Kharkov in Flames

Kharkov in Flames is a Historical Module for the Advanced Squad Leader (ASL) game system, published by Multi-Man Publishing (MMP). Designed by Andy Rodgers, it takes players into the heart of the Third Battle of Kharkov, fought in February and March 1943 on the Eastern Front.

Following the Soviet recapture of Kharkov, German forces launched a powerful counteroffensive that enabled them to retake the city. The fighting pitted elements of the SS Das Reich and Leibstandarte divisions against determined Soviet infantry, tank units and NKVD troops.

The module focuses particularly on the fighting around the Lossewo Tractor Works, east of the city. The final engagements on March 15–16, 1943, form the climax of the battle. Soviet defenders must hold their positions long enough to allow thousands of their troops to escape the encircling German forces.

Scenarios and Campaign Game

The module includes 10 ASL scenarios, six of which take place on the historical map covering the Lossewo industrial complex. The remaining four use standard ASL geomorphic boards to depict other engagements during the Kharkov campaign.

The scenarios predominantly feature combined-arms warfare, including:

• Aggressive German armored assaults.
• Urban and industrial combat.
• Soviet defensive operations and desperate rearguard actions.
• Engagements involving elite SS formations and NKVD troops.

A Campaign Game is also included. Following the approach used in Hatten in Flames, it emphasizes playability, shorter campaign dates and a minimum of special rules. The aim is to allow players to move quickly from the box to the gaming table without having to master an extensive set of additional rules.

The module also includes additional counters to expand the available orders of battle and handle specific Campaign Game requirements.

Game Contents

• 1 box and lid.
• 1 two-piece historical map, measuring 29 × 30 inches in total, depicting the Lossewo Tractor Works area.
• 1 countersheet.
• Chapter KF rules.
• 10 ASL scenarios.
• 1 Campaign Game.
• 2 Chapter Dividers.

Additional counters include:

• SS 5-4-8 and 4-6-8 squads.
• SS Assault Engineer 5-4-8 squads.
• NKVD 6-2-8 squads.
• Relevant half-squads, leaders and machine guns.
• Burnt-Out Wreck counters.
• Concealment counters.
• Location Control counters.
• Perimeter markers.

Game Specifications