Biyalostock Falls

 "It rained steel on the forward positions during the first hour after noon. Barely deployed and badly positioned,  the rifle battalion prepared to defend the town until regimental reinforcements arrived." 

So, with that bit of fluff begins the series of  battle problems in a bathtub game of the Western Military District 1941. I will switch back and forth between fonts to designate what point if view is being addressed. Some Russian, some German and someone speaking English who purports form reported.

 

 Infantry gun and manuever platoon.

  Waiting for artillery effect to nullify Russian emplacements

Closing in on the outskirts of town. Battalion commander watches as first company advances.

 

The attack on Bialystok heralded the power of the German artillery, the forward observer realized that a Section of enemy mmg was situated in the outskirts of the city.  The dedicated 105mm battery tore into the mixture of wooden and light metal buildings, and the machine guns went silent. the infantry guns, 75 and 150, were aiding the attached artillery's suppression fire.  First an mmg platoon, then a couple of rifle companies were shattered.  The advancing German infantry companies moved up to the Soviet positions and the defenders fled farther into town.  the artillery kept up with them, adding to the horror until the unit's morale snapped.  Suddenly, the 2nd rifle battalion of the 7th Rifle Brigade was no more, just represented by dead, wounded and captured prisoners.

 

 

The fallen city is just off the map's bottom edge; the wavy light blue lines indicate the likely avenues of advance toward Minsk. 
 This is all pretty much prep work  for the players .  I have promoted each of them to Infantry Regiment  commanders.  The position will give them more resources and flexibility. I will run the Divisional staff, issuing orders for the Second Division subordinate units, basically as disembodied orders and occasional special scenarios.  

Roger will head the 4th Infantrie Regiment. The attack on Grodno is his responsibility.

 Greg will head the 5th Infantrie Regiment. The Biaylostock attack is his.

A little more focused on the area used for the opening game. 

Biyalostock is under the star marker mid photo. Grodno is under the star marking more towards the map top.  the grey German cross marker indicates the approach 4th Infantrie Regiment, entering battle about 1000 hours.

The attack on Grodno is next, hopefully a fuller AAR will follow.