Defence of Village 'C' - Kampfgruppe Kursk AAR

[big p from gmg]

Warwick Kinrade ask me if we would be willing to playtest 'Kampfgruppe Kursk' for him... Its basically an Eastern Front version of KGN. We obviously jumped at the chance and its proving to be a great game with as much excitement as the Normandy version but obviously the armies play in differing ways. I cant give too much away but its highly enjoyable!







Tonight we used the 'Defence-in-Depth' scenario from KGN (seemed apt for the period) with the Russians defending a German assault. Both armies were of 400 points and I used a German Panzer force against a Russian infantry force. What is quickly clear is that the Russians get alot more men! But they dont get the high morale or command benefits of the Germans, though do have a number of specific rules that make them behave in a Russkie manner!

[big p from gmg]

The Russians had a staggered defence along three defence lines with two full platoons forming reserves off-table. The German attack started slowly with the armour moving up and awaiting the arrival of its supporting infantry. While this was going on Russian heavy mortar fire proved to be a pain, forcing the Tigers to button-up and suppressing them and one of the grenadiers 251s. However, the Russian FAO was soon on the receiving of a salvo from the Nebelwerfer battery, and despite his nice reinforced OP bunker, two direct hits flattened it! With a respite from the Russian artillery the German advance continued.







The advance was met by a suicidal charge from the Russian infantry in the first wave who tried to close with the tanks in order to try and suppress them and get to the supporting infantry. Unfortunately for the Russians this came to nothing and concentrated fire from the supporting Grenadiers and the tanks MGs cut down virtually all of the Russian platoon securing the German end of the table and two of the four objectives.

[big p from gmg]

However as the German advance split into three prongs to attack the village, Russian infantry began to arrive and reinforce the defenders. Two Panzer IVs headed off on the right flank and got into a duel with 47mm A/T guns first, with little effect to either side. On the right, two 251s speed off with a Panzer IV to try and outflank the village. Despite the best efforts of the Russian commander he could not get his artillery to target them. In the centre one of the Tigers broke down, and had to be left behind immobilised, while the remaining two advanced with some Grenadiers and used up their few HE rounds taking out a couple of AT guns.







At this point the Russian KV-1s made an apperance and drove for the Panzer IVs on the right. In a close range duel, two of the KV-1s were despatched by two remarkable shots from one of the Panzer IVs, although the other Panzer IV was destroyed in the process. Out of ammunition for his main gun, the remaining Panzer IV fired his MGs to cut down some approaching infantry before retiring to the rear. In the centre the Tigers edge forward firing MGs at the enemy infantry and trying to get a shot at the remaining KV-1 while the German FAO brought down a whole load of very ineffective rockets that managed to do very little! One the left flank the Germans raced towards the village and the Russian commander finally called in his artillery, but it fell short and caught one of his own units in the barrage!







Things were not looking good for the Russians, and concentrated MG fire and HE from the Stummel destroyed yet more infantry and this finally tipped the Russian army over its morale break point and they withdrew from the battlefield. The Germans had taken very light casualties - One Tiger broken down, a destroyed Panzer IV and a 251 and three dead Grenadiers. The Russians on the other hand had suffered large losses, losing almost two platoons of infantry, two KV-1s and an entire A/T gun battery!

A great game, though the Russian commander was let down by some really terrible rolling even by his standerds!

[Codsticker]

It's not very often you get to see a AAR for a game/supplement from one of GW's divisions that is not even released yet. Thanks very much.

[lopezpie]

This is fantastic! The fully painted armies are awesome as well as your table! I love it keep it coming!

[fluffy05]

Wonderful report!

[Easy E]

Awesome stuff!

[kasrkinsquad]

Is their a release date for Kampfgruppe Kursk?

[big p from gmg]

Nope... Still being written by Warwick.

No idea if it will even be released at all. Hope they do as its a cracker and will really add a hell of alot to a great system.

Im just happy we got to playtest it for him.

[kasrkinsquad]

Perhaps this is the 2nd project that the rep I spoke to today was talking about. He didn't have any details so tis might be it.

Also I know frm your other thread and blog that your infantry is from ab figures but where do you get your vehicles? Also is the terrain scratch built and are the vehicle crews from ab as well?

[big p from gmg]

Vehicles are from loads of sources... Some are kits others are resin models.

Some places to try...

Dragon Models
Revell
Italeri
Frontline Wargaming
Minimi
Ready-to-Roll
Milicast
Britannia Miniatures
Pegasus
Plastic Soldier Company

... To name just a few.

I run a 20mm Forum that had all the details and thousands of gallery images...

www.guildwargamers.com

Terrain is just our club stuff on a mat... Houses are from Pagasus Models.

Crews come from a variety of sources but alot are AB.

[SierraKilo]

Could you /or anybody/ tell me, who is the manufacturer those small "bushes" on the round base? Thanks

[Codsticker]

That looks like Woodland Scenics Foliage Clusters.

[SierraKilo]

That looks like Woodland Scenics Foliage Clusters.

Thank you This scenery company seems very professional, i never heard about them before /but I'm quite new in this hobby/. so thanks once again

[big p from gmg]

Dats the ones...

[brm130]

Is there any word if KGK is going to be a stand alone-game or an expansion for KGN?

[big p from gmg]

Im afraid, all I can say is that you will have to wait and see.

Over on The Guild;

www.guildwargamers.com

I have a room just for the discussion of KGN (Warwick is also a member), in there we have a 'news' thread dealing with developments.

Some info in there and it will at least give you an idea of where we stand at present and whats being worked on.

I cant give you any details of how it will be released, as frankly, Warwick doesnt know at present.

[HereWego]

Very cool stuff. Thanks for sharing!
Regards