High Command Wargame Rules - Operation Barbarossa, Part 3 - Staraya Russa

Soviet Offensive at Staraya Russa

August, 1941

Imagine, just imagine, that we use the army lists from High Command but we deal with task forces - corresponding to the Divisions - and we populated the stands according Flames of war Army Lists. Let me try it:



GERMANS



X. Armeekorps

Artillerie-Kommandeur 19 - 4x 15cm sFH180mm Gun, horse drawn limbers, 1x 8.8cm FlaK36, SdKfz 7 (8t) half-track
Artillerie-Kommandeur 135 - 4x 15cm sFH180mm Gun, horse drawn limbers, 1x 8.8cm FlaK36, SdKfz 7 (8t) half-track

30. Infanterie-Division

Divisionsstab - 1x Command SMG team, 1x 2iC SMG team, 1x Motorcycle and sidecar, Kfz 15 field car, 1x 2cm FlaK38, truck
Radfahr-Abteilung 30
1. Schwadron - 1x Scout rifle team, Kubelwagen, 1x SdKfz 222
2. Schwadron - 1x Scout rifle team, Kubelwagen, 1x SdKfz 222
Infanterie-Regiment 6
I. Bataillon - 1x Rifle/MG team
III. Bataillon - 1x 7.5 leIG18, horse drawn limber
Infanterie-Regiment 26
I. Bataillon - 1x Rifle/MG team
III. Bataillon - 2x 8cm GW34 mortar, horse drawn wagon
Infanterie-Regiment 46
I. Bataillon - 1x Rifle/MG team
III. Bataillon - 2x MG42 HMG
Panzerjarger-Abteilung 30 - 1x 3.7cm PaK36, truck
Artillerie-Regiment 30
I. Abteilung - 1x 10.5cm leFH18, horse drawn limber
II. Abteilung - 1x 10.5cm leFH18, horse drawn limber

126. Infanterie-Division

Divisionsstab - 1x Command SMG team, 1x 2iC SMG team, 1x Motorcycle and sidecar, Kfz 15 field car, 1x 2cm FlaK38, truck
Aufklarungs-Abteilung 126
1. Kompanie - 1x Scout rifle team, Kubelwagen, 1x SdKfz 222
2. Kompanie - 1x Scout rifle team, Kubelwagen, 1x SdKfz 222
Infanterie-Regiment 422
I. Bataillon - 1x 1x Rifle/MG team
II. Bataillon - 1x 7.5 leIG18, horse drawn limber
Infanterie-Regiment 424
I. Bataillon - 1x 1x Rifle/MG team
III. Bataillon - 2x 8cm GW34 mortar, horse drawn wagon
Infanterie-Regiment 426
I. Bataillon - 1x 1x Rifle/MG team
III. Bataillon - 2x MG42 HMG
Panzerjaeger-Abteilung 126 - 1x 3.7cm PaK36, truck
Artillerie-Regiment 126
I. Abteilung - 1x 10.5cm leFH18, horse drawn limber
II. Abteilung - 1x 10.5cm leFH18, horse drawn limber

290. Infanterie-Division

Divisionsstab - 1x Command SMG team, 1x 2iC SMG team, 1x Motorcycle and sidecar, Kfz 15 field car, 1x 2cm FlaK38, truck
Aufklarungs-Abteilung 290
1. Kompanie - 1x Scout rifle team, Kubelwagen, 1x SdKfz 222
2. Kompanie - 1x Scout rifle team, Kubelwagen, 1x SdKfz 222
Infanterie-Regiment 501
I. Bataillon - 1x 1x Rifle/MG team
II. Bataillon - 1x 7.5 leIG18, horse drawn limber
Infanterie-Regiment 502
I. Bataillon - 1x 1x Rifle/MG team
III. Bataillon - 2x 8cm GW34 mortar, horse drawn wagon
Infanterie-Regiment 502
I. Bataillon - 1x Rifle/MG team
III. Bataillon - 2x MG42 HMG
Panzerjaeger-Abteilung 290 - 1x 3.7cm PaK36, truck
Artillerie-Regiment 290
I. Abteilung - 1x 10.5cm leFH18, horse drawn limber
II. Abteilung - 1x 10.5cm leFH18, horse drawn limber

LVI. Armeekorps (motorisiert)

Artillerie-Kommandeur 125 - 4x 15cm sFH180mm Gun, horse drawn limbers, 1x 8.8cm FlaK36, SdKfz 7 (8t) half-track, 1x StuG D

SS-Division 'Totenkopf'

Divisionsstab - 1x Command SMG team, 1x 2iC SMG team, Kfz 15 field car, 1x SdKfz 10/4, 1x StuG D
SS-Totenkopf-Aufklärungs-Abteilung
1. Kompanie - 1x MG team, kubelwagen, 1x  SdKfz 231 (6-rad)
2. Kompanie - 1x MG team, kubelwagen, 1x SdKfz 222
SS-Totenkopf-Kradschützen-Bataillon - 1x Motorcycle Rifle/MG team
SS-Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 1
I. Bataillon - 1x MG team, Kfz 70 truck
II. Bataillon - 2x MG42 HMG, Kfz 70 truck
SS-Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 2
I. Bataillon - 1x MG team, Kfz 70 truck
II. Bataillon - 1x 7.5 leIG18, Kfz 70 truck
SS-Totenkopf-Infanterie-Regiment 3
I. Bataillon - 1x MG team, Kfz 70 truck
II. Bataillon - 1x 3.7cm PaK36, Kfz 70 truck
SS-Totenkopf-Artillerie-Regiment
I. Abteilung - 1x 10.5cm leFH18, horse drawn limber
II. Abteilung - 1x 10.5cm leFH18, horse drawn limber
SS-Totenkopf-Flak-Abteilung - 1x 8.8cm FlaK36, SdKfz 7 (8t) half-track

3. Infanterie-Division (motorisiert)

Divisionsstab - 1x Command SMG team, 1x 2iC SMG team, 1x Motorcycle and sidecar, Kfz 15 field car, 1x SdKfz 10/4
Aufklärungs-Abteilung (motorisiert) 53
1. Kompanie - 1x MG team, kubelwagen, 1x  SdKfz 231 (6-rad)
2. Kompanie - 1x MG team, kubelwagen, 1x SdKfz 222
Kradschützen-Bataillon 53 - 1x Motorcycle Rifle/MG team
Infanterie-Regiment (motorisiert) 8
I. Bataillon - 1x MG team, Kfz 70 truck
II. Bataillon - 2x MG42 HMG, Kfz 70 truck
III. Bataillon - 1x MG team, Kfz 70 truck
Infanterie-Regiment (motorisiert) 29
I. Bataillon - 1x 7.5 leIG18, Kfz 70 truck
II. Bataillon - 1x MG team, Kfz 70 truck
III. Bataillon - 1x 3.7cm PaK36, Kfz 70 truck
Artillerie-Regiment (motorisiert) 3
I. Abteilung - 1x 10.5cm leFH18, horse drawn limber
II. Abteilung - 1x 10.5cm leFH18, horse drawn limber
attached
Panzer-Abteilung 3 - 1x Panzer III



SOVIETS



29th Rifle Corps (from 11th Army)

179th Rifle Division

Headquarters - 1x Command Rifle team, 1x 2iC Rifle team, 1x 45mm obr 1937 gun, horse drawn limber, 1x DShK AA MG on truck
215th Rifle Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 2x Maskim HMG
234th Rilfe Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 2x 82-BM-41 Mortar
259th Rifle Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 1x 76mm obr 1927 gun
618th Artillery Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x 76mm ZIS-3 field gun, horse drawn limber
2nd Battalion - 1x 76mm ZIS-3 field gun, horse drawn limber

181st Rifle Division

Headquarters - 1x Command Rifle team, 1x 2iC Rifle team, 1x 45mm obr 1937 gun, horse drawn limber, 1x DShK AA MG on truck
186th Rifle Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 2x Maskim HMG
195th Rifle Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 2x 82-BM-41 Mortar
243rd Rifle Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 1x 76mm obr 1927 gun
639th Artillery Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x 76mm ZIS-3 field gun, horse drawn limber
2nd Battalion - 1x 76mm ZIS-3 field gun, horse drawn limber

34th Army

Artillery Division - 6x 122mm obr 1938 howitzers, horse drawn limbers

245th Rifle Division

Headquarters - 1x Command Rifle team, 1x 2iC Rifle team, 1x 45mm obr 1937 gun, horse drawn limber, 1x DShK AA MG on truck
898th Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 2x Maskim HMG
901st Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 2x 82-BM-41 Mortar
904th Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 1x 76mm obr 1927 gun
770th Artillery Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x 76mm ZIS-3 field gun, horse drawn limber
2nd Battalion - 1x 76mm ZIS-3 field gun, horse drawn limber

254th Rifle Division

Headquarters - 1x Command Rifle team, 1x 2iC Rifle team, 1x 45mm obr 1937 gun, horse drawn limber, 1x DShK AA MG on truck
929th Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 2x Maskim HMG
933rd Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 2x 82-BM-41 Mortar
936th Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 1x 76mm obr 1927 gun
791st Artillery Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x 76mm ZIS-3 field gun, horse drawn limber
2nd Battalion - 1x 76mm ZIS-3 field gun, horse drawn limber

257th Rifle Division

Headquarters - 1x Command Rifle team, 1x 2iC Rifle team, 1x 45mm obr 1937 gun, horse drawn limber, 1x DShK AA MG on truck
943rd Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 2x Maskim HMG
948th Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 2x 82-BM-41 Mortar
953rd Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 1x 76mm obr 1927 gun
793rd Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x 76mm ZIS-3 field gun, horse drawn limber
2nd Battalion - 1x 76mm ZIS-3 field gun, horse drawn limber

259th Rifle Division

Headquarters - 1x Command Rifle team, 1x 2iC Rifle team, 1x 45mm obr 1937 gun, horse drawn limber, 1x DShK AA MG on truck
939th Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 2x Maskim HMG
944th Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 2x 82-BM-41 Mortar
949th Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 1x 76mm obr 1927 gun
801st Artillery Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x 76mm ZIS-3 field gun, horse drawn limber
2nd Battalion - 1x 76mm ZIS-3 field gun, horse drawn limber

262nd Rifle Division

Headquarters - 1x Command Rifle team, 1x 2iC Rifle team, 1x 45mm obr 1937 gun, horse drawn limber, 1x DShK AA MG on truck
940th Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 2x Maskim HMG
945th Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 2x 82-BM-41 Mortar
950th Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle team
2nd Battalion - 1x 76mm obr 1927 gun
788th Artillery Artillery Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x 76mm ZIS-3 field gun, horse drawn limber
2nd Battalion - 1x 76mm ZIS-3 field gun, horse drawn limber

1st Mechanised Corps

Headquarters - 1x Command Rifle team, 1x 2iC Rifle team, 2x Motorcycle teams, 1x DShK AA MG on truck
5th Motorcycle Regiment - 2 Rifle M/C, 1 BA-20
1st Tank Division
1st Tank Regiment - 1x T-34
1st Artillery Regiment - 1x 76mm ZIS-3 field gun, truck
3rd Tank Division
3rd Tank Regiment - 1x T-34
3rd Artillery Regiment - 1x 76mm ZIS-3 field gun, truck
163rd Motorised Division
529th Motorised Regiment
1st Battalion - 1x Rifle/MG team, truck
2nd Battalion - 2x Maskim HMG, truck
3rd Battalion - 1x Rifle/MG team, truck
759th Motorised Regiment
1st Battalion - 2x 82-BM-41 Mortar, truck
2nd Battalion - 1x Rifle/MG team, truck
3rd Battalion - 1x 45mm obr 1937 gun, truck
365th Artillery Regiment - 1x 76mm ZIS-3 field gun, truck

attached

25th Cavalry Division

Headquarters - 1x Command Cavalry Rifle team, 1x 2iC Cavalry Rifle team, 1x DShK AA MG on truck, 1x Pioneer Rifle team, pioneer supply cavalry wagon
98th Cavalry Regiment
1st Squadron - 1x Rifle/MG team
2nd Squadron - 1x 76mm obr 1927, cavalry limber
100th Cavalry Regiment
1st Squadron - 1x Rifle/MG team
2nd Squadron - 2x 82-BM-41 Mortar, cavalry limber
104th Artillery Regiment - 1x 76mm ZIS-3 field gun, truck

Operation Barbarossa, Part 2 - Staraya Russa

Soviet Offensive at Staraya Russa
August, 1941




References

Operation Barbarossa 1941 (2) - Army Group North; Robert Kirchubel; osprey Publishing; Campaign 148

http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=93910&p=1102646

http://operationbarbarossa.net/Brief-Mil-History/Briefmilhistory3.html#an_3

http://www.feldgrau.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=18061

War Journal of Generaloberst Franz Halder, Chief of the General Staff of Supreme Command of the German Army (OBH), Vol VII. Historical Divisions, SSUSA. 1 Aug 41 - 24 Sep 42.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/34th_Army_(Soviet_Union)

http://www.scritube.com/limba/engleza/books/Hitler-moves-east-PART-TWO-Len12258.php

http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/159076/scenario-3-staraya-russa




Background

On 21 July Hitler, Keitel, two staff officers, some SS bodyguards, and propaganda photographers arrived by air at Heeresgruppe Nord. None of the participants knew it then, but the German high command was in the middle of a five-week debate over strategic decisions on the campaign's future during the prime summer campaigning season.

Hitler issued Directive 34 on 30 July, followed by a Supplement, on 12 August. In them he reasserted the primacy of Leningrad, specifically pushing von Leeb, C in C of Heeeresgruppe Nord, to swing wide right and link up with the Finns.

Most significantly it stated that before attacking Moscow "operations against Leningrad must be concluded".

Meanwhile Vatutin, chief of staff of Northwest Front decides an attack to Army Group North's extended eastern flank, set for 12 August. On the flanks, the 48th Army aimed for Novgorod while the 27th moved on Kholm. In the center, supported by the 11th Army, the robust 34th Army represented the main effort, driving into the 30-mile gap between the X. and II. Armeekorps from 16. Armee.

The Battle

12 August

34th Army attacks 50-mile gap between X. Armeekorps and II. Armeekorps. The 11th (against Staraya Russa) and 27th Armies (Kholm) attack in support.

14 August

SS-Division 'Totenkopf' and 3. Infanterie-Division (motorisiert) move to the area of 16. Armee.

16 August

245th Rifle Division and 163rd Motorised Rifle Division cut Staraya Russa - Dno railroad near Gorki. SS-Division 'Totenkopf' moves out against their left flank. 29th Rifle Corps elements enter Staraya Russa behind withdrawing 30. Infanterie-Division.

19 August

Headquarters of LVI. Armeekorps (motorisiert) and 3. Infanterie-Division (motorisiert) begins counterattack. 30. Infanterie-Division transitions from defense to offenseive stats. II. Armeekorps attacks at Kholm.

20 August

SS-Division 'Totenkopf' and 3. Infanterie-Division (motorisiert) meet near Velykaya Selo and close trap on bulk of 163rd, 202nd, 245th, 262nd Rifle, and 25th Cavalry Divisions.

Order of battle



GERMANS


X. Armeekorps
30. Infanterie-Division
126. Infanterie-Division
290. Infanterie-Division

LVI. Armeekorps (motorisiert)
SS-Division 'Totenkopf'
3. Infanterie-Division (motorisiert)



RUSSIANS


29th Rifle Corps (from 11th Army)
179th Rifle Division
181st Rifle Division

34th Army

245 Rifle Division
254 Rifle Division
257 Rifle Division
259 Rifle Division
262 Rifle Division

XXV Cavalry Corps
25th Cavalry Division
54th Cavalry Division

1st Mechanised Corps
5th Motorcycle Regiment
3rd Tank Division
163rd Motorised division
202nd Motorised division

Operation Barbarossa - Part 1

I start with a generic Order of Battle from this source. It concerns, as you can see by the title, the area of operations of German Army Group North.

I don't change anything in the proposed OOB because, as the author says, "No two sources on orders of battle for Barbarossa agree."

The only thing changed are the names of the German units, using,

http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/inhaltsverzeichnis1.htm





Axis Forces


NORTHERN THEATER

Armee Norwegen

Gebirgs-Korp Norwegen
2. Gebirgs-Division
3. Gebirgs-Division

Höheren Kommandos zbV XXXVI (36.)
169. Infanterie-Division
SS-Gebirgs-Division 'Nord'
6. Finnische Division

Karelian Army (Finland)

1st Division
17th Division
163. Infanterie-Division (German)

Group 'Oinonen'
Cavalry Brigade
1st Jäger Brigade
2nd Jäger Brigade

VI Corps
5th Division
11th Division

VII Corps
7th Division
19th Division

II Corps
2nd Division
10th Division
15th Division
18th Division

IV Corps
12th Division
4th Division
8th Division

HEERESGRUPPE NORD

XXIII. Armeekorps
206. Infanterie-Division
251. Infanterie-Division
254. Infanterie-Division

Befehlshaber rückwärtiges Heeresgebiet 101
207. Sicherungs-Division
281. Sicherungs-Division
285. Sicherungs-Division
in transit to operations theater:
SS-Polizei-Division
86. Infanterie-Division

18. Armee

291. Infanterie-Division

I. Armeekorps
1. Infanterie-Division
11. Infanterie-Division
21. Infanterie-Division

XXVI. Armeekorps
61. Infanterie-Division
217. Infanterie-Division

XXXVIII. Armeekorps
58. Infanterie-Division

Panzergruppe 4

SS-Division 'Totenkopf'

XXXXI. Armeekorps
1. Panzer-Division
6. Panzer-Division
36. Infanterie-Division (motorisiert)
269. Infanterie-Division

LVI. Armeekorps
8. Panzer-Division
3. Infanterie-Division (motorisiert)
290. Infanterie-Division

16. Armee

253. Infanterie-Division

II Armeekorps
12. Infanterie-Division
32. Infanterie-Division
121. Infanterie-Division

X. Armeekorps
30. Infanterie-Division
126. Infanterie-Division

XXVII. Armeekorps
122. Infanterie-Division
123. Infanterie-Division





Soviet Forces


NORTHERN FRONT

177th Rifle Division
191st Rifle Division
8th Rifle Brigade

14th Army

14th Rifle Division
52nd Rifle Division
1st Tank Division

42nd Rifle Corps
104th Rifle Division
122nd Rifle Division

7th Independent Army

54th Rifle Division
71st Rifle Division
168th Rifle Division
237th Rifle Division

23rd Army

19th Rifle Corps
115th Rifle Division
142nd Rifle Division

50th Rifle Corps
43rd Rifle Division
70th Rifle Division
123rd Rifle Division

10th Mechanised Corps
21st Tank Division
24th Tank Division
198th Motorcycle Division
7th Motorcycle Regiment

NORTHWEST FRONT

9th Anti-Tank Brigade

5th Airborne Corps
9th Airborne Brigade
10th Airborne Brigade
214th Airborne Brigade

8th Army

10th Rifle Corps
10th Rifle Division
48th Rifle Division
50th Rifle Division

11th Rifle Corps
11th Rifle Division
125th Rifle Division

12th Mechanised Corps
23rd Tank Division
202nd Mechanised Division
10th Motorcycle Regiment

11th Army

23rd Rifle Division
126th Rifle Division
128th Rifle Division

16th Rifle Corps
5th Rifle Division
33rd Rifle Division
188th Rifle Division

29th Rifle Corps
179th Rifle Division
184th Rifle Division

3rd Mechanised Corps
2nd Tank Division
5th Tank Division
84th Mechanised Division

27th Army

16th Rifle Division
76th Rifle Division
3rd Rifle Brigade

22nd Rifle Corps
180th Rifle Division
182nd Rifle Division

24th Rifle Corps
181st Rifle Division
183rd Rifle Division

With the same source I found two descriptions that can be used to develop in terms of scenarios. I quote from the book:

"Soviet attacks around Staraya Russa, August 1941

12 August - Newly created 34th Army attacks 50-mile gap between German X and II Corps. The 11th (against Staraya Russa) and 27th Armies (Kholm) attack in support.

14 August - Under cover of darkness von Leeb transfers SS 'Totenkopf' to an area of 16th Army Headquarters. The next day he halts at LVI panzer Corps Headquarters and 3rd Motorised Division (on road to join assault on Leningrad) also turns toward Dno.

16 August - 245th Rifle and bulk of 163rd Motorised Rifle Divisions cut Staraya Russa-Dno railroad near Gorki. SS 'Totenkopf' moves out against their left flank. 21st Rifle Corps elements enter Staraya Russa behind withdrawing 30th Infantry Division.

19 August - Headquarters LVI Panzer Corps and 3rd Motorised Infantry Division begins counterattack; 30th Infantry Division transitions from defense to offense. Ii Corps attacks at Kholm.

20 August - Despite terrible weather, but with Luftwaffe close air support, SS 'Totenkopf' and 3rd Motorised Divisions meet near Velikaya Selo and close trap on bulk of 163rd, 202nd, 245th, 262nd Rifle, and 25th Cavalry Divisions.

23 August - The 16th Army restores Lovat River Line but drive on Leningrad has had to continue minus valuable armoured and Luftwaffe elements."

and,

"Battle on the Luga River Line and approaches to Leningrad, August-September 1941

13-14 July - Reinhardt achieves two bridgeheads over the Luga River, Leningrad is two days' march distant and the Red Army defenses are in shambles. However for the second time during Barbarossa von Leeb halts a panzer breakthrough to allow his marching elemnts to catch up.

23 July - Piadychev is removed from command of the Luga Operational Group and arrested. The LOG is divided into Kingisepp, Luga, and Eastern sectors.

8 August - 11th and 125th Rifle divisions attack the XLI Panzer Corps' bridgehead from the west.

9-16 August - After three weeks in a costly defense, 1st and 6th Panzer Divisions attack to expand their bridgeheads in preparation for final assault on Leningrad.

10-26 August - After numerous delays due to weather hampering Fliegerkorps VIII close air support, L Army Corps attacks against southern portion of Luga Line.

15 August - XXXIX Panzer Corps transferred to Army Group North from Army Group Centre. Its first action is attack non Lyuban on the 25th.

7-16 August - Reinforced 12th Infantry Division captures Novgorod Kremlin from 48th Army elements.

19 August - The 8th Panzer Division veers southward from XLI Panzer attack to link up with L Army Corps coming north from Luga. Result is Army Group's largest Kessel, capturing nearly 20,000 Soviets from 41st Rifle Corps; closes on 30 August.

21 August - L Army Corps captures Kranogvardiesk from 42nd Army.

8 September - 20th Motorised Infantry Division and other units capture Shisselburg, isolating Leningrad from overland communications with remainder of the USSR. Beginning of 900-day siege.

11 September - Final German assault on leningrad begins. Dudergof Heights captured two days later. Essentially furthest advance towards Leningrad achieved by 24th."

Next step will be to develop each one of these situations.

High Command Wargame Rules - Emergenza G

The Greek-Italian War 1940-1941

References:


The Italian Army 1940-45 (I) Europe 1940-43; Philip S Jowett; Osprey Publishing; Men-At-Arms 340

Italian Forces in Albania - Emergency 'G' Operation; George Nafziger

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Italian_War


http://www.regioesercito.it/index.htm


http://xoomer.virgilio.it/ramius/index.html


Wargame Rules

The order to invade Greece was given by Benito Mussolini on 15 October 1940, with the expectation that the attack would commence within 12 days, and D-day was set at dawn on 26 October.

The Italian war plan, codenamed 'Emergenza G' ("Contingency G[reece]"), called for the occupation of the country in three phases. The first would be the occupation of Epirus and the Ionian Islands, followed by a thrust into Western Macedonia after the arrival of reinforcements, and concluded with movements towards Thessaloniki, aimed at capturing northern Greece. Afterwards, the remainder of the country would be occupied. Subsidiary attacks were to be carried out against the Ionian Islands and it was hoped that Bulgaria would intervene and pin down the Greek forces in Eastern Macedonia.

The front, roughly 150 km in breadth, featured extremely mountainous terrain with very few roads. The Pindus mountain range divided it into two distinct theatres of operations: Epirus and Western Macedonia.

The Italian High Command accorded an Army Corps to each theatre, formed from the existing forces occupying Albania.

The stronger XXIV Ciamuria Corps in Epirus consisted of the 23rd Ferrara (16,000 men, with 3,500 Albanian troops), the 51st Siena (9,000 men) Infantry Divisions, the 131st Centauro Armoured Division (4,000 men).

The Corps was reinforced by 3rd Granatieri di Sardegna Regiment, the 6th Regiment Lancieri di Aosta, several cavalry squadrons of the 7th Regiment Lancieri di Milano, some artillery batteries and some Albanian blackshirts battalions, all forming the brigade-sized "Littoral Group" (Raggruppamento Litorale) of some 5,000 men. In total, this was around 30,000 men and 163 L3 light tanks. They intended to drive towards Ioannina, flanked on the right by the Littoral Group along the coast, and to its left by the elite Julia Alpine Division, which would advance through the Pindus Mountains.

The XXVI Corizza Corps in the Macedonian sector consisted of the 29th Piemonte (9,000 men), the 49th Parma (12,000 men) Infantry Divisions; the 19th Venezia Division (10,000 men) was moving from the Yugoslavian frontier: it first unit to reach the operation theatre was the 83rd Infantry Regiment. The total Italian forces in western Macedonian, once completed their deployment, was around 31,000 men. The 53rd Arezzo Division was later called in the area once the failure of the offensive become apparent. It was initially intended to maintain a defensive stance. In total, the force facing the Greeks comprised about 85,000 men under the command of Lt. General Sebastiano Visconti Prasca.

After the Italian occupation of Albania, the Greek General Staff had prepared the "IB" (Italy-Bulgaria) plan, anticipating a combined offensive by Italy and Bulgaria. The plan was essentially prescribing a defensive stance in Epirus, with a gradual retreat to the Arachthos River–Metsovo–Aliakmon River–Mt. Vermion line, while maintaining the possibility of a limited offensive in Western Macedonia. Two variants of the plan existed for the defence of Epirus, "IBa", calling for forward defence on the border line, and "IBb", for defence in an intermediate position. It was left to the judgment of the local commander, Maj. General Charalambos Katsimitros, to choose which plan to follow. A significant factor in the Greeks' favour was that they had managed to obtain intelligence about the approximate date of the attack and had just completed a limited mobilization in the areas facing the expected Italian attack.

The main Greek forces in the immediate area at the outbreak of the war were the 8th Infantry Division, fully mobilized and prepared for forward defence by its commander, Maj. Gen. Katsimitros, in Epirus and the Corps-sized Army Section of Western Macedonia or TSDM (ΤΣΔΜ, Τμήμα Στρατιάς Δυτικής Μακεδονίας), under Lt. Gen. Ioannis Pitsikas, including the "Pindus Detachment" (Απόσπασμα Πίνδου) of regimental size under Colonel Konstantinos Davakis, the 9th Infantry Division, and the 4th Infantry Brigade in Western Macedonia. The Greek forces amounted to about 35,000 men, but could be quickly reinforced by the neighbouring formations in southern Greece and Macedonia.

ITALIAN ORDER OF BATTLE


3ª Divisione Alpina 'Julia'

Quartier Generale - CO, 2 Figures, 81mm Mortar, pack horse
8º Reggimento alpino
Battaglione alpino 'Gemona' - 3 Figures, MG
Battaglione alpino 'Tolmezzo' - 3 Figures, MG
Battaglione alpino 'Cividade' - 3 Figures, MG
9º Reggimento alpino
Battaglione alpino 'L'Aquila' - 3 Figures, MG
Battaglione alpino 'Vicenza' - 3 Figures, MG
3º Reggimento d'artiglieria alpino - 75mm Gun, pack horse
attached
Battaglione alpino 'Val Tagliamento' - 3 Figures, MG
Battaglione alpino 'Val Fella' - 3 Figures, MG
Gruppo d'artiglieria 'Val Tanaro' - 65mm Gun, pack horse


XXIV Corpo d'Armata 'Ciamuria'


51a Divisione di fanteria 'Siena'

Quartier Generale - CO, 2 Figures, MG, 47mm ATG, truck
31º Reggimento di fanteria 'Siena'
I Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
II Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
III Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
32º Reggimento di fanteria 'Siena'
I Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
II Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
LI Battaglione mortai - 2 Figures, 2 81mm Mortar
51º Reggimento d'artiglieria - 75mm Gun, horses
attached
265º Reggimento di fanteria 'Lecce'
I Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
II Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
III Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
CCCXII Battaglione carri - L3/33

23a Divisione di fanteria 'Ferrara'

Quartier Generale - CO, 2 Figures, MG, 47mm ATG, truck
47º Reggimento di fanteria 'Ferrara'
I Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
II Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
48º Reggimento di fanteria 'Ferrara'
I Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
II Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
82a Legione d'Assalto Camicie Nere 'Benito Mussolini' - 3 Figures, MG
XXIII Battaglione mortai da 81 - 2 Figures, 2 81mm Mortar
14º Reggimento d'artiglieria 'Murge' - 75mm Gun, horses

131ª Divisione corazzata 'Centauro'

Quartier Generale - CO, 2 Figures, MG, M/C Bersaglieri, truck
31º Reggimento carri
XIII Battaglione carri - L3/33
XIV Battaglione carri - L3/33
XV Battaglione carri - L3/33
5º Reggimento Bersaglieri
XIV Battaglione Bersaglieri autoportato - 3 Figures, Mortar 81mm, truck
XXII Battaglione Bersaglieri motociclisti - 3 M/C, MG M/C
XXIV Battaglione Bersaglieri autoportato - 3 Figures, 47mm ATG, truck
131º Reggimento d'artiglieria armata - 75mm Gun, truck
attached
XXII Battaglione Bersaglieri d'Accompagnamento autoportato - 2 Figures, 81mm Mortar, MG, truck
Battaglione carri armati - AB40

Gruppo Litorale

Quartier Generale - CO, 2 Figures, MG, M/C Bersaglieri, truck
3º Reggimento di fanteria 'Granadieri di Sardegna'
Comando - CO, Figure, 81mm Mortar
I Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
II Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
III Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
Gruppo d'artiglieria - 75mm Gun, horses
6º Reggimento di cavalleria 'Lancieri di Aosta'
Comando - CO Rider, Rider, 81mm Mortar
I Squadrone - 3 Riders, MG
II Squadrone - 3 Riders, MG
III Squadrone - 3 Riders, MG
Gruppo d'artiglieria - 65mm Gun, horses
7º Reggimento di cavalleria 'Lancieri di Milano'
Comando - CO Rider, Rider, 81mm Mortar
I Squadrone - 3 Riders, MG
II Squadrone - 3 Riders, MG
III Squadrone - 3 Riders, MG
Gruppo d'artiglieria - 65mm Gun, horses
Battaglione Camicie Nere 'Tomorri' - 3 Figures, MG
Battaglione Camicie Nere 'Gramshi' - 3 Figures, MG


XXVI Corpo d'Armata 'Corizza'


49ª Divisione di fanteria 'Parma'

Quartier Generale - CO, 2 Figures, MG, 47mm ATG, truck
49º Reggimento di fanteria 'Parma'
I Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
II Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
III Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
50º Reggimento di fanteria 'Parma'
I Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
II Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
IL Battaglione mortai - 2 Figures, 2 81mm Mortar
49º Reggimento d'artiglieria - 75mm Gun, horses


29ª Divisione di fanteria 'Piemonte'

Quartier Generale - CO, 2 Figures, MG, 47mm ATG, truck
3º Reggimento di fanteria 'Piemonte'
I Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
II Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
III Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
4º Reggimento di fanteria 'Piemonte'
I Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
II Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
XXIX Battaglione mortai - 2 Figures, 2 81mm Mortar
24º Reggimento d'artiglieria 'Peloritana' - 75mm Gun, horses


19ª Divisione di fanteria 'Venezia'

Quartier Generale - CO, 2 Figures, MG, 47mm ATG, truck
83º Reggimento di fanteria 'Venezia'
I Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
II Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
84º Reggimento di fanteria 'Venezia'
I Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
II Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
72ª Legione Camicie Nere - 3 Figures, MG
XIX Battaglione mortai - 2 Figures, 2 81mm Mortar
19º Reggimento d'artiglieria 'Gavinana' - 75mm Gun, horses
attached
383º Reggimento di fanteria
I Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
II Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
III Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG


53ª Divisione di fanteria 'Arezzo'

Quartier Generale - CO, 2 Figures, MG, 47mm ATG, truck
225º Reggimento di fanteria 
I Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
II Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
226º Reggimento di fanteria
I Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
II Battaglione - 3 Figures, MG
80ª Legione Camicie Nere - 3 Figures, MG
LIII Battaglione mortai - 2 Figures, 2 81mm Mortar
53º Reggimento di artiglieria - 75mm Gun, horses



GREEK ORDER OF BATTLE

8th Infantry Division

Headquarters - CO, 2 Figures, T-13-I Tank Destroyer, 20mm AAG, horses
15th Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion - 3 Figures, 47mm ATG
2nd Battalion - 3 Figures, MG
3rd Battalion - 3 Figures, 45mm Mortar
85th Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion - 3 Figures, 47mm ATG
2nd Battalion - 3 Figures, MG
3rd Battalion - 3 Figures, 45mm Mortar
42nd Light Infantry Regiment (5th 'Évzoni Regiment)
1st Battalion - 3 Figures, 47mm ATG
2nd Battalion - 3 Figures, MG
3rd Battalion - 3 Figures, 45mm Mortar
Artillery Group - 75mm Gun, horses
attached
III Infantry Brigade
Headquarters - CO, Figure, 81mm Mortar
1st Battalion - 3 Figures, 47mm ATG
2nd Battalion - 3 Figures, MG
3rd Battalion - 3 Figures, 45mm Mortar
Artillery Group - 75mm Gun, horses


Army Section of Western Macedonia

Pindus Detachment

1st Battalion - 3 Figures, 47mm ATG
2nd Battalion - 3 Figures, MG
3rd Battalion - 3 Figures, 45mm Mortar

9th Infantry Division

Headquarters - CO, 2 Figures, T-13-I Tank Destroyer, 20mm AAG, horses
27th Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion - 3 Figures, 47mm ATG
2nd Battalion - 3 Figures, MG
3rd Battalion - 3 Figures, 45mm Mortar
32nd Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion - 3 Figures, 47mm ATG
2nd Battalion - 3 Figures, MG
3rd Battalion - 3 Figures, 45mm Mortar
53rd Light Infantry Regiment (5th 'Évzoni Regiment)
1st Battalion - 3 Figures, 47mm ATG
2nd Battalion - 3 Figures, MG
3rd Battalion - 3 Figures, 45mm Mortar
Artillery Group - 75mm Gun, horses

4th Infantry Brigade

Headquarters - CO, Figure, 81mm Mortar
1st Battalion - 3 Figures, 47mm ATG
2nd Battalion - 3 Figures, MG
3rd Battalion - 3 Figures, 45mm Mortar
Artillery Group - 75mm Gun, horses

Cavalry Division

Quartier Generale - CO Rider, 2 Riders, 20mm AAG, 65mm Gun, horses
1st Cavalry Regiment
1st Cavalry Group - 2 Riders, MG
2nd Cavalry Group - 2 Riders, MG
3rd cavalry Regiment
1st Cavalry Group - 2 Riders, MG
2nd Cavalry Group - 2 Riders, MG
Artillery Group - 75mm Gun, truck