Torbian Typhoon is a Battalion-to-Platoon level wargame focused on Infantry combat. Taking place in the island nation of Torbia (A stand-in for the real-life Philippines) players take command of a Torbian Air Assault Infantry Battalion Task force conducting a search and destroy mission against rebel forces.

The game is short designed to be finished in at the absolute latest 4 months, and will start on August 2nd.

Currently we are hosting a test game, that is starting now, and so invites are open.

The mechanics of the game are rather simple, everything is Umpired-by-ear, there are no set mechanics beyond what makes sense to me.

The game will be played on the warcollegewargame discord. Invites will go out as you express interest.

Submarine School

A game about learning and exploring tactical submarine warfare for newbies and pros alike. No previous ASW experience needed, this game is welcoming of absolute pros, complete newbies, and everything in between. If you think Submarines are cool and would like to learn more about them, give it a try!

The world of Anti Submarine Warfare is incredibly complex, technical and often quite misunderstood. The aim of this game then is to teach and explore how submarines fight at a deep and detailed tactical level to give participants a thorough understanding of the intricacies of modern underwater combat. By putting players in charge of submarines (or the ships hunting them) in a variety of small tactical scenarios, the aim is to provide an in-depth and realistic understanding of the underwater world.

The game will hyper focus on singular alternate history actions at a tactical level involving submarines. The time scale of the game begins and ends at the encounter level. As a result of this the game will not have a defined setting beyond a fictional alternate history conflict between two given powers.

The concept is to run several simultaneous scenarios. Each scenario will have a single player taking control of a submarine as its captain, and attempting to conduct a pre-arranged mission where the opposing force is controlled by myself as the Game Master. In essence, I will run a 1 to 1 game for every player who wishes to participate. Each player will be tasked with completing the same scenario against the same Opposing Force. Once all scenarios are completed an AAR for all scenarios will be conducted together so that players will be able to compare what tactics they used, the outcomes they had, etc. The aim is thus to create a compendium of AAR for the same tactical situation which can then be used as a learning tool. Depending on player interest, after the original scenario is concluded, I can continue to run other scenarios of the same nature to expand the library of AAR.

The game will be played using SIMPLOT 2 for positional referencing. Adjudication will be done by me using Harpoon 5 as a tool, but with several tweaks to the core system to emphasise some learning aspects and add some more realism/cut away some of the ambiguity of the system. No Harpoon or SIMPLOT knowledge is required of any kind.

The game will be played in the usual Play By Post method. Players will post orders, I will action them and report results, at which point they then give new orders on a repeating cycle. An average of 30 minutes two or three times a week should be more than sufficient in terms of player involvement as there is not a lot of writing required when dealing with a narrow tactical focus and controlling a single unit.

If you are interested in realistic NAVAIR and the weird and wonderful world of ASW (Anti Submarine Warfare) give it a shot!

Feel free to post any questions on the comments and I am happy to answer.

In this game the Russian BTG, three BMP2 companies, t-72b3 company, recon, engineer, AT, AA and artillery units, is tasked to breach the Finnish defensive line along the old WW2 Salpa line remains. The Finnish force consisted of a jaeger company reinforced by an engineer platoon.

Russians started the battle by sending their recon company reinforced by one motor rifle platoon and the mortar battery into battle. They were spotted in march formation and the mortars were subjected to artillery barrage before getting a shot off. Actual losses were rather limited except for the loss of ammo trucks and their cargo, rendering the mortars useless for most of the game.

The recon pushed on and found the outmost Finnish delaying positions. Instead of doing recon, the recon company started an attack on the defending platoon and lost most of its strength in ambushes and fights.

The Russian main force then attacked along a route with no recon done before the main force set off. The BTG was spotted by the same Finnish recon that the red recon had failed to find, leading to an artillery barrage hitting the main force along the way, disrupting it and leading to units being separated from each other, in addition to small losses. Artillery preparation missed with almost all shells.

The Russian main force then split to two routes, the southern force getting ambushed multiple times and taking severe losses. The northern force ran into a minefield that the recon did not spot despite it being fresh and digging marks being visible. A roller tank was lost in clearing the mines as that was one of the only two minefields on the map with sensor fuzed mines. Finnish forces waited too long to counter attack at the breach and attacked when two companies had already gotten through.

Russian forces then drove forward and breached the AT obstacle at Salpa line, and drove through. They were stopped and split by rocket mines fired into the breach, but the Finnish force did not manage to mount a coordinated counter attack to retake the breach. Thus the road was clear for the Guards Tank BTG to advance through the line, just to meet the next Finnish defensive line, outside the scope of the game.

Lessons for the Finnish players

Use battle drills and tactical formations, instead of just telling where to go or to attack. Those save blood when you encounter surprises.

Don’t reveal your ambush positions by blocking the road with visible obstacles like abatis or c-wire unless the point is to turn the enemy to other routes. Use off road mines and demolition instead.

Always observe your obstacles, and do something when the enemy tries to breach them, don’t just call an artillery barrage on them.

Coordinate your counter attacks. Don’t attack a platoon at a time.

Remember that the enemy has drones, do not use movement options that are easy to spot from the air, like tractors on roads.

Don’t forget your recon. They were just bypassed and did nothing of use for the rest of the game.

Avoid firing unguided AT weapons against moving enemies. There was a case where a squad fired all six of its LAWs with no effect on the enemy as moving targets are hard to hit.

Avoid engaging the enemy with insufficient force, even in ambush. This area saw major improvement since the last game, but there were still cases of a single heavy machine gun or a single squad engaging a company.

Lessons for the Russian players

DO RECON WITH THE RECON COMPANY! Do not use it like a motor rifle company and waste it on taking enemy delaying positions.

Recon the route your main attack will take.

Keep your indirect fire weapons out of enemy observation. Distance does not block visibility, obstacles do.

Don’t send single vehicles into recon missions, operate always in pairs at the very least. You will never know what happened to a single vehicle that drops out of the radio net.

Use the information your drones (and recon) gather when planning the artillery preparation. You saw most of the FInnish delaying positions due to the visible obstacles, but fired at none of them in the artillery preparation. Instead you spent shells shelling empty woods.

If you use Russian doctrine, use the right parts of it. Your mission was a deliberate attack against a fixed defensive line. You conducted it like a meeting engagement. Don’t use the distances between units suitable for movement to contact in hostile territory when moving within Russia. Don’t use norm for artillery shell consumption per target that doesn’t take the deep snow into account. Your fire missions that were supposed to neutralize targets usually caused 2-4 casualties due to insufficient number of shells fired per fire mission.

Keep your force together instead of having companies fight their own battles. This area saw improvement since my last game, but units still rarely helped each other out. This time the units attacked in a narrow enough front that only half the enemy troops could engage, but when units got engaged, they had to fight alone for the most part.

Do not mass forces into tight enough formations to present inviting targets for the enemy artillery.

Don’t drive blind through the woods, having dismounts ahead of the vics doesn’t really slow you down in forests as driving there is so slow anyway. The enemy will hear your vehicles way before you can see them and that allows them to get in good ambush positions along your flanks.

Use tactics like support by fire, bounding overwatch and such when moving in places with ambush risk or attacking.

When using smoke, don’t blind yourself, only the enemy.

Chasing down the enemy after they have ambushed you can be very worthwhile as they are usually low on AT weapons at that point. This is a high risk tactic though.

You are allowed to use google to find enemy capabilities. Finnish scatter mines are full width mines, so track width rollers are not suitable for clearing them.

When setting up defensive positions, you need to specify where you want your platoons to go and what directions they should face.

Lessons for both sides

Listen to your NPC subordinates giving advice. I use it as a way to make you question your most suicidal ideas. I won’t give you advice that will cause disasters.

When reporting to your superiors, don’t just copy the reports of your subordinates. A squad leader tells you that ‘’enemies on the hill/east of me/front’’. You should report that as enemies 600m in direction 17-00 from point AB1100 or enemies on Hill 233 or enemies in coordinates XYZ.

Some Final remarks

The game ran well and on time, and I want to thank all the players for participation. I hope that all the players learn from mistakes done in this game and take them to heart for future games. This won't be the last game I will run.

Manchurian Madness was a large scale war game with an emphasis on showcasing the Clausewitz adage of "war is politics by other means."

#Background and Forces

The opening scenario of the game are as follows:

• The PRC failed to affect a coup within the KJU regime in the hopes of trading a newly established regime to the ROK for unification in exchange for the ROK ejecting USFK
• The DPRK, with nuclear blackmail, initiated an invasion of the Chinese northeast to both shore up the regime around KJU and to send a message to China that interference in DPRK internal affairs will not be tolerated.

Thus, the win conditions for both teams were as follows:

• Red Forces - PLA: ejection of USFK
• Blue Force - KPA: regime survival

The war game pitted the PLA 79th Group Army against an enlarged KPA VIII Corps reinforced by the 105th Armored Division. Effectively, around 135,000 men would be deployed in theater: roughly 90,000 for the KPA and roughly 45,000 for the PLA. Due to the large number of units, a rough logistical approximation system was used to encourage players into thinking about liquid consumption as well as ammo expenditure in a high intensity warfare. To simulate the nuclear blackmail aspect, a DEFCON system was implemented so that PLA team didn't just smash the KPA en masse and march unimpeded to Pyongyang. Military players were forced to rethink their military approaches with the restrictions in mind, while diplomatic players negotiated deals that would later reshape the future of the Korean Peninsula.

Within the political realm, there were room for backroom negotiations that were ultimately non-binding, but had room to impact the flow of the game, as well as how the ROK negotiated with both parties.

#Game Progression

Through the course of the game, rapid and violent contacts between the teams resulted in 33k casualties:

• The KPA sustained around 25k casualties
• The PLA sustained around 8k.

Below is a short accounting of the general motions of the game.

In the opening hours, the PLA rushed down SOF forces from its deployment area via helicopter and quickly established positions on key bridgeheads in the western sectors of the AO that blunted the forward elements of the KPA. Meanwhile, select units from both the PLA and KPA advanced in the east along narrow mountain passes in the hopes of establishing better positions.

During this time, PLA army aviation played a devastating role, enabling both direct action as well as providing valuable recon data for PLA long range rocket artillery to become a deadly factor.

As both teams brought up the full might of their artillery park against each other, casualties rapidly mounted. The Dayang River Plain became a massive graveyard as tanks--both modern and old--clashed amidst seemingly endless shelling from a plethora of indirect fire: 122mm rockets, 155mm shells, and 300mm rockets.

On the political front, both PLA and KPA players recognized the need to persuade the ROK (played by the umpire) to either remain neutral or otherwise provide some form of aid.

Here was where the two teams differed. While the KPA was intensely focused on ensuring that the ROK did not take this opportunity to launch a decapitation strike of their own--bartering away much of the DPRK economic potential and even pulling back artillery pieces from the DMZ as an assurance to the ROK--the PLA team had a more haphazard approach.

The PLA political player tended to focus on making economic concessions and aligning its interests with the ROK, but did not push hard for the removal of USFK, their win condition. As a result of the political maneuvering, the KPA managed to secure intelligence updates from the ROK in exchange for capturing certain PLA assets on the ground as well.

#End Game

A ceasefire was negotiated at the midpoint of the game by the political players as both militaries were approaching their logistical limits. However, the PLA army aviation broke the ceasefire 12 minutes into the ceasefire--an action that led to the ROK ejecting the official diplomatic staff of the PRC from Seoul and forcing the PRC and ROK to negotiate purely through backroom channels.

In the process of the ceasefire violation, and as a result of DPRK political negotiations, both teams were able to pinpoint each other's logistical rear. Upon resumption of fighting, both teams launched devastating theater level strikes against each other's base areas. With both sides effectively facing the grim prospect of having no capability to sustain operations against each other, diplomacy took center stage.

The ROK had given the PLA side a chance to win the game--namely, by the use of political events that would have enabled the PRC to force the ejection of USFK through the detainment of a US serviceman in China currently wanted by by the ROK government for crimes committed while off base in Korea.

However, the PLA political player nearly gave away the prisoner to the DPRK before subordinates on the PLA reversed this decision and successfully negotiated for the outcome that would enable the departure of USFK. Likewise, the DPRK transferred much of its economic potential to the ROK in exchange for joint administration of sea-based nuclear weapons. The end process resulted in a One Country Two Systems with Korean Characteristics set-up between the North and South, as well as the departure of USFK.

#Lessons Learned - Players:

Major takeaways from the war game:

• The KPA had a very strong centralized leadership that kept its eye on the final political objective
• However, despite the strong centralized leadership, staff work was largely neglected - which meant the KPA missed multiple chances to seize the initiative against hastily prepared PLA defenses or ambushing large PLA columns
• The PLA paid more attention to their logistics and thus was in a slightly better situation than the KPA by game end
• The PLA performed better staff work that resulted in all players being fully aware of what was going on in each sector.
• However, the PLA was overly focused on the military outcome and nearly lost on the political objective.

By ENDEX, one player remarked that the eventual negotiated settlement was something that could have been achieved from the very beginning. While there is a kernel of truth to it, several of the economic restructuring plan for the DPRK could not have taken place without the damage inflicted on the Sino-Korean Border, and those were crucial in the negotiations between the PRC and the ROK. Once the ROK saw that it could have majority ownership over most of the DPRK economic assets--both existing and future--it was willing to discuss the issue of joint nuclear ownership. So even though the PLA negotiations seemed haphazard, it ultimately had a role to play within the final diplomatic victory for both teams.

#Lessons Learned - Umpire:

One of the biggest lessons learned was that the lethality in these war games are high, often far higher than it should be, especially given the time scale of the game. Manchurian Madness took place in the span of a single day, but was adjudicated over the course of a month.

Had the casualties and results taken place as part of a month-long affair, it would be far more believable on both fronts.

There were two factors that went into the result for the hyper lethality:

1. Morale is difficult to model, and units would often fight to the death.
2. Players had a week to prepare for each 2-hour combat turn, which made what should have otherwise been ad hoc decisions into refined team decisions.

With that in mind, it is the opinion of the umpire that future war games use the adjudicated combat as the "important turning points" for a particular campaign rather than follow an exact hour-by-hour combat system. This way, when players confer with each other about actions to take, they will still be forced to react to a dynamic situation on the ground that has changed between each round of engaged combat.

This is the thread for final operational orders from each of the players and OKH products. Top level comments should only be operational orders or planning products. If you'd like to ask a question of a specific player either comment under his OP Order or in the Initial Situation Brief.

Observers are welcome to comment under the orders given. The deadline for Phases 6-7 (orders) will be Sunday March 27th at 12h00 PM Eastern Time after which the turn will be handed over to the Soviet Umpire.

##Phase 1 - Furher Directive

There are currently no Furher Directives active.

##Phase 2 - Roll on Hitler Table

Rolls on the table are suspended for the time being.

##Phase 3 - Initial Situation Brief

General Comment: The Reich Weather Office recorded temperatures of -30 C across the front as heavy snows beging to blanket the area. Already, there are difficulties operating vehicles which must be warmed before usage.

Date: 20 November 1941

Overall Map

OOB

Ground Casualties

Air Losses

Reinforcement and Withdrawal Schedule

Logistics Log

Reinforcements: Nil. Currently available and unassigned are the following forces:

• 227th Infantry Division (Smolensk)

• 212th Infantry Division (Smolensk)

• Slovakian Mobile Division (Dnepropetrovsk)

Unfrozen Units: Nil.

Withdrawn Units:

• 847th Howitzer Battalion

• 133rd Littorio Italian Armored Division withdrew (in Yugoslavia, no game effect)

• 2x Level Bomber Squadrons withdrew

Air National Reserve (Ready to be deployed):

Here are the squadrons available for deployment. I have not withdrawn any squadrons as the campaign season comes to a close. Some of the squadrons in the national reserve have full numbers but have low morale by German air standards (<70) or haven't fully recovered. These squadrons will be indicated by the marking (U) and it is up to you to decide whether you want to deploy them or not.

• No squadrons available in the reserve.

Administrative Points: 198

Rail Capacity: 31 471 (About 10 Infantry Divisions)

Trucks: 131k (118k)

Sealift Capacity: 15 000 (Baltic)

###NOTE

I have conducted pre-recon according to OKH directives. There are missions remaining for Sunday, but you can expect this is a fair representation of Axis recon efforts. I have minimized recon expenditure this week due to the limited offensive possibilities and focused on defining the broad Soviet battle lines.

###SOVIET/ALLIES INTELLIGENCE INTERCEPTS

• Sporadic RAF bomber raids over the Reich are reported. Damage is minimal, but reallocation of fighter forces is being planned to counter this new threat.

• Intelligence assesses as LIKELY that Soviet reserves were committed around TULA prematurely to contain Army Group Center's offensive.

###NORTH

On the Finnish front, no Soviet movement.

In AGN's area, a new defensive line has been thrown together to defend the approaches to LENINGRAD. The forces arrayed in this line appear weak and uncoordinated, except those defending the outskirts near PUSHKIN. The ORIANIENBAUM-NARVA pocket seems secure, a weak attack having been repulsed in ORIANIENBAUM itself by forces of LVI Panzer Corps.

Of note, disgruntled Latvian bandits and undesirable elements have attacked a railway near ABRENE in Latvia. Due to a bypass available near VALGA, there is expected to be minimal disruption. It is nonetheless a reminder that the our Furher's bandit eradication campaign remains critical.

Supply in panzer formations is VERY POOR (Average fuel per division is 20-30%).

Finnish Front

Army Group North - LENINGRAD Area

Army Group North - VALDAI HILLS & MOSCOW Area

###CENTER

The VYAZMA-MOSCOW sector remained largely quiet during the previous week. However, the penetration around TULA came under vigorous counter-attacks from mechanized and mobile forces in the eastern direction which managed to open the kessel. The presence of numerous armor and mechanized reserves came as a surprise to Feldmarshall von Bock.

Supply situation in mobile forces is rated AVERAGE. (Built up corps retain 50-100% fuel, others average 20-30%)

Army Group Center - VYAZMA-OREL Area

Army Group Center - KURSK-VORONEZH Area

###SOUTH

No change in the KHARKOV-VORONEZH sector, with Soviets largely maintaining positions in front of 6th Army. North of STALINO however, Soviets have begun a local withdrawal with spoiling units remaining north of the Stalino Pocket. A Soviet counterattack nonetheless managed to regain some ground and open a supply corridor to the trapped forces north of the pocket. Local forces mostly look to be hastily dug in however and vulnerable to a counter-counter-offensive.

Supply is assessed as AVERAGE in the mobile divisions. (The same pattern as in AGC can be observed, with built up corps retaining fuel)

In the Rumanian sector, no movement as troops settle in for the winter.

Army Group South - KHARKOV Area

Army Group South - STALINO-ROSTOV Area

Rumanian Front

Technical information:

• Recon will occur Sunday March 20th at 14h00 EST (Don't forget daylight saving time!).

• The Order topic will be posted this week.

The initial briefing for the beginning of next turn will be posted ASAP. Recon date is TBD.

Umpire Feedback

Good orders, I'm liking the standardization, maps could afford to be improved though, boundary lines between AGs and Armies are important.

Very aggressive plan, it appears to be working fine right now, but only time will tell if it was the right move to commit to 3 separate major offensives this late in the season.

Please let me know if there's things I can do better on my end or if I didn't portray your intent accurately on the map. I did my best to follow the orders given but it's possible I misunderstood something!

##General notes/OKH

Overall Map

Luftwaffe: The renewal of air combat and support to ground operations, particularly in the north, meant a higher than usual cost in combat planes. Nonetheless, the exchange ratio remains in favor of the Germans, in part due to aggressive fighter sweeps and CAPs in the central and south sectors. The 7th Flieger Division remains in Belgorod as it is reasonably close to the front and has no garrison close at hand to replace the parachutists. Here are the results of your reassignments:

• 2x Transport Squadrons AGS - Done (Sent to a bomber base due to lack of capacity)

• 1x Dive Bomber Squadron (Half) AGS - Done

• Remains in reserve: Nil.

Air Losses

Ground Casualties

Railway conversion:

• FBD North is in the outskirts of VITEBSK.

• FBD Center North just linked the rail station of NAVLYA, southwest of OREL.

• FBD Center South passed through KHARKOV this week.

• FBD South will link up with Center South next week, think of a follow on destination for both FBDs.

Railway Capacity: No issues overall!

Reinforcements/Withdrawals:

• The 223rd Infantry Division is currently on trains heading towards the SMOLENSK AA.

• The Slovakian Mobile Division still awaits orders west of DNEPROPETROVSK.

Reassignments/Leadership management/AP Expenditures

• Nothing significant to report due to the lack of G1 orders.

Refit & HQ Buildups:

Only the refits below are currently active:

• All Panzer forces are on refit, save those in Army Group North.

• Rumanian Mountain Corps is on refit, as are several formations in the rear for the purpose of rebuilding their morale.

HQ Buildups:

• None this week.

Rear Area Security:

Here's a summary of what cities need to be assigned garrisons as well as a balance of dedicated security troops remaining. If a city is on the list it means I do not have enough dedicated security forces to garrison it, or the total is insufficient.

AGN: No Security Regiments remaining. All were reassigned to AGC. (One will be necessary for NOVGOROD)

AGC: 2 Security Regiments remaining.

AGS: No dedicated Security Regiments/Brigades remain. Hungarian brigades are mostly being used to garrison the STALINO industrial complex (3 cities).

Rumania: 1 infantry division, 1 cavalry brigade available assuming no reassignment from combat forces.

Cities lacking appropriate garrison:

Currently: OREL (units are en route, so it's a temporary problem), possibly BELGOROD (Currently manned by the 7th Flieger Division under the Luftwaffe, an elite unit, which will withdraw in the future), NOVGOROD, VOROSHILOVGRAD (if held).

Soon: TULA.

##FINLAND

Nothing to report, though the proximity of Army Group North to LENINGRAD is making Finnish generals giddy.

##AGN

###LENINGRAD Area

###VALDAI HILLS & MOSCOW NORTH Area

18th Army launches a prepared attack in the LUGA area, breaching a hole in the thick Soviet defences and securing part of a bridgehead across the LUGA River. A local attack at the initiative of General Georg Lindemann, L Corps commander, manages to seize NOVGOROD from the Soviets, although he is once again unable to secure the city.

16th Army makes local attacks to improve their position and seize more of the VALDAI HILLS. Their erstwhile and recently transferred XXXVIII Corps has the honor of being the ones to finally link up with the I Corps along the NARVA River line.

4th Panzergruppe's infantry did a good job of helping prepare the panzers' advance across the LUGA in collaboration with 18th Army, but doesn't manage to complete the job all the way. Nonetheless, with several costly attacks in terrain unfavorable to armor, 4th Panzergruppe did manage to exploit in the rear of the Soviet defenders. However imagine their surprise when they found the port-fortress of ORANIENBAUM only defended by a token garrison. A quick attack by the 60th Motorized Division secured the port for the Reich. The lack of defenders on the outskirts of LENINGRAD was also judged eerie by Generaloberst Hoepner.

##AGC

###VYAZMA-TULA Area

###KURSK-VORONEZH Area

9th Army launched limited local attacks to improve their positions, particularly the supply lines around RHZEV. The units tasked with supporting 2nd Army's attack in the area of SPAS-DEMYANSK met with very limited results however. The fact that the bulk of forces in this area are down to regimental positions cannot have helped. Otherwise, 9th Army continues to dig fortifications.

2nd Army managed a more substantial penetration, but still is not concentrated enough to offer the Panzers significant support other than securing the initial bridgehead. They still did manage a good penetration in the area of SPAS-DEMYANSK, threatening the flanks of the Soviets forces in the area.

4th Army's commitment was somewhat more substantial, with about two corps being directly engaged in support of the offensive. Their successes in securing an initial breach and the southern flank of the pocket did come at the cost of significantly thinning their east-facing line, which is now very lightly held.

2nd Panzergruppe had some hard fought battles against the Soviet 21st Army in the west pincer of the TULA encirclement, but did manage to screen the OKA river, making crossings difficult in support of the beleagered Soviets. Once the initial line of resistance was passed however, despite a spirited defence in the PEREMYSHL area, General Joachim Lemelsen of XXXXVII Panzer Corps (2nd PzG) was able to shake hands with General Rudolf Schmidt of XXXIX Panzer Corps (3rd PzG) as they closed the pocket.

3rd Panzergruppe, also had a hard fight with Soviet rifle brigades impeding their every move in the small balkas and rivers common to this area. Once in the open country north-east of TULA however, manoeuver became considerably easier. Army Group Center Commander Fedor von Bock remains worried however, given the strong Soviet reserves and concentrations on the flanks of the kessel.

##AGS

###KHARKOV Area

###STALINO Area

6th Army remained largely static and improving its fortifications. The sector that was identified to take part in the winter offensive was mostly manned by regiments and opposed by relatively strong Soviet forces, so did not achieve much. Nonetheless, a small bridgehead on the flanks of 17th Army's offensive was established.

17th Army however was in an excellent position for its own offensive, being well concentrated. Bridgeheads were established quickly across the DONETS and TORETS rivers, with pontoons deployed to enable the crossing of armor. The bulk of the army was committed to the breach and will be available for follow on engagements in the area next week.

11th Army and the Italians also managed a good attack in the south, being opposed mostly by a screen of brigades. GORLOVKA was finally secured and garrisoned by the Hungarians along with the rest of the STALINO complex. A breach was made in the DYBALTSEVO area and most of the eastern bank of the KALMIUS river was cleared of Soviet opposition. Nonetheless, a sizeable Soviet force remains on the approaches to ROSTOV.

1st Panzergruppe's offensive went relatively smoothly, though the closing of the encirclement was a close thing, at the edge of the involved units' range. Nonetheless, 5th Panzer Division saw a target of opportunity as they were driving to close the pincer. VOROSHILOVGRAD was only garrisoned by the 28th Soviet Cavalry Division and a quick attack on the march drove them from their position as well as put them to flight. VOROSHILOVGRAD was still in the process of being evacuated and roughly 3 Armament factories as well as 4 Heavy Industry factories fell into the German hands (along with precious machine tools and resource extraction equipment). The pincers met in a small clump of woods north of the DONETS river.

##RUMANIAN HIGH COMMAND

The 4th Rumanian Infantry Division was assigned to I Rumanian Corps (1st Rumanian Army) and ordered to take the garrison task from the Hungarians in DNEPROPETROVSK. There was much rejoicing in the 4th Division's staff at these news.

3rd Rumanian Army continues its redeployment, with new directives. Rotation of badly battered divisions from the GENICHESK crossing is ongoing, replaced with healthier and rested mountain troops.

4th Rumanian Army had a quiet week, with little to report in their sector other than ongoing fortification efforts.

Railway Construction units will continue to reconstruct local railway linkages. Priority will be given to railway networks extending from Nikolaev and Odessa.

Railway construction units will repair whatever rail lines their meth addled foremen tell them to.

This is the thread for final operational orders from each of the players and OKH products. Top level comments should only be operational orders or planning products. If you'd like to ask a question of a specific player either comment under his OP Order or in the Initial Situation Brief.

Observers are welcome to comment under the orders given. The deadline for Phases 6-7 (orders) will be Sunday November 7th at 12h00 PM Eastern Time after which the turn will be handed over to the Soviet Umpire.

##Phase 1 - Furher Directive

There are currently no Furher Directives active.

##Phase 2 - Roll on Hitler Table

Rolls on the table are suspended for the time being.

##Phase 3 - Initial Situation Brief

General Comment: The Reich Weather Office recorded temperatures of -30 C across the front as heavy snows beging to blanket the area. Already, there are difficulties operating vehicles which must be warmed before usage.

Date: 13 November 1941

Overall Map

OOB

Ground Casualties

Air Losses

Reinforcement and Withdrawal Schedule

Logistics Log

Reinforcements: 223rd Infantry Division.

Unfrozen Units: Nil.

Withdrawn Units:

• 1x Level Bomber Squadron (Staff)

• 2x Level Bomber Squadrons

• Mobile Hungarian Corps (HQ)

Air National Reserve (Ready to be deployed):

Here are the squadrons available for deployment. I have not withdrawn any squadrons as the campaign season comes to a close. Some of the squadrons in the national reserve have full numbers but have low morale by German air standards (<70) or haven't fully recovered. These squadrons will be indicated by the marking (U) and it is up to you to decide whether you want to deploy them or not.

• 2x Transport Squadrons

• 1x Dive Bomber Squadron (Half)

Administrative Points: 149

Rail Capacity: 34 500 (About 11 Infantry Divisions)

Trucks: 125k (130k)

Sealift Capacity: 15 000 (Baltic)

###NOTE

I have conducted pre-recon according to OKH directives. There are missions remaining for Sunday, but you can expect this is a fair representation of Axis recon efforts. I have minimized recon expenditure this week due to the limited offensive possibilities and focused on defining the broad Soviet battle lines.

###SOVIET/ALLIES INTELLIGENCE INTERCEPTS

• See End of Turn report for turns 18-21.

###NORTH

On the Finnish front, no Soviet movement.

In AGN's area, strong concentrations of Soviets indicate intent to contest the LUGA River.

Supply in panzer formations is VERY GOOD (Most units have 100% of their fuel needs).

Finnish Front

Army Group North - LENINGRAD Area

Army Group North - VALDAI HILLS & MOSCOW Area

###CENTER

Limited movement in the RHZEV-OREL sector as Soviet forces continue digging in front of the capital. There is a thinning of the line south and west of TULA to deepen the defense.

Supply problems seem to have been contained to a small shortfall in necessary trucks, as the roads harden in the cold temperatures.

Supply situation in mobile forces is rated GOOD. (Two corps are between 50-60% fuel, while the others are 100%+)

Army Group Center - VYAZMA-OREL Area

Army Group Center - KURSK-VORONEZH Area

###SOUTH

The Soviet line in front of VORONEZH remains largely the same, however Soviet troops in front of STALINO leave a screen forward, withdrawing to a secondary line anchored on the MIUS and KRASNAYA rivers.

Supply is assessed as VERY GOOD in the mobile divisions. (Fuel is 100%+ in all divisions)

In the Rumanian sector, no movement as troops settle in for the winter.

Army Group South - KHARKOV Area

Army Group South - STALINO Area

Rumanian Front

Technical information:

• Recon phase has already occurred.

• The Order topic will be posted this week.

The initial briefing for the beginning of next turn will be posted ASAP. Recon is set for Sunday October 31st.

Umpire Feedback

It's the mud season, I think there's been a lot of good planning, but there needs to be improvement to intra-player communications. Each Army Group is doing its own thing, and communication within the AGs need improvement.

The standardized structure for orders players have been using looks good to me right now, though there could be minor improvements on the graphical front.

Please let me know if there's things I can do better on my end or if I didn't portray your intent accurately on the map. I did my best to follow the orders given but it's possible I misunderstood something!

##General notes/OKH

Overall Map

Luftwaffe: Low losses throughout the mud season due to limited action along the front. All bases are repositioned to support the priorities stated in Luftwaffe orders, along with the suspected areas of offensive action. Here are the results of your reassignments:

• 1x Fighter Squadron (Staff) AGN - Done

• 2x Fighter-Bomber Squadrons (Staff) AGN - Only one in reserve

• 4x Fighter-Bomber Squadrons AGN - Done

• 1x Fighter Squadron AGC - Done

• 3x Dive Bomber Squadrons (Staff) AGC - Done

• 3x Dive Bomber Squadrons AGC - Done

• 2x Level Bomber Squadrons AGC - Done

• 4x Dive Bomber Squadrons AGS - Done

• 2x Tactical Bomber Squadrons AGS - Done

• 2x Transport Squadrons AGS - Not enough airbase capacity

• Remains in reserve: 2x Transport Squadrons, 1x (Half) Dive Bomber Squadron

Air Losses

Ground Casualties

Railway conversion:

• FBD North is slightly north of VITEBSK and is making good ground on the connection to the central rail network.**

• FBD Center North heading to the LGOV rail junction, west of Kursk. No issues so far.

• FBD Center South is on the outskirts of KHARKOV and should connect to AGS during the snow.

• FBD South has encountered difficult ground and multiple rivers, but is now headed north to KHARKOV.

Railway Capacity: No issues overall!

Reinforcements/Withdrawals:

• 1st Cavalry Division (AGC-2nd Panzergruppe) has withdrawn.

• 99th Light Infantry Division (AGS-11th Army) has withdrawn.

• Large numbers of Finnish forces have withdrawn, to include most of the "O" Corps' specialist units, the 1st Finnish Infantry Division and the 8th Finnish Infantry Division.

• The Slovakian Air Force has withdrawn.

• Several Hungarian air squadrons disband as the Hungarian Air Force reorganizes.

• The 212th Infantry Division arrives in theatre from garrison duty on the Channel coast.

• The Slovakian Mobile Division (a motorized infantry divison) is available west of DNEPROPETROVSK.

Available Reserves:

• SMOLENSK Assembly Area: 227th Infantry Division, 212th Infantry Division, 2x Security Regiments, XXVII Corps (HQ), LIII Corps (HQ).

• DNEPROPETROVSK Assembly Area: Slovakian Mobile Division

• ODESSA Assembly Area: 4th Rumanian Infantry Division

Reassignments/Leadership management/AP Expenditures

• Walter Model was promoted to General.

• Lothar Rendulic was promoted to General.

• 3x Fortified Zones created (12 AP)

• All leadership changes in the G1 orders (refer to the post in the previous phase) have been enacted. Total cost: 54 AP.

• Assign 2nd Slovakian Security Division to 103rd RHG - Assigned to OKH as HQ is out of range. (3 AP)

• 369th Croatian Regiment assigned to OKH and given garrison orders. - Done (1 AP)

• Transfer XXXVIII Corps from 18th Army to 16th Army - Done (15 AP)

• Donate a division from XXVIII and X Corps to XXXVIII Corps - Done (2 AP)

• Merge LIII and XIII Corps (4th Army) - Merged into XIII Corps under General Hans Gustav Felber (2 AP). Empty corps sent to SMOLENSK.

• Slovakian Mobile Division reassigned from 11th Army to OKH - Umpire's initiative (2 AP)

• Withdraw significant numbers of Rumanian Support Units - Done (30 AP)

Refit & HQ Buildups:

Only the refits below are currently active:

• All Panzer forces are on refit, save those in Army Group North.

HQ Buildups:

• AGS: XIV, XXXX and XXXXVIII Panzer Corps (1st Panzergruppe) have been built up.

• AGC: XXXIX Panzer Corps (3rd Panzergruppe) and XXXXVII Panzer Corps (2nd Panzergruppe) have been built up.

Cost of buildups: 118 AP

Rear Area Security:

Here's a summary of what cities need to be assigned garrisons as well as a balance of dedicated security troops remaining. If a city is on the list it means I do not have enough dedicated security forces to garrison it, or the total is insufficient.

AGN: No Security Regiments remaining. All were reassigned to AGC. (One will be necessary for NOVGOROD, if taken)

AGC: 2 Security Regiments remaining.

AGS: No dedicated Security Regiments/Brigades remain, but Hungarian infantry brigades are available in a pinch.

Rumania: 1 infantry division, 1 cavalry brigade available assuming no reassignment from combat forces.

Cities lacking appropriate garrison:

Currently: OREL (units are en route, so it's a temporary problem), possibly BELGOROD (Currently manned by the 7th Flieger Division under the Luftwaffe, an elite unit).

Soon: NOVGOROD, GORLOVKA.

Intelligence Intercepts

Exceptionally, given the multi-turn nature of last turn, here are the collected intelligence intercepts from the Soviet side.

• Prisonners of war from the OREL kessel were interrogated and reported that in the waning days of the pocket, General-Leitnant Kurochkin was sacked by Stavka and replaced by General-Leitnant Yakovlev for command of the Bryansk Front.

• Advanced reconnaissance reports significant rail traffic eastbound from GORLOVKA. It is assessed as LIKELY that the traffic was civilian in nature as no change in force concentration is apparent in the region.

• Our wolfpacks have engaged an American destroyer, the USS Kearny, during an action near Iceland. The vessel is said to have limped away after taking a torpedo hit on its starboard side.

• Marshal Mannerheim orders a halt to Finnish offensive operations after the Army of Karelia reaches the SVIR river. It is stated in no uncertain terms to Berlin that Finnish soldiers will not launch a wild offensive with the winter so near and with German forces nowhere near a junction point.

• Aerial recon shows that Soviets have withdrawn most of their frontline forces and replaced them with forces that appear raw. Private Pavel Petrovich, a detainee captured during a night patrol in 4th Army's sector, was allegedly drafted only a week prior.

• A multi-source combination of SIGINT, HUMINT and IMINT judged to be VERY RELIABLE all but confirms the likelihood of a Soviet counter-offensive. OKH and Finnish High Command analysts assess as LIKELY that the initial offensive will fall on either Army Group South or Army Group Center.

• High level sources in the American government allege that the United States of America agreed to a major lend-lease loan to the Soviet Union. American and British support continues to flow into the Soviet Union at an accelerated pace from Iran, Murmansk and Vladivostok.

• Radio intercepts caught a speech on Soviet air by Stalin, the second such speech since the start of the war. Propaganda specialists are already at work to use the material for German purposes.

##FINLAND

The Army of Karelia advances to contact and starts digging in, but are at the extreme end of their supply lines as their rail construction batallion continues to struggle. The SVIR line looks to be held by a number of Soviet brigades and fortifications.

The Kannas Army continues to dig in, resulting in the first significant trenchworks for the Axis (lvl 3 forts).

##AGN

###LENINGRAD Area

###VALDAI HILLS & MOSCOW NORTH Area

18th Army concentrates on both flanks of XXIII Corps, continuing to dig in. There are no immediate threats to the Army's lines or logistics, the only issue being the difficulty of resupplying I Corps on the NARVA from TALINN.

16th Army remains largely immobile and entrenched in strong positions along the VALDAI HILLS. The only issue to supply lines being X Corps, which falls in a sort of logistical dead zone.

4th Panzergruppe enjoys strong supply lines and takes the time to dig secondary fortifications behind 18th Army during the mud. Despite not being built up, it can look forward to full fuel availability and an almost complete ToE.

##AGC

###VYAZMA-OREL Area

###KURSK-VORONEZH Area

9th Army is down to regimental strength positions on most of its frontage to prevent Soviet infiltration and dig fortifications. It did not encounter significant supply issues during the mud season, save perhaps for 5th Infantry division holding out in the small RHZEV salient.

2nd Army is also stretched thin, though managed to somewhat concentrate in the SPAS-DEMYANSK area by giving up some of its frontage to 9th Army. No significant supply issues.

4th Army suffered from supply woes throughout the mud, but remains somewhat adequately concentrated in divisions, except in the southern part of its line where it joins 6th Army.

2nd Panzergruppe managed to extricate two of its Corps relatively early on, which should be adequately supplied. The remaining XXIV Panzer Corps has been helped as much as possible through air drops, but is slightly out of position with regards to the requested assembly areas.

3rd Panzergruppe, somewhat badly mauled during the final summer offensives, has managed to recover somewhat. However their supply situation remained dire for most of the rasputitsa and they maintain their positions east of OREL.

The OREL pocket formed in the last weeks of Summer was liquidated somewhat promptly in a single week, yielding approximately 80 000 Soviet prisonners.

##AGS

###KHARKOV Area

###STALINO Area

1st Panzergruppe had some difficulties getting XXXXVIII Panzer Corps back in position for the upcoming operations due to it being near BELGOROD. It remains somewhat offside, but should be adequately supplied. Some trouble was also had extricating the panzers from STALINO, which remains very ill supplied at this point. Nonetheless, the rest of 1st Panzergruppe is in position in assigned assembly areas.

6th Army had supply troubles for the duration of the mud season, but the new North-South rail line linking the center and the south through KHARKOV will eventually alleviate the problem.

17th Army is well concentrated with a corps in reserve ready to exploit. The only concern of General Heinrici remains the weak Hungarian-held junction between himself and 11th Army. Supplies were adequate for most of last month.

11th Army and the Italians experienced significant supply shortages during the rasputitsa, operating at the limit of their supply lines. The hardening of the ground should alleviate their woes, and they still managed the only non-OREL related offensive action of the month by taking MARIUPOL under Italian leadership as well as liberating its armament factory.

##RUMANIAN HIGH COMMAND

The Rumanian withdrawal plan has been put in full effect, with most of the additional support granted for the offensive season returned to the reserves. Additionally, rail units have been deployed to assist in rail repair. Overall the forward deployed Rumanian forces suffered terrible supply shortages around the Sea of Azov and the Gulf of Odessa.

3rd Rumanian Army withdrew most of its forces from the entrances to the Crimea, sheltering them in small towns behind their lines. They remain responsible for the GENICHESK crossing, though the corps in place looks exhausted. A division and a brigade remain however in reserve and might be able to support a defensive action.

4th Rumanian Army withdrew two corps, keeping a corps apiece to guard the PEREKOP isthmus and the crossing west of NOVOALEKSEEVKA. These crossings look to be strongly held and Rumanian forces are digging in with two divisions in reserve.

This is the thread for final operational orders from each of the players and OKH products. Top level comments should only be operational orders or planning products. If you'd like to ask a question of a specific player either comment under his OP Order or in the Initial Situation Brief.

Observers are welcome to comment under the orders given. The deadline for Phases 6-7 (orders) will be Sunday October 3rd at 12h00 PM Eastern Time after which the turn will be handed over to the Soviet Umpire.

Baltic Breakdown:

Estonian Escalation expands to naval warfare in the Baltic Sea!

16AUG2026: Russian forces have launched an invasion of eastern Estonia. NATO naval forces must now ensure sea lines of communications to Estonia in the Baltic remain open, while the Russian Baltic Fleet acts to cut off the Baltic states from the rest of Europe.

Currently we are looking for a few players to command NATO and Russian Frigates.

What is Baltic Breakdown

Baltic Breakdown is a naval wargame pitting forces of NATO Standing Maritime Group 1 against the forces of the Russian Baltic Fleet.

The game itself will be played on Discord, while the Umpires will provide from time to time situational updates for observers in reddit.

How is the game played?

Each team is provided with an order of battle based on likely assets available to their respective faction. The game itself is adjuciated using the award winning Harpoon 5 naval combat system, created by former US Navy officers Larry Bond and Chris Carlson.

Using a mixture of 30-minute intermedate turns for movement and positioning and 3-minute turns for tactical combat, players will issue orders to their ships, submarines, and aviation assets.

At what level is the game played?

The game is played at the level of indiviual ships operating in small Task Groups.

When will the game start?

Initial Material is now available, with planned a game start of Saturday, Sept 18th

When will the game end?

The game will end once one of the teams has reached it's victory conditions. We will then do an AAR and reflect on how a NATO Task Force would fair against the Russian Baltic Fleet.

What is expected of you?

That you're willing to consistantly particpate, be positive member of your team, and that you have an open mind towards learning about modern naval warfare.

How do I join?

Simple, message me, mcas1987, and let me know what faction you're interested in, and we can get you set up.

##Phase 1 - Furher Directive

There are currently no Furher Directives active.

##Phase 2 - Roll on Hitler Table

Roll = 71 = Rail Trouble

Target roll = 41 = AGC

Political rating of AGC commander is insufficient to redirect the event.

I flipped a coin and the northernmost AGC FBD will only repair half this week.

###EVENT RESULTS:

Severity Order: In response to the (admitedly soft) rebuke by the Army Group Commander, Generalfeldmarshall von Reichenau has temporarily departed on a trip to Berlin, pretexting ill-health. He left 6th Army in the hands of General Hans von Obstfelder , formerly XXIX Corps Commander, which he formally appointed his deputy for the duration of his absence (Cost 16 AP).

von Obstfelder was himself replaced by Generalleutnant Maximilian de Angelis.

Political Check AGS Commander - Generalfeldmarshall Gerd von Rundstedt (3 POL) = 8 = Failure

No further information.

Capture of NOVGOROD: The German offensive towards NOVGOROD was interrupted by the arrival of the mud season, despite showing belated success. The Furher is displeased, firm in his belief that anchoring AGN's line on NOVGOROD was important in securing key terrain both for defense and the subsequent (and imminent) capture of LENINGRAD. As such, while the failure is not complete, the proportion of supplies heading to AGN has been reduced to reinforce more successful fronts (-9 AP)

##Phase 3 - Initial Situation Brief

General Comment: The Reich weather office forecasts heavy rainfall across the Eastern Territories next week, consistent with the bi-yearly Russian flood season.

Date: 16 October 1941

Overall Map

OOB

Ground Casualties

Air Losses

Reinforcement and Withdrawal Schedule

Logistics Log

Reinforcements: Nil.

Unfrozen Units: Nil.

Withdrawn Units:

• 1x Fighter Squadron

Air National Reserve (Ready to be deployed):

Here are the squadrons available for deployment. I have not withdrawn any squadrons as the campaign season comes to a close. Some of the squadrons in the national reserve have full numbers but have low morale by German air standards (<70) or haven't fully recovered. These squadrons will be indicated by the marking (U) and it is up to you to decide whether you want to deploy them or not.

• 2x Transport Squadrons

• 1x Fighter Squadron (Staff)

• 1x Fighter Squadron

• 2x Fighter-Bomber Squadrons (Staff)

• 4x Fighter-Bomber Squadrons

• 3x Dive Bomber Squadrons (Staff)

• 7x Dive Bomber Squadrons

• 2x Level Bomber Squadrons

• 2x Tactical Bomber Squadrons

Administrative Points: 241

Rail Capacity: 29 536 (About 8 Infantry Divisions)

Trucks: 188k (150k)

Sealift Capacity: 15 000 (Baltic)

###NOTE

I have conducted pre-recon according to OKH directives. There are missions remaining for Sunday, but you can expect this is a fair representation of Axis recon efforts. I have minimized recon expenditure this week due to the limited offensive possibilities and focused on defining the broad Soviet battle lines.

###SOVIET/ALLIES INTELLIGENCE INTERCEPTS

• Rumors are abuzz in the Soviet capital, as allegedly several high party functionaries have been evacuated from MOSCOW to SAMARA. Joseph Stalin is said to remain in the capital however. Simultaneously, long range air reconaissance and intercepts report increased activity along the Trans-Siberian railway.

###NORTH

On the Finnish front, not much to report as the Soviets complete their withdrawal.

In AGN's area, the Soviets re-occupied NOVGOROD while stablizing and reinforcing their line. Little movement was observed.

Supply in panzer formations is AVERAGE (half of the units hover around 20% fuel, while those that remain uncommitted vary between 60-90%).

Finnish Front

Army Group North - LENINGRAD Area

Army Group North - VALDAI HILLS & MOSCOW Area

###CENTER

No movement in the RHZEV-OREL sector as Soviet forces continue digging in front of the capital.

In the area of the OREL pocket however, the Red Army clashed with the screen laid by 19th Panzer Division pushing back two panzer regiments. That had little impact as they did not try to breach the second line of defense directly securing the encirclement.

A significant portion of the front finds itself out of supply with the coming of the mud which turns the Soviet country roads into quagmires. Reports of trucks breaking down are near constant and far exceed repair and recovery capability.

Supply situation in mobile forces is rated VERY LOW. (Most divisions have under 10% fuel)

Army Group Center - VYAZMA-OREL Area

Army Group Center - KURSK-VORONEZH Area

###SOUTH

With the coming of the mud stopping the STALINO offensive in its tracks, Soviet forces mostly dig in along established lines with some mobile reserves having been formed behind the lines. The sole exception was a counterattack at KONSTANTONOVKA by a Soviet Field Army which repulsed the 71st Infantry Division. The Soviets were unable to occupy the bridgehead however.

Supply is assessed as LOW in the mobile divisions. (Fuel varies between 20-40%)

In the Rumanian sector, following the surprise "breakthrough" of 4th Rumanian Army, the Soviets appear to have formed a line 10 miles south of the straits. Overall forces present in the area are assessed as an Army(-).

Army Group South - KHARKOV Area

Army Group South - STALINO Area

Rumanian Front

Technical information:

• Recon phase will occur Sunday September 12th at 14h00 EST.

• The Order topic will be available afterwards.

The initial briefing for the beginning of next turn will be posted ASAP. A more thorough recon will be planned for Sunday September 12th at 14h00 EST if I don't get the turn in time.

Umpire Feedback

No G1/G4 orders again this turn, this is an issue (one which I hope will be resolved by our recent reshuffle!). As a result AGN FBD is milling about, repairing rail without any clear goal. Reinforcements were sent where I think they make sense (German division to the central AA, Hungarians to the south, etc.)

Want to give a shoutout to AGN for excellent orders this turn, both formatting and content-wise. The map was a bit confusing, however the excellent written orders helped me muddle through.

Please let me know if there's things I can do better on my end or if I didn't portray your intent accurately on the map. I did my best to follow the orders given but it's possible I misunderstood something!

##General notes/OKH

Overall Map

Luftwaffe: The rail hub bombing campaign was not a great success. 50 or so bombers along with a number of fighters were lost to the VVS intercepting over and around Leningrad's rail network. The 7th Flieger Division is headed north to garrison KHARKOV. As requested, all Dive Bombers, Fighter-Bombers and Tactical Bombers were withdrawn to the National Reserve this week and will be recuperating in Germany.

Air Losses

Ground Casualties

Railway conversion:

• FBD North has pushed the rail to LAKE ILMEN. This FBD currently does not have orders.

• FBD Center North (Bryansk), no problem.

• FBD Center South (Kursk), no problem.

• FBD South (D-Town), the FBD has reached its objective this turn and needs further direction. This FBD currently does not have orders.

Railway Capacity: No issues this week!

Reinforcements:

• The French Volunteer Regiment has arrived at the ODESSA rail depot and awaits assignment.

• XXVII Corps (HQ) still languishes in VILNIUS AA.

• The 8th Hungarian Security Brigade has now garrisoned DNEPROPETROVSK.

• 2nd and 5th Hungarian Security Brigades are en route to take over security duties in the south.

• The recently activated 4th Rumanian Infantry Division has arrived in ODESSA and is assigned to Rumanian High Command.

• VI Rumanian Corps (HQ) has also arrived in ODESSA.

Reassignments/Leadership management/AP Expenditures

• Remind me to assign the 2nd Slovakian Security Division to 103rd RHG in your orders next week.

• The 369th Croatian Infantry Regiment is in need of assignment. Currently assigned to 11th Army directly.

Refit & HQ Buildups:

Only the refits below are currently active.

• XIV Panzercorps is on refit. (AGN)

• LVII Panzer Corps is on refit (AGC)

• XXIV Panzer Corps is on refit. (AGC)

Rear Area Security:

Here's a summary of what cities need to be assigned garrisons as well as a balance of dedicated security troops remaining. If a city is on the list it means I do not have enough dedicated security forces to garrison it, or the total is insufficient.

AGN: 2 Security Regiments remaining. (One will be necessary for NOVGOROD, if taken)

AGC: No Security Regiments remaining.

AGS: With the addition of the two Hungarian security brigades, a new Rumanian division and the 7th Flieger Division, the south should be covered for now.

Rumania: 1 infantry division, 1 cavalry brigade available.

Cities lacking appropriate garrison:

Currently: OREL, BELGOROD

Soon: RHZEV (if the frontline should move past them).

##FINLAND

The Army of Karelia liquidated the last pocket of the season, yielding 12 000 prisonners, and then shifted to a defensive posture between Lakes ONEGA and LADOGA. No other engagements were reported.

Situation no change for the Kannas Army.

I acknowledge the transfer orders, but did not carry them out this turn for two reasons. The historical reason is that most of these units are withdrawing with their HQ and thus would likely be kept together in the same chain of command. The meta reason is because when the Corps HQs withdraw, the remaining divisions will fall back under Finnish High Command or their parent army, and it will be cheaper/free to reassign them.

##AGN

###LENINGRAD Area

###VALDAI HILLS & MOSCOW NORTH Area

18th Army managed to gain another 10 miles of hard terrain, though due to concentrating forces on its eastern flank, gaps have begun appearing in the line.

16th Army has liquidated the Soviet forces trapped against Lake ILMEN before they could be evacuated, 33 000 Soviet prisonners fell into German hands as a result, also enabling greater freedom of manoeuvre for 4th Panzergruppe. 16th Army also led the charge along with 4th PzG's infantry in the hard swamp-fighting in front of NOVGOROD, the final objective for the campaign season. As a result, they were able to clear a narrow path for 4th PzG's motorized infantry and armor to wade into the swamp themselves.

4th Panzergruppe led an attack against NOVGOROD and its leading elements managed to occupy the suburbs of the medium-sized city. However, constant skirmishing and attacks on their left flank left them unable to occupy the city itself after clearing it out of its Soviet defenders (AKA, no division had enough MP to get in the city proper). Thus, assuming that the Soviets re-occupy the city on their turn, I will consider it contested and will halve the AP penalty.

##AGC

###VYAZMA-OREL Area

###KURSK-VORONEZH Area

9th Army's by and large held its positions, improving fortifications, except in the VYAZMA sector. The combined offensive with 2nd Army resulted in the expected territorial gains and a regiment of the 707th Security Division billetted itself in the city to free up the frontline formations.

2nd Army, aside from the VYAZMA offensive, took OREL in brutal street fighting with the help of 4th Army. The remainder of its operations consisted of rationalizing its lines. An attempt to effect the optimistic plan of the deputy commander was made, but there were no divisions to "caterpillar" towards the south without opening significant holes in the already thin sector.

4th Army took responsibility for some of the East and West flanks of the new Orel kessel and opening the way for 2nd Panzergruppe's counterattack. A junction was made with AGS' 6th Army near GORSHECHNOE and the front is secure in that area.

2nd Panzergruppe was in a decent posture at the beginning of the week, though attrition in its AFVs and mobile forces is beginning to tell. It counterattacked, swinging north and east, thus clearing most of the Soviets from the banks of the ZUSHA river. Lacking the freedom of manoeuver to set up a significant defense in depth, they secured the vulnerable northern end of the encirclement with XXIV Panzercorps, while the remainder moved to their assembly area near KHVASTOVICHI.

3rd Panzergruppe also managed to secure its sector of the pocket, though its forces are considerably weaker and more exhausted. Nonetheless, their sector actually allowed a modicum of depth and the enemy forces in their area of responsibility are also weaker.

##AGS

###KHARKOV Area

###STALINO Area

1st Panzergruppe's XIV Panzercorps formed an ad-hoc kampfgruppe with various divisions of 17th Army and managed to secure two of the three cities of the Stalino Industrial Complex, including STALINO itself. After brutal urban fighting, they found the signs of a hasty evacuation, numerous factories having been left in working order within the cities. The remainder of 1st Panzergruppe withdrew to reserve positions so as to draw better supply.

6th Army occupied battle positions on the western side of the OSKOL river, little else to report.

17th Army, apart from its heroic efforts at STALINO, took up positions south of 6th Army and rationalized its lines. They are expected to take defensive responsibility for STALINO once 1st Panzergruppe gets reassigned.

11th Army, along with its Italian auxiliaries, pushed south of STALINO, cutting off the rail to MARIUPOL in the process. A small factory is still present in the hitherto peaceful port town on the Black Sea.

##RUMANIAN HIGH COMMAND

The Rumanian forces got the most action they've seen in months now with THREE separate offensive operations, all aimed at the Crimean straits.

3rd Rumanian Army took the port of GENICHESK, where a small holding force had been left by the Red Army. In collaboration with 4th Rumanian Army, it also occupied the northern side of the central strait at NOVOALEKSEEVKA, routing a Soviet Airborne Brigade in the process.

4th Rumanian Army had the harder job, but managed to pull off the forcing of the western strait, south of ARMYANSK pushing into the penninsula proper. Their hold remains tenuous, but most of 4th Rumanian Army is in support of this operation.

This is the thread for final operational orders from each of the players and OKH products. Top level comments should only be operational orders or planning products. If you'd like to ask a question of a specific player either comment under his OP Order or in the Initial Situation Brief.

Observers are welcome to comment under the orders given. The deadline for Phases 6-7 (orders) will be Sunday August 15th at 12h00 PM Eastern Time after which the turn will be handed over to the Soviet Umpire.

##Phase 1 - Furher Directive

There are currently no Furher Directives active.

##Phase 2 - Roll on Hitler Table

Roll = 4 = No event.

Current Objective: NOVGOROD must be captured by the start of the Rasputitsa (Turn 18).

Special Event: The Severity Order

On October 10th 1941, 6th Army commander, Generalfeldmarshal Walther von Reicheneau, promulgated what would become known as "The Severity Order" or "The Reicheneau Order". The order (text available at the link above) laid out the guidelines regular Werhmacht forces were to employ when dealing with partisans, captured enemy combatants, Jews and other such populations who were seen as a security risk by German forces. The order was couched in national-socialist terms and propaganda, presenting the War in the East as a racial and ideological war.

The implications of the order were clear:

1. Jews were to be treated as partisans in all cases and handed over to Einsatzgruppen (who would then execute them, this was well known by mid to high level Wehrmacht leadership even at the beginning of the war).

2. It strongly discouraged the feeding of civilians and POWs as well as the taking of POWs in the first place.

3. The destruction of civilian property, either by retreating Soviet forces or encroaching German soldiers was only to be prevented when militarily necessary.

Historically, Army Group South's commander endorsed Reicheneau's order, as did OKH leadership. The order circulated and was approved in the other army groups. It legitimized criminal behaviors that had already been occurring up to that point and can be seen as a continuation of the German efforts to ethnically cleanse the occupied Soviet territories.

The commander of AGS, Generalfeldmarshal Gerd von Rundstedt, must now decide what to do in response to this recent proclamation to 6th Army's troops, here are your options. Depending on the choice made, the problem may escalate in the following weeks to involve OKH.

1. Censure Reicheneau and the order.

2. Replace Reicheneau with another commander while also censuring the order.

3. Tacitly approve the order/do nothing.

4. Endorse the order.

I will be expecting an answer in AGS orders for turn 17.

##Phase 3 - Initial Situation Brief

General Comment: The Reich weather office forecasts heavy rainfall across the Eastern Territories next week, consistent with the bi-yearly Russian flood season.

Date: 09 October 1941

Overall Map

OOB

Ground Casualties

Air Losses

Reinforcement and Withdrawal Schedule

Logistics Log

Reinforcements:

• 227th Infantry Division

• 5th Hungarian Security Brigade

• 2nd Hungarian Security Brigade

Unfrozen Units:

• 4th Rumanian Infantry Division

Withdrawn Units:

• 1x Fighter-Bomber Squadron

• 1x Fighter Squadron (Staff)

Air National Reserve (Ready to be deployed):

Here are the squadrons available for deployment. I have not withdrawn any squadrons as the campaign season comes to a close. Some of the squadrons in the national reserve have full numbers but have low morale by German air standards (<70) or haven't fully recovered. These squadrons will be indicated by the marking (U) and it is up to you to decide whether you want to deploy them or not.

• 2x Transport Squadrons

• 1x Fighter Squadron (Staff)

• 1x Fighter Squadron (Staff) (U - Tired)

• 1x Fighter Squadron (U - Tired)

• 1x Fighter-Bomber Squadrons (Staff) (U - Tired)

• 1x Level Bomber Squadron (U - Lack of Experience)

Administrative Points: 227

Rail Capacity: 31 999 (About 9 Infantry Divisions)

Trucks: 201k (178k)

Sealift Capacity: 15 000 (Baltic)

###NOTE

I have conducted pre-recon according to OKH directives. There are missions remaining for Sunday, but you can expect this is a fair representation of Axis recon efforts. I have also done a bit of aerial housekeeping by withdrawing some depleted squadrons to the National Reserve

###SOVIET/ALLIES INTELLIGENCE INTERCEPTS

• Propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels, in response to the heavy bombing of Berlin by the RAF in the night of October 7th, proclaims that victory is near and soon the "Anglo-Bolshevik" alliance will be destroyed. Losses of RAF aircraft are heavy, but the mood in Berlin is somber nonetheless.

• Frantic rail traffic was observed over the course of the week around the STALINO industrial complex, as numerous resource and machinery-laden trains depart towards the East. Nonetheless, the Abwehr assesses as ALMOST CERTAIN with a HIGH confidence that the evacuation is not yet complete.

###NORTH

On the Finnish front, the Soviets withdraw south, anchoring their new line on Lake LADOGA and ONEGA. The two encircled formations are left to fend for themselves amongst the Finns.

In AGN's area, the Soviets do not counterattack or move much, leaving the ILMEN pocket intact. They form a new defense in depth in the VALDAI Hills defending the rail line running NE-SW in the sector. NOVGOROD is still heavily defended from the southern approach.

Supply in panzer formations is AVERAGE (On average, mobile units can count on 50% of their alloted fuel).

Finnish Front

Army Group North - LENINGRAD

Army Group North - VALDAI HILLS & MOSCOW

###CENTER

Not much movement in the RHZEV-OREL sector as Soviet forces continue digging in front of the capital.

East of OREL however, the Red Army counterattacked the weak regiments of the 12th Panzer Division securing the north of the encirclement, opening a supply corridor. The formations appear rather weak as no fortifications are present in this sector, but a few armor and cavalry divisions have been spotted. OREL itself remains defended by a single rifle division, taking advantage of the urban defenses available while the remainder of the Soviet forces conduct a limited withdrawal north.

Supply situation in mobile forces is rated between VERY LOW and GOOD. (Fuel varies between 5% and 75%)

Army Group Center - VYAZMA-OREL Area

Army Group Center - KURSK-VORONEZH Area

###SOUTH

The Red Army appears intent to hold its line on the OSKOL river, while the screen south of STALINO appears to have been withdrawn in favor of a defense of the KALMIUS river. The STALINO industrial complex itself (to include the subsidiary cities of GORLOVKA and MAKEEVKA) seems defended by what is assessed with MEDIUM confidence to be a Rifle Corps.

Supply is assessed as LOW in the mobile divisions. (Fuel averages 35%)

In the Rumanian sector, no significant reinforcements of the Crimean peninsula has been observed, though Soviet forces have dispatched troops to secure the port of GENICHESK. 4th Army is in position to launch an attack from ARMYANSK towards ISHUN this week.

Army Group South - KHARKOV Area

Army Group South - KG SCHOBERT

Rumanian Front

Technical information:

• Recon phase will occur Sunday August 8th at 14h00 EST.

• The Order topic will be available afterwards.

• At recon the process for the mud phase will be explained.

The initial briefing for the beginning of next turn will be posted ASAP. Recon/Planning Conference will is scheduled for Sunday August 8th at 14h00 EST.

Umpire Feedback

You guys need to figure out what to do with AGN FBD. In general I would like to see some improvement to the formatting of orders (use of bolding for titles and such, looking at you AGS!), but I'm overall pleased with the improvement maps have gone through.

OKH staff, apart from the G2 (who has stellar, albeit non formatted, reports), looking to get some more of that analysis for leaders, AP, HQ BU and Logistics we used to get a while back. I feel this has been slipping these last turns. Let me know if we need some new blood/energy!

Tactically speaking, it was a good turn for Germany, but long term planning will become important for after mud.

By the way the French regiment is absolutely useless on the front, it's a 4-5 CV unit even under a German commander.

Please let me know if there's things I can do better on my end or if I didn't portray your intent accurately on the map. I did my best to follow the orders given but it's possible I misunderstood something!

##General notes/OKH

Overall Map

Luftwaffe: Apart from an ill advised unescorted bombing raid (doh), losses were within projections for both sides and there is little to report. Overall air coverage in the "pocket" zone is light simply due to range/rail issues, but that is slowly improving. I have minimized withdrawals to the national reserve as poor weather will soon make flying challenging regardless. The 7th Flieger Division is getting ready to take over security duties in DNEPROPETROVSK from the Hungarian brigades present. Here is the state of requested assignments from the national reserve:

• 1x Fighter Squadron AGN - Done

• 2x Fighter-Bomber Squadron AGN - Done

Air Losses

Ground Casualties

Railway conversion:

• FBD North has reached DNO (East of PSKOV) and is rather close to the frontline. This FBD currently does not have orders.

• FBD Center North (Bryansk), no problem.

• FBD Center South (Kursk), no problem.

• FBD South (D-Town), no problem.

Railway Capacity: No issues this week!

Reinforcements:

• The French Volunteer Regiment is on its way to the Rumanian sector for assignment, but the Rumanian VII Corps is still frozen and part of 1st Rum Army which is assigned to rear area security.

• XXVII Corps (HQ) still languishes in VILNIUS AA.

• The 8th Hungarian Security Brigade is on a train headed to the rear area of AGS in order to be assigned to security duties.

• The 2nd Rumanian Infantry division will take over security duties in ZAPOROZHYE.

• Of particular interest to AGC, the 1st Cavalry Division (XXIV Panzer Corps) will withdraw in 5 weeks.

Reassignments/Leadership management/AP Expenditures

• Remind me to assign the 2nd Slovakian Security Division to 103rd RHG in your orders next week.

• The 369th Croatian Infantry Regiment is in need of assignment. Currently assigned to 11th Army directly.

Refit & HQ Buildups:

Only the refits below are currently active.

• 4th Panzergruppe is on refit. (AGN)

• LVII Panzer Corps is on refit (AGC)

• XXIV Panzer Corps is on refit. (AGC)

Rear Area Security:

Here's a summary of what cities need to be assigned garrisons as well as a balance of dedicated security troops remaining. If a city is on the list it means I do not have enough dedicated security forces to garrison it, or the total is insufficient.

AGN: 2 Security Regiments remaining. (One will be necessary for NOVGOROD, if taken)

AGC: 1 Security Regiment remaining. (IVO SMOLENSK)

AGS: No assigned security formations remaining. I am currently using the Hungarians as a stopgap. Poltava is employing a Hungarian combat brigade, while Kharkov and Belgorod are garrisoned by 6th Army infantry divisions. The incoming Hungarian security brigade will be used to garrison Kharkov.

Rumania: All security troops employed. (Assuming all of 1st Rum Army is assigned security duties)

Cities lacking appropriate garrison:

Currently: BELGOROD, KHARKOV, POLTAVA

Soon: OREL, STALINO Complex (3 urban hexes), VYAZMA and RHZEV (if the frontline should move past them).

##FINLAND

The Army of Karelia managed to secure the encirclement of the two previously isolated formations, it is unlikely the Soviets will be able to break through to them now. The Karelian Army is now a mere 30 miles from the halt line decreed by Marshal Mannerheim where the Soviets were able to stabilize the situation for the time being.

Situation no change for the Kannas Army.

##AGN

###AGN - Leningrad Front

###AGN - Valdai Hills & North Moscow

18th Army continues grinding forward against strong opposition. Bridgeheads were established west of the PLYUSSA river, but the Soviet armor formations in the central sector are powerful and well led, which makes the going difficult.

16th Army spent the week supporting 4th Panzergruppe in isolating a small pocket south of Lake ILMEN, while rationalizing its lines in the VALDAI hills.

4th Panzergruppe continued its thrust and managed to rescue 6th Panzer Division from its ill conceived encirclement, while trapping about 7 Soviet formations against the shore of the lake. The encirclement is well secured and its unlikely the Soviets can break it with the forces available to them, especially considering numerous Soviet formations were routed in the process.

##AGC

###VYAZMA-OREL Area

###KURSK-VORONEZH Area

9th Army's position remains precarious, but the attack against VYAZMA was a rapid, if somewhat costly, success. Additional ground secured north of RHZEV helped straighten the line and obtain additional defensible ground.

2nd Army supported 9th Army's attack on VYAZMA, but its own attack against SPAS-DEMYANSK was an abject failure. Generaloberst von Weichs protests that his army has too long of a front to cover to obtain local concentration of forces.

4th Army largely liquidated the KURSK pocket on its own, with some help from 6th Army, yielding approximately 100 000 Soviet prisonners. The remainder, already engaged in the OREL sector, supported the panzers' breakthrough east of OREL by securing bridgeheads across the OLYM river.

2nd Panzergruppe, still critically short of fuel except in the identified formations, crawled its way north. XXIV Panzer Corps on the other hand launched a sharp offensive against determined Soviet oppositions and significantly hampered by the ZUSHA river. Nonetheless, they managed to secure the western flank of an encirclement in which as many as 15 Soviet divisions may be trapped.

3rd Panzergruppe was doing very slightly better on supply than 2nd on supplies, reinforcing the base of their own pincer with additional armor. Nonetheless, the greater distance necessary for them to close the VERKHOVYE pocket meant that at the very tip, 12th Panzer Division had to break down into regiments. This is where a Soviet breakout is most likely to occur.

##AGS

###KHARKOV Area

###KG SCHOBERT

1st Panzergruppe dashed forward once more, ending up a mere 30 miles from the outskirts of the STALINO industrial complex, where heavy rail traffic was reported. At this stage, it does not appear that the local party committee had managed to evacuate all industrial supplies as trains full of sulfur, coal and manganese fell into German hands during their advance.

6th Army cleared the KHARKOV pocket handily with the help of 17th Army. Another 160 000 Soviets will make their way to the prison camps of the Reich. All told, approximately 3000 artillery pieces fell into German hands as well across both pockets. Generalfeldmarshal von Reichenau prepares his army to now push on to the OSKOL river to defend the extended portion of the front between AGC and AGS.

17th Army did manage to closely follow behind 1st Panzergruppe and should be able to provide support if an operation against STALINO is ordered the following week.

Kampfgruppe SCHOBERT continued to closely follow the Soviet screen in the somewhat empty ground north of the SEA OF AZOV, without managing to get into contact however. The Italian Expeditionary Corps has the honor of forming the right flank of the German advance in this sector, but its supporting Hungarian auxiliaries have their hands full securing the rear area of the KG's advance.

##RUMANIAN HIGH COMMAND

3rd Rumanian Army wheeled about, advancing down the Melitopol-Novoalekseeva railway, though the later town remains for now out of their reach.

4th Rumanian Army did finally make contact with the elusive Soviet troops when securing the town of ARMYANSK however, it is expected that offensive operations into Crimea could begin as soon as next week.

This is the thread for final operational orders from each of the players and OKH products. Top level comments should only be operational orders or planning products. If you'd like to ask a question of a specific player either comment under his OP Order or in the Initial Situation Brief.

Observers are welcome to comment under the orders given. The deadline for Phases 6-7 (orders) will be Sunday July 25th at 12h00 PM Eastern Time after which the turn will be handed over to the Soviet Umpire.

##Phase 1 - Furher Directive

There are currently no Furher Directives active.

##Phase 2 - Roll on Hitler Table

Roll = 32 = No event.

Current Objective: NOVGOROD must be captured by the start of the Rasputitsa (Turn 18).

##Phase 3 - Initial Situation Brief

General comment: Faced with a desperate struggle, the Ostheer has resorted to employing captured Soviet weapons to replace their own deficiencies.

Date: 02 October 1941

Overall Map

OOB

Ground Casualties

Air Losses

Reinforcement and Withdrawal Schedule

Logistics Log

Reinforcements:

• 8th Hungarian Security Brigade

• French Volunteer Infantry Regiment

Unfrozen Units:

• VI Rumanian Corps (HQ)

• 18th Rumanian Infantry Division

Withdrawn Units: Nil.

Air National Reserve (Ready to be deployed):

Here are the squadrons available for deployment. Not too many withdrawals beyond normal fighter rotations. Some of the squadrons in the national reserve have full numbers but have low morale by German air standards (<70) or haven't fully recovered. These squadrons will be indicated by the marking (U) and it is up to you to decide whether you want to deploy them or not.

• 1x Fighter Squadron

• 2x Fighter-Bomber Squadron

• 1x Fighter Squadron (Staff) (U - Tired)

• 1x Fighter Squadron (U - Tired)

• 2x Fighter-Bomber Squadrons (Staff) (U - Tired)

• 1x Level Bomber Squadron (U - Lack of Experience)

Administrative Points: 177

Rail Capacity: 31 675 (About 9 Infantry Divisions)

Trucks: 198k (181k)

Sealift Capacity: 15 000 (Baltic)

###NOTE

I have conducted pre-recon according to OKH directives. There are missions remaining for Sunday, but you can expect this is a fair representation of Axis recon efforts. I have also done a bit of aerial housekeeping by withdrawing some depleted squadrons to the National Reserve

###SOVIET/ALLIES INTELLIGENCE INTERCEPTS

• A British and American delegation were reported to have arrived in MOSCOW on 29th September by HUMINT assets. Abwehr assesses as LIKELY, with MEDIUM confidence that the talks were about possible Anglo-American assistance to the Soviet Union, particularly in light of the recently enacted (March 11, 1941) Lend-Lease Act.

###NORTH

On the Finnish front, a new hasty line is formed in Karelia, while the two previously encircled units attempt to escape south.

In AGN's area, the Soviets counterattack in the VALDAI HILLS and surround 6th Panzer Division. 4th Panzergruppe still has three moderately fueled up divisions outside the salient, but is otherwise constrained by what seems to be numerous opposition. A local counterattack on the PLYUSSA river drives back the 93rd infantry division, but the Soviets get the worst of it, losing 50 AFVs.

Supply in panzer formations is AVERAGE (On average, for units inside the salient, 10%. For those outside, 65%).

Finnish Front

Army Group North - LENINGRAD

Army Group North - VALDAI HILLS & MOSCOW

###CENTER

The Soviets conclude another withdrawal northwest of RHZEV, straightening their lines on the VOLGA.

The rogue division was not rescued and is expected to be liquidated in the coming week. It has been identified as the 8th Division of the Moscow People's Militia.

Both of the Kursk and Kharkov pockets have held, with Soviets sending raiding forces so as to be a nuisance to our supply lines. It is expected both pockets should be liquidated in the coming week as well, provided sufficient forces is allocated to the task.

Supply situation in mobile forces is rated as VERY LOW. (Fuel varies between 10% and 25%, except for both built up Corps, which vary between 50% and 100%)

VYAZMA-OREL Area

KURSK-VORONEZH Area

###SOUTH

The Red Army once again withdrew, by as much as 60 miles in certain places, in favor of a light screening defense in front of the STALINO industrial complex. The city of ZAPOROZHYE was deserted without a shot fired by its defenders, with some heavy industry (3) and machinery still on the loading platforms.

Supply is assessed as LOW in the mobile divisions. (Fuel averages 30%, save XIV Panzer Corps south of the pocket, which hovers around 60%)

In the Rumanian sector, nothing new to report.

Army Group South - KHARKOV Area

Army Group South - KG SCHOBERT

Rumanian Front

Technical information:

• Recon phase has already occurred.

• The Order topic will be available right away.

The initial briefing for the beginning of next turn will be posted ASAP. Recon/Planning Conference will still occur this Sunday at the usual time! (July 18th 14h00 EST)

Umpire Feedback

No G1/G4 orders this turn, I know the player had IRL stuff to do, but someone in (or out of) OKH should pick up the slack when that happens. As a result, AP expenditure was limited to AGC's HQ Buildups and my usual support unit shuffling.

Also sorry, I messed up refits this week again. I really need to make a note for the end of turn.

A good side project for an OKH staffer would be to figure out the rear area security plan.

Please let me know if there's things I can do better on my end or if I didn't portray your intent accurately on the map. I did my best to follow the orders given but it's possible I misunderstood something!

##General notes/OKH

Overall Map

Luftwaffe: Not much to say here, losses were heavier than usual for recon planes, but nothing too worrying. Soviet plane losses also holding steady, helped by an airfield raid in AGN's sector. AGC's level bombers will be relocated next week to enable better coverage, as currently the high priority bomber coverage is handled mostly by dive bombers. The 7th Flieger Division has reached ROVNO by train and is expected to be assigned to security duties as expected. Here is the state of requested assignments from the national reserve:

• 1x Transport Squadron AGS - Done

• 1x Dive Bomber Squadron AGC - Done

• 3x Level Bomber Squadrons AGC - Done

Not too many squadrons were rotated this turn.

Air Losses

Ground Casualties

Railway conversion:

• FBD North has reached PORKHOV (East of PSKOV). This FBD currently does not have orders.

• FBD Center (Vyazma?) is once again very close to the frontline about 30 miles west of VYAZMA. This FBD currently does not have orders.

• FBD Center (Kursk), no problem.

• FBD South (D-Town), no problem.

Railway Capacity: No issues this week!

Reinforcements:

• 7th Flieger Division is en route towards Bessarabia/Southern Ukraine, currently at ROVNO.

• In absence of further orders for them, XXVII Corps (HQ) was sent to VILNIUS to await assignment. It's currently assigned to 9th Army for some reason.

Reassignments/Leadership management/AP Expenditures

• Remind me to assign the 2nd Slovakian Security Division to 103rd RHG in your orders next week.

• The 369th Croatian Infantry Regiment is in need of assignment. Currently assigned to 11th Army directly.

Refit & HQ Buildups:

Forgot to change the refits at the end of turn, my bad my dudes.

• The whole of 4th Panzergruppe is on refit (AGN)

• XXXXVII Panzer Corps is on refit. (AGC)

• XXIV Panzer Corps is on refit (AGC)

• III Panzer Corps is on refit. (AGS)

• LVII Panzer Corps (AGC) executed a HQ Buildup (32 AP).

• XXIV Panzer Corps (AGC) executed a HQ Buildup (32 AP).

Rear Area Security:

Here's a summary of what cities need to be assigned garrisons as well as a balance of dedicated security troops remaining. If a city is on the list it means I do not have enough dedicated security forces to garrison it, or the total is insufficient.

AGN: 2 Security Regiments remaining. (One will be necessary for NOVGOROD, if taken)

AGC: 1 Security Regiment remaining. (One is on its way to garrison BRYANSK)

AGS: No assigned security formations remaining. I am currently using the Hungarians as a stopgap. D-Town, Z-Town, Poltava and Belgorod will need garrisons. I would use the Slovaks to garrison Kharkov.

Rumania: 1x Infantry Division, 1x Cavalry brigade remaining. (Assuming all of 1st Rum Army is assigned security duties)

Cities lacking appropriate garrison:

Currently: Poltava

Soon: Kursk, D-Town, Z-Town, Belgorod

##FINLAND

The Army of Karelia managed to isolate a division and a brigade of Soviet infantry by pushing up to the shore of lake ONEGA. The exploitation reached 30 miles into Soviet lines and managed to cut one of the MURMANSK rail lines. Herr Hitler is very pleased with his Finnish allies.

Situation no change for the Kannas Army.

##AGN

###AGN - Leningrad Front

###AGN - Valdai Hills & North Moscow

18th Army is still stuck in World War 1, with a slow and steady advance toward lake ILMEN.

16th Army managed to punch a hole in the VALDAI defenses while occupying the space vacated by the Soviets in the previous weeks. Nonetheless, they are still 10 miles from the shore of the lake, which is somewhat relevant given 4th Panzergruppe's efforts.

4th Panzergruppe exploited the breach created by 16th Army and engaged in confused fighting in the hills. A small but not quite sealed pocket was formed along the river POLA, but the salient itself is somewhat exposed. General Georg-Hans Reinhardt, XXXXI Panzer Corps commander, is particularly worried about the exposed position of 6th Panzer Division, which slipped the leash a bit to raid the support zone of the Soviets.

##AGC

###VYAZMA-OREL Area

###KURSK-VORONEZH Area

9th Army's position, while somewhat normalized this week, is still tenuous. Apart from the RHZEV sector, there is only one division for 20 miles of front as a result of the concentration in front of VYAZMA. Nonetheless, they at least appear to benefit from strong fortifications and/or defensible terrain.

2nd Army managed to encircle the "Rogue Division", but is very thin on formations in the WEST-OREL sector. One corps has been concentrated around VYAZMA, along with one corps from 9th Army.

4th Army managed to take over the northern shoulder of the KURSK encirclement while positioning the rest of the army to prepare the liquidation of the pocket.

3rd Panzergruppe had to keep some of its formations in the line, but all of its divisions are now regrouped, while LVII Panzer Corps spent the last week stockpiling supplies and preparing for an offensive. In both PzGrp cases, it was necessary to rout some of the Soviet units that were worming their way through the lines.

2nd Panzergruppe similarly withdrew XXIV Panzer Corps from the line, but was still needed to hold the central sector between the two encirclements.

##AGS

###KHARKOV Area

###KG SCHOBERT

1st Panzergruppe shifted slightly north so as to take part of 2nd Panzergruppe's sector. Additionally, it's new corps (XXXX) went for a little drive in the Ukrainian steppe. They no signs of the Soviets until the OSKOL river.

6th Army helped secure the central supply corridor and is poised to reduce the Kharkov kessel next week.

17th Army was not going to be able to take over a significant portion of 1st Panzergruppe's frontage, so General Gotthard Heinrici ordered them to set up a GUARD on the kessel's flank.

Kampfgruppe SCHOBERT reached the banks of the DNEPR up north and advanced to the MOLOCHNA river south of the bend. DNEPROPETROVSK was secured without a shot and its population will now toil for the Reich.

##RUMANIAN HIGH COMMAND

3rd Rumanian Army crossed the DNEPR but encountered a bad case of the swamps. They are at least on the South-eastern side of the river now, with the 1st Rumanian Armoured division scouting ahead towards FEDOROVKA.

4th Rumanian Army experienced similarly laborious crossing operations, due in no small part to constant sighting of Soviets and Japanese Torpedo Boats where there were none.

This is the thread for final operational orders from each of the players and OKH products. Top level comments should only be operational orders or planning products. If you'd like to ask a question of a specific player either comment under his OP Order or in the Initial Situation Brief.

Observers are welcome to comment under the orders given. The deadline for Phases 6-7 (orders) will be Sunday July 11th at 12h00 PM Eastern Time after which the turn will be handed over to the Soviet Umpire.

##Phase 1 - Furher Directive

Furher Directive 33 is still in effect. You have 5 days (1 turns left) to capture your assigned objectives (two of KURSK, KHARKOV, STALINO). Assuming current pockets are reestablished convincingly, this will count as a success.

##Phase 2 - Roll on Hitler Table

Roll = 33 = No event.

Current Objective: NOVGOROD must be captured by the start of the Rasputitsa (Turn 18).

##Phase 3 - Initial Situation Brief

Date: 25 September 1941

Overall Map

OOB - With current intelligence on Soviet numbers

Ground Casualties

Air Losses

Reinforcement and Withdrawal Schedule

Logistics Log

Reinforcements:

• XXVII Corps (HQ)

• 7th Flieger Division (Elite - Under Luftwaffe control)

• Slovakian Mobile Brigade upgrades to divisional status.

Unfrozen Units: Nil.

Withdrawn Units: 2x Howitzer Battalions.

Air National Reserve (Ready to be deployed):

Here are the squadrons available for deployment. Not too many withdrawals beyond normal fighter rotations. Some of the squadrons in the national reserve have full numbers but have low morale by German air standards (<70) or haven't fully recovered. These squadrons will be indicated by the marking (U) and it is up to you to decide whether you want to deploy them or not.

• 1x Transport Squadron

• 1x Fighter Squadron (Staff) (U - Tired)

• 2x Fighter-Bomber Squadrons (Staff) (U - Tired)

• 1x Dive Bomber Squadron

• 3x Level Bomber Squadrons

• 1x Level Bomber Squadrons (U - Needs more training)

Administrative Points: 203

Rail Capacity: 29 965 (About 9 Infantry Divisions)

Trucks: 199k (150k)

Sealift Capacity: 15 000 (Baltic)

###NOTE

I have conducted pre-recon according to OKH directives. There are missions remaining for Sunday, but you can expect this is a fair representation of Axis recon efforts. I have also done a bit of aerial housekeeping by withdrawing some depleted squadrons to the National Reserve

###SOVIET/ALLIES INTELLIGENCE INTERCEPTS

• Large scale North-South rail movement has been observed in the Soviet depth, assessed with HIGH confidence to be troop movement. Deep in the South sector, long range recon reports several rail jams and traffic delays IVO the STALINO industrial complex.

###NORTH

On the Finnish front, partial withdrawal of the semi-trapped units. The Soviets maintain relative cohesion despite the pressure.

In AGN's area, the ILMEN salient is evacuated, with the new Soviet line anchored on the shores of lake ILMEN. Strong concentrations remain in front of RHZEV and on its northern flank, but the salient was not challenged and 4th Panzergruppe was able to withdraw in good order. It is assessed as HIGHLY LIKELY that 4th PzG's location is known to the Soviets given the heavy aerial recon efforts on their part.

Supply in panzer formations is GOOD (Fuel averages 65%). Due to the committal of all other panzer forces, 4th PzG recovered a good portion of its strength on refit with no division below 70% ToE.

Army Group North - Leningrad

Army Group North - Valdai Hills & Rhzev Salient

Finnish Front

###CENTER

The Soviets rationalized their lines in front of MOSCOW, evacuating 40 miles of ground south of RHZEV, the new frontline runs between VYAZMA and OREL.

A quick raid by a Soviet infantry formation forced Generalleutnant Model to evacuate his HQ to DUBROVKA, losing contact with some of his formations in the process. The porous nature of the front in 2nd Army's sector makes it prone to such infiltrations. Nonetheless, the Soviets subsequently evacuated a large zone along with the city of BRYANSK itself afterwards.

Soviet relief forces managed to pierce the eastward facing screen of the KURSK pocket in a coordinated operation by four rifle divisions. Nonetheless, few forces are expected to be able to escape through the narrow gap. Similar efforts against the central corridor were unsuccessful.

Another successful attack led by Tolbukhin opened a hole in the KHARKOV pocket, IVO BELGOROD.

Supply situation in mobile forces is rated as VERY LOW. (Fuel is on average 20%.)

SMOLENSK-BRYANSK Area

KURSK Area

###SOUTH

Once again, a sizeable withdrawal by the Red Army to a new line on the OSKOL and SAMARA rivers. The major city of DNEPROPETROVSK was left abandonned and only a light screen remains on the approaches to STALINO.

Supply is assessed as VERY LOW in the mobile divisions with the notable exception of the newly arrived XXXX Panzer Corps and a few divisions on the southern side of the pocket. (fuel averages 20% in the divisions engaged with the pocket)

In the Rumanian sector, the Soviets have withdrawn to the Isthmus of Perekop with what looks like a solid defense in prepared positions.

Army Group South - KHARKOV Area

Army Group South - KG SCHOBERT

Rumanian Front

Technical information:

• Recon phase will occur Sunday July 4th at 14h00 EST (usual time) on Discord.

• The Order topic will be available afterwards.

The initial briefing for the beginning of next turn will be posted before Saturday.

Umpire Feedback

Gotta start thinking about allocating forces to rear area security, more to follow on that below.

Please let me know if there's things I can do better on my end or if I didn't portray your intent accurately on the map. I did my best to follow the orders given but it's possible I misunderstood something!

##General notes/OKH

Overall Map

Luftwaffe: Another decent week in the air, though it's becoming impossible to send escorted bomber strikes forward in the center due to the distance from the frontline. Reorganization of squadrons and bases will be necessary next week. Here is the state of requested assignments from the national reserve:

• 3x Transport Squadrons AGC - Done

• 1x Fighter Squadron (Staff) AGC (near the north) - Done

• 2x Fighter Squadrons AGC (near the north) - Done

• 3x Dive Bomber Squadrons AGC (near the north) - Done

• 3x Level Bomber Squadrons AGN - 2/3 Assigned, no room in the airbase.

• 1x Recon Squadron AGC - Done

Some squadrons were rotated into the nat reserve, you know how it goes.

Air Losses

Ground Casualties

Railway conversion:

• FBD North has reached PSKOV

• FBD Center (Smolensk) has been forced to turn back after reaching the frontline.

• FBD Center (Kursk), no problem.

• FBD South (D-Town), no problem.

Railway Capacity: Fully utilized this week. The situation is expected to improve as XXXX Panzer Corps has disembarked in the south.

Reinforcements:

• XXXX Panzer Corps detrained at KARNYANKA and moved to the frontline. They are currently in their assembly area IVO KOBELYAKI.

Reassignments/Leadership management/AP Expenditures

• Remind me to assign the 2nd Slovakian Security Division to 103rd RHG, I forgot.

• The 369th Croatian Infantry Regiment is to be assigned to LIV Corps 11th Army and moved forward to the front as convenient. - Movement initiated, assignment incomplete (only assigned to 11th Army) due to distance from receiving HQ. (I think it would be smarter to leave them unassigned and use them as security troops, they're a 3 CV regiment).

• Generalleutnant Otto Foerster is to be relieved of his command of VI Corps 6th Army and replaced with Generalleutnant Ernst Hell [first preference]. - Done, but VI Corps is part of 9th Army, not 6th. (6 AP)

• General Walter Heitz is to be relieved of his command of VII Corps 9th Army and replaced with Generalleutnant Otto von Knobelsdorff [first preference]. - Done, but Heitz was in command of VIII Corps, not VII. (8 AP)

Refit & HQ Buildups:

• The whole of 4th Panzergruppe is on refit (AGN)

• XXXXVII Panzer Corps is on refit. (AGC)

• XXIV Panzer Corps is on refit (AGC)

• III Panzer Corps is on refit. (AGS)

I forgot to do some of the refits you guys asked for, but I don't think it will have a huge impact as the forward elements of AGC and AGS were too far to receive much replacements regardless. Either way, my bad.

Rear Area Security:

Here's a summary of what cities need to be assigned garrisons as well as a balance of dedicated security troops remaining. If a city is on the list it means I do not have enough dedicated security forces to garrison it, or the total is insufficient.

AGN: 2 Security Regiments remaining.

AGC: 2 Security Regiment remaining. (One near Smolensk, one near Kursk)

AGS: 1x Slovak Security Division remaining. (Enough to garrison 1x large city)

Rumania: 1x Infantry Division, 1x Cavalry brigade remaining. (Assuming all of 1st Rum Army is assigned security duties)

Cities lacking appropriate garrison:

Currently: Poltava

Soon: Kharkov, Kursk, D-Town, Z-Town

####Special Event: Odessa Massacre

The expanded search measures and refusal to enlist German help requires Rumania to commit an additional infantry division for security in Odessa for the duration of 1941. 1st Rumanian Infantry Division has been assigned to this task along with 1st Rumanian Cavalry brigade.

Despite skepticism by German liaison officers and disobedience by some local commanders, extra-judicial executions remain isolated incidents for the moment.

##FINLAND

The Army of Karelia almost managed to encircle the Soviet formations north of the ZYAMOZERO river, but a frustratingly thin supply corridor with a railway remains open.

Situation no change for the Kannas Army.

In 5 weeks several Finnish formations will withdraw, I suggest you ask me about it during recon.

##AGN - Leningrad Front

##AGN - Valdai Hills

The forces of 18th Army continue to engage in grinding infantry combat against the Soviet defenses. No exploitation opportunity presents itself, but progress is steady at the very least.

16th Army, in a similar fashion, continues slow progress forward. It is hampered by rough ground, about to get rougher as the line has now more or less reached the VALDAI HILLS.

4th Panzergruppe has withdrawn to the TOROPETS area, ceding the RHZEV salient to troops of 9th Army. The divisions holding RHZEV proper did not have enough fuel proper and have only managed to get to the base of the salient (but remain disengaged).

##AGC

###SMOLENSK-OREL Area

###KURSK Area

9th Army's had the benefit of occupying positions previously dug by 4th Panzergruppe, so maintain a good defense in the salient. However the shortage of infantry on the shoulders remain accute, along with the number of support units (HQs, Airbases and such) necessary to maintain the forces within the salient. There is some risk of a successful Soviet raid in that area.

2nd Army advanced to contact, but encircling BRYANSK proved to be impossible due to other infantry forces in proximity. Nonetheless, 2nd Army's sector is very fluid with numerous gaps in the line on both sides.

4th Army also advanced with everything they had, but couldn't meaningfully contribute to 3rd Panzergruppe's breakthrough, instead helping secure the shoulders and the rear of the newly formed KURSK pocket.

3rd Panzergruppe punched through Soviet forces at MALOARCHANGELSK and joined with 2nd Panzergruppe IVO MANTUROVO. After weak initial resistance, mobile forces were able to exploit in the enemy rear easily.

2nd Panzergruppe had a more arduous journey, massing panzers to defeat Soviet riflemen hastily dug in behind rivers. Nonetheless, they were also able to attain the expected penetration in the central sector and join with 1st Panzergruppe North-East of KHARKOV.

##AGS

###KHARKOV Area

###KG SCHOBERT

1st Panzergruppe managed to secure the southern half of the KHARKOV pocket rather easily, resistance was weak in their sector, save for the city of KHARKOV itself which turned out to be a formidable fortress.

6th Army advanced as fast as their legs could carry them, but mostly failed to reach the frontline and significantly contribute to operations this week.

17th Army did much of the same thing.

Kampfgruppe SCHOBERT managed to establish a divisional bridgehead North-East of BOLSHAKA LEPETIKHA, but a continuous line of Soviet defenders in the swamps lining the banks of the river precluded more significant crossing operations.

##RUMANIAN HIGH COMMAND

3rd Rumanian Army lined up on the banks of the DNEPR, deliberate crossing operations should be ready to commence next week.

4th Rumanian Army took KHERSON as ordered and lined on the right flank of 3rd Army, similarly ready to begin crossing operations next week.

This is the thread for final operational orders from each of the players and OKH products. Top level comments should only be operational orders or planning products. If you'd like to ask a question of a specific player either comment under his OP Order or in the Initial Situation Brief.

Observers are welcome to comment under the orders given. The deadline for Phases 6-7 (orders) will be Sunday May 30th at 12h00 PM Eastern Time after which the turn will be handed over to the Soviet Umpire.

##Phase 1 - Furher Directive

Furher Directive 33 is still in effect. You have 12 days (2 turns left) to capture your assigned objectives (two of KURSK, KHARKOV, STALINO)

##Phase 2 - Roll on Hitler Table

Roll = 60 = LOS! LOS! LOS! - An objective with a turn limit will be given.

Target roll = 24 = AGN

Von Leeb's political rating is insufficient to change the target.

The Furher is concerned that with the lack of progress on the Leningrad front the Heer will be forced to shift to a defensive posture sooner than anticipated. As such, the capture of NOVGOROD is necessary so that, if needed, our lines can be anchored on the shores of Lake ILMEN. As such, NOVGOROD must be captured by the start of the Rasputitsa (Turn 18).

Special Event: Odessa Massacre (?)

Odessa was home to 200 000 Jews, or roughly 30% of the city's total population, though only 90 000 remain after the capture of the city by Rumanian forces.

On 16th of September [Historically October 22], an explosion rocked the headquarters of the 10th Rumanian Infantry Division which was established in the former NKVD building. 67 Rumanians were killed, including 16 officers and the commander of the city garrison. Many within the Rumanian military command called for reprisals and blamed the explosion on Jews and communists. In reality the radio controlled mine had been planted before the surrender of the city.

Historically, Rumanian forces and Einsatzgruppen murdered 5000-10000 hostages and interned the Jewish population in the Odessa ghetto, where conditions were extremely harsh, and in the Bogdnanovka concentration camp. Massacres in the immediate city area amounted to 22-30 000 victims, but in Transnistria as a whole, Rumanian and German forces are believed to have murdered more than 100 000 Ukrainian Jews through shootings, beatings, death marches, exposure and starvation.

Einsatzgruppen C stands ready to "assist" Rumanian security forces if required in handling this crisis.

As such, in the immediate aftermath of the explosion, the Rumanian commander has four broad options:

1. Continue business as usual and increase security forces in the city's area.

2. Take hostages and engage in immediate retaliation against local "undesirable" elements.

3. Intern the Jewish population of Odessa in a Ghetto.

4. Begin a program to comprehensively clear the rear areas of judeo-bolshevik saboteurs, to include a wider detention program.

I will be expecting an answer in Rumanian orders for turn 14. Many of these measures can be combined if so desired.

MANDATORY DISCLAIMER: As I mentioned in the initial post, I do not intend to shy away from exploring Germany's crimes during the War in the East, be it from the Einsatzgruppen, the Sitcherpolizei, the Wehrmacht, SS or others. These events are explored in order to foster ethical discussions among the player base and, in my humble opinion, no study of what happened in the East would be complete without examining the interplay of the military situation and the Holocaust. The staff and players of this game absolutely do not condone these events and it is expected players will treat them with the appropriate gravity and somberness the situation demands

##Phase 3 - Initial Situation Brief

Date: 11 September 1941

Overall Map

OOB

Ground Casualties

Air Losses

Reinforcement and Withdrawal Schedule

Logistics Log 1

Logistics Log 2

Reinforcements: Nil.

Unfrozen Units: 2nd Rumanian Infantry Division, I Rumanian Corps (HQ). Both are inside Rumania.

Withdrawn Units: Nil.

Air National Reserve (Ready to be deployed):

A lot of squadrons were returned by the Reich to the Eastern front lines again this week. Here is what's available for deployment. I had to withdraw a few fighter squadrons again. Some of the squadrons in the national reserve have full numbers but have low morale by German air standards (<75) or haven't fully recovered. These squadrons will be indicated by the marking (U) and it is up to you to decide whether you want to deploy them or not.

• 3x Transport Squadrons

• 1x Fighter Squadron (Staff)

• 2x Fighter Squadrons

• 1x Dive Bomber Squadron (U)

• 3x Dive Bomber Squadrons

• 3x Level Bomber Squadrons

• 2x Level Bomber Squadrons (U)

• 1x Recon Squadron

Administrative Points: 173

Rail Capacity: 6675 (About 2 Infantry Divisions)

Trucks: 195k (165k)

Sealift Capacity: 15 000 (Baltic)

###NOTE

I have conducted pre-recon according to OKH directives. There are missions remaining for Sunday, but you can expect this is a fair representation of Axis recon efforts. I have also done a bit of aerial housekeeping by withdrawing some depleted squadrons to the National Reserve

###SOVIET/ALLIES INTELLIGENCE INTERCEPTS

• Rumanian Chief of Staff, General Alexandru Ioanitiu, on his way to survey the newly captured city of ODESSA, was hit by his plane's propeller while disembarking. Posthumously promoted to Major-General, his role now falls to his interim replacement, General Iosif Iacobici.

###NORTH

On the Finnish front, little movement as the Soviets largely maintain their positions.

In AGN's area, local counterattacks continued EAST of PLYUSSA, losing some hard fought ground. Otherwise, few changes other than local force redistribution.

Supply in panzer formations is GOOD (Fuel varies from 70% to 80%) except for the forces at the tip of the salient. However, the Panzer divisions are looking increasingly frayed with ToEs in the 60%.

Army Group North - Leningrad

Army Group North - Rhzev Salient

Finnish Front

###CENTER

In 9th Army's sector, the Soviets launched several local counterattacks to constrain supply to the RHZEV salient, displacing a couple divisions of 9th Army. They did not have the same success against 2nd Army further south.

The Soviets once again retreated an average of 60 miles in front of AGC, save for the MOSCOW sector, leaving vast swathes of empty land.

Supply situation in mobile forces is rated GOOD. (Fuel is on average 70%.)

SMOLENSK-OREL Area

KURSK Area

###SOUTH

Similar to AGC, the Red Army withdraws roughly 60 miles to a new defensive line.

Supply is assessed between VERY POOR and AVERAGE in the mobile divisions. (fuel ranges between 28% and 67%).

Little change in the Rumanian Sector, save that the Soviets evacuate KHERSON and return to the eastern bank of the DNEPR.

Army Group South - KHARKOV Area

Army Group South/Rumania - Southern Ukraine and Transnistria

Technical information:

• Recon phase will occur Sunday May 22nd at 14h00 EST (usual time) on Discord.

• The Order topic will be available afterwards.

The initial briefing for the beginning of next turn will be posted when I receive the turn back from the Soviet Umpire.

Umpire Feedback

Quiet turn overall. Yet again leader replacements are to be considered. This would have been a good turn to do HQ buildups on panzer corps as well.

A small correction, in a previous event I referred to Herbert Backe as the Reich Minister for Labour, this was incorrect. The minister for Labour was Franz Seldte while Agriculture was Backe. This will be corrected for future events.

Please let me know if there's things I can do better on my end or if I didn't portray your intent accurately on the map. I did my best to follow the orders given but it's possible I misunderstood something!

##General notes/OKH

Overall Map

Luftwaffe: Excellent ratio in the air this week, mostly owing to reorganization of fighter bases and reduced bombing operations. AGC's fighters are spread pretty thin while AGS probably has too many of them now. Let me introduce the current top squadron of the airforce Here is the state of requested assignments from the national reserve:

• 1x Fighter Squadron AGN - Done

• 2x Fighter Bomber Squadrons AGN - Done

• 3x Level Bomber Squadrons AGN - Done

• 5x Level Bomber Squadrons AGS - Done

• 1x Level Bomber Squadron (Staff) AGS - Done

• 1x Fighter Bomber Squadrons AGS - Done

Some squadrons were rotated into the nat reserve, you know how it goes.

Air Losses

Ground Casualties

Railway conversion: Not much to report, all FBDs are proceeding towards their objectives. AGC (North) FBD will soon run out of track however as it approaches the frontline.

Apart from that, no issues with other FBDs, here are their current destinations:

• AGN: PSKOV

• AGC (North): VYAZMA

• AGC (South): MAKOSHINO

• AGS: DNEPROPETROVSK

• Rumania: ODESSA++ (Disbands beginning of next week)

Railway Capacity: The rail transport capacity will be heavily taxed as long as XXXX Panzer Corps remains on rail.

Reinforcements:

• 369th Croat Infantry Regiment is STILL in VILNIUS AA.

• XXXX Panzer Corps with its subordinate units has started transiting towards the AA of 1st Panzergruppe.

• The Slovakian 2nd Infantry Division has not yet been assigned to 103rd RHG, but it is in progress. It will be used for security duties going forward.

Reassignments/Leadership management/AP Expenditures

• Major airbase reassignments to reflect the geographic distribution of the Fliegerkorps (10-15 AP)

• I've cut back on support unit reassignments due to moving around so many airbases, still removed pioneers from commands which don't need them. (5 AP).

• XXXX Panzer Corps to be transferred to 1st Panzer Group and the new Panzer Divisions and Latvian Motorized Brigade are to be incorporated into it and moved to the front as rapidly as possible. - Done (19 AP)

• 298th Infantry Division is to be reassigned from XVII Corps 6th Army to LIV Corps 11th Army, AGS. - Sorry, I forgot to do it, but I'm also not sure it makes sense. There would be 2 divisions left in XVII Corps if that went ahead.

• 8th SS Cavalry Brigade is to be reassigned from LVI Panzer Corps to XXXXI Panzer Corps in 4th Panzer Group, AGN. - Already had done that 2 turns ago or so because otherwise LVI PzCorps could not be built up (over command cap).

Refit & HQ Buildups:

• 1st Finnish Cavalry Brigade is on refit (FINLAND)

• XXXXVII Panzer Corps is on refit. (AGC)

• XXIV Panzer Corps is on refit (AGC)

• III Panzer Corps is on refit. (AGS)

####Special Event: Babi Yar

In response to the letter of protest sent by Generalfeldmarshall Rundstedt, various counter-memorandums were sent to the office of the Furher, OKH and OKW by party apparatchiks, particularly the office of Heinrich Himmler who felt that the operations of the Einsatzgruppen were significantly impaired by Army Group South's obstructions.

The Furher has expressed his displeasure to Generaloberst Franz Halder, head of OKH, indicating that further lack of cooperation by Army leadership in the grand national socialist vision for the reformed eastern territories would have dire consequences. He expressed the sentiment that is critical to clear our rear of judeo-bolshevik partisans so that the army can operate freely and with secure supply lines and that the aktion at Babi Yar was thus necessary.

DISCLAIMER: Obviously these are not my own views, the Nazis were not nice people.

##FINLAND

The haul from the latest pocket amounts to 17 000 Soviet riflemen taken prisonners.

The Army of Karelia mostly advanced into empty space and rationalized their lines, the going made rough by the heavily forested area.

Finnish airbases have started redeploying to support the Karelian campaign, the redeployment is expected to be completed next week.

Situation no change for the Kannas Army.

##AGN - Leningrad Front

##AGN - Valdai Hills

The forces of 18th Army have withdrawn from the bridgehead across the PLYUSSA river in order to shift forces east, heralding the start of a grinding attempt to overcome Soviet defences in the area of Lake ILMEN. Combat has proven difficult with multi-division assaults necessary to break open the Soviet redoubts.

The pocketed defenders of the PSKOV penninsula yielded another 15 000 prisonners headed to the starvation camps of the Reich.

16th Army meanwhile managed to advance roughly 20 miles across its front, reaching the VALDAI hills. While the infantry at its disposal is excellent, it's starting to get stretched thin, covering the flank of both 18th and 9th Army.

4th Panzergruppe did not manage to exploit in any meaningful way to the north, its commander refusing to advance further without adequate infantry reinforcement to cover their rear and flanks in the face of extremely strong Soviet opposition. Nonetheless, a series of attack helped with expanding the salient to a viable size from which to launch a potential operation.

##AGC

###SMOLENSK-OREL Area

###KURSK Area

9th Army's collaboration with 4th Panzergruppe went rather well, though the army remains at the entrance of the salient due to having legs instead of engines. GO Adolf Strauss is also somewhat concerned about the flanks given the heavy Soviet concentration there.

2nd Army (yet again) lenghtened their line to now hold a 220 miles long front.

4th Army moved into the vacated area beyond the DESNA river, supporting 2nd Panzergruppe in its spoiling attacks. 4th Army's front now lie roughly 60 miles from KURSK.

3rd Panzergruppe moved into position into the KURSK landbridge, keeping a corps in close reserve and breaching the hastily put together Soviet line.

2nd Panzergruppe has also taken up positions in its designated assembly area, securing SUMY at the same time. Copious airdrops were executed so as to increase their fuel reserves for next week.

##AGS

###KHARKOV Area

###KG SCHOBERT

1st Panzergruppe has moved into its assembly area without incidents, XXXX Panzer Corps is on rails in the vicinity of ROVNO.

6th Army once again carried out its duties of pocket cleaning with enthusiasm. Despite some heavy resistance in places, the entire CHERKASSY pocket was cleared during the week, largely by 6th Army with a bit of assistance from the 11th Army Corps north of the DNIEPR. The total yield came to 100 000 men taken prisonner and close to 700 AFVs destroyed/captured. Those available moved to screen the flank of 2nd Panzergruppe.

17th Army marched forward, roughly reaching 1st Panzergruppe's AA and the approaches to POLTAVA.

Kampfgruppe SCHOBERT refrained from major offensive operations, though has reached the southern bank of the DNEPR in the area of BOLSHAKA LEPETIKHA, finding a weak Soviet Cavalry Division defending the crossing. Only small bridgeheads remain in Soviet hands west of the DNEPR.

##RUMANIAN HIGH COMMAND

3rd Rumanian Army moved to secure KG SCHOBERT'S southern flank and in the process had a bit of an altercation with Hungarian troops moving south. Blows and harsh words were exchanged, but things stopped short of violence thanks to the intervention of German liaison officers embedded within the allied formations.

4th Rumanian Army mostly advanced to contact and reorganized in the area surrounding KHERSON.

This is the thread for final operational orders from each of the players and OKH products. Top level comments should only be operational orders or planning products. If you'd like to ask a question of a specific player either comment under his OP Order or in the Initial Situation Brief.

Observers are welcome to comment under the orders given. The deadline for Phases 6-7 (orders) will be Sunday May 16th at 12h00 PM Eastern Time after which the turn will be handed over to the Soviet Umpire.

##Phase 1 - Furher Directive

Furher Directive 33 is still in effect.

##Phase 2 - Roll on Hitler Table

No roll this turn due to the capture of RHZEV.

Special Event: Babi Yar

Historically, upon the capture of KIEV by German forces, Einsatzgruppe C moved quickly to liquidate the city's population with the help of the local military governorship. The massacres took place at Babi Yar (a "yar" is a type of generally dried out former riverbed/ravine in Russia) and were some of the largest non-concentration camp massacres carried out by shooting. Approximately 34 000 Jews were murdered in the initial massacre, with further killings expanding the total to a range of 70 000-120 000 dead.

The killings were justified as "retaliatory" actions after several buildings in Kiev blew up due to explosives planted by the NKVD prior to abandonning the city. Given the number of victims and the long span of executions taking place at Babi Yar, this explanation seems dubious at best. Jews were invited to gather for "resettlement" and it appears that through the particular system devised by the Einsatz, victims did not realize that they were marching to their deaths until the very moment they turned a corner, right before their own execution, and saw the bodies being kicked down in the ravine. Involved were military authorities of the Wehrmacht, Ukrainian helpers, Military Police and Einsatzgruppen.

Thus, with the capture of Kiev and the subsequent sabotage campaign in the city, comes the decision of what to do with the Jewish population of Kiev. Commander AGS has three broad options:

1. Fully support the Einsatzgruppen by lending engineers and military police personnel for crowd control.

2. Adopt a neutral attitude and provide minimal logistical support as outlined by orders to support Einsatzgruppen in the rear area.

3. Send a strongly worded protest letter up the chain of command and/or take direct action against the Einsatz...

I will be expecting an answer in AGS orders for turn 13.

MANDATORY DISCLAIMER: As I mentioned in the initial post, I do not intend to shy away from exploring Germany's crimes during the War in the East, be it from the Einsatzgruppen, the Sitcherpolizei, the Wehrmacht, SS or others. These events are explored in order to foster ethical discussions among the player base and, in my humble opinion, no study of what happened in the East would be complete without examining the interplay of the military situation and the Holocaust. The staff and players of this game absolutely do not condone these events and it is expected players will treat them with the appropriate gravity and somberness the situation demands

##Phase 3 - Initial Situation Brief

Date: 11 September 1941

Overall Map

OOB

Ground Casualties

Air Losses

Reinforcement and Withdrawal Schedule

Logistics Log 1

Logistics Log 2

Reinforcements:

• 2nd Panzer Division

• 5th Panzer Division

• Latvian SS Motorized Brigade

Unfrozen Units: 1st Rumanian Infantry Division, 9th Rumanian Cavalry Brigade. Both are inside Rumania.

Withdrawn Units:

• 3x Fighter Squadrons

• 1x Level Bomber Squadron

Air National Reserve (Ready to be deployed):

A lot of squadrons were returned by the Reich to the Eastern front lines again this week. Here is what's available for deployment. I had to withdraw several bomber and fighter squadrons again. Some of the squadrons in the national reserve have full numbers but have low morale by German air standards (<75) or haven't fully recovered. These squadrons will be indicated by the marking (U) and it is up to you to decide whether you want to deploy them or not.

• 1x Fighter Squadron (Staff)

• 1x Fighter Squadron

• 3x Fighter Bomber Squadrons

• 3x Dive Bomber Squadrons (U)

• 8x Level Bomber Squadrons

• 1x Level Bomber Squadron (Staff)

• 3x Level Bomber Squadrons (U)

Administrative Points: 167

Rail Capacity: 33 172 (About 10 Infantry Divisions)

Trucks: 194k (165k)

Sealift Capacity: 15 000 (Baltic)

###NOTE

I have conducted pre-recon according to OKH directives. There are missions remaining for Sunday, but you can expect this is a fair representation of Axis recon efforts. I have also done a bit of aerial housekeeping by withdrawing some depleted squadrons to the National Reserve

###SOVIET/ALLIES INTELLIGENCE INTERCEPTS

• Several trains laden with industrial goods were spotted leaving POLTAVA by air reconnaissance.

###NORTH

On the Finnish front, the two isolated divisions are now only receiving supplies from the LADOGA ports, while a new Southwest to Northeast defensive line has been established, protecting the Murmansk railway.

In AGL's area, the two encircled divisions have finally become stuck in the swamps and are due to be cleared out this week. Soviet probing attacks we launched against the regimental positions of 4th Panzergruppe's infantry, without much success.

AGNE's 16th army saw a withdrawal in its sector, however the extra forces moved to enclose 4th Panzergruppe's salient from all side. The salient was also mercilessly bombed.

Supply in panzer formations is AVERAGE (Fuel varies from 50% to 70%) except for the Totenkopf division, sitting at 27%.

Army Group Leningrad

Army Group North-East

Finnish Front

###CENTER

In the SMOLENSK area, the Soviets ordered heavy reconnaissance behind 9th and 2nd Army.

In front of KURSK, a 50 mile withdrawal took place to the next river line, leaving the bulk of 4th Army free to advance. The same thing occurred, to a lesser degree, in front of the panzers. The Soviets seem to have broken contact across the line.

Supply situation in mobile forces is rated between POOR and GOOD. (Fuel varies between 40-80%.)

SMOLENSK-OREL Area

KURSK Area

###SOUTH

Yet more withdrawals across the line, however the last pocket of Operation WHIRLWIND has been secured. While the forces of AGC appear to have benefited from the improved supply efficiency, the forces holding the east side of the last kessel are still receiving a small trickle.

Supply is assessed between VERY POOR and AVERAGE in the mobile divisions. (fuel ranges between 28% and 67%).

After the fall of ODESSA, a Soviet screen has been laid on the approaches to the Crimea, with a hole between them and the defensive lines in front of D-Town and Z-Town.

Army Group South - KHARKOV Area

Army Group South/Rumania - Southern Ukraine and Transnistria

Technical information:

• Recon phase will occur Sunday May 9th at 14h00 EST (usual time) on Discord.

• The Order topic will be available afterwards.

The initial briefing for the beginning of next turn will be posted when I receive the turn back from the Soviet Umpire.

Umpire Feedback

A decent turn, though that comes with the capture of important objectives across the board. In the south some dilemnas about rear area security are about to become apparent. Soviets are putting a heck of a fight and as they retreat, they dig.

Still would consider leader replacements. Also for the love of god please decide what you want to do with the 2nd Slovak Security Division.

Please let me know if there's things I can do better on my end or if I didn't portray your intent accurately on the map. I did my best to follow the orders given but it's possible I misunderstood something!

##General notes/OKH

Overall Map

Luftwaffe: Medium-high losses for the Soviets, but the Luftwaffe also took decent (but manageable) losses. Here is what has been assigned from the national reserve:

2x Fighter Squadrons (Staff) to Luftflotte 1 - Done

1x Fighter Squadrons to Luftflotte 1 - Done

2x Fighter Bomber Squadrons(Staff) to Luftflotte 1 - Done

1x Level Bomber Squadrons to Luftflotte 1 - Done

3x Fighter Squadrons to Luftflotte 2 - Done

2x Level Bomber Squadrons to Luftflotte 4 - Done. Had to withdraw a lot of AGS bomber squadrons due to dwindling numbers of operational aircraft.

1x Fighter Squadrons to Luftflotte 4 - LF 4 was already well furnished in fighters (274), so I held this one in reserve.

Some squadrons were rotated into the nat reserve, you know how it goes.

Air Losses

Ground Casualties

Railway conversion: I messed up with the AGN FBD, I sent it towards PSKOV instead of DNO. That said it might turn out to be a blessing in disguise as PSKOV can veer towards DNO anyway and a line direct to DNO would have been very exposed. Because of the Hitler event, the FBD repaired 2 hexes, so just short of VELIKIE LUKI before setting up to repair north next week.

Apart from that, no issues with other FBDs, here are their current destinations:

• AGN: PSKOV

• AGC (North): SMOLENSK

• AGC (South): MAKOSHINO

• AGS: CHERKASSY

• Rumania: ODESSA

Railway Capacity: No railcap issues this week.

Reinforcements:

• XXXX Panzer Corps and 369th Croat Infantry Regiment are still in VILNIUS AA. The Croat Regiment could be used for security duties.

• 250th 'Blue' Infantry Division was assigned to XXVIII Corps, which took the corps over capacity (10:8). Nonetheless it was done.

• The Slovakian 2nd Infantry Division is still assigned directly to 17th Army.

Reassignments/Leadership management/AP Expenditures

• Minor airbase reassignments to reflect the geographic distribution of the Fliegerkorps (2-3 AP)

• Support units shifted around once again. Most Corps are now starting to have a decent mix but there's still work to be done (10 AP)

Refit & HQ Buildups:

• LVII Panzer Corps is on refit. (AGC)

• XXXXIX Panzer Corps is on refit (AGC)

• XIV Panzer Corps is on refit. (AGS)

##FINLAND

10 000 prisoners were taken as the 272nd Rifle Division surrendered.

The Army of Karelia again exploded in an offensive towards the shore of Lake LADOGA, trapping 2 more Rifle divisions with a quick hook from the Finnish Cavalry Brigade.

The Kannas Army continues digging, with the two German regiments in the line now.

##AGL

1st Corp, 18th Army did not manage to exploit south as doing so would have put it at risk of encirclement after an attempt to storm a particularly stout enemy redoubt failed. It instead consolidated its positions along the NARVA river.

18th army however managed to reseal the two divisions in the "PSKOV penninsula", gaining a strong bridgehead across the PLYSSA at the same time. That said combat was hotly contested as there seems to be no intent from the Soviets to give any ground.

XXIII Corps thinned its lines to take over more of the frontage, but this presents certain risks as opposing Soviet formations are still quite strong.

##AGNE

4th Panzergruppe saw another hard week of fighting north of SMOLENSK with limited support from 9th Army. Smashing into the Soviet lines near NELIDOVO, a 30 mile breach was managed in the Soviet defense in depth, allowing LVI Panzer Corps to launch a direct assault on RHZEV which thankfully carried the city. Manstein reports his lead elements are approximately 120 miles from MOSCOW.

D100 Hitler has been assuaged and a letter of commendations was sent from the Furher's office addressed to Manstein and Hoepner, his superior.

9th Army found itself in limited combat due to the need to occupy the land recently abandonned by the Red Army. Otherwise, it has been scrambling to cover the flanks of 4th PzG, even resorting to scattered divisional positions in places.

16th Army meanwhile got stuck with the thankless task of grinding forward against the well dug in troops of the Soviet Reserve Front in adverse terrain. A modest advance of 30 miles was achieved, while the VALDAI hills loom as the next obstacle to be assaulted by Generaloberst Busch's army.

##AGC

###SMOLENSK Area

###KURSK Area

2nd Army took SMOLENSK without resistance, though some of the population managed to evacuate eastwards. Otherwise, they have been mostly busy maintaining their screening line while assisting 4th Army with its crossing of the DESNA river.

4th Army cleared the DESNA pocket with minimal expenditure of force, also contributing to the cleanup in the far more resilient KIEV pocket. Its northern elements concentrated on the banks of the DESNA river and managed an eastward crossing with a 30 mile wide bridgehead.

3rd Panzergruppe was largely static this week, simply rationalizing its lines south of the KURSK bulge. Both of its corps are set to be refitted.

2nd Panzergruppe has similarly moved into position west of SUMY, screening east. XXXXVII Panzer Corps, previously built up, retains about half of its fuel for the moment.

##AGS

###KHARKOV Area

###KG SCHOBERT

1st Panzergruppe pushed east towards POLTAVA, where some Soviet armament factories have reportedly not been evacuated yet. Not much fuel had reached forward elements so movement was rather conservative, aimed at containing the troops trapped in the CHERKASSY kessel.

6th Army had a week of heavy combat and its troops are exhausted, despite relatively light casualties. The fall of KIEV came as welcome news in BERLIN, but overwhelming force was needed to finally subdue the tenacious Soviet defenders, with no doubt more than a few of them taking to the countryside to harass our supply lines. Hungarian security units and Einsatzgruppen were spotted ominously making their way towards the city shortly after its fall.

17th Army made sure to contain the CHERKASSY pocket securely to prevent any shennanigans. Liquidation can be expected to take place during the following week.

Kampfgruppe SCHOBERT lent the support of a corps to pocket security while the rest of its forces advanced 40 miles towards the twin industrial cities of DNEPROPETROVSK and ZAPOROZHYE on the DNEPR.

Finally, AGS is direly short of security units should it maintain its current pace of advance. CHERKASSY and KRIVOI ROG are currently without a proper garrison as the larger units (Hungarian Sec Bdes and Slovak Sec Division) will be needed for the larger southern cities. Should precautions not be taken, this could have a dire impact on rear area security and partisan activity. CHERKASSY is currently occupied by the 71st Infantry Division (17th Army) and KRIVOI ROG by a Hungarian Infantry Brigade diverted for that purpose.

##RUMANIAN HIGH COMMAND

3rd Rumanian Army took NIKOLAEV on the march and its mobile corps advanced to the shores of the INGULETS.

4th Rumanian Army finally occupied ODESSA after brutal house to house fighting, widespread aerial bombings and numerous casualties on both sides. All of 4th Rumanian Army had to participate in the assault to finally drive Chibisov across the Black Sea. The Black Sea fleet insured that most of the Soviet forces made it safely out of the trap to fight another day.

Rumania faces a similar problem to AGS, not having dedicated security forces for its new conquests. ODESSA is currently garrisonned by the 1st Rumanian Cavalry Brigade (1st Rum. Army) and NIKOLAEV by the 8th Rumanian Infantry Division (3rd Rum. Army).

This is the thread for final operational orders from each of the players and OKH products. Top level comments should only be operational orders or planning products. If you'd like to ask a question of a specific player either comment under his OP Order or in the Initial Situation Brief.

Observers are welcome to comment under the orders given. The deadline for Phases 6-7 (orders) will be Sunday April 18th at 12h00 PM Eastern Time after which the turn will be handed over to the Soviet Umpire.