Narva 1944.

This is our last game of the year, set in a winter environment, using one of my favourite systems, Rapid Fire Reloaded. For this game, I selected the Narva 1944 scenario from the third supplement, which broadly addresses the issues surrounding the Third Reich's conflict with the Soviet Union. While I slightly modified the army lists, I kept most aspects unchanged. We concluded the game during the fifth turn, although the scenario allows up to ten turns.

SCENARIO: Richard March
UMPIRING: Bartek Zynda

SCENERY: Bartek Zynda, Michael Schneider, SESWC

FIGURES & MODELS: Bartek Zynda

1. Forces.

SOVIETS

(Alasdair, Gordon, Jamie, Mike)

Tank Battalion

HQ: 1 x T-34

1st Company: 2 x T-34

2nd Company: 2 x T-34

3rd Company: 1 x KV-1

Assault Gun Platoon

1 x SU-85

Guards Mortar Battalion

Observer Team: 2 figures

1st Battery: 1 x SP BM-13 'Katyusha'

2nd Battery: 1 x SP BM-13 'Katyusha'

Rifle Regiment

HQ: CO + 3 figures

SMG Company: 6 figures

AT Company: 1 x 45mm ATG

Mortar Company: 1 x 120mm mortar, 2 x 82mm mortar

Gun Company: 1 x 75mm IG

1st Battalion

HQ: CO + ATR team

1st Rifle Company: 8 figures

MG Company: 1 x Maxim MMG

2nd Battalion

HQ: CO + ATR team

2nd Rifle Company: 8 figures

MG Company: 1 x Maxim MMG

3rd Battalion

HQ: CO + ATR team

3rd Rifle Company: 8 figures

MG Company: 1 x Maxim MMG

GERMANS

(Andy, David, Michael, Peter)

2nd Company/502nd Heavy Tank Battalion

AA Company: 1 x Sd.Kfz.7/1

1st Platoon: 1 x Pz.Kpfw VI Tiger (Elite)

Assault Gun Platoon

1 x StuG III

Nebelwerfer Battery

Observer Team: 2 figures; Kubelwagen

Company: 1 x Nebelwefer; 1 x Sd.Kfz.7

1st Battalion/151st Regiment/61st Infantry Division

HQ: CO + 8 figures

1st Company: 9 figures

2nd company: 9 figures + 1 x MG42 MMG

Light Artillery Battalion/161st Artillery Regiment

HQ: 1 x Kubelwagen

Observer Team: 2 figures

Battery: 2 x 105mm Howitzer; 2 x Kfz.7

REINFORCEMENTS:

2nd Company/502nd Heavy Tank Battalion

2nd Platoon: 1 x Pz.Kpfw VI Tiger (Elite)

151st Regiment Command Post

Company: 10 figures

2. The Game.

The game is set during events that occurred in February 1944 near Narva. The Soviets aimed to disrupt German supply lines west of the city, specifically along today's E20 road. The 502nd Heavy Tank Battalion, equipped with Tiger tanks, played a crucial role in this battle, effectively eliminating waves of T-34 tanks. To win the game, the Soviets must move one tank and eight infantry figures to reach the designated road within ten turns.

The Soviets began the game with a massive barrage of Katyusha rockets and mortars targeting the positions of the 151st Infantry Regiment. Jamie, who was playing his first game with the club, led the fire, but unfortunately, his aim was quite inaccurate. Following this, tanks commanded by Alasdair and Mike advanced, closely followed by infantry led by Gordon. The tanks quickly broke through the 151st Infantry Regiment's positions, which were commanded by Michael, and launched an assault on the hill occupied by German artillery and vehicles. They systematically eliminated the enemy forces, sustaining zero losses on their side.

The tanks, supported by Katyushas and mortars, effectively eliminated all the Tigers and German artillery, advancing further to the main road. Unfortunately, the most critical element—the infantry—was overlooked. While the Soviet tanks wreaked havoc, Gordon attempted to break through the positions of the 151st Infantry Regiment. However, being exposed in an open field made him an easy target for the German infantry, who systematically and effortlessly decimated the Soviet forces. Ultimately, the Soviets could not withstand the pressure, failed another morale test, and fled the battlefield. As a result, the success of the tanks was wasted, leading to a victory for the Germans.

3. Links.

SESWC:

To be updated soon...

FLICKR:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720322800953/

I am composing this post on Christmas Day evening. I hope your day has been as pleasant as mine. Merry Christmas!