Battle of Prokhorovka - Battle Report

(Kursk - 12th July, 1943)

This was our annual MEGA-GAME played at Brad Smith's place.  A combined effort - terrain, vehicles and figures

from the collections of Brad Smith, Tim O'Connor and Ian Fainges (who did most of the paintwork).

BATTLE REPORT

The Battle of Prokhorovka was the climax of the battle of Kursk when 1st SS Panzer Grenadier Division (Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler), while advancing towards Prokohrovka, was struck head on unexpectedly by Komistrov's 5th Guards Tank Army.  Both sides deployed massive armoured, infantry and air forces to the battle that ensued.

The Germans (L-R) - Andrew Wheeler, Russ Nicholas, Matt Coombes       The Soviets (L-R) - Nic Elliott, Ian Fainges, Tim O'Connor, Mark Piper, Brad Smith

This was a BIG game with over 12 German tanks and 31 Soviet tanks on board as well as countless SPGs, trucks, aircraft etc..  The scenario allowed a chance of 1-2 aircraft over the board each turn (rolled at the beginning of the turn).  Most of the troops started on board within 24" of each other.  The Soviet reinforcements arrival was determined by a series of die rolls (rolled by the German Player ! - revealed on the turn that they arrived).  This worked well with lots of deception and "hints" by the German players about the imminent (or not) arrival of Soviet forces.

Initially the German frontline held up to the Soviet assault inflicting huge casualties on the Soviet tanks as they advanced.  Eventually the German centre and left flank started to fall apart although the German right flank held fast defying all Soviet attempts to break through.

Eventually the German force was worn down by the Soviet "horde" and when the German centre and left flank dissolved it was only the German reserve between the Soviets and the German gun line to the rear.

Overall a long but enjoyable game (glad we only do this once a year !) and certainly very different to my NW Europe games.

PHOTOS

MORE PHOTOS (courtesy Ian Fainges)