This game was played twice: first by Dave (German) and Pete (Soviet) on 7 February 2009, at Veni, Vidi, Vici at the Mount Pearl Soccer Association Club House. This was the first of (hopefully many to come) local gaming displays. I did not have a camera available at the time, otherwise I would have filed a game report under Events and Hobby Shows. However, Geektactica does have pictures and a report on the gaming day.

The Running Grenade trophy was up for grabs and Dave's efforts provided him a hard won entry on the list of wargamers honoured on the plaque.

On 31 March 2009, the exact same game was replayed at my place. Joe took the role of Germans and John played the Soviets. Both of them took different approaches from Dave and Pete in the previous game and the results will be revealed here.

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The Germans set up their defences, with all forces concealed, anywhere up to short of the long hill near the Soviet side of the board. The Soviets may enter anywhere along the whole side. A 10 minute actual time reconnaissance phase takes place with two Soviet stands (jeep/Gaz vehicle) as described in the forces section, below. Game was played with Crossfire, using my Crossfire house rules, Officer Commanding.

The game uses hidden deployment for the Germans and the 10 minute reconnaissance phase of the game may reveal some positions. Neither side is aware of the force composition of their opponent. Game time is three hours.

There is no indirect artillery support.

There are three potential objectives: the round hill (to the left in the picture of the game table, above), Rail head (the three buildings), and Church Hill:

• Each objective is 1 point.
• Both sides are given 2 extra points to assign as they wish. Assignments are secretly written and sealed in an envelope.
• After the playing period, it is determined who has secured what, if any, objectives. Envelopes are exchanged, opened and both sides are scored against the other side’s point assignment.

German Forces All Germans are considered veterans. Armour Panther platoon (3 Panther G, including +1 PC) 1 Wirblewind not historically available at this time, but what the hell, it looks cool! Infantry Reduced Strength Infantry Company 1 +2 company commander 1st Platoon: +1 PC, 1 MG, 3 rifle squads 2nd Platoon: +1 PC, 1 MG, 3 rifle squads All rife squads each have one Panzerfaust 30

Soviet Forces All Soviets are considered veterans. Armour 1st Heavy tank platoon (3 IS-2, including +1 PC) 2nd Heavy tank platoon (2 IS-2, including +1 PC) 1st Heavy assault gun platoon (2 ISU-152, including +1 PC) Assault gun platoon (3 SU-76 including +1 PC) Infantry 1st Infantry Company 1 +2 company commander 1st Platoon: +1 PC (close combat only), 4 rifle squads 2nd Platoon: +1 PC (close combat only), 4 rifle squads 3rd Platoon: +1 PC (close combat only), 4 rifle squads 1 Machine gun – can be attached to a platoon All rifle squads each have a PTRD ATR 2nd Infantry Company 1 +2 company commander 1st Platoon: +1 PC (close combat only), 4 SMG squads 2nd Platoon: +1 PC (close combat only), 4 SMG squads 3rd Platoon: +1 PC (close combat only), 4 SMG squads 1 Machine gun – can be attached to a platoon All SNG squads each have a PTRD ATR