Crossing the Dnieper 1943

Chris at the Sharp End Gaming has put together a set of small unit tactical scenarios called “Command Ops Platoon Scenarios” which presently consist of three missions: Charge of the Pioneers 1942, Crossing the Dnieper 1943 and Kekava Firefight 1944. This after-action report will focus on the Dnieper scenario, a bridge defense type effort that pits the German 108th Infantry Regiment 38th Infantry Division against the Soviet 177th Rifle Regiment.

This semi-historical scenario begins at 04:00 on September 24, 1943 with the German forces comprised of the 38th Infantry Division that was depleted to at or below regiment strength. Hitler had allowed elements of Army Group South to fall back across the Dnieper, and faced Soviet forces that consisted of a refreshed and refitted rifle regiment whose goal was to establish a bridgehead and prepare for any possible counterattack.

Command Operations Objective Taganrog Soviet AAR

This is a semi-historical scenario designed by Chris from The Sharp End Gaming in which the German 1st Panzer Army is driving on the port city of Rostov as part of the advance of Army Group South. They are represented in the scenario by the 14th Panzer Division whose primary objective is to capture Taganrog by securing a bridge crossing over the Mius River.

The Soviets have several elements of two rifle divisions at their disposal and must attempt to hold the objectives for as long as possible to delay the Germans while the front line behind them reorganizes for the larger picture. The Red Army is represented on map by the 9th Army HQ and the 31st Rifle Division, along with a battalion sized reinforcement along with two tank companies.

Pressure Cooker

The following after-action report is for a new scenario I have created for Command Operations: Battles from the Bulge which utilizes my Marine Corps 2.0 mod which must be installed for the scenario to work (please refer to the download links listed below). The scenario was designed with the current public beta build for Command Operations which is 4.5.264.

The scenario is a battalion sized engagement of semi equal forces that are tasked with seizing a ferry crossing in the Renkum area of operations. Both sides are supported by a tank battalion and an engineer contingent. As with the Operation Thunderclap scenario, this is an alternative history story line set in the year 1947 after the defeat of the Soviet Union.

COHTTR: Joe's Bridge

Joe’s Bridge is a scenario that first appeared in Highway to the Reich. It is part of the Command Ops: Highway to the Reich expansion pack. The scenario pits the Allies XXX Corps HQ consisting of the Irish Guards Group against the Axis 1 FJ Army consisting of the KG Hoffmann Regt reinforced by 1 ½ battalion strength troops in a two day scenario.

  

While there is no indication that I can find that this should be played only by one side, I have yet to try either this or the original version as the Axis forces. The Americans have sufficient force composition to win the day if correct tactics are employed and supporting fire is delivered when and where needed. Will my battle plan suffice? Let us find out…

COHTTR: Arnhem Crunch Time

This after action report ties in to my release of an original Highway to the Reich scenario, Arnhem: Crunch Time. That mission was a fictional battle between two armored divisions to wrest control of four strategic locations along the main road leading north out of Arnhem.

  

The original scenario in HTTR featured the 1st Panzer Division vs. 7th Armored Division. In Command Ops: Battles from the Bulge expansion pack Highway to the Reich, there is no existing 7th AD estab. Instead of trying to create one (which is being my range of experience at the moment), I chose the 6th Armored Division from Patton’s 3rd Army instead.

Battles from the Bulge: Skorzeny's Bid for Glory

Malmedy, Belgium: This scenario pits the Axis I SS Panzer Korps represented by Panzer Brigade 150 against the Allies 30th Infantry Division represented by the 120th Infantry Regiment. This is a fairly straight forward attack/defend type mission to capture bridges over a river.

  

The objectives are as follows: Destroy the Enemy for 50 VP’s (for killing 50% of the enemy), West Bridge (D1 03:00-D2 14:59 for 100 VP’s [50/50]), Malmedy Bridge (D1 03:00-D2 14:59 for 100 VP’s [50/50]) and Malmedy (D1 03:00-D2 14:59 for 25 VP’s [all on completion]).

Battles from the Bulge: Höfen Ho-Down

Mützenich, Germany: This scenario pits the Allies 395th Infantry Regiment against the Axis 326th Volksgrenadier Division. On paper a division against a regiment (especially a green one) should be no match. However the Axis force is hampered at the outset by not having all of the 326th’s battalions available to them. Moreover the Allies are already well positioned and entrenched.

  

The attacking forces of Germans are attempting to secure the high ground overlooking Mützenich, and occupy the towns of Monschau and Höfen. The Allies objectives are to hold the line at the following strong points: Monschau (20 Victory Points, all occupation), Höfen North (20 VP), Mützenich (20 VP, 10 for occupation and 10 for completion of mission) and Höfen South (20 VP).

Battles from the Bulge: Advance to the Sure

This scenario pits the Allies III Corps against the Axis LXXXV Korps in a neutered version of what was intended in the real life operation. Whereas the briefing outlines the drive to the Sure and the advance onward to the Wiltz River with the 4th Armored, 26th and 80th Infantry Divisions, what you actually get is just the 26th and 80th Infantry Divisions and objectives along the Sure.

  

These forces represent the center and right wing of the advance and comprise of the 104th Infantry Regiment (subordinate to the 26th Infantry Division), the 319th Infantry Regiment (subordinate to the 80th Infantry Division), the 328th Infantry Regiment (subordinate to the 26th Infantry Division) and the 317th Infantry Regiment (subordinate to the 80th Infantry Division).