Kiev to Rostov via Vassal - GT62

Game Turn 62 brings clear weather and the Axis move forward.  The Soviets forfeit more VPs to bring on further reinforcements.

The northern sector, the 3rd panzer corps has pushed forward, the Soviet's have retreated.  Will their new lines hold?

North of Stalino and the Axis may soon be able to renew their attack.

South of Stalino and the 48th panzer corps needs

 to link up with the supply line to the north of Stalino.

The Melitopol pocket.  It's continued resistance is tying down 

Axis forces that are needed for the southern attack on Stalino.

Kiev to Rostov via Vassal - GT60 and GT61

What a difference two turns of mud and storms make.

End of GT60 and the success of the surrender of Kharkov is yet to make its impact on Axis supply lines.

End of GT61 and the Soviets have brought in reinforcements (at the cost of some VPs) to build new defensive lines.  The Soviets have been very successful in removing the immediate threat to Stalino and in contrast to Kharkov, Melitopol is still refusing to surrender (and with turn 62 the chance for surrender decreases - the Axis have got wind of this and are moving in some forces with the intent to make an assault).

I can now almost get the main theatre of operations on to one screen.  I've noted the position of the two panzer corps.  The northern one (roughly III Corps) is in good shape and in supply, but the southern one (XXXXVIII Corps) is almost spent and in a very poor supply situation.  The Axis troops before Stalino have been wiped out (it was only three brigade/regiment level formations) and those to the north, while now in supply, are bogged down.  However there is a massive force coming down into the Donbas that has been freed up by the surprise quick surrender of Kharkov.  I had determined that Kharkov needed to be attacked and had allocated significant forces to that effect so it was only a matter of time.

It was with the end of GT61 that Richard and I finished our face to face game.  Playing solitaire, with the benefit of having played the game and seen how some strategies worked out has given this game, using Vassal, a different outcome at this stage.

Kiev to Rostov via Vassal - GT59

This turn started out bad for the Soviets when the weather cleared up, then it got worse...

Kharkov is surrounded.

But that is the least of the Soviet's worries, at the end of the Axis phase of GT59 there are three Axis armoured divisions ready to strike into the north region of the Donbas.

Down south things were a little better.  The Axis attacks were held after inflicting significant losses, but there are gaps all over the Soviet lines.

In the north the Soviets pulled as far as they dare.  However Kharkov decided to surrender (two rolls on a D10 that required a 1 each time for this to happen).  This will open up the northern supply line as well as freeing all those Axis formations.

The Soviets launch a counterattack in front of Stalino, destroying the Italian cavalry that had ventured too close.  The Melitopol pocket continues to shrink, but not surrender.

Kiev to Rostov via Vassal - GT57 and GT58

Well, GT57 was mud and storms.  Only thing of note was the Axis finally completed exiting troops to the Crimea.  The tardiness cost them 4VPs.

Situation end GT57.  The Soviets are feeling more confidant now the have General Mud on their side...

But, what nature gives, she can take away.  The next turn was frost and the Axis rolled forward.

The Axis are able to surround Kiev while continuing to push east.

The Axis launch their first attacks in an attempt to break into the Donbas.

What a difference frosty weather makes.  

The Soviets have been able to pull back most of the armour from Kharkov, just in time to face the Axis troops attacking into the Donbas (where they successfully took Konstantinovka).

The Melitopol pocket is holding out well.  The Axis need the Soviets to surrender so they can move their much need troops east before the Soviets are able to build up a new defensive position.  Soviets can avoid surrender rolls by pulling back outside Axis zones of control.

The Kharkov pocket did not have such ability to shy away from the Axis and suffered a number of surrenders.

While not ideal, the Axis seem to have got the hang of managing their supply lines.  I've plotted out both fair and bad weather supply points on the main roads.

Kiev to Rostov via Vassal - GT56

It never rains but it pours.  Yep, wet muddy weather.  Maybe the Soviets should have hung on...

However they have made a good escape and didn't suffer too many surrenders and have started to build a front to defend Stalino.

The Axis have been able to repair the Dnepropetrovsk rail bridge and while rail conversion takes twice as long in the mud, they might just be able to build a supply line to support a push on Stalino.

The big picture, not something I can readily see using Vassal.

Kiev to Rostov via Vassal - GT55

With the return to dry weather the Axis were able to capture Belgorod, making the defense of Kharkov very problematic for the Soviets.  Most of the line is held by their armoured reserve and if they lose that their ability to counterattack, not to mention the VPs associated with the loss of armoured units, would put them at a disadvantage, out weighed by the loss of Kharkov (possibly... It's three hexes are currently worth six VP each).

The Soviets have decided to pull back.

Not only did the fall of Belgorod contribute to this decision, but the Axis were able to surround the initial blocking force before Stalino and had fully secured the Melitopol pocket.  Just to top off a bad turn for the Soviets, Dnepropetrovsk surrendered.

It might not be all bad as the muddy season is almost here.  Maybe they could have held out a bit longer?

North, note Soviet forces withdrawing to the south east from Kharkov.

South, with Soviet forces also withdrawing from their failed attempt to relieve the Melitopol pocket.

The two pictures well show the shrinking front (both in terms of physical space and troop availability).

Double Chariots

Dave B hosted another session of chariot races at the NWS last night.  With four players we each got to control two chariots.

And they're off!  Literally in the case of my Gaulish charioteer.  I also have the one in red (which of course goes faster, or so I hope).

The crowd boos a few slow chariots and in the turmoil two riders are lost.

The leaders, Simon with the white horse and Brendan in the other two horse chariot.  My boys are doing well.

The pressures on...

Simon comfortably crosses the finish line while we were no where close.