Balkan Barbeque - Time on Target 36
I'm so ashamed... Mike Licari and I played this (TOT36) scenario a month ago - twice! And just now here's an AAR. Anyhoo:

Yugoslavia, Feb '43 - 6 Turns

SSRs:

1. Deep Snow, Roads=Paths, all Buildings=Huts
2. Partisans: no Deploy/Recombine or multi-hex FG
3. Partisans HIP 1 MMC+SMC/SW
4. "Germans" no multi-hex FG
5. Captured French AFVs have Radio, use Red #s, no 21.12 penalties

Partisan sets up first [ELR 5] {SAN 4}
a) 6x337, 328, 8-1; 2xLMG, ATR; 6x? on overlay
b) 11x337, 3x328, 3x8-0, Hero; 3xLMG, 2xDC; 7x? on bd36 hills - 4+MMC per hill & 1+SMC&SW
Reinforcements, Turn 1: 328, 2x127, 7-0; 2xLtMtr(dm)

** Mike set up his Partisans less carefully (playing #1) than I did; no big surprise there! The part. set-up is Important...

"German" moves first [ELR 2] {SAN 2} Axis Minor counters used!
Turn 1, enter along N edge: 14x347, 8-1, 8-0, 7-0, 6+1; MMG, LMG
Turn 1 along N edge OR Turn 2 along W edge: Fl Wg B-2(f) [Char-B w/ BF30], Pz 35-S 739(f) [Somua S35], 3xH39(L)

** My Axis infantry came on carefully, both around the 37GG5 road, rooting out the ?s closest by, and creeping along W edge. Mike's partis dropped ? to fire, broke a few - but paid for it. His "hillbillies" weren't well-placed to reinforce or counterattack, and I used sqds on bd36 to flank them.

My AFVs came on W edge; 2 headed for 37R10 area (slowly!), the rest swung to S side of Hutville to Encircle garrison. This worked quite well (though I never really used the FT), and the partis never got the hillbillies massed. Also, Mike didn't get the LtMtrs into action, trying to exit them instead. Ended up with Mike resigning by Turn 4, with the Axis in the Huts & AFVs in front of the Exit.

The rematch, switching sides, went much the same. Except, I learned from the first game and prepared for vigorous AT action. The ATR was HIP and covering the OG AFVs entering along W edge would cross. The DCs went with SMC - 1 w/Hero, naturlich! I maintained ? as long as possible - which isn't easy if you look at the map closely, and position Axis units properly.

My AT efforts were rather ferocious: Hero daring CMGs to MO/NAM at tanks, getting wounded, but eventually getting a Rear Placement DR... and whiffing it! CC attempts. The ATR tried for D.I. (vs AF 4/6), and got one! But the crew never jumped out... The LtMtrs ran for the hill around 36R2 and put fire on the light tanks. One CH for one elim was the reward of several fire phases.

Meanwhile, Mike's Char-Bake was driving my partis from the Huts (nary a Flame placed, either) and occupying them against indefatigable resistance. This playing turned on the ineffectiveness of my anti-tank efforts, and the several shots from the FT without even a hint of Xing it. Still, it came down to the last turn.

Lessons Learned:

• The partis on the hills need to get into the action, rather than trying to Exit
• In spite of the fact that in two playings, a total of 1 or 2 AFVs were wrecked, the partis have to keep trying; lots of CVP at stake
• The tanks should enter on the W edge; there's more room to maneuver, and the ability to surround Hutville AND block a dash for the Exit is too good
• Stay away from the Char-Bake! Don't even TRY to fight it if its FT works

This scen. is fun, as usual with TOT offerings, but the terrain and snow make movement a real chore. Tanks that go 4 hexes, infantry CXing to go two hexes, whew! Both sides feel the pressure of time. Of course, I do like scenarios that feature wimpy opponents slapping each other... :]

Tom Mueller