The German 707th Infantry Division spent the majority of 1942 on security duty guarding communications and supply routes around Bryansk against ever increasing partisan activity. The Division became adept at the field craft of winter operations, finding that the winter was the best time to track down partisans in their forest strongholds. German intelligence identified the location of the camp of a particularly active partisan detachment led by a specially trained commissar. The 707th put together a kampfgruppe to attack the partisan camp in the forest west of Bryansk.
Attacker: German (Ski Trained Kampfgruppe of 727th Infantry Regimentt, 707th Infantry Division)
Defender: Partisan (Detachment Rudnya)
9 turns
Players: 2 OBA: German Night: No
Unit Counts:
Squads: A:28.0 D:29.0
AFVs: A:0
AFVs: D:0
Guns: A:0
5cm leGrW 36
D:0
50mm RM obr. 40
Misc Rules:
DS, Extreme Winter (no roads or paths exist) Forest rules (B13.7). A: WC, Skis
A very interesting situation, that probably looks much better on paper than it plays. A really tough decision where the Partisans wish to make their stand, but eventually they will be found. When they are, I just think the Germans have too much muscle for the Partisans to be able to stand up to them. Other than a light exploratory force in the north, I came on heavy in the south under cover of the woods. With plenty of leaders to be had movement wasn't all that difficult. From there it was just a methodical grind forward until I found the Partisan camp holed up in the central clearing. This was Turn 4, so I still had ample time to clear them out. But by that time the CVP count was already 17-4 and there was really no need to do so. Once I crossed 20 the Partisans conceded. I think an SSR allowing the Partisans quicker movement through the woods would've possible been in order. I also think the ski rules are way too liberal in allowing units to don/doff them with relative impunity and, at a minimum, units on skis should be penalized on shots like units on wire.
2021-10-08
(D) Scott Sherer
vs
Jeff B
German win
2021-07-10
(A) Dan Best
vs
Kermit Mullins
Partisan win
2021-07-09
(D) Kermit Mullins
vs
Dan Best
Partisan win
My Partisans were in a very tight, mutually supporting defensive position. Dan's German were hit hard when contact was made and the loss of several squads stalled the German attack. From there both sides traded body blows, but the attrition was too much for the Germans and the Partisans were able to get the win.
