Gentlemen, Recently I received the free first issue of Dispatches from the Bunker and played on of the scenarios, Sochaczew.(DB002) My initial impressions were that it would be a massive combined arms fight with both sides having multiple choices. My opponent wanted the Germans, so I took the Poles. I figured it would be a slugging match for the buildings, and he might get some points by exiting all those AFVs. I set up my roadblocks as follows:EE7-DD5 and W1-X2. I placed the ATRs in the Z6 and AA5 building, and the AT gun in DD7. The roadblocks and northern woods wood channel his AFV movement through my kill zone. I placed a HIP hs with MMG in V0 to lay fire lane to V7 to slow his advance. I also hipped my 10-2 with a 4-5-8 and a HMG in the upper level of the DD7 building. My forward observer was HIP next to him in the same building. Other set up highlights include 4-5-7, MMG, ? in V7. 8-1, 4-5-8, HMG in Y5. Both light mortars manned by hs set up concealed on the rooftop factory.
The german attack opened with a smoke barrage that drifted back to hexrow R. Most of his force was to the north and he moved cautiously behind the smoke on turn 1. The Germans came harder on turn 2 but the Y5 HMG placed a firelane and slowed them down. A light mortar knocket out an armored car, and my OBA stripped his tanks of infantry support. I got real lucky when my sniper gave his 9-2 and sucking head wound. His observer, thinking the route was clear was nailed by the HIP 10-2 HMG, who had passed up some good shots waiting for this. Most of his armor was poised along the Y9-X9 wall area, but lacked infantry support. This enabled me to fire my MGs at the tanks, as well as an ATR and the OBA. The results were disatrous for the Germans, 3 more tanks knocked out. The CVP count against the Germans was now around 30, and although we played out a few more turns the Poles were victorious.
I think this scenario is a total blast, and had the German observer got the arty on me first it would have been different. The initial smoke should also be placed in hexrow U or T. The Germans were unlucky in that it drifted from S to R, leaving some open ground. The German tanks are in fact their achilles heel. Once they got bottled up the CVP against them grew quickly. I think the German tanks need to be somewhat cautious and support the infantry, rather than be the fist of the attack. A methodical German move west will result in building control, enemy cas., and possibly exit VP. I really look forward to playing this one again but as the Germans.
Has anyone else played this scenario yet? How did your game go?
Chas Smith