for orders was high, allowing all initially available units to enter and the T34’s surged forward most at full speed. A few managed to attempt some long range shots but for no effect. 

Unfortunately for the German 88, they proved difficult targets to spot having used good cover and out of line of sight. The Stug under an initial ambush order however successfully targeted and destroyed a T34/76.

In the first German turn another T34 is hit and destroyed, an 85 this time.

The start of Soviet Turn 2 and the Sturmovik returned for a second pass, determined to do serious damage. It was not to be though and the waiting AA caused serious damage, forcing it to return to base before it could carry out its attack. 

In the following turn the Soviets brought on most of their remaining reinforcements, and piled on fire from their T34’s, to successfully pin the 88. 

For the next few turns both sides traded shots, and the Soviets continued to pin the 88 and even the Stug, forcing the Germans to draw BR chits to rally them. 

Generally though both sides fire was below par, and the few Soviet losses had taken a greater toll on their morale than the Germans.

A virtually suicidal attack by a German tank hunter team against an advancing T34 finally pushed the Soviet morale over the edge, and a win for the Germans.

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Photos curtesy of David Pentland, Gary and the editor.