The General Vol 24 No 1 (17.98MB)

I remember the first time I saw a copy of RUSSIAN
FRONT. I thought, "oh no, not another Eastern
Front game." But I picked up the copy to read the
back of the box. The first thing to catch my eye was
that map--very attractive to look at. The colors are
carefully chosen to compliment each other in ap-
pealing ways, thus producing a seductive image that
leaves any garner staring in deep admiration. I read
the description about the "unique combat system"
and grew wary. I looked at the pictures of the play-
ing pieces to get an idea of what kind of a system
this was. I recognized the three familiar factors and
appreciated the flavor imparted by the black back-
ground of the German armored corps. Having faith
that the mysterious system would match the quality
of the components, I decided to take the plunge.
Eagerly learning the rules, I could see that my
decision to buy was well rewarded. The system is
as good as the map and counters. It combines both
new and old simulation concepts in a harmonious
whole that represents the cumulative experience in
wargarne design today. With it I could spend hours
planning the "perfect" attack, the "best" defense.
The result of those long, pleasant hours is this-
my first attempt at devising a solid defense for the
Russian player. The defense was designed with all
optional rules in effect. Interior forces are placed
to augment the defensive stance of units in the Mili-
tary Districts; therefore, certain of these units will
be included in the discussion on individual Military
Districts.
Leningrad Military District
Three ground units man the northern approaches
to Leningrad. A solid line is necessary here, because
the Finnish 5-54 infantry is capable of using "Extra
Movement" to capture Leningrad or Schlusselburg,
cutting off supplies. The 7th Infantry anchors the
line at Lake Ladoga. It can easily fall back on
Schlusselburg and defend the port with the help of
the flotilla from VoWv. An additional naval factor
here will offer the Marines a chance to cut the sup-
ply line of any Finnish drive on the sir. But beware
of Axis air, they may sink your chances of success.
Finrre 1: The Northern Front with Interior Forces.
EAST WALL
The Russian First Turn
By Rich Miller
Looking for a few good comrades are the Marines
at TT18. This valuable unit has the best defensive
ground (riverlforest) in walking distance of Lenin-
grad. From here, they can threaten Narva, Tallinn
and Helsinki with invasion. Meanwhile, the 23rd
Infantry is poised to take advantage of a poor Finnish
opening. Assuming that Vyborg is attacked (a
reasonable assumption), the 23rd can retreat to TT16
where it may find a number of opportunities open.
It could, with naval support, sever the rail line at
UU15. Or perhaps the Finns decide to leave Helsinki
open for one turn to attack Hango, moving back to
Helsinki in July; if so, the Finns are open to a kill-
ing blow.
The 10th Armored occupies WW20 for the sole
- purpose of satisfying the set-up requirements. Lenin-
grad air can aid its survival by absorbing a hit if
it is attacked. The Finnish air is unlikely to be com-
mitted here. They'll be pushing for Leningrad to
keep the Factory unit from moving away. The Soviet
armor can quickly move through the forest to assist
in the southern defense of Leningrad.
The Onega Flotilla is literally in a backwater of
the war. Rail priorities mean that this unit will be
stuck long enough for the Finns to force an evacu-
ation to the bottom of the lake. But will they? Maybe
they'll leave it alone to prevent you from rebuild-
ing it elsewhere in a more useful location. On the
other hand, it may be that they need the city of
Petrozavodsk for Victory Conditions. In any case,
it's worth fighting for, as it makes a good anchol
for the four-hex line ending at SS22.
The air unit is based in Leningrad. It can support
the 10th Armored, or you may decide to throw it
at the Finnish air. The superior replacement capacity
of the Russian player suggests engagement.
However, the six replacement factors required to
replace this loss may be sorely needed for Soviet
ground units elsewhere, a factor to keep in mind
when committing it. The decision will be academic
if the Finns attack Hango, covered by Army Group
North's air. The Finns might even make an airbase
attack to keep you from using Transfer Movement.
Two reasons for such a transfer to Gomel or Ore1
seem obvious to me, and represent a headache for
the Germans: Gomel is a fine central location; Ore1
allows you to mate the air with the 2nd para from
Moscow. Something to consider.
Baltic Military District
The main objective for your Baltic Forces is to
prevent the capture of Vitebsk in June. In order to
do this, a unit must occupy the rail line at KK7.
Only the enemy Army Group North armor will be
able to convert the rail line up to MM9 to support
a drive on Vitebsk. Army Group Center armor,
starting from HH4, proceeds to blitz KK6, spend-
ing five movement factors, with seven hexes left
to reach JJ12, jump-off point for Vitebsk. The max-
imum movement of the best German armored unit
is only 11, so the necessary movement is clearly
impossible.
There is a small price to pay for this. The hex
at NN5 is left unguarded. The Germans will not
need a blitz to enter Riga, though they will still have
to pay two movement factors as if they were blitz-
ing. What happens if Riga is entered? First, the
3-3-7 fleet can evacuate to Hango or Tallinn. To
prevent a Hango basing, the Finns must place a
Battle Location counter there before the Germans
enter Riga. Secondly, the Germans can elect to
eliminate the 3-3-7 fleet by exploiting armor into
Tallinn. The 5-5-7 fleet can evacuate to Narva or
Leningrad. And the 3-3-7 will now be available for
redeployment-for a price in replacement points of
course.
Pskov is another choice early objective that the
Germans will be aiming for. The closest they can
come is just one hex away; but not LL14. This will
give them a head start at converting the rail lines
for the drive on Leningrad. The Russian 1st
Armored can easily retreat to take up better ground.
The 27th Infantry, untouched by enemy zones of
control, can utilize strategic movement towards
Leningrad.
The men on the front line have a job to do too.
By sitting right on the boundary, they force back
the placement of any Reserve units. The 1 lth and
16th Infantry side-step the panzers by attempting
Fiaure 2: The Central Front w~th Interlor Forces