Free WWII Tabletop Campaign: Nach Stalingrad
Free WWII Tabletop Campaign: Nach Stalingrad
INTRODUCTION
Do you want to try World War II historical tabletop gaming without spending a
fortune? Nach Stalingrad is a 100% free tabletop miniature campaign, presenting
a series of linked scenarios for the doomed German relief of Stalingrad in
December 1942. Everything you need to play is available courtesy of Little Wars
TV—the scenarios, paper miniatures, video tutorials, and terrain-crafting guides.
While you could adapt these materials for use with other rule systems, this
campaign is written to play the free introductory version of Ty Beard & Paul
Minson’s Fistful of TOWS 3. You can download this brilliant little 4-page game
for free thanks to a collaboration between Little Wars TV and FFT3’s original
authors, Ty & Paul.
THE CAMPAIGN
This PDF campaign supplement includes the linked scenarios, orders of battle,
and maps you need to follow the progress of Raus’s 6. Panzer Division on its drive
to breakthrough Soviet lines and relieve Stalingrad. The campaign is designed to
be beginner friendly, and each engagement is a real, historical encounter.
To get started, you will need a tabletop, miniatures, terrain, dice, tape measures,
and some tokens to mark unit statuses. Little Wars TV has a video tutorial on
YouTube showing you how assemble all of these components on a budget, over
the course of a single weekend. Visit [Link] to download the game
rules, paper miniatures, tokens, and even paper buildings!
The speed and totality of the Axis collapse shocked both sides and presented a
fluid, strategic mess. While the Soviets tried to figure out how to tighten the
noose and exploit their grand success, Adolf Hitler summoned Field Marshal
Erich von Manstein from Leningrad to mount a counterattack and relieve the city.
The task before Manstein was monumental—in hindsight, probably impossible.
Upon arriving to his new headquarters along the Don, Manstein would need to
stabilize the collapsing front and then mount a winter offensive with just weeks of “I will issue my
preparation. After firming up the front line with ad hoc formations and rear
echelon units, Manstein’s position stood 100km from the Stalingrad pocket. To
instructions in good
break through, Hitler promised to supply 12 divisions, but fewer than half that time.”
number could be scrapped together in time. The clock was ticking.
- hitler, 22nov. 1942
Inside the pocket, Field Marshal von Paulus was still in daily contact with Berlin.
His orders were to hold fast. In truth, the condition of his men was so dire that
they could do little else but hunker down and hope for relief. Attitudes among the
soldiers inside the pocket were grim, but not fatalistic. Not yet. A soldier from the
376. Infantry Division wrote home: “The worst is past. We all hope that we’ll be
out of the Kessel before Christmas.” Help was coming.
WINTERGEWITTER
The strategic plan for Operation Wintergewitter, or “Winter Storm,” was a two-
pronged offensive. Just 50 km from the pocket, the 48. Panzer Corps would
attack due east across the Chir River to peel off Soviet forces. Meanwhile, the
main thrust would be made from the south by the newly reinforced 57. Panzer
Corps. From its assembly area, this corps would need to advance some 120km.
Manstein had assumed his orders were to make contact with Paulus and open a
temporary corridor to evacuate Stalingrad as quickly as possible. He was
disabused of this notion on November 28th, when Hitler announced his intention
to reinforce the pocket and maintain a “cornerstone” on the Volga “with regard to
operations in 1943.” Hitler was not looking to evacuate Paulus after all.
While Hitler may have been prone to tactical delusion about the state of affairs “There must be relief
around Stalingrad, he was not blind to wider strategic concerns. By late
November 1942, Army Group A was deep into the Caucasus. The rapid surrender by 18 december at the
or evacuation of Stalingrad could instantly free up half a million Soviet troops tied latest for success.”
up around the city to turn east and move on Rostov. Any such move to reach the
Black Sea would spell disaster for Army Group A, cutting off an entire German - VonPaulus,11 dec. 1942
army group. The longer Stalingrad could hold out, the more time Army Group A
would have to extricate itself from potential disaster.
THE RED ARMY
STAVKA and Zhukov foresaw the two German approaches to Stalingrad. But
Zhukov assumed, incorrectly, the main effort would come from the west over the
Chir River. This was the shortest distance to cover and Russian forces were
arrayed accordingly. A major preemptive spoiling attack was launched by
Romanenko’s 5th Tank Army across the Chir on December 7. Sustained Red Army
operations all along the Chir lasted for weeks, achieving exactly what the Russian
command intended—stealing the initiative and forcing the German 48th Panzer
Corps onto the back foot.
But they had miscalculated Manstein’s intent. His main thrust would come from
the south, following the rail line from Kotelnikovo due north into Stalingrad. While
this approach was more than twice the distance, the terrain was generally open “THE GERMAN COMMAND
and Soviet opposition was much weaker. In early December, only General WILL…MASS A RELIEF
Trufanov’s worn 51st Army defended this sector, covering the entire 150km wide
front from the lower Don to the Kalmyk Steppe. He had just five rifle divisions and
FORCE AROUND NIZHNE
-
a weak cavalry corps screen. His only notable armored formation, the 4th CHIRSKAYA AND
Mechanized Corps, had just been reassigned to the Chir. If Operation Winter …”
KOTELNIKOVO
Storm stood any chance of success, Manstein had chosen the soft underbelly of
the Red Army’s ring around Stalingrad. - Zhukov, 29 NOV. 1942
On a near daily basis, von Paulus sent messages to Army Group Don asking when
the relief attempt would commence. He began re-arranging his limited resources
inside the pocket to shift his most mobile and combat-ready divisions to the
southwest corner, where they might attempt limited offensive operations.
Coordination and timing were critical. Paulus’s role in Winter Storm was to attack
due south and reach Stalinskii and Buzinovka, an advance of 20km outside the
pocket. Paulus estimated his men had only enough fuel and ammunition to
conduct offensive operations for two days. On December 10th, Manstein radioed
that Winter Storm would begin within 24 hours.
In fact, it did not start until December 12th, four days behind schedule. The 6th
Panzer Division made spectacular progress in the opening hours, crossing the
Aksay River within 24 hours. With nearly 40km already gained, optimism brimmed Erich von manstein
throughout 57th Panzer Corps that Stalingrad might yet be saved. But on the
opposite bank of the Aksay, Trufanov’s 51st Army braced to make a stand. His 4th
Mechanized Corps had already been recalled, doubling back from the Chir to
face the new threat. The fate of the relief effort would be decided on the snowy,
barren steppe between the Aksay and Myshkova Rivers. If the Germans could
punch through quickly, hope remained. If not, the door to Stalingrad would be
slammed shut for good. Stalin made the fateful decision on December 13th to
reassign the powerful 2nd Guards Army from Operation Saturn to the Myshkova,
but these reinforcements were a week away….
The Campaign guide
TRACKING VICTORY
How to playNach Stalingrad Winter Storm is a desperate
race against time. The arrival
Winter Storm is presented as a sequence of 7 historical scenarios. Based on
of the powerful 2nd Guards
decisions made by the players, you are unlikely to play all 7 during your Army will end any chance for
campaign. Which scenarios are played, and in what order, depends on the the relief force to make
decisions you make and the outcome of your battles! contact with the Kessel. This
formation begins to arrive on
A prelude, or introductory learning scenario, is offered as an optional Scenario #0 December 18th and is fully in
to ease new players into the rules. Experienced wargamers may wish to proceed position within three days. To
directly to Scenario #1. win, the German player must
cross the Myshkova River
Each scenario in the campaign includes historical background, orders of battle, a before they did historically.
Victory in the campaign is
tabletop map, objectives, and any notes for deployment and special rules. After
abstractly measured in
you play a scenario, a “Consequences” page describes the historical outcome kilometers gained. The
and any strategic decisions players may need to make before proceeding to the distance from Kotelnikovo to
next game. The results of each scenario do impact the ultimate success or failure the Myshkova is 80km.
of the relief effort. Refer to the sidebar column for victory tracking.
The “Consequences” page
awards the German player a
number of kilometers based
on their performance in each
linked scenario. You may use
the Nach Stalingrad record
below to log and track the
speed of your own relief
effort. If the Russian player
prevents the Germans from
accumulating at least 80km
before the end of the
campaign, Winter Storm is
halted and the 2nd Guards
Army has redeployed in time
to block any breakout.
4
NACH STALINGRAD!
6 2 KILOMETER TRACK
0 5
3 #0: ______km
0 #1: ______km
#2: ______km
#3: ______km
#4: ______km
1 #5: ______km
0 #6: ______km
TOTAL: _______km
80km Required to Win
#0 The probe Optional introductory
Learning scenario
3 DECEMBER 1942
A Russian spoiling attack kicks off in the early morning hours, overrunning
LEARN TO PLAY
advanced German posts. The 81st Cavalry Division, accompanied by tanks of the
“The Probe” is labelled
85th Tank Brigade, push south to the village of Pokhlebin. From here, they aim to Scenario #0 because it’s an
swing east and enter Kotelnikovo by the flank. introductory scenario
designed to help teach you
Luftwaffe reconnaissance sorties had been watching the Soviet buildup and how to play the free rules,
patrol activity for days, alerting the 6. Panzer to the danger on this flank. A Fistful of T34s.
battalion of Panzergrenadier Regiment 114 is posted to the area with anti-tank
guns and backed by divisional artillery on the hills to the south. But only a small If you want to play the full
complement of German panzers have detrained yet. Winter Storm campaign, this
scenario is optional. Veteran
gamers may wish to jump
SCENARIO OBJECTIVES directly to Scenario #1.
TABLETOP MAP
The game is played on a 6’x4’ tabletop. The river is impassible. There is no road
movement bonus due to poor conditions. The woods and villages provide cover. TERRAIN TIP
Each scenario includes a
map like the one to the left.
Wooded areas and villages,
POKHLEBIN like Pokhlebin, provide cover
and reduce movement rates.
RUSSIAN BRIEFING
The 81st Cavalry Division has performed well against Romanian opposition over
the previous weeks, but the men are exhausted and severely lacking in horse RUSSIAN SPECIAL RULES
mounts. The few horses still alive are tasked with moving guns and heavy The Russians deploy first. The
weapons. The division musters barely 3,000 combat effective troopers. The 232. cavalry regiments deploy in
Cavalry Regiment is trailing behind to secure the morning’s gains and does not the Russian deployment
zone. The tank regiment
appear in this attack. By midday, the 85. Tank Brigade has 50 tanks operational.
enters Turn 1 from the village.
GAME OUTCOMES
MAJOR GERMAN VICTORY
If the Germans control the road exit to Kotelnikovo (no Soviet units within 4”) and
all T34s are eliminated, this represents a complete German victory. If continuing
with the campaign, the German player earns +5km. There are additional effects
on the Russian order of battle in Scenario #1, which appear on their briefing.
RUSSIAN VICTORY
Any other outcome is a Russian victory, and pressure on Kotelnikovo disrupts
Raus’s ability to assemble his full complement of panzers. The German player
earns +0km. Before Scenario #3, the German player no longer has a pre-game
decision—the Germans MUST choose the sideways thrust to deal with the IV
Cavalry Corps.
#1 The counterstroke
4 DECEMBER
1942
On December 3rd, a surprise attack by the 81st Cavalry Division, accompanied by
tanks of the 85th Tank Brigade, drove the reconnaissance elements of 6. Panzer
Division from the village of Pokhlebin, just 10km from the primary German
assembly area of Kotelnikovo. German artillery and the late arrival of two panzer
companies halt the Russian advance before darkness.
That night, both sides prepare to go on the offensive. General Shapkin receives
orders to attack at 0700 hours. But Raus is one step ahead, assembling elements
of three battalions in the predawn hours of December 4. He plans to envelop and
destroy the Russian units operating along the Don with a three pronged attack to
pin the Russians at Pokhlebin. Heavy fog delays movement until mid-morning.
SCENARIO OBJECTIVES
The scenario lasts up to 8 game turns, representing two hours of real time around
midday December 4th. The Germans must complete the envelopment of
Pokhlebin and trap as many Soviet units as possible.
POKHLEBIN
10km to
KOTELNIKOVO
mayorovo
GERMAN BRIEFING
Slowly assembling in a morning fog around 0400, Dr. Bake’s II Battalion gathers
near the village of Mayorsky. Most, but not all of the panzers are available after GERMAN SPECIAL RULES
some were forced to disembark at the station south of Kotelnikovo. I Battalion is II Bn, Panzer Regt. 11 deploys
supposed to envelop the Soviet position at Pokhlebin from the north, but a in the German deployment
steady rumble of fire from that direction suggests Löwe’s panzers may have run zone. The Panzerjager Abt. 41
enters from the southeastern
into unexpected resistance? Destroy the Russian at Pokhlebin and clear the
road on Turn 1.
area. Hopefully I Battalion will arrive soon to cut off any retreat.
I Bn, [Link]. Regt. 114 also
enters from the southeastern
II Bn, 11. Panzer Regt ./9)
(Ex I Bn, 114. PzGR
en. Rgt. (Ex./7) road but not until Turn 2. Off-
Headquarters Headquarters board heavy artillery batteries
x1 Pz. II x1 SdKfz 251 halftrack are available to the south.
3 Light Panzer Companies x1 81mm mortar + truck
x3 Pz. III 2 PzGren. Companies The Germans may opt to
1 Medium Panzer Company x3 PzGren + trucks begin Turn 1 as the attacker
x1 Pz IVE x1 HMG + truck or cede the initiative to the
Russians.
x2 Pz IVF2
76. Artillery Regt. [Off table]
Panzer Jager Abt 41.
(Ex./3) x2 150mm guns
x2 Pak40 AT gun + trucks
x2 Marder II
RUSSIAN BRIEFING
The 81st Cavalry Division is forward deployed at Pokhlebin, stretching several
kilometers back north toward the Don River. They are short on horses and RUSSIAN SPECIAL RULES
manpower but can still count on over 50 operational tanks of the 85th Tank The Russians deploy first. The
Brigade. Orders from the 51st Army headquarters are for an attack, even though Russian player may choose
any two regiments to begin
General Shapkin, the IV Cavalry Corps commander, has expressed doubts.
deployed on table—one in
each deployment zone.
216. CAVALRY REGT. /6)
(Fair [Link] REGT. (Fair
/6) For the remaining two reserve
Headquarters Headquarters regiments, one may enter
x2 HMG + limbers x1 HMG + limber Turn 3, and another Turn 4.
x1 45mm AT gun + limber x1 45mm AT gun + limber
2 Cavalry Companies x1 82mm mortar + limber If Scenario #0 was played and
x3 rifles (no mounts) 2 Cavalry Companies the Germans won a Major
x3 rifles (no mounts) Victory, remove one Medium
Tank Battalion of T-34s to
227. CAVALRY REGT. (Fair
/6) represent heavy losses.
Headquarters 85. TANK BRIGADE (Good
/8)
x1 HMG + limbers Headquarters
x1 82mm mortar + limber x1 76mm gun + truck
2 Cavalry Companies 2 Medium Tank Battalions
x3 rifles (no mounts) x4 T-34
Light Tank Battalion
x4 T-70
#1 consequences
HISTORICAL OUTCOME
General Shapkin requested his cavalry corps be withdrawn from the sector but
instead received the following orders from army headquarters: “Perform a
previously assigned task…the start of the offensive is 0700 4.12.42.” Even if
WHAT NEXT?
Before the scenario, the
Shapkin wanted to make another attempt, his opponent didn’t give him the
German player must decide
chance. Raus assembled 150 tanks for a dawn counterattack. Raus later wrote: whether to delay the main
“By 1000 hours the fate of the IV Cavalry Corps had been sealed.” offensive by two days in
order to commit panzers to
When the heavy morning fog started to dissipate around 1000 hours, the Russian mop up the Russian IV
85. Tank Brigade prepared to move out, once again targeting Kotelnikovo. But a Cavalry Corps along the
sudden German attack pre-empted the Soviet movement, with two prongs hitting Don. This is what Raus
Pokhlebin from the southwest and southeast. A third prong, one of Raus’s two decided to do to protect his
panzer battalions, was intended to get behind Pokhlebin but drove too far north left flank and supply line. Or,
in the interest of speed,
and became engaged with Russian AT guns. Eventually, the intervention of von
should these scattered
Hunersdorf redirected the I Battalion of 11. Panzer Regiment back to Pokhlebin,
elements be ignored?
where they encircled and destroyed most of the IV Cavalry Corps, just as Shapkin
feared and predicted. “To Stalingrad!”
Roll a bonus 2[d6]km for a
rapid advance. An
GAME OUTCOMES unsecured left flank may
present unknown future
MAJOR GERMAN VICTORY
risks. Play Scenario #2.
If the Germans end the scenario in sole control of Pokhlebin or have exited an
armored unit off the northern road, this represents the historical, decisive
“Sideways thrust.”
German victory. The German player earns 10km +2[d6]km. Proceed to Scenario #2
with the knowledge that
MINOR GERMAN VICTORY our left flank and supply
If no Russian armor remains on the table, the Germans earn 2[d6]km. line is secured.
RUSSIAN VICTORY
Any other outcome is a Russian victory, and the IV Cavalry Corps is able to
extricate itself from the trap and withdraw north. The German player earns
+[d6]km. In the next scenario, #3, the German player no longer has a pre-game
decision—the Germans MUST choose the sideways thrust to deal with the IV
Cavalry Corps.
#2 The graveyard
13DECEMBER 1942
In the late morning, the leading elements of the 6. Panzer Division reach the
Aksay River and locate a bridge at Saliyevsky. The village of Verkhne Kumsky is
swiftly occupied but reconnaissance elements on Hill 147 spot Russians
advancing from the east, attempting to outflank the village. A message crackles
over the radio: “There is a heavy concentration of enemy tanks in a broad
depression south of here. More tanks are arriving.”
The Germans have just seen the first of two tank brigades the 4th Mechanized
Corps will commit into battle December 13th. Colonel von Hünersdorff seizes the
initiative and orders an immediate counterattack with II Battalion of Panzer
Regiment 11, using Hill 147 to mask his assembly.
SCENARIO OBJECTIVES
The scenario lasts up to 12 game turns, representing three hours of real time
near midday of December 13th. The Germans must hold the village and the road Col. von Huenersdorff
exit to the Aksay River, protecting their line of communication and supply.
TABLETOP MAP
The game is played on a 6’x4’ tabletop. The woods and villages provide cover.
Balka rules apply (see Scenario #0) for balka effects.
Verkhne kumsky
Hill 147
10km tosaliyevsky
GERMAN BRIEFING
Dr. Bäke’s II Battalion is assembled south of the village and ready for action with
a full complement of panzers. The remainder of the regiment’s panzers are still GermanSPECIAL RULES
coming up from the Aksay River and should arrive within the hour. Hold the Germans deploy second,
anywhere west or south of
village and take the opportunity to destroy any Soviet formations piecemeal. The
the Russians, at least 6”
trucks carrying the panzergrenadiers into Verkhne-Kumsky have already away. German units may
unloaded and returned south for safety. begin the game hidden.
RUSSIAN BRIEFING
The 234th and 235th Tank Brigades are approaching from the northeast. Each
brigade counts nearly 70 tanks. One brigade angles to get behind Verkhne RUSSIAN SPECIAL RULES
One tank brigade deploys in
Kumsky by enveloping the village from the east, while the second brigade pins
the Russian deployment
forces in the village itself. Infantry support is not expected to arrive until late
zone. The other enters Turn 2
afternoon, but three companies of tank riders do accompany this attack. from the northern road with
the tank riders.
The 235. Tank fields a battalion of flame-throwing KV-8s intended for urban
combat but find themselves pressed into emergency action on the steppe. Each turn the Soviet player
may request an airstrike
using the standard off table
234. TANK BRIGADE
(Good/10) 235. TANK BRIGADE (Good
/8) artillery rules, but with the
Headquarters Headquarters following notes:
x1 76mm gun + truck x1 76mm gun + truck
No 2” template; one target
3 Medium Tank Battalions 1 Heavy Tank Battalion
+1 effect against armor
x4 T-34 x3 KV-8
1 Light Tank Battalion 1 Medium Tank Battalion The Russians begin with
x3 T-70 x5 T-34 initiative as the attacker.
1 Light Tank Battalion
[attached] x3 T-70
x3 Rifle Companies (Good/6)
Kv-8
Unit stats for the KV-8 heavy
x3 Rifles Close Air Support [off table] tank appear in the campaign
x1 Airstrike guide. In addition to its main
45mm gun, the KV-8 is a
flamethrowing tank.
RUSSIAN VICTORY
Any other outcome is a Russian victory, and the Germans will be forced back to
the Aksay River to regroup. The German player earns +[d6]km.
BONUS OBJECTIVE
If the Germans end the scenario with no more
than 3 tank stands knocked out (failed Quality
Check losses do not count), add +2[d6]km.
#3 The BRIDGEHEAD
14 DECEMBER 1942
After a punishing, 10-hour battle around Verkhne Kumsky the day before, German
formations are regrouping and resupplying along the Aksay River. The 6. Panzer GERMAN DECISION
Division holds a bridgehead at Saliyevsky on both sides of the river. The southern Before the scenario, the
side is the least defended, held by I Battalion of Panzergrenadier Regiment 4. German player must decide
Russian infantry, backed by tanks, approaches from the west to cut off the if he is committing panzer
bridgehead and sever German supply lines. reserves to counter the
Soviet attack. Panzer
Regiment 11 is refitting
DeploymentRules
The winner of Scenario #2
may choose to deploy first or
second.
RUSSIAN BRIEFING
After a forced march from the Chir, Volsky’s 4th Mechanized Corps has returned
to 51st Army. The reinforcements are sorely needed, although according to the RUSSIAN SPECIAL RULES
front commander, Yeremenko, “more than 20 days of continuous fighting” has The Russians must deploy at
reduced the corps to under 40% of its combat strength. The independent 36th least one tank battalion
within 6” of the northwestern
Mechanized Brigade under Mikhail Rodionov operates along the Aksay River,
road entry. All remaining
southwest of Verkhne-Kumsky, aiming to sever German communications at their formations deploy in the
tenuous bridgehead. The brigade counts approximately 40 operational tanks. Russian deployment zone.
GAME OUTCOMES
MAJOR GERMAN VICTORY
The Germans control Saliyevsky and Woidansky. The German player earns 10km
+2[d6]km.
RUSSIAN VICTORY
Any other outcome is a Russian victory, and the Germans must find a way to
withdraw south of the Aksay River to resupply. The best available route for
Hünersdorff’s panzers would likely be several kilometers east, in the hopes of
linking up with 23. Panzer Division’s bridgehead. This represents a major strategic
delay for 6. Panzer Division. The German player earns +0km.
#4 the maelstrom
15 DECEMBER 1942
After the initial sharp clash of 13 December, both the 6. Panzer Division and the
Russian IV Mechanized Corps concentrated around Verkhne Kumsky on 14
Uknown territory
German tanks struggled
December. Probing attacks by the arriving Soviets were beaten back. At dawn on
during their operations
15 December, General Volsky ordered a coordinated counter-attack from three around Hill 95.6 with ravines
directions. Hünersdorff responded by attacking northwest in an effort to turn the and deep creek beds hidden
Russian flank around Hill 95.6. A German tank commander that morning recalled: by snow drifts.
“It was like a naval battle, attacks followed by withdrawals…There was wild
confusion.” At the start of the game, the
Russian player secretly rolls
1d6 and receives this number
SCENARIO OBJECTIVES of hidden chits. He may play
these chits at any time during
The scenario lasts up to 16 game turns, representing the morning of December a German movement phase.
15th. Both sides share the same objectives—secure the village and destroy each Each chit allows the Russian
other’s armored formations. Today’s battle is the decisive moment of the player to nominate one
campaign. A German breakthrough today could open the road to Stalingrad. German mechanized stand
not on a road. That stand
must take an immediate bog
TABLETOP MAP check as if it were crossing a
balka.
The game is played on a 6’x4’ tabletop. The woods and villages provide cover.
Balka rules apply (see Scenario #0) for balka effects.
Hill 95.6
Verkhne kumsky
GERMAN BRIEFING
Hünersdorff assembles most of 11. Panzer Regiment, nearly 100 tanks, west of
the village and prepares to lead a powerful left hook to roll up the Soviet line. GERMAN SPECIAL RULES
Much needed infantry support from Martin Unrein’s battalion arrived overnight to The Germans may choose to
deploy first or second in their
help hold Verkhne Kumsky.
deployment zone. If they
deploy second, the Russians
start with initiative Turn 1.
I Bn, 11. Panzer Regt ./8)
(Ex II Bn,[Link] Rgt (Ex./7)
Headquarters Headquarters If Scenario #3 was played and
x1 Pz. II recce x1 Pz. II recce the German player opted to
3 Light Panzer Companies 3 Light Panzer Companies call for emergency panzer
x3 Pz. III x2 Pz. III support, remove one Light
1 Medium Panzer Company 1 Medium Panzer Company Panzer Company from II
x1 Pz. IVE x1 Pz. IVE Battalion and reduce the
x1 Pz. IVF2 x2 Pz. IVF2 battalion break point to 6.
RUSSIAN BRIEFING
A three pronged Russian attack is due to converge on the German position this
morning. Two mechanized brigades, the 59th and 60th, are well equipped but have RUSSIAN SPECIAL RULES
suffered prior losses from action along the Chir and a difficult forced march to One Soviet formation begins
deploy here. Corps-level artillery support is available on the hills to the north. in each deployment zone. The
fourth arrives from the
northern road starting Turn 3.
59. MECH
. BRIGADE (Good
/8) 60. MECH
. BRIGADE (Good
/14) The 1387th Rifle Regiment
Headquarters Headquarters may enter from the eastern
x1 BA-10 armored car x2 45mm gun + limber road starting Turn 5. They
x2 45mm gun + limber x1 HMG + truck must pass a Quality Check at
2 Motorized Rifle Companies 3 Motorized Rifle Companies the start of the turn to
x3 Rifles + trucks x3 Rifles + trucks appear. If failed, try again
x1 HMG + trucks each subsequent turn until
they arrive.
21. Tank regiment
(Good
/10)
20. Tank regiment
(Good
/10) Headquarters
Headquarters x1 76mm gun + truck
x1 76mm gun + truck 2 Medium Tank Battalions 1387
. rifle regt (fair/8)
2 Medium Tank Battalions x5 T-34 Headquarters
x5 T-34 1 Light Tank Battalion x1 45mm gun +
1 Light Tank Battalion x4 T-70 limber
x4 T-70 x1 HMG + truck
Corps Artillery [Off table] 2 Rifle Companies
x1 76mm x3 Rifles
x1 122mm 234 Tank Bde. (remnants)
th
x3 T-34
#4 consequences
HISTORICAL OUTCOME
Unlike the previous day, Hünersdorff’s maneuvers on December 15th were
frustrated by mass Soviet armor attacks from multiple directions. Repeated
efforts to shift west encountered new ravines and constant Russian anti-tank
WHAT NEXT?
If a German victory is
positions. Skillful use of guns, many towed by T-34s, resulted in significant
scored, proceed to Scenario
panzer losses. Low on ammunition and with the threat of the 55th Separate Tank #5. If a Russian victory was
Brigade seizing Hill 140 to his rear, Hünersdorff withdrew back to their scored, the Russian player
bridgehead on the Aksay River. may elect to go backward
and fight Scenario #3 if it has
It may not have been clear at the time, but in hindsight, the failure to defeat the IV not yet been played. This
Mechanized Corps on December 15th likely marked the last chance for 6. Panzer represents pressure on the
Division to reach the Myshkova River before 2nd Guards Army arrived. German bridgehead.
RUSSIAN VICTORY
Any other outcome is a Russian victory, and the Germans will be forced back to
the Aksay River to regroup. The German player earns +2[d6]km.
SCENARIO OBJECTIVES
The scenario lasts up to 8 game turns, or two hours of real time, the mid-morning
of December 17th. At a minimum the Germans must maintain 23. Panzer’s
bridgeheads—but if possible, expanding the bridgeheads for an afternoon
panzergrenadier operation would be critical.
[Link]
TABLETOP MAP
The game is played on a 4’x4’ tabletop. The woods and villages provide cover.
Balka rules apply (see Scenario #0) for balka effects. The rail line is not a road
and offers no bonuses. The river is impassible except for the three bridges.
antonov
shestakov
Krugliakov
GERMAN BRIEFING
23. Panzer, already severely understrength, is stretched across a wide front,
confronting a Soviet corps. The division counts fifteen operational tanks. An GERMAN SPECIAL RULES
engineer battalion holds a small bridgehead while the consolidated remnants of The Germans deploy first,
with the 51. Pioneer Bn at
a panzer regiment are staged along the rail line at Krugliakov. If the pressure
Shestakov and the other
against the bridgehead is too great, an emergency call could be sent to formations at Krugliakov.
Hünersdorff’s kampfgruppe, which is operating nearby to the west.
Kampfgruppe Hünersdorff
may be called at the start of
I Bn., 128
. Pzgren Rgt (good/10) 51. Pioneer
Bn (good/10) Turn 3 or beyond. If the call is
Headquarters Headquarters made, roll to pass a Quality
x1 81mm mortar x1 PAK40 + SdKfz Check for Bäke’s II Battalion.
x1 HMG x3 PzGren These panzers should only be
2 PzGren. Companies summoned in the case of
emergency, as this diversion
x3 PzGren + trucks 201. Panzer Rgt good
( /10) will only delay them from the
x2 Pz. III capture of Verkhne-Kumsky.
Ii Bn., 128
. Pzgren Rgt (good/10) x1 Pz. IVF2 If called, they arrive from the
Headquarters northwestern table edge
x1 81mm mortar gruppe Hunersdorff(ex./4) above the Aksay River.
x1 HMG x2 Pz. III
2 PzGren. Companies Off-table air and artillery
x1 Pz. IVE support are not available.
x3 PzGren x3 StuG III
RUSSIAN BRIEFING
General Tanaschishin’s 13th Tank Corps defends this sector of the Aksay River,
supported by elements of the badly depleted and overstretched 302. Rifle RUSSIAN SPECIAL RULES
All Russian formations deploy
Division. Despite being badly worn down, these were experienced Siberian
in their deployment zone. The
veterans. Artillery and air support are both available. Russians begin the scenario
with the initiative as the
attacker on Turn 1.
17. MECH
. BRIGADE (Good
/8) [Link] regt. (Good/8)
Headquarters Headquarters
x1 BA-10 armored car x1 45mm gun + limber
x2 45mm gun + limber x1 82mm mortar
2 Motorized Rifle Companies x3 Rifle Companies
x3 Rifles + trucks x3 Rifles
x1 HMG + trucks x1 HMG
[Link]/LittleWarsTV
#0 labels
11/I Pz.I
II 11/I Pz
.III 11/[Link] 11/I [Link] 11/I [Link] 11/I [Link] 11/I Pz
gr
11/Isdkfz 114/I sdkfz 114/I mortar 114/I pak40 114/i pak40 114/i truck
216 hmg 216hmg 21645mm 216 rifles 216 rifles 216 rifles 216rifles
216 rifles 216 rifles 216 limber 216 limber 216limber 227 hmg 227 hmg
227 mortar 227 rifles 227 rifles 227 rifles 227 rifles 227 rifles 227 rifles
227 rifles 227 rifles 227 rifles 227 limber 227 limber 227 limber
11/II [Link] 11/II [Link] 11/II [Link] 11/II [Link] 11/II [Link] 41. Marder 41. marder
41. Pak40 41. Pak40 41. truck 41. Truck 114/I sdkfz 114/i mortar 114/i truck
114/I pzgr 114/I pzgr 114/I pzgr 114/I hmg 114/I truck 114/I truck 114/I truck
114/I truck 114/I pzgr 114/i pzgr 114/i pzgr 114/I hmg 114/I truck 114/I truck
216 hmg 216hmg 21645mm 216 rifles 216 rifles 216 rifles 216rifles
216 rifles 216 rifles 216 limber 216 limber 216limber 227 hmg 227 mortar
227 rifles 227 rifles 227 rifles 227 rifles 227 rifles 227 rifles 227 limber
227 limber 232 hmg 232 45mm 232 mortar 232 rifles 232 rifles 232 rifles
232 rifles 232 rifles 232 rifles 232 limber 232 limber 232 limber
114/Ii pzgr 114/Ii hmg 114/Ii pzgr 114/Ii pzgr 114/Ii pzgr 114/ii hmg
234 76mm 234 truck 234 t-34 234 t-34 234 t-34 234 t-34 234 t-34
234 t-34 234 t-34 234 t-34 234 t-34 234 t-34 234 t-34 234 t-34
234 t-70 234 t-70 234 t-70 235 76mm 235 truck 235 t-34 235 t-34
235 t-34 235 t-34 235 t-34 235 t-70 235 t-70 235 t-70 235 kv-8
4/i truck 4/i truck 4/i pzgr 4/i pzgr 4/i pzgr 4/i truck 4/i truck
4/i truck 4/i pzgr 4/i pzgr 4/i pzgr 4/i truck 4/i truck 4/i truck
41. pak40 41. pak40 41. Truck 41. Truck 41. Marder 41. Marder 11/ii [Link]
36. ba-10 36. 45mm 36. truck 36. rifles 36. Rifles 36. Rifles 36. hmg
36. truck 36. truck 36. truck 36. Truck 36. rifles 36. rifles 36. Rifles
36. hmg 36. truck 36. truck 36. truck 36. Truck 36. Rifles 36. Rifles
36. Rifles 36. hmg 26. 76mm 26. truck 26. t-34 26. t-34 26. t-34
26. t-34 26. t-34 26. t-70 26. t-70 26. t-70 26. t-70
#4 labels
11/I [Link] 11/I Pz
.III 11/[Link] 11/I [Link] 11/I [Link] 11/I [Link] 11/I [Link]
11/ii [Link] 11/ii [Link] 11/ii [Link] 11/ii [Link] 11/ii [Link] 11/ii [Link] 11/ii Pz.IvF2
11/ii pz.iVF2 4/ii sdkfz 4/ii mortar 4/ii Hmg 4/iI pzgr 4/ii pzgr 4/ii pzgr
4/Ii pzgr 4/Ii pzgr 4/Ii pzgr 4/Ii sdkfz 4/Ii sdkfz 4/ii sdkfz 4/ii sdkfz
59. ba-10 59. 45mm 59. 45mm 59. limber 59. limber 59. rifles 59. rifles
59. rifles 59. hmg 59. truck 59. truck 59. truck 59. truck 59. rifles
59. rifles 59. hmg 59. truck 59. truck 59. truck 59. truck 20. 76mm
20. truck 20. t-34 20. t-34 20. t-34 20. t-34 20. t-34 20. t-34
20. t-34 20. t-34 20. t-34 20. t-34 20. t-70 20. t-70 20. t-70
20. t-70 60. 45mm 60. 45mm 60. limber 60. limber 60. hmg 60. truck
60. rifle 60. rifle 60. rifle 60. rifle 60. rifle 60. rifle 60. rifle
60. rifle 60. rifle 60. truck 60. truck 60. truck 60. truck 60. truck
60. truck 60. truck 60. truck 60. truck 21. 76mm 21. truck 21. -t34
21. t-34 21. -t34 21. -t34 21. -t34 21. -t34 21. -t34 21. -t34
21. t-34 21. -t34 21. -t70 21. -t70 21. -t70 21. -t70 1387. 45mm
1387. limber 1387. hmg 1387. truck 1387. rifles 1387. rifles 1387. rifles 1387. rifles
128/i pzgr 128/i pzg 128/i Truck 128/i Truck 128/i Truck 128/i Truck 128/i Truck
128/i Truck 128/ii mortar 128/ii HMG 128/ii pzgr 128/ii pzgr 128/ii pzgr 128/ii pzgr
128/ii pzgr 128/ii pzgr 128/iI Truck 128/iI Truck 128/iI Truck 128/iI Truck 128/iI Truck
128/iI Truck 51. pak40I 51. sdkfz 51. Pzgren 51. pzgren 51. pzgren 201. [Link]
Kh stug iii
17. ba-10 17. 45mm 17. 45mm 17. limber 17. limber 17. Rifles 17. rifles
17. rifles 17. hmg 17. truck 36. Truck 17. truck 17. truck 17. Rifles
17. rifles 17. rifles 17. hmg 17. truck 17. Truck 17. truck 17. truck
13. 76mm 13. truck 13. t-34 13. t-34 13. t-34 13. t-34 13. t-34
13. t-34 13. t-34 13. t-34 13. t-34 13. t-34 13. t-70 13. -t70
13. -t70 1073. 45mm 1073. limber 1073. mortar 1073. rifles 1073. rifles 1073. rifles
[Link] 1073. rifles 1073. rifles 1073. rifles [Link] 1073. rifles 1073. rifles
[Link]