Lipovec

July 22nd, 1941—Lypovec. Operation Barbarossa was tearing into the Soviet Union, and here came the Slovak Mobile Brigade—five thousand men, 43 tanks, and 123 artillery guns—charging into their first real scrap against the Red Army.

They smashed into General Tkachenko’s 44th Rifle Division—some fresh, some worn ragged—but the fight was no parade. The Slovaks had spirit, but their tanks ran thirsty, and fuel was scarce. They pushed into the town, only to be hammered by furious Soviet counterattacks.

What saved them? The guns. Artillery thundered, covering their retreat and keeping the whole affair from turning into a disaster. In the end, the Slovaks learned the hard truth—courage and machinery mean little without supply and strength in numbers. Against a seasoned, determined foe, they were blooded, beaten back, and reminded that war is unforgiving to the unprepared.

~~ General Howitzer

6 VP’s

Card Balance:

5 – 5

Complexity:

Conditions:

Countryside

Context:

Historical

Location:

Ukraine

Year:

1941

Theater:

Eastern Front

Campaign:

Operation Barbarossa

Codename

Summary:

The dominant factors in the Lipovec scenario is the river going across the battlefield, and the two artillery units safely ensconced in each of their own city hexes.

Objectives:
Six VP’s. No medal objectives

Battlefield:
The battlefield is split horizontally by the River Szob, which is a fordable river. There is also one bridge crossing.

Troops:
Allies – 10 Infantry, 2 Artillery
Axis – 10 Infantry, 3 Armor, 1 Artillery

Allied Strategy:

1. The Allies begin the round with three forest hexes deep into Axis territory, controlled by sandbagged infantry. This presents an early point of attack, and becomes the locus of the seesaw battle for control. Take advantage of those forward points and attack as quickly as possible at the Axis enemy pressed up against the battlefield barrier. For every flag thrown against a unit against “the wall” will be counted as a hit. This increases your chance of getting a hit by 17% for each unit.

2. Allies have two artillery vs. the Axis’ one. So take advantage of the long-range hits available to you. The central artillery has reach of most of the battlefield. Use it.

3. As defenders in this game, unless the cards clearly dictate otherwise, you can wait across the river for the Allied attack, and then hit them when they are paused at the Szob River.

Axis Strategy:

1. The enemy begins with control of three hexes on the Axis side. So Axis will have to target the enemy incursion hex by hex to push him back. Unless Axis is given a great set of cards for a flanking attack, they will want to clear all enemy troops on their side of the river before trying to cross over.

2. You have six infantry units on your left flank. They can approach the enemy under the cover of the forest and hills, to get very close for the attack.

3. Axis have an overwhelming advantage with armor. Put them into action by dealing with the infantry hiding in the forest hex center seciton.