Slitherine

Elite: Ghost Division DLC is apparently aiming to represent real events more accurately. It seemed only fitting I'd try to do this short addon with as much of a historical unit composition as I can research and replicate in-game. Onward then, this will not be an game-wise optimize core, that's for sure!

Elite - Ghost Division

Difficulty - Generalissimus

As per usual these days, with 20% random chance.

Traits - Denied Air Force, Operational Initiative, Master of Blitzkrieg, Anti-Air Veteran, Perimeter Control

Denied Air Force taken to help me focus mostly, if not solely, on ground combat. Needles to say, I will need Anti-Air Veteran in that case. Operational Initiative, Master of Blitzkrieg and Perimeter Control are meant to represent the tactics of a Panzer Division. Nothing too crazy otherwise, I do not want to stray too much from usual mechanics and the way the game is played.

Hero:

None in the first mission, but I truly wonder what will happen in later scenarios.

Elite - Ghost Division - Lelow

Starting Prestige: 3148

Order of Battle:

Infantry

Kavallerie-Schützen-Regiment 6 I. Abteilung - OS17 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *
Kavallerie-Schützen-Regiment 6 II. Abteilung - OS17 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *
Kavallerie-Schützen-Regiment 6 I. Abteilung - OS17 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *
Kavallerie-Schützen-Regiment 6 II. Abteilung - OS17 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *
Pionier-Bataillon 58 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz)
Pionier-Bataillon 58 Brückenkolonne - OS17 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz)

Tank

Panzer-Abteilung 66 1. Kompanie - OS13 - Panzer IB - *
Panzer-Abteilung 66 2. Kompanie - Panzer IIC - *
Panzer-Abteilung 66 3. Kompanie - Panzer IID - *

Recon

Aufklärungs-Regiment. (mot.) 7 I Abteilung - OS11 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *
Aufklärungs-Regiment. (mot.) 7 II Abteilung - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - *

Anti-Tank

Kavallerie-Schützen-Regiment 6 AT - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
Kavallerie-Schützen-Regiment 7 AT - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
42. Panzer-Abwehr-Abteilung 3 “b” - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz) - *

Artillery

Kavallerie-Schützen-Regiment 6 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz)
Kavallerie-Schützen-Regiment 7 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz)
Artillerie-Regiment 78 I. Abteilung - OS12 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *
Artillerie-Regiment 78 II. Abteilung - OS12 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *

Anti-Aircraft

42. Panzer-Abwehr-Abteilung 3./59 - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Sd.Kfz. 10) - *

This selected order of battle is meant to represent real units as close as I can. The biggest challenge so far is tank composition, as companies used a mix of tanks types, not a single type per company. That said, I can mix and match using overstrenght, so that will be my default way of adapting to this issue, adding more power if a unit should be more numerous, but cannot be well represented in game otherwise. I also cannot use motorcycle recon troops yet, so I get two recon cars instead. One thing I plan to experiment with as well, is creating anti-tank and artillery support companies, that should help tanks not be as prevalent in my run, and also better represent the various equipment infantry had.

Reserve:

Panzer 35(t) - *
Sturmpanzer I - *
8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Sd.Kfz. 7) - *

Units that did not actually appear at this stage as part of the 2nd Light Division are moved to reserve. Not disbanded, since it would be a shame to loose on those single experience stars. I'll hopefully rename and potentially re-equip them later with something more accurate.

Highlights


Not a real Panzer Division yet, I'm quite light on tanks! Colored camouflage will help me split infantry regiments quicker and keep them operating as single units.


Kavallerie-Schützen-Regiment 6 goes north towards Częstochowa. Interesting quirk to write down the name with Sielsian dialect, but honestly, I am not sure why this was done. Polish air force, while not powerful, is quite annoying, as I am unable to provide cover for all my units.


At least the tanks that crossed the Warta river are safe and the Anti-Air Veteran trait pays off immediately.


Intense fighting around Myszków, as I evacuate the stranded recon units. They will have to work for their safety, helping me push through Polish positions.


Another plane down. Trying to bait the bombers with potentially juicy targets is the only way to deal with this threat, other than maybe running around them map trying to take airfields quickly.


Ah, a historical reference to an even in which Polish cavalry chased down some German infantry with sabers and lances, but got surprised by armored cars and was gunned down, which was then used as the base of the "cavalry charging at tanks" myth.


A hero with choice of abilities? We really need more of this, as other than Rudel in Axis Operations, only mods used this idea so far and it is a really nice concept, adding replay value and allowing to customize the core according to player's needs.


I go for the powerful Ambusher and Provocator combo, planning to use it on my infantry. This way I can utilize the AT and artillery support companies I decided to create in an interesting and flavorful way.


Bridge engineers help Kavallerie-Schützen-Regiment 6 with its duty once they already allowed tanks to cross earlier.


Massive Polish anti-tank group appears northeast of Myszków, but as my core is quite heavy on infantry so far, this is not a favorable matchup for the enemy.


I decide to strike at Lelów quickly, to probe its defenses. 3.7 cm Pak 36 guns are busy, since Polish tanks are no joke! Knowing the city is not that heavily defended, I can pause the siege for now and focus on secondary objectives.


Finally, Kavallerie-Schützen-Regiment 6 gets close to achieving its goal. Turns out that having just one bridge engineering unit can be somewhat challenging in this scenario, as it takes time to bring it to the right position.


Polish planes continue to be a nuisance. I manage to take out a few, but there are still more and I have just one FlaK unit!


That is an absurd number of AT units! It was probably done to not make the evacuation objective too easy, but honestly, at times the screen looks a bit silly.


Finally I take the last airfield near Szczekociny, dealing with the plane threat for good!


Capturing Lelów is now just a matter of time. I divert some artillery and infantry units to the area and encircle the defenders.

Summary

Final Prestige: 7283 (up 4135)

Overall

That was a really strong start to this small DLC and I must say, I enjoyed almost everything it had to offer. This is not only due to the unique challenge idea I tried, as even considering the time spent to set things up it was well worth the trouble, as this unique composition added to my experience, making it more challenging. However, the scenario stands on its own merits and does not need special options to be fun. The map is large, approaches to objectives very freeform, time is generous, but not overabundant and opposing forces are able to provide some challenge, especially in the very first few turns. Prestige objectives refueling my pool also worked very well, much better than the older version of the system. It felt that capturing them really mattered and was worth the effort. Honestly, the only thing I would change in the mission is removing prototype units form the Polish force. There was absolutely no need to use the PZL.50 fighter, the PZL.38 fighter-bomber and the TKD self-propelled guns. These were not used in reality (aside from maybe a few TKDs) so if the "Elite" series tries for the more accurate and historical missions following actions of real units, it should tone down on, or even remove such instances entirely, at least for the opposing force. These units were fun to use in War Stories by the player, but for this setting, if they are fought against only, it does not make much sense to include them. However, that's just a tiny nitpick of mine and so far the addon is off to an excellent start! Even the briefing, debriefing and the maps felt spot on, utilizing a bit of storytelling with characters and historical context well. The reporter will hopefully be a recurring character, a it was a clever idea in my opinion to include someone like this, potentially connecting the briefings not just with facts, but that tiny bit of emotion.

Elite - Ghost Division - The Manstein Plan

Hero:


Solid officer for Schwere Infanterie-Geschütz-Kompanie 705. Extra core slots should help with transforming my forces into the actual 7th Panzer Division.

Starting Prestige: 3796

Order of Battle:

Infantry

Schützen-Regiment 6 I. Abteilung - OS17 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *
Schützen-Regiment 6 II. Abteilung - OS17 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *
Schützen-Regiment 7 I. Abteilung - OS17 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - * - Ambusher, Famous, Provocator
Schützen-Regiment 7 II. Abteilung - OS17 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *
Pionier-Bataillon 58 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz)
Pionier-Bataillon 58 Brückenkolonne - OS17 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz)

Tank

Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 1. 2. Kompanie - OS12 - Panzer 38(t)A - *
Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 3. Kompanie - Panzer IIC
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 1. 2. Kompanie - OS12 - Panzer 38(t)A - *
Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 3. Kompanie - Panzer IID
Panzer-Abteilung 66 1. 2. Kompanie - OS12 - Panzer 38(t)A - *
Panzer-Abteilung 66 3. Kompanie - Panzer IVD

Recon

Aufklärungs-Abteilung 37 1. Kompanie - OS11 - SdKfz 232 8Rad - **
Aufklärungs-Abteilung 37 2. Kompanie - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - **
Kradschützen-Bataillon 7 - OS11 - Kradschützen

Anti-Tank

Schützen-Regiment 6 AT - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
Schützen-Regiment 7 AT - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
Kradschützen-Bataillon 7 AT - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 1. Kompanie - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz) - *
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 2. Kompanie - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)

Artillery

Schützen-Regiment 6 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz)
Schützen-Regiment 7 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - *
Kradschützen-Bataillon 7 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz)
Artillerie-Regiment 78 I. Abteilung - OS12 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *
Artillerie-Regiment 78 II. Abteilung - OS12 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *
Schwere Infanterie-Geschütz-Kompanie 705 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Reduced Slots

Anti-Aircraft

Fla-Bataillon 59 3. Komapnie - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Sd.Kfz. 10) - *
leichte Flak-Abteilung 86 1. Batterie - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz) - *
leichte Flak-Abteilung 86 2. Batterie - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
leichte Flak-Abteilung 86 3. Batterie - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)

Many units changed since the first scenario. There was a lot of renaming, but aside from that aspect, I also made practical modifications. I added extra tanks and the ones I already had got overstrength to represent the idea of them combining more than one tank company within a single unit. Finally got some Kradschützen, including an AT and field artillery section, as well as self propelled artillery and additional AA cover. Combined, this should help me have a more balanced core, but there are still limitations. Tanks are more numerous, but not too amazing and the same can be said about artillery. I will need to carefully operate my best units to deal with growing enemy threats.

Highlights


Time to advance! The biggest obstacle for now will be crossing the river and not getting caught be a counterattack.


Givet is quickly encircled without much trouble, but the French planes appear immediately and are much more threatening than the Polish ones in the first scenario.


North of Dinanat I encounter first Char B1 tanks. They are much better than anything I can throw at them, so 8.8 cm FlaK need to be utilized as support.


The auxiliary units given in the mission are on double duty, as they also help safeguard the air while I move my columns west.


Luckily, even the mighty Char B1 can be taken out once encircled and I am going to abuse that fact as often as I can.


Amusher/Provocator hero also does some solid work providing a key way to combat city garrisons. As my artillery force is limited, I need all the help I can get in these situations.


A secret objective fulfilled? That was so nice and unexpected, that I'm not going to say what is it for to not spoil the surpise. Too bad the award is not that good. The experience of the award unit is nice, but its stats are simply horrible. I will not disband it however, and heel as the command unit - Schützen-Brigade 7. It even might see some action if I get more core slots in the future.


As the heavy FlaK guns are forces into anti-tank duty, the lighter, rapid-fire pieces need to defend my ground troops from French planes.


With Cambrai taken, the road to Arras is open.


The RAF appears, marking the phase of the battle when things get much harder due to British reinforcements.


Some of my units take secondary prestige objectives, as I should have enough time to do so before I need to rush for Arras itself.


Another Char B1 down, this time with some nasty heroes crewing the tanks.


Last optional French garrison falls, but those pesky planes simply rebase to a British airfield.


I approach Arras from both northeast and southeast, trapping the defenders and dealing with them easily despite their equipment quality advantage. Matilda II tanks are dangerous, but too slow to react to quick flanking action.


As I hoped the reporter theme is continued in this scenario as well, giving extra narrative context to the events.

Summary

Final Prestige: 12419 (up 8623)

Overall

While the scenario ended with a clear success and all objectives achieved, it was for sure much more difficult than the introductory mission. Enemy unit quality is much better than mine and so far the only saving grace in this aspect is the fact that French artillery is surprisingly rare and mostly isolated, allowing me to avoid a war of attrition. Not having access to the 15 cm sFH 18 or something of similar firepower (due to sticking with historical core composition) means that even small fortified positions are much tougher to crack. Combine that with not air support and I also have to much more careful about fighting enemy tanks and that level of vigilance is not always possible, given the large distances my forces have to cover. I can clearly see how map size helps makes things more challenging to wipe out all opposition and how it emphasizes choosing the right battles depending on the time remaining, prestige situation and core variance.

Elite - Ghost Division - Ghost Division

Hero:


Not the most useful or impressive hero, yet I'll assign him to Kradschützen-Bataillon 7 since if I do need to scout the unknown I do not wat to risk accidentally clicking on a occupied tile. You could argue that with recon movement that should not happen, but sometimes, in the heat of a moment, it can.

Starting Prestige: 10993

Order of Battle:

Infantry

Schützen-Regiment 6 I. Abteilung - OS17 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - **
Schützen-Regiment 6 II. Abteilung - OS17 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - **
Schützen-Regiment 7 I. Abteilung - OS17 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - * - Ambusher, Famous, Provocator
Schützen-Regiment 7 II. Abteilung - OS17 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *
Pionier-Bataillon 58 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz) - *
Pionier-Bataillon 58 Brückenkolonne - OS17 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz)

Tank

Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 1. 2. Kompanie - OS12 - Panzer 38(t)A - * - Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 3. Kompanie - Panzer IIC
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 1. 2. Kompanie - OS12 - Panzer 38(t)A - * - Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 3. Kompanie - Panzer IID - *
Panzer-Abteilung 66 1. 2. Kompanie - OS12 - Panzer 38(t)A - *
Panzer-Abteilung 66 3. Kompanie - Panzer IVD

Recon

Aufklärungs-Abteilung 37 1. Kompanie - OS11 - SdKfz 232 8Rad - ****
Aufklärungs-Abteilung 37 2. Kompanie - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ***
Kradschützen-Bataillon 7 - OS11 - Kradschützen - ** - Sixth Sense

Anti-Tank

Schützen-Regiment 6 AT - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz) - *
Schützen-Regiment 7 AT - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz) - *
Kradschützen-Bataillon 7 AT - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 1. Kompanie - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz) - *
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 2. Kompanie - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)

Artillery

Schützen-Regiment 6 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - *
Schützen-Regiment 7 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - *
Artillerie-Regiment 78 I. Abteilung - OS12 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - **
Artillerie-Regiment 78 II. Abteilung - OS12 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *
Schwere Infanterie-Geschütz-Kompanie 705 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Reduced Slots

Anti-Aircraft

Fla-Bataillon 59 3. Komapnie - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Sd.Kfz. 10) - **
Flak-Abteilung 86 1. Batterie - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz) - *
Flak-Abteilung 86 2. Batterie - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
Flak-Abteilung 86 3. Batterie - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Sd.Kfz. 7)

Not much change after previous mission, but after some checking I should technically have access to some attached 8.8 cm FlaK, so Flak-Abteilung 86 will get them.

Reserve:

Schützen-Brigade 7 - Wachtruppe (Sd.Kfz. 250/1) - ***
Kradschützen-Bataillon 7 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz)

Highlights


Once again I need to cross a river to start the actual battle. Bridge engineers are really useful so far in this DLC and I can see how small details of the maps were carefully designed for it to make sense in a natural way.


8.8 cm FlaK does some critical work against French tanks almost immediately. One well-set trap and four tank units bite the dust!


A British attack from the south and in quite large numbers, supported by some French forces as well. This threat to my flank needs to be dealt immediately, but with only the bare minimum troops I can spare to not jeopardize my ability to do the special objectives.


With Rouen secure, my main strike group is moving west.


Thanks to Perimeter Control I can safely create such a silly, but very effective encirclement conga line.


Le Havre should fall with just minimal effort. The rest of my forces focus on side objectives as the map is huge and I need to cover terrain at a rapid pace.


Some of my tanks get into trouble when encircling Caen, but overall the damage is acceptable. I am gaining prestige significantly faster than losing it to random damage, so it should not be a concern. The distance still is, but I am closer to my goal now.


Finally the flanking counterattack is no longer a threat and I can focus on dealing with just a few isolated units. That was some welcome design that spiced things up and made for a more interesting scenario.


Not to mention all that salty water making rust appear on the tanks!


Road to Paris secure, might be useful for later.


Saint-Lo is the final bonus prestige objective. It has decent defenses, but at this point I have the numerical advantage.


Onwards to Chernbourg, with some ambush action to deal with the most dangerous French tanks.


Another customizable hero, don't mind if I do!


My choices focus on firepower an mobility, in line with the theme of the Ghost Division. This hero will be added to Panzer-Abteilung 66 3. Kompanie and provide a unit that is meant to excel at taking out vulnerable priority targets behind enemy lines such as artillery.

Summary

Final Prestige: 21113 (up 10120)

Overall

Probably the mission I enjoyed so far the most. The map is really long and it perfectly encapsulates the absurd pace at which 7th Panzer traversed the French countryside. Feeling of scale is certainly there and while the bonus objective requires some work, the basic one is easy enough that everyone will be able to progress. This allowed me not to worry about completing the scenario and focus on optimizing my decisions and just enjoy the gameplay for what it was. Unexpected enemy counterattack meant this was not only a race against time, but also a dilemma on how to split the army, knowing that whatever force is committed to stopping the push will not be able to traverse the map in time to assist with the bonus objectives in the west. The fact that large fragments of the map were empty also served its purpose, emphasizing the need to scout ahead and making sure not to get ambushed again on the way. This trick would loose its charm on another run, but is effective when encountered the first time.

Elite - Ghost Division - Into the East

Hero:


Very solid hero option I will use for Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 1. 2. Kompanie. Panzer 38(t)A is an outdated design, so this should keep it competitive.

Starting Prestige: 19041

Order of Battle:

Infantry

Schützen-Brigade 7 - Wachtruppe (Sd.Kfz. 250/1) - ***
Schützen-Regiment 6 I. Abteilung - Grenadier (Sd.Kfz. 250/1) - **
Schützen-Regiment 6 II. Abteilung - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - **
Schützen-Regiment 7 I. Abteilung - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *** - Ambusher, Famous, Provocator
Schützen-Regiment 7 II. Abteilung - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - **
Pionier-Bataillon 58 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz) - *
Pionier-Bataillon 58 Brückenkolonne - OS17 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz)

Tank

Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 1. 2. Kompanie - OS12 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Tank Killer, Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 3. 4. Kompanie - Panzer IIC - * - Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 1. 2. Kompanie - OS12 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 3. 4. Kompanie - Panzer IID - ** - Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 III. Abteilung 1. 2. Kompanie - OS12 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 III. Abteilung 3. 4. Kompanie - Panzer IVF - * - Famous, Ignores ZOC, Rapid Fire 2x, Steamroller

Recon

Aufklärungs-Abteilung 37 1. Kompanie - OS11 - SdKfz 232 8Rad - ****
Aufklärungs-Abteilung 37 2. Kompanie - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ****
Kradschützen-Bataillon 7 - OS11 - Kradschützen - ** - Sixth Sense

Anti-Tank

Schützen-Regiment 6 AT - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz) - *
Schützen-Regiment 7 AT - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz) - *
Kradschützen-Bataillon 7 AT - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 1. Kompanie - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - *
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 2. Kompanie - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Sd.Kfz. 11)
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 3. Kompanie - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Sd.Kfz. 11)

Artillery

Schützen-Regiment 6 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - *
Schützen-Regiment 7 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - **
Kradschützen-Bataillon 7 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz)
Artillerie-Regiment 78 I. Abteilung - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - **
Artillerie-Regiment 78 II. Abteilung - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - **
Artillerie-Regiment 78 III. Abteilung - 15 cm sFH 18 (Sd.Kfz. 7)
Schwere Infanterie-Geschütz-Kompanie 705 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Reduced Slots

Anti-Aircraft

Fla-Bataillon 59 3. Komapnie - OS11 - Sd.Kfz. 10/4 - **
Flak-Abteilung 84 1. Batterie - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz) - *
Flak-Abteilung 84 2. Batterie - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
Flak-Abteilung 84 3. Batterie - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Sd.Kfz. 7) - *

Not a lot of changes in equipment since France, but the ones that do happen are noteworthy. One Grenadier infantry unit with halftracks improves mobility of my forces, while 5 cm Pak 38 AT guns should help fight Soviet tanks. I also get an invaluable 15 cm sFH 18 artillery unit and a self propelled AA piece. Bit of a shame however, that there was no hidden cache or elite objective in France that would provide Panhard 178 armored cars. These were used by the 7th Panzer in Russia, so it would be flavorful to have a solid supply of them and the only other way to get some supply in such a short campaign would be focusing on their capture, not really viable with just 2 missions in France.

Highlights


Army ready to march east. I just wish I had some more modern tanks in the mix, but sadly the rules won't allow it.


Soviet artillery and infantry is not as surprised with my attack as I hoped it would be.


Kalvarija was not heavily defended. Enemy planes did not even manage to deploy from nearby airfields yet.


I split my forces slightly to make sure all bonus prestige objectives get captured efficently.


Most of the time it is not a difficult task, as there are just a few isolated units in each location.


Finally encountering some heavy Soviet armor and of course the group that just had to run into this threat is the lightest one with minimal AT firepower.


Luckily, I can still utilize ambushes and close terrain!


Bombers aggressively target my ground forces, but heavy FlaK fire takes care of them quickly.


East of Olita I find the majority of Soviet tanks. Almost all of them are much better than my own, so I will need to think of some creative ways to deal with the threat.


I keep a tight support formation, slowly, but steadily tightening the encirclement...


...until the Soviets are entirely cut off from their friends and suppressed enough o be dealt with easily. I took some damage during this maneuver, but for sure less if I attempted to fight the enemy head-on.


The bigger they are, the harder they fall! I could also think of a few not-so-subtle jokes about size.


Capturing Vilna is just a formality. Defenders are static and limited, so the city can be fully surrounded and captured with very little effort.

Summary

Final Prestige: 26939 (up 7898)

Overall

Compared to the previous three missions, this one was a bit... normal? It was just like playing AO 1941 Raseiniai, which makes sense given that both missions essentially cover the same time period and part of the frontline in Lithuania. This time however, dealing with Soviet tanks was easier, since the map is carefully crafted to help create a grand encirclement, something that was much more difficult to pull of in Raseiniai. Not much else to write home about, the mission has a decent gimmick that is satisfying to pull of, but that's about it.

Elite - Ghost Division - Blood and Snow

Hero:


I had little doubt about assigning this hero to 8.8 cm FlaK 36. He should provide valuable utility for more difficult encounters with tanks and planes.

Starting Prestige: 25950

Order of Battle:

Infantry

Schützen-Brigade 7 - Wachtruppe (Sd.Kfz. 250/1) - ***
Schützen-Regiment 6 I. Abteilung - Grenadier (Sd.Kfz. 250/1) - **
Schützen-Regiment 6 II. Abteilung - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - **
Schützen-Regiment 7 I. Abteilung - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *** - Ambusher, Famous, Provocator
Schützen-Regiment 7 II. Abteilung - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ***
Pionier-Bataillon 58 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz) - *
Pionier-Bataillon 58 Brückenkolonne - OS17 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - *

Tank

Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 1. 2. Kompanie - OS12 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Tank Killer, Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 3. 4. Kompanie - Panzer IIC - * - Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 1. 2. Kompanie - OS12 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 3. 4. Kompanie - Panzer IID - ** - Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 III. Abteilung 1. 2. Kompanie - OS12 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 III. Abteilung 3. 4. Kompanie - Panzer IVF - * - Famous, Ignores ZOC, Rapid Fire 2x, Steamroller

Recon

Aufklärungs-Abteilung 37 1. Kompanie - OS11 - SdKfz 232 8Rad - *****
Aufklärungs-Abteilung 37 2. Kompanie - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ****
Kradschützen-Bataillon 7 - OS11 - Kradschützen - **** - Sixth Sense

Anti-Tank

Schützen-Regiment 6 AT - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz) - *
Schützen-Regiment 7 AT - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz) - *
Kradschützen-Bataillon 7 AT - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 1. Kompanie - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - *
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 2. Kompanie - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Sd.Kfz. 11)
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 3. Kompanie - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Sd.Kfz. 11)

Artillery

Schützen-Regiment 6 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - **
Schützen-Regiment 7 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - **
Kradschützen-Bataillon 7 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz)
Artillerie-Regiment 78 I. Abteilung - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - **
Artillerie-Regiment 78 II. Abteilung - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - **
Artillerie-Regiment 78 III. Abteilung - 15 cm sFH 18 (Sd.Kfz. 7)
Schwere Infanterie-Geschütz-Kompanie 705 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Reduced Slots

Anti-Aircraft

Fla-Bataillon 59 3. Komapnie - OS11 - Sd.Kfz. 10/4 - **
Flak-Abteilung 84 1. Batterie - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz) - *
Flak-Abteilung 84 2. Batterie - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
Flak-Abteilung 84 3. Batterie - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Sd.Kfz. 7) - * - Fast Deployment

No major changes really, I'll have to face off against T-34 and KV-1 tanks with what limited options I have.

Highlights


Well, at least I do not have any air support anyway, so this works in my favor.


Ready for the raid towards Moscow. Too bad my unit quality is still not that great.


A Vigilant tank could be a serious problem, but a quick encirclement coupled with Provocator security measures should deal with the issue.


Panzer-Regiment 25 III. Abteilung 3. 4. Kompanie could use some additional unit strength to perform its intended soft target overrun role, but recon support works fine as well.


Vigilant T-50 dealt with, but Soviets attack with infantry using the snowstorm as cover. I need to be wary of possible ambushes and counterattacks.


Speak of the devil! As I approach Rogachevo, partisans appear from the swamps in the north and threaten my flank. That was some nice map design, as following usual video game logic I assumed this area is just a environmental roadblock, free of enemies. Good to have expectations subverted like that.


While Kradschützen-Bataillon 7 and some tanks deal with the unexpected counterattack, my main forces continue east, relying on 8.8 cm FlaK and AT gun stopping power against enemy armor.


Bad weather allows me to deal with enemy planes with minimal effort. Always a welcome gift if the only airfield in the area is not guarded.


I can hardly believe myself that this underequipped force is somehow still managing to advance!


With Dmitrov easily captured, I split my division to attack the other main objective and also capture the road o Moscow. Looks like some dangerous Soviet reinforcements are lurking down south!


Fortunately, some of my own support is on the way using the bridge engineers to cross the river from a0 less obvious direction and hopefully help secure the elite objective by bypassing the main defenses.


That some strong enemy force! 1st Shock Army is no joke, as it combines heavy tanks and experienced infantry, making it much more difficult to set up universal support fire. I should persevere, but not without some prestige loss and heavy fighting.


I grind through the enemy units, slowly getting closer to the special objective. Time is running out, but with a bit of luck, I should still make it.


Finally, with just one more turn to spare, I manage to push out the heavy AA gun guarding the goal.


More special heroes as a reward. This time with just one ability to choose from for each, but both are solid options.


I ultimately decide on Double Attack for my one and only heavy artillery piece...


...as well as Envelopment for one of the tanks units. Judging from this mission I need raw firepower, so I pass on the double Zero Slot choice, especially since I stick to the historical division composition. The amount of my units should not go up by much compared to what I already have looking at some additional reference data for later years, so for once the extra slots will not be as useful.

Summary

Final Prestige: 30950 (up 5000)

Overall

Wow, that was a tough battle, especially compared to the previous mission! 1st Shock Army was really thought to deal with, since terrain and weather did not allow me to encircle it and almost all of its units were significantly stronger than mine. I needed to use all the tricks I had up my sleeve to bait the AI into unfavorable attacks and pin individual enemies, focusing fire on the most dangerous ones. All of that while making sure I do not get attack from an undefended direction. If I just needed to hold ground, it would not have been that bad, but having the extra objective in sight required some aggressive decisions and sometimes intentionally taking a lot of damage just to achieve a small breakthrough. This worked for the historical narrative perfectly, as my men kept gaining ground, but suffering losses at a pace difficult to sustain long-term. It helped to showcase why despite small successes, the army overall had to fall back and was unable to follow up on the victory. Really nicely done, much better than in many attempts at showing this historical situation in previous attempts in the series.

Elite - Ghost Division - Case Anton

Hero:


Adding this hero to Schwere Infanterie-Geschütz-Kompanie 705, since even without doing much damage, or no damage at all, the trait still applies and thus is very useful on artillery.

Starting Prestige: 27588

Order of Battle:

Infantry

Panzergrenadier-Brigade 7 - Wachtruppe (Sd.Kfz. 250/1) - ***
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 I. Abteilung - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 II. Abteilung - Grenadier (Sd.Kfz. 250/1) - **
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 I. Abteilung - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - **** - Ambusher, Famous, Provocator
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 II. Abteilung - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ***
Pionier-Bataillon 58 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz) - *

Tank

Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 1. 2. Kompanie - Panzer IIIL - ** - Envelopment, Famous, Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 3. Kompanie - Panzer IIIL - ** - Tank Killer, Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 4. Kompanie - Panzer IVG - ** - Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 1. 2. Kompanie - Panzer IIIL - * - Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 3. Kompanie - Panzer IIIL - *** - Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 4. Kompanie - Panzer IVG - *** - Famous, Ignores ZOC, Rapid Fire 2x, Steamroller

Recon

Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 sAC Plt. - OS11 - SdKfz 232 8Rad - *****
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 lAC Plt. - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - *****
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 - OS11 - Kradschützen - **** - Sixth Sense

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 1. Kompanie - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - **
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 2. Kompanie - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - *

Artillery

Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - *
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 I. Abteilung - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - ***
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 II. Abteilung - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - **
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 III. Abteilung - 15 cm sFH 18 (Sd.Kfz. 7) - ** - Double Attack, Famous
Schwere Infanterie-Geschütz-Kompanie 705 - Sturmpanzer I - ** - Reduced Slots, Shock Tactics

Anti-Aircraft

Panzergrenadier 6 AA - OS11 - Sd.Kfz. 10/4
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 FlaK 59 3. Komapnie - OS11 - Sd.Kfz. 10/4 - **
Flak-Abteilung 84 2. Batterie - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
Flak-Abteilung 84 3. Batterie - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Sd.Kfz. 7) - ** - Fast Deployment

Some upgrades happen in the transition period, mostly phasing out Panzer 38(t) tanks finally. 5 cm Pak 38 also becomes the main anti-tank standard, which should be very important in 1943.

Reserve:

Pionier-Bataillon 58 Brückenkolonne - OS17 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - *
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 AT - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - *
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 AT - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - *
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 AT - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Sd.Kfz. 11)
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 3. Kompanie - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - *
Panzergrenadier 7 AA - OS12 - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
Flak-Abteilung 84 1. Batterie - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz) - *

Due to the upgrades I have more units than free slots, so I just take the more infantry-focused ones.

Highlights


Taking the mountain pass early requires some infantry and artillery specifically assigned to the role.


Meanwhile, heavier formations move south via the open and mostly undefended roads.


Once again teaching history via the in-game slides. That's a welcome addition to the game and frankly, what War Stories could have used more. Schulz does a great job adding that narrative element and I can only imagine how the soldiers and civilians in Fall of Poland DCL could have achieved the same with just a few small changes to their impact on the events and their dialogues.


Destroying light bunkers with a Rapid Fire 2x tank is not a complicated task.


Simple Provocator trap really helps with clearing out the mountains, as French infantry keeps making really bad decisions.


Once I am confident enough that the threat has been mostly dealt with, I advance and attack enemy artillery positions as well.


Encirclement is a solid way to clear fortifications and not risk losses, but it does not always work. However, isolated posts are quite easy to handle using this method.


Finally, the mountain cleanup is almost finished. My infantry and artillery did a surprisingly good job, even without any heavy weapons.


All that is left is to take the port, now under siege from all sides...


...and with defenders fully cut-off from any supply. It is just a formality at this point.

Summary

Final Prestige: 37240 (up 9652)

Overall

Change of pace after the previous mission, allowing for some prestige improvement in case of heavy losses earlier. A very easy scenario with minimal enemy activity and almost no threatening units aside from one infantry with the Precision Weapon trait. A part of the game that mostly serves a historical purpose and is both a small nod to Grand Campaign West fans as well as a more dynamic training scenario. That is an interesting way to handle something similar to training missions from AO series, in cases where it would not make sense to put one, but where also doing a full complex mission about a smaller scale event also would not work.

Elite - Ghost Division - Crucible

Hero:


A hero for Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 5. Kompanie, since my Panzer III tanks could use the every extra power they can get.

Starting Prestige: 33786

Order of Battle:

Infantry

Panzergrenadier-Brigade 7 - Wachtruppe (Sd.Kfz. 250/1) - ****
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 I. Abteilung - OS18 - Wehr Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 II. Abteilung - OS17 - Grenadier 43 (Sd.Kfz. 250/1) - **
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 I. Abteilung - OS18 - Wehr Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - **** - Ambusher, Famous, Provocator
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 II. Abteilung - OS18 - Wehr Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***
Pionier-Bataillon 58 - Pioniere 43 (Sd.Kfz. 251/1) - *
Pionier-Bataillon 58 Brückenkolonne - OS17 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - *

Tank

Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 1. Kompanie - Panzer IIIM - *** - Envelopment, Famous, Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 2. Kompanie - Panzer IIIM - *** - Tank Killer, Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 3. Kompanie - Panzer IVH - *** - Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 4. Kompanie - Panzer IIIN - * - Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 5. Kompanie - Panzer IIIM - *** - Exterminator, Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 6. Kompanie - Panzer IVH - *** - Famous, Ignores ZOC, Rapid Fire 2x, Steamroller

Recon

Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 sAC Plt. - SdKfz 233 8Rad - *****
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 1. Kompanie - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - *****
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 3. Kompanie - OS11 - Kradschützen - ***** - Sixth Sense
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 4. Kompanie - OS11 - Kradschützen

Anti-Tank

Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 AT - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - *
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 AT - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - *
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 AT - OS11 - 5 cm Pak 38 (Sd.Kfz. 11)
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 1. Kompanie - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - **
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 2. Kompanie - Marder IID - *

Artillery

Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - *
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 I. Abteilung 1. Batterie - Wespe - ** - Reduced Slots, Shock Tactics
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 I. Abteilung 2. Batterie - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Sd.Kfz. 11)
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 I. Abteilung 3. Batterie - Hummel - ** - Double Attack, Famous
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 II. Abteilung - OS14 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - **
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 III. Abteilung - OS13 - 15 cm sFH 18 (Sd.Kfz. 7) - ***

Anti-Aircraft

Panzergrenadier 6 AA - OS11 - Sd.Kfz. 10/4
Panzergrenadier 7 AA - OS12 - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 FlaK 59 3. Komapnie - OS11 - Sd.Kfz. 10/4 - **
Flak-Abteilung 296 1. Batterie - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Sd.Kfz. 7) - ** - Fast Deployment
Flak-Abteilung 296 2. Batterie - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Sd.Kfz. 7) - *
Flak-Abteilung 296 3. Batterie - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz) - *

A few new extra upgrades mostly involve adding better Panzer IV and better Panzer III tanks. There is also more powerful infantry, some self-propelled artillery and anti-tanks, as well as improved recon vehicles. From and organizational perspective this means splitting Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 I. Abteilung into three batteries and getting an extra Kradschützen company. The rest is used on non-tank overstrenght.

Highlights


Now that's not what I managed to get from the sources I had the chance to check, so I'll stick with my Panzer III and Panzer IV tanks, but I would love to hear where that information came from. As far as I know, 7th Panzer never really operated Tiger tanks and only got Panthers in 1944, but I stand corrected if there's another reliable source I did not have a chance to see.


Most of my forces start near Belgorod and will split into two smaller groups.


The rest is near Tavrovo and also will operate as two separate formations.


I approach the special objective from the south, using bridge engineers to go around the more defended path. The same engineers can the hopefully move north and help me with the main objective as well.


Many Soviet planes provide support fire, but my FlaK units have good range from the nearby hills and thus can fire safely from a distance.


I need to stay in formation at all times, as I am not quite sure what to expect from the enemy.


Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 with just minimal support keeps the Soviets defending the road north busy. Their only goal is to serve as a distraction, while my tanks and other heavier units clear the area.


While ambushes work wonders to help clear T-34 tanks and other vehicles, sometimes they do not go as intended, if there is a better position for the enemy to attack from.


Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung runs into some dangerous opposition, equipped with much better vehicles than my own. Especially the SU-152 and KV-85 prove tough to beat.


Special objective is in sight, approaching it from this direction was a good idea, as it allowed me to bypass more fortified areas.


Upon capture I get a very special prototype equipment reward. It is purely fictional and really ahead of the time, so in a run where I try to stick to historical division composition, I for sure cannot use it!


Razumnoe is ironically much harder to capture than the special objective hex, but a good old encirclement always works.


What Tigers? I haven't seen any Tigers.


Brückenpioniere shine once again, as I can strike at the Soviets from a direction they surely did not expect. I could take the goal now, but I decide to continue fighting to get some experience for future missions.


By the end of the scenario, just a few enemies remain standing in some isolated locations. They are passive, so do not pose a threat at all, and can be considered a source of experience and prestige.

Summary

Final Prestige: 35931 (up 2145)

Overall

Blood and Snow was much more difficult than this mission, mostly because the equipment advantage of the Soviets was significantly more noticable. Many of my units are still inferior at this stage, but at least they are now able to operate in a fully self-supporting group, with no really significant weaknesses. Combined with a decent timer on this scenario, relatively passive enemy behavior and the way that terrain promotes going around the defenses rather than facing them head-on, it made the situation much more manageable than I initially imagined. Even not using Panthers and Tigers was not as significant of a disadvantage as I feared. My prestige situation clearly shows the damage taken compared to previous years, but ultimately I still finished with a net gain and was able to complete all goals. Now with the campaign switching to the losing trend, I wonder how much will I need all these stockpiles the prevail until the end against overwhelming odds.

Elite - Ghost Division - Courland Pocket

Hero:


Strengthening Pionier-Bataillon 58 with a hero tailored for taking key locations seems like a perfect choice for a mission where I am supposed to be attacking.

Starting Prestige: 32025

Order of Battle:

Infantry

Panzergrenadier-Brigade 7 - Wachtruppe (Sd.Kfz. 250/1) - ****
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 I. Abteilung - OS18 - Wehr Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 II. Abteilung - OS18 - Grenadier 43 (Sd.Kfz. 250/1) - ***
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 I. Abteilung - OS18 - Wehr Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Ambusher, Famous, Provocator
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 II. Abteilung - OS18 - Wehr Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - ****
Pionier-Bataillon 58 - OS17 - Pioniere 43 (Sd.Kfz. 251/1) - ** - Flag Killer
Pionier-Bataillon 58 Brückenkolonne - OS17 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - *

Tank

Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 1. Kompanie - Panther G - *** - Envelopment, Famous, Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 2. Kompanie - Panther G - *** - Tank Killer, Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 3. Kompanie - Panther G - *** - Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 4. Kompanie - Panzer IVJ - ** - Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 5. Kompanie - Panzer IVJ - *** - Exterminator, Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 6. Kompanie - Panzer IVJ - *** - Famous, Ignores ZOC, Rapid Fire 2x, Steamroller

Recon

Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 sAC Plt. - SdKfz 234/2 8Rad - *****
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 1. Kompanie - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - *****
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 3. Kompanie - OS11 - Kradschützen - ***** - Sixth Sense
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 4. Kompanie - OS11 - Kradschützen - **

Anti-Tank

Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 AT - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - *
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 AT - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - * - Skilled Support
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 AT - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - *
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 1. Kompanie - JadgdPz IV/70(V) - **
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 2. Kompanie - JadgdPz IV/70(V) - *

Artillery

Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 I. Abteilung 1. Batterie - Wespe - *** - Reduced Slots, Shock Tactics
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 I. Abteilung 2. Batterie - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - *
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 I. Abteilung 3. Batterie - Hummel - *** - Double Attack, Famous
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 II. Abteilung - OS14 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - ***
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 III. Abteilung - OS13 - 15 cm sFH 18 (Sd.Kfz. 7) - **** - Skilled Support

Anti-Aircraft

Panzergrenadier 6 AA - OS11 - Sd.Kfz. 10/4 - *
Panzergrenadier 7 AA - OS12 - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz) - *
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 FlaK 59 3. Komapnie - Möbelwagen - ***
Flak-Abteilung 296 1. Batterie - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Sd.Kfz. 7) - ** - Fast Deployment
Flak-Abteilung 296 2. Batterie - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Sd.Kfz. 7) - **
Flak-Abteilung 296 3. Batterie - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz) - **

Finally I get my hand on Panther tanks, sadly for just one battalion. Sources on the composition of 7th Panzer in 1944 and 1945 are more scarce, so I had to dig a bit deeper. I ultimately decided to use the theoretical composition based on 1 August 1944 orders for reorganizing Pazner Divisions overall. It was rarely met due to equipment shortages, but combined with the naming from 1943 it works for the game's purposes. Ultimately, aside from the Panthers I just get some better armored cars, self propelled JadgdPz IV/70(V) and towed 7.5 cm AT guns, as well as some minimal FlaK upgrades. Nothing massively game-changing and all plausible based on these few and less accurate sources from the period in which the Wehrmacht was in retreat. Every other free slots are simply used for overstrenght.

Highlights


Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung advances from the north, making sure to not overextend its formation.


Light units block the central path. They are not meant to advance, rather buy enough time to allow a flanking maneuver and a classic encirclement if the circumstances allow it.


Due to not having access to Panther tanks, Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung moves through more difficult terrain in the south, hopefully bypassing the more heavily armed Soviet forces.


West of Kelme a small-scale trap is sprung and some enemy units do get encircled or baited into fighting in unfavorable terrain. I was hoping for something grander, but this small success will do for now.


I just need to be contently vigilant, as Soviet tanks try to sneak through the marshes and attack from unexpected directions.


With the first enemy wave dealt with, bridge engineers prepare to create an additional crossing in the south.


This idea is delayed slightly, as I face a light counterattack from several directions. Nothing too threatening, but it does have an impact on my timetable.


Surely it is not that bad! I mean, there were some heavy tanks and guard infantry along the way, but nothing that scary.


I take that back quickly! The elite units further east can overwhelm even well defended positions and cause some real damage!


Command post in sight. All that's left is to take it out and end the mission.


That said, I won't pass up on the opportunity to defeat some more enemies and convert my prestige reserve to combat experience, especially since there's just one scenario left to go.

Summary

Final Prestige: 37291 (up 5266)

Overall

I am happy that this mission still allowed to be on the offensive rather than passively wait for the enemy to come and assault entrenched positions. It made things more dynamic, especially combined with the difficult terrain in the first two thirds of the map. Without a massive numerical and equipment advantage, navigating the marshes required careful planning. Rocket artillery also reminder me while I consider it a scourge, especially if I don't have access to counter battery fire. Then, when I finally got out into the open, there was a dangerous tank group just waiting for an error and being too carefree in unit placement. Ultimately this was all toned down in scale, so not that challenging like some other missions following similar pacing, but things changed quickly enough to keep me interested and invested in the action. I strangely enjoyed this assignment and I am not sure why, since from an objective standpoint other missions in this DLC are even better. It was probably due to the fact how it perfectly utilizes the terrain to turn something in theory slightly mundane into a much more interesting scenario.

Elite - Ghost Division - Hel Peninsula

Hero:


A bit late to see this hero now, but added to Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 4. Kompanie regardless. Maybe he will allow to gain the third star of experience.

Starting Prestige: 34469

Order of Battle:

Infantry

Panzergrenadier-Brigade 7 - Wachtruppe (Sd.Kfz. 250/1) - ****
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 I. Abteilung - OS18 - Wehr Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 II. Abteilung - OS18 - Grenadier 43 (Sd.Kfz. 250/1) - ***
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 I. Abteilung - OS18 - Wehr Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Ambusher, Famous, Provocator
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 II. Abteilung - OS18 - Wehr Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - ****
Pionier-Bataillon 58 - OS17 - Pioniere 43 (Sd.Kfz. 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer
Pionier-Bataillon 58 Brückenkolonne - OS20 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - *

Tank

Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 1. Kompanie - OS11 - Panther G - *** - Envelopment, Famous, Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 2. Kompanie - OS11 - Panther G - *** - Tank Killer, Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 3. Kompanie - OS11 - Panther G - *** - Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 4. Kompanie - OS13 - Panzer IVJ - ** - Learns from Mistakes, Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 5. Kompanie - OS13 - Panzer IVJ - **** - Exterminator, Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 6. Kompanie - OS13 - Panzer IVJ - **** - Famous, Ignores ZOC, Rapid Fire 2x, Steamroller

Recon

Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 sAC Plt. - OS12 - SdKfz 234/2 8Rad - *****
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 1. Kompanie - OS15 - SdKfz 222 - *****
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 3. Kompanie - OS13 - Kradschützen - ***** - Sixth Sense
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 4. Kompanie - OS13 - Kradschützen - **

Anti-Tank

Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 AT - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - **
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 AT - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - ** - Skilled Support
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 AT - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - *
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 1. Kompanie - OS11 - JadgdPz IV/70(V) - ***
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 2. Kompanie - OS11 - JadgdPz IV/70(V) - * - Skilled Support

Artillery

Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - ***
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 I. Abteilung 1. Batterie - OS11 - Wespe - *** - Reduced Slots, Shock Tactics
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 I. Abteilung 2. Batterie - OS12 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - *
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 I. Abteilung 3. Batterie - OS11 - Hummel - **** - Double Attack, Famous
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 II. Abteilung - OS15 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - ***
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 III. Abteilung - OS15 - 15 cm sFH 18 (Sd.Kfz. 7) - **** - Skilled Support

Anti-Aircraft

Panzergrenadier 6 AA - OS11 - Sd.Kfz. 10/4 - **
Panzergrenadier 7 AA - OS12 - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 FlaK 59 3. Komapnie - OS12 - Wirbelwind - ***
Flak-Abteilung 296 1. Batterie - OS12 - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Sd.Kfz. 7) - *** - Fast Deployment
Flak-Abteilung 296 2. Batterie - OS12 - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Sd.Kfz. 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Flak-Abteilung 296 3. Batterie - OS15 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (Opel Blitz) - **

I only upgrade one of my mobile AAs to a Wirbelwind and one towed 2 cm FlaK to a Flakvierling to reflect the focus on increases Allied air dominance. Rest of the free slots is just general overstrength applied where I could.

Highlights


I knew Soviet infantry was sitting south of Lauenburg, so I thought civilians could sneak past through the west. Sadly, the enemy was already there and one transport fell victim to their attack.


Bridge engineers helped with a quick evacuation from Danizg, while pioneers were meant to block the path and the Wirbelwind provide mobile AA cover.


Auxiliary tank units bought some time, while horse carriages with civilians took shelter in the thick forests that could not be entered by enemy vehicles.


Everyone was doing their best, even the senior officers stepped in to fight on the frontline directly.


Northwest the Soviets attacked with just infantry and cavalry, with no armored support, so Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung made short work of them.


Due to relentless artillery onslaught and not having any counter battery capabilities, I was forced to abandon Gdynia. I set up my defenses further north, in much more favorable terrain.


Meanwhile my forces around Lauenburg were doing well, establishing a solid position that was difficult to breach. I intentionally did not destroy the recon car southwest of the town hex, as it kept repairing, in essence blocking the access for more dangerous enemy units.


Flak-Abteilung 296 2. Batterie provided AA cover for the sea evacuation, as Soviet planes were eager to bombard the transports.


Solid wall of infantry blocked the road north of Gdynia, not allowing the enemy to take even a step further.


As the last civilian transport evacuated, my position was quite solid. I did not more from my established defensive positions and while the Soviets were dealing some damage here and there, it did not feel like there was any risk of a collapse. The initial stage of the missing was much harder, as there was precious little time to organize these fortifications.

Summary

Final Prestige: 67086 (up 32617)

Overall

Final prestige gain is massive, but that is just due to the fact the scenario ended for me on turn 13 out of 40, so there was a lot of spare prestige to gain from just the remaining turns and the bonus. Overall, this was a climactic, fitting finish to this campaign, having everything I liked about it so far. It even managed to pull of a satisfying defensive mission, but that was partially due to my own unit roster limitations. A core force more optimized would do much better in similar circumstances and maybe could even counterattack.

Elite - Ghost Division - Summary

Starting Prestige: 3148
Final Prestige: 67086 (up 63938)

Survivors:

Infantry

Panzergrenadier-Brigade 7 - Wachtruppe (Sd.Kfz. 250/1) - ****
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 I. Abteilung - OS18 - Wehr Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - ****
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 II. Abteilung - OS18 - Grenadier 43 (Sd.Kfz. 250/1) - ***
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 I. Abteilung - OS18 - Wehr Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Ambusher, Famous, Provocator
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 II. Abteilung - OS18 - Wehr Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - ****
Pionier-Bataillon 58 - OS17 - Pioniere 43 (Sd.Kfz. 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer
Pionier-Bataillon 58 Brückenkolonne - OS20 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - *

Tank

Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 1. Kompanie - OS11 - Panther G - *** - Envelopment, Famous, Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 2. Kompanie - OS11 - Panther G - *** - Tank Killer, Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 I. Abteilung 3. Kompanie - OS11 - Panther G - **** - Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 4. Kompanie - OS13 - Panzer IVJ - ** - Learns from Mistakes, Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 5. Kompanie - OS13 - Panzer IVJ - **** - Exterminator, Steamroller
Panzer-Regiment 25 II. Abteilung 6. Kompanie - OS13 - Panzer IVJ - ***** - Famous, Ignores ZOC, Rapid Fire 2x, Steamroller

Recon

Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 sAC Plt. - OS12 - SdKfz 234/2 8Rad - *****
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 1. Kompanie - OS15 - SdKfz 222 - *****
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 3. Kompanie - OS13 - Kradschützen - ***** - Sixth Sense
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 4. Kompanie - OS13 - Kradschützen - ***

Anti-Tank

Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 AT - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - **
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 AT - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - ** - Skilled Support
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 AT - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - *
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 1. Kompanie - OS11 - JadgdPz IV/70(V) - *** - Skilled Support
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 2. Kompanie - OS11 - JadgdPz IV/70(V) - ** - Skilled Support

Artillery

Panzergrenadier-Regiment 6 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - ***
Panzergrenadier-Regiment 7 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 7 ATY - OS11 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 I. Abteilung 1. Batterie - OS11 - Wespe - *** - Reduced Slots, Shock Tactics
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 I. Abteilung 2. Batterie - OS12 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - **
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 I. Abteilung 3. Batterie - OS11 - Hummel - **** - Double Attack, Famous
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 II. Abteilung - OS15 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Sd.Kfz. 11) - ***
Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 78 III. Abteilung - OS15 - 15 cm sFH 18 (Sd.Kfz. 7) - **** - Skilled Support

Anti-Aircraft

Panzergrenadier 6 AA - OS11 - Sd.Kfz. 10/4 - **
Panzergrenadier 7 AA - OS12 - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzerjäger-Abteilung 42 FlaK 59 3. Komapnie - OS12 - Wirbelwind - ***
Flak-Abteilung 296 1. Batterie - OS12 - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Sd.Kfz. 7) - *** - Fast Deployment, Skilled Support
Flak-Abteilung 296 2. Batterie - OS12 - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Sd.Kfz. 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Flak-Abteilung 296 3. Batterie - OS15 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (Opel Blitz) - ***

Thoughts

I am seriously impressed with this DLC. When the news first came of a very short, 9 scenario mini-addon spanning over the course of several years, I was somewhat cautious in my optimism, but then everything fell right into place and resulted in one of the best expansions since the peak times of Axis Operations. There's everything I would expect from Panzer Corps 2. Missions are very varied and all fun to play - not too difficult in most cases, but requiring some thinking and certainly not a cakewalk. There are some great custom heroes, but the length of this DLC means they don't pile up into an unstoppable force. I could feel respect for history and the accuracy, with just some minor equipment nitpicks I can ultimately live with for game balance purposes. The reporter was a great character, that grew on me in a simple way, adding that much needed connection to fell I cared for the events (ironically better than War Stories did despite the similar concept, but that's probably since the whole "Dario" tanker there and the way he spoke in third person broke the immersion for me slightly). Finally, the maps and a lot of historical overview had a small, but noticeable educational value, which I found a valuable addition to the experience. It just clicked for me in all the good ways. Even the fast pace of equipment changes and constant upgrades did not feel rushed, they worked well with the setting.

Of course I cannot ignore the fact that following the historical composition of the 7th Panzer as close as I could within the game limits and the data I gathered also worked wonders for me. It was a unique way to play to not focus on in-game logic, but rather a more grounded reality, sometimes being forced to very sub-optimal choices. It not only increased the difficulty and forced me to adapt to a totally different playstyle, but made each victory felt even more earned and I would recommend everyone to give such a thing a try at least once. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but if any other, more historical "Elite" series DLC appear that tell the story of actual army units, I will for sure reuse these challenge rules.

I came back just to say this was an incredibly extremely well documented adventure for your Ghost Division campaign, and it was my pleasure to read all it. There are great insights into the various designs and poignant pieces of input for details that could be improved upon.

I was curious to see where you held the final line against the Soviet hordes of the final battle, but all of the image links for the final post are all broken, I can't see any screenshots of the final scenario.

Thanks for taking the time to go through this. I really can't imagine another game for which I'd do that aside from another entry in the Panzer Corps family. It's become a habit of mine to document every playthrough of Panzer Corps 2 like this as it keeps me more disciplined to stick to my self-imposed rules and also motivated to think of fun new challenges. It also helps me organize my thought about each DLC, but seeing that someone (especially true for the DLC author himself!) read it and found enjoyable is an added bonus.

Kerensky wrote: ↑Mon Jun 16, 2025 12:25 am I was curious to see where you held the final line against the Soviet hordes of the final battle, but all of the image links for the final post are all broken, I can't see any screenshots of the final scenario.

Apparently imgbb did not save the files I added, despite the links still exiting in the original post. I had them in the past be temporarily unavailable when they had server issues, but this time they simply were no longer present. That's a first! I probably had unlucky timing and uploaded images around some maintenance or other issue, so they did not get preserved. Should be working fine now.