Thread by @tomjmegan

(Thread). Outside the small village of Skrunda, located on the Courland Peninsula, mid-November 1944. 14.Pz.Div infantry strengthen their defensive positions amongst the ramshackle wooden houses, small village church and a perimeter line of slit trenches, and bunker. #BoltAction

Forward of the line of slit trenches, the ground is interspersed with pockets of dense coniferous forestry, patches of waterlogged marsh and small ponds. German officers have sited their defences accordingly, hoping to canalise the approaching Soviets into their MG kill zones.

As dawn slowly breaks, shapes materialise in the mist - lead elements of the 52nd Guards Division, 6 Guards Army advance forward. Veterans themselves of the long slog westwards, they form up with impressive discipline, moving swiftly through the difficult, though open terrain.

Through the mists, rumbling of tracks heralds the approach of heavy Soviet armour, whilst equally heavy artillery is brought to bear. Breeches clang shut and the report of large calibre guns boom across the field. These shells will prove vital in battering down German defences.

Soviet main effort quickly solidifies around the left flank, with 2 platoons attacking, supported by sustained mortar, sniper and MG fire. Of note, Soviet snipers prove key on negating the German MG gunners, though not before the Soviet Guardsmen sustain heavy losses themselves.

Faced with heavy infantry losses, and needing to maintain momentum against German defenses reeling under pressure, Soviet commanders commit their main bulk of their heavy armour. Two monster IS-2s rumbling into action, hitting German trenches and grenadiers with HE and MG fire.

However, in doing so, they present inviting targets for well-sited German heavy anti-tank units. On the German right, a low-profile PaK40 covering one entrance of the village begins a lethal duel with the Soviet armour, it’s high calibre rounds slamming home repeatedly.

On the German left, a 88mm FlaK 37 proves a lynchpin of their defence. Engaging in both direct & indirect fires against the attacking Soviet armour and infantry, it assists in blunting the attack. However these efforts draws significant en indirect fire, ultimately silencing it.

On the German centre, a full PzGrenadier Zug, supported by a 7.5cm IeIG and a section of 8cm mortars form the fulcrum of the 14.Pz defence, marshalled by the Company Commander himself. Forward of their position, the trench lines are under serious pressure.

With more Soviet armour pouring onto the table, the German Panzers make their move, creeping forward and adopting covered firing positions where their long range 7.5cm Kwk 42 L/70 guns can threaten and destroy the Soviet IS-2s.

With long-range tank duels raging, Soviet heavy artillery finally hits the main German defensive bunker, collapsing it entirely and wiping out a full heavy MG section. Capitalising on the such a gap being rent in the German defensive line, the Soviet commanders pile forward.

Soviet mechanised elements race forward, attempting to outwit the Germans, who are struggling to reassert a defensive line with the destruction of the bunker. However, there’s more German reserves yet to enter the fray…

Recognising the threat to the right flank, and its potential to unhinge their defense, the remaining German reserves are committed. More armour, with another full PzGrenadier Zug. With little to nothing left, the German commanders hope this is enough, playing for time and night.

Whilst focus centred on the right flank, an equally serious firefight erupted on the left. A Soviet Assault Engineer section, loaded with SMGs, flamethrower and body armour made it into the village outskirts before engaging in a horrific clash with a PzGrenadier section.

Pushed hard on the left, following the destruction of the 8.8cm FlaK and the scare from the Soviet Assault Engineers, a ragged thin line of PzGrenadier is all thats left to hold that flank. It proves only just sufficient, because the bulk of the Soviets are committed elsewhere.

With the attacks on both flanks, the German defensive line buckles, but holds. Soviet momentum is blunted as its losses mount, robbing its combat power and leaving it unable to press on in the face of fresh German reserves. Night falls, pushing the Soviets to retire, for now.

So, a superb 4-player (2x German, 2x Soviet) game of Company level BoltAction. Tweaked the rules to handle the size (about 5000pts each after totalling it up). Modified scenario. Worked well with some great moments and very tough decisions for both sides.

Consistently a choice of the ‘least worst option’ for both sides. Indirect fires proved key for the defence, as did concentrated sniper fire for the offence. Armour was powerful, but well-sited anti-armour was an equal counter, particularly if left unhindered by indirect fires.

All credit to @Eoin_OB_OBrien for the terrain - long a labour of love and effort. He part commanded the 52nd Guard, using his own Soviet forces against my PzGrenadier who were under the command of @cahillbravo. Playing the role of an impartial Gamesmaster fell my way.

So that’s it. Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed and please as ever, so let me know what you think.

Next large game planned is a Battalion-minus D-Day game in September or so. Stay tuned for that madness! #BoltAction