THE STRUGGLE FOR LA GLEIZE!
THE STRUGGLE FOR LA GLEIZE!
Scenario Date: 19N (Second Scenario)
German Purchases and Plan
My purchases for the Night scenario centered around my need to increase my infantry strength. To that end, I bought two SS Infantry Platoons and one Para Infantry Platoon, all in reserve. I also bought the SS PzGr HW Platoon (with 1 SPW 251/2, 1 SPW 251/9, and 1 SPW 251/sMG), to enter on the map. This HW platoon was a good option, because it gave me IR ability (from the 251/2 halftrack) and some firepower for later in the CG (the 251/sMG halftrack).
Basically, my plan was bad from the start. It was predicated on Pat actually fighting me in this scenario. Thus, I chose an Idle chit, presuming that large sections of my force would get out from under their No Move counters quickly. I also planned it so that my two best leaders, who would get automatic freedom of movement after any attack, each were stacked with three squads. Instead, I should have maybe attacked, if only to have freedom of movement. The only thing I did right in terms of planning was to enter the SS PzGr HW Platoon rather than setting it up on-map in reserve. I also used some FPP to buy some foxholes to connect my setup areas into one big blob around La Gleize. The key, though, was the SS Pz Gr Pltn, which allowed me to actually hold off the Americans a bit (more on that later). I also figured Pat would take early entry (note to any and all future players of the CG...the US must do this...it's the easiest way to scoop up all the buildings in/around Borgoumont), but I couldn't really do anything about it, as Borgoumont was out of my setup area.
US Purchases and Plan
Pat purchased one infantry pltn RG and the Jeep RG for early entry at Borgoumont. This was essentially the best thing (and the obvious thing) for the US to do. And my poor chit selection played right into this tactic. I sat helplessly as I watched Pat scoop up Borgoumont, and even reach Chenay Farm (EE23) with those d*mn jeeps. I watched helplessly as Pat's small force opposite my positions at the Mill simply sat and dug foxholes to expand the US setup area.
Progession of the Battle
Put simply, there was no battle. Pat spent the first six turns taking control of Borgoumont, digging foxholes, and eventually getting a halfsquad over to Chenay Farm and taking the building. My SS Pz Gr HW Platoon, the only force I had with any chance of defending Closset's Villa (Y29) and Hassoumont Farm (4 buildings around Y26), finally got there at turn 7, just as Chenay Farm was occupied by the US HS. A good starshell and some ROF from the SPW 251/2 broke the HS, and I moved in with my dismounted 348 that comes with the 251/sMG to retake Chenay Farm. This Pz Gr HW Platoon put the brakes on further movement toward Closset's Villa too. That was the extent of the shooting.
Analysis
This scenario turned into a near-disaster for the Germans. The US has a set of very well-established setup areas, including one near Chenay Farm. This essentially outflanks the Germans on their left. Also, the US scooped up all of Borgoumont and has a setup area extending down the road towards La Gleize, stopping just short of Closset's Villa. All this without suffering any casualties; Pat even generated a 6+1 leader when his HS that broke in Chenay Farm self-rallied with a snake-eyes.
Both of us still retain significant forces:
German Retained Units
Here is a new chunk of the map, centered around Hassoumont Farm. The US setup area size is due in large part to foxholes that were dug during 19N.
On to the AAR for the next scenario
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Email me at michael.licari@uni.edu