3-1-8 Rkt Art III 0309
3-1-8 Rkt Art III 0609
2-3-8 Art III 0410
2-3-8 Art III 0907
1-10 mot AT II 0907
1-10 mot AT II 0807
2-10 mot hv AA III 0509
2-10 mot hv AA III 0909
2-6 Eng III 0209
2-6 Eng III 0909
0-1-5 Cons III 0708
0-1-5 Cons III 1014
2-1-10 Aslt Gun II 0410
2-1-10 Aslt Gun II 0209
2-1-10 Aslt Gun II 0209
Truck 0609
Airfields 0316,0609,1014
Me109G 0909
Me109G 1014
2x Me109G 0609
Fw190A 0609
1x Ju87D 1014
1x Ju87D 1014
5x Ju88A Off-Map
3x He111H Off-Map
All Other Units Per German OB

Carrenne Commentary

The most endangered part of the German line lies in the north. The Lyutezh bridgehead is a dagger pointed at the heart of Army Group South. And of all the hexes along the front line, 0409 is the most threatened. It is the westemmost point of the German defensive system, and a successful Soviet attack here puts units in position for a potentially devastating exploit. Consequently, beefing up or screening this hex should be a top priority.

My defense makes use of the fact that no matter how badly the Russians pound the hex, there will be at least a 2-3-6 Inf cadre left to retreat. Backing up the hex with four points of non-divs ensures that even in the worst case a 7-point stack can rally in 0410. This will serve to channel Ivan's exploitation move.

The next most dangerous hex along the front is hex 0309. Unless reinforced, it can be overrun; add one of the 3-1-8 Rkt Art III's here; this retains full ATEC.

Another potential overrun candidate is hex 0907. I put an 8-point stack here. This allows the Motorized cadre to survive a 'DH' result, unless it is overrun in exploit. The German player must think long-term in this scenario. Even prior to play, he should be looking ahead to what units will be in the replacement pool at the end of play. Since each dead c/m unit costs 5 VPs, a smart Kraut does all he can to keep the panzers and panzergrenadiers on the map. Consider it a success if all c/m cadres survive the first turn.

Reinforce both Security divisions to create stacks that cannot be overrun in exploit. ZOCs from these units will hopefully form a second line in conjunction with defeated units retreating from their fortified frontline hexes. The remaining units garrison rear areas, or add their strength to other important frontline hexes.

Be sure to substitute KAbtC for 3x 2-3-6 Inf cadres. This swap can be worth 4 VPs (one divisional unit versus three divisions in the dead pile).

Judge's Verdict

Here is a skilled German player, who is apparently a veteran of this scenario. If you are an advocate of the defense-in-depth approach, it's hard to imagine a better plan than this. The only fault I find amounts to second-guessing and quibbling: Maybe the Rkt Art isn't right for 0309, or maybe the Germans should risk allowing an overrun against 0909 and move the other 2-10 hv AA III to Kiev or 0409.

What I like best about Randy's setup is that he is looking ahead with realistic appraisal of his weakness and Soviet strength. This is not to say that he has a defeatist attitude, but rather that he is hoping for the best, but has prepared for the worst.

Training Exercise #2: The Battle for Kiev, 1943

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