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General der Panzertruppen Eric von Saucken was given the unenviable task to halt the Soviet offensive. To do this, he was given the remnants of 4. Armee, (mostly security and reserves or replacement troops), some Walküre replacement regiments, and 5. Panzerdivision supported by the 505. Schwere Panzerabteilung.
These forces constituted Kampgruppe von Saucken.
In turn, von Saucken created additional kampfgruppen to meet the advancing Soviet spearheads northeast of Minsk. One kampfgruppe in particular contained elements of both the 505. Schwere Panzer and 5. Panzer. Their mission was to reopen the road to Minsk recently closed by a Soviet Mechanised Corps. The 3rd Guards Mechanised Corps had already brought their anti-tank belt forward to block the road and ultimately summoned additional assistance from the 27th Guards Tank Regiment. The outcome would determine the fate of retreating 4.Armee forces attempting to reach Minsk.
KAMPFGRUPPE VON SAUCKEN
Your Orders German Your Kampfgruppe has been tasked to counterattack against the Soviet forces blocking the main road between Minsk and Orsha. It is imperative that you open the road for the 4.Armee that is retreating back to Minsk. You have a powerful Kampfgruppe at your disposal. It is time to uncage the Tigers and Panthers upon the Russian plains. Drive them back. Onward to victory! Soviet Your Motorstrelkovy Batalon supported by Tank Destroyers Companies has been assigned to hold the critical Minsk-Orsha road until the Tank Corps can push through to Minsk. You will have little time to build your defences. If the Germans attack it will be swift and furious. You must hold the road open for the advancing Tanks Corps.
The Kampfgruppe von Saucken scenario uses the Delayed Reserves and Mobile Battle special rules.
Preparing for Battle 1. Set up terrain using the map as your guide. 2. Place the objective as identified on the map. The objective must be at least 12”/30cm from the table centerline. 3. The Soviet player deploys their initial forces in the Soviet deployment area. 4. The German then deploys their entire force in the German’s deployment area. 5. Both players now place their Independent teams in their deployment zones starting with the Soviet player.
Beginning the Battle 1. All reconnaissance platoons make their Reconnaissance Deployment moves starting with the German Player. 2. The German Player has the first turn.
Ending the Game The battle ends after Turn 10 or: 1. If the German Player holds the objective at the beginning of any of their turns. 2. One of the forces fails a Company Motivation Check. Deciding Who Won The Soviet player gains one Victory Point for every turn after Turn Five that they hold the objective (Uncontested) and one Victory Point for each of the first two German platoons destroyed. The German Player wins if they hold the objective at the beginning of a turn or have forced the Soviet forces to leave the field of battle.
Forces
For the rules and Intelligence Briefings for the German and Soviet forces see Hammer and Sickle.
1ys Saperny Batalon