Don't Mention The War - Part 23

1943 saw the dreaded Soviet winter offensive. It also saw a dramatic increase in the cost of oil - a 50% increase.  

South of Kiroy Rog after major air battles their attack went in at 9.4 and their die roll produced a TOTT result.  This had required the use of multiple HQs and Offensive Chits.  Three Axis units were lost, including an armoured corps.

The Soviets did not use any wonder weapons such as flying tanks or para-tanks.  I'm guessing that this expansion has not yet come out.  

Antonov A-40

TB3 carrying a T-27 Tankette

To get these to work, the tanks had to have their fuel, ammunition, armament, etc drastically reduced.  Even then they had the aerial dynamics of a brick.  The idea to use a zeppelin as the mothership also took a dive.

LZ 129 in 1937

Maybe they had the ability to carry a functional tank?

In the Pripet Marshes an 11.4 attack was made.  An average die roll saw the German defenders eliminated and the Soviets reclaim some swamp.

The European defenders did their best to repair their lines against the Soviet hordes and their imperialist ambitions.  (The Soviet's fellow Imperialists were off enslaving the inhabitants of peaceful Vichy protectorates in the dark heart of Africa).

Lady Lucky came to the noble Europeans rescue and sent howling blizzards across the continent.  Phew.  The storm also gave the Europeans the perfect opportunity to liberate Ukraine from the Commie grasp.  

The Germans are learning to love the blizzard.

Lady Luck really liked the creation of Ukraine and promptly ended the turn.  Double phew.  Ukraine partisans even took control of the city of Voroshilovgrad

Happy times

March/April 1943 shines forth with some fine weather while snaring the bulk of Russia in mud.

Production

While aircraft losses have been high, they have been over friendly territory which has meant many of the pilots have survived to fly again.  This is providing a definite bonus.