Operation Overcast 1945

WR’s large YR2017 HMGS-PSW regional convention scenario this time was an early version of Operation Overcast, a Flames of War post-war scenario with three not two active sides on the tabletop. The scenario premise has the war just recently ended and distrustful tensions between the allied armies are subdued for the moment by their victory over Nazi Germany. Within days the American Joint Intelligence Objectives Agency (JIOA) and Soviet Intelligence Special Branch (NKGB) teams are racing around unoccupied southern Germany seeking the very scientists, technicians, technical drawings, and actual prototypes of the advanced late war German technology. The winner of this “data collection and personnel roundup effort” will have a tremendous technology lead, placing their nation in the forefront and well positioned as the Cold War hostility reveals itself later.

Operation Overcast May 1945 scenario map showing the four general sectors. (L to R): Kummerdorf II, Filegerhorst Kaufbeuren, Mittelwerk, and Camp Dora zones. Table size is 16’x6′

The scenario notes for the game (.doc file) Updated 02/28/18 (American OSS and Soviet Special NKGB platoons added): Operation Overcast 1945 Scenario notes

The scenario 16×6 tabletop viewed from the Mittelwerk end. Camp Dora situated at left.

Scenario tabletop from the Kummerdorf II table end. Filegerhorst Kaufbeuren in upper background. The Kummersdorf annex are the buildings upper left in photo.

The central Filegerhorst Kaufbeuren with the advanced German aircraft and missiles scattered about the aerodrome. The former Lionel radar tower atop the low hill at right.

Mittelwerk zone shows the Mittelwerk mountain V-2 factory tunnel entrance, the V-1 launch ramp and assembly building. Rocket test launch pad off photo at left.

Mittelwerk V-2 test launch pad for the advance testing of V-series rockets.

Camp Dora compound. Camp Dora prisoners are the workforce for Mittelwerk V-2 rocket factory. Two hut buildings, a barracks, and the “cooler” makes up the corner of Camp Dora pictured.

Electrical power substation for the Kummerdorf II technical factories. Rare to see electrical transmission towers on a tabletop wargame. Rarer still an electrical substation.

Another view of Kummerdorf II zone. WR loves his electrical transmission towers on the tabletop.

Well, the tabletop scene has been described and shown. Now to report the Act I of the scenario; the search by the three American JIOA and three Soviet NKGB platoons as they enter the tabletop. Note: WR used only three teams for each side at the convention. The full scenario calls for four JIOA and NKGB teams on each side and WR added the American OSS and NKGB Special Spetsnaz platoons to OOB this Feb 2018.

Turn One: Opening movements and curtain rise starts Act I (The Search). For the scenario there are three Acts to this game. Act I is the searching by the specialist JIOA and NKGB platoon teams. Act II starts when there is initial confrontation by either side seeking controlled German teams and possible German SS, prison guard, or Gestapo team interactions. The last Act III has the arrival and actual combative action between the two major power regular army forces… Americans and Soviets, seeking to prevent the exiting of opposite side teams, especially with German scientists, technicians, ex-prisoners or technology examination notes, design blueprints, papers etc. or the destruction of American or Soviet forces once the shooting war commerces. Additionally, control or securing portions of the tabletop to allow unfettered access to the advanced weapon hardware is a primary concern. So, the opening arrivals for the scenario… the JIOA and NKGB platoons, enter the tabletop from different table edge points, at the whim of the players. The entire tabletop edge is open for their entrance except wooded terrain as no “friendly side” determination has been made yet. Soviet players win the Rock-Paper-Scissors action (RPS) for first movement.

Note: WR used a Rock-Paper-Scissors (RPS) hand action determination for the conflict resolution, side first movement, possible open warfare event on turn ten starting, and scenario immediate end after turn eighteen. 

Three Soviet NKGB platoons enter the tabletop. NKGb Team C at the roadway to Mittelwerk, Team B center table at the central aerodrome, and the last Team A on paved roadway, also towards the aerodrome but on opposite table edge to NKGB Team B. Both Soviet NKGB Team B and American JIOA Team B locate and capture German scientist teams on the first turn.

NKGB Team B enters center table near the aerodrome. Quickly they move within 2″ of an objective coin which converts into a scientist team. First success for the Soviets.

For the American JIOA platoons, JIOA Team A enters on the paved roadway to Kummersdorf II, Team B goes cross-country passing by the electrical substation, picking up a scientist team enroute, and the last JIOA Team C cross-country towards the aerodrome, watching the nearby Soviet NKGB Team A on the roadway.

American JIOA Team A on roadway and Team B passes the electrical substation. Team B finds a German scientist team near the electrical substation.

Side by side… American JIOA Team C at left going cross-country while Soviet NKGB Team A uses the roadway in their captured former German halftracks. NKGB Team A is also Spetsnaz platoon.

Turn Two: Americans and Soviet players get into the “grab a scientist” mind set. Both sides are maneuvering with eye towards their nearby opponents. Soviets move first. NKGB Team A at the Mittelwerk rounds the corner and grabs a scientist team watched by ex-prisoner workers nearby. NKGB Teams A & B start to cross the open runways at Filegerhorst Kaufbeuren, NKGB Team A grabbing another German scientist team captive near the bomb storage. Each player team is looking for the objective coin markers scattered about the tabletop. These coins marker possible locations for German scientists, technicians, or worse, German die-hard and fanatical SS troops, Gestapo, or Camp Dora prisoner guards.

Soviet NKGB Team C rounds the V-program building corner and locates a German scientist team as former Camp Dora prisoners wander about. Zis truck is summoned to transport the Germans.

Meanwhile, on the American turn, their JIOA teams are active moving into Kummersdorf II, or heading for the aerodrome. Separated by woods, JIOA Team C arrives outside the main aerodrome hangars and advanced German aircraft parked on the tarmac.

American JIOA Team A & B move forward. Team A nears Kummersdorf building and the E-100 StuG gun. Team B heads towards the aerodrome traveling under the electrical transmission lines.

Soviet NKGB Team A finds another scientist team near the bomb storage. American JIOA Team C arrives outside the hangar and parked advanced German aircraft prototypes.

NKGB Team B crosses the open tarmac heading for the airport tower with two objective coins. they may come back later to examine the German missile models for additional objective points.

Turn Three: Back on German turn two interphase, WR should mention the German Camp Dora ex-prisoner teams and the German refugee column enter or move about randomly on the tabletop. The ex-prisoner teams roll a d6x2 movement distance (in inches) and Warhammer directional arrow die. The road bound refugee column has d6x3 movement distance (inches) each turn but remains road bound. The refugees will move from one table edge to the opposite table edge during the scenario after random road entrance determination by GM.

More American and Soviet “grap the scientist” action. Soviets again move first so NKGB Team C interviews some nearby escaped prisoners and finds two teams are “rocket technicians” from the nearby Mittelwerk factory. Interviewing by the senior NKGB commander reveals (pointed out) all nearby (6″ radius) former rocket technicians to the interviewed team. A Zis truck has been summoned to transport the captives (from transport pool).

Note: A summoned truck from either side’s pool can carry up to five captive teams. Both sides have a transport pool of sixteen available trucks, either Zis or GMC.

By interviewing a nearby Camp Dora prisoner team, the senior NKGB commander finds two actual rocket technicians prisoner teams for the captive pool. They join the scientist teams.

Camp Dora ex-prisoners start to move about per die roll. The German refugee column moves along the roadway. There are no “guards” at the camp gates… they took off into the woods.

The aerodrome action heats up. With three teams searching… Soviet NKGB A & B and the American JIOA Team C nearby, the German aerodrome is crowded with scientists, technicians,  and advanced aircraft model prototypes and could cause a confrontation or attempt to take control of captives from the opposite side.

Aerodrome looking a bit crowded. JIOA Team C finds scientists amidst the German aircraft. Soviet NKGB Team B moves closer. Will they confront the Americans? NKGB Team A nears the tower.

The rest of the American teams are search Kummersdorf II building for scientists or heading to support their Team C who sees two Soviet NKGB teams at the aerodrome. The Americans are overawed by the giant E-100 StuG gun tank parked outside.

American JIOA Team A searches deserted buildings at Kummersdorf II.  Knock Knock.. whose their? JIOA Team B travels under electrical transmission tower lines heading for the aerodrome.

Turn Four: Sometimes the finding of German scientists or technicians can be hazardous. Instead of meek Germans in lab coats, a hidden Gestapo team springs out and opens fire on the captive German “traitors” or nearby allied infantry. A jeep is riddled by SMG bullets. After firing, the Gestapo team bolts for cover in the ruined buildings (stormtrooper movement).

Found and uncovered, a Gestapo team opens fire on American jeep, riddling it with bullet holes. The German team then darts back into the ruined buildings of Kummersdorf II.

The players suddenly realize that not all those unassuming objective coin markers are captive scientists or technicians waiting to be found. There are nasty Germans lurking about too. Soviet movements tend to avoid the American JIOA teams. NKGB Team B heads towards Kummersdorf II passing the radar tower and finding passive German scientist out for a smoke break. NKGB Team A moves to the central runway position and watches the Americans. Over at the Mittelwerk, NKGB Team C rounds up more prisoners to interview.

Soviet NKGB Team B heads for Kummersdorf II via the radar tower. NKGB Team A positioned central on the runway watching the American JIOA Team C marvelling at the planes.

Soviet NKGB Team C rounds up more ex-prisoners who understand rocket engine technology. Another Zis truck is summoned to handle the large captive collection transport needs.

Another view of the Soviet and American standoff at the Filegerhorst Kaufbeuren. Soviet NKGB Team A drifts over to the control tower…. two objective coins seen.

Chasing the lone Gestapo team, the American JIOA Team A moves further into Kummersdorf II ruins. The E-100 128mm StuG gun tank is huge compared to the small E-10 tank.

Turn Five: Since turn five is the start of automatic arrival of supportive American and Soviet platoons and companies (assuming no shooting confrontation has occurred earlier), WR should quickly present a complete order of battle for both sides, and the Germans too. Since regular army reinforcements are arriving, the scenario stops for a moment to determine the permanent “friendly long table edge” for both sides. Up to this point in the scenario all the table edge was “friendly” to both sides. Players can bring their reinforcement platoons or companies anywhere along their friendly “long” table edge.

Order of battles (OOB):

American complete OOB [6055 pts.]: All Americans are “Confident Veteran” rated unless noted. 12/01/17 and 02/28/18 Update WR made slight changes to the American and Soviet OOB and are reflected in the revised Operation Overcast scenario notes file above.

Joint Intelligence Objectives Agency (JIOA) Unit: (Recon or Recee rated and “Fearless Veteran”)

• 4x JIOA platoons (Cmd SMG, 6x rifle teams, M2 60mm mortar) [4×200 pts.]. One platoon has attached universal artillery observer team with jeep.

9^th US Armored Division, 2^nd Tank Battalion Company:

• CO HQ (CinC and 2iC in M4a3 late and attached M26 Super Pershing) [480 pts.]
• 3x M26 Pershing platoons (5x M26 Pershing each) [3×985 pts.]
• Armored mortar platoon (Cmd, 3x M4 81mm MMC H/T, M3a1 w/50cal H/T)[110pts.]
• Sherman M4a3 late 76mm platoon (3x Sherman M4a3 76mm) [415 pts.]

9^th US Armored Division Armored Rifle Company:

• Co HQ (Cmd and 2iC carbine, Bazooka, M3a1 w/50cal H/T and jeep) [40 pts.]
• 3x AR platoons (Cmd, 5x rifle teams, 5x Bazooka, M2 60mm mortar, 2x M1919 LMG, 4x M3a1 H/T, M3a1 w/50cal H/T) [3×295 pts.]

Transport pool of trucks available for use by any American company, including tank platoons, to move captured teams:

• Transport pool (16x GMC trucks) [Free]

Attached off table artillery batteries on call:

• 2x Field artillery battery (Cmd, Staff, 4x M2a1 105mm cannon, observer / jeep drives on table when battery on line) [2×185 pts.]

Soviet complete OOB [6080 pts.]: All Russians are rated “Fearless trained” unless noted:

NKGB Special Branch Unit: (Recon or Recee and rated “Fearless Veteran”)

• NKGB Hero Spetsnaz platoon (Cmd SMG, 4x SMG, 3x captured German H/T)[170pts.]. Has attached universal Artillery observer team.
• 3x Hero Razvedki platoons (Cmd rifle/mg, 5x rifle/mg, 3x M3a1 AC) [3x145pts.]

Red Banner Guard Division:

• Hero Motostrelkovy battalion HQ (Cmd and 2iC rifle, Commissar) [45pts.]
• 3x Hero Motostrelkovy companies (Cmd SMG, 9x SMG, 3x SMG/panzerfaust, 2x HMG teams) [3x355pts.]
• Hero Mortar company (Cmd rifle, observer, 6x 82-BM-41 mortars, 6x trucks)[125pts.]

Red Banner Guard Tank Division:

• Hero Guard Heavy Tank battalion HQ (Cmd IS-2 obr 1943 with attached IS-3 prototype model) [260pts.]
• 4x Hero Guard Heavy Tank companies (3x IS-2 obr 1943) [4x450pts.]
• Hero Guard Assault gun company (3x ISU-122) [355pts.]
• Hero Guard Assault gun company (3x ISU-152) [315pts.]

Hero Tankovy Battalion:

• Hero Tankovy HQ (Cmd T34/85 obr 1944) [85pts.]
• 3x Hero Tankovy companies (4x T34/85 obr 1944) [3x375pts.]

Transport pool of trucks available for use by any Soviet platoon or company, including tank platoons, to move captured teams:

• Transport pool (16x Zis trucks) [Free]

Attached off table artillery batteries on call:

• 2x Hero Artillery battalions (Cmd, Staff, 8x 76mm Zis-2 guns, 4x 122mm obr 1938, observer w/jeep drives on table when battery on line) [2x360pts.]

German complete OOB. All German die-hard SS teams are rated “Fearless Veteran.”Former prison guards teams are “Reluctant Trained” rated.

• General Hans Kammler (Obergruppenführer CMD SMG)
• SS Platoon (Cmd Assault rifle / panzerfaust, 4x assault rifle / panzerfaust)
• 3x Gestapo team (Gestapo team SMG)
• 4x Prisoner guards (Cmd rifle, 3x rifle teams)
• Abandoned MG42, with ammo belts, left in concrete bunker at Mittelwerk gate

Stationary inactive German models of: Ar (E) 555 “New York bomber”, Me P-1111, Ar 234C-3/C-4 “Lighting”, Fi 103 “Reichenberg IV”, Me-328 V1/V2, Lippisch P.13a, and Fw Ta-183 “Huckebein” plus a selection of German missile systems.

Stationary inactive panzer models of: E-50 with Rheintochter 1 missile, E-100 StuG gun (128mm), Maus, E-100. P-245-010 “Jaguarundi”, Geschutzwagen 638/18 SF Ardelt “Waffentrager”, and Panzer E-25.

 

Back to the scenario commentary. First Soviet reinforcement arrives. A truck borne Hero Motostrelkovy company (Cmd SMG, 9x SMG, 3x SMG/panzerfaust, 2x HMG teams) approaches the outlying Kummersdorf II annex buildings.

First Soviet reinforcement arrives. A truck borne Motostrelkovy company heads for the outlying Kummersdorf II annex buildings.

Each turn both sides will roll for reinforcements per selections given below. If already selected, re-roll the d6 die again till possible selection or no reinforcement.

American Reinforcements (roll d6):

1. No reinforcement platoon arrives this turn
2. Artillery battery on line and ready to bombard
3. Pick any armored infantry, optionally with their HQ group, or Armored mortar platoon
4. Pick any tank platoon, optionally with their HQ group, or assault gun platoon
5. Player choice of platoon to arrive
6. Two platoons arrive with player choice

Soviet Reinforcements (roll d6):

1. No reinforcement company arrives this turn
2. Artillery battery on line and ready to bombard
3. Pick any Motostrelkovy company, optionally with their HQ group. or Mortar company
4. Pick any Tankovy company, optionally with their HQ group, or Assault gun company
5. Player choice of company to arrive
6. Two companies arrive with player choice

 

Back on the aerodrome, the Soviet NKGB Team A investigates the control tower. Surprise! A SS platoon armed with assault rifles opens fire. Two dead German scientist teams are cut down and the truck left burning. The dastardly SS platoon quickly leaves the tower and heads for the nearby uphill woods.

Surprise! A SS platoon occupies the control towers and opens fire, killing two German scientist teams and burning their transport truck. They then stormtrooper out towards the nearby woods.

American JIOA Team A finds another German scientist hiding in the ruins, very nervous about the lurking Gestapo team. At the aerodrome the Soviet Team A is shakened by the SS platoon and manage limited return firepower. Seeing the Soviets under full auto assault rifle fire, American Team C jumps out of their vehicles and assumes a defensive position around the large Ar (E) 555 bomber plane. Arriving on their friendly long table edge, a Sherman Assault gun platoon arrives to back up their JIOA Team C at the aerodrome.

(Note: WR changed out the Sherman 76mm platoon for the doubled sized Sherman Assault gun platoon as he brought the wrong models to the convention)

American JIOA Team A moves into the built up area watching for that Gestapo team reappearance. Another German captive team taken control of.

Soviet Team A is shot up by the SS platoon while the American Team C exits their vehicles to form a defensive ring near the large Ar (E) 555 New York bomber plane.

Going it alone in the objective rich Mittelwerk zone, Soviet NKGB Team C has two truck loads of captives to herd about. They proceed to drive further into the complex and pass the V-1 launch ramp position. More objective coins are for examination ahead.

Two trucks full of captives, Soviet NKGB Team C drives up towards the V-1 launch ramp position. Another objective coin spotted near the ramp.

Turn Six: Neither side receives reinforcements. Both rolled a one on the d6. Soviets move their NKGB Team B under the electrical tower lines heading towards the Kummersdorf II out building or annex area. NKGB Team A breaks away from the aerodrome and heads towards the Mittelwerk gate guarded by the concrete bunker position. Seeing the American Shermans approach wasn’t to their liking it seems. NKGB Team C finds more German scientists near the V-1 ramp. Their trucks are becoming full for captives. Maybe time to drop them off at the table edge?

For the Americans…. it’s Gestapo time again. The Kummersdorf II Gestapo team darts out again and SMG fire cuts down another traitorous German scientist team dead. They then rush through the ruins and exit on the building far side. For the American turn, their JIOA Team A chases the fleeing Gestapo team into the ruins, failing to catch them with rifle fire. JIOA Team B changes direction and heads towards the Soviet NKGB Team B heading towards the outlying Kummersdorf building annex. Team C continues their examination of the Ar (E) 555 New York bomber model.

Opening a murderous volley of SMG bullets, another German scientist team is cut down by the Gestapo team who then darts back through the Kummersdorf II building ruins.

Exit stage right for the Gestapo team. They get away for now.

American JIOA Team C starts to examine the large Ar (E) 555 New York bomber model for two objective points. By remaining uninterrupted and stationary for one turn, their platoon command team collects data, design drawings, workbooks, lab notes, photos and measurements on the advance weapon prototype for two objective points at scenario end. Since most scientist and technician teams are worth one point, the ability to collect two points is worth the stationary wait. The scenario victory is geared to collection of objective points for victory. There are 139 possible objective victory points on the entire tabletop, scattered about or moving (the Camp Dora ex-prisoner rocket technicians). The full list is below:

Victory conditions: Determined by the number of objective German scientist and technician team points collected (in control of), and advanced German hardware examined, noted taken, and photographed. Not required to exit the tabletop with the actual German team for victory points, just need control. Side with the most objective points wins based upon the following schedule:

            Wernher von Braun is worth 15 objective points

            Senior designers are worth 5 objective points

            Senior technicians are worth 3 objective points

            All other scientist, technician, or rocket specialist teams worth 1 objective point

            Examination of hardware successfully done is worth 2 objective points

Objectives: There are many German scientist, technicians, or advanced weapon hardware objectives. There objective coin code number and letter identified below. Each team counts as an objective and has victory points attached:

Rocket / Missile Research Group (R)

1. Wernher von Braun (R1) marked as R1 on objective coin
2. Senior Rocket designers (R2) marked as R2 on objective coin and so on.
3. Senior Rocket technicians (R3)
4. A4 / V2 (R4)
5. A4b EMW (R5)
6. A9 EMW (R6)
7. Ba-349a “Natter” (R7)
8. Fi-103 “Reichenberg IV” (R8)
9. V-1 “Flying bomb” (R9)
10. Wasserfall C2 EMW (R10)

Missile Research Group (M):

1. Senior Missile designers (M1) marked as M1 on objective coin and so on.
2. Senior Missile technicians (M2)
3. Bv L-10 (M3)
4. Bv-246 “Hagelhorn” (M4)
5. Hs-293 (M5)
6. Kramer X-1 “Fritz X” (M6)
7. Me “Enzian” (M7)

Panzer Research Group (P):

1. Senior Panzer designers (P1) marked as P1 on objective coin and so on.
2. Senior Panzer technicians (P2)
3. E-100 (P3)
4. E-100 StuG gun (P4)
5. E-25 (P5)
6. Maus (P6)
7. P-245-010 “Jaguarundi” (P7)
8. Rheintochter 1 (P8)

Aircraft Research Group (A):

1. Senior Aircraft designers (A1) marked as A1 on objective coin and so on.
2. Senior Aircraft technicians (A2)
3. Ar (E) 555 (A3)
4. Ar-234 C-3 / C4 “Lighting” (A4)
5. FW Ta-183 “Huckebein” (A5)
6. Lippisch P.13a (A6)
7. Me-328 V1 / V2 (A7)
8. Me-P-1111 (A8)

Other Weapons Group (W):

1. Senior Weapon designers (W1) marked as W1 on objective coin and so on.
2. Luftfaust system (W2)
3. Stg-44 AR (W3)

Camp Dora Ex-prisoner rocket engineer specialist-technician teams, nine in total.

Back to the scenario report. The Sherman Assault gun platoon heads quickly to support their JIOA Team C at the aerodrome. They watch the Soviet NKGB Team A drive away from the bullet marked control tower and burning Zis truck.

Sherman Assault gun platoon approaches their JIOA Team C at the aerodrome.

While all this action is going on, the German refugee column is moving along the roadway past Camp Dora. The former inmates of Camp Dora are randomly moving about within the camp or exiting the gates. Several of the ex-prisoner teams are non-mobile (don’t roll d6 for movement) and marked by miniatures in lying down / sitting positions.

The German refugee column moves past Camp Dora as the former inmates move about within the camp or beyond the open gates. Someplace nearby are the hidden former prison guard rifle teams.

American JIOA Team B hasn’t done much except found one captive team. Heading towards the Soviet NKGB Team B near Kummersdorf II out buildings. Panzer E-25 tank model seen.

Turn Seven: Soviet roll for armored reinforcement support to arrive. They select a company of ISU-122 assault guns and drive them on the tabletop at the road leading to the aerodrome. Seeing the fleeing SS platoon, they engage with machine guns the dastardly die-hard SS platoon Germans. Several hits but the German make all their save rolls.

Arriving ISU-122 assault gun company opens fire on the retiring SS platoon. Several hits but all save rolls made.

Big find…. Soviet NKGB Team C finds Wernher von Braun near the V-1 ramp. Rushing him into their protective custody, it is time to exit the tabletop with their cargo of captive scientists and W. von Braun. But first…. a hidden Gestapo team opens fire on the packed Zis trucks. Total whilft of firing….. the SMG must have jammed.

The nearby Gestapo team opens fire on the sardine packed Zis trucks….. the SMG jammed!

Turn Eight: Having disembarked their Motostrelkovy company at the Kummersdorf II outbuildings, the Soviet infantry company advances towards the other part of Kummersdorf, aiming to secure the technology lying about. Looking to their left, in the distance, they spot advancing M3a1 half tracks carrying a full American Armored rifle platoon, being reinforcements from the previous turn. Tensions are rising but no face to face confrontations yet.

Soviet NKGB Team C rapidly returns towards their friendly long table edge before the Americans can intercept. They have several German scientist & technicians, Wernher von Braun, and some prisoner rocket technicians stashed in the escorted Zis trucks. NKGB Team B arrives behind their advancing Motostrelkovy company at Kummersdorf. Lastly, the remaining NKGB platoon Team A rushes towards the Mittelwerk zone gate to escape the advancing American armor rolling across the aerodrome tarmac, including another armor platoon of new Pershing tanks fresh from the French ports. Facing the arriving U.S. Pershing… the heavy Soviet IS-122 company nears the control tower, seeing the Shermans across the open tarmac. For the Americans, JIOA Team A tries to flush out the lurker Gestapo team in the ruins while finding more cowed scientists.

American JIOA Team A tries to flush out the Gestapo team lurking in the ruins while finding another cowed German scientist team.

Soviet Motostrelkovy company starts to march towards the main Kummersdorf II buildings while advancing American AR platoon approaches. JIOA Team A at Kummersdorf II chasing Gestapo.

Soviet IS-122 company rolls down the roadway as Sherman tanks deploy across the open tarmac. Not seen is the Pershing platoon off picture at left. JIOA Team C nears the control tower.

Loaded down with captives, including Wernher von Braun, Soviet NKGB Team C quickly seeks to exit the tabletop, ensuring the objective victory points for Team Soviet.

American heavy armor arrives. A platoon of U.S. Pershing covers JIOA Team C moving towards the control tower. In distance is the IS-122 company and on tarmac the Sherman Assault guns. Under the Pershing cannon is the retiring NKGB Team A with their captured German half-tracks.

The AR platoon rushes forward to counter the advancing Soviet Motostrelkovy company crossing the open ground.

Turn Nine: Announced to the players that next turn (turn ten), the process for possible hot war shooting confrontation can occur. Simply a RPS action at start of turn… if a tie result the hot war starts and every platoon on the tabletop will perform immediate ROF one (1) attack against former allied formations, players choice. After the shooting the normal turn phasing continues with normal movement, firing, and assaults. For reinforcements this turn, both sides received word over their radios that a field artillery battery is on call.

Meanwhile, the tabletop action continues. The Soviet NKGB Team C crashes through the chain link gate thereby entering the Mittelwerk sector and passing near the concrete guardhouse bunker. Someone is home. Poking out the silt… a MG42 with a belt of ammo manned by the evil General Kammler (Obergruppenführer), the high nazi for Hitler’s advance weapons research, ruthless individual, and his henchmen. The chainsaw sound, the bullets rip into the Zis truck and captured German half-tracks. Burning, the truck occupants bail out leaving one dead scientist team in the burning wreckage. The nearby refugee column stops as refugees hit the dirt avoiding the machine gun fire.

Evil SS General Kammler and his henchmen fire the MG-42 from the bunker, hitting the nearby Zis truck. Bodies drap out the burning truck as German scientists or technicians dive for cover.

Over in Kummersdorf II the Americans have closed in on the Gestapo team. Charging in one door, the Gestapo team exits the building towards the nearby GMC truck, firing from the hip with their SMG. One scientist teams drops dead, the others run for their lives. Quickly the Americans react, and chase down the fleeing Gestapo team heading for the woods. They didn’t make it…. gunned down on the roadway by the enraged American JIOA teams for good.

Flushed out, the Gestapo team runs towards the GMC truck, firing at the hip. One scientist team is killed. Revenge is quick, the Gestapo team is gunned down while running towards the woods.

American JIOA Team A guns down the fleeing Gestapo team heading for the nearby woods.

Soviets by now have positioned themselves around the Kummersdorf II out building with their Motostrelkovy company, equipped with two HMG teams. Soviet NKGB Team B has joined them just behind their front line. Facing them is the American JIOA Team A in Kummersdorf II itself, a line of AR platoon teams, and soon a backup of Pershing tanks. By now their JIOA Team B has headed for the aerodrome again to continue their research on the German aircraft designs. Lastly, the American JIOA Team C is following the just ambushed Soviet NKGB Team A at the Mittelwerk gate. Overseeing the aerodrome, both sides have heavy armor and big cannon. The Soviet ISU-122 platoon takes position to face the American Pershing tanks. The Sherman tanks have positioned themselves around the tarmac near the control tower.

Kummersdorf II stand off.  JIOA Team A at Kummersdorf building, AR platoon strings across  open ground backed by Pershing. Soviet Motostrelkovy company and NKGB Team B at upper left.

American Pershing face the Soviet IS-122 up on the hill. The ambushed Soviet NKGB Team A passes the Mittelwerk gate as American JIOA Team C chases them.

Turn Ten: The conflict flag goes up. Someplace over the radio armed conflict is reported. On the tabletop a shot rings out… more shots, a heavy cannon is fired, and suddenly the armed conflict erupts across the scenario tabletop. The RPS result was a tie on the first determination. Every platoon or company currently on the tabletop has a single shot ROF firing against any visible now enemy American or Soviet platoon or company. Maximum visibility for the scenario is 24″ due to the overcast cloud cover. After all firing completed and any losses removed, the normal turn sequence is done (Soviet, the German interphase, then the American turn).

Surprisingly little is shot up by the sudden armed conflict. Two Pershings were hit by the IS-122 assault guns but deflected the heavy shells. A couple of infantry teams hit by rifle fire or single shot HMG but again the save rolls made. But hereon out, both American and Soviets teams are targets and the Germans get to shoot everybody too.

Soviet NKGB Team C quickly drives for the table edge. With shooting started their valuable captives are worth serious objective points, especially Wernher von Braun. Reinforcement Motostrelkovy company arrives to secure the Mittelwerk area from American inspection.

As NKGB Team C exits the table with their captive teams, another Motostrelkovy company arrives to secure the Mittelwerk V-2 rocket factory sector.

American now enemy… the other Motostrelkovy company at Kummersdorf open fire upon the advancing AR platoon positioned in open ground. Two American teams are soon lying dead on the German soil. NKGB Team B soon exits the tabletop with their captives. After the rifle and HMG team firing, the Soviet off-board battery targets the AR platoon but fail to cause loss but pin the Americans.

Firing upon the advancing AR platoon, soon two teams are lying dead on the ground. As the Motostrelkovy fires, the NKGB Team B exits with their captives for the moment.

Off board Soviet artillery lands on the exposed AR platoon near Kummersdorf II. Shells land everywhere but the effect is just a pin result. WR likes his new artillery bombardment markers.

At the aerodrome, the outnumbers ISU-122 assault gun company fires again at the stationary Pershing platoon. Hits are scored again but lucky American dice save the American armor. Firing back, the Pershing gunnery proves to be superior… two burning assault guns litter the hill slope, the third ISU-122 passes their morale test. Soviet artillery shells start to land around the JIOA Team C nearing the Mittelwerk gate entrance.

The gunnery duel between the Pershing and ISU-122 company quickly goes against the Soviets. Two burning IS-122 litter the hill slope while the third passes the required morale test.

The other Soviet battery targets the American JIOA Team C nearing the Mittelwerk gate and before the Pershing platoon shelling the IS-122 company. One jeep and occupant blasted to bits.

American reinforcement arrives. Another AR platoon in their armored half tracks arrives in the Camp Dora sector. Former prisoners are seen darting about, an old armored car is parked outside the former garrison buildings.

Another AR platoon drives towards the Camp Dora zone as former prisoners get out of the way. Ahead is the stalled German refugee column stopped by the firing at the Mittelwerk gate.

Having lost a team or two, the advancing AR platoon hits the dirt and tries to entrench. They fail so the return fire against the Motostrelkovy company is weak. Still, they cause two Soviet teams to lie still on the German soil.

American AR platoon, after failing to entrench, open fire on the exposed Motostrelkovy company, causing two dead teams.

Shifting position, the Pershing platoon at Mittelwerk gate crushes the chain fence under their tracks and fire upon the fleeing Soviet NKGB Team A. Blasted apart, the Zis truck with three captive teams sees one team dead in the truck, the other two bailed out shaken.

A Pershing tank blasts apart the Zis truck carrying the German captives with NKGB Team A. One dies, the other two scientist teams bailed out shaken.

Americans are seen firing into the Soviet held Kummersdorf out lying buildings. The supportive Pershing platoon advances to engage the Soviets as JIOA Team A holds Kummersdorf II.

Turn Eleven: Player movements on the tabletop are now much more proscribed seeking cover and tracking enemy formations. The first of several Hero T34/85 tankovy companies arrives near the aerodrome to challenge the Sherman assault guns. Soviet twin batteries of artillery starts to pound the American platoons, seeking to delay their advance. The valuable JIOA and NKGB platoons, some still with captives in trucks, seek cover as the bigger platoons and companies start to slug it out over the open German countryside.

Soviet artillery pounds again the American AR platoon outside of Kummersdorf II. Their Pershing  armor support behind them prepares to advance through the falling steel curtain of Russia.

Still the mad General Kammler and his henchmen are causing trouble at the Mittelwerk gate. their MG42 rips into another truck, this time an American GMC.

Passing their fellow Americans, the Pershing platoon closes the range on the Soviet defenders at Kummersdorf annex.

Soviet reinforcements arrive to counter the American armor presence at the aerodrome. Four Hero T34/85 seek to brew up the American Sherman tanks with their long 85mm cannon.

In the Mittelwerk area Soviet NKGB Team C at the factory tunnel. NKGB Team A staggers in with captives after running past the Pershing. Zis trucks carry a Motostrelkovy company forward.

Turn Twelve: What a target…. the Pershing and AR platoon are shelled by both Soviet batteries. Dirt, limbs, and helmets fly up in the air as American tank steel sheds the Russian shells. Several AR teams disappear in the blast zone. More Soviet armor arrives. This time a Red Banner Guard company of IS-2 obr 1944 tanks with their big 122mm cannon behind the Hero T34/85 company at the aerodrome.

The AR platoon, with the Pershing, are shelled by both batteries of Soviet off-board artillery. Loses mount in the AR platoon as the Pershing rumble forward.

Seeing advantage, the Hero T34/85 platoon advances to engage the Sherman 105mm assault guns. Armor wise the same but the Soviet cannon can easily pierce the American armor at range. One Sherman starts to burn. American JIOA Team B seeks cover among the German aircraft and buildings.

Hero T34/85 cannon brew up one Sherman. Then the big IS-2 obr 1944 tanks arrive to support the advance. Sherman platoon commander shouting on radio net for Pershing support.

Americans press the Soviet Motostrelkovy defenders at the Kummersdorf annex. Soviet teams losses from the 90mm cannon as machine gun and rifle fire comes from the pinned AR platoon piles in. Then the American 105mm batteries zeros in…. shells and blasted fragments from the German building sail through the air.

Pershing tanks pump 90mm shells into the Soviet held position while the 105mm battery zeros in on the target. Soviet dead start to mount up deep in their foxholes.

Another view of the besieged Motostrelkovy company at Kummersdorf annex facing the American Pershing and AR platoon… plus the JIOA Team A.

Seeing their reinforcements are delayed, the American Sherman assault gun platoon backs up out of range of the advancing Soviet armor approaching the aerodrome tarmac. Where are those heavy Pershing tanks??

Sherman assault gun platoon backs away from the advancing Soviet armor…. T34/85 and Red Banner Guard IS-2 obr 1944 tanks plus the remaining IS-122 up on the hill slope.

Securing the Mittelwerk position is a Soviet aim so their arriving Motostrelkovy company disembarks from their Zis trucks and spreads out into the woods besides the V-2 factory mountain. At the same time their retiring NKVD Team A drives past to send home their German captives. The NKGB Team C drives into the Mittelwerk mountain factory tunnel to later exit on the other side near Camp Dora. Haven’t seen that on a wargame table before… vehicles driving into a tunnel.

Motostrelkovy company disembarks and the infantry advance into the woods. NKGB Team C disappears into the Mittelwerk tunnel as Team A drives safely past their cheering Motostrelkovy.

Turn Thirteen: Trying to halt the American advance at Kummersdorf II, the Soviet Motostrelkovy infantry and their supporting artillery shell or shoot the exposed Americans. The Pershing tanks laugh at the lightweight Soviet shells but the AR platoon loses two more teams.

xx

Driving through the Mittelwerk V-2 mountain factory, the NKGB Team C exit the tunnel near the entrance to Camp Dora. Encountering one scientist team and soon more former Camp Dora prisoner teams, the Soviet specialist interrogation service warms up for the roadside interviews.

NKGB finds a scientist team at the other tunnel exit. Then they proceed to interrogate the Camp Dora prisoner teams for rocket technicians. Tabletop movement through tunnel, that new to WR.

American return the bombardment on the Motostrelkovy company. NKGB Team B is pinned by the American shellfire along with the Motostrelkovy company. One M3a1 armored car changed to beyond salvage status.

American bombardment lands on Kummersdorf annex. Both the Motostrelkovy and NKGB Team B are pinned as the brickwork is blasted. One M3a1 armored car is just scrap steel burning.

Center table at the aerodrome the Sherman assault guns and the Hero T34/85 company slug it out joined by the Guard Red Banner IS-2 obr 1944 company. During the battle the American JIOA Team B storms the hangar buildings to flush out the Gestapo team who returned to their original hiding place after shooting up one of their occupied M3a1 H/t. Burning vehicles are dotting the open tarmac on both sides. Closing the range, the Pershing platoon seek to engage the heavy Soviet armor but the poor visibility (of 24″) is misting their rangefinders.

Tanks battle outside but JIOA Team B survivors search out and kill the Gestapo team who earlier destroyed one of their occupied M3a1 H/T.

Seeing the Soviet Motostrelkovy company filtering through the Mittelwerk woods, the right AR platoon disembarks from their M3a1 H/t and advance on foot. Another AR platoon arrives to support their advance by remaining in their armored transport. During all this the German refugee column is stalled at the Mittelwerk gate due to the volume of firing nearby.

AR platoon disembark to engage the Motostrelkovy company in the Mittelwerk woods. Another AR platoon arrives to provide backup support. The German refugee column is stalled at the gate.

The aerodrome armor battle. American Sherman assault guns vs. the advancing Hero T34/85 company supported by the large 122mm cannon on the IS-2 obr 1944 Guard Red Banner tanks.

At Kummersdorf II, a stalemate develops. The determined Motostrelkovy company are not budging an inch. Pershing 90mm shells and artillery bombardments have blasted the bricks into fine red powder, mixed with red Soviet blood. The clouds lighten up… a pause in the bombardments done by both sides or the players just forgot with the action pace on the entire tabletop.

Bombardments lighten up at Kummersdorf II as both sides pause for the final assaults. Determined teams on both sides ready their hand weapons as the 90mm cannon seek targets.

Turn Fourteen: A pause…. One of the scenario players, Jared had entered his larger 1/35th scale tanks in the IPMS modelling show going on next door. Later in the day, he was pleased to learn he had won awards for his Mark V tanks and his Panzer IV. Quickly WR snapped two photos of the models during the game and presents them below. Excellent work Jared!

Jared’s Mark V tank in 1/35th scale.

Trophy and Panzer IV on the tabletop. A bit larger than the 1/72nd scale models being used on the tabletop (20mm). Excellent work Jared!

Back to the scenario commentary. The artillery batteries on both sides open fire again. The AR platoon again received the full Soviet grand battery treatment. The Pershing tanks, having advance further forward, escaped the shelling as they fired 90mm after 90mm HE into the Soviet infantry foxholes.

Targeted again, the AR platoon fails to entrench so hug the dear earth as Soviet HE explodes around them. Pinned in place and repeatedly shelled, the platoon is numb from air concussions.

American bombardment reply. Their 105mm shells impact the ground around the Soviet Motostrelkovy company. NKGB Team B stays behind front lines thereby avoiding shelling for now.

Seeing the Motostrelkovy company securing the entrance to Mittelwerk, the 105mm Field Battery observer calls in a target coordinate. Quickly the target is ranged in and FFE mission lands on the surprised Soviet infantry. Several teams removed from the Soviet order of battle.

A surprise American 105mm bombardment lands on the Mittelwerk Motostrelkovy company. Seems the Mittelwerk sector is going hot.

At the Filegerhorst Kaufbeuren, the armor battle rages on. American Sherman tank hulls are burning from the Soviet 85mm shells. The Pershing heavy tank enter the gun battle, taking the Soviet IS-2 obr gunner’s attention. Another company of Soviet assault guns arrives as reinforcement… the deadly ISU-152 with their huge 6″ cannon. Eleven Soviet tanks vs. eight American now as three Sherman tanks are burning wrecks, joining the two cooking off IS-122 on the hill slope. JIOA Team B huddles in the hangar building, ducking every time the tanks fire volleys of shells at each other. Heard on the American radio net, another Pershing platoon is driving hard to join the battle, with their company HQ, and with the attached “Super Pershing” advance design experimental tank.

The tank battle rages on across the open runways of Filegerhorst Kaufbeuren. Eleven Soviet  tanks; IS-2 obr 1944, T34/85, ISU-152, and the sole remaining Is-122 vs. five Pershing and three remaining Sherman assault guns.

While the tanks battle at the aerodrome, another Red Banner Guard IS-2 obr 1944 company drives towards the Pershing platoon near Kummersdorf II. Visibility improves and the Pershing tanks soon feel the impact of 122mm shells from the Soviet gunners. Attention diverted by the Soviet IS-2’s, the Motostrelkovy company and shot up AR platoon continue their engagement with rifle and machine gun bullets. NKGB Team B informs the Motostrelkovy company commander of his mission to secure German technology intelligence at Kummersdorf II. They need to take the Kummersdorf buildings from the Americans. Across that open ground?? thinks the unknown commander, that order is must be from Stalin.

IS-2 obr 1944 company drives up the radar hill slope and engage the Pershing platoon. Meanwhile the reduced AR platoon and Motostrelkovy company battle with MG and rifle bullets.

Turn Fifteen: Battle of the tanks across the tabletop. At the aerodrome the Soviet shells explode two more Sherman hulls and ricochet from the Pershing steel. American tank crews are shaken by the huge 152mm HE shells landing nearby from the ISU-152 company. If one of those hits… it’s all over. Reduced to one running Sherman, the Sherman platoon passes their morale and continues the gunnery duel. An IS-2 turns into a burning pyre along with the last IS-122 assault gun. Several dazed and bailed crews, on both sides, from the steel shells impacting the hull or turret armor. The reserve Pershing platoon and HQ tanks arrive to join the gunnery range duel. The “Super Pershing” fires its first T15E2 shell in anger.

The tank battle at the aerodrome continues. Both sides have massed their armor in the table center over the open ground.

At Kummersdorf, the smaller tank engagement is just as deadly. One Pershing is burning, the crew never exited from the fiery wreck. In reply a IS-2 obr 1944 tank catches fire and blows its turret skyward when the ammunition lites off.

Another deadly tank duel. One burning IS-2 and Pershing is the result this turn.

While the Americans and Soviets battle, the sneaky Mittelwerk Gestapo team spots another German scientist team turning traitor. They fire their SMG bullet into the military/civilian bodies then escape across the concrete V-1 launch ramp.

Gestapo following orders to kill traitorous German scientists. The Soviet artillery observer is surprised then fires their feeble pistols at the fleeing Gestapo team.

The nearby tall radar tower stands without power as the burning IS-2 gives smoke cover to the bailed crew recovering from their damaged tank.

Firing on the move the American gunnery is good. The sole remaining IS-122 assault gun is destroyed, one IS-2 obr 1944 and ISU-152 burn, and two T34/85 tanks are blasted wrecks.

While one Motostrelkovy company suffers another American 105mm artillery bombardment at Mittelwerk, another Soviet reinforcement Motostrelkovy company arrives in their Zis trucks. Their enemy, the AR platoon nearby, entrenches fearing the Soviet artillery. The reserve or support AR platoon drives forward in their armored half-tracks to press the attack.

One Motostrelkovy company is shelled by American artillery. Another company arrives via their Zis trucks heading for the tunnel to outflank the Americans. AR platoons at upper photo edge.

More tank gunnery at Kummersdorf but this time the aim was poor or shells defected by steel armor.

Turn Sixteen: Seeing the massing American armored infantry, the Soviet observer on the V-1 launch ramp calls in the artillery. Soviet shell rain down on the exposed AR platoons.

Watched by the near Soviet FO team hidden at the V-1 launch ramp, the Soviet artillery is directed on the exposed AR platoons.

Spotting the observer firing on the fleeing Gestapo team no doubt, the AR platoon LMG team cuts down the FO team behind the steel girders of the launch ramp.

Sharp eyed AR LMG crew cut down the Soviet FO behind the V-1 launch ramp steel girders.

American armor advances on the Soviets. Two Pershing platoons, plus their headquarter tanks and the Super Pershing gut the Soviet tanks. Both the ISU-152 and the IS-2 companies are burning pyres. Only the half-strength Hero T34/85 company remains to contest the aerodrome, looking for their reverse gear no doubt. Near Kummersdorf, the other Pershing platoon receives the good news over the radio and proceeds to gut the remaining IS-2 company before them.

Pershing tanks advance!. 90mm AP ammunition rips apart the IS-2 and ISU-152 assault gun companies. The Super Pershing tank is the off color Pershing lower left.

With one Pershing burning, one crew bailed, the other three finish off the IS-2 obr 1944 company across the valley.

Kummersdorf II battles continue with the Soviet Motostrelkovy company moving out of their foxholes and ruins to advance on the JIOA Team A position. The crazed NKVD Team B commander orders all to assault the Kummersdorf technical factory. The AR platoon, reduced in numbers, open fire to support their fellow Americans. A Hero T34/85 is driving to support the assault.

The Kummersdorf II battle changes with the Soviet Motostrelkovy company leaping from their positions to advance on the JIOA Team A holding the factory buildings.

Seeing a hidden opportunity, NKGB Team C, having driven through the Mittelwerk factory tunnel, enter Camp Dora via the open gates. They seek to interrogate the wandering prisoners to identify the rocket technicians. Only the Soviet players thought of finding these specialist rocket engineer teams… and objective points.

Soviet NKGB Team C enters Camp Dora to interrogate the prisoners, thus identify the rocket technicians within the prisoner population. Several are found and placed into NKVD custody.

While one Motostrelkovy company holds the woods against the American AR platoons, another Motostrelkovy company in their Zis trucks is positioned to reinforce the front. NKGB Team A has returned to search out the V-2 and C-2 Wasserfall rockets. They marvel at the German technical displays and rocket systems. Maybe the moon in thirty years?

One Motostrelkovy company holds the Mittelwerk woods. Another in their Zis trucks awaits orders to secure positions. NKGB Team A seeks technology from nearby V-2 and C-2 Wasserfall systems.

Turn Seventeen: Having no escape nearby, the Soviet Hero T34/85 company dies under a hail of 90mm shells. The aerodrome has been secured by the Pershing platoons and HQ. Time to apply and buff another wax coat on the Super Pershing victory parade.

The last of the Hero T34/85 company dies under the hail of 90mm shells. JIOA Team B is relieved by the American armor.

In the Mittelwerk the forward Motostrelkovy company marches further into the woods. But several teams are outside and fall victim to artillery bombardment and AR platoon’s LMG / rifle fire.

Several Motostrelkovy teams are blasted by artillery bombardment and AR platoon LMG or rifle fire. A second AR platoon heads for the woods to clear.

At Kummersdorf II, the second Soviet T34/85 tankovy company arrives to support the Motostrelkovy attack. The charge goes in…. the JIOA Team A defends itself and with six shots gets 5 hits… pinning the assault outside. Several teams drop dead as the Motostrelkovy company is repulsed.

Motostrelkovy company assaults but American defensive fire pins the attackers. Repulsed, the Soviet infantry retires leaving several teams behind. Hero T34/85 company arrives too late.

American effort between Camp Dora and Mittelwerk testing sites. Two AR platoons, one reduced by Soviet artillery, are advancing on the Motostrelkovy positioned in the woods.

Turn Eighteen: Scenario end is called. On turn nineteen a RPS action would be performed. at start of each turn, to determine if the scenario ends or continues for another turn. If a tie result, the scenario immediately ends at the start of the current turn as the Senior leaders of ETO and the Soviet Red Army order a major stand down and disengagement by all parties.

Looking over the tabletop both teams, Soviet and Americans see little that can happen on the eighteenth turn so deside to call the scenario at this point in the scenario. Time to count up the objective points secured by each side at this point in the scenario. Model or advanced weapon system hardware examinations only count if they are commenced, by a JIOA or NKGB team platoon commander, before scenario end.

Team Soviet collected 56 objective points by the accounting. Finding Wernher von Braum was worth 15 points alone, and they made a effort to find the nine rocket engineer prisoner teams out of Camp Dora. They successfully examined the Panzer E-25, A4 V-2, Rheintochter 1, and A4b EMW advanced weapon systems plus collected their share of scientist or technician teams.

Some of Team Soviet’s 56 objective points of captive scientists, technicians, or rocket engineer prisoners, plus the model hardware examined,

For Team American, the total was less at 30 total points. The scientists, technicians gave 20 points while examining the advanced weapons provided 10 points. Examined was the Ar (E) 555 New York bomber, FW Ta-183 Huckebein, Me P-1111, E-100 StuG gun, and P-245-010 Jaguarrundi.

Team American has 26 objective points collected from their scientist, technician, and model hardware examined.

Final situation at scenario end. The Kummersdorf II sector first. The reduced Motostrelkovy company ready to try again or die taking Kummersdorf ruins while the Hero T34/85 company looks on.

Mittelwerk battlefield. Soviet Motostrelkovy in woods and tunnel opening. Last Hero T34/85 company at right. Two American AR platoons outside with some Pershing armor arriving.

Aerodrome is all American. Burning Soviet wrecks dot the tarmac and low hill slope. With more time and JIOA teams they could have collected lots of advanced hardware examination points.

Standing in the open the Motostrelkovy company will be overrun by the advancing Pershing platoon after the Hero T34/85 is destroyed… but the radio net says a ceasefire is ordered.

Camp Dora look barren. Finally one JIOA Team (C) will enter the camp but the Soviets have found all the rocket engineer prisoner teams. The two AR platoons and Motostrelkovy company face off.

Summary of the game…. or WR viewpoint. That was a different scenario from the majority of games WR GM’s. Been over three years in the thought process and the collecting of models, construction, and the specialized terrain was a fun project. Most likely WR and Daniel will run this game again at the Winter LAX Strategicon convention in February. A special thank you for all the players who tossed dice, did the RPS, giving their time and attention, towards a successful scenario and event presentation.

After reviewing the play… and scenario flow, WR has made a few minor changes in the forces and objective point collection. 1) Added a IS-3 model to the Red Banner Guard IS-2 HQ mostly to give offset to the Super Pershing. 2) Continue using the Sherman M4a3 (late) 76mm platoon vs. the convention play with Sherman Assault guns. The Sherman 105mm assault guns really couldn’t touch the Russian tanks with their AT 10 factor. 3) Change the stationary time for examination from two turns down to one. This will greatly encourage the players with their JIOA and NKGB platoons to spend time performing the examinations (worth two points each). Update 2/2018: WR added the American OSS and Soviet NKGB Special Spetsnaz platoons to act as “Brandenburgers” to sow command confusion and increase likeness of confrontations during early scenario turns.

Players grabbed the concept to seek out the objectives but didn’t plan well their path about the tabletop. On several turns no examinations, finding an objective coin, or thinking about confrontation to secure the captives controlled by the opposite side teams was done. Every turn should be geared to secure objective victory points…. one way or another. Advance quickly into the center of tabletop before turning back to seek objective markers… ie.. attempt to block opposite side road movement on tabletop. The Feb 2018 scenario notes file update added American OSS and Soviet NKGB Special Spetsnaz platoons, specially geared for blocking opposite side platoon movements via confrontations. Look at the tabletop before the scenario starts and plan a route to maximize the possibilities is strongly suggested. Soviet NKGB Team C had the entire Mittelwerk zone to themselves for most of the scenario. The same team also looked (interviewed) for the rocket engineers hidden in the general ex-prisoner population teams. Once shooting starts, the targets should be the enemy JIOA or NKGB platoons, keeping in mind they have Recon or Recee abilities. Another use for the regular army forces… move to block enemy JIOA or NKGB teams from exiting their friendly table edge if possible. Lastly, as some players were doing near the scenario end, secure the valuable advance weapon hardware if possible with a cordon of friendly regular units/teams so the JIOA or NKGB platoons can examine the weapon systems without disruption.

Should be interesting when we run the same scenario again at LAX in February 2018.

The preparation, model construction, terrain building, and other interesting points compiled in WR’s “Preparation for Operation Overcast“ scenario article.

Cheers from the convention floor.

WR