Lances and Steel: The Battle of Mokra, September 1, 1939

“The blow must be struck. We must act now or go under.” –Adolf Hitler.

“The marauders’ attack will be smashed against the steel wall of our heroic army.” –Dobry Wieczór Kuier Czerwony.

The German attack on Poland, codenamed “Case White,” on September 1st, 1939 was a gamble on Hitler’s part. He wagered Poland’s allies of France and Great Britain would once again cave-in to his demands and not oppose his invasion. Even if they did, a lightning-fast war (blitzkrieg) would make mote any of their objections once the rival to the east was subjugated. That a mutual defense treaty stipulating an invasion from the east by the Soviet Union only “sealed the deal” and further secured Hitler’s risk.

Lances and Steel is a war game simulation of the battle fought near the town of Mokra during the 1939 invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany. The area was held by the Polish 7th Infantry Division and the Wołyńska Cavalry Brigade supported by the Smialy armored train and the 21st Tank battalion. The German attack here sought to separate the Polish Lodz and Krakow Armies and effect a breakthrough to the Polish rear areas. The first major battle of WWII was fought here. Can you do as well or better than your historical counterparts? Learn and Enjoy!

Each turn of the game represents one and half hours of time. Most units represent a battalion; Polish armor units represent a company. Each hex is approximately one-third of a mile across.

—description from the designer