"Fight 1 of 4 in my NW Europe Mini-Campaign" Topic

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:

link

V/R,
Jack

Really enjoyed that Jack… you'll have to send the weapons platoon CO chocs or flowers after losing their MG. Armour with a u :) came away without much damage though.

Interesting what you mentioned about Force Morale…in its present state I can see why it wouldn't work in some of your modern games…I do think it adds a lot to WW2 though.

I know you like to keep the rules streamlined and fast flowing but have you thought about altering FM a little for your modern stuff. Maybe instead of retiring from the battle the troops quality is reduced by one…elite to reg…reg to poor…I just love it so much I wouldn't want to lose it…

Table and figs are looking great and I love the use of the map…it helps us non military types to get our head around things :)

All the best and looking forward to more…

John

Well that has got me inspired, thanks for sharing, really good AAR.

Thanks fellas, I appreciate it.

I was scared of Force Morale, to be honest. From the start I knew this was going to be a straight-up slugfest, what with all the mortars, MGs, indirect fire, and cannons (both tank and anti-tank/dual-purpose) on the table. So I kind of did without as I didn't want the fight to be over before it even started; I set all this up and I intend to play a full game!

The news for Fight#2 isn't looking much better, with the Germans holding a hilltop overlooking the bridge. I've messed around with the idea of having multiple crossings, but I don't think it's going to work in the overall scheme of things. On the one hand you end up with three different crossing points, but all under observation by the Germans on the hill, or you 'sneak' a crossing in behind the Germans somewhere, which probably makes the fight to easy for the Americans.

So, it looks like another slobber-knocker where FM has no place ;) But it has the a-historical side effect of both sides continuing to fight despite >50% casualties. As it was, the Germans still threw in the towel with Strongpoint Gunter never even getting into the fight.

I dunno, we'll see what I'm able to come up with between now and this weekend. Or, better yet, what pearls of wisdom you are able to provide to tackle my problems! ;)

Take care.

V/R,
Jack