Blunting the Bear: Germany, 2nd August 1982

The following is a fictional scenario set in the North West Germany during during 1982. It is designed for use with the "Modern Spearhead" miniatures rule system. 

The table required for this scenario measures 1.8m x 1.2m. The alternate ground scale of 1" = 125m has been used for this scenario.

Background:

The Soviet advance is now into it's second day and in I British Corps' sector a salient is developing that is exposing British formations to flanking movements by exploiting Soviet formations. While the main Soviet thrust is focussed on exploitation one Soviet Motor Rifle Regiment is tasked with closing off a portion of the flank.

 British infantry deploy around their FV432 prior to engaging advancing Soviet BMPs. The DPM camouflage is just visible on these 6mm figures. Models by Navwar and from the collection of Robin Sutton.

On the other hand this same salient provides opportunities for limited counterattacks into already exposed Soviet rear areas. Here, near some relatively unknown hamlets in North West Germany elements of the British 12th Armoured Brigade, 1st Armoured Division, are tasked with holding a key crossing while the elements of the Brigade attempt to conduct a limited counter attack against elements of the 27th Guard Motor Rifle Division. Limited divisional resources are allocated to the operation and British forces are launched forward even while the Soviets advance to exploit recent successes.

Orders of Battle:

The forces engaged are as follows:

Russian:

68th Guards Motor Rifle Regiment, 27th Guard Motor Rifle Division:

  • One Soviet Motor Rifle Regiment equipped with three BMP battalions, each battalion with ten BMPs and two towed 120mm mortars, and one tank battalion of ten T-64As. All battalions, as well as regimental assets, are at full TO&E with regular morale. 

  • The regimental 2S1 (SP 122mm) artillery battalion which may be deployed on table if required. One on-table FAO is available. Unlimited ammunition.

Russian Divisional Assets:

  • One Divisional Recon Battalion.

  • One off-table 2S1 (SP 122mm) artillery battalion with six fire missions with one on-table FAO.

  • One off-table 2S3 (SP 152mm) artillery battalion with three fire missions with one on-table FAO.

  • One off-table 180mm battalion of towed guns with two fire missions. Only available for counter-battery.

Soviet forces may enter anywhere along the two table edges marked without flank marching. Due to the hasty attack no pre-planned artillery fire missions are available. 

British:

The TO&E from which the scenario draws it's combat stands from can be found on-line here.

Elements of British 12th Armoured Brigade, 1st Armoured Division:

  • One Mechanised Infantry Battalion at full TO&E in FV432s. Regular or veteran morale.

  • One Armoured Regiment at full TO&E using Chieftain V. Regular or veteran morale.

  • One Recce Squadron of three Scimitars, one Spartan ICT and one Striker. This formation is considered a separate battalion for this scenario. Veteran morale.

Note, that either the British mechanised battalion or the armoured regiment may be classed as veteran for this scenario. The other is regular.

British Divisional Assets:

  • One Air Support Flight with two Lynx helicopter stands in divisional support but with only three turns on- table. 

  • One Field Artillery Regiment of six Abbots with six fire missions. One on-table FAO.

  • One Field Artillery Regiment of four M109A2 with two fire missions. No on-table FAO, but can be called in as divisional assets by any fighting stand using normal rules.

  • One Heavy Artillery Regiment of three M107 off-table with two fire missions. Only available for counter-battery. 

British Chieftain equipped armoured regiment and mechanised battalion must cross-attach. One of these battalions, plus the Recon Squadron, must be on-table. It is deployed after the Soviet player has drawn his command arrows but before Soviet troops are moved on to the table. Refer to the special rules below.

British on-table forces may be deployed anywhere except within 12" of any potential Russian entry edge. The remaining battalion is off-table and enters at the British entry point and must cross the river at the main bridge.

The Lynx flight can be pre-programmed or can be called in using normal rules. It is considered to be in divisional support.

Special Rules:

The special pre-game reconnaissance rules are not used for this scenario. However, Soviet command arrows and allocation of support weapons are completed first. Then, all on-table British troops are placed on table, except that two British stands may be deployed in hidden positions. These stands are then only placed on table if they move, fire or are spotted.

Soviet BMPs advance during a Modern Spearhead game. In my BMP equipped regiment each battalion has a company of three stands equipped with the more modern BMP-2 as well as  two companies, some six stands, using the earlier, but still effective, BMP-1. Models by Heroics & Ros.

The streams in this scenario are a major obstacle. They reduce movement of all tracked vehicles and dismounted troops by 4". Wheeled  vehicles, such as trucks and BRDMs can only cross at bridges. 

The main river near the British entry road can only be crossed by bridge.

The fields block visibility to troops at the same level. Treat all movement within fields as broken ground. The fields do not provide protective cover.

Stands in the town sector, but not the town outskirts, increase the range they can spot enemy by 2". This represents the use of buildings for spotting. 

Both armies are limited to six Electronic Warfare Missions with a maxium of one per turn.

The game lasts a maximum of 16 turns.

Victory Conditions:

To claim victory the Soviet commander must cause the two main British battalions to test morale or capture the town that dominates the bridge over the main river. This ensures that the British bridgehead is broken due to heavy British casualties or the bridgehead is compromised. Either will allow Soviet forces to exploit the situation in the coming hours. 

The British commander can claim a major victory if he can exit one battalion, other than the Divisional Recon Squadron, off the opposite table edge to his entry point by the end of the engagement while maintaining the on table bridgehead. This represents armoured elements breaking into Soviet rear areas. A minor victory is achieved if three or more Soviet battalions are forced to test morale and Soviet victory conditions are not achieved.

Any other result is considered a draw.

The Map:

The map is based on a table 1.8m by 1.2m. Each grid square is 12" across which equates to 1500m. 

 

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