AAR: Mission Push Back
Desperate counterattacks, burning tanks, collapsing lines, heroism, and victory decided late.
Situation Overview
Erich and I are currently deep into our new campaign “Crossing the Narew”, which will be a key part of the Revised Edition of Red Horizon ’41.
This dynamic campaign consists of four linked battles, where every result directly influences the unfolding story and the following games.
The opening clash did not go in my favour. As the German commander, I failed to achieve a breakthrough against the Soviet positions during the initial assault. As a consequence, Erich was given the opportunity to launch a Soviet counterattack.
Today’s game represents the second battle of the campaign — a crucial moment that would determine whether the front could be stabilised or whether it would collapse entirely.
Introduction
The Situation on June 25, 1941 – Afternoon
German Side – On the road to Śniadowo
Regimental dispatch rider to the company commander:
“Our attack on the enemy-held hill ended in disaster. The enemy is now launching a relief attack from the south. We must redeploy immediately, otherwise the front risks breaking apart. If we want to keep the initiative, we must hold the ground.”
The 1st Company is ordered to move south at once.
Intercept the enemy counterattack and hold the hill at all costs.
Soviet Side – South of Łapy
Messenger arriving at 5th Company HQ:
“Excellent! We have halted and delayed the first wave of the enemy assault. Now we can launch a counterattack and seize the hills south of the road to Śniadowo. This will bring the German offensive to an end. Take their positions and dig in. The initiative will be ours.”
To support the attack, additional infantry units are assigned.
Objective: Capture the hill west of the current position.
Game Setup
Wolfgang – German Defender
- One Infantry Formation
- Anti-tank assets:
- 2× Anti-tank Rifle Teams
- 1× Tank Hunters
Erich – Soviet Attacker
- One and a half Infantry Formations
- Armoured support:
- 2× T-35 heavy tanks
Erich positioned both T-35s at the centre of his force — a logical choice given their devastating firepower against soft targets.
German Intent
My plan was to seize the southern objective early using a Recon Team supported by infantry, then consolidate in the woods.
A defensive line was prepared along the northern forest edge.
One heavy MG-34 was deployed immediately in the trenches on the hill crest to pin down advancing infantry. An anti-tank rifle team was positioned forward in the light woods to engage the T-35s.
The second heavy MG-34 was kept in depth to deal with any breakthrough.
My mortar, Tank Hunters and reserve infantry were held back to react where needed.
Rounds 1–3 (Highlights)
Smoke screens dominated the early turns as both sides attempted to shield their advances. I deliberately allowed the Soviet forces to close in before opening fire, focusing my attention on the T-35s — their weapons posed a catastrophic threat to my infantry.
A lucky early hit damaged one of the heavy tanks. Momentum began to build.
In Round 3, Erich called in off-board artillery to soften my southern defences. The ranging shots were accurate — but fate intervened. The fire mission shifted and landed among his own troops, causing friendly fire, panic, and suppression. The planned assault stalled completely.
Seizing the moment, I committed an anti-tank rifle team in a desperate close assault:
“Leave the rifle behind! Grab grenades! Charge!”
Against all odds, the team destroyed a T-35 in brutal close combat. The wreck burned on the battlefield — a silent monument to a reckless but heroic attack.
Midgame Turning Point
The Soviets responded with overwhelming firepower. Snipers, infantry and the remaining T-35 eliminated the brave survivors at the wreck. My last anti-tank rifle was destroyed shortly afterwards.
I committed my Tank Hunters from reserve. In a decisive flank assault, supported by re-rolls and command cards, they destroyed the second T-35 — at the cost of their own lives.
The armoured threat was gone.
But my infantry was bleeding.
Final Rounds
The fighting intensified in the northern woods before shifting south once more. Under relentless pressure, my remaining units were gradually worn down.
A Tupolev SB bomber appeared overhead. Although the bombs missed, the suppression they caused proved decisive.
In the final close combat, my last defenders were overwhelmed.
Both objectives fell to the Soviets.
One objective would have been enough for me to claim victory — but it was not to be.
20260204_070907.jpg
20260204_071747.jpg
Conclusion
An exceptionally tense and dramatic game, decided in the very last round.
Brutal choices, heroic sacrifices, sudden reversals — this is exactly what a campaign system should deliver.
And this is only the beginning.
The Gamefound campaign for Assault Red Horizon ’41 – Revised Edition will be launching soon.
If you want to find out how this campaign continues, follow and subscribe to stay updated:
The next battle is already waiting.
Desperate counterattacks, burning tanks, collapsing lines, heroism, and victory decided late.
Situation Overview
Erich and I are currently deep into our new campaign “Crossing the Narew”, which will be a key part of the Revised Edition of Red Horizon ’41.
This dynamic campaign consists of four linked battles, where every result directly influences the unfolding story and the following games.
The opening clash did not go in my favour. As the German commander, I failed to achieve a breakthrough against the Soviet positions during the initial assault. As a consequence, Erich was given the opportunity to launch a Soviet counterattack.
Today’s game represents the second battle of the campaign — a crucial moment that would determine whether the front could be stabilised or whether it would collapse entirely.
Introduction
The Situation on June 25, 1941 – Afternoon
German Side – On the road to Śniadowo
Regimental dispatch rider to the company commander:
“Our attack on the enemy-held hill ended in disaster. The enemy is now launching a relief attack from the south. We must redeploy immediately, otherwise the front risks breaking apart. If we want to keep the initiative, we must hold the ground.”
The 1st Company is ordered to move south at once.
Intercept the enemy counterattack and hold the hill at all costs.
Soviet Side – South of Łapy
Messenger arriving at 5th Company HQ:
“Excellent! We have halted and delayed the first wave of the enemy assault. Now we can launch a counterattack and seize the hills south of the road to Śniadowo. This will bring the German offensive to an end. Take their positions and dig in. The initiative will be ours.”
To support the attack, additional infantry units are assigned.
Objective: Capture the hill west of the current position.
Game Setup
Wolfgang – German Defender
- One Infantry Formation
- Anti-tank assets:
- 2× Anti-tank Rifle Teams
- 1× Tank Hunters
Erich – Soviet Attacker
- One and a half Infantry Formations
- Armoured support:
- 2× T-35 heavy tanks
Erich positioned both T-35s at the centre of his force — a logical choice given their devastating firepower against soft targets.
German Intent
My plan was to seize the southern objective early using a Recon Team supported by infantry, then consolidate in the woods.
A defensive line was prepared along the northern forest edge.
One heavy MG-34 was deployed immediately in the trenches on the hill crest to pin down advancing infantry. An anti-tank rifle team was positioned forward in the light woods to engage the T-35s.
The second heavy MG-34 was kept in depth to deal with any breakthrough.
My mortar, Tank Hunters and reserve infantry were held back to react where needed.
Rounds 1–3 (Highlights)
Smoke screens dominated the early turns as both sides attempted to shield their advances. I deliberately allowed the Soviet forces to close in before opening fire, focusing my attention on the T-35s — their weapons posed a catastrophic threat to my infantry.
A lucky early hit damaged one of the heavy tanks. Momentum began to build.
In Round 3, Erich called in off-board artillery to soften my southern defences. The ranging shots were accurate — but fate intervened. The fire mission shifted and landed among his own troops, causing friendly fire, panic, and suppression. The planned assault stalled completely.
Seizing the moment, I committed an anti-tank rifle team in a desperate close assault:
“Leave the rifle behind! Grab grenades! Charge!”
Against all odds, the team destroyed a T-35 in brutal close combat. The wreck burned on the battlefield — a silent monument to a reckless but heroic attack.
Midgame Turning Point
The Soviets responded with overwhelming firepower. Snipers, infantry and the remaining T-35 eliminated the brave survivors at the wreck. My last anti-tank rifle was destroyed shortly afterwards.
I committed my Tank Hunters from reserve. In a decisive flank assault, supported by re-rolls and command cards, they destroyed the second T-35 — at the cost of their own lives.
The armoured threat was gone.
But my infantry was bleeding.
Final Rounds
The fighting intensified in the northern woods before shifting south once more. Under relentless pressure, my remaining units were gradually worn down.
A Tupolev SB bomber appeared overhead. Although the bombs missed, the suppression they caused proved decisive.
In the final close combat, my last defenders were overwhelmed.
Both objectives fell to the Soviets.
One objective would have been enough for me to claim victory — but it was not to be.
20260204_070907.jpg20260204_071747.jpg
Conclusion
An exceptionally tense and dramatic game, decided in the very last round.
Brutal choices, heroic sacrifices, sudden reversals — this is exactly what a campaign system should deliver.
And this is only the beginning.
The Gamefound campaign for Assault Red Horizon ’41 – Revised Edition will be launching soon.
If you want to find out how this campaign continues, follow and subscribe to stay updated:
The next battle is already waiting.