Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Bridge Over the Bzura - September 15, 1939

SITUATION REPORT


Sochaczew, Poland, September 15, 1939:  The Poznan Army had been falling back without engaging the Germans since the invasion began because of the lines collapsing on both sides of them.  On September 9, General Kutrzeba crossing the Bzura River and launched an offensive; breaking through the flanks of the German 30th Division that was by-passing their position to the north.  As the offensive gained momentum, more and more German resources were committed to counter the offensive and push the Poles back across the Bzura.  The Polish 25th Infantry Division failed in an attempt to break out of the encirclement at Sochaczew, the German 1st Panzer Division took advantage of the bridge being intact and went after the Polish position.  
GAME LENGTH:  8 turns 

VICTORY CONDITIONS:  At the end of the game the Germans must have one platoon on the south side of the Bzura River.
THE BATTLEFIELD:
This view is looking North.  The Bzura cannot be forded and the embankments are steep.  The bridge can support tanks and is 2 lanes wide.  The center pier of the bridge is in the center of the table.  There is a low footbridge to the left (24” in from the left table edge) that may be crossed by infantry only.  The fields are cosmetic only and do  not have any effect on movement or line of sight.

The Polish player deploys anywhere on the southern river bank (lower edge).  The German player may deploy up to 12” in from the Northern (upper) table edge.  The German player has initiative on the first turn.  German artillery may deploy off-board.

SPECIAL RULES:  Ammo checks on Turn 5.
The footbridge is of weak construction; thrown together by troops from a prior offensive.  Roll a Firepower test when a stand on the foot bridge is hit.  If it is successful the bridge is damaged. (Mark which section).  Any stand may make a skill test to repair the bridge during a turn in which they do not move or shoot.  If the same section takes 3 points of damage remove that section.  The bridge is out of commission for the remainder of the battle.
Any stand that is Pinned on the foot bridge is placed in the water adjacent to the bridge.  Once they rally, they must make a skill test to get back on the bridge.  A ‘1’ during any skill test results in the stand drowning or getting washed downstream and they are removed from play.  A stand may remain in the water alongside the bridge (using it for cover and moving hand-over-hand along the braces).  It can move 2” per turn (roll a d6) and is considered to be in bullet-proof cover.  They may not fire while in the water.

 The high bridge is 2 lanes wide.  Therefore, a vehicle must be knocked out passing a wreck in order to completely block the bridge.  The Polish player may call Opportunity Fire to hit a vehicle as it is passing another on the bridge (in an attempt to block it), but the Rate of Fire is reduced as if the shooter had moved; representing the limited time the firer has to hit the vehicle at that specific spot.  He may resolve the rest of his fire normally, but if the vehicle is bailed out or knocked out it takes place normally at the end of its move.
Because of the difficulty in targeting the deck of the bridge and limited surface, Smoke Bombardments may not be placed on the bridge itself.  However, direct fire smoke can be fired at targets on the bridge.

POLISH ORDER OF BATTLE
Fearless                                  Trained
Elements 25th Infantry Division
Battalion Piechoty
Battalion HQ                                        50 pts
2 Command Rifle Teams                    
1 81mm Mortar
Medic [Independent Unit]

A Company                                        290 pts
2 Command Rifle Teams                    
1 Anti-Tank Rifle
3 HMG
12 Rifle Teams

B Company                                        205 pts
2 Command Rifle Teams                    
1 Anti-Tank Rifle
12 Rifle Teams

Piechoty ATG Platoon                        90 pts
1 Command Rifle Team                     
3 37mm wz.36 Anti-Tank Guns

Mounted Kawalerii Company             180 pts
1 Command Cavalry Rifle Team                    
1 Cavalry Anti-Tank Rifle Team
5 Cavalry Rifle Teams
Fearless                                  Veterans

Total Points:  815

The Poles are Underdogs in this scenario.  If the players wish for an even battle, the Polish force should be brought up to 1,200 points against 1,500 points for the Germans.

GERMAN ORDER OF BATTLE
Confident                               Veteran
Elements 24th Panzer Battalion
Leiche Panzerkompanie
Company HQ                                      80 pts
1 Panzerbefehlswagen (Command Pz I)
1 Panzer II (early)
1 SdKfz 9 Recovery Vehicle

1st Light Panzer Platoon                       215 pts
2 Panzer I
3 Panzer II (early)

2nd Light Panzer Platoon                      130 pts
1 Panzer I
2 Panzer II (early)

Medium Panzer Platoon                       450 pts
3 Panzer IV D

Light Armored Car Platoon                  100 pts
3 SdKfz 221 Armored Cars                

Light Pioneer Platoon                           155 pts
1 Command Pioneer Rifle team          
6 Pioneer Rifle teams
3 Kubelwagens
2 Heavy Trucks (2 stands each)

Light Artillery Battery                          360 pts
1 Command SMG team                      
1 Staff team
1 Forward Observer / Motorcycle
4 105mm leFH18 Howitzers

Medic
Supply Truck
Total Points: 1,490

THE BATTLE REPORT

Polish Deployment
A Company deployed into the woods to the left of the bridge with 2 HMG’s and the HQ Mortar overlooking the footbridge while the remaining HMG faced the near side of the bridge.  HQ deployed in with A Company.  B Company deployed along the road and to the right in anticipation of the Germans coming across the bridge.
Two ATG’s were positioned at the end of the bridge with the third along the left riverbank to triangulate their fire on the Germans as they crossed the bridge.  The unmounted cavalry company deployed in the field behind (as a reserve) and chose to dig in once the battle was underway. 
On the opposite shore the Germans lined up in the order that they would be taking the bridge.  The Armored Cars & 2nd Light Panzer platoon in the road to lead the way (with the armored recovery vehicle close behind to ensure no wrecks block the bridge).  The Engineers started dismounted across the road and would feint toward the footbridge before moving on the main bridge behind the armored columns.
The Panzer IV’s & Artillery Forward Observer would take up positions on their side of the bridge to pour some fire on the defensive positions while the rest advanced.  Finally, 1st Light Panzer Platoon would move into the woods on the left, offer fire support, then follow 1st platoon out onto the bridge.
Turn 1
The Poles held their positions and began firing on the approaching Germans.  The Germans closed then distance from their deployment zone to the river’s edge.  In the initial barrage from the Anti-tank guns, a Panzer IV & Panzer II were taken out while the second Panzer II in 1st Platoon & an armored car were pinned.  1st Platoon passed their platoon morale check, but it could have been significant had the first panzer platoon broken off.
“Did you see that? 3 shots, 2 kills!  The heck with those guys on the bridge, WE did that!”  ATG on the river bank takes down a Panzer II and Panzer IV while pinning the other Panzer II from 1st Platoon.
Turn 2
The German Pioneers reached the riverbank and began exchanging fire with the Poles on the other side.  The first air strike came in and the Stukas took out one of the ATG’s at the end of the bridge along with 2 stands from B Company and pinning the rest.  Never the less, the German tanks held back on the river’s edge waiting for some of the fire to soften up the Polish positions.
The anti-tank gun in the woods that had a flank view of the bridge took out a second Panzer IV and the remaining tank failed a platoon morale check.  With the heaviest tanks quickly disposed of, morale was high on the Polish side.
The ace ATG came under fire from the Panzer II’s and was taken out along with one of the anti-tank rifles.  Never the less, the remaining ATG at the end of the bridge held fast.
Turn 3
 With the FO in position, the Germans were ready to pick up the intensity on the Polish positions.  Another air strike came in again, taking out 2 more stands at the end of the bridge and pinning most of the rest.  The Panzer II’s collected along the river bank turned their attention to the last remaining ATG; taking it out along with the command stand.  The way was clear.
Armored Cars lead the advance across the bridge while Panzer II’s on the far shore keep the pressure on the Polish defenders.
Before the way had been cleared, the armored cars and 1st Platoon jumped off and started their trek across the long span.  

Armored Cars lead the remaining 2 Panzers from 1st platoon across in the face of the Polish defenders.  They won’t be there by the time they arrive.
Although the German 105’s posed a significant threat to the Poles on the opposite shore, the opening salvo simply suppressed the HMG’s and Mortar.  In the meantime, the German Engineers pulled away from the river’s edge and headed for the roadway to be the next across.

Turn 4
With the way open and the Germans showing no intention of coming across on the foot bridge, Company A began shifting toward the main bridge and the oncoming armor.
Nothing like wheels on the road! Moving 18” at a time, the German armored cars whiz past the bewildered defenders.  Now the Poles will have to contend with them in the rear.
The Armored Cars by-passed the Polish defensive positions and pulled up by the Chair Factory while the slower tanks assaulted the Polish infantry along the fence line by the bridge.
1st Platoon goes to work clearing opposition away from the Polish side of the bridge.
The two panzers eliminated one stand and forced the rest of the Poles to fall back toward the trees where the rest of A Company was gathering to launch a counter-attack.
The German engineers started across the bridge, but found not enough of the Poles had been pinned by the artillery.  The HMG opened up along with several rifle stands and cut down 2 of the Engineers on the bridge.
Turn 5
Polish B Company failed their ammunition check, but there weren’t many of them left and the panzers were within assault range anyway.
With a tentative foothold on the opposite side, the rest of the German force started across the bridge.
The Stukas were unable to range in on the Poles in the trees, but the artillery was effective in pinning down the most dangerous weapons (the mortar and HMG’s).  Therefore there were no casualties on the bridge this turn.  Never the less, the small arms fire continued to erupt as the Poles pelted the German armor with bullets in an attempt to get in a lucky shot.
The dug in dismounted cavalry look on as Company A (on the left) assaults the panzers while remnants of Company B (right) assault the armored cars.
With the significant anti-tank weapons gone, the Poles understood they’d have to assault the German armor if they were to win back the bridgehead.  They converged on them from both sides of the road.
Although there were no casualties, the Panzers of 1st Platoon won the assault and forced the Poles to fall back into the treeline again; further widening the bridgehead.  The armored cars killed 2 stands, but the infantry of B Company were able to destroy one armored car and suppressed the second.  The armored cars failed their platoon morale test and fled the scene.  It was too close for comfort for lightly armored recon vehicles.
Turn 6
The Panzers of 2nd platoon pour across the bridge & head for the dug in cavalry unit while an armored car burns to the right.  On the left, the 2 tanks of 1st platoon continue to push A Company back into the treeline.
The Polish HMG’s had the opportunity to open up on the bridge once again; taking down 2 more engineer stands and causing the remainder of the platoon to bug out.  This was half the force! The Germans found themselves having to pass a Force Morale Test with victory in their clutches!  It was time to be more careful before the tenacious Poles pull a victory out of the clutches of defeat.
Panzers assault the Polish positions again.
Both Panzer platoons assaulted the Polish positions.  They took out 6 stands including the Commander-in-Chief.  1st Platoon reached the edge of the treeline and held fast while 2nd platoon was repelled by the dismounted cavalry (despite inflicting 3 of the casualties on the cavalrymen).
Turn 7
 The Germans had a wide enough swath cleared for their bridgehead and chose to hold their positions; let the Polish Defenders come to them.  Inevitably, this is what happened.  Any Polish troops within range assaulted the German tanks in a final, fruitless attempt.
The cavalry unit took another casualty and broke from the battlefield.  A Company & B Company each lost 2 stands.  Time was running out and the Poles had nothing left to push the Germans back to the bridge.  The game was called at the end of Turn 7.
How it ended:  German Panzers loitering around on the Polish side of the river.  “Send word back to Herr General, the bridge is secure!”
AFTERMATH
Historically, the Polish were able to hold the Germans off long enough so that the Poles could ford the Bzura River further north and escape to Warsaw.  However, they had to abandon all of their heavy weapons in order to make the river crossing.  

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

The Battle for Piotrkow

SITUATION REPORT

Piotrkow, Poland, Southeast of Lodz, September 6, 1939:  Following the route of the Polish Army at Borowa Gora, the Germans pursued the withdrawing Polish army only to run into the 146th Infantry Regiment forming up in the town of Piotrkow (pronounced “Pee-otro-kov”) supported by artillery and the 1st Tank Battalion.  Not content to sit idle in the town and risk being surrounded, the armor went on the offensive to halt the German forces and buy more time for the withdrawing forces to regroup.

GAME LENGTH:  8 turns 

VICTORY CONDITIONS:  Pitched Battle: Each side scores Victory Points equal to the value of the unit he eliminates.  In addition, each side gets 200 points per table quarter if they are the sole occupants of the table quarter.

THE BATTLEFIELD:
Table view is looking north into the town (East is to the right).  There are hedgerows along part of the north/south road and on the right border of the wheatfield.  The square to the left of the road is a cemetery with low stone wall around it.

Opponents roll off to determine deployment:  If the Polish player wins, the Polish player may deploy in the town (North side of the table) up to 24” in.  If the German player wins the die roll, the Polish player only deploys 12” in from the north table edge.

The Germans get initiative on the first turn and enter the bottom (South) table edge.

As both sides have off-board artillery, they may be eliminated by sending a unit off the opposing table edge to deal with them.  Treat the opposing artillery as being positioned 8” beyond the table edge.  When the unit that leaves the table edge would reach the artillery, fight an assault or conduct fire as normal.  The victorious unit may re-enter the table edge on the turn that they would normally come back and must re-enter within 12” of the location where they left the table.

POLISH ORDER OF BATTLE
Fearless                                  Trained
Elements 146th Infantry Regiment
Battalion Piechoty
Battalion HQ                                        50 pts
2 Command Rifle Teams
1 81mm Mortar

A Company                                        290 pts
2 Command Rifle Teams
1 Anti-Tank Rifle Team
3 HMG
12 Rifle Teams

B Company                                        205 pts
2 Command Rifle Teams
1 Anti-Tank Rifle Team
3 HMG
12 Rifle Teams

Light Tank Platoon                              145 pts
3 7TPdw Tanks

Light Howitzer Battery                         225 pts
4 100mm wz 14/19 Howitzers
[Off-Board]

1 Command Stand acting as FO for the artillery may be deployed independently.  He is worth 15 points if eliminated.

GERMAN ORDER OF BATTLE
Confident                               Veteran
Elements 44th Panzer Battalion
Leichte Panzerkompanie
Company HQ                                      80 pts
1 Panzerbefehlswagen (Pz I Command)
1 Panzer II C (early)
1 SdKfz 9 Recovery Vehicle

1st Panzer Platoon                                215 pts
2 Panzer I B
3 Panzer II C (early)

2nd Panzer Platoon                               130 pts
1 Panzer I B
2 Panzer II C (early)

Medium Panzer Platoon                       450 pts
3 Panzer IV D

Heavy Artillery Battery                        460 pts
4 150mm sFH18 Howitzers
[Off-Board]

1 FO on Motorcycle may be attached to one of the above platoons.  Worth 20 pts.

Confident                               Veteran
Elements 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Reg’t
Infantry Company
Company HQ                                      45 pts
2 Command SMG Teams
2 Motorcycles

1st Platoon                                            165 pts
1 Command Rifle Team
1 Light  Mortar Team
1 Anti-Tank Rifle Team
6 Rifle Teams
3 Trucks

2nd Platoon                                         165 pts
1 Command Rifle Team
1 Light  Mortar Team
1 Anti-Tank Rifle Team
6 Rifle Teams
3 Trucks

Machinegun Platoon                            140 pts
1 Command SMG Team
4 Heavy Machineguns
2 Trucks

Mortar Platoon                                     130 pts
1 Command SMG Team
4 81mm Mortars
2 Trucks
1 Forward Observer
1 Motorcycle

Anti-Tank Gun Platoon                        115 pts
1 Command SMG Team
1 Motorcycle
3 37mm Pak 36 ATG’s
3 Trucks

Infantry Scout Platoon                         160 pts
1 Command Motorcycle Rifle/MG Team
4 Motorcycle Rifle/MG teams

Note that German trucks have capacity to carry 3 stands (typically 2 rifle & 1 command/support stand).

THE BATTLE REPORT
Polish Deployment

The Poles won the opening die roll and were able to deploy 24" in, which essentially gave them the entire town in which to deploy.  The Poles broke the town up into 2 parallel sectors:  Company A deploying 2 stands to a house in the front section of the town all the way to the house between the cemetery and the woods.  All 3 HMG’s were spread out and placed in the houses firing on the open ground that the Germans would cover.  Company B spread out in the houses along the back row.  The Battalion HQ deployed in the 2 buildings next to the woods with the mortar setting up behind the fence in the yard. 

The Polish tanks positioned themselves on each side of the long, brown building with the third further forward using a building and fence for cover (as seen in the photo above). The Polish plan was a static defense and to keep the tanks away from the Panzer IV’s.  Evading the Panzer IV's, bu Turn 5 the tanks were tasked to get out into the open ground and deny the Germans sole possession of the 2 table quarters on that side of the table.
Turn 1
Score (400 - 400)  Each side has sole possession of their table half.

The bulk of the German force entered along the table edge to the left of the road where they headed for the woods.  From there, the units would start working their way down the length of the town.  The 2nd Light Panzer Platoon led the way, followed by both Infantry platoons in trucks.  The Panzer IV’s hung back for one turn to fuel up as they did not have adequate fuel for the mission.
The 1st Light Panzer platoon heads down the road and straight toward the village with the Panzer Company HQ behind while 2nd Platoon assumes combat formation and begins crossing the Western field.
Recon Motorcycle Platoon leads the way East of town with the objective of neutralizing the opposing artillery.  The Anti-Tank guns being towed behind will set up firing into the town to trap the Polish tanks between the guns and the Panzers.  In the distance, the FO and HQ cycles park in the stand of trees.

With the Panzers coming from their right, the 2 7TP's redeployed along the road further to the right in order to engage the oncoming panzers before they got into the village.

All along the front the Polish small arms opened up on the Germans, taking down one of the motorcycles.  The anti-tank rifle suppressed the foremost Panzer I before a pre-planned barrage of smoke fell on their position.  However, the lone Polish tank that had remained stationary followed up and caused the crew to abandon the tank on the road as it caught fire.

Turn 2
Score (400 - 400)  Each side still has sole possession of his table half.

With the motorcycles speeding on by, the small arms fire coming from that end of the town cut down another.  On the opposite end (the German left) the trucks carrying the 1st Infantry Platoon were coming under small arms fire from the houses, so they chose to stop and unload the infantry to move the rest of the way on foot along with the 2nd Panzer Platoon.  By now, the Panzer IV’s had entered the table and the rest of the German force was advancing.
By now the Panzer IV's were advancing across the western field with 2nd platoon trailing behind. (Panzer IV's and Opel Blitz trucks from Plastic Soldier Company).

All along the line the Polish HMGs were jamming and the Polish tanks were missing their mark.  

With the smoke clearing the Polish Forward Observer failed to range in on the German Panzers, however, the Germans were able to target the housing compound successfully bringing down a full 150mm barrage on the ATR and Forward Observer.
Panzer Headquarters tanks following the truck-borne Heavy Machineguns and 1st Panzer Platoon into the town as the German 150's clear any exposed Polish units from behind the fence.
Turn 3
Score: (Germans 400 - 200)  The Motorcycle Platoon is now contesting one Polish Table Quarter.

The German cycles were able to leave the opposite table edge and began firing on the Polish guns.  The HMG’s reached the cemetery and began unloading and the ATG’s found their position on the right side of the town. The panzers and Polish tanks began exchanging fire, with the combined fire from the Panzer II’s destroying the first Polish tank.
Pak 36 Platoon moving into position East of town.
Turn 4
Score: (Germans 400 - 0)  The Germans are now contesting both Polish table quarters.

German 1st Platoon heads into the forest as the Panzer IV’s bring their guns to bear on the nearest house.  In the distance the last remaining 7TP on this flank is in the road exchanging shots with the Panzer II.
With the Panzer IV’s being spotted on this flank, the remaining 7TP started to withdraw (as per Orders) but Opportunity Fire from the oncoming Panzers blew it up right next to the first burning tank.  With 2/3 of the Tank Platoon gone, the remaining Polish tank passed his platoon morale check, but would fail the “sole remaining unit” test at the start of turn 5 and it would leave the table.
With the road getting congested, several of the Panzers move off to the right and cross the hedgerow in anticipation of engaging the last remaining 7TP (upper right), which will withdraw in the next turn. The HMGs are moving to their positions in the cemetery while the lead Panzer I is about to assault the first house.
Off table, the remaining cyclists dismounted and prepared to assault the Polish heavy artillery.  They fired on the guns, killing one crew, but then lost 2 of their remaining 3 stands to defensive fire when they assaulted.  The remaining Command Stand didn’t kill any crew men, but was able to get them to fall back away from the artillery.
Leading the way, a Panzer I crashes through the first house and assaults the HMG and A Company Command inside.
Similar to the results of the artillery assault, the Panzer I was unable to cause any casualties, but the Poles fell back into the long barn & farm house behind.  The Panzer I continued through the wreckage of the house in pursuit.
On the Polish left, the HMG was keeping the 3 ATTurn 5
Score: (Germans 545 - 80)  The Germans get the credit for the Polish tank platoon while the Poles get half the points for the German motorcycles.G’s pinned and out of the action until the German FO finally called a successful barrage in on the HMG; taking the 2nd-in-command for A Company with them.  All through the town on the German left, Panzers were following the lead of the Panzer I and assaulting the Polish defenders by breaking through the cottages.  In most cases the casualties were minimal, but the Polish defenders were being forced to fall back into the defenses of B Company in the back row.

The town being laid to waste by the panzers.  The ruined shells of several homes are in the background as the Poles fall back and the Panzers stop to fire on the second line of Polish defenders.
A pause in momentum:  4 Panzers riddle the building with bullet and shell but they are unable to suppress the 3 stands defending inside.
Despite falling back into B Company, the Poles were determined to continue the fight and peppered the panzers with small arms fire.  They just didn’t have the firepower to stop the panzers without the guns being back online.  Speaking of the guns, the 3 gun crews and the lone German command stand exchanged fire to no avail, then the Polish crews assaulted the German command group and eliminated them.  One gun down, they could go back to manning their guns.
Turn 6
Score: (Germans 545 - 160)  The Poles got full points for the eliminated Motorcycle Platoon.
With most of the Polish defenders pulling back, the Germans in the forest began their advance out of the woods into the town, led by the Panzer II’s of 1st Platoon.
The first building in their path housed the Battalion 2nd-in-Command with the Commander-in-Chief nearby.  The HQ mortar team had been successfully bombarding the German infantry as they moved into the woods (accounting for 3 stands).  However, their luck ran out when they drew the attention of the Panzer IV’s who were coming their way.  The Polish Commander attempted to call in the (now available) artillery, but was unsuccessful.  Before they could hang up the radio, a Panzer II came bursting through the wall.
With the mortar gone, the Commander-in-Chief failed his platoon morale roll.  In addition, the loss of the HQ Company brought the Poles up to 50% losses in their force (which calls for a force morale check).  With the HQ gone, they automatically failed the Force morale check, so the battle was over and the remaining Poles withdrew.
This is how it ended:  A Panzer II crashing through the wall and successfully assaulting the 2nd-in-Command.

AFTERMATH
In the real battle, the Polish artillery were able to stem the flow of panzers streaming into the town and the Polish armor moved against the German infantry who were advancing behind the armor.  It was a well-executed combined arms maneuver conducted by the Poles, but they remained out-gunned by the Germans and had to withdraw from the town overnight.
Re-enacted:  January 12-15, 2015