This year, there is a distinct focus on World War II. However, this time we are featuring a topic I haven’t featured on my blog in about 14 years: the Winter War. Mike has a collection of figures for this conflict in 20mm scale, and we decided to use them for our games. Additionally, we chose to test the second edition of the Chain of Command rules without the Cold War modifications, as they were originally intended.
UMPIRING: Mike Evans
1. Forces.
1 x T-282 x T-26
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| Brown bases: Soviets, white: Finns. |
2. The game.
A classic battle during the war involved a Soviet infantry platoon advancing in a single file toward Finnish positions, supported by tanks. This tactic typically resulted in heavy casualties among Soviet soldiers; however, these losses were not sufficient to halt the Red Army's advance. Following the principle of "we have plenty of men," the strategy was that sheer numbers would eventually overcome fortifications and resistance. Ultimately, this approach proved effective, and Finland was compelled to negotiate.
Ahead of the Soviet soldiers was a firewall that effectively prevented the Finns from using their jump-off points. To overcome this barrier, the unit needed to roll a 4 or higher, which proved to be quite a challenge for Mike, and he likely never succeeded. However, once the Soviet infantry was within 12 inches, the Finns could use this position without any restrictions. As the situation unfolded, the Soviets encountered two strongpoints: one located in the central forest and the other to their left. They decided to attack both positions, beginning with a hand-to-hand combat engagement at one of them.
The assault on the Finnish trenches resulted in heavy losses for the Soviets, but they were ultimately repulsed. Hand-to-hand combat remains very risky for attackers, and even having a numerical advantage does not guarantee victory against a well-entrenched enemy. As a result, the Soviets decided to utilise their firepower and tank support to eliminate Finnish pockets of resistance, and this tactic proved effective. The Finns struggled to pose a threat to the Soviet tanks, which caused significant damage to their defensive lines. Eventually, the Finns were compelled to abandon their positions, a situation the Soviets seized upon to make substantial advances. The retreating Finns found themselves in an open field, where the tanks' guns and machine guns inflicted further destruction. Ultimately, the Finns were forced to retreat.
After the game, I felt that Mike had made some fundamental mistakes in the Finnish defence. We agreed to play again in two weeks. This time, I'll play as the Finns, and Mike will take on the Soviets. We'll see if my observations were accurate.
3. Links.
SESWC:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/631841809210352
FLICKR:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720332017710
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