World at War #89: The Crimean Campaign 1941–42 is a two-player strategic wargame with strong operational undertones, covering the German assault on the Crimean Peninsula during World War II. Spanning from October 1941 to July 1942, the game captures the full campaign that culminated in the fall of Sevastopol — one of the most hard-fought sieges of the Eastern Front.

• Historical Campaign: When Army Group South invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the Crimea was not part of its initial objectives. That changed when Soviet aircraft based on the peninsula began bombing the vital Romanian oilfields that fueled the Axis war machine. On 23 July 1941, Hitler elevated the capture of the Crimea to a “priority mission.”
• Operational Scope: The campaign begins with the German entry into the Crimea via the Perekop Isthmus on 28 October 1941 and ends with the final Soviet collapse on 4 July 1942. Each turn represents variable time periods — reflecting real-world changes in weather, tempo, and logistical capability — to simulate the ebbs and flows of the historical campaign.
• Dynamic Gameplay: Players command the opposing forces — the German and Axis armies seeking to conquer the peninsula, and the Soviet defenders fighting to hold their positions under overwhelming pressure. The game models command and supply difficulties, weather disruptions, and the grinding attrition of fortress warfare at Sevastopol.
• Strategic Challenges: The German player must coordinate mobile forces, air support, and limited logistical assets to maintain momentum across difficult terrain, while the Soviet player must balance defensive stands with timely withdrawals to prolong resistance and inflict maximum casualties.

The Crimean Campaign 1941–42 faithfully simulates the historical sequence of operations without oversimplifying the campaign’s complexity. It focuses on strategic decision-making, operational coordination, and the logistical demands of extended warfare on a narrow front. The design offers both accessibility and historical depth, making it ideal for players who enjoy detailed yet fluid Eastern Front simulations.

Game Components & Features:

• 1 x 22x34” full-colour map depicting the Crimean Peninsula and surrounding areas
• 228 die-cut counters (9/16”) representing German, Axis, and Soviet divisions and support units
• Rules for weather, command-control, logistics, and attrition
• Variable-length turns to simulate operational tempo shifts
• Playable in one to two sessions for two players

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Division / Corps
Hex: Operational (approx. 15–20 miles per hex)
Period: October 1941 – July 1942

World at War #89: The Crimean Campaign 1941–42 offers a comprehensive and historically grounded portrayal of one of the most decisive campaigns of the southern Eastern Front. It combines historical realism, strategic decision-making, and operational tension into a compelling wargame experience that captures the intensity of the battle for Sevastopol and the broader Crimean struggle.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s trusted destination for wargames, strategy titles, and historical simulations for over 50 years. Price-match guarantee and fast shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

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