Oriola Force ETO (id:#57901)

Heat of Battle (Onslaught to Orsha ID: OB9)   [next]   [previous]

Krugloye, Belorussia 1944-06-28 (45 others)

Overview:

Group Oriola, composed of battered remnants of the 299th Infantry Division and reinforced with elements of the 14th Infantry Division, was commanded by Lt. General Graf von Oriola. Orsha fell on the morning of 27 June, and Fourth Army forces were ordered to fall back to defensive positions in order to make a defense of the Berezina River. Meanwhile, the 3rd Belorussian Front already released the exploitation forces of the 5th Guards Tank Army, and they were racing to cut off more German forces and seize crossing sites on the Berezina. On the night of 27 June, the 56th Guards Rifle Division captured the village of Krugloye, which now threatened to cut off the XXVII Corps. Group Oriola counterattacked at Krugloye on the morning of 28 June in an attempt to gain time for elements of XXVII Corps to withdraw.. . . . ‘Oriola Force’ is a nicely designed village defence scenario. There is a fine balance between the quality and number of the attackers with the Elite but very small village garrison. Air support is present but arrives on turn 5 and isn’t around for very long. For the Russians Elite Infantry, T34/85s, an Infantry Gun and an M17 anti aircraft half track add to the appeal.

Defender: Russian (Reinforced elements of 56th Guards Rifle Division)  

Errata (source)