The Attack on Tolstoy

Curious Crussian civilians observe the approaching Herman forces. One of the civilians has trousers and boots curiously similar to Crussian military issue!

Tolstoy farm, an idyllic scene soon to be the scene of bitter fighting as the Hermans prepare to advance across the River Olga and obtain fresh supplies.

Herman infantry take up position opposite Tolstoy Farm. Ivan Gorbychov is having a quiet moment, sitting on a crate and eating his breakfast. His earmuffs ward off some of the morning cold but also muffle the sounds from across the river. Then he sees the spiked helmets and runs from his farm to tell the local militia commanders.

Herman infantry cross the bridge to Tolstoy Farm and take up cautionary position. Meanwhile Herman lancers and infantry cross the narrow Sideburnsky Bridge to attempt a breakthrough to the town of Tolstoy. The infantry engage the Balkan militia in the forest but they put up a tough fight.

In the woods before the town of Tolstoy Herman infantry eventually push the Balkan auxiliary troops back - only to see them rally and counter charge! A small number of Hermans flee, only to be shot down by the same militia they just fought. Only the officer survives.   

Meanwhile the Herman lancers charge another militia unit  and are repelled with catastrophic losses!  The lancers do not have Von Fleet to lead them today and their opponents, Putin's Partisans are tough and zealous. Many of them were used to hunting their food in the woods and they put their marksmanship to good use.

Back at the farm the Herman infantry then crossing the bridge receive a rude visit from the 15th Hussar Guard. Taken completely by surprise, the Herman unit is wiped out but such are their small numbers that the hussars are also destroyed!                                                                                                                                                 

The Hermans are not deterred, however, and continue to pour men into Tolstoy farm and the adjacent forest.

Suddenly a huge threat materialises in the Herman rear and flanks! The Snookum Ookum auxiliary Balkan cavalry arrive in the rear and proceed to attack and wipe out the crew a Herman light artillery piece and prepare to attack another! The artillery had only recently been resupplied, having been inactive for the first part of the battle. An extended column of  Herman infantry are wiped out by the arrival of a full regiment of white coated Crussian regulars and its charge on the column's flank!

The Hermans feverishly organise a counter attack. A machinegun crew and the general staff's bodyguard, in experimental new helmets, turn to focus their fire on the flank attack. The remaining light cannon turns to fire at the Snookum Ookum cavalry. A newly arrived Herman column of lancers also prepares to charge. The threats are destroyed as the enemy cavalry is wiped out and the Crussian infantry flee the field.

The Crussian medium cannon had scored a hit on Herman infantry, weakening their assault into the woods near the town of Tolstoy. The heavy cannon was less lucky. Situated behind a hill its aim was blocked. A rifle battalion acted as spotters for a while but they became so reduced from Herman infantry fire that they retreated behind the hill.

The Hermans decide to concentrate their attack on Duseldorf farm. Infantry and guards dispatch the militia in the nearby woods.

Then the Crussians begin some heroic but suicidal attacks on them. Militia reserves arrive at the farm's edge and fire at the Hermans. Then they charge. The Balkan militia and Putin's Partisans charge on two other sides. Luckily for the hermans they arrive at slightly different moments. Those Hermans not assaulted open up - the machinegunners and elite guard. The infantry at the farm fence open up with rapid fire as does the grenadier regiment in the adjacent forest. They reduce the attackers numbers and kill the enemy machingun crew.

The area of Tolstoy Farm is covered in bodies, mostly Crussians. Only the Crussian artillery, the engineers and the High Command have survived. One solitary Crussian sniper, after killing two Herman infantry, prepares to make himself scarce. The Herman sniper, Clive Clink found no targets in this battle as much of it had consisted of confused melees.A lone wolf scavenges in the forest.     

The Crussian hospital Corps has a big job ahead and the path to the town of Tolstoy is open.