Background
We are getting ready for a big throw back game next month using my Donner and Blitzen rules. They were originally written with Micro Armor in mind and we got a lot of play with them. The rules are designed so that each model or base represents a platoon or equivalent. This allows for larger formations and smaller battles to be played, while still giving a feel for WWII. They had been gathering dust, due to people moving and all the newer 15mm and 20mm options on the market. Every so often, I will dust them off with some 15mm conversions. However, as we are having a bit of a reunion with a number of old players to celebrate a buddies birthday, I was asked to run the old rules and set up a big game (this is not that). So, this kind of gave me the kick in the rear I needed to really update the rules for 15mm play, However, before we jump in with both feet, I felt a few smaller play tests were in order to make sure things worked in the scale and people still had some fun. As such, we have reserved our first Wednesday monthly WWII night to play some D&B, as least until the big game was behind us. With that in mind, I grabbed a bag of Soviet and Germans and organized a few units from my FOW collection, set up a board and we gamed on.
The Game
I set the scenario for the east front (out big game will be on the east front). It would be a reinforced Soviet Brigade attacking a German Infantry position. I gave each side armor, infantry and artillery (no planes in this one). The Germans would start dug in and would have to defend two road leading to their rear. The Soviets would win if they could clearthe road (no enemy within 5″). The Germans would win if they stopped the Soviet assault. The battle was to take place in Poland and the end of Operation Bagration.
The Soviet for included a Tank Brigade of T-34/M43s with attached SU-85 and ISU-122 regiments. The infantry, recon and artillery was integral to the brigade. The German force was a regimental Kampfgruppe or two battalions of PanzerGrenadiers with an under strength Pzkw-IV battalion in reserve.
The Germans deployed in the center town and covered the left flank with the other infantry battalion. The reserves were held on the right flank hoping to catch the Soviets extended flank later in the game. As the road network is very important in the rules, the Germans basically covered those lines of communications, knowing the Soviets would be challenged in stretching their command around the town.
The Soviet player opted for the sledgehammer attack plan! The would send their forces right up the middle and clear the town before the German reserves could intervene. With that in mind, the Soviet brigade drove forward, once more into the breach.
As the Germans did not have much in the way of long range fire support, to Soviets continued their advance up to the town to start softening up the Germans ans assault one side of the town to get a toe hold. However, the Germans proved more stubborn than expected and the Soviets hesitated after the first casualties.
This gave time for the arrival of the German understrength mixed Panzer Battalion!
With time running out, the Soviets tried the battering ram effect on the town. However, tanks don’t fair so well in build up areas and the fight turned into a bloodbath with the Soviets paying heavily in casualties, as they drove the Germans back.
Despite the bravery of the tankers, the flanking fire of the Panzers and the heavy fire from Panzerfausts in the town were too much. The Soviet assault faltered then fell and the attack was called off. Victory for the German defenders on this day, but their would be more Soviets tomorrow…..
– Manteuffel