RED PACKETS*
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DATE: June 22, 1941*
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BATTLE TYPE: Germany vs. Soviet Union meeting engagement*
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Two-Player PBEM Game*
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ZHABINKI:  The German invasion was crushing Russian initial defenses everywhere. After considerable delay, Timoshenko gave the orders to open the "red packets". The instructions in these cover plans were often unclear, sometimes contradictory, and usually of little help to the commanders in the field. Nonetheless, they were to be obeyed. The 42nd Rifle Division's independent Reconnaissance Battalion with armored cars and a motorcycle company, accompanied by the 393rd Independent AA Battalion, were to proceed to Zhabinki and take up defensive positions to stem the oncoming German tide.*
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AFTERMATH: The Russian troops crossed both bridges simultaneously in their approach to Zhabinki. However, lead elements of the German armored columns were already in the outskirts. The AA truck and the first armored cars were immediately destroyed. However, the second platoon, behind a covering screen of rapidly dismounted infantry, were able to pass around the Germans and enter Zhabinki to take their final stand-with their numbers already reduced by half.*
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NOTES: This scenario is based off of Avalon Hill's Advanced Squad Leader (ASL) scenario 6. Note the map is not based on the scenario.*
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Sources:  ASL Scenario 6*
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Design by:  Don Lazov*