In a Dark Wood - Warsaw Pact Order of Battle

Comrades! In this special edition of the Pravda we will meticulously examine the glorious Socialist forces assigned to liberating the proletariat in southern Germany, oppressed by the illegal government of Bonn and their capitalist collaborators from the American VII Corps and other NATO lackeys, already described in a previous issue of the Pravda.

This sector of the Western Theatre will be covered by the fourth module of the Marxist - Leninist doctrinally correct C3 series, designated as object C3-1985-4 "In a Dark Wood".

And remember, the Motherland needs you! Report to the Western Military Commissariat at info@TRLGames.com to volunteer immediately for OPERATION LADOGA, also known as OPERATION APEX PREDATOR in the decadent capitalist countries.

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Finding any coherent historical Warsaw Pact plans for a war against NATO is nearly impossible. Most available plans are heavily influenced by political agendas, starting with a NATO attack followed by a Warsaw Pact counteroffensive, often involving indiscriminate use of tactical nuclear weapons from the outset. Additionally, the expected rate of advance for Warsaw Pact forces is utterly unrealistic, likely the result of either excessive vodka consumption or the need to appease the Politburo.

An improbable Czechoslovakian war plan, reaching Nurnberg by D+2.

The Warsaw Pact's strategic plan used for the C3 series, codenamed Operation Ladoga, focuses its main effort on northern Germany, specifically in the BAOR and West German / Dutch I Corps sectors (see The Dogs of War and Die Festung Hamburg modules).

Therefore, the Warsaw Pact's objective in southern Germany is not a grand breakthrough to the Rhine, but a deliberate, energetic offensive to pin down and inflict as much damage as possible to the NATO forces and the incoming reinforcements in the sector.

To this end, some formations from the Belorussian and Carpathian Military Districts began mobilizing early to be ready by D0, providing the offensive in the Southern sector with sufficient punching power. The full Czechoslovak People's Army is also present, bringing four first-line divisions, and an additional four second-line divisions within a few days.

Let's go down to the details of the Warsaw Pact forces that will engage US VII Corps in the Wurzburg - Nurnberg sector.

The Soviet Forces

The main Soviet formation is the 28th Combined Arms Army from the Belorussian Military District, including the following units:

• 6th Guards Tank Division (CAT II)
• 28th Tank Division (CAT III)
• 50th Motorised Rifle Division (CAT III)
• 111th Artillery Regiment (2S5 Hyacint-S, 2A36 Hyacint-B)
• 1199th Artillery Regiment (9P140 Uragan MLRS)
• 330th Helicopter Regiment (Mi-24)
• 233rd Missile Brigade (9K714 Oka)

Soviet 6th Guards Tank Division

The following additional formations are also available:

• 24th Motorised Rifle Division (CAT II, Carpathian MD)
• 39th Independent Landing-Assault Brigade (Carpathian MD)

While the Soviets are missing their usual huge numbers of ground troops, they can count on a heavy fire support from four missile brigades, mostly from the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany. 

• 119th Missile Brigade (TR-1 Temp-S, GSFG)
• 164th Missile Brigade (9K72 Elbrus, GSFG)
• 175th Guards Missile Brigade (9K72 Elbrus, GSFG)
• 185th Guards Missile Brigade (9K72 Elbrus, Central Group of Forces)

Mass firepower and bombardment of strategic objectives could make a difference in a sector where the difficult terrain limits the space of manoeuvre to a few, well identified roads.

Soviet 164th Missile Brigade

The Czechoslovak People's Army

On short and medium term, Czechoslovakia can contribute to the liberation of Europe with two armies from Western Military District: The 1st Army including four first-line division, and the 4th Army with four second-line divisions.

The equipment of these two armies is on average below the standard of the Soviet units in eastern Europe. The most used MBT is still the T-54/T-55, and the self-propelled / towed artillery ratio is far from optimal as at least half of the division-level artillery still uses old M-30 / D-30 towed guns.

Moreover, it must be noted that the Czech tank regiments include only one motorised rifle company each, making them practically "pure" tank units.

Czech 1st Army

• 1st Tank Division (1st Line)
• 2nd Motorised Rifle Division (1st Line)
• 19th Motorised Rifle Division (1st Line)
• 20th Motorised Rifle Division (1st Line)
• 321st Heavy Artillery Brigade (9K72 Elbrus)
• 322nd Cannon Artillery Brigade (SpGH DANA, M-46 towed)

Czech 4th Army

• 3rd Motorised Rifle Division (2nd Line)
• 4th Tank Division (2nd Line)
• 9th Tank Division (2nd Line)
• 15th Motorised Rifle Division (2nd Line)
• 331st Heavy Artillery Brigade (9K72 Elbrus)
• 332nd Cannon Artillery Brigade (M-46 towed, wz. 18/46 towed, SpGH DANA)

Czech 1st Tank Division

On the other hand, the artillery support from Western Military District is above average, as it includes a good number of  locally produced SpGH DANA self-propelled artillery and RM-70 Multiple Launch Rocket System.

Western Military District

• 17th High Power Artillery Battalion (2s7 Pion)
• 71st Cannon Artillery Brigade (M-46 towed)
• 74th Rocket Launcher Brigade (RM-70 MLRS)
• 75th Heavy Howitzer Brigade (SpGH DANA)
• 311th Heavy Artillery Brigade (9K72 Elbrus, OTR-23 Oka)

Czech SpGH DANA, and its C3 unit equivalent

Czech RM-70 Rocket Artillery, and its C3 unit equivalent

Last but not least, the Czech can also add some attack helicopter and a small airmobile unit to the fray:

• 11th Helicopter Regiment (Mi-24D)
• 22nd Special Purpose Airborne Regiment

Conclusions

To my surprise, some playtest results seems to indicate that the overall situation in this sector of the front is initially more favourable to Warsaw Pact than expected. The reasons for this are:

1. The extensive length of the front to be defended, including the potential for an attack from the north if the Soviet 8th Guards Army succeeds in breaking through.
2. The insufficient number of NATO covering forces: the US 2ACR and one or two battalions spread across a 200 km front.
3. The peacetime deployment of NATO forces, positioned too far from the FEBA, as seen in other sectors.
4. The limited number of roads available for NATO to reach the front line, making them easy targets for Warsaw Pact interdiction and bombardment.

Of course, this could change quickly once French and Canadian forces arrive... We shall see!

A possible Warsaw Pact plan for the sector

In a Dark Wood - NATO Order of Battle

We have almost completed the Order of Battle for the upcoming In a Dark Wood.

NATO OOB for this sector had several unique features and assignments, requiring additional research and, guess what, more discussions than usual.

In this post, I will describe some of the NATO formations committed to the defense of US VII Corps sector and adjoining areas. 

You will also find a snapshot of some documents we used to define the details, they should help to give an idea of how deep the rabbit's hole goes.

And remember the drill! Volunteer now for OPERATION APEX PREDATOR by writing to info@TRLGames.com, or have Gunnery Sergeant Hartman unhappy and stomping your guts out. 

WG 12. Panzer Division Structure and Fire Support - Please note the US units in it.

A General Defense Plan for US VII Corps Sector

A plan for WG 36.Pz Brigade

A local counterattack plan for WG 36.Pz Brigade

In the end, the most probable NATO General Defense Plan for the area covered by the map had the following formations assigned, from North to South:

• 2x brigades from WG 12.Pz Division (US VII Corps, more on this later)
• 1x brigade from US 1st Infantry Division (WG 12.Pz Division, more on this later)
• US 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment (US VII Corps)
• US 1st Armored Division (US VII Corps)
• 2x brigades from WG 4.PG Division (WG II Corps)

NATO also had consistent reserves, already in West Germany or arriving as reinforcement:

• CA 4th Mechanised Brigade Group
• US 3rd Infantry Division 
• FR II Corps, with two armored "divisions" (actually, large brigades)
• FR Force d'Action Rapide, with one airmobile "division", one airborne division, one light armored "division"
• 2x brigades from US 1st Infantry Division (REFORGER)

In 1985 US 3ID was the first and probably only division having completed the conversion to the  heavier and mostly aborted "Division 86" structure. Therefore, it fielded three brigades fully equipped with M1 Abrams and M2 Bradley, plus a fourth Combat Aviation Brigade with a cavalry battalion and attack helicopters, activated in March, 1985.

All considering, a dangerous beast.

An anomaly in NATO deployment, WG 12.Pz was in theory subordinated to WG III Corps, but actually deployed far from it. As a consequence, its 34.Panzer Brigade was assigned as WG III Corps operational reserve, while its remaining two brigades (35.PG and 36.Pz) were under US VII Corps command. 

To compensate for the loss of 34.Pz Brigade, the US 1ID (Fwd) Brigade was attached to WG 12.Pz until the arrival of the rest of the division via REFORGER.

Well trained and heavily equipped, the Canadian brigade could hold its ground in a more than satisfactory manner, and could be assigned to US VII Corps or WG II Corps. We opted for the former.
EDIT: the two mech Bn here have the wrong icon, it should be M113.

Stationed in West Germany, the French II Corps consisted of two Divisions Blindée (armoured divisions, actually the size of a large brigade) of good quality, equipped with AMX-30 tanks and AMX-10 AFVs. Corps-level fire support included attack helicopters and Pluton nuclear missiles.

French Force d'Action Rapide (FAR)

The French FAR (Rapid Deployment Force) consisted of several divisions, covering all possible types of force projection. Some of them would have probably been used in West Germany in case of a full-scale conflict against the Warsaw Pact.

The 4e Division Aeromobile was conceptually similar to the experimental US 9th Infantry Division: lightly equipped infantry, with a strong support of attack helicopters. The French Army pushed this concept to its limit, as the division had only one infantry battalion supported by three AH squadrons.
EDIT: The Attack Helicopter squadrons were actually able to support the whole FAR, and should have FAR as Parent HQ, 

The 11e Division Parachutiste was a classical airborne division. No matter how badass, its battalions were composed of four infantry companies and one heavy weapons company, making them only slightly better than a WG Jagerbattalion.
EDIT: The 11e Division Parachutiste TO&E is still under review.

The 6e Division Légère Blindée was a light armoured division, in this case too more the size a large brigade.
EDIT: The 68e Regiment Artillerie had older 155mm Bf-50 tubes, the icon and range will change.

In a Dark Wood - Box Art Draft

First serious draft for the box art of the C3 Module #4, In a Dark Wood. Forests are never particularly reassuring, particularly when you are in enemy territory.

I think you know the drill....Report for Duty by writing to the Quartermaster at info@TRLGames.com, and reserve your combat equipment!

Also, we'll probably have a big announcement in a couple of weeks...No, it's not what you expect :)

In a Dark Wood - Here is the Battlefield

Well, after a long pause in Greece we are back to our favourite, familiar and apocalyptic World War Three environment! Ah, nothing better than the smell of napalm in the morning.

Here's the first complete, almost approved version of the map for the C3 Module #4 - In a Dark Wood. Actually, Tony is still griping about it, but that's not big news...He always does :D

The map is slightly bigger than the Less Than 60 Miles one, in order to include the whole US VII Corps Area of Responsibility.

The discussion in the development team (Tony, Nicolas, John, Lionel and me) is now moving to the Warsaw Pact OOB, the NATO chain of command, and the exact TO&E of French II Corps divisions....We will see what is going to happen there. 

In the meantime, do not wait! Volunteer immediately for OPERATION APEX PREDATOR by writing to info@TRLGames.com, and prepare to join the fight in the US VII Corps sector.

The Fate of All - Tentative Box Art, v3

The ancient Boeotian Muse Melete finally appeared me in dream, and today I was able to produce a first version of the box for The Fate of All.

I went to the Battle of Issus mosaic, and used a lead white pigment to write the words Melete suggested.
I also had to use some ochre pigment, that I bought from a shady Phoenician merchant and costed me a fortune. Oh, the sacrifices the Gods require from a poor wargame designer!

I would have liked to use the Greek notation for the years, but "111th Olympiad, Year 3" is probably a bit cryptic today.

The box will be 31.5 x 23.5 cm, the same size used for the C3 series. I've made some test and it should be able to accommodate the 5 maps (4 operational and 1 tactical), the 4 - 5 countersheets and everything else without any problem.

It's Time to Lift the Curtain, and Reveal The Fate of All

For several months now, we've kept Thin Red Line Games next project hidden. The only details shared publicly were the operation codename (HADES EMBRACE) and the secrecy level (NATO COSMIC SECRET, an official NATO term no matter how ridiculous it sounds). 

I must confess this was part of a plan to deliberately mislead and confound enemy spies, apparently with good results. Now, the Auguries have determined that it is time to reveal the Will of the Gods.

Loosely inspired on SPI's "The Conquerors", The Fate of All is an operational / tactical simulation covering the first four years of the campaign led by Alexander the Great against the Achaemenid Empire ruled by Darius III.

Rules are centred on the problems of army organisation, supply and morale. Armies must be organised in a balanced way or they will move slowly, cavalry must be assigned to foraging, raid, or reconnaissance, morale must be kept under control using glory or donations.

Political aspects are also a key element. Both sides will have to use money or threats to gain support and will face treason, revolts and dubious allies.

All the classical sources and several modern military-focused studies are being used during development. In particular, The Anabasis of Alexander by Arrian has been chosen as the main and most reliable classical source for two reasons: Arrian based most of his writing on the now lost Ptolemy's account of the campaign, and he was himself a military commander, thus having a better understanding of the problems and key facts of a military campaign.

The final goal is to give a realistic representation of ancient warfare, without strange salads of godly interventions, auguries and Homeric duels. In the end, players will find that the problems faced were similar to those encountered during the Napoleonic era or the American Civil War.

The four maps will cover Greece, part of the Balkans, Anatolia, Egypt and the Middle East up to Babylon. The scale is 30 km per hex with monthly turns.

Maps Overview (still in development)

The maps are designed using the latest archaeological studies and findings, but despite centuries of research several things are still only vaguely known: Some examples are the extension and path of the Persian Royal Roads, the location of several important cities and the exact route of Alexander's Army. In these cases, the "most accepted theory" rule has been used.

Map detail of Kypros and Syrian coast

Map detail of Lower Macedonia and Thessaly

Counters will be 5/8" (same as in the C3 series). Each counter represents a formation, from a Macedonian Phalanx Taxis (approx. 1500 soldiers) to a Cavalry Ile (200 - 300 mounted soldiers). Commanders and naval forces are also represented and will be key elements for the final victory.

Counters Sample (provisional values & art)

Battles can be fought using Strategic Combat, still realistic but quicker, or to their full extent using the Tactical Rules and Map - probably the best choice for a decisive battle.

Tactical Map with part of the Macedonian army deployed (still in development)

Last but not least, rules for solo playing of the full campaign as Macedonian player will be included!

Cost? No idea yet. When? Somewhere in 2023 hopefully. More details to come, but as usual you may reserve a copy immediately by writing a Votive Tablet to info@TRLGames.com !

Die Festung Hamburg - Scenarios Details

Here's the list of the scenarios you will find in the C3 Module 3 - Die Festung Hamburg, each one with a brief introduction and a situation map.

The basic premise used in the whole series is that Warsaw Pact was able to obtain a certain level of operational surprise. 

This makes the situation in the North German Plain sector particularly difficult for NATO, as most of its forces come from the Dutch and Danish armies, both heavily relying on reservists and needing several days to be fully operational. To make things even worse, the Dutch I Corps is stationed in the Netherlands. In the end, during the first critical hours the whole sector must be defended by two West German divisions, supported by one Dutch and one US brigade.

On the opposite side, Warsaw Pact can commit between 9 and 12 divisions, depending by the STAVKA strategic decisions. Luckily for NATO, several of them have a below-average quality and equipment but despite that, they are there.

Also, remember! Enlist today at the nearest recruitment office by writing to info@TRLGames.com, and help Defending Freedom / Liberating the Oppressed Proletariat!

Scenario 1 - Our Dearest Brothers

Despite the unfavourable terrain, the estuary of the Elbe - Lübeck canal  is a primary objective in the first hours of the Warsaw Pact offensive in Europe, as once it has been crossed NATO has little or no chance to establish a robust defense line before Kiel, 60 km to the North. The task is assigned to East German 8th Motorized Rifle Division, reinforced by heavy artillery support and having an amphibious regiment as an ace in the sleeve.

West German 18 Panzer Brigade, reinforced by 6 Division Recon Battalion, is charged with the defense of the sector. The brigade had just a few hours to assemble and organize and as a result only two battalions are in the Forward Edge of Battle Area when the hostilities begin. The Brigade Commander must immediately take a hard decision: Defend the canal with the few troops available and risk being destroyed on the border, or adopt an in-depth defense and allow the enemy to easily cross the difficult water obstacle.

Whatever the choice, the Eastern and Western brothers are going to meet very soon, in the worst possible terms.

Start Date and Time: July 24, 1985 0600ZT

Length: From D0 H06 to D0 H21

Scenario 2 - The Sickle's Long Shadow

Warsaw Pact’s main effort in the Hamburg sector is Operation Latvia, bearing some resemblance with the German Fall Gelb operation against France and having the final objective to cut out Hamburg and continental Denmark from the rest of Western Europe. 

Unsurprisingly, the task is assigned to Soviet 2nd Guards Tank Army, the most powerful formation in the sector, with a first echelon composed by two divisions, additional front-level artillery, and 38th Guards Air Assault Brigade. The orders are to break through the NATO lines at the junction between NORTHAG and BALTAP areas of responsibility, advance along the West bank of river Elbe, and reach the North Sea near Stade.

The attacked sector is theoretically defended by the combined West German / Dutch I Corps, with a total strength of three divisions, but the Kremlin’s maskirovka partially worked out and NATO has lost precious hours. As a result, most of the two Dutch divisions are still en route or mobilising and only a couple of West German brigades are actually ready to face the Soviets.

Start Date and Time: July 24, 1985 0600ZT

Length: From D0 H06 to D1 H06

Scenario 3 - A Pact of Blood

Cutting the NATO’s access to the Baltic is one of the primary objectives for Warsaw Pact Northern Front.

STAVKA has assigned considerable forces to the task, with three East German and two Polish divisions ready to cross the Inner German Border at July 24, 0600 Zulu Time. What these divisions lack in quality is compensated by artillery, air support and of course sheer numbers.

On the opposite side, the combined Danish / West German LANDJUT Corps is far from being ready to receive the blow: The Danes are still mobilising and cannot be expected before D+1, while the UK Mobile Force needs at least two days to reach its expected disembarking port at Brunsbüttel. 

Only West German 6 PanzerGrenadier division and a Territorial brigade are available to slow down the assault in the first crucial hours, with two additional Danish brigades arriving from midnight. War has just started, and  the LANDJUT Commander already has some life-or-death decisions to take.

Start Date and Time: July 24, 1985 0600ZT

Length: From D0 H06 to D2 H09

Scenario 4 - The Roaring Sound of Doom

Phase One of Operation Latvia went well for Warsaw Pact: Two days after the start of the offensive the first echelon divisions from Soviet 2nd Guards Tank Army control the West bank of river Elbe, cutting out Hamburg and the BALTAP sector from the rest of the NATO forces. Phase Two is planned to follow immediately, and  the army’s two fresh divisions are ordered to spearhead the attack and reach the river Weser.

On NATO side, West German 3 PanzerDivision had to defend most of the sector alone for the first 48 hours, paying a heavy tribute in blood for that. The Dutch brigades and artillery are now finally getting into position, and the NORTHAG Commander can hope to stabilise the front, reorganise the most battered units, and stop the Soviets before they achieve a breakthrough.

At the dawn of D+2, Soviet 21st and 94th Guards Motorized Rifle Divisions conduct a Forward Passage of Lines and start assaulting the exhausted NATO defensive positions, under heavy artillery support. All hell breaks loose again.

Start Date and Time: July 26, 1985 0300ZT

Length: From D2 H03 to D4 H21

Campaign 1 - The North Stygian Plain

On June 8th, 1985 General Secretary of the Soviet Communist Party Mikhail Gorbachev is deposed by a military coup. A State of Emergency Committee, formed by Kremlin hardliners and presided by Andrei Gromyko, takes power in Soviet Union. 

Tension between the two Blocs increases sharply, reaching alarming levels after mass protests in several Warsaw Pact countries are suppressed by local Soviet forces. Interpreting these events as a covert attempt by capitalist forces to bring the Socialist System to its knees, the new Soviet Politburo decides to play all its remaining cards and starts mobilising Class II and III Divisions. 

NATO diplomatic attempts to defuse the conflict receive reassuring answers about Soviet Union’s desire for peace, not supported by any change in Warsaw Pact’s troop movements. 

In the end, the last supporters of the diplomatic approach surrender to the harsh reality when faced dozens of satellite photos irrefutably showing Warsaw Pact Armies moving in attack formation toward the German Inner Border. 

On July 23rd, 1985 Transfer of Authority to NATO finally takes place, and SACEUR immediately issues a GENERAL ALERT order. A few hours later, Warsaw Pact divisions smash into NORTHAG covering forces.

Start Date and Time: July 24, 1985 0600ZT 

Length (Short Campaign): from D0 H06 to D2 H21

Length (Long Campaign): from D0 H06 to D4 H21

Campaign 2 - One Minute to Midnight

Following June 1985 military coup in Soviet Union, tension between the two blocs keeps on increasing despite several attempts by both sides to defuse the situation. 

In July, Soviet Union’s State Emergency Committee decides to reaffirm the Brezhnev’s Doctrine by brutally crushing a Polish national strike and leaving hundreds of dead civilians in Danzig and Stettin. 

Media and popular pressure force Western countries to declare an embargo on Soviet Union. The Kremlin reacts by denouncing “a perfidious attempt by capitalist powers to strangle the Socialist Countries” and by mobilising Category II and III Divisions. 

In a matter of days, DEFCON is raised to level 2 and several NATO countries begin the mobilisation process. 

To show NATO determination, a Task Force centered on British Carrier HMS Invincible is dispatched to Norwegian Sea. On July 23rd, NATO and Soviet forces in the area are involved in increasingly dangerous confrontations. At 2014 ZT, a Soviet P-270 Moskit missile armed with a 200Kt nuclear warhead sinks the HMS Manchester, killing more than 300 seamen. The Britons react on similar terms, with a Buccaneer nuclear strike on Soviet destroyer Kulakov. 

From that moment on, the situation goes out of control. On July 24th, 1985 Warsaw Pact forces launch a major offensive against West Germany, with unrestricted chemical and nuclear warfare. A fully mobilised NATO reacts on similar terms, and the worst nightmare of 20th Century becomes a reality. 

Start Date and Time: July 24, 1985 0600ZT 

Length (Short Campaign): from D0 H06 to D2 H21

Length (Long Campaign): from D0 H06 to D4 H21