3-1-8 Rkt Art III 0209
3-1-8 Rkt Art III 0410
2-3-8 Art III 0410
2-3-8 Art III 1007
1-10 mot AT II 0409
1-10 mot AT II 0509
2-10 mot hv AA III 0208
2-10 mot hv AA III 0909
2-6 Eng III 1007
2-6 Eng III 0410
0-1-5 Cons III 0211
0-1-5 Cons III 1109
2-1-10 Aslt Gun II 0907
2-1-10 Aslt Gun II 0907
2-1-10 Aslt Gun II 0209
Truck 0609
Airfields 0211,0711,1109
Me109G 0211
Me109G 0211
Me109G 0711
Me109G 1109
Fw190A 0711
Ju87D 0513
Ju87D 0714
5x Ju88A Off-Map
3xHe111H Off-Map
All Other Units Per German OB

Watson Commentary:

This deployment has two goals:

• limit initial Soviet penetrations to one hex (i.e., no Soviet overruns in the first movement phase), or to positions that can be counterattacked with no Soviet retreat routes;
• give the possibility of EX results, hopefully reducing one or more Soviet Tank or Mech corps to cadre.

Ground units. Three AT and AA units deploy in the front line, giving each defensive hex either ATEC or terrain help. The two assault gun battalions in 0907 make the hex unoverrunable, while retaining full ATEC. An Art III could take their place, but may prove more valuable later in providing support.

The truck is in the center, close to where the most dangerous encirclements could occur.

Most other ground units form "battlegroups" of five or more strength points. These are positioned to form the beginnings of a second defense line and to allow cadres formed in the combat phase to retreat either:

• into the gaps between the battlegroups, thus limiting Soviet exploitation; or
• onto the battlegroups, saving themselves from any exploitation overruns.

Air units. The three airfield are deployed forward covering every front-line defensive hex with potential patrol and interception zones. This is important in keeping the Soviet player unsure that any specific ground support mission will succeed, and thereby limiting his ability to optimize his ground support TBFs.

The Ju87Ds deploy within range of every defensive hex and within patrol/intercept range of most 'F' units. They are dispersed to minimize their attractiveness as targets.

Judge's Verdict

Here is an example of a sound defensive plan that falls short in its execution. The setup has the stated goal of prohibiting overruns in the first movement phase. Unfortunately, hexes 0309 and 0907 can both be overrun. Frank seems unaware that the Soviets can form a 60-point stack, and also appears to believe that the two assault gun battalions in 0907 are supported by the cadre.

Beyond these possibly fatal flaws, the deployment has much to recommend it. Most front line hexes are eligible for a -2 die roll modifier against attacks that are 1/2 or more AECA, and the rest are sheltered by the Dnepr River. The truck occupies a safe, central location, positioned to provide supply if nearby units should become cut off. And the concept of cobbling together a secondary line is admirable, both for the reasons stated and that it allows most non-divisional units to avoid combat exposure in the front line.

Any hope for reducing a Tank or Mech corps to cadre in the Soviet Nov I combat phase is probably overoptimistic. Prudent Soviet players will construct their stacks too carefully to allow this.

Next time, put the Art III in 0907.

Verdict: 6th Place

Training Exercise #2: The Battle for Kiev, 1943

Pukalo Deployment
Yanaway Deployment
Watson Deployment
Dahman Deployment
Jennings Deployment
Celebuski Deployment
Dickenson Deployment
Carrenne Deployment