Battles in the East 4: Mius River and Vitebsk

Battles in the East (BITE) is a series simulating World War II Eastern Front battles. The system rules are an evolution of the SPI classics Panzergruppe Guderian, Army Group South, and Cobra. Unit integrity bonuses include German divisions and Soviet corps and vary to show the increasing Soviet cohesion and decreasing German cohesion as the war progresses. HQ units provide higher level combat support and supply advantages to corresponding units in range. BITE also incorporates standardized scales (unit size, distance, time) for easy comparisons. While the series rules allow players to play many games with the same core rules, the scenario rules add unique situational elements of each battle. Each volume includes two battles from one year with two copies of the charts and tables as well as scenario rules and set-up cards for easy reference. Mius River July–August 1943: This summer is mainly remembered for the failed German Operation Citadel near Kursk, followed by the advance of the Red Army westward to the end of the year. Often overlooked is the battle on the Mius River after the Kursk offensive. Here the Red Army looked to drive into the German rear, capture Stalino and prevent the orderly withdrawal of Army Group South. Field Marshal Manstein still had Hitler’s support and was aided by the able “new” 6th Army commander, General Hollidt. The Wehrmacht fought a classic defense and counter thrust battle in late July. The II SS Pz Corps counterattack in open terrain showed what might have been achieved that summer, if Manstein had been allowed to complete a mobile defense in Southern Russia. The game runs from 17 July–6 Aug. Vitebsk Panther Line, November 1943: The summer and early autumn of 1943 was a period of steady retreat and defensive line battles for Army Group Center. Often overlooked until recently, these were bloody campaigns. The key strategic cities of Nevel and Vitebsk were central to the defense of the Panther Line—the link between Army Group North and Center. Large Soviet Guards formations were tasked with taking both and breaching the Panther Line defenses. Defending this area was the depleted 3rd Panzer Army, a panzer army in name only. OKH recognized the importance and the only panzer reserves available were rushed there to stem the Soviet offensive. The battle was fought in awful conditions impacting coordination and supply logistics. The game runs from 1–21 Nov. 1943. —description from the publisher