Thecryptic Guess: How One Company of Death Korps of Krieg Would Fare Against the Wehrmacht
Imagine June 22, 1941, the opening day of Operation Barbarossa. While history records a Soviet resilience in the face of the German invasion, this article delves into a scenario where a single company of the Death Korps of Krieg—a notoriously suicidal regiment—joins the Red Army in the Southern front. Will the fate of this company be as grim as many expect? Let's break down the reality.
Not That Bad
For starters, let's remind ourselves that this is a single company. Before you all crucify me for saying this isn't a guaranteed decimation, remember that this is a force that shares the same human wave tactics as the Soviets. But they’re the God-Emperor-Damned Death Korps of Krieg, under my command as a commissar from the 420th Assault Korps, 69th company. Still, one company is one company.
Infantry Company: No Significant Impact
Infantry units, while brave and determined, face an uphill battle in the Grand Scheme of things. Engaging against Soviet tactics, they might hold their ground temporarily, but their contribution is minimal compared to the larger battle strategy. Unless the company manages to get within shovel range, their impact is negligible.
Artillery Company: An Incremental Loss
Artillery units bring a different kind of threat to the table. However, amid the hundreds of other artillery units on the battlefield, one more is hardly noteworthy. The German army, trained to withstand intense artillery fire, will still manage to maintain its momentum. Their contribution, while present, is part of the broader equation rather than a deciding factor.
Tank Company: Potentially More Impactful
When we delve into tank units, things get more interesting. However, even with the Leman Russ tanks at their disposal, the Death Korps pose a limited threat. The guerrilla tactics of the Death Korps, heavily reliant on close combat and suicidal charges, leave them vulnerable to enemy fire.
Key Factors for Outcome
Artillery and Anti-Armour Fire: The initial volley of artillery fire is brutal. Leman Russ tanks are not invincible, and even when protected by numerical superiority, they are still vulnerable to anti-tank missiles and artillery fire. Months of fighting are required to wear down the Kreig Korp, but the Death Korps struggle to make a significant impact on the broader battlefield.
Laser Rifles and Special Gear: While the laser rifles and special gear from the commissars and commanders manage to inflict damage, their effectiveness is limited by the fact that they can be killed from behind cover. The Luftwaffe might suffer a few losses, but the technical skill and aim of the German pilots are not enough to significantly alter the outcome.
Conclusion: The Final Strike
The Death Korps of Krieg, despite their valiant and sacrificial stance, are ultimately overpowered by more conventional tactics and superior equipment. They will fall to the relentless attack by both German and Soviet forces, likely within half an hour. Their bravery is commendable, but their tactics, while effective in their own heinous way, are not enough to change the course of the battle. The loss of cover and adherence to unyielding formations ultimately spells their doom.
In this scenario, the German forces, while faced with a formidable and determined opponent, ultimately prevail. The Death Korps, fighting with the tenacity of their conviction, will be among the first to fall, but their sacrifice is a testament to both the brutal nature of war and the unyielding human spirit.