Coup de Main at the Rechytske Bridge: A Brandenburg Operation
27th June, 1941
It was a tough time to be a Russian soldier. Operation Barbarossa had just launched, with German attacks across a wide front. More so if your opponent was wearing the same uniform as you. This action is an incident of Russion "Friendly Fire".
Before I go further, perhaps it’s worth telling you about why we are reporting on a play-test.
We have produced a series of ‘Forgotten Battles’ books, as you will probably aware. These books look to highlight some of the lesser known battles of World War 2, and other conflicts of recent history. What you are about to read is one of many play tests for a new stand alone scenario that will appear in the January 2027 issue of Miniature Wargames. You will get a taste of what went on, but to see the full scenario, and find out how the battle actually unfolded, you will have to wait a little bit.
To set the scene a little, Operation Barbarossa had opened on June 22nd 1941. This action takes place few days into this major offensive, on the 27th June, at the northern edge of the Pripyat Marshes, and involved subterfuge and surprise.
The German Brandenburg unit was the precursor of the British SAS. The article in Miniature Wargames will go further into them and their background. Their job on this occasion was to seize a bridge before the Russians could blow it up. It was particularly important that the bridge did not get blown up as it was the only one that could take the weight of heavy tanks for a good way on either side.
So, Turn 1.
The action is joined in as all four sections of the Brandenburg troops manage to take the bridge by coup de main. The anticipated 15 minutes before reinforcements arrive turn out to be considerably longer, giving the Russians a chance to counter attack. A company attack is launched to try and retake the bridge.
Turn 2-3.
How lucky that the routing bridge guard had left their Maxim medium machineguns, put to fresh use now manned by the Brandenburg infantry. The Russians close across the broken ground and marsh towards the causeway on the eastern side of the bridge.
Turn 4-6
The Russians advance, firing as they go, and then charge towards the Brandenburg position on the eastern side of the bridge, taking significant casualties. Human wave attacks prove expensive.
And that is where we leave matters for now. When the January issue of Miniature Wargames comes out, you will be able to check out the remainder of this action, which will involves further Russian attacks, very late German reinforcements and even a Stuka diving into the mix!
And by the way, you will be able to check out a 6 new ‘Forgotten Battles’ scenarios and articles in Miniature Wargames over the next few months! Watch out for the next sneak peek!