Slitherine

I can't believe you pulled off the Stalingrad attack without real tanks or jank general traits. This is incredible!

AO 1942 - Operation Blut

Code-name Operation Blut, Gerhard's plan was risky, required precise coordination of all actions, cooperation between units, deception, support form the weather and... some luck. Still it was the best option they had and Bertorelli agreed with this judgment. The idea was to take the best mean and heaviest equipment and to push though Soviet formations as the attack Stalingrad. Transports with German Sixth Army soldiers would follow and lighter units would then move as the rear guard a bit later. All men too wounded to move that much or survive the trip would maintain positions in Stalingrad and pretend that the city is still well defended. They were not expected to survive. Field marshal Paulus, unaware of this plan, would remain as well and Gerhard hims self would stay to maintain the ruse. Bertorelli and Wagner said their goodbyes to him and prepared to march out. Their life now depended on the brains of one man and the fighting skills and determination of their soldiers.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 9224

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini - *** - Mario D'Adda
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - *** - Edorado Sala
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz) - **** - László Duska
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz) - **** - Gheorghe Răscănescu
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - *** - Survivor, Nikola Mutafchiev

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - M15/42 - **** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35 - *** - Steamroller
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - Panzer IVF2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 42M Toldi IIa - **** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 40M Turan I - *** - Steamroller
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *** - Steamroller, Arcadie Duceac
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
2. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - *** - Steamroller

Recon

1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - ****

Anti-Tank

1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - M42 da 75/34 - *** - Skilled Support
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M41M da 90/53 - **
2º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - Autocannone 90/53 - **
1. protitankový prápor - SK - Marder IIIH

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - ***** - Skilled Support, Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - **** - Skilled Support, Lorenzo Matiotti
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M43 da 105/25 - ***
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M40 da 75/18
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - **** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Skilled Support
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support

Anti-Aircraft

4º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 20/70 quadruplo - ***
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - CMP Ford 15A - ***
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz) - * - Skilled Support

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - MC.205 Veltro - *** - Survivor, Adriano Visconti
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ca.331 - *** - Survivor, Mario Visintini
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109E - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - *** - Survivor
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Bf 109F - **** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - G.50 - **** - Ilmari Juutilainen

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **** - Survivor, Carlo Emanuele Buscaglia
1º Gruppo Bombardamento a Tuffo Sq 1 - IT - Ju 87D - **** - Giuseppe Cenni
1/1. Zuhanóbombázó Század - HU - Ju 87B - ** - Survivor

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - ***
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck) - ** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - **
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Truck) - ****
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz) - *
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Lovassági Zászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Cavalry - * - Survivor
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz) - **
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Roşiori - RO - OS16 - RO Cavalry - *
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf - ***
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - **** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz) - ** - Armando Muñoz Calero
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz) - ****
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ***
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Pietro Bruno
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 Lf - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1 - *** - Steamroller
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 4 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Renault R35
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - ** - Steamroller
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t) - * - Steamroller
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
4 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Renault R35
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - *** - Steamroller
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-7 - * - Steamroller
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.40 - * - Steamroller
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana - ***
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Survivor
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ****
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ****
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-10 - ***
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - ***
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (Opel Blitz) - János Törcsváry - ***
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 1 - FI - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 2 - FI - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Opel Blitz) - Erkki Halonen - **
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Rakétaezred - HU - 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 (Opel Blitz) - ***
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - OS11 - 75mm model 1897 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz) - *
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - 122mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - ***
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - OS11 - QF 18 pdf (Opel Blitz) - *
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz) - *
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz) - *
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro) - **
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - * - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz) - * - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Artillería Antiaérea - ES - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 40 mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - D.520 - ***
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109F - **** - Dezső Szentgyörgyi
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - **
1/3. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42 - *
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - IAR-80 - ***** - Survivor, Constantin Cantacuzino
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - **
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 2 Yato - BG - Bf 109E - **
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - Hurricane Mk.I - *
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406 - **
1. stíhačka letka - SK - Bf 109E
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - ** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - * - Survivor
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - ***
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - **
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79 - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Asalt - RO - Ju 87D - *** - Survivor
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - Ju 87D - ***
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 3 Yato - BG - OS11 - Tupolev SB - ** - Survivor
1º Grupo de Asalto 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a - *
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Ju 87A
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Blenheim Mk.I - * - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - Piaggio P.108 - ** - Survivor, Gori Castellani
2º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ju88A
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS11 - He 111H - ***
1/3. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - Ju88A - **
Escadrila 3 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - He 111H
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z - **
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2 - *
Pommituslentolaivue 2 - FI - OS12 - Do 17Z

Highlights


Anti-tank weapons are critical from the very first moment, as encountering Soviet tanks in the open would otherwise be impossible to survive. At least occasional snowstorms give the cover to ground troops, but also mean that planes need to carefully operate in this weather.


Even more ambushes as the army moves on. Each group needs to have at least one such heavy anti-tank piece to not get overwhelmed.


Bertorelli's men reach Kalach and now need to quickly capture it to move forward. Having mostly tanks will not make this easy, but artillery is here to help.


Chir rail station is in sight, its defenders mostly defeated and the transports with evacuated German Sixth Army still somehow mostly intact.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 8614 (down 610)

Overall:

The impossible was finally achieved. Despite having to leave Stalingrad, the men now lived to tell the tale and fight another day, but the army was in desperate need for reinforcements, resupply and if possible, rest. This was basically the same as Moscow last year and the only difference was that the Axis finished significantly weakened and the Soviets with more power than ever. Further desperate plans were going to be require to turn the tide of war, since attrition was not going to en up being the right way to go about the long term strategy.

AO 1942 - Summary

Starting Prestige: 8091
Final Prestige: 8614 (up 523)

Final Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - ***
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck) - ** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - **
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini - *** - Mario D'Adda
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Truck) - ****
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - *** - Edorado Sala
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz) - **** - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz) - *
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Lovassági Zászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Cavalry - * - Survivor
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz) - **** - Gheorghe Răscănescu
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz) - **
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Roşiori - RO - OS16 - RO Cavalry - *
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf - ***
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - *** - Survivor, Nikola Mutafchiev
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - **** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz) - ** - Armando Muñoz Calero
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz) - ****
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ***
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - M15/42 - **** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Pietro Bruno
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 Lf - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35 - *** - Steamroller
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - Panzer IVF2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 42M Toldi IIa - **** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 40M Turan I - *** - Steamroller
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1 - *** - Steamroller
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *** - Steamroller, Arcadie Duceac
Batalionul 4 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Renault R35
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - ** - Steamroller
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t) - * - Steamroller
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
4 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Renault R35
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - *** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-7 - * - Steamroller
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.40 - * - Steamroller
2. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - *** - Steamroller

Recon

1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana - ***
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - *****
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Survivor
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ****
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ****
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-10 - ***
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - ***

Anti-Tank

1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - M42 da 75/34 - *** - Skilled Support
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M41M da 90/53 - **
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
2º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - Autocannone 90/53 - **
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (Opel Blitz) - János Törcsváry - ***
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 1 - FI - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 2 - FI - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Opel Blitz) - Erkki Halonen - **
1. protitankový prápor - SK - Marder IIIH

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - ***** - Skilled Support, Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - **** - Skilled Support, Lorenzo Matiotti
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M43 da 105/25 - *** - Skilled Support
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M40 da 75/18
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - **** - Skilled Support
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Rakétaezred - HU - 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 (Opel Blitz) - ***
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - OS11 - 75mm model 1897 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz) - *
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - 122mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - ***
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - OS11 - QF 18 pdf (Opel Blitz) - *
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz) - *
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz) - *

Anti-Aircraft

1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro) - **
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 20/70 quadruplo - ***
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - CMP Ford 15A - ***
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - * - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz) - * - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Artillería Antiaérea - ES - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 40 mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - D.520 - ***
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - MC.205 Veltro - *** - Survivor, Adriano Visconti
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ca.331 - *** - Survivor, Mario Visintini
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109F - **** - Dezső Szentgyörgyi
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - **
1/3. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42 - *
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - IAR-80 - ***** - Survivor, Constantin Cantacuzino
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109E - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - *** - Survivor
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - **
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 2 Yato - BG - Bf 109E - **
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Bf 109F - **** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - G.50 - **** - Ilmari Juutilainen
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - Hurricane Mk.I - *
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406 - **
1. stíhačka letka - SK - Bf 109E

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **** - Survivor, Carlo Emanuele Buscaglia
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - ** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - * - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardamento a Tuffo Sq 1 - IT - Ju 87D - **** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - ***
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - **
1/1. Zuhanóbombázó Század - HU - Ju 87B - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79 - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Asalt - RO - Ju 87D - *** - Survivor
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - Ju 87D - ***
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 3 Yato - BG - OS11 - Tupolev SB - ** - Survivor
1º Grupo de Asalto 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a - *
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Ju 87A
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Blenheim Mk.I - * - Survivor

Strategic Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - Piaggio P.108 - ** - Survivor, Gori Castellani
2º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ju88A
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS11 - He 111H - ***
1/3. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - Ju88A - **
Escadrila 3 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - He 111H
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z - **
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2 - *
Pommituslentolaivue 2 - FI - OS12 - Do 17Z

Thoughts:

Oh dear, that was an intense campaign. First scenarios went well, I was making steady prestige gains and fighting an uphill battle, but nothing too different from the 1941 scenarios. I even managed to get some of the weaker equipped nations to see some action and get quite a lot of decent improvements (but aside from a few, the overall quality point still stands). Then Stalingrad came... I decided I'll try to use Italian and Romanian forces for the historical flavor and that really went in an almost too historically accurate way. I was forced to use less efficient units against powerful defensive hubs and replacing constant chip damage was quite costly. Loosing 4,000 of that slowly accumulated prestige like that hurt, and what is more, next two missions also involved a prestige loss, this time however due to specifics of these scenarios. Both involve little opportunity to capture and have all units be constantly harassed in the open, so the losing trend continued despite the army overall performing well. Inefficient Supply trait also hurt, as it really poorly combines with big maps, bad weather and wheeled movement on transports. I am certain that if I re-did Streets of Stalingrad with an optimized core of veterans and heroes from all 7 nations I'd be able to finish with a positive prestige ratio, but that would be no fun. I fact, ironically I finished 1942 with more prestige than I started with anyway. Hopefully first missions of 1943 will give an opportunity to rebuild my supply, do some proper capturing and be less about survival or challenging bonus objectives. This is going to be the critical year for this run and probably this time I will no longer have the option to deploy individual nations for specific battles, the gap is now too large and forces me to just use best ones for the job most time. I will need to see if all the powerful new Soviet tools (especially the self propped guns) and the upgraded 1943 infantry will still be manageable for my core. If it survives Kursk, then I feel even 1944 and 1945 will be manageable. At least I now have 4 other runs to scout out 1943 options and deeply think about my actions - a luxury generals of old did not have.

WalterTFD wrote: ↑Fri Jun 03, 2022 2:51 am I can't believe you pulled off the Stalingrad attack without real tanks or jank general traits. This is incredible!

At least I can honestly reply like this:

honestly at this point i would add dice roll mechanics, if you end with Prestige up you roll to see if you get german unit and if so what one. because you after went the ahistorical route, since historically Romanians and Italians were very much bleeding and dead in Stalingrad.

CaesarCzech wrote: ↑Mon Jul 04, 2022 3:36 pm honestly at this point i would add dice roll mechanics, if you end with Prestige up you roll to see if you get german unit and if so what one. because you after went the ahistorical route, since historically Romanians and Italians were very much bleeding and dead in Stalingrad.

I already did some analysis of the Units.csv file and in 1943 I'm still perfectly fine. There's a huge amount of new units that I can use and it will bring the core up to a better standard.

That said, it's a valid point for 1944 and especially 1945. For 1944 I'm basically stuck with just a handful of options and I believe none in 1945. I'll try this out with a bit of a twist to an event triggering in one of the 1943 missions and if it proves falvorful and reasonable, I might extend it in 1944 and 195. After all, stuff like Gladiators, Blenheims or the Ju 87A already come from edited caches as "captured", as it's impossible to get them otherwise and I'd prefer not to mess with the Units.csv too much to prevent bugs if it does get updated later down the line in other DLC. Plus the ahistorical route means I can be more flexible with the "what happens in Italy" and other concepts, especially if Kerensky adds the option to drive out Americans and the British from the peninsula in the 1944 DLC. Appreciate the suggestion!

Tassadar wrote: ↑Mon Jul 04, 2022 3:59 pm

CaesarCzech wrote: ↑Mon Jul 04, 2022 3:36 pm honestly at this point i would add dice roll mechanics, if you end with Prestige up you roll to see if you get german unit and if so what one. because you after went the ahistorical route, since historically Romanians and Italians were very much bleeding and dead in Stalingrad.

I already did some analysis of the Units.csv file and in 1943 I'm still perfectly fine. There's a huge amount of new units that I can use and it will bring the core up to a better standard.

That said, it's a valid point for 1944 and especially 1945. For 1944 I'm basically stuck with just a handful of options and I believe none in 1945. I'll try this out with a bit of a twist to an event triggering in one of the 1943 missions and if it proves falvorful and reasonable, I might extend it in 1944 and 195. After all, stuff like Gladiators, Blenheims or the Ju 87A already come from edited caches as "captured", as it's impossible to get them otherwise and I'd prefer not to mess with the Units.csv too much to prevent bugs if it does get updated later down the line in other DLC. Plus the ahistorical route means I can be more flexible with the "what happens in Italy" and other concepts, especially if Kerensky adds the option to drive out Americans and the British from the peninsula in the 1944 DLC. Appreciate the suggestion!

Regarding Italy what about playing the Scenarios on Hardest difficulty and based on how you perform in these Set Italy status ? Ie Occupied Sicily but not much in terms of South Italy etc. Might be interesting gimmick for this one.

CaesarCzech wrote: ↑Mon Jul 04, 2022 4:03 pm

Tassadar wrote: ↑Mon Jul 04, 2022 3:59 pm

CaesarCzech wrote: ↑Mon Jul 04, 2022 3:36 pm honestly at this point i would add dice roll mechanics, if you end with Prestige up you roll to see if you get german unit and if so what one. because you after went the ahistorical route, since historically Romanians and Italians were very much bleeding and dead in Stalingrad.

I already did some analysis of the Units.csv file and in 1943 I'm still perfectly fine. There's a huge amount of new units that I can use and it will bring the core up to a better standard.

That said, it's a valid point for 1944 and especially 1945. For 1944 I'm basically stuck with just a handful of options and I believe none in 1945. I'll try this out with a bit of a twist to an event triggering in one of the 1943 missions and if it proves flavorful and reasonable, I might extend it in 1944 and 195. After all, stuff like Gladiators, Blenheims or the Ju 87A already come from edited caches as "captured", as it's impossible to get them otherwise and I'd prefer not to mess with the Units.csv too much to prevent bugs if it does get updated later down the line in other DLC. Plus the ahistorical route means I can be more flexible with the "what happens in Italy" and other concepts, especially if Kerensky adds the option to drive out Americans and the British from the peninsula in the 1944 DLC. Appreciate the suggestion!

Regarding Italy what about playing the Scenarios on Hardest difficulty and based on how you perform in these Set Italy status ? Ie Occupied Sicily but not much in terms of South Italy etc. Might be interesting gimmick for this one.

I'm already on the highest difficulty in this run, so aside from special challenges there would not be much to add. As for again splitting the troops somehow, In 1943 as I suspect based on my runs so far I'll need to take a break. For one, all scenarios are on the Eastern front, so that's less of a variety to use as I did so far when sending some nations into one area and some into another. The next is pragmatic - I need the 1943 upgrades. Last few missions of 1942 proven that all nation cores need new gear desperately. In 1943 Soviets will get beasts like the SU-152 or Yak 9D, and until I can convert my Panzer 38(t), Bf 109E and such into something more reliable, that's not even going to be a fight. That said, if 1944 branches out a bit and my forces get the power fix they need I'll try to do the flavorful decisions and for example try to have Italians themselves push the allies out from Italy.

AO 1943 - Zaporozhia

After getting the Sixth Army out of Stalingrad the supply situation was really bad, as weather, constant fighting and inability to reliably establish a connection with the western roads and railways meant that new shipments were often disrupted and never enough to satisfy the needs. The situation was equally bad on other parts of the front line, so Axis High Command was supposed to hold a meeting close to the fight, to see some of the issues first hand and also agree on a plan of action moving forward. General Bertorelli was appointed as security for the meeting, as his men were overall still in better shape than most of the evacuated Sixth Army and any local German forces. Suddenly, his meeting with Mannstein who explained the details of the local area, was interrupted bu scout reports of a large Soviet tanks force that was on its way here. The enemy was clearly not aware of the meeting, just using the fact that they encountered little resistance so far to cover as much ground as possible. This made the situation very dangerous, as only very few soldiers could be deployed on time to intercept this advance.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 6474

Hero:


Assigned to Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat, Hercule Fortunescu was a recon officer not only skilled in providing support to his men, but also someone who could use the mobility of the armored cars to make surprising attacks against unprepared enemies, disposing of them quickly before they could even respond.


Pilot Stoyan Stoyanov was a member of 1 Iztrebitelen Polk 2 Yato, very well trained at flying Bf 109 fighters and using all their advantages, both when defending form enemy planes and when attacking together with other squadrons against opposing formations.


Tank commander Erwin Tarczay saw a lot of action when his 1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj was escorting German Sixth army out of Stalingrad. For his commendable support against enemy tanks, he was promoted to battalion leader.

New Equipment Provided:

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT Infantry 43 (Truck)
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf 43 (SdKfz 251/1)
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers 43 (Truck)
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz)
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU HW Inf (SdKfz 251/1) - transport upgraded
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - RO Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - RO HW Inf (SdKfz 250/1) - transport upgraded
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz)
1. pechotný prápor - SK - SK Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (SdKfz 11) - transport upgraded
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (SdKfz 10) - transport upgraded
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (SdKfz 11) - transport upgraded
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (SdKfz 10) - transport upgraded
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (SdKfz 11) - transport upgraded
1. Rakétaezred - HU - 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 (SdKfz 11) - transport upgraded
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (SdKfz 7) - transport upgraded
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (SdKfz 11) - transport upgraded
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - OS11 - 75mm model 1897 (SdKfz 10) - transport upgraded
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (SdKfz 7) - transport upgraded
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (SdKfz 10) - transport upgraded
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (SdKfz 7) - transport upgraded
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (SdKfz 11) - transport upgraded
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7) - transport upgraded
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109G
Former Escadrila 1 Bombardment, now Escadrila 2 Asalt - RO - Hs 129B2

New tanks ordered were still on route from Germany for many minor Axis powers, but Hungary received first Bf 109G fighters and this trend should continue, making it the default plane of the force. The general was happy with this choice, as the Bf 109G was a capable machine, adequate for the needs of the front and for sure better than some of the older fighters in service. New Hs 129B2 in Romanian service were also a welcome addition, as the were hoped to help reduce the enemy armor advantage. The biggest revolution however was general Bertorelli's efforts to at least partially start employing half-tracks for towed artillery, to help with difficult conditions of the vast east eastern fields and the poor weather in the area. It was impossible to replace trucks entirely, as even Germans still relied on horses often and both fuel and production figures were an issues.Even with these limitations however, getting some help for at least a part of the force should improve the army's mobility.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf 43 (SdKfz 251/1) - ** - Survivor
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - M15/42 - **** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IVF2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Erwin Tarczay
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho

Anti-Tank

3º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M41M da 90/53 - **
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 2 - FI - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Opel Blitz) - Erkki Halonen - **

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (SdKfz 10) - ***** - Skilled Support, Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M43 da 105/25 - *** - Skilled Support

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT Infantry 43 (Truck) - ***
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers 43 (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - **
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini - *** - Mario D'Adda
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Truck) - ****
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - *** - Edorado Sala
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU HW Inf (SdKfz 251/1) - *
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Lovassági Zászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Cavalry - * - Survivor
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - RO Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Gheorghe Răscănescu
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - RO HW Inf (SdKfz 250/1) - **
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Roşiori - RO - OS16 - RO Cavalry - *
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf - ***
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - *** - Survivor, Nikola Mutafchiev
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz) - ** - Armando Muñoz Calero
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz) - ****
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ***
1. pechotný prápor - SK - SK Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Pietro Bruno
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 Lf - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35 - *** - Steamroller
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 42M Toldi IIa - **** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 40M Turan I - *** - Steamroller
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1 - *** - Steamroller
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *** - Steamroller, Arcadie Duceac
Batalionul 4 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Renault R35
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - ** - Steamroller
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t) - * - Steamroller
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
4 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Renault R35
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - *** - Steamroller
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-7 - * - Steamroller
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.40 - * - Steamroller
2. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - *** - Steamroller
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana - ***
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - *****
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Survivor, Hercule Fortunescu
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ****
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ****
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-10 - ***
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - ***
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - M42 da 75/34 - *** - Skilled Support
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
2º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - Autocannone 90/53 - **
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (SdKfz 11) - János Törcsváry - ***
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (SdKfz 10)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (SdKfz 11)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 1 - FI - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - Marder IIIH
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - **** - Skilled Support, Lorenzo Matiotti
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M40 da 75/18
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - **** - Skilled Support
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Rakétaezred - HU - 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 (SdKfz 11) - ***
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (SdKfz 7) - **** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - OS11 - 75mm model 1897 (SdKfz 10) - ** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz) - *
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - 122mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - ***
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - OS11 - QF 18 pdf (Opel Blitz) - *
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz) - *
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz) - *
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (SdKfz 7) - **
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 20/70 quadruplo - ***
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - CMP Ford 15A - ***
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - * - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (SdKfz 10) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (SdKfz 7) - * - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (SdKfz 11)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7)
I Batallón de Artillería Antiaérea - ES - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 40 mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - D.520 - ***
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - MC.205 Veltro - *** - Survivor, Adriano Visconti
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ca.331 - *** - Survivor, Mario Visintini
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109G - **** - Dezső Szentgyörgyi
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - **
1/3. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42 - *
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - IAR-80 - ***** - Survivor, Constantin Cantacuzino
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109E - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - *** - Survivor
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - **
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 2 Yato - BG - Bf 109E - ** - Stoyan Stoyanov
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Bf 109F - **** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - G.50 - **** - Ilmari Juutilainen
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - Hurricane Mk.I - *
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406 - **
1. stíhačka letka - SK - Bf 109E
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **** - Survivor, Carlo Emanuele Buscaglia
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - ** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - * - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardamento a Tuffo Sq 1 - IT - Ju 87D - **** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - ***
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - **
1/1. Zuhanóbombázó Század - HU - Ju 87B - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Asalt - RO - Ju 87D - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 2 Asalt - RO - Hs 129B2 - *** - Survivor
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - Ju 87D - ***
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 3 Yato - BG - OS11 - Tupolev SB - ** - Survivor
1º Grupo de Asalto 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a - *
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Ju 87A
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Blenheim Mk.I - * - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - Piaggio P.108 - ** - Survivor, Gori Castellani
2º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ju88A
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS11 - He 111H - ***
1/3. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - Ju88A - **
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - He 111H
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z - **
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2 - *
Pommituslentolaivue 2 - FI - OS12 - Do 17Z

Highlights


Bertorelli was aware that this small group needs to be enough, as earlier fights still strained the supply situation.


German defenses have taken out a few Soviet tanks, but the wave has just begun and the reinforcements have little time!


With the attack currently underway and the need to repel the Soviets, Wagner made a request with Mannstein, one that he was happy to oblige not only due to the fact general Bertorelli saved his son earlier, but also since his saving of the Sixth Army prevented a huge disaster. Wagner's idea was based on the fact that a series of prototype Panther tanks to be combat tested in the area was supposed to be presented to High Command after the meeting. This request allowed to have them manned by Italian crews and under the general's command. If the Soviets are defeated, the transfer can be permanent, alongside any further supply of parts, but only as long as Bertorelli remains working with the German forces closely and only limited to a single battalion.


Using swamps and fortifications to his advantage, the general set up his defenses around the area and waited for the approaching Soviet units. There was no point trying to meet them in the open where, due to the lack of air support, they had a major advantage.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 7144 (up 670)

Overall:

Terrain around the meeting point was critical to victory. Soviet tankers did not expect to encounter resistance in the local swampland and got surprised, falling pray to multiple ambushes set up by general Bertorelli's men. Even superior tanks the enemy had could not get away when being fired at from such close distances and often from the back or sides, where the armor was much thinner. Only remote sounds of combat reached the meeting site and it was concluded fully, with multiple plans set up for the few upcoming weeks. Fieldmarshal von Mannstein was the mastermind behind most of them and he wanted to continue cooperating with Bertorelli, seeing how despite the overall situation on the front line, locally his forces were always successful in the past year.

A good start to the campaign. I'm glad the General got to keep the Panther prototype.

AO 1943 - Backhand Blow

First stage of immediate plans Mannstein proposed to High Command and got accepted. It was a quick counterattack aimed at destroying as much of the enemy forces as possible, using temporarily circumstances allowing for it. Top priority was given to supplying the men for this operation, even at the cost of other parts of the front line. While the Germans focused on reclaiming some of the lost ground, general Bertorelli was supposed to intercept three Soviet armored Corps and destroy at least one of them, but ideally all three. These were massive tanks units, but in their advance they went well ahead of their own infantry and other supporting forces, only having a minimal air presence in the area to help them. As such they were unbalanced and the open ground gave a perfect opportunity to conduct a surprising raid on the unaware enemy, dealing with him before he is given any chance to respond.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 7418

New Units Commissioned:

5º Battaglione Carri - Panther D - **

As promised, prototype Panther tanks were transferred under general Bertorelli permanently, forming 5º Battaglione Carri. Their arrival greatly boosted morale, as they were superior to any other tank currently in service and put high hopes for more supplies coming from Germany in the future. It also gave the general more ways to pressure speeding up the Italian medium tank program, already close to being finished.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT Infantry 43 (Truck) - ***
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - László Duska
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - RO Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Gheorghe Răscănescu
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - M15/42 - **** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35 - *** - Steamroller
5º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panther D - **
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IVF2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Erwin Tarczay
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 42M Toldi IIa - **** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 40M Turan I - *** - Steamroller
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *** - Steamroller, Arcadie Duceac
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho

Recon

Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Survivor, Hercule Fortunescu

Anti-Tank

2º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - Autocannone 90/53 - **
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - M42 da 75/34 - *** - Skilled Support
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M41M da 90/53 - ***
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (SdKfz 11) - János Törcsváry - ***
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 2 - FI - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Opel Blitz) - Erkki Halonen - **
1. protitankový prápor - SK - Marder IIIH

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (SdKfz 10) - ***** - Skilled Support, Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - **** - Skilled Support, Lorenzo Matiotti
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *** - Skilled Support
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M43 da 105/25 - *** - Skilled Support
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - **** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (SdKfz 7) - **** - Skilled Support
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support

Anti-Aircraft

1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (SdKfz 7) - **
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 20/70 quadruplo - ***
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - CMP Ford 15A - ***
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (SdKfz 10) - ** - Skilled Support

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - MC.205 Veltro - *** - Survivor, Adriano Visconti
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ca.331 - *** - Survivor, Mario Visintini
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109G - **** - Dezső Szentgyörgyi
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - IAR-80 - ***** - Survivor, Constantin Cantacuzino
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109E - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - *** - Survivor
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Bf 109F - **** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - G.50 - **** - Ilmari Juutilainen

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **** - Survivor, Carlo Emanuele Buscaglia
1º Gruppo Bombardamento a Tuffo Sq 1 - IT - Ju 87D - **** - Giuseppe Cenni
1/1. Zuhanóbombázó Század - HU - Ju 87B - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Asalt - RO - Ju 87D - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 2 Asalt - RO - Hs 129B2 - *** - Survivor
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - Ju 87D - ***

Strategic Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - Piaggio P.108 - ** - Survivor, Gori Castellani

Reserve

2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf 43 (SdKfz 251/1) - ** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers 43 (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - **
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini - *** - Mario D'Adda
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Truck) - ****
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - *** - Edorado Sala
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU HW Inf (SdKfz 251/1) - *
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Lovassági Zászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Cavalry - * - Survivor
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - RO HW Inf (SdKfz 250/1) - **
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Roşiori - RO - OS16 - RO Cavalry - *
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf - ***
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - *** - Survivor, Nikola Mutafchiev
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz) - ** - Armando Muñoz Calero
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz) - ****
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ***
1. pechotný prápor - SK - SK Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Pietro Bruno
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 Lf - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1 - *** - Steamroller
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 4 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Renault R35
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - ** - Steamroller
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t) - * - Steamroller
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
4 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Renault R35
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - *** - Steamroller
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-7 - * - Steamroller
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.40 - * - Steamroller
2. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - *** - Steamroller
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana - ***
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - *****
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ****
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ****
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-10 - ***
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - ***
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (SdKfz 10)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (SdKfz 11)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 1 - FI - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M40 da 75/18
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Rakétaezred - HU - 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 (SdKfz 11) - ***
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - OS11 - 75mm model 1897 (SdKfz 10) - ** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz) - *
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - 122mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - ***
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - OS11 - QF 18 pdf (Opel Blitz) - *
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz) - *
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz) - *
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - * - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (SdKfz 7) - * - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (SdKfz 11)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7)
I Batallón de Artillería Antiaérea - ES - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 40 mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - D.520 - ***
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - **
1/3. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42 - *
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - **
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 2 Yato - BG - Bf 109E - ** - Stoyan Stoyanov
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - Hurricane Mk.I - *
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406 - **
1. stíhačka letka - SK - Bf 109E
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - ** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - * - Survivor
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - ***
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - **
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 3 Yato - BG - OS11 - Tupolev SB - ** - Survivor
1º Grupo de Asalto 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a - *
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Ju 87A
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Blenheim Mk.I - * - Survivor
2º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ju88A
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS11 - He 111H - ***
1/3. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - Ju88A - **
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - He 111H
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z - **
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2 - *
Pommituslentolaivue 2 - FI - OS12 - Do 17Z

Highlights


With the help of dive bombers, dealing with Soviet tanks is much, much easier than in usual tanks versus tank combat. Annoyingly, it does start to snow soon after...


...but at least it allows to raid a dirt airfield with fighters not able to take off in time...


...and also allows for excellent ambushes.


10th Armored Corps falls first, bombed into the ground by multiple Stukas.


3rd Armored Corps is next, but their positions around Lozovaya require quite a lot of work to dismantle.


All that is left is to deal with the main 25th Armored Corps, already weakened by constant bombing raids.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 11837 (up 4419)

Overall:

While tanks and anti-tanks guns did a lot of important work in the annihilation of three Soviet Tanks Corps, it was the dive bombers who took most of the credit. The general focused his efforts on establishing quick air superiority, which allowed the dive bombers and other aircraft easily deal with unprotected ground targets, then overwhelmed by precise gits from Axis armored groups. This meant each corps was attacked separately and significantly weakened by the time the tanks clashed with each other. The enemy was in constant chaos, not really knowing where the strikes are coming from and just blindly moving about trying to locate the main Axis force, that was always that on step ahead of them. Unfortunately it was impossible to capitalize on this victory due to worsening weather conditions. With spring and warming temperatures, frozen ground quickly turned into mud and the poor road system in the area meant that terrain was now unsuitable for any major operations. While it did give the Axis time to replenish their losses, the same was true for the Soviets and with each passing month time was working in their favor.

Panzer73 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 03, 2022 10:20 am A good start to the campaign. I'm glad the General got to keep the Panther prototype.

It's actually even better, as it's the "No Purchase" Panther D assigned to Italians in the units file. It will make a difference, but at the same time will be the only unit of such power in entire 1943 DLC.

AO 1943 - Kummersdorf 1943

As it was almost tradition at this point, the Kummersdorf test grounds were a place for a joint training operation for the Axis forces. This time however, the general had a feeling it might be the last such event. Something decisive needed to happen on the Eastern Front and it was going to give one side a huge advantage either way. Since it was all beyond his control, the commander focused on having his men resupplied, trained and equipped with many new arms arriving mostly from Germany, but also some produced locally.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 11090

New Units Commissioned:

2 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - StuG IIIG
1/1. Távolfelderítő Század - HU - OS12 - Fw 189
1 Razuznavatelen Aviopolk 1 Yato - BG - OS12 - Fw 189

Bulgarian army was one of the first to receive the new StuG IIIG, the to-be standard issue anti-tank vehicle for Axis nations. Hungarian and Bulgarian air force also formed two recon squadrons, which might be needed on the vast plains of the Soviet Union. These were however the only new reinforcements. The armies were large as they possibly could and the training academies were not capable of reliably providing more recruits.

New Equipment Provided:

Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-3
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (SdKfz 11)
Former Panssarintorjuntakomppania 2, now Panssarintorjuntakomppania 1 - FI - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
Former Panssarintorjuntakomppania 1, now I Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - StuG IIIG
Former 1º Reggimento Artiglieria, now 5º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M42 da 149/40
Former 2º Reggimento Artiglieria, now 1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (SdKfz 10)
Former 4º Reggimento Artiglieria, now 2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro)
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - 122mm M1938 (SdKfz 11)
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7)
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz)
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 15 cm sFH 18 (Opel Blitz)
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - 152mm M1938 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Bf 109G
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - Bf 109G
1/1. Zuhanóbombázó Század - HU - Ju 87D

For the more veteran units, a lot of new equipment started to arrive. Romanians were issued the Panzer IIIN tanks already proven useful in the Slovak army. While no other tanks yet arrived, the general knew more were on the way to the front line soon. However, to finally try and challenge the terrifying T-34 and KV-1 bests, other means were prepared. Many nations started to receive much better towed anti-tank guns and even more StuG III tank destroyers. Several artillery battalions were up-gunned, moving some of the obsolete field artillery to other uses. Finally, some better fighters and dive bombers also arrived, as air superiority proven to be a important factor in dealing with masses of enemy ground troops.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf 43 (SdKfz 251/1) - ** - Survivor
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU HW Inf (SdKfz 251/1) - *
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - RO HW Inf (SdKfz 250/1) - **

Tank

5º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panther D - **

Anti-Tank

2 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - StuG IIIG
1. protitankový prápor - SK - Marder IIIH

Artillery

4º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M40 da 75/18

Fighter

1/3. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42 - *
1. stíhačka letka - SK - Bf 109E

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - * - Survivor
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Ju 87A

Strategic Bomber

2º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ju 88A
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - He 111H
Pommituslentolaivue 2 - FI - OS12 - Do 17Z

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT Infantry 43 (Truck) - ***
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers 43 (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - **
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini - *** - Mario D'Adda
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Truck) - ****
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - *** - Edorado Sala
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - László Duska
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Lovassági Zászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Cavalry - * - Survivor
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - RO Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Gheorghe Răscănescu
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Roşiori - RO - OS16 - RO Cavalry - *
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf - ***
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - *** - Survivor, Nikola Mutafchiev
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz) - ** - Armando Muñoz Calero
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz) - ****
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ***
1. pechotný prápor - SK - SK Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Carri - IT - M15/42 - **** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Pietro Bruno
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 Lf - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35 - *** - Steamroller
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IVF2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Erwin Tarczay
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 42M Toldi IIa - **** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 40M Turan I - *** - Steamroller
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-3 - *** - Steamroller
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *** - Steamroller, Arcadie Duceac
Batalionul 4 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Renault R35
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - ** - Steamroller
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t) - * - Steamroller
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
4 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Renault R35
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - *** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-7 - * - Steamroller
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.40 - * - Steamroller
2. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - *** - Steamroller
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana - ***
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - *****
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Survivor, Hercule Fortunescu
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ****
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ****
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-10 - ***
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - ***
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
2º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - Autocannone 90/53 - **
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - M42 da 75/34 - *** - Skilled Support
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M41M da 90/53 - ***
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (SdKfz 11)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (SdKfz 11) - János Törcsváry - ***
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (SdKfz 11)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 1 - FI - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
I Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - StuG IIIG - Erkki Halonen - **
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (SdKfz 10) - **** - Skilled Support, Lorenzo Matiotti
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - ** - Skilled Support
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *** - Skilled Support
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M43 da 105/25 - *** - Skilled Support
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M42 da 149/40 - ***** - Skilled Support, Giuseppe D'Amico
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - **** - Skilled Support
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Rakétaezred - HU - 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 (SdKfz 11) - ***
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (SdKfz 7) - **** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - 122mm M1938 (SdKfz 11) - ** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 15 cm sFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - 122mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - ***
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - 152mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz) - *
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz) - *
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (SdKfz 7) - **
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 20/70 quadruplo - *** - Skilled Support
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - CMP Ford 15A - ***
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - * - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (SdKfz 10) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (SdKfz 7) - * - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (SdKfz 11)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7)
I Batallón de Artillería Antiaérea - ES - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - D.520 - ***
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - MC.205 Veltro - *** - Survivor, Adriano Visconti
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ca.331 - *** - Survivor, Mario Visintini
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109G - **** - Dezső Szentgyörgyi
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - **
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - IAR-80 - ***** - Survivor, Constantin Cantacuzino
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109E - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - *** - Survivor
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - **
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 2 Yato - BG - Bf 109E - ** - Stoyan Stoyanov
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Bf 109G - **** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - Bf 109G - **** - Ilmari Juutilainen
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - Hurricane Mk.I - *
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **** - Survivor, Carlo Emanuele Buscaglia
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - ** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardamento a Tuffo Sq 1 - IT - Ju 87D - **** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - ***
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - **
1/1. Zuhanóbombázó Század - HU - Ju 87D - *** - Survivor
1/1. Távolfelderítő Század - HU - OS12 - Fw 189
Escadrila 1 Asalt - RO - Ju 87D - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 2 Asalt - RO - Hs 129B2 - *** - Survivor
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - Ju 87D - ***
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 3 Yato - BG - OS11 - Tupolev SB - ** - Survivor
1º Grupo de Asalto 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a - *
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Blenheim Mk.I - * - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - Piaggio P.108 - *** - Survivor, Gori Castellani
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS11 - He 111H - ***
1/3. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - Ju88A - **
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z - **
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2 - *

Highlights


Training was mostly conducted by the green troops that were supposed to operate modern equipment. They really needed to get familiar with it fast. Heavy infantry was also going to be more and more important moving forward, so it took part in the training activity. As for the air force, it was mostly yet again about giving new pilots the chance to learn from all the aces.


Skilled Slovak fighter pilot Ján Režňák specialized in cooperating with other air units in taking out key targets, also exposed ground ones. While he could command his Bf 109 squadron well in battle against other planes, he was also quite good at direct ground unit support.


Bulgarian tanker Marin Dikov was a master of close combat. His tanks could run into any terrain such as cities or forests without fear of getting caught of guard. Some said he had second pair of eyes on the back of his head. The ability to quickly dig the tanks in entrenched positions also helped. His men joked he can build trenches even in a raging river.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 11090 (no change)

Overall:

With Kummersdorf training coming to a close, the general was called in for a initial briefing about the next operation. It was supposed to be a huge, decisive battle on an enormous scale, aimed at breaking the enemy army by inflicting maximum possible losses in a short time frame and then exploiting that advantage. Germans prepared multiple new tanks, planes and other advanced weapons for this occasion, throwing everything they got at the enemy.

AO 1943 - Yakovlevo

First encounter with the Soviet forces around Yakovlevo revealed what Mannastein and also Bertorelli were concerned about. The entire area was full of minefields, pillboxes and other fortifications in the attempt to slow down any Axis advance. It was clear the enemy was aware of the grand plan the Germans had and was preparing for it for a long time, attempting to slow down tanks and other vehicles, and preventing any fast operations. Still, it was too late to change the plans as any attempt to maneuver and skip the Kursk area would put the entire logistics of the Axis armies into chaos. Too much was already done to try and come up with new ideas. It was now all up to the men, their equipment and tactical decisions.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 10759

New Units Commissioned:

4. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 42M Toldi IIa

While 42M Toldi IIa tanks were not really suited for front line duty, they could still find some limited use as training, recon and guard vehicles. As such, 4. Harckocsi Zászlóalj was formed for recruits straight from the academy to perform secondary security duties, most of the time away in the back.

New Equipment Provided:

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - P26/40
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IIIM
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 41M Turan II
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panzer IVG
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj, now 1. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - StuG IIIG
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (SdKfz 11)
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 40M Nimrod
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.55 Centauro
Former 1/3. Vadászszázad, now 1/1. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Me 210C
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109G
1. stíhačka letka - SK - Bf 109G

Several important new tanks finally reached Bertorelli's forces. Italian industry produced the P26/40, in many ways still a conservative design using some outdated methods, but at least reasonably capable of fighting Soviet tanks. Hungarians received the Panzer IIIM from Germans and the new 41M Turan II from their own factories. Bulgarians got the first shipments of Panzer IVG, which allowed to put some older tanks in other units and to finally get rid of tankettes, as the last force to do so. Further shipments of StuG IIIG tank destroyers reach the Royal Hungarian Army this time, and they also were able to provide their home built mobile AA artillery in the form of 40M Nimrod, which could also serve as a weapon against light ground vehicles. As for the air force, the Italian G.55 Centauro was put in service and replaced the D.520 fleet, while Hungarians got their first licence produced Me 210C fighter-bombers, replacing old biplanes. The Bf 109G also got supplied in larger numbers, slowly becoming a standard issue fighter as intended.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers 43 (Truck) - * - Survivor
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ***
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - P26/40 - **** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 Lf - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
5º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panther D - ***
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IVF2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Erwin Tarczay
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IIIM - **** - Steamroller
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *** - Steamroller, Arcadie Duceac
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panzer IVG - ** - Steamroller, Marin Dikov
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
2. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - *** - Steamroller

Recon

Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Survivor, Hercule Fortunescu
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - ***

Anti-Tank

2º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - Autocannone 90/53 - **
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - M42 da 75/34 - *** - Skilled Support
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M41M da 90/53 - ***
1. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - StuG IIIG - János Törcsváry - ***
2 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - StuG IIIG - **
I Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - StuG IIIG - Erkki Halonen - **

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (SdKfz 10) - **** - Skilled Support, Lorenzo Matiotti
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - ** - Skilled Support
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M43 da 105/25 - *** - Skilled Support
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M40 da 75/18 - **
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M42 da 149/40 - ***** - Skilled Support, Giuseppe D'Amico
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - **** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (SdKfz 7) - **** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 15 cm sFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support

Anti-Aircraft

1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (SdKfz 7) - **
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 20/70 quadruplo - *** - Skilled Support
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - CMP Ford 15A - ***
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 40M Nimrod - * - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (SdKfz 10) - ** - Skilled Support
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.55 Centauro - ***
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - MC.205 Veltro - *** - Survivor, Adriano Visconti
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109G - **** - Dezső Szentgyörgyi
1/1. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Me 210C - **
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Bf 109G - **** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - Bf 109G - **** - Ilmari Juutilainen

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **** - Survivor, Carlo Emanuele Buscaglia
1º Gruppo Bombardamento a Tuffo Sq 1 - IT - Ju 87D - **** - Giuseppe Cenni
1/1. Zuhanóbombázó Század - HU - Ju 87D - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 2 Asalt - RO - Hs 129B2 - *** - Survivor

Strategic Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - Piaggio P.108 - *** - Survivor, Gori Castellani

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT Infantry 43 (Truck) - ***
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf 43 (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - **
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini - *** - Mario D'Adda
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Truck) - ****
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - *** - Edorado Sala
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU HW Inf (SdKfz 251/1) - ***
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Lovassági Zászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Cavalry - * - Survivor
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - RO Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Gheorghe Răscănescu
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - RO HW Inf (SdKfz 250/1) - ***
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Roşiori - RO - OS16 - RO Cavalry - *
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf - ***
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - *** - Survivor, Nikola Mutafchiev
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz) - ** - Armando Muñoz Calero
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz) - ****
1. pechotný prápor - SK - SK Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - *
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Pietro Bruno
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35 - *** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 41M Turan II - *** - Steamroller
4. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 42M Toldi IIa
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-3 - *** - Steamroller
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 4 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Renault R35
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - * - Steamroller
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
4 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Renault R35
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - *** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-7 - * - Steamroller
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.40 - * - Steamroller
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana - ***
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - *****
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ****
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ****
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-10 - ***
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (SdKfz 11)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 1 - FI - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - Marder IIIH - **
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *** - Skilled Support
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Rakétaezred - HU - 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 (SdKfz 11) - ***
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - 122mm M1938 (SdKfz 11) - ** - Skilled Support
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - 122mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - ***
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - 152mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - *
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz) - *
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz) - *
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (SdKfz 7) - * - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (SdKfz 11)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7)
I Batallón de Artillería Antiaérea - ES - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ca.331 - *** - Survivor, Mario Visintini
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - **
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - IAR-80 - ***** - Survivor, Constantin Cantacuzino
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109G - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - *** - Survivor
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - **
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 2 Yato - BG - Bf 109E - ** - Stoyan Stoyanov
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - Hurricane Mk.I - *
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406 - **
1. stíhačka letka - SK - Bf 109G - ** - Ján Režňák
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - ** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - ***
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - **
1/1. Távolfelderítő Század - HU - OS12 - Fw 189
Escadrila 1 Asalt - RO - Ju 87D - *** - Survivor
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - Ju 87D - ***
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 3 Yato - BG - OS11 - Tupolev SB - ** - Survivor
1º Grupo de Asalto 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a - *
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Ju 87A - **
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Blenheim Mk.I - * - Survivor
2º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ju 88A - **
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS11 - He 111H - ***
1/3. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - Ju88A - **
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - He 111H - **
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z - **
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2 - *
Pommituslentolaivue 2 - FI - OS12 - Do 17Z - **

Highlights


Initial weather was fine, but now rain started to fall. It gives the Axis forces time to repair damaged aircraft, but also helps the Soviets, as the attacking ground troops loose some of their initially good momentum.


Eastern bridgehead established, but taking out that artillery was bloody and there will be an armored counterattack for sure!


Once AA guns are taken out in an area, the general orders multiple bombers to be deployed at once.


Situation in the west is now under control, the forces can start moving towards Yakovlevo already.


In the east, the front line is mostly stable as well. Soviet tanks did come, but they are not able to push through in light of intense AT gun fire.


Mobile Soviet troops are mostly dealt with. All that is left is the static defenses around Yakovlevo.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 15329 (up 4570)

Overall:

With the first encounters over it was clear this was going to be a bloody battle. While the army overall did well against Soviet tanks, the huge amounts of artillery constantly harassing the Axis forces were a real issue. General Bertorelli wished he had some of those 21 and 17 cm artillery pieces the Germans sometimes deployed, or at least a few captured 203mm Soviet heavy guns, but sadly it was not possible. His own artillery was on par with the enemy forces in all aspects but this one lack of serious counter battery capability. The 149mm Italian artillery was the only piece able to respond and that only thanks to officer Matiotti. This meant that the first phase of breaking through the enemy positions was especially costly. Later, thanks to achieving local air superiority, the situation improved drastically, by it was clear each battle was going to be like this and so far the troops traveled just a minimal difference. It was almost like the trenches of the Great War...

AO 1943 - Oboyan

After Yakovlevo, Oboan was the next area the push needed to focus on. Once again Soviets covered the ground with minefields, trenches and concrete structures, slowing down the direct advance despite the relatively flat terrain here. They also reinforced all major hills, turning them into artillery batteries. Tho further complicate things, reports informed of an increased enemy air presence. General Bertorelli was however ready for all of that and planned to use a similar strategy to the one that already worked well. He only rotated some of the men, to allow them to take a rest, preparing for even more fighting to come.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 14111

New Equipment Provided:

I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES
Pommituslentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Ju 88A

Further supplies reached the Spanish army in the form of Panzer IVH tanks. Finns also replaced their old Do 17Z bombers, no longer suitable for front line combat most of the time, with the more modern and reliable Ju 88A.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers 43 (Truck) - ** - Survivor
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ***
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - P26/40 - **** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 Lf - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
5º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panther D - ***
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IVF2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Erwin Tarczay
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IIIM - **** - Steamroller
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *** - Steamroller, Arcadie Duceac
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panzer IVG - ** - Steamroller, Marin Dikov
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - * - Steamroller
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - Panzer IVH - *** - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - T-26 - OS11 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
2. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - *** - Steamroller

Recon

Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Survivor, Hercule Fortunescu
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-10 - ***

Anti-Tank

2º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - Autocannone 90/53 - **
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - M42 da 75/34 - *** - Skilled Support
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M41M da 90/53 - ***
1. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - StuG IIIG - János Törcsváry - *** - Skilled Support
I Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - StuG IIIG - Erkki Halonen - **

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (SdKfz 10) - **** - Skilled Support, Lorenzo Matiotti
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M43 da 105/25 - *** - Skilled Support
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M40 da 75/18 - **
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M42 da 149/40 - ***** - Skilled Support, Giuseppe D'Amico
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - **** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (SdKfz 7) - **** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - 122mm M1938 (SdKfz 11) - ** - Skilled Support
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - 122mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - ***
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - 152mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - *

Anti-Aircraft

1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (SdKfz 7) - **
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 20/70 quadruplo - **** - Skilled Support
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - CMP Ford 15A - ***
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 40M Nimrod - * - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (SdKfz 10) - ** - Skilled Support
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.55 Centauro - ***
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - MC.205 Veltro - *** - Survivor, Skilled Support, Adriano Visconti
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109G - **** - Dezső Szentgyörgyi
1/1. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Me 210C - **
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Bf 109G - **** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - Bf 109G - **** - Ilmari Juutilainen
1. stíhačka letka - SK - Bf 109G - ** - Ján Režňák

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **** - Survivor, Carlo Emanuele Buscaglia
1º Gruppo Bombardamento a Tuffo Sq 1 - IT - Ju 87D - **** - Giuseppe Cenni
1/1. Zuhanóbombázó Század - HU - Ju 87D - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 2 Asalt - RO - Hs 129B2 - *** - Survivor

Strategic Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - Piaggio P.108 - *** - Survivor, Gori Castellani

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT Infantry 43 (Truck) - ***
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf 43 (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - **
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini - *** - Mario D'Adda
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Truck) - ****
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - *** - Edorado Sala
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU HW Inf (SdKfz 251/1) - ***
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Lovassági Zászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Cavalry - * - Survivor
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - RO Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Gheorghe Răscănescu
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - RO HW Inf (SdKfz 250/1) - ***
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Roşiori - RO - OS16 - RO Cavalry - *
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf - ***
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - *** - Survivor, Nikola Mutafchiev
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz) - ** - Armando Muñoz Calero
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz) - ****
1. pechotný prápor - SK - SK Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - *
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Pietro Bruno
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35 - *** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 41M Turan II - *** - Steamroller
4. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 42M Toldi IIa
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-3 - *** - Steamroller
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 4 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Renault R35
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
4 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Renault R35
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-7 - * - Steamroller
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.40 - * - Steamroller
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana - ***
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - *****
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ****
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ****
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - ****
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (SdKfz 11)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - StuG IIIG - **
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 1 - FI - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - Marder IIIH - **
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Skilled Support
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *** - Skilled Support
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Rakétaezred - HU - 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 (SdKfz 11) - ***
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 15 cm sFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz) - *
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz) - *
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (SdKfz 7) - * - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (SdKfz 11)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7)
I Batallón de Artillería Antiaérea - ES - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ca.331 - *** - Survivor, Mario Visintini
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - **
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - IAR-80 - ***** - Survivor, Constantin Cantacuzino
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109G - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - *** - Survivor
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - **
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 2 Yato - BG - Bf 109E - ** - Stoyan Stoyanov
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - Hurricane Mk.I - *
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - ** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - ***
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - **
1/1. Távolfelderítő Század - HU - OS12 - Fw 189
Escadrila 1 Asalt - RO - Ju 87D - *** - Survivor
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - Ju 87D - ***
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 3 Yato - BG - OS11 - Tupolev SB - ** - Survivor
1º Grupo de Asalto 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a - *
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Ju 87A - **
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Blenheim Mk.I - * - Survivor
2º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ju 88A - **
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS11 - He 111H - ***
1/3. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - Ju 88A - **
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - He 111H - **
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z - **
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2 - *
Pommituslentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Ju 88A - **

Highlights


Camouflaged 1. Rohamtüzér Osztály does its job well, protecting the front line and preventing any significant losses against Soviet tanks that try to attack the advancing force. StuG IIIG and similar vehicles are key to moving forward in the open safely.


Anti-aircraft guns are busy, but it is now always possible to cover movement of ground troops properly. General Bertorelli knows that while being able to keep his men from harm's way would be ideal, sometimes they have to take larger risks.


Last airfields are almost taken with some artillery and tanks being sent from the south to assist.


Few remaining defenders of Oboyan are not going to resit for long.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 17923 (up 3812)

Overall:

Fighting for Oboyan was very similar to the encounter with Soviet troops near Yakovlevo. All the static defenses made it difficult to advance and what was even more important, the amount of enemy planes greatly increased, as if the Soviets felt that Axis dive bombers broke the first divisions encountered in the area earlier. Still, it did not change the fact that general Bertorelli led his men to advance slowly, but surely, capturing hills, airfields, villages and any other significant landmarks. The fact that the only river in the area, Psel, was but a shallow stream compared to Seversky Donets, meant that the start of the push was safer for the Axis forces, giving them more time to set up properly and engage each fortified cluster. There was also much less tanks in the area, but the commander was sure this is not a sign of major losses on the opposing side, but just the necessity of the terrain here. Ultimately the town was secured and the armies could now divert their attention to Prokhorovka, the next major objective in the area.

Interestingly, your tank force composition is more in line with historical German tank strength compared to the Little Tanks and Wunderwaffe runs (and most players' forces too). There were few Panthers and Tigers in the field, though they have an outsized place in the narratives about Kursk...

AO 1943 - Prokhorovka

Prokhorovka was the new target of the advance, but this time the situation was much more difficult. Not only did scout reports informed about a much larger enemy resistance in the area, there was also significantly more ground to cover to reach the destination. Having one look at the map, the general quickly understood it will not be possible to advance in all directions at once and there will have to be focus on key areas only to achieve the goals. Bulk of the force should go down the road south, while a slower, yet still rather powerful group should bind the enemy around Vasilyevka and the the Psel river, to essentially cut the enemy line in two. As per usual, the general applied some slight rotation to the main force, but this time the expected intensity of the encounter demanded only the best of the best, less experienced men and those units that used some of the older equipment had to stay in reserve, as they would unfortunately not be able to maintain the pace. The general believed even they could be victorious if given enough time, but time was the one luxury he did not have.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 17795

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT Infantry 43 (Truck) - ***
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers 43 (Truck) - ** - Survivor
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - László Duska
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - RO Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Gheorghe Răscănescu
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ***

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - P26/40 - **** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 Lf - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
5º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panther D - ***
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IVF2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Erwin Tarczay
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IIIM - **** - Steamroller
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-3 - *** - Steamroller
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *** - Steamroller, Arcadie Duceac
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panzer IVG - ** - Steamroller, Marin Dikov
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - Panzer IVH - *** - Steamroller
2. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - **** - Steamroller

Anti-Tank

2º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - Autocannone 90/53 - **
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - M42 da 75/34 - *** - Skilled Support
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M41M da 90/53 - ***
1. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - StuG IIIG - János Törcsváry - *** - Skilled Support
I Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - StuG IIIG - Erkki Halonen - **

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (SdKfz 10) - **** - Skilled Support, Lorenzo Matiotti
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M43 da 105/25 - *** - Skilled Support
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M40 da 75/18 - **
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M42 da 149/40 - ***** - Skilled Support, Giuseppe D'Amico
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - **** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (SdKfz 7) - **** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 15 cm sFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - 152mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support

Anti-Aircraft

1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (SdKfz 7) - ***
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 20/70 quadruplo - **** - Skilled Support
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - CMP Ford 15A - ***
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 40M Nimrod - * - Skilled Support

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.55 Centauro - ***
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - MC.205 Veltro - *** - Survivor, Skilled Support, Adriano Visconti
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109G - **** - Dezső Szentgyörgyi
1/1. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Me 210C - **
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - *** - Survivor
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Bf 109G - ***** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - Bf 109G - **** - Ilmari Juutilainen
1. stíhačka letka - SK - Bf 109G - ** - Ján Režňák

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **** - Survivor, Carlo Emanuele Buscaglia
1º Gruppo Bombardamento a Tuffo Sq 1 - IT - Ju 87D - **** - Giuseppe Cenni
1/1. Zuhanóbombázó Század - HU - Ju 87D - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Asalt - RO - Ju 87D - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 2 Asalt - RO - Hs 129B2 - *** - Survivor

Strategic Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - Piaggio P.108 - *** - Survivor, Gori Castellani

Reserve

2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf 43 (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - **
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini - *** - Mario D'Adda
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Truck) - ****
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - *** - Edorado Sala
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU HW Inf (SdKfz 251/1) - ***
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Lovassági Zászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Cavalry - * - Survivor
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - RO HW Inf (SdKfz 250/1) - ***
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Roşiori - RO - OS16 - RO Cavalry - *
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf - ***
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - *** - Survivor, Nikola Mutafchiev
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz) - ** - Armando Muñoz Calero
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz) - ****
1. pechotný prápor - SK - SK Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Pietro Bruno
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35 - *** - Steamroller
4. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 42M Toldi IIa
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 41M Turan II - *** - Steamroller
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 4 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Renault R35
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - * - Steamroller
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
4 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Renault R35
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - T26 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-7 - * - Steamroller
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.40 - * - Steamroller
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana - ***
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - *****
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Steamroller, Survivor, Hercule Fortunescu
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ****
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ****
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-10 - ***
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - ****
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (SdKfz 11)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - StuG IIIG - **
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 1 - FI - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - Marder IIIH - **
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Skilled Support
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *** - Skilled Support
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Rakétaezred - HU - 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 (SdKfz 11) - ***
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - 122mm M1938 (SdKfz 11) - ** - Skilled Support
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - 122mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - ***
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz) - *
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz) - *
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (SdKfz 10) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (SdKfz 7) - * - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (SdKfz 11)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7)
I Batallón de Artillería Antiaérea - ES - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ca.331 - *** - Survivor, Mario Visintini
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - **
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - IAR-80 - ***** - Survivor, Constantin Cantacuzino
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109G - *** - Survivor
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - **
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 2 Yato - BG - Bf 109E - ** - Stoyan Stoyanov
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - Hurricane Mk.I - *
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - ** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - ***
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - **
1/1. Távolfelderítő Század - HU - OS12 - Fw 189
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - Ju 87D - ***
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 3 Yato - BG - OS11 - Tupolev SB - ** - Survivor
1º Grupo de Asalto 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a - *
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Ju 87A - **
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Blenheim Mk.I - * - Survivor
2º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ju 88A - **
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS11 - He 111H - ***
1/3. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - Ju 88A - **
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - He 111H - **
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z - **
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2 - *
Pommituslentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Ju 88A - **

Highlights


The air defense near Vasilyevka does not exist, so the general immediately senses an opportunity and focuses all of his bombers in that single location to open up a road for his ground forces.


The attack continues, but there are so many enemies that the general is struggling to keep his men supplied in ammo on time, the tanks are shooting faster than the supplies arrive to the front line.


Halfway mark of the operation passes and the timetable shows good progress, but the army needs to increase the pace, otherwise Soviet reinforcements might make the strategic goals impossible to reach .


So close, yet so far. Prokhorovka is almost in range, but enemy tanks amass for one last huge push.


With mere hours to complete the plan on schedule, infantry manages to get to Prokhorovka thanks to cooperation with all other forces.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 22083 (up 4288)

Overall:

It finally happened happened. Securing Prokhorovka was the largest gain in territory around Kursk since the start of the fighting. Yet despite this local success, the offensive in other areas came to a halt. Mines, trenches and other traps prepared in advance meant that the tanks could not perform as good as expected and there was no hope of dealing a decisive blow to the Soviets that the High Command was hoping for. However, even worse news arrived as the staff was organizing for a battle debriefing. While general Bertorelli was discussing further actions with other officers, Wagner came in with a troubled look on his face, a herald of grim news from the general's homeland...

Panzer73 wrote: ↑Thu Aug 11, 2022 11:58 am Interestingly, your tank force composition is more in line with historical German tank strength compared to the Little Tanks and Wunderwaffe runs (and most players' forces too). There were few Panthers and Tigers in the field, though they have an outsized place in the narratives about Kursk...

That's indeed as closer to historical composition than most runs. The Retrograde run had some of that feel as well, but it's destined to intimately catch up to the all available units. Those extra limitations are quite fun in general, I'll happily think of them as well once Pacific Corps releases one day and I even have some ideas in mind for at least the American campaign, provided no new traits and other options get added.

AO 1943 - Operation Roland

So it happened... After the defeat in North Africa and the inability of German and Italian forces to maintain the hold on the continent, the Allies have invaded Sicily. Limited resistance on the island was not going to hold for long and it was certain that the attack on Italian mainland will be the next step. While general Bertorelli was willing to return back to his home country and help organize the defenses, he also knew that it would only be delaying the inevitable. To try and overturn these events the Axis needed a success, not just falling back on a defensive war. Luckily field marshal von Mannstein seemed to agree. He was of the opinion that while Bertorelli would certainly help stopping the Allied attack on Italy, he was needed on the Eastern Front much more, as he was the commander binding the armies of various minor Axis powers together. Under his leadership these under-equipped forces achieved many victories and could still contribute, especially with the Germans having issues with manning the entire front line. Not to mention suddenly evacuating so many units would be a logistical nightmare and would leave a gap for the Soviets to exploit. As such, an agreement was made. Bertorelli was to remain working here with his existing forces and continue to receive some support from his homeland. First step was to destroy as many Soviet reinforcements around Kursk as possible in an attempt to encircle the entire area and prevent major relief forces from arriving. At the same time, some of German reserves, especially former Afrika Corps were to be deployed to Italy to strengthen the defenses there and use the mountainous terrain to their advantage stopping the Allies there for as long as possible and possibly waiting for an occasion to drive them back.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 20061

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - László Duska
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - RO Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Gheorghe Răscănescu
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - P26/40 - **** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
5º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panther D - *** - Steamroller
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IVF2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Erwin Tarczay
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 41M Turan II - *** - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - T26 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho

Recon

Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-10 - ***

Anti-Tank

1. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - StuG IIIG - *** - Skilled Support, János Törcsváry
I Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - StuG IIIG - Erkki Halonen - ***
1. protitankový prápor - SK - Marder IIIH - **

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (SdKfz 10) - **** - Skilled Support, Lorenzo Matiotti
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M43 da 105/25 - *** - Skilled Support
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M42 da 149/40 - ***** - Skilled Support, Giuseppe D'Amico

Anti-Aircraft

4º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 20/70 quadruplo - **** - Skilled Support
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - CMP Ford 15A - ***
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 40M Nimrod - * - Skilled Support

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - MC.205 Veltro - *** - Survivor, Skilled Support, Adriano Visconti
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.55 Centauro - ***
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109G - **** - Dezső Szentgyörgyi
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - *** - Survivor
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Bf 109G - ***** - Joaquin Garcia Morato

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **** - Survivor, Carlo Emanuele Buscaglia
1º Gruppo Bombardamento a Tuffo Sq 1 - IT - Ju 87D - **** - Giuseppe Cenni
1/1. Zuhanóbombázó Század - HU - Ju 87D - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 2 Asalt - RO - Hs 129B2 - *** - Survivor

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT Infantry 43 (Truck) - ***
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf 43 (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers 43 (Truck) - ** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - **
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini - *** - Mario D'Adda
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Truck) - ****
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - *** - Edorado Sala
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU HW Inf (SdKfz 251/1) - ***
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Lovassági Zászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Cavalry - * - Survivor
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - RO HW Inf (SdKfz 250/1) - ***
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Roşiori - RO - OS16 - RO Cavalry - *
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf - ***
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - *** - Survivor, Nikola Mutafchiev
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz) - ** - Armando Muñoz Calero
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz) - ****
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ****
1. pechotný prápor - SK - SK Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Pietro Bruno
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 Lf - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35 - *** - Steamroller
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IIIM - **** - Steamroller
4. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 42M Toldi IIa
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-3 - *** - Steamroller
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *** - Steamroller, Arcadie Duceac
Batalionul 4 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Renault R35
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panzer IVG - ** - Steamroller, Marin Dikov
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - * - Steamroller
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
4 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Renault R35
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - Panzer IVH - *** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-7 - * - Steamroller
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.40 - * - Steamroller
2. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - **** - Steamroller
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana - ***
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - *****
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Steamroller, Survivor, Hercule Fortunescu
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ****
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ****
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - ****
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
2º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - Autocannone 90/53 - **
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - M42 da 75/34 - *** - Skilled Support
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M41M da 90/53 - ***
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (SdKfz 11)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - StuG IIIG - **
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 1 - FI - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Skilled Support
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *** - Skilled Support
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M40 da 75/18 - ***
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - **** - Skilled Support
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Rakétaezred - HU - 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 (SdKfz 11) - ***
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (SdKfz 7) - **** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - 122mm M1938 (SdKfz 11) - ** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 15 cm sFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - 122mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - ***
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - 152mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz) - *
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz) - *
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (SdKfz 10) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (SdKfz 7) - * - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (SdKfz 11)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7)
I Batallón de Artillería Antiaérea - ES - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ca.331 - *** - Survivor, Mario Visintini
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - **
1/1. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Me 210C - **
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - IAR-80 - ***** - Survivor, Constantin Cantacuzino
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109G - *** - Survivor
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - **
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 2 Yato - BG - Bf 109E - ** - Stoyan Stoyanov
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - Bf 109G - **** - Ilmari Juutilainen
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - Hurricane Mk.I - *
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406 - **
1. stíhačka letka - SK - Bf 109G - ** - Ján Režňák
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - ** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - ***
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - **
1/1. Távolfelderítő Század - HU - OS12 - Fw 189
Escadrila 1 Asalt - RO - Ju 87D - *** - Survivor
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - Ju 87D - ***
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 3 Yato - BG - OS11 - Tupolev SB - ** - Survivor
1º Grupo de Asalto 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a - *
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Ju 87A - **
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Blenheim Mk.I - * - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - Piaggio P.108 - *** - Survivor, Gori Castellani
2º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ju 88A - **
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS11 - He 111H - ***
1/3. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - Ju 88A - **
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - He 111H - **
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z - **
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2 - *
Pommituslentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Ju 88A - **

Highlights


This small group along with some air support will need to hold in the southeast, most of the army will be in the meatime busy up north.


There is nothing wrong in relying on the Germans for once. Their 6th Army is experienced, well equipped and ready to take on the majority of opponents while other formations provide a supporting role.


There is always a bigger fish. Tanks corps led by general Vatutin and crewing brand new tanks, not seen before in combat, causes quite a headache even for German veterans.


Destroyed hangars and supply depots mean the Soviets will not be able to easily assist other forces near Kursk.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 25342 (up 5281)

Overall:

Relying on the German 6th Army saved back in Stalingrad proved to be a decision that now allowed to reap benefits. Their experience and superior equipment allowed to reach Soviet supply depots just like von Mannstein planned and meant that enemies still fighting in the area would have a rough time. Bertorelli's mean assisted with the attack, but the general's mind was at least partially with the soldiers fighting in Italy. He knew he made the correct decision from a strategic viewpoint, but was still a difficult thing to do. There was little time to dwell on it, so at least the situation that developed here in the East made him focus on more pressing issues. It was clear that the enemy will attempt to send in even more forces to the area, but would not be able to do so quickly. The bigger threat for now was possible attacks in other parts of the front, from where forces had to be pulled temporarily.

I am amazed at the Finnish T-26 still soldering on... Good luck to General Bertorelli!

AO 1943 - Stalino

As predicted by general Bertorelli, the Soviets moved in to attack a few areas of the front where the amount of Axis divisions was lower than it should have been. One such area was around the city of Stalino. At the same time von Mannstein ordered to attack in the area as well, believing that simply defending tit would lead to prolonged city battles. The blow had to be quick and hard, so that the enemy is pushed back before they can dig in on the right side of the Kalmius river and make this a battle of attrition. The Axis did not have resources nor time to afford that and while Germans were busy dealing with the still massive groups of Soviets around Kursk, Bertorelli was to ensure a potential victory there can be exploited later.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 25917

Hero:


Officer Lauri Törni from the Finnish infantry joined Bertorelli's forces after it became more and more difficult for him to fight in his home country. Soviets put a price on his unit that caused them so much trouble in the past, so every rumor of him being in the area caused an intensified enemy response, making it more of a problem than a benefit. Besides, Finnish forces were relatively passive on the front, lacking the manpower and fearing that it could lead to escalation in the scale of operations they would not be ready for. As such, he first planned to move to Germany for reassignment, but ultimately joined Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - a volunteer unit that had more chances to be directly involved in the fighting.

New Units Commissioned:

Batalionul 2 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - SdKfz 222

Romanian army sent some extra recon cars, mostly for security and anti-partisan duties.

New Equipment Provided:

1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - AB 43

Italians received the newest AB 43 cars, the next in line of a very successful series, further upgraded to address somse of the concerns from crews and the needs of the battlefield.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf 43 (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Survivor
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - **
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini - *** - Mario D'Adda
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU HW Inf (SdKfz 251/1) - ***
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - RO HW Inf (SdKfz 250/1) - ***
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz) - **** - Lauri Törni

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - P26/40 - **** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Pietro Bruno
5º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panther D - *** - Steamroller
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IVF2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Erwin Tarczay
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 41M Turan II - *** - Steamroller
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-3 - *** - Steamroller
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *** - Steamroller, Arcadie Duceac
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panzer IVG - ** - Steamroller, Marin Dikov
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - * - Steamroller
2. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - **** - Steamroller

Recon

2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana - ***
Batalionul 2 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - SdKfz 222

Anti-Tank

1. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - StuG IIIG - *** - Skilled Support, János Törcsváry
I Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - StuG IIIG - Erkki Halonen - ***
1. protitankový prápor - SK - Marder IIIH - **

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (SdKfz 10) - **** - Skilled Support, Lorenzo Matiotti
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M43 da 105/25 - *** - Skilled Support
1. Rakétaezred - HU - 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 (SdKfz 11) - ***
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - 122mm M1938 (SdKfz 11) - ** - Skilled Support
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - 122mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - ***
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - 152mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - *
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz) - *

Anti-Aircraft

4º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 20/70 quadruplo - **** - Skilled Support
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - CMP Ford 15A - ***
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 40M Nimrod - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (SdKfz 7) - * - Skilled Support
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - MC.205 Veltro - *** - Survivor, Skilled Support, Adriano Visconti
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.55 Centauro - ***
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109G - **** - Dezső Szentgyörgyi
1/1. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Me 210C - **
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - Bf 109G - **** - Ilmari Juutilainen

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **** - Survivor, Carlo Emanuele Buscaglia
1/1. Zuhanóbombázó Század - HU - Ju 87D - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Asalt - RO - Ju 87D - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 2 Asalt - RO - Hs 129B2 - *** - Survivor

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT Infantry 43 (Truck) - ***
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers 43 (Truck) - ** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Truck) - ****
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - *** - Edorado Sala
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - László Duska
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Lovassági Zászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Cavalry - * - Survivor
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - RO Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Gheorghe Răscănescu
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Roşiori - RO - OS16 - RO Cavalry - *
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf - ***
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - *** - Survivor, Nikola Mutafchiev
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz) - ** - Armando Muñoz Calero
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ****
1. pechotný prápor - SK - SK Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 Lf - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35 - *** - Steamroller
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IIIM - **** - Steamroller
4. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 42M Toldi IIa
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 4 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Renault R35
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
4 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Renault R35
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - Panzer IVH - *** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - T-26 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-7 - * - Steamroller
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.40 - * - Steamroller
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - AB 43 - ***** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - *****
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Steamroller, Survivor, Hercule Fortunescu
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ****
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ****
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-10 - ****
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - ****
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
2º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - Autocannone 90/53 - **
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - M42 da 75/34 - *** - Skilled Support
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M41M da 90/53 - ***
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (SdKfz 11)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - StuG IIIG - **
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 1 - FI - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Skilled Support
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *** - Skilled Support
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M40 da 75/18 - ***
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M42 da 149/40 - ***** - Skilled Support, Giuseppe D'Amico
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - **** - Skilled Support
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (SdKfz 7) - **** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 15 cm sFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz) - *
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (SdKfz 10) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (SdKfz 11)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7)
I Batallón de Artillería Antiaérea - ES - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ca.331 - *** - Survivor, Mario Visintini
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - **
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - IAR-80 - ***** - Survivor, Constantin Cantacuzino
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109G - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - **** - Survivor
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - **
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 2 Yato - BG - Bf 109E - ** - Stoyan Stoyanov
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Bf 109G - ***** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - Hurricane Mk.I - *
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406 - **
1. stíhačka letka - SK - Bf 109G - ** - Ján Režňák
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - ** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardamento a Tuffo Sq 1 - IT - Ju 87D - ***** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - ***
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - **
1/1. Távolfelderítő Század - HU - OS12 - Fw 189
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - Ju 87D - ***
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 3 Yato - BG - OS11 - Tupolev SB - ** - Survivor
1º Grupo de Asalto 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a - *
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Ju 87A - **
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Blenheim Mk.I - * - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - Piaggio P.108 - *** - Survivor, Gori Castellani
2º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ju 88A - **
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS11 - He 111H - ***
1/3. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - Ju 88A - **
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - He 111H - **
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z - **
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2 - *
Pommituslentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Ju 88A - **

Highlights


First Soviet command unit is taken out, but fighting for the best potions in the city has only begun.


What seems to be a stalemate, slowly develops into Axis advantage, as infantry takes out key enemy units in close terrain.


After a successful crossing, the last command group is detected.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 25546 (down 371)

Overall:

With the Soviet attempt to capture and fortify Stalino dealt with, the enemy at least for a few weeks, was not going to be able to set up another major attack. They would no doubt try again, but at least it once again gave the Axis forces a chance to further build up an advantage based on the recent victories. With the grasp on Kursk tightening further, it became obvious that any attacks in the area would not benefit the Soviets. They would then have two other possible avenues of advance. One was to try and break the encirclement around besieged Leningrad and the other to try and push further south near the Black Sea. Field marshal von Mannstein had a very specific plan that was supposed to take advantage of this fact and prepare a special trap.

AO 1943 - Rostov 1943

All things considered, von Mannstein had a really simple plan. He meant to purposefully weaken German positions on the western side of the Miur river, leading them to believe the area is not that well guarded and attack in a predictable direction. At the same time, paratroopers would land near Rostov and general Bertorelli would have his own men advance from the north, pushing the Soviets against the Sea of Azov. It would create a deadly encirclement and allow to destroy several divisions easily and make the entire southern front line exposed for an offensive operation.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 24276

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT Infantry 43 (Truck) - ***
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini - *** - Mario D'Adda
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - *** - Edorado Sala
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - László Duska
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - RO Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Gheorghe Răscănescu
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf - ***
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz) - **** - Lauri Törni

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - P26/40 - **** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Pietro Bruno
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35 - *** - Steamroller
5º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panther D - **** - Steamroller
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IVF2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Erwin Tarczay
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 41M Turan II - *** - Steamroller
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *** - Steamroller, Arcadie Duceac
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panzer IVG - ** - Steamroller, Marin Dikov
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - * - Steamroller
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.40 - * - Steamroller

Recon

2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana - ***
Batalionul 2 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - SdKfz 222

Anti-Tank

1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - M42 da 75/34 - *** - Skilled Support
1. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - StuG IIIG - *** - Skilled Support, János Törcsváry
I Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - StuG IIIG - Erkki Halonen - ***
1. protitankový prápor - SK - Marder IIIH - **

Artillery

2º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M43 da 105/25 - *** - Skilled Support
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M40 da 75/18 - ***
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - 122mm M1938 (SdKfz 11) - ** - Skilled Support
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - 122mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - ***
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - 152mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - *
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz) - *

Anti-Aircraft

3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 20/70 quadruplo - **** - Skilled Support
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - CMP Ford 15A - ***
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 40M Nimrod - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (SdKfz 7) - * - Skilled Support
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - MC.205 Veltro - *** - Survivor, Skilled Support, Adriano Visconti
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.55 Centauro - ***
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109G - **** - Dezső Szentgyörgyi
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109G - *** - Survivor
1/1. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Me 210C - **
1. stíhačka letka - SK - Bf 109G - ** - Ján Režňák

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **** - Survivor, Carlo Emanuele Buscaglia
1/1. Zuhanóbombázó Század - HU - Ju 87D - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Asalt - RO - Ju 87D - *** - Survivor

Reserve

2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf 43 (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers 43 (Truck) - ** - Survivor
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - ***
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Truck) - ****
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU HW Inf (SdKfz 251/1) - ***
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
1. Lovassági Zászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Cavalry - * - Survivor
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - RO HW Inf (SdKfz 250/1) - ***
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Roşiori - RO - OS16 - RO Cavalry - *
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - **
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - *** - Survivor, Nikola Mutafchiev
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz) - ** - Armando Muñoz Calero
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ****
1. pechotný prápor - SK - SK Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 Lf - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IIIM - **** - Steamroller
4. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 42M Toldi IIa
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-3 - *** - Steamroller
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 4 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Renault R35
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
4 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Renault R35
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - Panzer IVH - *** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - T-26 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-7 - * - Steamroller
2. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - **** - Steamroller
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - AB 43 - ***** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - *****
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Steamroller, Survivor, Hercule Fortunescu
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ****
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ****
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-10 - ****
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - ****
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
2º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - Autocannone 90/53 - **
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M41M da 90/53 - ***
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (SdKfz 11)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - StuG IIIG - **
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 1 - FI - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (SdKfz 10) - ***** - Skilled Support, Lorenzo Matiotti
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Skilled Support
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *** - Skilled Support
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M42 da 149/40 - ***** - Skilled Support, Giuseppe D'Amico
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - **** - Skilled Support
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Rakétaezred - HU - 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 (SdKfz 11) - ***
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (SdKfz 7) - **** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 15 cm sFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz) - *
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (SdKfz 10) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (SdKfz 11)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7)
I Batallón de Artillería Antiaérea - ES - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ca.331 - *** - Survivor, Mario Visintini
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - **
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - IAR-80 - ***** - Survivor, Constantin Cantacuzino
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - **** - Survivor
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - **
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 2 Yato - BG - Bf 109E - ** - Stoyan Stoyanov
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Bf 109G - ***** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - Bf 109G - ***** - Ilmari Juutilainen
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - Hurricane Mk.I - *
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - ** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardamento a Tuffo Sq 1 - IT - Ju 87D - ***** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - ***
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - **
1/1. Távolfelderítő Század - HU - OS12 - Fw 189
Escadrila 2 Asalt - RO - Hs 129B2 - **** - Survivor
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - Ju 87D - ***
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 3 Yato - BG - OS11 - Tupolev SB - ** - Survivor
1º Grupo de Asalto 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a - *
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Ju 87A - **
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Blenheim Mk.I - * - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - Piaggio P.108 - *** - Survivor, Gori Castellani
2º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ju 88A - **
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS11 - He 111H - ***
1/3. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - Ju 88A - **
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - He 111H - **
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z - **
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2 - *
Pommituslentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Ju 88A - **

Highlights


Things are not going to be easy where even light T-70 tanks are able to resist quite significantly. But that is why the whole encirclement plan was thought of in the first place.


Establishing a proper defensive line around the coal mine while waiting for the encirclement maneuver is not easy, as the Soviets have absurdly powerful mobile artillery support.


Mountain infantry takes up positions on hills to be able to easily deal with any opposing forces.


Finally the general manages to guide his men to block all supply lines in the area. Now all that is needed is to wait patiently and ensure no relief comes from the outside, and the enemy should bleed out with not much resistance.


Rostov is also surrounded, it looks like victory is now only a matter of time.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 29637 (up 5361)

Overall:

Defeating such a large Soviet force opened up unprecedented possibilities. While the war was expected to last for a very long time, the Axis armies had a clear way across to Caucasus oil fields and this time expected resistance was going to be minimal. It was impossible for the enemy to quickly send reinforcements from the rest of the country, but for the push to secure valuable resources to work, a distraction was needed. Mannstein was going to amass German units not currently tied down near Kursk and fake a move against Moscow. The Soviets would surely have to respond to this and in the meantime Bertorelli would take his men and use the chaos to quickly cover flat ground all the way to the Caspian Sea. The main concern was time and speed of the advance, as the distraction was going to work only for a limited time.

AO 1943 - Elista

First phase of the oil field securing operation has begun. A small, but highly mobile group was about to head towards Elista and then through the undefended deserts all the way east. To prevent a Soviet flanking counterattack, some of the troops were to cross the Manych river, taking Divone and Ipatovo, thus blocking this angle of attack for the enemy. It was of critical importance, as supply lines were going to be strained significantly and very vulnerable to possible disruption. Limited population in the area meant that partisans were only a minor concern, but regular Soviet troops cutting cutting of the Axis spearhead were a real concern. Paratroopers could once again prove their worth as well, helping take weakly defended locations.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 28911

New Equipment Provided:

1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IVH
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-4
Batalionul 4 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2

Some of the finally agreed Panzer IV deliveries arrived. Hungarians replaced their F2 variant that suffered heavy losses with the new H variant and the Romanians received the G variant, dubbed the T-4. This meant that some other tanks could be reassigned in the Romanian army and the Renault R35 was finally put out of front line service.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT Infantry 43 (Truck) - ***
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - *** - Edorado Sala
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - RO Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Gheorghe Răscănescu
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - *** - Survivor, Nikola Mutafchiev
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz) - **** - Lauri Törni

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - P26/40 - **** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Pietro Bruno
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35 - *** - Steamroller
5º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panther D - **** - Steamroller
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IVH - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Erwin Tarczay
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IIIM - **** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 41M Turan II - *** - Steamroller
4. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 42M Toldi IIa
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-4 - *** - Steamroller, Arcadie Duceac
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panzer IVG - ** - Steamroller, Marin Dikov
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - Panzer IVH - *** - Steamroller
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.40 - * - Steamroller

Recon

2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana - ***

Anti-Tank

1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - M42 da 75/34 - *** - Skilled Support
1. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - StuG IIIG - *** - Skilled Support, János Törcsváry
I Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - StuG IIIG - *** - Erkki Halonen
1. protitankový prápor - SK - Marder IIIH - **

Artillery

2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 15 cm sFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - 122mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - ***
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - 152mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz) - *

Anti-Aircraft

5º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - CMP Ford 15A - ***
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.55 Centauro - ***
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - MC.205 Veltro - *** - Survivor, Skilled Support, Adriano Visconti
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109G - **** - Dezső Szentgyörgyi
1/1. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Me 210C - ***

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **** - Survivor, Carlo Emanuele Buscaglia
1/1. Zuhanóbombázó Század - HU - Ju 87D - *** - Survivor

Strategic Bomber

Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - Ju 88A - **

Reserve

2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf 43 (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers 43 (Truck) - ** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - ***
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini - *** - Mario D'Adda
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Truck) - ****
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU HW Inf (SdKfz 251/1) - ***
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Lovassági Zászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Cavalry - * - Survivor
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - RO HW Inf (SdKfz 250/1) - ***
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Roşiori - RO - OS16 - RO Cavalry - *
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf - ***
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - **
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz) - ** - Armando Muñoz Calero
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ****
1. pechotný prápor - SK - SK Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 Lf - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-3 - *** - Steamroller
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 4 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - ** - Steamroller
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
4 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Renault R35
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - T-26 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-7 - * - Steamroller
2. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - **** - Steamroller
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - AB 43 - ***** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - *****
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Steamroller, Survivor, Hercule Fortunescu
Batalionul 2 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - *
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ****
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ****
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-10 - ****
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - ****
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
2º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - Autocannone 90/53 - **
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M41M da 90/53 - ***
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (SdKfz 11)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - StuG IIIG - **
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 1 - FI - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (SdKfz 10) - ***** - Skilled Support, Lorenzo Matiotti
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Skilled Support
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *** - Skilled Support
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M43 da 105/25 - **** - Skilled Support
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M40 da 75/18 - ***
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M42 da 149/40 - ***** - Skilled Support, Giuseppe D'Amico
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - **** - Skilled Support
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Rakétaezred - HU - 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 (SdKfz 11) - ***
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (SdKfz 7) - **** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - 122mm M1938 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz) - *
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 20/70 quadruplo - **** - Skilled Support
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 40M Nimrod - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (SdKfz 10) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (SdKfz 7) - * - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (SdKfz 11)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7)
I Batallón de Artillería Antiaérea - ES - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ca.331 - *** - Survivor, Mario Visintini
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - **
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - IAR-80 - ***** - Survivor, Constantin Cantacuzino
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109G - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - **** - Survivor
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - **
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 2 Yato - BG - Bf 109E - ** - Stoyan Stoyanov
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Bf 109G - ***** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - Bf 109G - ***** - Ilmari Juutilainen
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - Hurricane Mk.I - *
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406 - **
1. stíhačka letka - SK - Bf 109G - ** - Ján Režňák
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - ** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardamento a Tuffo Sq 1 - IT - Ju 87D - ***** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - ***
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - **
1/1. Távolfelderítő Század - HU - OS12 - Fw 189
Escadrila 1 Asalt - RO - Ju 87D - *** - Survivor
Escadrila 2 Asalt - RO - Hs 129B2 - **** - Survivor
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - Ju 87D - ***
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 3 Yato - BG - OS11 - Tupolev SB - ** - Survivor
1º Grupo de Asalto 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a - *
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Ju 87A - **
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Blenheim Mk.I - * - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - Piaggio P.108 - *** - Survivor, Gori Castellani
2º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Ju 88A - **
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS11 - He 111H - ***
1/3. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - He 111H - **
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z - **
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2 - *
Pommituslentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Ju 88A - **

Highlights


Divone will not fall easily, but the general allocates enough artillery to be ready for a longer siege.


As it turns out, Elista is well prepared for a possible attack. However, the terrain does not favor defenders, and once the fortification line is breached, the rest of the mission becomes much easier.


This is not an easy fight be any means. Fortunately, the best enemy tank unit got ambushed by 1. Rohamtüzér Osztály.


East of Ermeli, Soviets plan an ambush by mountain infantry battalions. They are quite hard to remove and are surprisingly well equipped, dealing with old LT vz.40 tanks with ease.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 28289 (down 622)

Overall:

General Bertorelli really felt the pressure of time in this deployment. He constantly needed his meant to advance, so even tiny pockets of resistance meant delays and could put the entire operation at risk. Fortunately his forces so far moved as per the schedule, but just barely. The fast that air support could not for now assist as previously limited the pace of the attack, since it meant that Soviet tanks became much harder to destroy. It was also difficult to maintain equal pace for the entire force, with slower units lagging behind and not being able to provide support at the moments it was most needed. Thus losses piled up and while not yet critical, it proved that the current approach was not working as it should. With the Caspian Sea co close, changes were desperately needed.

I was happy to see the prestige increase at Rostov, but once again the General has to make up for significant losses...