The Diary of Herr Pferdmann

Horseman · Post by **Horseman** » Sun Aug 07, 2011 7:04 pm

September 2nd 1941 (11)
Today was extremely cloudy seriously limiting my support Luftflotte.

The 60th Pioniere Regiment has entered Kiev and half the city is now in German hands.

Lubny fell today; its defending Infantry destroyed. A further Infantry Regiment was destroyed near Mirgorod

My forces are approaching Poltava and should be able to handle the Russian Regiments defending the city

The Red Army launched counter attacks across the board. Near Kiev they attempted to take out the supporting Artillery with little success.

Further to the east a Russian Tank Regiment adds armoured weight to the fight back, I will need to get my Panzers across the river to support my Infantry.

Further south AGS once more hold firm with heavy loses.

Horseman · Post by **Horseman** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 7:43 am

September 3rd 1941 (12)
The skies have cleared once more allowing my Luftflotte to operate at full efficiency..

The slaughter at Kiev continues, it is slow going but my forces are slowly pushing the Soviets out whilst AGS steadfastly fail to assault the defences on the other side.

Two more Russian Infantry Regiments have been destroyed around Mirgorod and we should be able to secure the city tomorrow. Slightly further east the Russian Bridge Engineers are no more.

Another assault against AGS leaves a further Regiment badly in need of reinforcements

Horseman · Post by **Horseman** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 8:05 am

September 4th 1941 (13)
Today we finally secured Kiev and only 1 Regiment remains, surrounded and alone they will not resist for long

More conscripts were thrown into combat near Mirgorod in a futile effort to halt our advance, they along with the remaining Infantry Regiment were quickly destroyed.
Near Poltava the Russian Armoured Regiment was finished off and the city placed under siege.

The Red Army is in disarray and I am tempted to withdraw my forces from the area and leave the mopping up to AGS but following their poor performance to date I'm not sure if that would be wise.

Horseman · Post by **Horseman** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 1:33 pm

September 5th 1941 (14)
The Russian Infantry near Kiev are almost finished but refuse to surrender, I must honour their courage, As my forces move towards Gornostaypol we discover more Conscripts assembled to fight and as the day comes to a close a second Conscript regiment appears.

A Soviet Infantry Regiment was destroyed near Cherkasy and AGS advance further than they have this whole campaign and capture the city.

With its defenders destroyed Poltava falls.

September 6th 1941 (15)
One of the Conscript Regiments has been destroyed but another has already been formed, do the Reds have an unlimited supply of men?

A Russian Anti-Tank Regiment was destroyed and a second spotted in the south.

Another AT Regiment holding the airfield near Kremenchy was wiped out.

The Russian bear proves it still posses Teeth

September 7th 1941 (16)
In the west my forces continue to wade through endless waves of Russian Conscripts finally putting Gornostaypol under siege.

Another AT Regiment was removed as a threat and the T26 Tanks bravely counter-attacking are neutralised.

September 8th 1941 (17)
Hopefully the last of the Russian conscripts are driven away from Gornostaypol and the regular Infantry Regiment holding the city barely holds on.

We have taken Kremenchy destroying the Russian Infantry attempting to hold there and in the south east we begin mopping up the last of the Russian resistance destroying their Artillery.

September 9th 1941 (18)
Gornostoypol fell today.

Two Infantry Regiments (1 an Engineer) were destroyed in the south east leaving only 1 Regiment of Infantry still fighting in this sector

September 10th 1941 (19)

High Command appear to be slightly displeased with the length of time it took me to complete my objectives, I have made them aware that AGS failed to support me adequately in this campaign and have recommended a change in command to facilitate more offensive plans. Only time will tell if they listen to my suggestions.

Horseman · Post by **Horseman** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 4:57 pm

September 15th 1941
I received the list of battle honours earned by my command today, the list grows ever larger as my troops continue to make me proud

Horseman · Post by **Horseman** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 5:54 pm

October 2nd 1941

So here I find myself with the first real opportunity to truly knock the Russians out of the war, we will need to move swiftly but I have every confidence in my men.
New equipment has been made available

Using what good will I have and arguing that as the spearhead any new equipment should be assigned to my Corps as a matter of priority I managed to procure new 21cm Artillery pieces for all three of my towed Regiments, my Panzer III Regiments are upgraded to the new J model and the two Fighter Bomber wings assigned to my support Luftflotte have been upgraded to Bf110f's greatly enhancing their dog fighting abilities.

Due to the importance of this campaign elements of AGN and AGS have been reassigned to support my advance, I argued with High Command to place these troops under my direct authority in an attempt to avoid the débâcle of Kiev where troops of AGS failed to advance in good time but am advised that the local commanders have been advised to follow my directives.

Further more the 16th Tactical Bomber Wing is currently grounded due to a Flu epidemic, the air base they are stationed at is under quarantine pending further medical advice.

The plan I formulated is a simple one:
The 1st Division (red) along with AGS will sweep east before driving north, they will eventually come at Moscow from what I hope is behind their defences
The 2nd Division (blue) will go strait down the middle and eventually come at Moscow from the south.
The 3rd Division (yellow) will advance in parallel with the 2nd until eventually turning north easterly and coming at Moscow from the west
My Corps support units (green) consisting of my Pioniere, Bruckenpioniere and Gebirgsjager Regiments along with AGN will assault the Russians left flank, eventually coming at Moscow from the North.

I can only hope that the troops assigned from AGN and AGS do their job, if not I am confident my own officers and men will perform superbly.

Horseman · Post by **Horseman** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 6:04 pm

This will be an interesting one...I really don't want a Major Victory as I want to get in 3 extra scenarios before I head to America so the Auxillary units will mostly do nothing so as to allow my core troops to get maximum experience, lets just hope I don't run out of time by leaving the ample Aux units sat doing not a lot!!!

I also didn't expect to have to leave a unit in reserve, in the end I left my most experienced Stuka behind as I suspect I can build XP quicker with these than most other units, lets hope hoardes of T34's dont make me regret that decision!

Horseman · Post by **Horseman** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 7:18 pm

October 2nd 1941 (1)
AGN have already proved their worth and dispelled my concerns that I had regarding their possible performance. Andreapol has been captured.

My support Regiments destroyed an Infantry Regiment and advanced on their first objective

The 3rd Division captured Yartsevo destroying the defending Russian Infantry whilst their Panzer Regiments crosses the Dnieper. Early reports indicate Russian armour in the area

The 2nd Division tears through the forward Soviet defence lines destroying 2 Infantry and 1 light armoured Regiment

The 1st Division accompanied by elements of AGS advance en-mass destroying a Russian Cavalry and Light Armoured Regiment. A regiment of T34's have been spotted on their left flank which concerns me, if they have more armour in the area the 1st could be in for a tough fight.

T60 and T26 Light tanks attack forward elements of AGS badly depleting a Panzer IV Regiment

As predicted the T34's counter attacked catching an Artillery Regiment in transport, fortunately my men prove as stubborn in defence as they are unflinching in attack and minimal casualties were sustained.

Horseman · Post by **Horseman** » Tue Aug 09, 2011 10:02 am

October 5th 1941 (2)
Snow has been forecast for tomorrow, this could seriously hinder our advance so early in the campaign.

AGN advanced on Olenino ready to link up with my support Regiments who managed to storm Delyj

The 3rd Division destroyed the T26 threatening their flanks and drove on Vyazma where they unexpectedly encountered formations of the Red Army outside of the prepared defences. They have reported complete destruction of a Russian Cavalry Regiment

Spas Demensk has been secured by the 2nd Division and an enemy BA-10 Armoured car Regiment destroyed

Two Infantry and one Artillery Regiments destroyed by the advancing 1st Division. Further more they report that the T34 formation has been left as smouldering wrecks

The lead elements of AGS have failed to capitalise on their position and held in a defensive formation. Communications from the local commanders are requesting reinforcements ASAP!!!

AGN have requested immediate air support as they identify several formations of Russian planes including some Hurricanes no doubt supplied by the British!

The 3rd Division have held a counter attack by two Red Army Armoured Regiments. The attacks targeted the Divisions Artillery and could stall the advance by several days.

In the south more Russian planes appear and I can not help a feeling of admiration, time and time again the Red Air-force has challenged the Luftwaffe and time and time again they have been obliterated and still they try even with inferior aircraft. An entire Bomber Wing unable to press their attack following crippling loses

Horseman · Post by **Horseman** » Tue Aug 09, 2011 10:57 am

October 8th 1941 (3)
As predicted we have snow making the Luftwaffe useless and hindering visibility, there is a high chance of Rain over the next few days and we have concerns over the ground conditions.

AGN have placed Olenino under siege but my Corps support Regiments have unexpectedly run into some Russian Cavalry. Although the Soviet troops have been destroyed it has impeded their advance.

Both attacking Soviet Armoured Regiments were destroyed by the 3rd Division and the Infantry forced to retreat back to defensive positions.

The 2nd Division breach the defensive line destroying the Russian Infantry defending it and now lay siege to Lirov. Their Panzers driving north locate more defenders.

Bryansk and her adjacent airfield has been occupied by the 1st Division and elements of AGS destroying 1 Infantry and 1 Engineer Company.

The lead elements of AGS continue to hold in a defensive posture, strongly worded letters have been dispatched with copies sent to High Command.

Horseman · Post by **Horseman** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 7:35 am

October 11th 1941 (4)
As predicted the snow has turned to rain and the ground conditions have deteriorated considerably.
This has stalled out offensive considerably.

In the northern sector my Corps support Regiments slog through but at this pace it will be days before they reach their objective which even as they trudge through the mud comes under Artillery Bombardment.

The 3rd Division locate some of the defenders around Vyazma and engage a forward placed Artillery Regiment.

The 2nd Division managed to destroy the defenders of Kirov (which the recon troops of AGS secure) and drive, albeit slowly, on Yukhnov

The 1st Division are held up dramatically by Soviet defenders well entrenched in the woodlands but they do succeed in destroying an Infantry Regiment and the remnants of the Light Armour that had shifted from the East.

A counter attack against the 3rd Division is easily repulsed

Horseman · Post by **Horseman** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 11:30 am

October 14th 1941 (5)
The rain has stopped though the sky remains cloudy, hopefully it will clear a little and the ground conditions will improve as the offensive has severely stalled (not at all aided by the passive forward elements of AGS)

Olenino has been overrun and its defenders retreating before our advance

The 3rd Division has breached the forward defensive line destroying 2 Russian Infantry Regiments as well as the remnants of its artillery support

Having already infiltrated the defensive line the 2nd Division has succeeded in destroying the Russian Infantry staunchly defending it and they have advanced to within striking distance of Yukhnov

In the south the 1st Division managed to clear the tree line destroying an Infantry and an Anti-Tank Regiment in the process. Elements of AGS advance with them though the forward group continue to hold in a defensive stance no matter what orders I send their commanders.

Whilst the improved weather allowed me to unleash the power of my Luftflotte once more it also allowed the Red Air-force to rejoin the fray. 26th Artillery Regiment (Sturmpanzer) took heavy loses.

Kerensky · Post by **Kerensky** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 12:03 pm

Yup that Russian mud sucks. I've come to accept a decisive victory in Moscow 41 is unobtainable. At least on the highest difficulty levels, especially with bad weather.

DreadWing · Post by **DreadWing** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 12:31 pm

Just dropped by to congratulate you for a very well made walkthrough. I appreciate the hard work involved. It's good entertainment reading your exploits.

Horseman · Post by **Horseman** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 12:32 pm

Kerensky wrote:Yup that Russian mud sucks. I've come to accept a decisive victory in Moscow 41 is unobtainable. At least on the highest difficulty levels, especially with bad weather.

Luckily I only want a MV to get the extra 3 scenarios in before America...even a loss would be ok (though I assume I won't get as much prestige)

I say luckily because I actually think a DV is now impossible and I'm gonna be pushed to even get a MV..I could of course utilise my aux units a bit more but then I want the combat xp for my core forces!

Only time will tell if im making the right choices

Horseman · Post by **Horseman** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 12:35 pm

DreadWing wrote:Just dropped by to congratulate you for a very well made walkthrough. I appreciate the hard work involved. It's good entertainment reading your exploits.

Thanks Dreadwing, it certainly slows down my playing!!! But its good fun - lets just hope I don't get egg on my face and end up at Bagration instead of America!!!

Horseman · Post by **Horseman** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 3:30 pm

October 17th 1941 (6)
At last the skies have cleared and the ground firmed up, time to get our offensive rolling forward though I fear we have lost precious time before the truly bad winter hits.

In the northern sector my Support Regiments make some progress though it would seem Rzhev is well protected and I will need to redirect some of my air assets in this direction. The Infantry retreating from Olenino were caught and wiped out.

The 3rd Division succeed in capturing the airfield destroying the defending Anti-Tank Regiment and to the south they eliminate an Infantry Regiment threatening their flank.

The 2nd Division have secured Yukhnov and engaged the Russian Rocket artillery.

With clear skies my Luftflotte once more prove their skills. Two fighter wings and one bomber wing sent crashing to the ground, it still amazes me that the Russians continue to contest our control of the skies when they are so clearly out matched.

The 1st Division have moved into position ready to assault Orel capturing the airfield on the way. The more active elements of AGS move towards Bolchow though the forward elements still refuse to leave their defensive posture DESPITE the arrival of reinforcements, if I have my way the commander of these forces will be shot as a traitor to the cause.

The Russian MiGs still staunchly refuse to retreat and strafe the positions of the 31st Artillery regiment (Sturmpanzer) causing some disruption. I do not even to relay orders to my Luftflotte Commander, these gnats will be removed.

starbird · Post by **starbird** » Thu Aug 11, 2011 9:41 am

Horseman wrote:
Kerensky wrote:Yup that Russian mud sucks. I've come to accept a decisive victory in Moscow 41 is unobtainable. At least on the highest difficulty levels, especially with bad weather.
Luckily I only want a MV to get the extra 3 scenarios in before America...even a loss would be ok (though I assume I won't get as much prestige)

I say luckily because I actually think a DV is now impossible and I'm gonna be pushed to even get a MV..I could of course utilise my aux units a bit more but then I want the combat xp for my core forces!

Only time will tell if im making the right choices

Well, I'm not sure it's necessary if xp is what you are concerning.
It seems to me there is a cap for xp, after certain point, you will get much less xp for the same kill before certain scenario.
And from what I read, I believe you have enough prestige already.

Anyway, enjoy your writing, keep on with the good work. Hopefully we'll meet in LA soon, though I don't think I'm gonna make it this time.

Korrigan · Post by **Korrigan** » Thu Aug 11, 2011 11:46 am

Kerensky wrote:Yup that Russian mud sucks. I've come to accept a decisive victory in Moscow 41 is unobtainable. At least on the highest difficulty levels, especially with bad weather.

Highest difficulty levels = hidden difficulty levels or does FM also count? I don't dare to disagree, because I don't have a savegame of the last turn (or any turns for that matter, because I did it without save/loading - although I did load the autosaves a few times) and I will get called a liar and cheater again

But it was part of my FM (w/s/FoW) campaign where I played (and sometimes replayed) the scenarios with decisive victory on each one.

Horseman · Post by **Horseman** » Fri Aug 12, 2011 8:49 am

October 20th 1941 (7)
The skies have remained clear though heavy cloud cover is predicted over the next few days.

My forces succeed in destroying 1 Infantry Regiment shielding Rzhev and badly deplete the other.

Vyazma has fallen and the 3rd Division drive eastwards though I have instructed them not to leave an enemy Regiment on their flanks

My Luftflotte once more achieve total air supremacy with the destruction of the last known Soviet Fighter wing in the area.
The 2nd Division advanced to Kalujn destroying the Russian Engineers and Rocket Artillery that were pocketed behind the lines

Orel fell and the Panzers of the 1st Division cross the river. AGS forces lay siege to Bolchow

A Russian Bomber Wing had a nasty surprise, that they are even attempting to operate without fighter cover amazes me