Battle for State Farm 69 -- Russian Front

     On 2 May 2015, we got together for a large-scale skirmish game set on the Russian Front, circa November 1943.  A German Panzergrenadier force moves forward to seize State Farm 69 from its Soviet defenders.  We modified the rules from BATTLEGROUND, and doubled the ranges for our game with 54mm figures.  Table, figures, and terrain from the collection of our host, Ron P.

A Russian infantry squad crosses a stream just south of the Commissar's dacha at the vital road juncture bordering State Farm 69.

The Russians must hold the Commissar's dacha and prevent the Germans from controlling the road network.

German reconnaissance reports Soviet infantry moving through the woods.

As the Germans approach, the Russian infantry moves into the woods.

The German scout reports the enemy's location.

Soviet BA-6 armored car reports "Enemy in sight!"

German panzergrenadiers arrive and begin to deploy.

The BA-6 commander prepares to engage the enemy.

The Russian infantry stands ready to meet the German onslaught.

A German Sd.Kfz. halftrack moves forward.

The Russians in the woods open fire.

German panzergrenadiers dismount and attack.

German Sd.Kfz. 250 halftrack scout car moves forward searching for hidden Russians.

German reinforcements arrive and move forward.

A second wave of panzergrenadiers takes cover before joining the assault.

A German halftrack emerges from the woods and engages the Soviet infantry.

The panzergrenadiers press forward.

Sd.Kfz. 251/9 "Stummel" arrives and engages the Russians with its 75mm gun.

Can the German armored assault be stopped?

Russian infantry defending the Commissar's dacha.

  Soviet BA-10 immobilized by German fire -- crew abandons their smoking vehicle.

The Russian armored car pours in a withering fire.

German crewman escapes his burning vehicle -- begins walking back to Germany.

     Results:  A Soviet victory -- the Germans sustained heavier casualties and were unable to seize the Commissar's dacha and dominate the road junction.

     Lessons Learned:  If we reprise the scenario, the Germans need some off-board artillery or mortar support to suppress the Russian defenders, and should be allowed multiple points of entry onto the tabletop to divide the defenders' defensive fire.