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Tactical Suggestions
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I'm looking for tactical suggestions for my upcoming battle. Here is the battle information:
Germany vs. GB Mission: Meeting Engagement, North Africa, 7/1942 - scattered objectives. Enemy: Reinforced Battalion - 1-2 Armor Co., 2-3 Infantry Co., 6-8 Artillery Btry, plus recon and AAA. New 6pdr tank mounted gun expected. No air assets expected. Average force experience, ~70. Terrain: Map = 100x100, hilly desert terrain, ~1% rough, limited soft sand, visibility = 8 , no roads, no logical avenues of approach. Troops: 1 Armor Co. (Pzkw IVg), 2 Infantry Co. (SS w/tracks), 5 Artillery Btry (On board, 9 SP, 8 towed w/o transport), 2 Assault Gun Pltn. (StuG IIIf), 2 ATG btry. (75mm PAK 40 w/tracks)), 2 MG Pltn (MG42(2) w/tracks), plus recon, AAA and ammo supply. Average force experience, ~95. Time: 34 Turns Analysis I expect to be outnumbered across the board. Normally, I would use the superior range of my guns to reduce the numbers of enemy tanks. Low visibility eliminates that option. This will be just short of a knife fight. Tank mounted 6pdrs are expected, but even the 2pdr can be deadly at 400 meters! This means a straight up tank fight it out of the question. It's a campaign battle and I don't want to leave half of my tanks burning in the sand just to get a victory. My ATGs aren't going to be as useful either. They will engage well within enemy rifle/machine gun range, but losses of the guns is expected. AI tendencies mean I can expect armored cars to advance along the top and bottom edges of the map. There are also typically two attack "columns", which can merge with the recon units on the edge. Given the nature of the terrain, the attack columns might be channeled into a couple of paths. With the low visibility, it will be difficult to tell exactly where the attack columns will appear until both sides are engaged. One other tendency is the armor and infantry come in different waves. Some infantry ride the armor, but others walk. The infantry on foot will be delayed more than normal due to the hilly nature of the terrain. Plan There is a line of hills 500-750 meters out in front of my LD (Line of Departure). Both infantry companies and all ATG and MG units will quickly advance and take possession of the three center hills, numbered from North to South as 1, 2 and 3. Two platoons of infantry will deploy on each hill. The HQ platoons will deploy on hills 1 and 3. One ATG battery and one MG platoon will deploy on hill 3. The other ATG battery and MG platoon with be split between hills 1 and 2. Scouts will positioned 500 meters forward of the hill line as LP/OPs. Once the units are unloaded, the half tracks will withdraw out of the engagement zone. Top and bottom map edges will be guarded by StuGs and scout tracks and will advance forward or strike the enemy flank as the situation dictates. Armor company will position in the valley between and behind hills 2 and 3 as the reserve. As needed, they may advance forward through the gap between hills 2 and 3, South behind and around hill 3 or North behind and around hill 1. Map recon indicated there is a rough/soft sand free path behind hill 3. The other routes are obviously clear. Artillery will deploy in positions near but NOT ON victory hexes behind or on the LD to defend those locations should enemy units get through. AAA assets will deploy in the depression on the LD to the rear of hill 1 as an emergency reserve. Once the enemy attack column(s) are identified, the infantry and supporting units will delay their advance, while the armor reserve maneuvers against the enemy flank. Upon neutralizing the attack column(s), all units will advance forward to capture as many victory point hexes as practical in the time available. Suggestions? Unfortunately, this plan will take time to play out. Due to the terrain, the AI will be slow getting to my planned line. While I should be able to destroy them in detail, I suspect it will take time and I don't expect to have enough left to capture all of the victory point hexes. I've attached a screen print of the center part of the map outlining my proposed positions and expected enemy advance lines. |
Re: Tactical Suggestions
Lacking any suggestions, I proceded with the plan as listed.
Turn 1 AI prep fire was six 5.5in and seven 25pdr batteries, so my strength estimate was low. Units proceded to designated positions. Enemy not spotted. Casualties One infantry squad plus track destroyed. Three tanks damaged (two lost main guns, one immobilized) :mad:. Damaged tanks withdrew if possible. |
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Turn 2
Flank units in position. Units deploying to hills 1, 2 and 3. One enemy Morris AC spotted by my scouts along the bottom edge of the map. Casualties Zero |
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Turn 3
Most units in position on hills 1, 2 and 3. Enemy Dingos and Morris ACs probing top and bottom edges of the map and small gap between hills 1 and 2. Seven ACs and two Dingos on bottom edge. That's why I didn't put ATG guns on the edges. I figured they would be overwhelmed by scout units before guns could destroy enough. The scout units will have problems with the StuGs. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: One Dingo destroyed. |
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Turn 4
Heavy enemy recon action on top and bottom edges. Enemy "Honey" tanks approaching hill 3, with heavy ACs heading into gap between hills 2 and 3. One problem I've had is the LP/OP scouts for in front of hils 1, 2 and 3 were shot up pretty bad in the prep fire. They are moving up, but not out front of the hills yet. I don't know what's coming. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Four Dingos, five Morris ACs destroyed. |
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Turn 5
Enemy recon advance has stalled on the board edges. Some units withdrawing. One StuG took a hit from an AT rifle in an AC and became a forward facing pillbox. Two Honey tanks probing gap between hills 2 and 3. Casualties Friendly: One StuG immobilized Enemy: Five Morric ACs, two AEC ACs, one Honey destroyed. |
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Turn 6
Destroyed all but one enemy AC on the bottom edge of map. Pushing units forward to protect immobilized StuG. Will have to send one StuG back to take out the bypassed enemy AC. It was hiding in a gully and was spotted by scouts. North edge enemy recon units not advancing, but not retreating either. Remaining Honey tanks destroyed, but enemy infantry spotted approaching gap between hills 2 and 3. Since no more tanks have been spotted since the Honeys showed up, I'm probably looking at a slow model. I'm expecting Grants, Lees or Valentine IXs. Random artillery strikes in rear, but no damage. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Eight Morric ACs, two Honeys destroyed. |
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Turn 7
Closing in on AC unit bypassed. Three enemy Valentine IX tanks :mad: spotted 1200 meters Southeast of hill 3 with infantry support. One platoon of tanks sent to route pass behind and around hill 3, because I don't think two StuGs and the one ATG on the Southeastern corner of the hill can handle the threat. Artillery plotted to come in next turn. Track mounted infantry spotted 400 meters East and Southeast of hill 2. Small arms fire exchanged with units on hill 2. One friendly scout destroyed. Artillery plotted to come in next turn. Casualties Friendly: One scout destroyed. Enemy: Two Morric ACs. |
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Turn 7
Things are getting lively now. Flank guard along top edge being approached by dismounted infantry in company strength from the East. Three StuGs, three recon tracks and some scout units have to hold that flank. Two batteries of artillery plotted in front of approaching infantry. Additional track mounted infantry approaching hill 2 from East and Southeast. Estimated company strength, with supporting Valentine III tanks. Small arms fire and ATGs opened up on tracks and infantry. One platoon of tanks from the reserve committed to gap between hills 2 and 3. Enemy suffered infantry casualties and several tracks destroyed. Artillery hit the enemy to the Southeast and an additional battery was plotted. Dismounted infantry approaching bottom flank guard from the East and hill 3 from the Southeast. Estimated company strength, with supporting Valentine IX tanks. Artillery hit tanks and infantry with some casualties on the infantry. Casualties Friendly: Light casualties among scouts. Enemy: Three tracks destroyed, some light infantry casualties |
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Turn 8
Dismounted enemy infantry advance as stalled at the moment. They were attempting to turn Southwest toward hill 1, but were hit by the StuGs, recon tracks and artillery. I had some incoming mail from a 3in mortar. The attack on hill 2 has also stalled. Enemy units were hit by small arms, ATGs, tanks and artillery. Several tracks destroyed and a number of enemy infantry popped smoke and withdrew. Enemy Valentine III tanks appear to be heading toward my tanks in the gap between hills 2 and 3. I lost several scouts East of the gap. Enemy units Southeast of hill 3 have split. The Valentine IX tanks have turned North to pick up some victory hexes while the infantry turned West. These units were hit by artillery suffering a few casualties. Casualties Friendly: Two scout units destroyed Enemy: Four tracks destroyed, estimated 20 infantry casualties. |
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Nice work on your AAR RERomine. Keep up the good work! :happy:
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Turn 10
Top edge enemy advance still stalled. They are pushing more infantry up. StuGs just about out of 75mm HE, but the MGs still do the job. The three supporting recon tracks are SdKfz 250/8s are also armed with 75mm and still have plenty of HE. Artillery still hitting the enemy. The enemy suffered moderate casualties from the StuG, track and artillery fire. I'll continue bringing in artillery to disrupt the enemy advance. The enemy's attack on hill 2 has been broken for the moment. Most of the infantry has withdrawn behind the hill and are out of sight. One Valentine III is still slowly moving toward the gap between hills 2 and 3 with a track and a couple infantry sections. A couple of enemy tracks got hit East of hill 1, but I believe those were from the hill 2 attack. One track is immobilized (by a scout) in the open, but I don't have anything heavy to finish it in the area. The other track got zapped by an MG-42 from above. Since the enemy advance has stalled, I'm going to let my artillery finish firing their plots and allow supply to catch up. If time permits, I will relocate the SPAs. The enemy advance on hill 3 from the Southeast has resumed. Approximately a whole infantry company is visible. In addition to the supporting Valentine IX tanks, Valentine IIIs and truck mounted 6pdrs are now visible. To meet this, on the Southeast corner of hill 3, there is one infantry squad, one MG-42 unit, one 75mm ATG, two StuGs and three scout units. Seems kind of thin. I'm shifting an infantry platoon and another MG-42 down to support. The reserve tank platoon is still moving around hill 3 and won't be in position until turn 13. In the meantime, the two StuGs are waiting in ambush to try to get a careless Valentine IX or two. I'll shift my supporting artillery up in this sector and leave my recon tracks to handle the infantry heading toward them. There is a lull in the enemy artillery. I suspect they are re-plotting to hit hill 2 since that is where the most contact has been lately. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Four tracks destroyed, estimated 30 infantry casualties. |
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Turn 11
Enemy top edge advance is still stalled. Hit enemy with direct and indirect fire. One platoon is visible, but the rest of the company is hidden behind the slope of the hill. Still very few enemy infantry units are visible. One Valentine III tank is still lumbering slowly toward the Southeast corner of hill 2. Another one has appeared heading toward the gap between hills 1 and 2. The track immobilized in the open was killed by a top hit from an MG-42. Supporting Valentine IX and III tanks are advancing West toward gap between hills 2 and 3. They are 600-800 meters out still I pulled my tank company back so I can pick my shots when the time comes. At hill 3, the StuG ambush paid off. Three Valentine IX tanks were destroyed without any shots taken at the StuGs. One Valentine IX remains. There are also four Valentine IIIs, but the 2pdr isn't as big of a concern against the front armor of the StuG. One truck mounted 6pdr was destroyed by small arms. Artillery hit the troops in the open, but was more harassing fire than anything. I want to slow the infantry down while I continue my troop shift. The advance along the bottom edge of the map has either stalled or the troops shifted to the attack on hill 3. I don't have eyes on them beyond the edge of the hill, but there had been a platoon and a half there last turn. Maybe the artillery has them running. Still no enemy artillery. With 13 batteries, it will disrupt whatever it hits. I just hope it's too late to help the enemy. Casualties Friendly: One casualty Enemy: Three Valentine IX tanks, one truck mounted 6pdr destroyed, one infantry section dispersed, estimated 15 infantry casualties. |
Re: Tactical Suggestions
Well done AAR and you seem to have things under control. The only thing I would advise at this time is watch for Matildas, they could be still lumbering forward out of sight. Good Hunting Commander.
Bob out:D |
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Turn 12
Turn 12 goes to the AI. The king of battle finally showed up, primarily targeting the Northern flank guard. It was the heavy stuff, 5.5in. They got one StuG and one recon track. No crew survivors :(. Time for the remaining two StuGs and recon tracks to shift. The only good thing that came out of that artillery is some was short and probably hit some hidden infantry as well. It's small consolation, however. There are now two Valentine IIIs heading toward the gaps between hills 1 and 2. I'm moving one platoon of my tank reserve toward that gap, just in case. This platoon is short two tanks damaged in during the enemy prep fire. There are still four Valentine IXs and two Valentine IIIs heading toward the gap between hills 2 and 3, but tank platoon I withdrew earlier is there. Most of my reserves have been deployed, but the tanks around hills 1 and 2 should be able to return shortly. One battery of 25pdrs also hit the Southern part if hill 2. The StuG ambush at hill 3 got the last Valentine IX in this area. Small arms got three truck mounted 6pdrs, also. That leaves a few Valentine IIIs and infantry. My artillery hit the infantry near hill 3 and the infantry close to the Southern flank guard. Some of my scouts in quiet locations have managed to push through and will post near enemy controlled victory hexes. Once the enemy attacks are broken, my units will advance forward. My estimates on enemy strength before the battle seem to be close, but I still feel there should be more enemy tanks. I've attached a zip file with zoomed out screen prints of the three primary battle locations. Sorry if they are a bit difficult to see, but they had to be zoomed out to see the action in the area. There are a lot of enemy infantry units not visible on the maps due to smoke, low visibility and hiding behind hills, unless I did more damage than I know. The action is done for the night Casualties Friendly: One SdKfz 250/8, one StuG IIIf, estimated 5 infantry casualties. Enemy: One Valentine IX tank, three truck mounted 6pdrs destroyed, estimated 15 infantry casualties. |
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Turn 13
Back in action. Northern flank guard shifted South on their hill to avoid incoming artillery. They should have moved earlier. At best, it's generally only safe to stay in position for about 3 turns before enemy artillery can hit. Units should shift at least 200 meters after that and not go where other friendly units were engaging from. The enemy infantry is shifting their move to the South to get around my holding action in this sector. My shift will help to resist this enemy move. As there is little action on hill 1, I decided to start moving these units forward. Advanced scouts indicate there is no opposition East of hill 1 aside from an enemy FOO. After the move, a couple of batteries of enemy 25pdrs hit the positions vacated. East of the gap between hills 1 and 2, there are now three Valentine III tanks. Enemy artillery hit them as well :D The infantry units deployed on hill 2 have started moving forward as well. Smoke from the burning enemy tracks makes a nice area to ambush the advancing Valentine IX tanks, which appear to be advancing without infantry. My overall object here is to capture the hill East of hill 2. That hill will be designated as hill 4. The enemy Valentine IX tanks are heading Northwest toward hill 3. They should blunder into my infantry in the smoke. Light artillery continued to hit the Southern part of hill 2. My reserve tank platoon should pass through the gap between hills 1 and 2 this turn. The reserve tanks in the gap between hills 2 and 3 are holding position at this time. I want the enemy to get locked up with my infantry before they move. Tracks are being moved forward to pull my ATGs off of hills 1 and 2. The enemy infantry is still pushing toward hill 3, so I'm holding my position there. My tanks have rounded the South side of the hill and are in position to attack within the next couple of turns. One enemy Valentine III tank was destroyed by an ATG. Three more are with the advancing infantry. My artillery continued to hit the enemy. The Valentine III tanks that were heading toward the gap between hills 2 and 3 have turned Southwest advancing on hill 3. On the Southern flank, the StuGs moved from their ambush position near hill 3 back to the holding action. They engaged an infantry section in the area. The recon tracks shifted to more forward positions. I want to try to avoid the artillery mishap that occurred to the holding force on the other flank. My artillery continue to hit enemy artillery. Now that the enemy advancing columns have been fixed, my forces will advance and maneuver against them or break out into the open and move on victory hexes. "Charlie Mike", continue the mission. Enemy rear area assets are expected to be 6pdrs, 3in mortars and 40mm Bofors. 2pdrs and 25pdrs are also possible, but not expected. Two 3in mortars have been spotted, but I don't have artillery assets available for counter battery at the moment. Since visibility is low, infantry units will have to lead the advance into the enemy rear area. Tanks will support. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: One Valentine IX tank, estimated 10 infantry casualties. |
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Turn 14
Ten enemy rifle sections now visible on Northern flank. Time to bring in artillery to help out. My SPAs spend the last two turns shifting for when the enemy gets around to counter battery fire. Like me, the AI uses artillery to support attacks first. Counter battery fire is secondary to that purpose. Action in front of the gap between hills 1 and 2 just increased. Seven Valentine III tanks are now present and my infantry is in the open. My three D formation tanks are in position to strike and my infantry is within 200 meters of the lead Valentines and they have no visible infantry support.. My infantry took a few casualties, but nothing major. I'll probably pepper the Valentines with small arms fire to suppress them and then assault with a few units. My tanks will also try to pick off a few. Action on hill 4, in front of hill 2, accounted for one immobilized Valentine IX. As hoped, it wandered into the smoke and one of my infantry squads assaulted. I'll try to finish it off next turn. Artillery dropped on the enemy concentration on the South edge of hill 4. Enemy infantry seen running from this location. Enemy attack on hill 3 has stalled. Maneuvered my tanks forward and took out one Valentine III. The two remaining Valentines traded shots with my five PzKw IVg tanks. Small arms fire exchanged, resulting in enemy casualties. Several enemy infantry units popped smoke and ran. Artillery also dropped on enemy formations. I'm probing for the enemy flank on the South edge. Friendly artillery continued dropping in the area. It should take a turn or two before I have this flank turned. Some scout units have pushed 500 meters beyond the engagement areas into the enemy rear. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 infantry casualties. Enemy: One Valentine III tank destroyed, estimated 25 infantry casualties. |
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Turn 15
Bad turn for the enemy!! :D Enemy infantry pushed back with moderate casualties on the North flank. Engaged infantry with two remaining StuGs, recon tracks, scouts and artillery. I'm sending one infantry platoon and an MG-42 team to support. Enemy Valentine III tanks near the 1/2 gap engaged by infantry and tanks. Two Valentines destroyed, while I suffered light infantry casualties. My infantry is continuing to advance on hill 4. Encountered some hidden enemy infantry and pushed them back. I also dropped artillery on the enemy. It was danger close, but I suffered no casualties as a result. There were light casualties during the infantry action on the West face of the hill. On the South end of the hill, the immobilized Valentine IX was abandoned. Another IX advanced into the smoke. This one was destroyed. Still another is pushing West toward the 2/3 gap. I will destroy this one with tanks and infantry next turn. There might be one more Valentine IX hiding behind the smoke. Two Valentine III tanks that were seen heading Southwest toward hill 3 came into range of one 75mm ATG. One was destroyed, leaving one in range. It should be destroyed next turn. The remaining two Valentine III tanks approaching from the Southeast were destroyed by tank and ATG file from hill 3. My infantry the South end of hill 3 advanced forward and engaged enemy infantry in the smoke of the burning wreckage. Enemy casualties were moderate. Artillery also hit the enemy units in this sector. South edge flank is almost turned. Only visible infantry in this area are retreating. Artillery hit those to convince them leaving is a good idea :) Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 infantry casualties. Enemy: Five Valentine III tanks destroyed, one Valentine IX destroyed, one abandoned, estimated 35 infantry casualties. |
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Turn 16
North edge enemy attacked has stopped. All enemy infantry in this sector are pinned or running. I'm too weak in this area to push at the moment. Waiting for infantry support to arrive. Moderate enemy casualties from direct and indirect fire. Action in front of 1/2 gap at a peak. Two more Valentine III tanks destroyed and one damaged. Three of my SS infantry units surrendered, so my casualties in this area were heavy. Pesky FOO unit finally destroyed. The remaining three Valentine IIIs should be destroyed or running during the next turn. Friendly infantry pushing over the top of hill 4. Enemy infantry is running. One Valentine IX tank destroyed by tank fire. There was one more IX tank behind it. The last I saw, it was running home through the smoke. Abandoned IX tank destroyed. The crew won't come back for that one. :D The only enemy infantry visible is running away from hill 4. One victory hex on the hill was secured by a scout with supporting infantry nearby. Hill 4 looks like it's mine. Last six tanks in reserve release to exploit gap in enemy middle. Enemy advance in front of hill 3 appears to be broken. All enemy units are running. South edge enemy force is broken. All enemy units are running. Aside from the action in front of the 2/3 gap, the enemy is on the run. A general advance has been ordered. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 35 infantry casualties. Enemy: Two Valentine III tanks destroyed, two Valentine IX tanks destroyed, estimated 30 infantry casualties. |
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Turn 17
The rout is on. Enemy running in all sectors. Two of remaining Valentine III tanks in front of 1/2 gap destroyed. Last one is damaged. Light casualties there. Running Valentine IX tank found in smoke on hill 4 and destroyed by infantry. 12 enemy infantry units destroyed or dispersed. I'm shifting my SPAs again. Now that the enemy artillery doesn't have an good targets to engage, it will probably start some counter battery fire. I'm holding my fire to allow resupply of towed units and for when I eventually find the enemy towed guns. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 infantry casualties. Enemy: Two Valentine III tanks destroyed, one Valentine IX tank destroyed, estimated 50+ infantry casualties. |
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Turn 18
A few brave enemy units tried to put up a bit of resistance, but didn't hit anything. I did suffer one casualty to random incoming mail. Remaining Valentine III was running, but got nailed in the rear by one of my PzKw IVg tanks. All known enemy tanks have been destroyed. An additional 10 enemy infantry units were destroyed/dispersed. One of my StuGs actually ran out of machine gun ammo! How's that for a lot of shooting. I've never had that happen before. Casualties Friendly: One Enemy: One Valentine III tank destroyed, estimated 40+ infantry casualties. |
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Turn 19
Still receiving incoming mail. Most was random, but there was a concentration on one of my 75mm ATG. No damage. The crew should be ready to run, however. I've got a nearby track that was going to remove the gun. Instead, I'll follow the crew and wait for them to regain their wits and take them to safety. We can recover the gun after the battle. Remnants of three enemy infantry sections are making stands at various locations. I took one casualty as a result. Six more enemy infantry units destroyed/disrupted. The enemy still hold four victory hexes. I'm redeploying my ATGs and some infantry units to cover what I have. No sense letting Rambo, the super sniper, pop up and take one. Other units are advancing forward. Aside from engaging running enemy infantry, my tanks are holding back to wait for the infantry to get out front. Casualties Friendly: One Enemy: Estimated 25 infantry casualties. |
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Turn 20
My ATG crew took more of a beating than I realized. There is only one survivor. A track picked him up and took him to safety. Overall, the enemy incoming has tapered off. A couple of concentrations hitting nothing but empty sand. The enemy infantry that was putting up token resistance has stopped and all are running. A while back, I mentioned two enemy 3in mortars...well, it's time to send a little outgoing mail :D Casualties Friendly: Five Enemy: Estimated 10 infantry casualties. |
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Turn 21
More random incoming artillery. I lost a few more men. My outgoing hit the enemy mortars. One took casualties, one didn't. After I adjust, I don't expect either one to be operating after next turn. Captured one more victory hex. Three to go. It's all pretty much winding down. Casualties Friendly: Two Enemy: Estimated 10 infantry casualties. |
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Turn 22
Still random incoming mail. Outgoing was adjusted on both mortars. The one hit hardest the first go around was abandoned, so I adjusted fire East of it to try to get the crew. The other mortar was pinned, but got hit hard after the adjustment is also abandoned. Still mopping up enemy units. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Estimated 10 infantry casualties. |
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Turn 24
I intentionally skipped turn 23, unless everyone wants to keep hearing about random artillery and didn't see anything as I moved forward :) The hills have eyes, because incoming mail became a little less random this turn. One recon track was destroyed and a tank immobilized. Artillery hit was on target for other units as well, but they weren't damaged. Time for them to scatter. I found the enemy HQ unit and also the first of what I'm sure is several 40mm Bofors. The HQ unit was routed by small arms fire and I have artillery plotted on the Bofors. The bad thing is the Bofors blocks my path to the back edge victory hex. I have to detour around it and the artillery that will rain in next turn. All other victory hexes have been captured. Casualties Friendly: One SdKfz 250/8 destroyed. Enemy: Estimated 3 infantry casualties. |
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Turn 25
All units in impact zone of enemy artillery scattered except immobilized tank. It's still fine, other than being immobilized :) Enemy HQ unit destroyed by small arms and tank fire. Found a second Bofors. Unfortunately, the enemy finally got around to counter battery fire. They targeted the battery that was about to hit the first Bofors, so nothing fired. The crews weren't injured, but they sure do run easily. I plotted some of my SPAs on the first Bofors. In the meantime, I've got infantry maneuvering against them as well. They also have two tanks supporting from formation D. That formation has had it rough. Two other tanks were damaged during the battle prep fire and the tanks just immobilized was from D also. The attack on the Bofors will take place once the artillery hits. A scout is working it's way around and is within 700 meters of the last victory hex. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Estimated 4 infantry casualties. |
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Turn 26
The crews to one of my batteries is running. Not one casualty!! Guess 40 men all have dinner dates in Berlin and don't want to be late :rolleyes: My other artillery hit the two Bofors. Those crews are running also, but at least they have a reason too. They took 50% casualties. My infantry will move out to finish the abandoned guns. If they spot more Bofors, I'll shift my artillery. Otherwise, I'll just cease fire. The scout is now 500 meters away and can almost see the last victory hex. A routed enemy crew is around the location. Not sure where he's from. Maybe one of the abandoned mortars. Another scout unit got to one of them and put it permanently out of action. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: One 3in mortar destroyed, estimated 10 infantry casualties. |
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Turn 27
Counter battery still coming in on my one battery. One crew has 80% suppression, but is still with their gun. I tried to rally them figuring I could have them duck in the ammo bunker for protection, but they are too far gone. The other three crews are well out of the impact zone now. A platoon of infantry moved against the two enemy Bofors crews. The enemy didn't suffer any casualties, but my infantry will be on those guns before the crews can return and put them back in action. I pull my two tanks back. No sense getting careless with them now. There have to be more AAA assets around. I wouldn't have bothered with these except I didn't want to rely on one unit getting to the last victory hex. The scout is now 350 meters from the last victory hex. No other enemy units visible except for routed crews. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Zero |
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Turn 28
Counter battery still coming in. The last crew finally left. Still no casualties. With no crews, the guns can't be hurt and I've yet to lose an ammo bunker. It can happen, but I figure it will be fine. Found yet another Bofors. That makes three. It was pinned from the artillery a few turns ago, so the infantry didn't have any problems moving against it. Seven casualties among the gun crew. All the guns are abandoned now. The scout is now two turns away from the victory hex. That routed crew is still around. I thought about taking some shots at it, but decided against it. There still may be other enemy units around that can't see my scout. No sense advertising his position. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Seven |
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Turn 29
Counter battery stopped, finally Destroyed one abandoned Bofors and one running crew. The scout is 100 meters away!!! Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Seven |
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Decisive Victory!!!!
Turn 30 Counter battery hit the other towed battery with no effect. The eyes in the hills opened up again. Five enemy batteries pounded down on a single StuG parked 1500 meters from the nearest enemy unit. Remember, the battle visibility was only 400 meters. At least they didn't do any damage. Two more batteries opened up on the last two tanks from formation D. Again, no damage. The scout made it to the last victory hex without any enemy fire. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Zero Total Casualties German Men: 138 Artillery: 0 Soft Vehicles: 0 APCs: 3 (2xSdKfz 250/8, 1xSdKfz 251/1) AFVs: 1 (StuG IIIf) British Men: 702 Artillery: 5 Soft Vehicles: 0 APCs: 18 AFVs: 53 (22 tanks, 31 ACs) Note: There were no air assets so those aren't listed. Score Germany: 6729 GB: 478 |
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Congrats on a well fought battle! :D
Keep up the good fight and keep us posted. |
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A great read :)
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Im playing Germany too and thats just about how all my N.Africa battles go as well. In fact whenever I get badly mauled in Europe and need the points I always seem to make them back up with a N.Africa battle.
Loved your details, would love to read one on a bitter battle against the Russians. |
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I'll have to run a campaign that runs on the Eastern Front. This one, I'm trying to run a logical progression from North Africa, through Sicily and Italy and ultimately the Balkins. The problem with the North Africa campaign is the terrain is all pretty much the same. I'm finally in Sicily and I'm thrilled to see actual trees and buildings!!! It allows for more covered and conceiled approaches. Another thing is I want to fight someone other than the British. It's basically been Poland, France and then Britain. During the entire North Africa campaign, I didn't see the Americans once. My next battle Sicily isn't against the British or the Americans. It's against India. I figure that's pretty much Britain by proxy. Eventually, I'll get around to Russia. The tactics to be used against them will have to adapt to the equipment they have. Right now, I'm use to the Western stuff so I figure I will play the war out. It's a 60 battle campaign and I've got 40 finished. When I'm done, I'll try one against the Russians. I will start the war from the beginning again because it allows my core to build up some experience. |
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