The German counter-offensive in the Ardennes in December 1944 diverted them from the gathering storm in the east. In spite of attempts by some of the higher command, Hitler refused to believe that the Russians were capable of launching another massive offensive. German intelligence predicted a large offensive in the middle of January 1945. The offensive was expected to be a drive by the Russians to break German will and ability to carry on the war. The attack was to take the straightest route to Berlin. This was through Warsaw and the 1st Byelorussian Front under Marshal Zukov, and the1st Ukrainian Front under Marshal Koniev were to lead the assault. Their two fronts alone comprised 2.2 million men, 33,500 guns, 7,000 tanks and assault guns, and 5,000 aircraft.
Their mission was the destruction of Army Group A under Field Marshal Harpe.and the conquest of Poland. Harpe’s Army Group comprised 400,000 men, 1136 tanks and assault guns with 270 aircraft. Their aircraft stretched from the Vistula north of Warsaw to the Carpathian Mountains. To the north of Army Group A was Army Group Center command by Field Marshal Reinhardt with 380,000 men, 700 tanks and assault guns and 515 aircraft.
The attack began on January 12. The odds were distinctly against the Germans and the initial attacks punched holes in their lines all over the front. The Russians broke through along 300 miles of front to a depth of 60 to 100 miles, shattering Army Group A. The first phase ended on January 17, 1945 with the fall of Warsaw.
The weather initially was bad with low clouds, fog and poor visibility grounding aircraft on both sides. When this changed the massive number of VVS aircraft launched horrific attacks on the retreating German armies. Faced with the effects of this and the continuing offensive the German high command had no choice but to commit virtually all of the Home Defence Jagdgeschewader which had been operating against the American 8th Air Force to the battle in the east. Several Geschwader of the Luftwaffe day fighter force were transferred to the Eastern Front. These included JG 1, JG 3, JG 4, JG 6, JG 11 and JG 77. This was to more than double the available aircraft from 800 to 1,800. These reinforcements included 1,500 Bf 109s and Fw-190s many of which were the newer models that had seen little use on the eastern front. These reinforcements are to set the stage for some of the largest air battles of the Eastern Front.
Meanwhile the Russian offensive continues and the red wave is approaching the Oder River, the eastern border of Germany. The Germans are desperate to stabilize the front and stop the onrushing armies which have advanced hundreds of miles in two weeks. The only thing which stands between the
Red Storm and the homes of German forces was
Krupp Steel.
The Russian offensive rolls on westward approaching the Oder River. The Germans are on the defensive and attempting to reconstruct their lines. This is a offensive/defensive battle involving ground attack supported by tactical aviation which is striking deep behind German lines at infrastructure and bases. The Germans are known for their brutal counterattacks and there will be opportunities for the German defender to counterattack on the ground at points of the Russian offensive as the battle ebbs and flows. Two or more ground battles will occur at any one time. These both may be defensive for one side or a combination of defense and offense.
Tactical air attacks will occur on airfields, ground battles, factories and cities along the front.
There are deadly tank battles to be fought. There are ground bases to fight over. It will be a gritty, desperate fight in the cold, the mud, and the cloud-streaked skies -- time to do or die. Germany will have the Bf 109K-4, FW 190D-9, Bf 109G-14, Bf 109G-6, FW 190A-8, FW 190F-8, Bf 110G-2, Ju 88A-4, Tiger I, Panzer IV H, Ostwind, Wirblewind, and SdKfz 251. The Soviet Union will have the La-7, Yak-9U, La-5FN, P-39Q, A-20G, Il-2, B-25C, T-34/76, T-34/85, Sherman, Ostwind, Wirblewind, and M3.
The detailed scenario description and rules are posted here..
http://ahevents.org/images/stories/scenarios_images/200910_redStormKruppSteel/rules.htmDates are as follows;
Test frame: Oct. 24
frame 1: Oct 31
frame 2: Nov 7
frame 3: Nov 14
frame 4: Nov 21
The link to Registration is open and can be reached here.. (You must create an account on AHEvents.org to register.)
http://ahevents.org/pacific-theatre/current-or-next-scenario.html
