After the German assault on Moscow was halted in late December by the Soviet counterattack, the two armies battled back and forth in the depths of the Russian winter. Supply lines for the German forces were stretched to the breaking point, as the Germans were only able to make limited use of the Russian rail system. To allow for the movement of badly needed supplies to the front, the Minsk to Moscow Highway and other major roadways were designated by the German high command as "Rollbahnens." These Rollbahnens were to be held open for the sole use of motorized transport, and all animal-drawn and marching units were prohibited from using them.
To Stalin, it was clear that the cutting of these supply routes would fatally destroy the German attempts to hold the front. Thres options existed toward meeting this goal—breaking though the German lines and driving deep into their rear, using the partisan units which were now starting to appear behind the German front lines, or using the Airborne forces which had been held in reserve.
The German front lines had been stabilized by their holding a number of key cities as strong points, chief of which was that of Vyazma. Vyazma was arail junction which tied the Minsk-Moscow rail line to a line running north from Kirov to Rzhev. Possession of this line would give the Germans an excellent jumping-off position for a spring offensive. Forcing the Germans to withdraw from Vyazma would result in their falling back toward Smolensk, removing the threat to Moscow.
The key area chosen for the Soviet attack on the Rollbahnen was a 50-kilometer section between the headwaters of the Dnepr River and Vyazma. The 1st Guards Cavalry Corps was to attempt to break through the German lines south of Vyazama, then swing to the northwest, aiming for the Rollbahnen. The llth Cavalry Corps was to attempt to break through the German lines north of Vyazama, then swing southwest, with the same target. Finally, the elements of the 4th Airborne Corps, starting with the 8th Airborne Brigade, would land just south of the Rollbahnen and strike directly toward it.
PLAYING THE GAME
This scenario is designed as a multiday scenario covering the period of January 28, 1942, to February 7, 1942. The actual starting date of the game will be left up to the Soviet player. On a daily basis, the game starts with twilight at 0600. with full light at 0700. Turns are run in 30-minute segments, instead of the usual 15-minute segments. Dusk falls at 1700, with nightfall at 1800. Night turns, if used, are one hour long.
This turn sequence is used to compensate for the deep snow cover and cold that this action was fought. Thus, all off-road movement of vehicles is done at double costs, instead of the quadruple costs. Only roads are considered as being plowed. Personnel stands move at normal speeds, with ski troops able to move at double speed. Normal modifiers for movement though woods and streams, and up contours apply.
The area covered by the map is representative of the area that the battle was fought over. The village names are from the area, but it is not an exact match. (It is still difficult to find good topographical maps of the former Soviet Union.) The woods marked on the map are evergreen and should be crisscrossed with fire breaks every 500 yards. The roads are considered as plowed. Vehicles using trails move at the cross-country rate.
The edges of field will provide cover to stands adjacent to them, but do not block LOS. The streams are frozen and will support class HI stands without problems. If the players wish, use the snowfall chart on page 41 of the CDII rules on a daily basis.
REINFORCEMENTS
Historically, both sides were aware that reinforcements from both sides were attempting to move into this area. The Soviets were looking for a linkup with the two Cavalry Corps, hoping the Germans could be prevented from reinforcing the area. The Germans were awaiting troops to help keep the Rollbahnen open, praying the two Cavalry Corps could be kept at bay. The following optional rules allow these factors to be represented: Once the game starts, both sides have a chance of being reinforced. At the end of the first day that Soviet troops are on the board, the Soviet player draws one card from a regular 52-card deck. This card is not shown to the German player, but is shown to the GM and is kept out of the deck until the game end. On the second and all following days, both the Soviet and German players draw for reinforcements at the end of each day. Only face cards bring reinforcements, and then only if they are the proper color for the drawing player. Red face cards bring reinforcements for the Soviets; black face cards for the Germans. Players may end up with a face card belonging to the opposite side, which prevents the other side from getting that unit as reinforcements. Reinforcements arrive at noon the following day at the point indicated.
VICTORY
For each day the game is played and the Rollbahnen is kept open the entire day free of Soviet weapons fire, the Germans get one victory point For each day the Soviets fire on the Rollbahnen with MGs or heavy weapons (not just small arms), even if for only one turn, they get one VP. For every day the Soviets keep the rail line closed due to damage for the entire day, the Soviets get one VP.
At the end of February 7, compare the number of German and Soviet points: If the Germans have three times as many points, it is a Major German Victory. If the Germans have twice asmanypoints, it is a Minor German Victory. If the Soviets have more points than the Germans, it is a Minor Soviet Victory. If the Soviets have twice as many points as the Germans, it is a Major Soviet Victory. If neither side wins a victory, the result is a draw. The game ends on February 7, as the German 5th Army Corps was brought in to protect the Rollbahnen.
Rollbahnen: January-February, 1942 CD Scenario
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© Copyright 1995 by Greg Novak.
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