No examination of AGN would be complete without discussing the Parnu possibilities. This operation requires intense planning before the game starts. Here is how it works: if the Soviets do not place a non-divisional unit in Parnu during the deployment of their border MD forces, the Germans plan to land the Kriegsmarine (KM) commando in Parnu.

If the Russian doesn't then place at least one point of position AA at Parnu's airbase during the deployment of his remaining forces, the KM commando can hit Parnu during the surprise turn, as explained in the SE errata sheet.

Most Russian players think they have better use for position AA than to defend coastal cities until they see what happens next. The airbase capacity at Parnu is unlimited for incoming air transport, so during the special air phase, five Luftwaffe Ju 52 transport groups can land 5 REs of engineers, various types of infantry and resource points. This can be increased to 10 REs by using gliders to increase the airlift capability.

Supply points are unnecessary because the Wehrmacht is automatically in supply during the German regular Jun II turn. The 2-8 engineer and 0-1-5 construction regiments can build either permanent or temporary airfields depending on how much the German wishes to commit to the operation and what his objectives are for attacking Leningrad.

This construction of airfields in the Parnu sector will bring the Luftwaffe within range of Leningrad on the regular Jun II turn. Air capacity at Parnu can be up to around seven air groups if one permanent and two temporary and airfields are built in Parnu and the two hexes directly south.

Taking Parnu can also lead to the capture of Tallinn and Tartu during Jun II. This would be a major coup, as combined with the capture of Riga, this would secure the rail line all the way to Narva with no damage. Jul I could then see RR artillery supporting 8-6 infantry divisions in an attack on Narva. Even if Tartu can not be seized, the capture of Tallinn and the rail line north to Narva could allow an attack by German infantry divisions which are shipped to Tallinn.

Depending on whether the Parnu operation is tailored to support an attack on Tallinn OR support forward basing of the Luftwaffe, either operation will ensure the rapid conquest of the Baltic. A large air capacity from Parnu can be worth plenty of Luftwaffe ground support against Tallinn, Narva and any aggressive Russian naval activity in the Baltic region.

The fall of Narva on Jul I is a disaster for the Russians, so have plenty of air support available for a possible attack and have your panzers ready to exploit any breakthrough. The Luga river defense can be compromised by an early and heavily-supported assault past Narva. Narva is also an important communication and replacement center for the Axis.

Using the port and airbase at Narva one can bring in up to 18 RE's of firepower through naval and air transport. Going around Lake Peipus through Pskov is an alternative path toward Narva. This route tends to turn the southern flank at Narva, making the position untenable; however, the process is slower than a direct push at Narva.

Successful operations around Leningrad promote the chances for German success further south as Army Group Center pushes toward Moskva and Army Group South rolls into the industrial heartland of Russia. We will examine these two Army Groups next issue. See you then.

German Play in 1941 Part Two Army Group North and the Leningrad Campaign

Army Group North
Clearing the Way
Dash to the Luga
The Parnu Parameter

German Play in 1941 Part One Hints on Playing Fire in the East

Introduction
Panzers and Breakthroughs
Complicating the Red Retreat
The Northern Campaign
The Finnish Theater

Germany Play in 1941 Part Three The Final Chapter

Army Group Center
Army Group South
The Rumanian Army