The Stolberg Corridor
Near Aachen, Germany
September 13-20, 1944Having gained permission to carry out a "Reconnaissance in Force," General Collins used September 12th to prepare his forces and get them to their jump-off points. His idea was that a strong surprise attack might breach the fortified line known as the West Wall, and allow him to get past its defenses before the Germans could fully man it. Supply was going to be a problem but Collins felt the risk was worth it.
VII Corp was operating in a narrow portion of territory known as the Stolberg Gap, southeast and east of the City of Aachen. Though VII Corps' area of responsibility covered some 35 miles, much of it was restricted by the City of Aachen itself or dense pine forests in difficult terrain. This left the Stolberg Corridor as the obvious choice for mechanized forces. Even this route would prove difficult, however, as obstructed terrain and a narrowing of the corridor would restrict U.S. forces attempting to maneuver in the region.
Entrusting the reconnaissance to the 3rd Armored Division under Major General Rose, he would utilize elements of the 1st and 9th Infantry Divisions for badly needed flank support during this endeavor. On the misty wet morning of September 13th of 1944, lead elements of Brigadier General T. E. Boudinot's Combat Command B of the 3rd Armored Division moved out in two columns, looking for that hoped-for breakthrough. Seven days of hard fighting for both sides was about to commence.
We have posted the scenario in the Free Scenarios folder on our PANZERKORPHQ Yahoo! Group for all to try. Although designed for the Panzer Korps Divisional Rules System, it can be used for creating scenarios for smaller engagements using company- or platoon-level rules.
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