1/72 Winter WW2 (Part 1/2)
Dated: March 14, 2009.
Hi there
Inspired by the snow last month here in the UK, I decided it might be fun to have a WW2 Eastern Front battle in the snow. The objective was the range of rocky hills you see in the middle of the table, already occupied by a couple of Hat German PaK36(r). Rushing to reinforce them were infantry supported by Hat Stugs and Jagdpanthers, plus some Italeri Panthers and Tigers. (Sorry about that.) The Russian armoured assault consisted of no less than twelve T-34/85s, dusted with snow, plus a company of infantry.
The T-34s emerged from the gloom and went straight for a frontal assault. Initially the Russians were badly mauled by the guns, and things didn't improve for them once the Jagdpanthers gained good vantage points on the high ground. The Germans, seeing the Russian attack stalling, tried to press their advantage and advanced with Tigers and Panthers. Things didn't go their way though, as at last the T-34s found the range and started killing the big cats in earnest. Smoke from the already burning Russian tanks stared mingling with that from the Panthers. Still the Germans came on, and tried to exploit the crumbling Russian right flank. Intrepid German tank killers took on the T-34 numbered "13", which survived two attacks thanks to the skill of its crew. "13" crested a hill, beat the last remaining Tiger to a quick draw, and blew the German tank to bits.
Suddenly it seemed like the tables had turned once again, and a platoon of Russians was able to flank the objective, bypass the German guns, and sally into the German rear area. The German Company Commander was killed in fierce hand-to-hand fighting, and the Russian troops were even able to get behind the Jadgpanthers. However, the Germans kept their nerve and swung the Stugs to bear, which was when luck finally ran out for "13". With the remaining Russians in full retreat the Germans were able to re-take the objective hills. A costly day for both sides, with tanks burning merrily across the field.
Hope you enjoy the pics.
Paul Vearncombe
(UK)
Many thanks to Mr. Vearncombe.