3-1-8 Rkt Art III 0709
3-1-8 Rkt Art III 0709
2-3-8 Art III 0907
2-3-8 Art III 0607
1-10 mot AT II 0207
1-10 mot AT II 0509
2-10 mot hv AA III 0807
2-10 mot hv AA III 0409
2-6 Eng III 0907
2-6 Eng III 0708
0-1-5 Cons III 0212
0-1-5 Cons III 0709
2-1-10 Aslt Gun II 0409
2-1-10 Aslt Gun II 0108
2-1-10 Aslt Gun II 0208
Truck 0709
Airfields 0212,0609,0709
Me109G 0609
Me109G 0609
Me109G 0513
Me109G 0709
Fw190A 0709
Ju87D 0609
Ju87D 0709
5xJu88A Off-Map
3x He111H Off-Map
All Other Units Per German OB

Jennings Commentary

I always set up my German force with a strong northern flank. The object is to entice the Soviets into attacking south of Kiev, while at the same time providing an element of ATEC over the northern part of the front. I figure the Germans have more real estate to trade in the south. Furthermore, an attack by the Soviets south of Kiev in addition to the attack in the north can be a risky affair for the Soviet player. If I can get him to dissipate his strength, so much the better.

Always use the Korpsabteilungen rule, because if the unit in 0207 is isolated before it is killed, you still have two extra Inf RPs.

Keep both 3-1-8 Rkt Art IIIs back in 0709 to safeguard them for counterattacks; their defense strength of one is weak, while their attack strength of dime is valuable. The truck is placed here, too.

Place a 2-3-8 Art III and a 2-6 Eng III in 0907. If the Soviet player does not have strong forces in the Bukrin bridgehead, you may be able to hold the hex. Subsequently, 10th Panzergrenadier cadre can be withdrawn, leaving the regiments to defend the hex.

The 1-10 AT IIs give both 0207 and 0509 some ATEC. The 2-6 Eng III in 0708 can slide up into Kiev on the first turn, if possible. The 2- 10 hv AA III in 0807 may deter the Soviets from attacking, and it will be close enough to participate in any counterattacks.

The 2-10 hv AA III and 2-1-10 Aslt Gun II in 0409 can block an armored spear thrust that might have air support. The two 0-1-5 Cons IIIs are placed at 0212 and 0709 to stop any overruns until reinforcements can be brought up. They can also start to build forts or repair air bases as needed.

The type B aircraft are placed off-map to prevent air base bombing losses. Centrally locate the other air units to maximize their striking power. I wonder which Ju87D to use: 3A4 3/11 or the 3D4 5-1/11? I assume one of each to be safe. I also wonder why Luftwaffe air units may not be initially placed in defensive air support positions.

The scenario modifications in TEM #33 make little difference to my setup, although they will certainly alter later game play.

Judge's Verdict

Here is another fairly solid plan compromised by a potential overrun against hex 0309. This won't help in drawing the Soviet player's attention south.

Adding an Art III to Kiev strikes me as throwing good money after bad. It doesn't significantly add to the German chances of holding the city, and can't retreat. Move it to 0309.

The scenario rules specifically disallow the receipt of the two infantry RPs for forming KAbtC, and fort construction is impossible, as there are no resource points. Naughty, naughty!

David makes a good point about the Ju87Ds. Both should be 3D4 5- 1/11.

Excellent commentary.

Verdict: 4th 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