This year, two of my most enjoyable solo-gaming experiences have come from small “North German Plain ‘85” scenarios. This Modern Campaign game by John Tiller Software is a classic, you can read more about it here.
Below is a short report from the front as Warsaw Pact forces work to probe the area north of NATO’s strong positions at Hannover. The 13 turn scenario is “Through the Lueneberger Heide.”
GAME BRIEFING: Northern Germany, June 10th 1985: The north flank of the 3rd Shock Army was to be covered by the 8th Mot Rifle (GDR) Division, an East German unit attached to a Soviet Army. Their battle plan, although on a smaller scale, was taken from the Germans in WWII who twice swept through the rough terrain of the Ardennes. Here, the Warsaw Pact attempted to slip this division through the Lueneberger Heide, a forested area of northern Germany. It met stiff resistance early from elements of the 11th Panzergrenadier Division's 33rd Pz Brigade, and a cat and mouse struggle ensued as the NATO elements fought a delaying action, while the Warsaw Pact forces drove on to their objectives, the bridges over the River Weser. [Size: small] Designer note: Play as Side 2, Human NATO defender.
12:00 10 June 1985
Report: The 8th Armored GDR division is pushing towards the northern flank of Hannover with an objective of seizing Celle and Hermannsburg.
11th Panzergrenadier Division, I Corps is currently engaging the enemy in multiple locations along a 30km front. NATO forces are moving into position behind them including BR 22nd Armored Brigade and elements of the NL 41st Armored Brigade.
The enemy maintains heavy aircover and SAM defenses south of Sprakensehl as WP tanks roll to within three kilometers of village.
15:00 Panzer Lehr brigade has been released into combat outside of Munsterlager, under orders to move south to Fassberg with immediate effect.
18:00 The 3rd Royal Green Jackets move into positions east of Celle. 33rd Panzer Brigade is ordered to occupy a defensive line between Unterluss and Eschede. Overall, I Corps’ defensive line will resemble an upside down fishhook, with the tip of the hook at Uelzen, bending back to Fassberg, Hermannsberg and Celle.
1st Royal Tank Rgt arrives at Hohne to reinforce NATO position at Celle.
0300 11 June Air recon continues over Hermannsburg. Fighting is centered around Sprakensehl and Wayhausen. East German armor units are working to flank West German units at Wayhausen but have blundered into the 334 Panzer Bn at Unterluss. The fighting is heavy.
06:00 Dutch armored units have released and are moving into defensive positions at Hermannsburg. Reports are wrong, I Corps is facing the East German 8th Motorized Division. A tactical retreat is initiated by 2/334 Panzer Bn from Wayhausen to stabilize the fishhook.
15:00 The fishhook defense is holding. East German units are struggling to traverse the Lueneburger Heide and then fight a dug-in and determined line of defenders. Further entrenchment continues along the Dutch positions and German positions at Eschede.
A Russian 3rd Shock Army motorized infantry battalion has turned up deep inside my lines, less than 10km from the Weser river and some major objectives. By chance, three German Pioneer companies were working in the area to improve the river crossing defenses. Airstrikes and a fierce counterattack have inflicted heavy losses on the Russian unit. I Corps HQ at Hannover orders two reconnaissance flights over its interior lines, concentrating at Walsrode. Russian air assets though have intercepted them. Anxious moments as sunset looms. A Soviet deep penetration that isn’t discovered before dark could cause ruin.
21:00: The Dutch 41st Armored Brigade Leopard II tanks engage East German units as they flow around the West Germans looking for a vulnerability in I Corps’ defensive line.
03:00 12 June: Fighting is heavy between Hermannsburg and Eschede. Dutch and West German units holding the line there, report fuel and ammunition shortages.
06:00: Intelligence reports indicate heavy losses among men and material for both sides.
After Action Report
While the June 10 offensive has been blunted, Hannover remains vulnerable to a flanking attack.
A fly-over of reconnaissance assets at Rethen has spotted a Spetsnatz motorized company fleeing eastwards.
Further air recon of the Lueneberger Heide shows a dramatic buildup of men and vehicles in and around Wayhausen. The war continues and an attack against Celle is expected.
I Corps requests immediate reinforcement…