What I got from the V1 scenario was that the 124th MRD was caught in transit by 3-70 Armor and 3-10 Infantry backed by 6 155mm of 2-19 or 2-21 Field Artillery. What I got from the encounter is that the bulk of the effective combat power of the 124th (i.e. the bulk of its AFV's) were destroyed in the initial exchange or the subsequent counterattack on 3-70's positions. My read was that the bulk of the Soviet armor passed by (due to timing) or was allowed to pass by (due to discipline). From what I've studied I get that in the command, main combat, and most of the supply elements of the 124th were totally shattered, causing the bulk of the survivors to desert, flee in total panic, loot, etc., and that it would be some time before it represented anything akin to a cohesive unit.
With that said, I honestly don't get the feel that there were supply dumps of any magnitude west of the Warta and north of the Kalisz-Sieradz road.
Looking back at my material, narrative, and maps, I think that with a little luck and fire discipline (the tankers of 3-70 are by now seasoned veterans and most likely alive because they're good at what they do), you could assume that at least anough of the tankers carrying fuel/water within the 124th's column could survive. If 3-10 Infantry can secure the far side of the road, you can set upon anything that isn't actively exploding like a plague of locusts. You're a long way from home, if you had a chance to get some fuel and water from your enemy, wouldn't you? hell, I'd pick clean anything of everything. When you have no chance of regular supply, I assume anyone in a similar situation would.
My guess is that the men of 3-70 had a bit of time to see what was below them on the road. After 4 years of seeing Russian trucks and markings, my guess at least some of them knew what Water and Fuel vehicles (be they tankers or trucks hauling jerry cans) are marked like.
The vehicles in the task force that engaged the 124th were all low on fuel, which means to me that conversion to gasoline would be as simple as activating the proper control at the driver's station and pumping in enough to get you by.
Excess captured or salvaged (siphoned/pumped or pulled from those handy barrels on the back of Soviet tanks) could be forwarded back to help other units escape.
What I don't quite get is the 21st MRD seemed to either be very lucky or have a much better idea where the 5th was....more so than the others, especially the 124th. They sure seemed to just drive into it blind.
That's all I've got for now...time to put the girls down for bed.
Thanks,
Dave
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