Fight 1 of 4 in my NW Europe Mini-Campaign

[bigjackmac]

All,

Well, I solicited help on several different forums for a plan on how the Germans should allocate their forces to each of four fights in a mini-campaign, and I greatly appreciate everyone that posted.  Here are the results of the first battle.

Below is the scheme of maneuver for the mini-campaign.



Looking from west to east, with road running north to south (left to right).  US forces will enter from bottom left corner. 

Enemy dispositions: Top left (in the woodline) is Strongpoint Helmi, with PC, rifle squad, MG-42, and two PaK-40 ATGs.  Top center right (atop the large hill) is Strongpoint Alma, with Company Commander, FlaK-36 88 AA/AT gun, PaK-40 ATG, 2 rifle squads, 2 MG-42 teams, and an 80mm mortar.  At top right (in woodline south of SP Alma) is Strongpoint Gunter, with PC, 2 rifle squads, and a PzSchreck.  Last is, in the village at center, Observation Point Lois, with two rifle squads.

Everyone except the squads at OP Lois are dug in, and the squads at Lois are in the buildings.


The US force: Company XO (far right, with Jeep), three rifle platoons (three rifle stands, bazooka, and platoon commander, each), weapons platoon (MG, 60mm mortar, PC), weapons company attachments (MG and 81mm mortar), and tank platoon (4 Shermans w/75mm gun).  I shorted the US forces their rifle company commander...


So, the attack kicks off with 1st Platoon entering the table (foreground, with OP Lois directly in front of them, SP Helmi off camera to left, and SP Alma in background), already taking casualties.


The only close combat of the day went my way.


Having some issues...


One of three command blunders for the Americans left all of 3rd Platoon pinned.


Tanks on the move, staring up at SP Alma.

For more pics and descriptions, please check my blog at:

http://blackhawkhet.blogspot.com/2014/01/fight-1-of-4-in-my-nw-europe-mini.html

V/R,
Jack

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Great report Jack, thank you. 

[paulr]

Nice report Jack,

Hopefully the fords will give you more decisions to make next weekend 

[Ithoriel]

Always fun - looking forward to table 2 and it's AAR

[Techno]

Great report Jack.
Cheers - Phil.

[Womble67]

Great report

take care

andy

[ronan]

Thanks for sharing this AAR Jack !

You should not be disapointed :
- Artillery WAS very effective, these rules reflect this point.
- you said you may need more "flexibility", but this is your first "on line" campaign ( you did a good work ).
Just say your superior officer didn't give you the choice.. The german were waiting for you 

Good luck for crossing the river 

[bigjackmac]

Thanks fellas, I'm glad you liked it.  And again, I appreciate everyone's assistance and support.

"Just say your superior officer didn't give you the choice.. The german were waiting for you  Evil

Good luck for crossing the river"

I've been thinking about this and having a difficult time; even with multiple ways over the river, the area is still dominated by the hill, which is certainly where the Germans would have some forces.  I'm thinking I may not be able to come up with more options for this fight, just another 'hay-diddle-diddle, straight up the middle.'  I can live with that, it's not just my preferred style of game.  I'm really worried about getting slaughtered crossing the river, though you can expect heavy use of of indirect fire by the Americans, both HE on the hill and smoke to mask the bridge to help things out.  The reason I'm scared is, even with the smokescreen I'd still have to count the bridge as pre-registered for mortars and Nebelwerfers.   

I don't have any models of rubber boats  or I'd use them for the infantry behind a smoke screen.  I suppose the fords will have to do that.  So they won't create more tactical options per se, just serve to off-set the effectiveness of enemy indirect fire.

Either way, I'll look to keep this moving this weekend.  Thanks guys.

V/R,
Jack

[Hertsblue]

Excellent report, Jack. Fascinating - as the fella with the pointy ears used to say.

As for the problem of crossing the bridge, I suggest you do what any Allied commander would do once he'd found out where the enemy was - call up the airforce. There was generally a "cab rank" of Tiffies or Jugs stooging around waiting for the call.

If that's not an option, I think I'd bring the armour up on the left to create some noise and keep any Germans on the hill occupied, while the bulk of the infantry attempts to cross west of the bridge to outflank the hill. Be careful of the heights on table 3, though.

Good luck.  It won't be easy.

[ronan]

Hello
Any news from  the front ?

[bigjackmac]

It's coming, and thanks for the encouragement fellas, I appreciate it!

I'm finishing up the write up, stand by.

V/R,
Jack