|
|
Scenario Author:
RhinoBones
Author's E-mail Address:
RhinoBones@aol.com
Last Scenario Revision Date:
February 22, 1999
VERSION 1.1
Background
----------------
Scenario: Winter Battle of Masuria
Following the Russian defeats at Tannenberg, August 26-30 and Masuria Lakes, September 6-15, Hindenberg and Ludendorff made plans for a winter assault on the Russian positions still threatening East Prussia. A victory on the East Prussia frontier would not only free up the Germans left flank, but would help to relieve the Russian pressure on their Austria-Hungary allies to the South. Ludendorff envisioned a great thrust which could win the war in the East, however, the winter weather, lack of material and stiff opposition provided by the Russian army ensured that no breakthrough would occur.
The German attack began from the area just North of Gumbinnen. The German Tenth Army struck Eastward and then Southeast in the direction of the River Niemen and the fortress at Grodno. The Russian Tenth Army, being struck with both a frontal attack by the German Eighth Army and the envelopment by the German Tenth, was severely punished but managed to escape total destruction. A sacrificial delaying action performed by the Russian XX Division in the Forest of Augustow provided the time necessary for the rest of the Russian army to escape complete envelopment. As an aside to this offensive, the Germans were also able to capture the seaport of Memel along the Baltic and drive the last of the Russian forces out of Prussian territory.
All total, the Russians suffered another 200,000 casualties and lost over 300 guns. For the Germans, frost bite and exposure placed one third of their number on the casualty list.
The line, which was secured by the German attack, would prove valuable later in the year. It is from here, the general area of the German stop line, where the Courland portion of the great Central Powers offensives of 1915 would be staged later in the year.
Victory Conditions
------------------------
The German player must capture all of the Russian controlled
objectives by the end of the last game turn. The Russian AI is set
for aggressive behavior; therefore, the German player will need to guard
his existing objectives against counter attack.
Remarks
------------
This scenario is designed to be played in the solitaire mode from the
German side. The Russian AI should be set on the aggressive (red
computer icon) setting. Play from the Russian side is possible, however,
the internal parameter settings will not allow the AI (as the Germans)
to perform as a satisfactory opponent.
Last Update Changes
-------------------------------
|
|
