Build your Schwerpunkt, not Just Choose it - Panzer Campaigns Minsk '44

I was playing "The South Pincer at Vitebsk" scenario from Panzer Campaigns Minsk '44, and I suddenly came to the realization that I was not in the right grand-tactical mindset with my command of the Soviet 39th Army.

This scenario features two Soviet Armies pushing west to encircle Vitebsk. 23JUN1944.

Panzer Campaigns has been always a wargame with frequently ignored nuances at the operational and grand-tactical levels. For me. only years of playing Panzer Campaigns resulted in epiphanies on how to play this game series for maximum historical enjoyment. I'm not smart or claiming being extremely proficient playing Panzer Campaigns, just telling you that there is more into this game than pushing counters into places where the odds look more tolerable.

Minsk '44 and Kiev '43 are prime examples of the complexity of a Soviet-style breakthrough. Infantry rifle divisions up front -supported by plenty of indirect fire- breaking the first line of defense, with shock mobile groups exploiting the breaches and driving deep into enemy territory. Breaking through the main line of defense is per se one challenge that I can barely do better than I did before. A separate blog post about this is coming soon, but indulge me with this short explanation of what I think I am doing wrong in this battle.

The animated gif above shows you the scenario at the start. Two Soviet Armies are tasked with encircling Vitebsk from the south. The 5th Army in the south flank has to break south through fortified enemy positions and rough terrain. Although the 5th Army has the important mission to guard the south flank of the rest of the 3rd Byelorussian Front, it is not the main effort. The 39th Army, being closer to Vitebsk, is the main effort of this operation. The 39th Army has to make it through the Luchesa River all the way to Ostrovno, some 28 km behind the enemy lines.

After 14 hours of intense fight, my Soviet forces are still west of the Luchesa River and facing a stubborn German defense in depth. The 39th Army has no schwerpunkt (point of main effort) and is rather engaged in non-decisive combat, knocking on all door and just hoping for one to open. 

Let's take a look at the animated gif below for the highlights of the 39th Army.

Up north, the 91st Guards Rifle Division (91 GRD) is attempting to secure a crossing across the Luchesa River. The German 197th Infantry Division, probably a company(+)-strong force is putting up a fight supported with AT guns. In the mid section, what I call "Fort Pecayoz" has just received reinforcements from the German VI Army Corps. My troops facing them (19th Guards Rifle Division, 19 GRD) are exhausted and still recovering from their previous assault attempt. Just two kilometers south, their comrades are struggling to assemble a force to secure a way towards a crossing point across the Luchesa River.

A sad spectacle this is, with a culmination point in sight instead of a crossing secured-and-ready for the breakthrough forces. You will notice that I have failed to recognize the perils of not having a definitive main effort. First, is the 91 GRD or the 19 GRD my main effort? Even the 19 GRD is squandered pursuing two crossings with little chance of securing either.

I got too carried away with a flawed recon-pull, which is not a bad idea but requires a clear view of the tactical landscape which is clamoring for building a bridge across the Luchesa. 

Cheers,