J106 – MARDERS NOT MARTYRS

Chris W defending as the Germans
Legion attacking as the Russians

Prologue

            As the German in this scenario, I am the defender and will try to make quick work of the advancing Russian tanks. I have chosen to set up my two Marders on the eastern  hill in HD status and to bore sight the most plausible entrance rout for his tanks. This will give me FF as they enter. But, I will need to get off several shots because I don’t have very thick armor. The other thing I must worry about is his mortar. He will need a good roll to get one of my tanks, but it is still a threat. I will try to neutralize the mortar as soon as possible.

Russian Turn #1

            Well, right out of the gate Legion gets a lucky shot and takes out my Marder with the armour leader. What a way to start a game! And to top it off, my DF did absolutely nothing. I will try to stay positive!

German Turn #1

            Still trying to take out his mortar with my HMG. Two more shots at him and I get nothing more than a Pin. At least that will cut his ROF during DF… I am also contemplating moving my remaining Marder down to level ground and out of site of his mortar. But, he would still be able to shoot at me. Getting ready for his main attack in turn #2.

Russian Turn #2 and beyond

            The Russian mortar continued to make quick work on my other Marder effectively kicking me out of this scenario. The Germans continued to suffer from bad luck as all fire was basically ineffective. The infantry can offer little resistance and crumble under the weight of the Russian onslaught.

Afterthoughts

            This scenario does a great job of illustrating the vulnerability of OT AFV’s to Mortar fire. The Germans can NOT set-up on the eastern hill and hope to survive. The only plausible approach is to position the Marders on the plain and out of LOS and to bore-sight the most plausible path the Russian tanks will take [Legion edit; NA due to Russians setting up on-board C6.4] . The Marders will also require infantry support. I would like to try this one again with a different approach.