Prokhorovka Campaign (1/3): Kosmolets Farm

[Pasalades]

Introduction:

Operation Citadel stands as one of the most heavily scrutinized and famous battles of the Second World War. At the end of the Soviet winter offensive in 1943, the Soviet operations Star and Gallop, a large bulge extended into Army Groups Center on the Voroznezh Front, all this despite brilliant counterattacks from Field Marshall von Manstein. At the center of this bulge lay the city of Kursk. Army Groups South and Center were to assemble their forces on the flanks of the salient and make a pincer attack toward Kursk itself. The operation was to be launched in late spring, but problems with the refitting of the army had delayed the operation until July 5th. By then the Russian army had gleaned notice of the attack and it’s parameters and spent their time feverishly preparing for the attack. It was at this time that the Whermacht had one last chance to regain control of the Eastern Front and put the Soviet Union back on the defensive. Four days into the operation, only the southern spearhead, led by elite SS Divisions, had made significant progress. The 2nd SS Panzer Corps had pushed close to Oboyan and Prokhorovka, key cities on the approaches to Kursk itself. Prokhorovka Station was a key railway axis that led to Kursk itself. Control of it would seriously destabilize the southern front for the Soviet forces, and vast numbers were committed to its defence. The offensive in the north had stalled by the 9th of July, and it rested on the southern flank to secure victory in this pivotal battle of the war. Spearheading the assault on Prokhorovka itself was the SS-Panzergrenadier Division ‘Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler’ supported by the First SS-Panzer Regiment. This is where this campaign begins.

What I am presenting here is a three part campaign where each battle is played for specified victory points. Each scenario can be played individually, or the accumulated points from the three battles may be added up to determine the overall winner. I will be releasing one map each week until they are all published, whereupon I hope I will begin work on a fourth scenario that is related but not directly connected to this campaign (a bonus scenario as it were). The purpose of this campaign is to put two or more players right at the ground level of the action leading up to the ‘greatest tank battle in human history’. These battles are meant to replicate actual operations carried out over the period of July 10th-12th outside of Prokhorovka. The battle of Kursk is an awe inspiring yet horrifying series of clashes that encapsulated the conflict between entire civilizations that was the Second World War. The German player will be playing the role of the 2nd SS-Panzer Grenadier Regiment which was the fighting tip of the SS-Panzergrenadier Division ‘LAH’ and supporting armour from the 1st SS-Panzer Regiment. The Soviet player will be operating under the 2nd Tank Corps and its supporting infantry divisions, and later the formidable 5th Guards Army. These three scenarios have been recreated from a variety of sources, both primary and secondary, including Soviet tactical manuals and maps, German troop dispositions, and secondary accounts of the battle and its parameters (I’d be happy to share some sources via PM, they are too numerous to list here). All new maps have been created specifically for this campaign. Each one is a realistic rendering of the battlefield to scale on maps fully compatible with existing Axis and Allies Miniatures maps. Soviet and German forces are recreated as accurately as possible to the squad level and with accurate representation of the armoured forces present at each engagement (as much as the array of units available in AAM allows). Each scenario has been play-tested thoroughly for balance, and present interesting and varying objectives for each side representative of the aims of each side at the engagement. These maps will be updated to accommodate new units as they become available, so check back with the release of each new set. Each of these scenarios require a lot of pieces, so I recommend making use of substitutions, and pooling resources with your friends to pick up the slack. If you desire, more than two people may play the game with extra players taking over the role of the armoured formations. These campaigns are the product of two months of research and hard work. I hope you have as much fun playing them as I did making them. Hopefully historical accuracy will translate into actual enjoyment. PM me with any questions about the scenarios, or for any help with playing either side, and of course please post your comments in this thread, I’d love to hear them!

All of the Maps for these scenarios will be stored here:
http://24.150.163.38/pasalades

[Pasalades]

Battle for Kosmolets Farm:

Description: At 1045 hours on July the 10th the 2nd SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment begins their offensive drive on Prokhorovka. The first objective to be taken is Kosmolets Collective Farm, resting on the confluence of the Prokhorovka Highway and the rail-line that ran all the way to Kursk itself. Soviet forces had taken up defensive positions in the farm and the adjacent forest. Having spotted the German spearhead they call up armour from rear formations to intervene.

Forces (point alternatives listed in parenthesis):

Axis

Leading Elements of the 2nd SS-PGR: (201pts)
SS-Panzergrenadier x 10
MG-42 Machine Gun Team x 4
Light Mortar x 4
Whermacht Expert Sniper x 1
SS-Haupsturmfuhrer x 2
SD Kfz-251 x 5

13th Company of the 1st SS-PR: (215pts)
Panzer Mark IV Ausf. G x 4
SS-Panzer Mark IV Ausf. F2 x 1
Tiger I x 1

Allies

Elements of 183d Rifle Division: (135pts)
Mosin Nagant x 15
Fanatical Sniper x 2
Zis-2 57mm Model 1943 x 5
Kuomintang Machine Gun Team x 4
Commisar x 2

Elements of the 169th Tank Brigade: (124pts)
T34/74 x 4
PPsh-41 SMG x 4

Elements of the 178th Tank Brigade: (95pts)
T-70 x 5
KV-1 x 1
PPsh-41 SMG x 1

Maps: All maps are placed with the name in the bottom left. Letters at the end (a or b) refer to half maps.

.............................North
...........Kosmolets-5 Kosmolets-6 Hill-241-3a
...West Kosmolets-3 Kosmolets-4 Hill-241-2a East
...........Kosmolets-1 Kosmolets-2 Kill-241-1a
.............................South

Setup:

Soviets deploy soldiers from the 183rd D Rifle Division first on any forest or town hexes on Maps Kosmolets-3, Kosmolets-4, Kosmolets-5 and Kosmolets-6. The 169th and 178th Tank Brigades will deploy after both movement phases of the first and third turns respectively. They may deploy up to two hexes from the upper right corner (quarter hex) of Map Kosmolets-6 or up to two hexes from the rightmost (east) road hex on Map Hill-241-3a. Soldiers may be deployed on vehicles as if it were the beginning of the game.

Germans deploy second. The 2nd-SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment deploys on the left(west) half of Map Kosmolets-1, except for hexes that overlap both sides (hexes horizontally center) of the map. The 1st SS-Panzer Regiment deploys up to two hexes from the bottom left corner (quarter hex) of Map Kosmolets-2. Both players roll for initiative as per normal at this point.

Objective: Play for Victory Points - At the end of turn ten the player with the most points according to this list of criteria wins.
For each Panzer IV damaged – 1 point Soviets
For each Panzer IV destroyed – 2 points Soviets
For each Tiger I damaged – 3 points Soviets
For each Tiger I destroyed – 5 points Soviets
If German forces control the crossroads (three-way road) hex on Map Kosmolets-6 – 5 points Germans
If no Soviet units occupy any town hexes – 10 points Germans

Special Rules:

All German vehicles possess the SS-Determination Special Ability for the duration of this scenario.

The road hexes on Maps Kosmolets-2, Kosmolets-4, and Hill-241-3a represent the merging of the Prokhorovka Highway with the Kursk Railroad. They rest on an embankment that offers a modicum of protection allowing soldier units to receive cover with a minus one (-1) penalty to their cover rolls.

Aftermath: The advancing forces quickly flanked the farm and drove away approaching armoured units. With the forward panzer formations relatively unscathed, the panzergrenadiers moved in to clear out the farm itself, an operation requiring another two hours and some reinforcements. By 1245 hours, the 2nd SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment was ready to move on to its next target for the day, Hill 241. (Germans Win 5pts – 3pts)

Production Notes: This engagement is where the battle for Prokhorvka really began. For me I had some trouble working the scale properly as this was the first part campaign that I was to do. Originally I wanted to extend the battlefield further north to the tributaries of the Psel river, but I found it strung out the Soviet armoured reinforcements quite a bit. The two segments of road give the Soviet forces some options in deploying their tanks, and they will be making game winning or losing decisions regarding how best to use them against the German tanks. The objectives fit nicely with what the tiered Russian defence was trying to accomplish. They did not feel that they could stop the German forces at Kosmolets but rather set out to inflict maximum damage on the German forces and delay them as much as possible. The Soviet objective reflects this well. I should note that for the entire campaign against Prokhorovka, the 1st SS-PR possessed only 4 Tiger tanks. They had to be rationed carefully and would fight together as a platoon on the outskirts of Prokhorovka as an armoured spearhead (You’ll get your chance). All four survived the battle; a testament to the power of the Tigers and the skill of their crews. Lastly, working on these has shown me how good map design can really make the dimensions of the game much better. The maps that come in the starter set are too crowded for my liking with tiny bits of terrain interspersed all over the place. The strategic element of the game breaks down a bit in these cases. I find it’s better to have sizable terrain elements and ridgelines (represented by hill hexes) with a fair degree of space in between to represent more realistic topography. Try playing normal games with these maps and you’ll see how maneuvering, using vehicles like the Sd Kfz 251 and employing SAs like Extended Range really have their use.

[Lotus]

Nice job Pasalades!

[fifleche]

Forces :

Allies

Elements of 183d Rifle Division: (135pts)
Mosin Nagant x 15
T34/74 x 4

ACK!

I hate you!

;)

[Pasalades]

ACK!

I hate you!

;)

I happen to have everything I need for this, but I recomend substitutions if you don't. There will probably be no way around it for the third scenario. My collection cannot handle that.

[Ballshot]

Awesome job !!! Definitely saving this one to the hard drive for later use.

[johnnyonthespot]

Oh... my... goodness!

[Stojakovic]

This scenario is going in the "FOLDER" but I don't have the ink to print all the maps. So I will have to use my blank maps or the one in the starters :(

[horacus]

Great job¡¡¡¡¡ I will try this scenario the week end.

[Pasalades]

Great job¡¡¡¡¡ I will try this scenario the week end.

Please tell me how it goes! I want to know if there are any points of confusion or problems executing the scenario, and of course if it was fun.

[hornet69]

avalon hill should consider you for their map builder. have you read the last citadel -by david robbins excellent book of kursk .your scenario fits right in

[Pasalades]

I took a look at it while I was researching these scenarios. It's a really solid account. If I were to make a judgement on the best book on Kursk I'd have to reccomend "The Battle of Kursk", by reknowned WWII historian David Glantz. I'm a history student (not too far from being able to call myself a scholar), so working on these maps is a natural fit for a hobby. The research is the fun part, because you learn so much doing it!

[PatrickWR]

I've read The Last Citadel, it was indeed an amazing book. The account of the Prokhorovka tank battle at the end was simply stunning. If you like David L. Robbins, try his other WWII books: War of the Rats and The End of War.

[hornet69]

there is another book by robin cross -citadel the battle of kursk.now if we can get hollywood to make kursk into a movie

[Pasalades]

If there was a book to avoid on the subject of Kursk, I would say "The Tigers are Burning", by Martin Caidin. It's awful. The title might tell you a little bit as to why. Damn shame so many people including my father didn't seriously challenge the book for a long time.

[GijoeNumberOne]

Have any of you read "Forgotten Soldier" by Guy Sajer? It's an autobiography of a German soldier whose first battle was Kurst. It is a very eye-opening book from "the other side" of WWII. After years of books published by "the victors", this book is a refreshing look at what a typical German soldier faced during WWII. I am sure some of you may dispute this, but I have grown tired of the "We are Americans and we kicked their ass" types of books and enjoy reading what the "other side" experienced. Their contributions (even if potentially biased -- how many Allied histories are unbiased?) are very important to a serious study of WWII. In this book, Guy gives a very real insight to the German situation against the USSR.

Another book is "The Defeat in the East" by Samual W. Micham. A great detailed heart-rendering account of the struggle of the German army during the last year of the war.

Both of these books are very interesting in themselves, but also give great insight as to how vicious the fighting was during the last year of war.

While both of these books look at the Soviet Soldiers as vicious animals, try to remember that the Russian forces treated the Germans in the same manner as they were treated in the earlier years, but also try to keep in mind that the average German Soldier was no more vicious then the average Russian.

One need only to look at Mie Lie in Vietnam to understand how any soldier from any nation can react when they reach their breaking point.

With all that said, these books offer a lot as to German/Russian battles.

[hornet69]

any thoughts to upgrading the units once set 3 is released.it sure would be nice to see a stuka or 2 in this.and may be any russian aircraft

[Pasalades]

Yes, I will definately be doing this. The Germans had air superiority during these battle and used it to the fullest. There are other Russian units including aircraft that unfortunately are not represented yet in this campaign. As soon as new units become commonly available (no Soviet Grenadiers yet...) I will make modifications to the scenarios.

[Der Leiter]

Just played it today, and I have to say it turned out to be a great battle.

By turn 7 it was clear the I, the Russians, had won but it was a pretty close game throughout - only on turn 6 when 4/5 axis tanks completely missed their shots (including the tiger rolling only two successes on 15 dice, undisrupted!) did the balance tip.

Even still a handful of SS-PGs were overruning the farms; except for the Commissar that wouldn't die. Snipers, MGs, SS, you name it.. 4-6 shots a round at him didn't do him in lol.

Love the terrain setup.. Russians have to make some tough/interesting choices on setup, and the armies seem fairly balanced.

[hornet69]

when will we see part 3

[Pasalades]

Patience. I've been on vacation for a week and I just got home on Monday. The last scenario and the maps will be posted on Monday Feb 27th. You will like this, trust me.

[Senior_Simpson]

Wow hornet69 Talked Me Into Playing These. Iam Glad I Did.

[Beagle]

Great Scenario ,You Can Realy Make a Good Maps To Go Along With The Scenario

[AATigers1]

Komsomolets

[Pasalades]

It depends on who you ask. The translation is tricky, and I have sources, good sources that use one or the other. Obviously I had to make a choice too. I mean how to properly render a name like Oktiabrskii in english? Mind you if your Russian is better than mine (It's rather horrible) and you are very certain, I suppose I could change it.

[AATigers1]

It makes no difference to me I thought perhaps it was a typeo become habit.

[CommanderPrompt]

This looks like a really nice bunch of scenarios. I can't find the maps on that url, though. Just a nice old 404. Any chance of someone posting a working link to them?

Thanx in advance...

[Pasalades]

I posted a message 1 1.2 wks ago saying that the server is undergoing maintenance. The work is almost done but the admin is out of town. Hopefully it will be up in a week.

[hornet69]

always a good scenario

[rverlind]

The server still does not seem to be online. They do look like very nice scenarios to play!

Ru

[Pasalades]

For the newer folks, since working for WotC I've decided to take these scenarios off of my server. I can put them back up temporarily if people would like that. To boot, the server itself is offline until New Years. I wish I knew why.

[MrBluze]

Looking forward to when we can print up the maps for this scenario. At one of my FLA game stores all we play is Russia VS Germany, or Finland, so this will be a nice addition.
http://213.239.164.115/screensavers/nokia/1000075.gif

[hornet69]

For the newer folks, since working for WotC I've decided to take these scenarios off of my server. I can put them back up temporarily if people would like that. To boot, the server itself is offline until New Years. I wish I knew why.
that would be good .hey since you work for wotc now see if you could post your scenario of kursk and your maps .there are a good tool for aam fans.
well heres waiting patiently till your servers up

[Atv_Tim2]

thats a good scenario

[MrBluze]

Still can’t access the map page. Is there still a problem with the server?

[Pasalades]

My server admin informed me of a new ip once he made an equipment change. http://24.150.166.155/pasalades/ Sorry for the goof up.

[MrBluze]

Perfect
Thanks

[MrBluze]

We played the battle for Kosmolets Farm ( http://boards.avalonhill.com/showpost.php?p=102958&postcount=2) on Sunday Using HHR rules and cards. My opponent, DR Strangelove, commandeered the Russians. He deployed his Anti-tanks guns and Mosin Nagants in the eastern city hexes on maps K-4 & K-5, protecting covering the road which lead to the German objective of the intersection of 3 roads. This was effective because the HHR card for the Artillery gives them a “First Shot”
First Shot: - If this unit has not fired in this game, it may make one attack against a Vehicle at the end of the movement phase. The attack receives a +1 modifier to all attack dice, and the results are applied immediately. When using this ability, the unit may not act in the ensuing assault phase.
In the western city hexes on maps K-4 & K-5 he deployed snipers and machine gun crews. He deployed the balance of his Mosin Nagants in the wood hexes on maps K-3 & K4.
I deployed my troops in the designated area on K-1 out of range of his Mosin Nagants. I started my mortar teams on the SD Kfz-251s and moved them into position on the road. The road that runs from on Maps Kosmolets-2, to Hill-241-3a offers a modicum of protection allowing soldier units to receive cover with a minus one (-1) penalty to their cover rolls. With there HHR SA of blast they were going to lob mortars on his Anti-tanks guns and Mosin Nagants in the eastern city hexes on maps K-4 & K-5, this turned out to be very effective. I then deployed my tanks on the road on Map Kosmolets-2. From here I moved my King Tiger I and a SS-Panzer Mark IV Ausf. F2 in to the city hex on K-2. The rest of my tanks sat out of range of his antitank guns.
His second wave of deployment was the 169th Tank Brigade with 4 T-34/74s and 4 mounted PPsh-41 SMGs. Theses he put behind the forest on map Hill-241-2a to keep them away from the extended rages of my tanks.
After forcing his Mosin Nagants out of the woods and back into the city I moved my SSPGs, Machine Gun crews and SS-Hauptsturmfuhrers into position in the woods keeping out of site of his snipers.
On turn 3 he deployed his 178th Tank Brigade, 1 KV-1and 5 T-70s. He joined his KV-1 with his T-34s and made a dash for the city with his T-70s to support his infantry in the city. I was able to destroy 3 of his T-70s with my extended range on my tanks before the he was able to move them out of LOS.
By now I had positioned a SD Kfz-251 with a mounted SS-PG next to a city hex and eliminated a machinegun crew and a sniper. He moved his two remaining T-70s trying to knock out my SD Kfz-251. By this time I had moved one of my Mark IVs into position and moved my SD Kfz-251 out of harms way. The 2 T-70s were no match for the Mark IV.
After eliminating his machine guns and snipers I rushed the city, meanwhile always lobbing mortars on the other side of the city.
I now had a Mark IV in the far most NW wood hex on map 241a, a Mark IV and a SS-Panzer Mark IV over by the city. I now started moving my King Tiger I, the other two Panzer Mark IV Ausf Gs and a SS-Panzer Mark IV up the road towards my objective, the three-road intersection. He came out behind of the trees and swarmed me with his 4 T34s and KV-1.
After a few turns He destroyed two Panzer Mark IV Ausf Gs and a SS-Panzer Mark IV Ausf F2 and damaged 1 other tank earning him 5 points. I parked my King Tiger on the road objective earning me 5 points. I eliminated all of his tanks, which was no point value.
On Turn 10 he had 8 units still occupying the city. I had them all targeted with 12 units. If I could eliminate all of his units I would win. By the end of turn 10 he had 3 units standing.
Ending in a tie this is a well balance scenario.
In retrospect if I would have kept my tanks back instead of rushing the objective I could have possibly saved my tanks by taking advantage of extended range. Also he left his PPsh-41 SMGs in the woods in map 241a. They had no effect there. He could have dismounted them right away and tried to get them into the city to help fortify. Also he might have tried to swarm all of his T-70s against a Panzer Mark IV Ausf G. The T-70s have a speed of 5 plus +1 on the road. Granted they would be eliminated but they might have been able to damage a Panzer Mark IV Ausf G. That would have been the Russian thing to do.
We are looking forward to playing the other two parts of this campaign.
http://213.239.164.115/screensavers/nokia/1000075.gif

[Grenzewolf]

Bumping Scenarios to "Within a Month"