Scenario Date: 19PM (First Scenario)
German Purchases and Plan
My purchases for the opening scenario centered around my expectation that I'd need a balance between infantry and anti-tank capability. To that end, I bought the 75mm ATG RG, a RG of Pz IVH in reserve, and a SS Infantry Pltn in reserve. I also mistakenly purchased a Para Infantry Pltn in reserve, but my opponent, Pat Gagne, pointed out that this RG is NA for the first scenario.
Figuring that Pat would go for TVP, I set up my SS PanzerGrenadier Pltn and the two 75mm ATGs around the Mill (hex I46) and the stone bridge (hex D45). Those two locations are worth 5 TVP together, so I couldn't let them fall in the first scenario. The guns were set up in the buildings of the Mill (hexes I46 and H45). The SS Infantry Pltn was in reserve behind the Mill, ready to move forward once released (the initial-scenario SSR allowing the Germans to attempt to freely release reserve counters really helps!). The OB-given SS Infantry Pltn was set up to defend the bridge in hex S55, to prevent the US from winning the initial scenario, but more importantly to prevent them from establishing a setup area over there.
US Purchases and Plan
Pat purchased two infantry pltn RGs. This seemed to me as well to be the best option for the US. While the OB-given infantry platoon is forced to enter at V56, the rest of Pat's force came down the hill directly toward the Mill. Sending 5 tanks and 7 squads this way, he wanted to try to capture the Mill; he also had a designated Strategic Location (SLoc) in I49 to help him establish a setup area.
Progession of the Battle
To open up the battle, Pat sent a halfsquad on a recon mission, entering at V56 and moving toward Y55. Since I had a HIP 658 there, I blasted it at point blank range for a KIA. This revelation that I chose to defend the V56 entry forced Pat to dump the remainder of his platoon into the river (U57 and T56). For the rest of the scenario, his platoon and my platoon traded shots. My positions primarily were in/around W54, and his were along T55 and T56 (crest status). We each broke a squad or two, but for the most part there was a complete stalemate. Pat was unwilling to risk -1 FFNAM/-1 FFMO shots to try to get a guy on the S55 bridge so we just took potshots at each other.
The battle in front of the Mill was much more interesting, although it didn't really develop as much as it could have. One of Pat's Shermans went down to a 75mm ATG as it entered the map and was up-slope for LOS, but the other 4 worked their way down to the hill line along D47-G49. (We later realised that Pine Woods are 2-Level obstacles, and the LOS was actually closed; his Sherman was a victim of A.2). His two infantry platoons moved down the hill, hugging the woods on the right. To cover their moves, Pat dropped WP on the Mill, scoring a CH on the gun crew and revealing a HIP 9-2 leader and a 658 also in the building. Despite the direct hit, everyone passed their MCs. On Turn 6, he finally advanced a couple of concealed stacks into the woods line in front of the Mill (in G48 and I49). In my Player Turn 6, I opened up with a couple of squads in a FG at G48 and broke a 666 manning a MMG. One of the 75mm ATGs fired several times (with ROF) scoring a couple of hits. The 666 failed enough MCs and was killed through casualty reduction. The scenario ended on Turn 6, which I'm sure was fine for Pat. He had realised by then that the Mill and the Bridge would be out of reach and it's doubtful he would have risked any other squads even if the scenario had gone long.
Analysis
The scenario went according to my plan: I successfully defended the Bridge and the Mill, and kept the Americans off the bridge in S55 so they do not have a setup area over there. Furthermore, there were no German casualties. The scenario was not a total bust for the Americans, though, as casualties were light (1.5 squads and 1 tank). Furthermore, they have a setup area just across the stream from the Mill, and will probably take it during the 19N scenario. To slow the Americans down, I have abandoned a HT on the D45 bridge; since it's one-lane, no vehicles may enter the bridge until the HT is cleared. I also wondered about purchasing the 75mm ATGs early. The Germans only get one of these RGs, and I wasn't sure an early purchase was the right thing. I think it was, if only because they provided some needed firepower and kept the US tanks honest. I also liked them since they could set up on-map without being in Reserve. Despite the initial-scenario SSR that allows the Germans to attempt to release reserves on their own, the Germans are really short of ready-to-fight manpower.
Since casualties were so light, both of us retain significant forces:
German Retained Units
US Retained Units
Here is a portion of the map, showing the relevant setup areas for 19N. The setup area on the right is obviously due to the immobilized Tiger II.
Next up! Go to the AAR for 19N
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Email me at michael.licari@uni.edu