Guards Tank: The Battle of Prokhorovka, July 1943

Guards Tank: The Battle of Prokhorovka, July 1943
Turn 1A
by E.R. Bickford
Production:
C.J. Doherty
© 2010 Decision Games
Bakersfield, CA.
The SS Panzer Corps is charged with
breaking through the Soviet fortifications and pushing on northward to
ultimately capture Prokhorovka as
well as positions on the eastern and
western flanks, which are marked with
the German cross. The Panzer Corps
is made up of three divisions and will
launch a three-pronged attack. The
Totenkopt Division is deployed on
the left flank and will proceed on the
western side of the Donets River
River, eventually crossing the Psel River toward
the road to the west of Voroshilov. The
center is covered by the LAH Division
which must push through the first
line of fortifications and then cross
the Donets pressing along the railroad
toward Prokhorovka. The right flank
is assigned to the Das Reich Division
which must also cross the river. Then
moving along the eastern flank toward
the objective hex near Maloyablonovo.
The first business is to bust through
the first line of Soviet fortifications
which is defended by the 52nd Guards
Corps and the 375th Guards Corps.
The defense looks formidable.
Turn One 5 July 1943
German Player Turn
Reinforcements:
The Axis player receives 8 air missions. Three are medium bombers
and 5 are ground attack missions.
Movement Phase:
None
Final Protective Fire Phase (Soviet):
The 23rd Guards Corps is able to place
two artillery units in command. The
52nd Guards Artillery Regiment misses,
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A1
Guards Tank
recon battalion (1st SS Recon) is eliminated. The LAH units advance. The
final attack on the line is led by the 680
Engineer Battalion. The 375th GD AT is
eliminated as it must retreat through
an enemy ZOC (Zone of Control)
Remaining Axis artillery bombardment manages to suppress the Soviet
375 Guards artillery. The Luftwaffe
makes an appearance to barrage the
52nd Guards Artillery, which is just
north of the first line of fortifications.
Somehow the pilots miss the target.
Since all of the German units
continue to be in command, they
may all participate in the 2nd wave
combat phase with the exception of
the suppressed units from the LAH.
Turn 1B
but the 375th Guards Regiment manages to suppress part of the LAH Division.
Axis First Wave Combat Phase:
On the German right, Das Reich
opens the attack against the 52nd
Guards. All of the defenders are in
fortifications, which gives the defender
a 2 column shift. The first battle
results in an Exchange. A Soviet 3-6-2
infantry (2/52 Rgt) is eliminated and
a German 4-4-8 motorized infantry
battalion is sacrificed. The Axis
gains one VP and the Soviets gather
2 VP’s, but lose a fortification hex.
Tally:
Soviets 2-1
The attacks continue and the Axis
commander employs three ground
support missions as well as three
artillery units firing in support. By
the end, Das Reich forfeits two 4-4-8
infantry battalions while the Soviets
lose two 3-6-4 infantry regiments
eliminated. Four fortress hexes have
been captured from the first line.
Tally:
Soviets 6-3 VP’s.
The German left flank attacks next.
This is handled by the Totenkopt
Division, which has three attacks
A2
to launch against the fortification
hexes. One of these attacks will be
satisfied by an artillery unit using
ranged fire so that ground forces can
be concentrated. The first attack is
launched on the Assault CRT against
the westernmost position, which is
held by the Soviet 3/375. The Totenkopt
units have the advantage of using
engineers against the fortification.
(Engineers gain a favorable column
shift when assaulting fortifications).
This forces the 3rd Regiment to fall
back. The second attack is an Assault
against the 2/375 Regiment, again in
fortifications. Artillery is used as fire
support. The defender survives but
must retreat. The artillery handles the
Soviet 28th Anti-tank brigade, which
becomes suppressed as a result.
Next, the LAH attacks the center of the
Soviet first line fortifications. The 1/375
Guards Regiment is first. The LAH
has suppressed (by Soviet FPF) units
involved which is a disadvantage. (A
negative column shift on the attack.)
Despite this the 1/375 is forced to
retreat. (This retreat is for an additional
hex due to over-stacking). In the next
attack, the LAH strikes the 27th AT
Brigade. The German artillery adds
its weight to the attack and the result
is Exchange. The 0-6-7 (27th AT) is
eliminated and the German 5-3-12
Axis Second Wave Combat:
The Totenkopt launches attacks on
the western position, which is held by
the 3/375 GD Regiment. This attack
employs the Mobile CRT
CRT. The Soviet 3rd
Regiment is forced to retreat. Next the
Totenkopt goes after the 28th AT Brigade
which has been suppressed by artillery
fire. The Soviet AT is still holed up in
fortifications, but is completely surrounded. The Assault Table is used and
unfortunately, the result is Exchange.
The 0-6-7 (28th AT) is eliminated but so
is the German 4-4-8 (T 2/6 infantry battalion). Next the 680 Engineer and the
2/2 LAH attack the suppressed artillery
unit using the Mobile CRT. The Soviet
artillery manages to escape via retreat.
On the eastern flank, the DR division
attacks a lone artillery regiment that is
situated behind the first line of fortifications. The artillery retreats one hex.
In the final attack, the Axis 2/4 and 3/4
battalions attack the 52 GD AT and 6th
GD Army artillery. Both sides retreat.
Recovery Phase:
The suppressed LAH units automatically recover as they are in command
control range. With the recent losses
the score stands at Soviets 9 VP and
the Germans 5 VP’s. (Not counting
terrain objectives.) (Photo 1)
Score:
Soviets 9 Axis 5 VP’s
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The
Battle of Prokhorovka, July 1943
Soviet Player Turn
Reinforcement Phase:
The Soviet player rolls the die to release
his reinforcements. The 183rd Division
and 9th Guards Airborne Division are
both released. These units also bring
along one asset each from the 6th
Guards Army. Since the Germans have
units north of the 1st Fortified Line, the
Soviets also roll for the release of the
mechanized units from the 5th Guards
Tank Army. Only the 5th Mechanized
Corps Detachment is released with
an attached AT regiment (chosen
randomly) from the 5th Guards Army.
The Soviets receive no air power until
the launch of the Orel Offensive via the
event phase. The Soviet commander
uses his one Replacement Point to
attempt a rebuild of the 0-6-7 27th
AT Brigade, but this fails and the
unit is permanently destroyed.
Turn 2A
Movement Phase:
The 23rd Corps attempts to fall back
toward the north. Enemy ZOC’s lock
some of the units which must use
disengagement to break free. Two
units manage to cross the Donets
River via the railroad trestle. In
the rear, the 5th Mechanized Corps
advances forward to Stalinsk. The
183rd Rifle Division advances toward
the 6th Guards Army HQ which is in
the 2nd Line Fortifications. Last, the
9th Airborne advances to Stalinsk.
These units do not get very far
with their slow movement rates.
The turn ends with the Soviets
leading 9 to 5 VP’s.
is out of command, so the rest have
their full movement allowance.
Photo 2
Soviet Final Protective Fire:
Only two of the Soviet artillery units
can fire. The first fires at the DR
units due west of the Donets River
River. It
misses. The second 6-3-3 fires at the
LAH in the center. This is somewhat
successful and the target retreats.
Turn Two 6 July 1943
Events Phase:
No Event
Axis Player Turn
Final Protective Fire Phase:
There is none since none of the Soviet
units are adjacent to German units.
Soviet First Wave Combat:
The commander of the 6th Guards
Army orders his available artillery
to bombard the advancing Germans
with ranged fire. The 28th Artillery
Brigade fires at the DR Engineer
Battalion which becomes suppressed.
Second Wave Combat Phase:
None
Recovery Phase:
The 375 Guards Artillery Brigade automatically recovers from suppression.
Reinforcements Phase:
The Axis receives 2 RP’s plus an additional RP for capture of the first line
fortifications. The first replacement is a
4-4-8 infantry from Das Reich, but it is
permanently eliminated, failing the die
roll. Another 4-4-8 infantry battalion is
eliminated too. The LAH replaces the
5-3-12 recon battalion. Two additional
Ground Attack missions are received as
are three Medium Bomber missions.
Movement Phase:
Since the Soviets have attempted to fall
back from the first line fortifications,
the Totenkopt Division will continue
to press forward on the German left
flank. The LAH strikes the center
in conjunction with the Totenkopt,
while Das Reich sets up to cross the
Donets at the railroad crossing. Only
the suppressed engineer battalion
Axis First Wave Combat:
The first attack is against the
3-6-4 infantry regiment which is
holding the Soviet army’s right
flank. The Totenkopt has brought
overwhelming strength to bear
and uses the Mobile CRT. The
3/375th Guards retreats one hex.
Another Soviet 3-6-4 infantry
unit is defending in forests in the
center. The Totenkopt and LAH join
in an attack employing the Mobile
CRT. This results in a DE and the
2/375 Guards is eliminated.
The 6th Guards Army HQ is caught off
guard by the LAH. It lies exposed with
only the 96th Tank Brigade. Fortunately,
Soviet FPF has forced half of the
German attackers to fall back, giving
these guys a break. The Axis commander is still able to bring formidable
attack strength by employing available
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A3
Guards Tank
Turn 3A
artillery assets. The Mobile CRT is
used. The Soviet defenders are forced
to retreat 4 hexes. The LAH cautiously
advances. Next, the DR attacks the
Soviet left across the Donets River
River. The
defenders are forced to fall back.
Axis Second Wave Attack:
The LAH attacks the Soviet center
again. A 3-6-4 infantry and 0-1-4
artillery defend. The Soviets forces
successfully fall back. The DR engineer
battalion recovers from suppression.
[Photo]
Soviets lead 9-6 VP’s
Soviet Player Turn
Soviet Reinforcement Phase:
The 95th Guards Division is released as
reinforcements. The 2nd Tank Corps is
A4
also released. One replacement point
is received. The 28th Anti-Tank brigade
fails its replacement die roll and is
permanently eliminated instead. The
is no Soviet air support at this point.
Soviet Movement Phase:
The Soviets continue to fall back to
their second line fortifications. The
western flank’s forces do not quite
get there. The 3/275 Guards has to
disengage and has only half of its
movement points available. The 52nd
GD AT battalion retreats to Ternovka
while the artillery moves just to its rear.
Then the 5th Mechanized Corps moves
to Komsomolets. The 2nd Tank Corps
deploys in the 3rd Line Fortifications
as the 95th Guards Division advances
southward toward the Psel River
River.
There is no FPF Phase as none of
the units are adjacent. The Soviet
commander orders artillery fire on
the Axis frontage. The 28th Artillery
fires a barrage against the Totenkopt
forces on the western flank. The Axis
engineer battalion is suppressed. There
is no further combat and the Soviets
have no suppressed units to recover.
[Photo ]
Turn Three 7 July 1943
Event Phase:
There is no event.
German Player Turn
Reinforcements Phase:
The 1/4 Motorized Infantry
Battalion receives replacements
and returns to action via the
turn record chart. The Luftwaffe
provides 5 air support missions.
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The
Battle of Prokhorovka, July 1943
Turn 3B
Movement Phase:
All of the German units are in command except the suppressed engineer
battalion. Das Reich is able to cross
the Donets River at the railroad trestle.
Nonetheless, it stays out of contact with
the Soviet forces. Next, in the center,
the LAH rolls the armored engineers
up to the Donets to assemble bridges
for a crossing. The rest of the LAH
advances to ready for a river crossing.
The Totenkopt advances toward
the north on the Axis left flank and
strikes the 375th Guards Infantry.
Final Protective Fire:
The 6th Guards Army HQ orders
artillery fire on the lead units of the
Totenkopt Division. The 52nd 6-3-3 artillery Regiment barrages the Totenkopt’s
right. There is no effect. Likewise the
375th’s 6-3-3 artillery has no effect.
First Wave Combat Phase:
The Totenkopt’s left attacks the 3-6-4
infantry (3/375) with artillery support. The Soviets give a little ground
retreating one hex. Next the Totenkopt
Division attacks the 3-6-4 Infantry
(3/52nd) The Soviet infantry retreats
which allows the 3/5 Panzergrenadier
Battalion to infi ltrate. Now 1/375 is
surrounded, and the main thrust of
the Totenkopt’s attack is directed to
the center. The 1/375 is eliminated.
Second Wave Combat Phase:
All of the Axis contact units are in
command control radii so the second
wave strikes the 6th Guards Army. The
commander of the Totenkopt Division
orders an attack. The Soviet left is
defended by the 52nd Guards Artillery
Regiment anchored off of the Donets
River. The Panzers strike. The Soviet
River
artillery must retreat and the only hope
of survival is to cross the Donets River
River.
Unfortunately, there is not enough time
(die roll 3 failure) and the unit is eliminated. The German commander orders
the 3/5 Panzergrenadier Battalion to
attack the 6th Guards Army HQ with
fire support from the artillery and two
ground attack air strikes. The Soviet
HQ and artillery regiment retreat two
hexes toward the second line. German
artillery satisfies a diversionary
attack against the 3-6-4 (3/52 Guards)
infantry. There is no effect. A last attack
is against the westernmost Soviet position. The Soviets have a 3-6-4 infantry
against a strong Totenkopt force.
The Soviet defenders are eliminated
by overwhelming attack strength.
The commander of Das Reich Division
orders the artillery barrage against
the Soviet 0-3-4 anti-tank battalion
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A5
Guards Tank
Movement Phase:
The Totenkopt Division is in command
and moves forward along the western
side of the Donets River
River, to engage the
Soviets in the 2nd Line Fortifications.
On the German right flank, Das Reich
crosses the Donets with the aid of
the DR engineer battalion. Its recon
battalion probes toward the city of
Khokhlovo. The LAH Division also
makes a river crossing to the west of
Ternovka. This advance is stemmed by
the Soviet 52nd Guards AT battalion.
Soviet Final Protective Fire:
The 28th Artillery Brigade fires
at Das Reich without effect.
Turn 4
on the railroad leading to Ternovka.
There is no effect. The corps artillery
is successful in firing on the 28th
Artillery Brigade which becomes
suppressed. During the Recovery
Phase, the 3rd SS engineer battalion
removes its suppression marker.
the 3rd Brigade stops in Oktiabrskii.
Last, the 95th Infantry Division
moves into the 3rd line fortifications
but remains out of command.
[Photo ]
Score:
Tied 9-9
Soviet Player Turn
Reinforcements Phase:
The 42nd Division is released as
reinforcements. The 2/375 Guards
Infantry Regiment receives replacements and returns on game turn 7.
No other reinforcements are released.
There is still no Soviet Air Force.
Movement Phase:
The 6th Guards Army HQ and artillery
fall back to the second line fortifications. The 3/52nd has to disengage
first, so it remains exposed along the
flanks of the Donets River
River. The 183rd
Division’s advance is painfully slow
as it is now out of command range. It
slowly trudges along toward the 2nd
line fortifications to the east. The 1st
and 2nd Brigades of the 9th Airborne
Division move into Komsomolets while
A6
First Wave Combat Phase:
There is no Axis Final Protective Fire
as none of the units are adjacent. The
commander of the 6th Guards Army
orders his artillery to barrage Axis
targets. The Group A rocket brigade
fires on the 3/5 PG. The German
unit becomes suppressed. The
balance of the artillery remains out
of range. There are no Second Wave
Attacks. During Soviet Recovery
Phase, the 28th Artillery Brigade
recovers from suppression.
[Photo]
Turn Four 8 July 1943
Event Phase:
The Soviet 96th Tank Brigade
runs into its own tank ditch and
becomes suppressed as a result.
German Player Turn
Reinforcements Phase:
The Axis has no replacements and
draws three Medium Bomber missions
and three Ground Attack strikes.
First Wave Combat Phase:
Das Reich Division assaults the 52nd
Guards AT Battalion in Ternovka.
The result is DA, Defender Shot Up.
The Soviet AT unit is eliminated
and Ternovka falls to the Axis commander. To the west of the Donets
River, Totenkopt Division has pinned
River
the Soviet 3/52nd Guards Regiment
on the river bank. Two artillery units
supply close support. The Mobile
CRT is used and the Soviet 3-6-4
regiment is eliminated. The recon
battalion advances to the river banks.
Totenkopt has also pinned the
6th Guards HQ in the 2nd Line
Fortifications. The Luftwaffe provides
one Ground Attack mission. The
Soviet HQ is forced to retreat. The
Totenkopt Division rolls into the 2nd
Line Fortifications. On the left flank,
the Totenkopt continues its attack
against the Soviet fortifications. The
96th Tank Brigade defends, but it has
been suppressed by Axis artillery, so
is disadvantaged. The Soviet tanks are
dislodged as a result and the German
forces move into the fortified positions.
Second Wave Combat Phase:
The Totenkopt Division remains in
contact with the Soviet forces to the
west. These units are all in command
control range and thus continue
their attacks. The 6th Guards HQ and
artillery are attacked again using
the Mobile CRT. This is supported
by Luftwaffe ground attack air units.
The result is D3 and the Soviets fall
back toward Luchki. After the German
advance, the Soviet 96th Tank is found
WORLD at WAR 13 | AFTER ACTION REPORT | AUG–SEP 2010
The
Battle of Prokhorovka, July 1943
surrounded. It is still suppressed,
and the commander of the Totenkopt
orders an attack. Ju-87’s fly in as more
ground attack is called in to support
the assault. The Soviet 6-4-9 Tank
brigade is forced to retreat through
ZOC and is subsequently eliminated.
Recovery Phase:
The suppressed unit from Totenkopt
recovers from suppression. The
score is now German 13-9 VP’s
[Photo 7]
Soviet Player Turn
Soviet situation report:
The 52nd Guards Division has been
all but wiped out while the 375th
Guards Division is greatly weakened.
The 1st Line Fortifications are lost
and the 2nd Line is breached to
the west of the Donets River
River.
Turn 5A
Soviet Reinforcements Phase:
Due to the breach of the second line
fortification, the Soviet commander is
more likely to release forces from the
5th Guards Tank Army. Consequently,
the 18th Tank Corps is released. The
Soviets attempt to salvage the 96th
Tank Brigade with replacements
but this fails on the die roll, so the
unit is permanently eliminated.
First and Second Wave Combat:
None
Recovery Phase:
None
The turn ends with the
Axis ahead 13-9 VP’s.
Turn Five 9 July 1943
Soviet Movement Phase:
The 23rd Guard Corps HQ falls back
with the artillery toward Luchki.
Since it wants to disengage it doesn’t
have enough movement points to get
to the city itself. Units from the 51st
Guards Division attempt to defend
the 2nd Line Fortifications on the
eastern side of the Donets River with
the 6th Guards Army. Meanwhile,
the 183rd Division is moving toward
Gostishchevo. It is slowed due to
Command Control issues. Units from
the 5th Mechanized Corps begin
to move toward the west to absorb
the spearheads of the approaching
Totenkopt Division. They are deployed
along the road from Komsomolets
heading westward. The 42nd Guards
Division holds the fortifications outside
of Prokhorovka while the 95th Guards
Division sets up a defense on the Psel
River. There is no FPF Phase by the
Axis as no units remain in contact.
Event Phase:
The Soviet 24th Tank Brigade
runs into its own tank ditches
and becomes suppressed.
German Player Turn
Reinforcements Phase:
The Axis receives 11 Air
support missions.
Movement Phase:
Part of the Totenkopt has outrun
its headquarters and is temporarily
out of command. This will halve its
movement allowance. This does
not stop the commander of the
Totenkopt Division from surrounding
the 23rd Corps HQ near Luchki.
Das Reich Division advances to the
right flank and assembles near the
city of Khokhlovo. The commander
plans an assault against the eastern
portion of the 2nd Line Fortifications.
Meanwhile, engineers of the LAH have
constructed a pontoon bridge across
the Donets River west of Ternovka. The
LAH works its way across the river.
Soviet Final Protective Fire:
The 28th Artillery is successful
in suppressing the 2/2 LAH
infantry which is retreated. This
prevents the Group B anti-tank
form becoming trapped by ZOC.
Axis First Wave Attack Phase:
The Totenkopt Division takes care
of the 23rd Corps HQ which has been
treading on water for a while now. Both
the HQ and the 375 Guard Artillery
Regiment are eliminated. On the right
flank, the DR attacks the easternmost
part of the 2nd Line Fortifications. It is
defended by the 2/51 Guards Regiment.
Artillery and ground attack Stukas are
used. The attack results in DE, and the
3-5-4 infantry is eliminated. The Soviet
position is now compromised. About
one mile to the west of this battle, the
Soviet 51st Guards AT Battalion finds
itself under attack by the DR division.
This is resolved on the Assault CRT
as the Soviet position is within the
fortification. The Soviet AT is forced to
retreat two hexes. The LAH is facing
another part of the 2nd Line which is
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A7
Guards Tank
Turn 5B
defended by a 0-[6]-7 AT unit. This
results in the Group B AT unit’s retreat.
The Luftwaffe has Medium Bombers
attack the 5th Mech HQ to the north
of the Totenkopt Division. This is
ineffective. Then ground attack
aircraft strike the 6th Guards Army
HQ near Gostishchevo. As a result,
the Soviet Army HQ is suppressed.
ARKO fires at the Soviet anti-tank and
artillery units just to the north of the
fortified line. The result is DE and the
Soviet units are eliminated. The rest
of the artillery fire has no effect.
Second Wave Attack Phase:
The Axis units in contact have out
run their command control lines
and therefore may not attack.
Recovery Phase:
None
A8
Score:
Axis 18-9 VP’s
[Photo]
Soviet Player Turn
Reinforcements Phase:
The 2nd Guards Tank Corps and the
5th Guards Tank Corps are released
to the theater. Replacements for
the 3/375 are received and the
unit will reappear on turn 6.
Movement Phase:
The Soviet 6th Guards Army has all
but lost the 2nd Line Fortifications
and decides to fall back. The HQ has
been suppressed so none of these
units are in command. Meanwhile,
the newly arriving 5th Guards Tank
Corps moves up to the Psel River on
the western flank, preparing for a
counterattack against the Totenkopt.
The 95th Guards Division mans the
western part of the 3rd Fortification
Line. The 2nd Tank Corps deploys in
the fortifications near Maloyablonovo,
and the 18th Tank Corps takes the
center of the fortified position.
Last, the 2nd Guards Tank Corps
transfers to the city of Oktiabrskii.
Final Protective Fire:
None
First and Second Wave Combat:
There is one artillery barrage by the
6th Guards artillery. This causes the
DR recon battalion to be suppressed.
Recovery Phase:
The 24th Tank Brigade recovers
from its suppression. The 6th
Army HQ also recovers.
WORLD at WAR 13 | AFTER ACTION REPORT | AUG–SEP 2010
The
Battle of Prokhorovka, July 1943
Turn 6
beleaguered 1/51 Guards regiment
in the 2nd Line. Then to the east,
the DR advances into contact with
elements of the 51st Guards Division.
[Photo Soviet defense]
Turn Six 10 July 1943
Event Phase:
The Soviet 24th Tank Brigade
gets caught by its own tank
ditch and is suppressed.
Final Protective Fire Phase:
There is no effect from the
Soviet artillery fire.
German Player Turn
Reinforcements Phase:
Apparently burned out from
yesterday’s action, the Luftwaffe only
has three air missions available.
Movement Phase:
The Totenkopt Division is entirely
in command control and advances
toward the Soviet 5th Mechanized
Detachment. The LAH advances
on the center and surrounds the
First Wave Combat Phase:
The Totenkopt Division spearheads
an attack against the 5th Mech Corps
HQ, and is supported by artillery.
Using the Mobile CRT the HQ is
quickly overrun, which cuts off
the 24th Tank Brigade. The German
commander orders an attack against
the suppressed tankers on the Soviet
right. The Soviet tanks are wiped out.
In the center, the LAH assaults the
1/52 Guards Regiment in the second
line fortifications. The Soviet rifle
unit is eliminated. Then the LAH
follows up with a mobile attack
against the 1487th AT Regiment to
the south of Gostishchevo. LAH
artillery supports the combat. The
AT unit falls back four hexes.
On the German right, the DR attacks
what is left of the Soviet resistance.
Two anti-tank units remain, holding the flank. Anti Tank Group A
is forced to fall back. The 51st AT
Battalion also gives ground.
Second Wave Combat Phase:
A Soviet rocket artillery unit lies
exposed to Totenkopt. The Axis
artillery performs a diversionary
attack against the powerful 10th
Mechanized Regiment so that
the German combined arms can
destroy the Soviet artillery. Despite
the overwhelming odds, the attack
WORLD at WAR 13 | AFTER ACTION REPORT | AUG–SEP 2010
A9
Guards Tank
German Player Turn
Reinforcements Phase:
The Luftwaffe has eight available
air strike missions. The 1/T battalion is slated for replacements and
will return to action on turn 9.
Movement Phase:
Since the Totenkopt Division has
outrun the other two Axis divisions
it cautiously proceeds. While setting
up a defensive perimeter, the panzers
prepare to take out the 10th Mech
Regiment. In the center, the LAH
surrounds the 3/51 Division which
holds the eastern side of the Donets.
Attacks are ordered throughout the
6th Guards Army’s position by both
the LAH and Das Reich divisions.
Turn 7
goes poorly and the rocket artillery
manages to wreck a German infantry
battalion. The diversionary artillery
attack also fails to damage the target.
position anchored near Shakhovo
and the nearby river westward to
Gostishchevo and toward the Donets
River. This is a weak position.
River
The LAH has a shot at the 6th Guards
Army HQ, but the headquarters
manages to retreat toward the north.
Then three air missions strike the
28th artillery brigade with no effect.
Final Protective Fire:
The Totenkopt Divisional artillery
fires at the 10th Mechanized Regiment.
The Soviet unit is forced to retreat,
so it will have to postpone its attack
against the 3/T panzer battalion.
Recovery Phase:
DR’s recon battalion removes
its suppression marker.
Score:
German 22 Soviet 11 VP’s
[Photo DR and LAH advance]
Soviet Player Turn
Reinforcements Phase:
There are no reinforcements released.
The 3/375 has received enough replacements to become combat effective
again. It arrives near Maloyablonovich.
The 5th Mech HQ is taking replacements and will reappear on turn 10.
Movement Phase:
The 6th Guards Army orders a
general retreat and consolidation of
the 183rd Division and 51st Division.
These units form a loose defensive
A10
First Wave Combat Phase:
The 6th Guards Army commander orders his artillery to fire at
the 1/DR panzer unit. A supply depot
is expended to put the hurt on these
panzers. As a result, the 9-5-10 panzer
battalion is suppressed. Next the
28th Artillery fires at the 3/T panzers
again using a depot. (The supply
depots move quite slowly and have
been in danger of being destroyed.)
This battalion is also suppressed.
Second Wave Combat:
None
Recovery Phase:
None
Turn Seven 11 July 1943
Event:
None
Final Protective Fire Phase:
The 28th Artillery manages to strike
the LAH recon battalion and it
is suppressed. The other artillery is out of range.
First Wave Combat Phase:
In the west, the Totenkopt uses a
mobile attack against the 10th Mech.
The Soviets are forced to retreat two
hexes. Axis forces advance and prepare
for a second wave attack. In the center,
the LAH attacks the anti aircraft unit
west of Gostishchevo. This is also a
mobile attack. The 1487 AA is forced
to retreat. Then to the east of this
battle, the 2/183 is attacked using the
Mobile CRT. Several LAH artillery
units join in. The Soviet infantry
retreats and the LAH advances into
contact with the 28th Artillery Brigade.
Das Reich attacks on the Soviet left.
This is defended by the Group A AT
Brigade. It is forced to retreat 4 hexes
while the DR units advance. The 1/183
and the AT units both retreat. The
last attack is against the 3/19\83 and
an AT battalion in the forest east of
Gostishchevo. There are no panzers so
the Assault CRT is used. The result is a
D1, but there is no retreat path. Instead
the Soviet forces are eliminated.
Second Wave Combat Phase:
The Axis commanders press their
attack knowing that time is against
them. Das Reich in the east attacks the
WORLD at WAR 13 | AFTER ACTION REPORT | AUG–SEP 2010
The
Battle of Prokhorovka, July 1943
1/183 and its AT battalion. The DR artillery lends its support. The two Soviet
units fall back four hexes, carefully
avoiding a dangerous retreat across a
minor river. The LAH takes advantage
of the compromised 28th Artillery
Brigade. The Soviet artillery retreats.
Next, west of the railroad embankment, the LAH attacks the 1487th AA
Regiment. Again the Soviet troops
choose the better part of valor and fall
back toward the north. On the eastern
side of the Donets, the LAH attacks
the 3/51 Guards Regiment which is
now surrounded. The Soviet regiment
is eliminated with no retreat path.
The ARKO Artillery fires a barrage at the 6th Guards Army with
no effect. The Luftwaffe attacks
the 689th AT Regiment in the
west. This also has no effect.
Recovery Phase:
Both Axis units recover
from suppression.
Turn 8
Second Wave Combat:
None
Score:
Axis 25 Soviets 11
Recovery. None
[Photo Totenkopt]
Score:
Axis 25 Soviets 11 VP’s
Soviet Player Turn
Turn Eight 12 July 1943
Reinforcements Phase:
The 2/375 is returned after receiving
sufficient replacements. The 24th
Mechanized Brigade receives replacements and returns on turn Eight.
Soviet Movement Phase:
The Soviet 5th Guards Tank Corps
advances toward the Totenkopt
Division. Meanwhile the 6th Guards
Army continues to fall back.
Event:
Orel Offensive
German Player Turn
Reinforcements Phase:
The Germans receive only two Ground
Attack missions from the Luftwaffe.
There are no other replacements
Final Protective Fire:
None
First Wave Combat:
The 454 Mortar Regiment joins rocket
artillery and fires at the Totenkopt
units. Both the 2/T and recon units
are suppressed. The 6th Guards Army
commander orders his artillery to
fire at Das Reich Division. The DR
units become suppressed as well.
Next the 183 Artillery barrages
the DR but this has no effect.
German Movement Phase:
Several of Das Reich’s units are suppressed, so the commander moves
them out of harm’s way. Nonetheless,
the assault on the Soviet left will
continue, anchored on the city
Shakhovo. The LAH also advances in
the center, again gearing up for the
attack. To the west, the commander
of the Totenkopt Division is beginning to think defensively. He forms
a perimeter to absorb any Soviet
aggression from the northwest.
Final Protective Fire:
The 6th Guards Army commander issues FPF against Das
Reich panzers to no effect.
First Wave Combat Phase:
The Totenkopt attacks the 10th
Mechanized Regiment with a
combined arms force. Using the
Mobile CRT, this attack forces the
10th Mech to fall back four hexes.
Next, the Totenkopt artillery units
barrage the Soviet tanks which are
poised for counterattack. As a result,
the Soviet armor is suppressed.
The LAH attacks in the center. The
1487th AA Regiment is completely
surrounded. Since the unit cannot
retreat it is destroyed. Soviet 6th Guards
Army is near to being overrun
again by the LAH. A mobile attack
is launched against it and the
2/183 Regiment. Two JU-87 ground
attacks are used to support the
combat. The Soviet forces retreat.
The DR attacks the Soviet left flank
with combined arms, forcing the
Group A AT unit to fall back. Then the
1/DR panzers attack the 3/375 Guards
Regiment with artillery support.
The Soviet forces are wiped out.
WORLD at WAR 13 | AFTER ACTION REPORT | AUG–SEP 2010
A11
Guards Tank
Axis Reinforcements Phase:
The Luftwaffe has one ground attack
mission today. The 1/5 T motorized
infantry is received as replacements.
Axis Movement Phase:
If all things remain the same, the Axis
will win a Tactical Victory. This is
assuming that the Soviet counterattack is unsuccessful. Still there are
objectives to the north and the German
Army has not taken too many losses.
Turn 9
Second Wave Combat Phase:
The LAH redoubles its efforts against
the 6th Guards Army HQ. With full artillery support the Soviet units are eliminated. (6th Army HQ and the 2-4-4
infantry) The LAH artillery issues barrage fire against the Soviet rockets with
6th Guards Army. Soviet Group A Rocket
artillery is suppressed. ARKO HQ
orders its artillery to fire on 6th Guards
units. The 28th Artillery retreats.
Recovery Phase:
Three units from the DR
recover and two units from the
Totenkopt division recover.
[Photo Chaos]
Score:
German 29 Soviet 11 VP’s
Soviet Player Turn
Soviet Reinforcement Phase:
The Soviets receive three air missions,
which are now available due to the
Orel Offensive. Also the 24th Tank
Brigade returns to action after receiving equipment and replacements.
The 3/375 Regiment is receiving
replacements and returns on turn 11.
Soviet Movement Phase:
It is time for a counterattack. The
commander of the 5th Guards Tank
Corps drives into contact with lead
elements of the Totenkopt Division.
The 6th Guards Army continues to fall
back toward the 3rd Line. Meanwhile
the 2nd Guards Tank Corps moves
toward the south of Oktiabrskii.
Final Protective Fire:
The Totenkopt Division throws all of
its FPF at the Soviet tanks. As a result
the 21st Tank Regiment is suppressed.
Soviet First Wave Combat Phase:
5th Guards Tank Corps attacks the
Totenkopt units on the north edge of
the Axis position. The 1/T Motorized
Infantry battalion falls back toward
the south. Next the 18th Tank Corps
attacks the 3rd SS AA units along the
railroad. Artillery and ground attack
units join. The German 88’s win the day
and only have to yield a little ground.
The DR moves forward to force
the remnants of the 6th Guards
Army back. They are already giving
ground generously. The DR moves
into contact with elements of the 6th
Guards while the LAH assists from the
west. The LAH also pushes forward
toward the 3rd Line Fortifications.
The commander of the Totenkopt
Division is starting to worry about
the Soviet counterattack and
looks to firm up his defenses.
Soviet Final Protective Fire Phase:
None of the fires are effective
Axis First Wave Combat:
In the west, the Totenkopt launches
a small counterattack against the 5th
Guards Tank Corps. The 21st Tank
Brigade is eliminated. Then the LAH
attacks the 1/183 and it is destroyed
with the anti-tank battalion. Artillery
Group B follows suit. Next the DR
attacks the 6th Guards in the east part
of the battlefield. The 2/375 and the
183 Artillery regiment are destroyed.
Meanwhile artillery Group A falls back.
Second Wave Attacks:
The Totenkopt artillery fires barrage
at the 5th Guards Tank Corps and
manages to suppress them. ARKO
fires artillery at the 18th Tank Corps
and forces them to retreat. Then
the LAH artillery suppresses the
Soviet 28th Artillery Brigade.
There is no Second Wave.
Soviet Recovery Phase:
Four units recover.
Turn Nine 13 July 1943
Recovery Phase:
None
Score:
Axis 36 Soviet 11 VP’s
Events:
No Event
A12
WORLD at WAR 13 | AFTER ACTION REPORT | AUG–SEP 2010
The
Battle of Prokhorovka, July 1943
[Photo More Chaos]
Soviet Player Turn
Reinforcements Phase:
The Soviets receive three air missions.
The 29th Tank Corps is released as
reinforcements. The 21st Tank Brigade
is rebuilt with replacements and
becomes available on turn 10.
Soviet Movement Phase:
The 5th Guards Tank pushes ahead
into the Totenkopt Division’s position. The 29th Tank Corps slides
in along the western flank. Soviet
commanders anticipate fierce
FPF from the Axis defenders.
Axis Final Protective Fire Phase:
The German artillery has no effect.
Soviet First Wave Combat Phase:
The 5th Guards Tank attacks the
Totenkopt Division with support
from the rocket artillery. Mortars will
perform a diversionary attack on the
right flank. The assault is repulsed
and the Soviet Tanks pull back. The
diversionary attack has no effect
either. The 18th Tank also assaults the
Totenkopt’s right flank. It is defended
by an AA unit. The result is Exchange.
The Soviets lose a unit as does the Axis.
There are no Second Wave Attacks.
During the Recovery Phase the
6th Guards Artillery fails to
recover from suppression.
Score:
Axis 38 Soviet 13
Turn Ten 14 July 1943
Turn 10
Soviet Final Protective Fire Phase:
The 269th mortar fires at the DR engineers which have been brought up to
use against the fortifications. No effect.
Axis First Wave Combat Phase:
The Axis attack resumes. DR is fully
supported by artillery and the Soviet
58th Motorized infantry is forced to
fall back. Artillery is used to conduct
a diversionary attack on the right
flank. It has no effect. Das Reich
continues to attack the fortifications
and assaults the 169th Tank Brigade.
The Soviet armor falls back. Next
the last vestige of the Soviet 6th
Guards Army is attacked. The 28th
artillery brigade falls back as well.
assault is repulsed and the DR
units retreat. A preview perhaps?
Next the DR continues its assault
on the fortifications. The 2nd Tank
Corps defends with two tank brigades,
which are forced to retreat. The units
in the city of Maloyablonovo are
destroyed. In a final Second Wave
Attack, the LAH assaults the 736th AT
battalion. It defends in the fortification and subsequently retreats.
Recovery Phase:
None
Score:
Axis 30-13
Soviet Player Turn
Event:
None
In the center, the LAH assaults
the 18th Tank Corps in the 3rd Line
Fortifications. The result of the assault
is an Exchange. Both side lose a unit.
A little farther west and the Totenkopt
attacks the 18th Corps. As a result the
Soviet 40th Tank Brigade retreats.
Axis Player Turn
Axis Reinforcements:
The Axis receives five air attack
missions. The AA battalion
will return on Turn 12
Axis Movement Phase:
The DR Division advances into
contact with the Soviets 3rd Line
Fortifications. Then LAH moves into
contact with the center of the 3rd Line.
Axis Second Wave Attacks:
In the east, the DR attacks the
Soviet left flank, which is embedded in the third line fortifications.
Three Stuka units are called in
to support the assault, but the
Reinforcements Phase:
Two units which received replacements
return to the field. One RP is expended
to rebuild the 161st Tank Brigade,
which will be available on Turn 11.
Two air missions are awarded.
Soviet Movement Phase:
The 5th Guards Tank Corps resumes
its attack on the Totenkopt Division.
The 29th Tank Corps moves in
behind to continue the assault. Near
Maloyablonovo, the Soviet troops
move back into the fortified positions.
WORLD at WAR 13 | AFTER ACTION REPORT | AUG–SEP 2010
A13
Guards Tank
Axis First Wave Combat:
In the center, the LAH attacks
the Soviet 694 AA battalion in the
fortification forcing a retreat. Just
to the east of this battle, the LAH
attacks the 736 AT battalion, also in
the 3rd Line Fortifications. The result
is D2 and the AT unit falls back.
On the right flank, Das Reich resumes
its push toward Maloyablonovo. One
ground attack is called in and the
assault has artillery support. The
Soviets defend with two AT units. The
Axis has engineers to assist with demolition. In the end, the Soviets fall back
and the DR moves into the 3rd Line.
Maloyablonovo is defended by the 99th
Tank Brigade. The DR assaults. The
Soviet armor is forced out. In the final
attack, the DR faces the 31st Motorized
Infantry Regiment. The Axis calls in
full artillery support. The result is EX.
The Soviet 4-6-7 infantry is eliminated.
The Axis AA battalion is also lost.
Turn 11A
are largely using the Assault CRT as
the Exchange result favors them.
Axis Final Protective Fire:
The Germans unleash their
artillery but to no effect.
Soviet First Wave Combat:
The 48th Heavy Tank Regiment attacks
the Totenkopt’s left with artillery
support. The 4-4-8 Motorized infantry
is forced to fall back. Nearby, the 5th GD
Tank assaults the lead elements of the
Totenkopt Division, resulting in DA,
defender shot up. A 5-4-10 unit is eliminated and the rest of the force retreats.
Score:
Axis 33 Soviet 23 VP’s
[Photo Totenkopt nearly broken]
Turn Eleven 15 July 1943
Event:
None
Next, in the center, the 18th Tank
assaults the LAH. The attack opens
against the SS Panzer battalion. The
panzers end up in retreat. Soviet
artillery issues fire in a diversionary
attack against the LAH. This is
ineffective. On the eastern flank,
the 2nd Tank Corps assaults Das
Reich near Maloyablonovo. This
results in an Exchange. A German
4-4-8 Motorized infantry is lost
as is the Soviet 58th Regiment.
Axis Player Turn
Reinforcements Phase:
The Luftwaffe has two air strikes
available. A 5-4-10 PG unit is slated
for replacements on Turn 13.
Second Wave Combat Phase:
The 5th Guards Tank Corps resumes its
attack on the Totenkopt Division. The
1st HQ and an engineer battalion have
been caught in the open. The result
is Defender Eliminated. The Soviets
A14
Soviet Recovery:
The Soviet 6th Guards Army
artillery fails to recover.
Second Wave Combat:
Since the VP objective is so close
to Axis control, the commander of
the DR decides to attack the two
AT units that retreated out of the
3rd Line Fortifications on the right
flank. The Mobile CRT is selected
and the Soviet units flee to the rear.
The Objective is captured.
Axis Movement Phase:
The commander of the Totenkopt is
no longer able to sustain the offensive
and he decides to settle into defensive
positions. Meanwhile the LAH presses
ahead into the center while the DR
focuses on capturing Maloyablonovo.
In the center, the commander of the
LAH realizes that the recon battalion is
in a dangerous position so it is ordered
to attack the 75 AT battalion in the
fortification to the east. LAH artillery is
called to provide support. The 75th battalion is forced to retreat. The advance
after combat alleviates the recon unit’s
danger. The ARKO rocket artillery fires
on the Soviet tanks on the railroad
south of the 3rd Line Fortification. The
two tank units are forced to retreat.
The Totenkopt Divisional artillery
fires at the Soviet front line. The 75th
Motorcycle Battalion is suppressed.
Recovery Phase:
None
Score:
Axis 34 Soviet 25 VP’s
Soviet Final Protective Fire has
no effect on the LAH and DR.
WORLD at WAR 13 | AFTER ACTION REPORT | AUG–SEP 2010
The
Battle of Prokhorovka, July 1943
[Photo Objective Hex]
Soviet Player Turn
Reinforcements Phase:
The Soviets attempt to recover a
rocket artillery unit but it is eliminated
instead. The 3/375 Infantry regiment
and the 181st Tank Brigade return to
action after taking replacements. The
Soviets are awarded three air missions.
Soviet Movement Phase:
The 5th Guards Tank Corps and
the 29th Tank Corps must resume
their attack against the Totenkopt
Division. Attrition will help with the
Soviet VP’s. The center position is
threatened by the LAH, so the Soviet
commander decides to reinforce the
area with the 2nd Guards Tank Corps.
Final Protective Fire Phase:
The Totenkopt’s divisional artillery
misses. The LAH artillery fires with no
effect. The ARKO artillery is ineffective.
The DR divisional artillery misses.
So much for powerful Axis artillery.
Soviet First Wave Combat:
In the west, the 5th Guards Tank Corps
attacks the Totenkopt division. The
opening rounds are using the Assault
CRT hoping for some EX results. Soviet
combined arms forces assault the
Totenkopt 4-4-8 motorized infantry
battalion. The result is DE and the
German infantry disintegrates. The
second wing of this attack is farther
east and the Soviet tanks engage a
Totenkopt 7-4-10 panzer battalion.
Another DE result. The panzers
smolder across the plain. Soviet rocket
artillery launches a diversionary attack
in support of the 1499 AT Regiment
against a 4-4-8 motorized infantry
battalion. The Assault CRT is used
and the result is EX. The Soviet AT
and the German infantry are both
eliminated. Totenkopt’s right wing
faces two more attacks. The 40th Tank
Brigade strikes a 5-4-10 PG battalion.
The German unit retreats. Then two
remnants of the Soviet 6th Guards
Army attack a 5-4-10 panzer battalion.
It is surrounded. The Soviets must
assault as they have non-armored units
involved. The result is Defender Shot
up so the German unit is eliminated.
Turn 11B
In the center, there are two small Soviet
attacks against the LAH. Soviet tanks
from the 2nd Guards Tank Corps attack
the LAH engineer battalion. The Axis
engineer battalion retreats. Then the
23rd MC battalion and a heavy tank
regiment attack the LAH recon battalion. The recon battalion also retreats.
Soviet Recovery Phase:
The 75th MC Battalion recovers
The 6th Guards artillery fails.
Score:
German 35 Soviet 45 VP’s
[Photo Totenkopt is almost done]
On the Soviet left flank, the 2nd
Guards Tank Corps attempts to
reverse its fortunes near the city of
Maloyablonovo. The objective hex is
attacked by four tank brigades, supported by Shturmoviks. The Assault
CRT is employed. The result is DE and
the Germans lose three battalions.
There are two more prongs the this
attack. The 2nd Tank Corps sends a
regiment of heavy tanks and the 26th
Tank Brigade to assault the a German
PG battalion and a panzer battalion.
This time the Soviet assault is repulsed.
The second attack is also repulsed.
The German commander is in a
difficult position. The Soviets now
have superior strength and numbers.
Attritional battles will be won by
the Soviet army. The German commander orders a retreat to the 2nd Line
Fortifications. With only two turns
left, a general retreat will probably
limit the Soviets to a tactical victory.
Turn Twelve 16 July 1943
Event:
Light precipitation
German Player Turn
Second Wave Combat Phase:
In the western sector, the 29th Tank
Corps attacks the Totenkopt’s 3rd HQ
and armored artillery. These units
retreat toward the south. Next the
20th and 22nd tank brigades attack the
Totenkopt panzer forces holding the
German left. The attack is repulsed
and the Soviet tanks retreat.
Reinforcements Phase:
The Totenkopt Division replaces the AA
battalion. The Totenkopt 5-[4]-10 panzer battalion receives replacements.
Due to the weather, the Luftwaffe
is providing only one air attack.
WORLD at WAR 13 | AFTER ACTION REPORT | AUG–SEP 2010
A15
Guards Tank
aircraft in barrage. The rest of the
barrage has negligible effects.
Recovery Phase:
All suppressed units recover.
Score:
Soviets 45 Axis 35 VP’s
[Photo Germans in full retreat]
Turn Thirteen 17 July 1943
Event:
No event
German Player Turn
Reinforcements Phase:
Two Totenkopt units have received
enough replacements to be combat
effective. The Luftwaffe has one
Ground Attack and one Medium
Bomber mission available.
Turn 12
Axis Movement Phase:
The commander has ordered a general
retreat. Das Reich falls back, but due
to the weather conditions and the
need to disengage, they do not get very
far. The LAH covers the center while
the Totenkopt uses the Donets River
to anchor the western flank. Their
artillery and HQ are trapped on the
western side of the Donets and fall back
farther than the rest of the forces.
There is no Final Protective Fire as
there are no adjacent enemy units.
Axis First Wave Combat:
The Axis commander uses all available
ordnance to bombard the Soviets in
order to cover their retreat. Two tank
brigades of the 29th Tank Corps are hit
by the Totenkopt artillery. These are
forced to fall back. The ARKO artillery
suppresses two units of the 5th Guards
Tank Corps as well. Artillery from
the LAH and a squadron of Stukas
suppress the 40th Tank Brigade and
the Group A tanks on the center.
There is no Second Wave Attack nor
Recovery Phase for the Axis side.
Soviet Player Turn
Reinforcements Phase:
The Soviets receive two Medium
Bomber missions, which
are limited by the rain.
Soviet Movement Phase:
All of the Soviet forces advance, but due
to the weather, suppression and poor
command and control, they are unable
to close on the Axis without substantial
risk. Instead they consolidate and
prepare for a major attack tomorrow.
Axis Movement Phase:
All three German SS Panzer Divisions
fall back in general retreat. Although
the Soviets can catch some of them,
it is unlikely that they will get more
that a Tactical Victory so the game is
called. Soviet Tactical Victory. The
Axis did not get any of his Objective
Hexes. The War of Attrition favors
the Soviets on the VP tables. On the
positive, the Soviets did not hold any of
the VP fortification hexes either.
Axis Final Protective Fire:
The Soviet 18th Tank Corps has closed
with the DR on the Axis right flank,
so DR’s artillery conducts defensive
fire. This has no real effect.
Soviet First Wave Combat:
The 18th Corps goes ahead with a
premature attack on the DR’s eastern
flank. There is some artillery support
by the Soviet rocket artillery. The
two DR units fall back one hex. The
Soviet commander lets them run.
Second Wave Combat Phase:
The Soviet commander unleashes
all of his available artillery and
A16
WORLD at WAR 13 | AFTER ACTION REPORT | AUG–SEP 2010