Chain of Command Kursk PSC Scenario 6: Breaking Through

Continuing the Storming the Citadel Pint-Sized Campaign for Kursk, the Germans were victorious in the previous scenario at Butovo and pushed on to Cherkasskoye. Here the Germans were required to win this scenario in order to win the campaign and expected stiff opposition. 

Using I Would Like To Rage's patrol phase programme I set up the jumping off points for the game. The Germans had pushed up on their right flank to try to use the cover of the buildings in order to attack the Soviet held objective of the building towards the end of the table. 

For force support the Germans took two Marders whilst the Soviets went for a Zis-3 AT gun. The Soviets also had a fresh platoon and were able to add another section from the original platoon to strengthen it. The attackers wasted no time in bringing on their mobile artillery in the form of the two Marders, who were placed on overwatch to see where the enemy would appear from.

As a German section formed up in a small clump of trees, Soviets appeared on the fence line.

An exchange of fire between the two sections, with support from the Marders mean that the Soviets began taking heavy casualties immediately. 

But they deployed a dug in AT gun to duel with the AFVs.

Adding another section to the fence line, the Soviet defence was strengthening and the Germans were already bogging down. 

Slowly inching forward as the Marders attempted to destroy the AT gun, the German infantry were stuck behind the buildings and just could not press forward. 

In a hail of fire, Hans Muller, the German Senior Leader was cut down by the Soviets, along with one of the section junior leaders! Knowing their luck was out, the Germans began withdrawing to leave the field in the hands of the Soviets.

Attempt one had failed along with the loss of Muller, could the Germans attack again and prise the Soviets out of their defences? 

This encounter was also filmed and you can watch the AAR here: