The following is a brief report of a wargame hosted at the "Call to Arms" wargames convention in Wellington, New Zealand during August 2005 using the Modern Spearhead miniature rules and 1/300th miniatures. While the game was fought over two actual days it coverd only one game day. It involved twelve wargamers fighting on a table measuring some twenty feet in width with a depth of six feet.

Following on from the economic crisis in Eastern Europe in 1982 Cold War tensions finally reached breaking point in the early summer of 1984. As a massive training exercise by WARPAC forces came to an end troops switched to offensive military operations and full scale conventional war erupted on the 23rd June 1984. By the 25th of June WARPAC forces, having made significant penetrations, were poised to make a breakthrough in the picturesque Alsfeld valley.  An adhoc NATO force was hastily deployed and prepared to face the Soviet juggernaut. 

NATO forces were centred around the British 1st Armoured Division (commanded by Paul Reynolds) and associated units which consisted of :

• British 7th Armoured Brigade (Northern sector - Keith McNelly),
• 54th West German Heimatschütz Brigade - Territorial (Alsfeld - Ant McKenna).
• 35th West German Panzergrenadier Brigade (South centre - Chris Harrod).
• 43rd Netherlands Mechanised Brigade (Southern sector - Peter Page).
• British 12th & 22nd British Armoured Brigades (Sector reserve - Mike O'Reilly). 
• 1st Armoured Brigade, US 3rd Armoured Division (Final reserve).

WARPAC forces were drawn from the 8th Soviet Guards Army (Rhys Batchelor) and consisted of:

• 27th Guards Motor Rifle Division (Nothern sector - Greg Jennings & John Moher).
• 57th Guards Motor Rifle Division (Centre sector including Alsfeld - Jake Collins).
• 39th Guards Motor Rifle Division (Southern sector - Kieran Mahony and later assisted by Pete Connor).
• 9th East German Panzer Division (Off-table reserve, part committed).
• 79th Guards Tank Divsion (Off-table reserve, not committed).

The view from the north looking south. Alsfeld is visible in the distance along the western banks of the river. Elements of the 27th Soviet Guard Motor Rifle Division (GMRD) are approaching the river from the left. Elements of the British 7th Armoured Brigade are visible to the centre and right flank.

While detailed analysis of the the WARPAC forces is impossible, due to the classified nature of much of the material, it is clear that general equipment varied considerably between the divisions. For instance, the 27th Guard Motor Rifle Division had T-80s throughout. The 57th GMRD in contrast had T-72s in Soviet the regiments while the attached Czechs used outdated OT-64s and T-55s. Interestingly, this division had been recently transferred from CGF to GSFG just prior to hostilities. Finally, the 39th GMRD operated T-62s in the motor rifle regiments and T-64s in the tank regiment. 

Likewise, the hastily assembled NATO forces also had a range of troops and equipment. The West German territorials, dismounted in Alsfeld and supported by M48s, were clearly the worse equipped of NATO forces in the area. However, they were supported by the 35th West German Panzergrenadier Brigade operating Leopard 1A4s  with infantry carried in Marders and M113s. This formation was well trained and equipped and was potentially a significant threat to the Soviet planners. In the south the Dutch deployed YPR 765s and Leopards. Though lacking communication equipment and thus limited in EW options (rated NATO2) they were to provide a stubborn obstacle to the Soviets in the ensuing engagement. The British to had a mixture of equipment which included Chieftains, Challengers, Warriors and veteran FV432s. 

The WARPAC plan was centred around the capture of Alsfeld and the associated road and transportation networks enabling a breakthrough to the west after delivering a crushing blow to NATO forces in the area. As such, a pincer movement from the northern and southern sectors was planned while NATO forces were drawn into fighting around Alsfeld.

Initial Soviet probes were conducted by regimental and divisional level reconnaissance elements in an attempt to determine NATO deployments. Once completed, WARPAC attack plans were drawn up. These plans required three motor rifle divisions to advance in seperate divisional thrusts. One in the north, one in the centre and one in the extreme south. Soviet pre-planned artillery fire commenced at 0400 hours and included persistent and non-persistent chemical attacks along the front. This was delivered, mostly, by conventional artillery. In addition, an attack by FROGs (Free Rocket over Ground) launchers was conducted in the southern sector. At the same stage Soviet and Czech forces began to move forward to secure bridging positions under cover of darkness. While anti-tank and anti-aircraft units were deployed to protect the bridges from any NATO counter attack. 

While the crossing operations were under way Soviet paratroops, drawn from army assets, were dropped in NATO rear areas in an effort to disrupt NATO troop movement. Unfortunately, at least for Soviet planners, the paratroops were dropped into a reserve British brigade position and were quickly rounded up!

The southern end of the table looking north. Elements of the Soviet 39th Guard Motor Rifle Division are moving on from the right while elements of the 43rd Netherlands Mechanised Brigade are deployed west (left) of the river. The large wood and area towards Alsfeld is held by the regular 35th West German Panzer Grenadier Brigade. The reserve British 22nd Armoured Brigade is visible on the centre left in the process of "collecting" Soviet paratroops.

In the north Soviet planning was based around a forward British defence. However, the British 7th Armoured Brigade was dispersed over a large area, some 9.4km in fact, and was further deployed well back to avoid casualties from any initial Soviet bombardment. Forward were the the Royal Hussars in the extreme north. To their right, the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment extended south towards Alsfeld. A further battalion, based around the 3rd Queens Regiment with Warrior IFVs and attached Challengers, remained in brigade reserve behind the Royal Hussars.

In the north, with crossing operations completed quickly, Soviet forces moved west under the cover of darkness. In 27th GMRD sector support from Soviet attack helicopters caused significant disruption to the 7th Armoured Brigade. Finally Rapier and Lynx helicopters were able to deal to the threat much to the relief of 7th Armoured Brigade commander. Then, with daylight finally arriving the Soviet forces, now delayed by minefields, were subjected to determined and well placed fire from British Challengers with Warrior and Lynx helicopters in support. Soviet casualties mounted alarmingly in the north.

One of three British Lynx helicopter, actually an Cobra model, engages a Soviet Hind before switching to protect the British northern flank against a flanking move by Soviet forces. British Blowpipes were totally ineffective.

As mentioned earlier a key feature was the town of Alsfeld, which was garrisoned by a West German territorial formation. The Soviet plan called for the town to be assaulted by the a Czech Motor Rifle Regiment. This formation was considered by, Soviet planners, as "expendable". Primarily this attack was designed to draw NATO reinforcements into bloody town fighting in an effort to prevent its early loss to the Soviets. 

Alsfeld under attack. Czech formations, using OT-64s and T-55s, have begun their assault while bridging units continue to be screened by Soviet smoke. Alsfeld was represented by some twenty town sectors and was a major objective as it dominated the main autobahn, a key to any Soviet breakthrough. West German M48s are visible in the top centre about to engage Soviet T-64s attached to the 57th GMRD.

Intelligence from the engagements in the centre and southern sectors remains limited. However, the action in the north is more fully documented. 

Following the initial engagements the 27th GMRD continued to reinforce the attacks. Some nine Soviet battalions, equipped with the the most modern equipment available, including BTR-80s, BMP-2s and T-80 MBTs, were engaged against the Royal Hussars. The Hussars, equipped with Challenger and attached Warriors, along with a squadron of Challengers attached to the 3rd Queens and holding  the extreme right flank of the Hussars to prevented envelopment, were to bare the full brunt of this divisional assault. Soviet battalions ebbed and flowed against the British breakwater hour upon hour. As the hot summers day wore on the heat from the burning Soviet vehicles littered across the northern sector only added to the discomfort of the Challenger crews. Captain John Willbrook describes a portion of the action:

It is worth noting that the Royal Hussars and the 2nd RTR, both part of 7th Armoured Brigade, were the only two British formations equipped with Challengers. Further, while the 3rd Queens was equipped with Warriors, other British formations used the  older Chieftain and FV432 series.

Now, the 27th GMRD commander was desperate for a breakthrough and turned to other methods, one of which was close air support.  

Two flights Mig-17's attempt a bomb run against the Challengers of the Royal Hussars. One of the two flights of  Mig-17s were lost to Rapier missiles. The other, like the following Mig-21 strike, were ineffective.

Meanwhile, in the centre, the Czechs continued to push forward and sector by sector the 54th West German Heimatschütz Brigade (territorial) were forced back. On the flanks of Alsfeld futher battalions from 57th GMRD continued the advance. The bridgehead was now growing by the hour as the reinforcing Soviet formations, including BMP-1s and T-64s, pushed west forcing West German armour and reserve formations back.

It is worth noting at this stage that the 54th West German Heimatschütz Brigade (territorial) tasked with defending Alsfeld, initially consisted of only two infantry battalions with support from an M48 battalion deployed to the north of Alsfeld extending to the 7th Armoured Brigade. However, the resourceful German territorial brigade commander called for volunteers from the Alsfeld population and an adhoc Volksgrenadier battalion was formed just prior to the WARPAC attacks.

The Soviet Motor Rifle Division in the south, the 39th GMRD, was perhaps the worst equipped of the three Soviet Motor Rifle Divisions deployed. While the infantry was transported in BTR-70s and BMP-1s the armoured support was limited to elderly T-62s. Further, because of the distance the division had to advance to reach the river bridging operations being delayed until daylight hours. Therefore, much of the assault crossing was completed by amphibious vehicles and were supported by armour only when bridges had been deployed. The 43rd Netherlands Mechanised Brigade, while putting up a solid defence, was slowly pushed back and British Chieftain heavy battalion from the 22nd Armoured Brigade was dispatched south to bolster the defence.

According to some Soviet sources, made public soon after the battle, the Dutch/Germans deployed some six flights of Phantoms against the 39th GMRD, all of which were shot down or aborted in half an hour. Soviet sources then continue to claim that further strikes by Alpha Jets were met by an instant pyrotechnic display as every BMP in the 39th GMRD fired off their SA-7's in a mass fire works display that annihilated the hapless Alpha Jets! Such claims are purely propaganda and typical of Soviet communication immediately after the war. Within days other Soviet sources were already admitting to different events. NATO records clearly show all aircraft strikes were launched with precision and expertise against key tactical targets at all times with significant results.

Elements of 39th Guard Motor Rifle Division move forward in preparation for a daylight river assault. These particular models, are from the collection of Rhys Batchelor and are mostly from the Navwar range. Other models were supplied by Pete Conner, Peter Page and Mike O'Reilly.

The 27th GMRD, in the north, now attempted another crossing. This time they planned to cross further south and avoid the main elements of British 7th Armoured Brigade with the intent of linking up with the 57th GMRD in the centre. The ultimate aim no doubt being a breakthrough north of Alsfeld. However, events in the north were also about to change for the Royal Hussars. Having just routed some six battalions of the nine committed in the sector,  the Desert Rats were feeling very proud of their tactical skills. While the crews relaxed and surveyed the burning hulks that scarred the German country side, desperate and devious Soviet planners were at work. 

Artillery observers from 27th GMRD were finally able to call in off-table fire from BM-21 multiple rocket launchers. Previous attempts, along with attempts to change orders, had been frustrated by the efficient radio jamming carried out by British forces in the northern sector. So, while the Soviet northern ground assault had collapsed the rocket launchers were finally released and a massive persistent gas attack fell on two battalions of the 7th Armoured Brigade with the Royal Hussars suffering the full weight of the attack. The result was horrific with many British troops injured by this terrible and cowardly attack. Disabled, two battalions were forced to fall back to reserve positions, though of course in good order.

Elements of  27th GMRD,deployed in the northern sector, prepare to cross in support of the expanding 57th GMRD bridgehead in the top centre. Elements of 9th East German Panzer Division, including their T-72 regiment, are also being moved forward for the expected exploitation phase. Elements of the second British reserve brigade, the 12th Armoured Brigade, can be seen moving forward to strengthen the flank of the now collapsing 54th West German Heimatschütz Brigade in the top left. Like other British formations the lack of effective AA caused heavy casulties to prowling Soviet attack helicopters.

NATO command was now faced with a significant breakthrough in the centre. While selected reserve British battalions, drawn from the 12th and 22nd British Armoured Brigades, conducted spirited local counter attacks others attempted to move north and south through heavily wooded terrain to reinforce weakening positions across the broad front. This wooded terrain however slowed vehicle movement to a crawl and resulted in several battalions being unable to react quickly to the now critical situation in the centre. 

While Soviet divisional level artillery continued it's merciless counter battery fire, which had by this stage of the battle silenced almost all forward NATO artillery formations, Soviet ground formations surged forward once again. While the sky above Alsfeld throbbed to the sound of massed squadrons of  Hind gunships, NATO commanders were forced to make critical decisions. With increasingly negative reports coming from battalion and brigade commanders, NATO Divisional HQ decided to deploy its final reserve. 

Tracks clanked and engines roared as the recently arrived 1st Armoured Brigade, drawn from the US 3rd Armoured Division, moved forward towards Alsfeld. The brigade consisted of two tank battalions and one infantry battalion in M113s. Of the two tank tank battalions one deployed the more modern M60A3 while the other the somewhat older and less effective M60A2. Time was against NATO and valuable hours were lost while the brigade moved from its start line to the forward edge of the battle area. 

US M60A3 MBTs and infantry in M113s of the US 1st Armoured Brigade move forward to blunt the Soviet advance as Hind gunships circle in the distance. The Hinds are not visible here, but were in the top right.

As night engulfed the battlefield the situation was not clear. While Soviet forces had certainly suffered heavy casualties they had also achieved significant results. Alsfeld had fallen and a major breakthrough would have occurred in the centre except for the timely arrival of US forces in the area. Further, several Soviet regiments were still at full strength while the entire 79th Guards Tank Division remained, as yet, uncommitted. The battle of Alsfeld was therefore not decided. As night falls on the Alsfeld valley the commanders of both armies consider options for the coming day...

Further game photographs can be found on John Moher's website while additional notes regarding the game can be found here.

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