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DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
2 Attachment(s)
Germany vs US Army
Mission: Assault, Sant' Angelo, Italy, 10/1943 - grouped objectives. Enemy: Reinforced Battalion - 1-2 Armor Co., 2-3 Infantry Co., 4-6 Artillery Btry, plus ATG, AAA, field fortifications and obstacles. Average force experience, ~65. Terrain: Map = 100x100; hilly, wooded terrain with elevations ranging form -2 to 50. One large hill is located forward in the enemy deployment area near the South edge of the map. There is a town tucked in the Northwest corner of the map. Two objective groups are positioned on the South edge of the town along an East-West line; one objective group is located in the Southeast corner of the town and another about 600m West of it. The third objective group is about 1500m North of the first two and pretty much in the center of the town. There are three paved roads that enter the town from my side of the map and a one dirt road that passes the town to the South by about 600m. A stream enters the map roughly in the center of the top of the map angling Southwest. About a third of the way down, the stream branches. One branch meanders South and the other branch meanders off to the Southwest. There is approximately 100m of rough on either side of the stream. The roads that cross the streams have bridges and are very close to the enemy deployment line. There is limited rough elsewhere. Some hills and ridges near the stream have impassible terrain. Visibility = 32. Troops: 1 Armor Co. (PzKw IVh), 2 Infantry Co. (SS w/tracks), 13 Artillery Btry (On board, 32 tubes towed w/o transport, 4 track mounted 81mm mortars, 18 Off board tubes), 2 Heavy Tank Pltn (PzKw VIe), 2 ATG btry. (75mm PAK 40 w/tracks)), 2 MG Pltn (MG42(2) w/tracks), 2 Eng. Cos (w/tracks). 2 SS PzGren cos. (w/tracks), plus recon, AAA and ammo supply. Average force experience, ~90. Time: 51 Turns Analysis This assault is going to be a bear. Having to assault a town is bad enough, but the placement of the stream just complicates it more. Getting to the FEBA will be easy enough. Unfortunately, easy ends there. There are lots of roads, but on the defend, the enemy loves to mine roads. Look at the picture below if you need proof. The two bridges on the Northern part of the stream are on or behind the enemy deployment line meaning those might be mined or have mines around them. On the other hand, the two bridges that cross the East branch of the stream are 100-150m East of the enemy deployment line. At least I could get across these bridges before having to deal with the mines. Of those two bridges, the Southern bridge is screen more by the terrain. Just West of this bridge, there is a small ridge, some houses and trees. There are some small hills that might be able to observe activity on this bridge, but it's difficult to say. There could also be enemy units on the small ridge, but there wouldn't be many. The ridge isn't that big. One major concern is this bridge is wooden. The big guns used by the Americans are very likely to drop it into the river. The Northern bridge of the East branch is concrete. This bridge is more exposed, however. There is a small hill 500m West of the bridge and another one about 1000m to the Northwest. To the Southwest of the bridge, there is are some woods. That might allow units getting across the bridge to duck into the woods and clear mines in relative concealment. The concrete bridge can still be destroyed by large artillery, but should be more durable than the wooden one. A problem associated with a route involving both of bridges across the East branch, is West branch. More bridges to cross. The West branch has seven bridges across it. There are lots of options here and lots of choke points and lots of places for mines. About the two Northern bridges before the branch in the stream, aside from the potential mine problem, they are both at the foot of a large hill on the Eastern side of the town. These bridges are 300m apart and within 100m of the foot of the hill. It's not impossible I would have to fight just to get to the bridges and have to clear mines under fire. Once I clear the bridges, I would have to move through streets in the town to get to all the objectives. Either the tanks move slowly behind engineers clearing streets or I leave them behind. Tanks might be able to zip around between buildings to avoid the roads, but would still have to be escorted by infantry and mines would still be a risk. The route across the Southern bridges allow my forces to reach two objective groups without having to deal with many roads. They can be approached to within 200m without having to enter the town. Either way I go about it, I will have to fight through at least a click and a half of town to get to the objectives in the middle. The hill on the Southeast corner of town seems to be a key feature. After crossing the East branch bridges, I could take that and position my tanks as overwatch for capturing the objectives on the South side of town. Infantry could do the dirty work here. They can cross streams without risk of bogging down, so the second set of bridges might not be a factor. Six leg companies should be able to do that, then four more could push forward and take the last group of objectives. I'm starting to picture a plan, but I'll put that in another post. Below are two screen prints. One shows how the AI loves to mine roads. It shows roughly 24 East-West road hexes and 16 of them are mined!! Roads on assaults are bad!!! The only reason I am even considering them is I need the bridges or have to plan on leaving 10-20% of my armored force bogged down in the stream and the rough. The other screen print is a zoomed out view of what I have to deal with. I'll flesh out the plan soon. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
2 Attachment(s)
Plan
I'm going to work with a two phased assault to capture the objective groups. The first phase will be to secure an assault position close to the objectives. The second phase will be the actual assault. Organizationally, I'm going to break my forces up into four groups to accomplish specific task necessary to achieve victory: Group 1: One Engineer platoon, two SS Panzer Grenadier platoons. Group 2: One Engineer platoon, two SS Panzer Grenadier platoons, one Tiger platoon. Group 3: One Engineer platoon, two SS Panzer Grenadier platoons. Group 4: One Engineer company, two SS Infantry companies, one Panzer company, one Tiger platoon. Phase 1 Group 1 will secure the South bridge across the East branch of the stream. They are to cross the bridge and push forward about 400-500m, clearing mines along the way. Once they have pushed out, the will secure the area to protect groups following from attack. This advance will take place dismounted. Group 2 will push Southwest and capture the hill, designated as hill 1, 700-800m away from the bridge. Any mines encountered will be cleared along the way. They are primarily interested in the Western most peak as it will be used as an overwatch position and to cover the left flank of the group 4. One platoon of Tigers will assume overwatch from hill 1. Leg units will dismount once they are West of bridge and river and proceed on foot. Group 3 will push to the Northwest about 700-800m from the bridge and secure the woods in this area. Any mines encountered will be cleared along the way. Once the woods are secure, they will protest the right flank of group 4. Leg units will dismount once they are West of bridge and river and proceed on foot. Group 4 will move to the hill at the Southeast corner of the town, designated as hill 2. After the cross the South bridge and ridge, they will take a route 150m North of the dirt road. This will put them behind these houses. Infantry and scouts will have to ensure they are clear before armored units proceed through. Artillery will pound them into splinters before group 4 gets there. Hill 2 needs to be secured as an overwatch position for phase 2 of the operation. Leg units will dismount once they are West of bridge and river and proceed on foot. Phase 2 Group 1 will advance forward along or adjacent to the road and link up with elements of group 2 between hills 2 and 3. From there, both groups will Northwest approximately 500m and secure objective group designated as G2. Group 2 will advance to point between hills 2 and 3 on foot and link up with group 1. Tigers and one platoon of grenadiers will be detached and remain in position on hill 2. Detached elements are subject to being recalled if need arises in capturing objective group G2. Group 3 will advance approximately 750m Northwest on foot and secure a pair of road intersections, detaching one platoon of grenadiers holding position in the woods they occupy at the time. Once the intersections are secured, they are to deny their use by the enemy. Group 4 armor units will remain on hill 2, while engineers and infantry pushes forward on foot and captures objective group G3. From that point, one platoon of engineers will protect G3, while remaining engineers and infantry push to objective group G1 between the houses and not along the road. Mines will be cleared as time permits to allow tank support to move up if needed. Engineers protecting G3 will clear mines as well. This plan is on the complex side, but is necessary due to the complexity of the terrain and mission. If the enemy manages to destroy the bridge, the plan will continue as ordered as force disposition does not easily allow for alterations. Screen prints of both plan phases are attached below. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
1 Attachment(s)
Turn 0 (Prep Fire)
Enemy prep fire artillery hit several troop concentrations. Three tracks were destroyed and four damaged, but not immobilized. I learned something from the last battle. All tracks were empty. Their troops were entrenched in the hex with them, so at least I didn't lose them too. Time to bug out of the impact zones and "Charlie Mike". Casualties Friendly: Three SdKfz 251/1 tracks destroyed. Enemy: Zero. I've attached my save before starting if anyone is interested. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 1
Enemy prep fire continued. A total of eight batteries were involved. Of those, seven hit roads or next to roads. The last one hit a hill. This time, everyone had moved elsewhere. Scouts are advancing to recon area and Group 1 is also moving out. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Zero. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 2
Enemy artillery fire stopped. Engineers from Group 1 advanced by track to position 500m up the road from the South bridge and dismounted. Group panzer grenadiers advancing by track to join them and will dismount at the same location. Scouts report dragon's teeth on bridges North of stream branch and bridges between objective group G3 and Hill 2. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Zero. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 3
Scouts 200m East of South bridge. No enemy sighted on the other side. They can also see Hill 2 from their position. Group 1 engineers are starting to move down the road. Grenadiers have dismounted and are forming up behind them. Since Group 1 doesn't need it's tracks anymore, they are pulling back. Formations that lost tracks during the prep fire will receive temporary replacement tracks from Group 1. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Zero. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 4
One scout 50m from South bridge. Other scouts taking positions on high ground East of stream. Group 1 slowly moving down road as it's continuing to form up. Group 2 is starting to form up so they can move across the bridge as soon as the area is secure. No units can loiter at the bridge or it will attract enemy artillery. Artillery plotted on rows of houses West of East bridge. I want them taken apart before Group 1 gets there. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Zero. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 5
Two scout teams are across South bridge. No activity. Lead elements of Group 2 200m from South bridge. Artillery starting to hit houses West of South bridge. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Zero. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 6
Scouts now on ridge West of South bridge. Still no activity. Lead elements of Group 2 crossing South bridge. Artillery fire hit houses again. They are in need of repair :D Other scout teams are crossing East branch of stream South of the South bridge. No activity reported. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Zero. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 7
Scouts starting to move through damaged houses. Group 1 engineers are starting to form up behind ridge West of South bridge. Grenadiers still moving up. Group 2 has formed up and is waiting for orders to move out. Loaded engineer track from Group 3 destroyed by random enemy artillery. Scouts continuing to cross stream and head towards Hill 1. Enemy infantry reported East of stream up North of the branch. Casualties Friendly: One SdKfz 250/1 track destroyed and estimated 12 casualties. Enemy: Zero. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 8
Scouts still moving through the houses, but haven't spotted anything. Engineers from Group 1 crossing the ridge and took sniper fire. The enemy knows I'm there now. Grenadiers are crossing the bridge and stream South of the bridge. One scout up North tried to move through the dragon's teeth on a bridge and found mines the hard way. An additional enemy squad seen in the area making it likely they are at least in platoon strength. Random enemy artillery continuing to fall. Casualties Friendly: 3 casualties. Enemy: Zero. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 9
Scouts spotted the sniper firing on Group 1 from the woods Group 3 is suppose to clear. Smoke was popped by the engineers so they can continue their mission without worrying about the sniper. One mortar has been plotted on the sniper and scouts will try to finish it off once it is suppressed. The enemy obviously saw Group 1 coming, but were slow with the artillery. They are pounding the road about 250-300m East of the bridge. Panzer Grenadier support tracks caught the fallout from that because they are in that area. One was immobilized and probably will get destroyed before the barrage stops. Group 3 is starting to form up and Group 2 is holding position. Recon tracks are moving forward to engage the enemy infantry up North. The plan is to distract them and maybe get them to shift artillery where it won't do much damage. The enemy keep pounding an empty cross roads for some reason. Casualties Friendly: 1 casualty. Enemy: Zero. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 10
Group 1 is starting to take up positions in the ruined houses. No enemy units have been seen in this area. It's possible the artillery barrage got the to run. In the woods to the North, a bazooka team has been spotted near the sniper. It opened fire and inflicted a casualties on a scout unit. Mortar fire started to hit the sniper position and another one was plotted on the bazooka team. Enemy artillery continued to pound the area East of the South Bridge. I found a "gamey" way to save my immobilized track. The crew was force bailed out and carried away by another support track. Now, the immobilized track could get hit by a meteor and not suffer any more damage :) Groups 2 and 3 are holding position as enemy artillery is hitting their route. Group 4 is starting to pull together. More enemy infantry has been spotted up North. They likely have at least two platoons and it could be a company strength unit. One squad was engaged by two recon tracks. Scouts spotted enemy in platoon strength East of Hill 1. Artillery has been plotted on their positions and counter battery is also ordered on some enemy mortars sighted. Enemy artillery is continuing to hit the empty cross roads. Casualties Friendly: 1 casualty. Enemy: Zero. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 11
Group 1 is continuing to deploy. Two support tracks moved up and engaged the sniper. A scout moved forward as well. Mortar fire continues to fall on his position. He is currently retreating. Mortar fire hit close to the bazooka team as well. The enemy artillery stopped hitting East of the South bridge, so Group 2 is going to start moving. Group 3 will hold position until Group 2 gets across the bridge. One enemy squad routed by recon tracks. The recon track is moving to another position before enemy artillery comes in. Scouts are backing up from Hill 1 before artillery comes in. Mines spotted in the woods Southeast of hill. Enemy mortars is trying to hit some scouts they've found. They hit their own positions as much as they hit the scouts. Casualties Friendly: 1 casualty. Enemy: 4 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 12
Support tracks from Group 1 destroyed sniper. Mortar fire lifted on that position. Fire still being adjusted on bazooka team. Other elements of Group 1 are taking up positions. Scouts are pushing on to Hill 2. No enemy encountered. Group 2 is starting to move. Recon tracks hit enemy squad again and a bazooka team up North. Enemy infantry engaged and destroyed one scout. The remaining ones are holding position. Enemy infantry East of Hill 1 hit by artillery, but are holding position. Casualties Friendly: 3 casualties Enemy: 1 casualty. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 13
Scout found enemy squad just North of Group 1 and was engaged taking several casaulties. Panzer grenadiers engaged enemy and inflicked some casualties. Mortar file called in on it as well. Mortars also hit bazooka team. Scouts will move in and finish it off. Lead elements of Group 2 just East of South bridge. Recon tracks continuing to harass enemy infantry, without effect. Artillery hit enemy near Hill 1 and routed them. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 2 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 5 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 14
Scouts took out the enemy bazooka team North of Group 1 and the group continued to exchange fire with the enemy squad nearby. Another scout is at the foot of Hill 2 and hasn't reported any activity. Group 2 is crossing the South bridge, with Tigers in the lead. They are going to have to let the engineers through so they can check for mines. The harassing tactics by the recon tracks are working. Enemy artillery is starting to hit locations where they had been. Enemy artillery also shelled some mortar tracks along the South edge of the map. Several batteries hit the location and damaged two. The funny thing is, they haven't fired and can't be seen because they are tucked in behind a hill. Casualties Friendly: Zero. Enemy: Estimated 5 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 15
Enemy squad destroyed by Group 1. Scouts are exploring the woods and forward slope of Hill 2. Enemy artillery is starting to hit grenadiers from group. Group 2 Tigers have pulled out of the way and the engineers have been dropped off by their tracks. One platoon of grenadiers has also been dropped off. Enemy artillery hitting Group 1 is close, so last platoon of grenadiers will wait until it ends. Moved all recon tracks again, just to be sure they can't be targeted by enemy artillery. A few batteries of enemy artillery are continuing to hit on old position. Artillery and scouts attacked enemy infantry near Hill 1 and sent them running. Another squad and a bazooka team have been spotted. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 15 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 16
Grenadiers of Group 1 continue to be hit by enemy artillery suffering some casualties. While trying to clear out of the impact zone, they were engaged by enemy infantry located on the Northeastern corner of Hill 2, just next to the edge of the woods. Artillery has been plotted. Group 2 engineers and one platoon of grenadiers moving towards Hill 1. Tracks retreating to postion on West side of stream, but behind far right side of Hill 1 to keep South bridge clear of targets. Second platoon of grenadiers crossed bridge and advanced around incoming artillery. Group 3 holding position. Group 4 starting to stage for their move. Recon tracks continuing harassment of enemy Northern force. Enemy around Hill 1 in platoon strength. Artillery continuing to hit their positions, but force too strong for scouts to deal with. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 15 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 17
Artillery on Group 1 has ceased. Units recovering from suppression. Group 2 pushing to Hill 1. Tigers and grenadiers have engaged one squad along the Northeastern corner. Additional artillery plotted. Enemy infantry fired at some nearby scouts. Considering postion of enemy units and minefield seen South of the hill, there might be mines on the top. I won't know until I get engineers there. Elements of Group 3 are 50m from Southern bridge. They will cross next turn and push to their objective. Group 4 continuing to organize. More enemy artillery is falling up North, trying to get the tracks harassing them. Some units are out of main gun ammunition, but they will continue to harass with machine guns. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 2 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 10 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 18
Group 1 is pushing forward a bit more. They have push 500m along the road and still haven't found any mines. All that means is there are likely to be more mines in the town than expected. Enemy infantry and Group 2 are exchanging fire, with the enemy suffering casualties. Artillery is continuing to fall on their positions. One grenadier platoon with tracks is engaging. Once things settle down, they will dismount and send their tracks to the rear. Group 3 is now across bridge and will dismount next turn. Scouts aren't finding any enemy units in the woods. Group 4 is holding position at the moment. Artillery still hitting enemy infantry on edge of Hill 2. They are retreating. Recon tracks are falling back to resupply. Enemy artillery is coming in heavier on their former positions. Casualties Friendly: Zero. Enemy: Estimated 15 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
3 Attachment(s)
Turn 19
Group 1 holding position. Group 2 heavily engaged with enemy on Hill 1. Elements maneuvered for firing positions and closed with the enemy. One enemy squad destroyed and one friendly engineer running. Scouts engaged and destroyed one bazooka team. Artillery continued to hit enemy positions and other sections of the hill. All units from Group 3 dismounted and moving forward to woods. Group 4 pushing forward again. Lead elements about 300m from the South bridge. Scouts and artillery hitting enemy units on Hill 2. Two enemy squads running. Enemy M10 spotted in revetment 300m South of hill next to the dirt road. Artillery plotted. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 20 casualties. Screen prints of Groups 1, 2 and 3 have been attached. No point in showing Group 4 as they are still East of the stream. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 20
Group 1 holding position. On Hill 1, Group 2 is still pushing enemy infantry back. The Tigers and support tracks are pulling back and the grenadiers will continue the action with artillery support. About half the enemy units are running at the moment. Group 3 is still moving to their position in the woods. Scouts aren't reporting any enemy infantry in the woods at the moment. Group 4 has halted and is waiting for Group 3 to clear the route. Artillery fired at the enemy M10 with no effect. Some counter battery was also fired at an enemy mortar, also with no effect. Artillery continues to hit the enemy on Hill 2, but some is coming up short making life hard on some of my scouts. Enemy artillery was firing some counter battery fire at one howitzer battery and some of my mortars. They are also still trying to hit the recon tracks which have backed out of the area for now. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 10 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 21
Group 1 holding position. Group 2 is continuing to push the enemy back on Hill 1. Unfortunately, there are two M10s on the back side of the hill providing support. That makes three of those in the immediate area. I need to get some artillery dropped on the two new ones while I clear the hill. Group 3 continuing to move forward. The engineer company of Group 4 has crossed the South bridge and is West of the ridge. All other elements are East of the bridge and no one stops ON the bridge. Enemy M10 still not damaged by artillery. Their mortar is retreating, however at the expense of one bridge at the Southeast corner of town in the stream. Enemy counter battery has two of my howitzer crews on the run and two others routed. No casualties, however. They are still tearing up the country side for my recon tracks. That was the objective of the harassing mission, to divert enemy artillery elsewhere :D Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 10 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 22
Group 1 is pushing forward some to engage the one M10 down the road. Action on Hill 1 is slow with all the artillery craters. There are only two known squads left, but they are difficult to get to with the M10s firing from the reverse slope. A Sherman tank opened up from a position 500m behind the M10s. Tigers are pushing forward to assist, but won't tangle with the M10s by themselves. Mines have finally been spotted. They are on the reverse slope of Hill 1. Group 3 is starting to enter the woods. A scout team spotted and traded fire with a bazooka team. The engineers are in the lead, so they will take care of them. A grenadiers company and platoon of Tigers are West of the stream now. One tank company and grenadiers company are still East of the stream. I really don't like having a column a click long on the road. They tend to attract artillery. Enemy artillery seems to be taking a break. Three of my howitzer crews have recovered and I hope the fourth does before it leaves the map. Friendly artillery is still hitting the enemy M10s and positions on Hill 1. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 3 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 5 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 23
Group 1 continuing to push forward. They haven't sighted the M10 down the road yet, but it was immobilized by artillery fire. There is a scout team nearby with a panzerfaust so I might have them try to take care of it. Enemy 60mm mortar hit units on North slope of Hill 1, inflicting casualties. Enemy infantry now retreating off of the hill and through their own mine field. Tigers are on top of the hill, but don't have view of any enemy units at the moment. Last of friendly artillery hitting enemy infantry positions, but will continue on enemy M10s. Engineer LMG team managed to put a shot down into the open top of one doing some damage. Group 3 still moving into the woods, but they won't have to worry about the bazooka team. The scouts took them out. Engineers from Group 4 are starting to unload on the foot of Hill 2. They probably won't be needed right away because scouts on the hill haven't encountered any mines. A beat up enemy squad traded fire with them and a scout on the hill. It lost! One company of infantry is still on the East side of the stream, while the rest of the group are bunched up North of the house row. That would be an FOOs dream! My routed howitzer crew decided to call it a day and left the map. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 10 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 24
Group 1 is still pushing forward and within 100m of the M10. They are attempting to get position on the other two as well since Group 2 is taking artillery fire that is bogging them down. An enemy infantry squad opened up from the West foot of Hill 1 on some grenadiers, so they popped smoke. Hill 1 is still taking artillery fire on most infantry elements of Group 2. Tigers have pushed forward and one blundered upon a hidden enemy unit. Luckilty, it was somewhat suppressed by friendly artillery and the Tiger wasn't damaged. The remaining enemy infantry was running. Three Shermans were on the reverse slope of Hill 1, but the Tigers destroyed all three of them. It's beginning to look like Hill 1 won't be a good overwatch position with the number of burning enemy tanks on the West slope. The view will be blocked by smoke shortly. Group 3 taking up positions without opposition. Engineers from Group 4 are pushing up East slope of Hill 2. Enemy infantry squad that engaged last turn was eliminated. Scouts did find a bazooka team on the North side of the hill. One damaged scout team was eliminated. The engineers will push up and deal with the bazooka team. There is a 60mm mortar on the reverse of Hill 2. I believe that is the one firing on Hill 1. They will deal with that as well. Other elements of Group 4 are taking up dispersed positions between road and woods to the North while the hill is checked for mines. I got everything I needed to across that wooden bridge and it's still up!! :) Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: Three M4A3(Early) tanks destroyed and estimated 10 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 25
Group 1 engaged by enemy infantry in platoon strength on Western edge of Hill 2. A scout farther forward took a panzerfaust shot at the M10 along the road and missed. Then it popped smoke to screen the advance of Group 1 engineers. The engineers assaulted the M10 and destroyed it. Grenadiers tried to destroy another M10 at a distance, but failed. Tigers on Hill 1 engaged enemy infantry retreating and destroyed another Sherman on the reverse side of the hill. Enemy artillery is still making life difficult for leg units, but some engineers are succeeding in clearing mines. Artillery scored a top hit on one of the M10s damaging it. Enemy infantry was also hit hard and all are retreating from the hill. Group 3 continuing to move forward. Lead elements have reached positions they will hold until phase 2 of the operation begins, which better be soon! Two platoons of Group 4 engineers continuing up Hill 2. Other elements holding position. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: One M10 GMC(Early) tank destroyer and one M4A3(Early) tank destroyed and estimated 15 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 26
Grenadiers from Group 1 destroyed one of the remaining two M10s. Remaining elements are taking up positions to engage enemy infantry on West side of Hill 2. Enemy artillery hit Hill 1 hard inflicting moderate casualties on infantry units. Tigers engaged enemy infantry and smoke cleared enough to give one a view of the remaining enemy M10. The M10 was destroyed. I need to move the Tigers back off Hill 1 to get them away from the enemy artillery. Engineers from Group 3 have established an East-West line in the middle of the woods. Grenadiers are swinging West to engage the enemy bazooka team on the North edge of Hill 2. Engineer platoons from Group 4 crested the top of Hill 2 and attracted attention from a HMG team and a bunker to the West. They popped smoke and are waiting for Tigers to come up for support. Several engineer squads are heading North to help with the enemy bazooka team. Enemy artillery is spreading out their counter battery efforts, hitting two more of my howitzer batteries and some of my mortar sections. Three more howitzer crews are on the run. Hopefully, the military police can stop them at the edge of the map and turn them back :rolleyes: Casualties Friendly: Estimated 15 casualties. Enemy: Two M10 GMC(Early) tank destroyers destroyed and estimated 10 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 27
Smoke clearing and Group 1 traded fire with enemy infantry. They are dug in and my troops aren't, so I lost that exchange. Group 2 engineers and grenadiers on Hill 2 are getting hit hard by enemy artillery again. They are close to combat ineffective. Holding the hill won't be a problem, but I'm not sure they will be able to link with Group 1 and proceed to objective group G2. The Tigers are fine, however and since the hill doesn't seem like it will be useful for an overwatch position, they will probably join up for that mission. There is one enemy Sherman that needs to be dealt with still, so the Tigers would be useful in that role. Grenadiers from Group 3 taking fire from several enemy mortars. Group 4 took care of the enemy bazooka team, so they will hold position. Group 4 engineers reached the reverse edge of Hill 2 and got lit up. A second bunker opened up and the enemy seems to be in company strength. Tigers are moving up to support. Enemy trying to hit the area with artillery as well, but they were over shooting. I'm going to have to bring up units other than engineers for the task of clearing the area. They aren't appropriately armed for long range fire fights with infantry. Most recon tracks are resupplied and are moving back to harass the enemy and hopefully pull some artillery off other targets. It's killing me in other places. MPs failed at their job and howitzer crews left :mad: Casualties Friendly: Estimated 15 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 5 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 28
Elements of Group 1 still exchanging fire with enemy infantry and are still taking casualties. Artillery has been plotted on the enemy positions. Another M10 has been spotted 200m South of the dirt road, so they are moving against it. Group 2 still getting hit by artillery, but it's getting lighter. Only a few mortars fired at them this time. The Tigers are on the forward slope of Hill 1 waiting for it to finish before they move out. Mortar file against Group 3 ceased and the group is holding position. Group 4 engineers backed up a bit to covered positions. They aren't taking fire anymore. Tigers moved up and destroyed two Shermans near Hill 3 and engaged both the HMG position and the enemy bunkers. Artillery has been plotted on the enemy positions in town. Recon tracks still moving. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 10 casualties. Enemy: Two M4(Early) tanks destroyed and estimated 5 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 29
Grenadiers from Group 1 managed to destroy M10, but enemy infantry is keeping the rest of the group pinned down. Artillery started hitting their positions which should allow Group 1 to advance against them. For some reason, some enemy units are starting to abandon their entrenchments and advancing. I haven't taken any objective hexes yet. Tigers from Group 2 started moving out and heavy enemy artillery started falling again. I might have to take them back through the Group 1 position if I'm going to get them out of there in one piece. Infantry got beat up again. All units are getting off of Hill 2. It's not a nice place to be. Grenadiers from Group 3 are starting to head to their phase 2 objective of the road intersections. The engineers will hold position. Hopefully, the grenadiers won't run into mines, but those could be useful in stopping the enemy. I don't figure the enemy will have place them with routes for shifting units in mind. Group 4 Tigers destroyed enemy HMG team and one of the bunkers. A bazooka team ran up next to one Tiger and attracted a lot of attention. It was last seen running the other way. Recon tracks still moving. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 10 casualties. Enemy: One M10 GMC(Early) tanks destroyer and bunker destroyed and estimated 10 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 30
Group 1 pushing forward and engaging enemy infantry pinned by artillery. One enemy unit destroyed, others are running, with only one beat up unit let in the way. Elements from Group 2 are linking up with Group 1, but they are pretty beat up. The only units left on Hill 1 are a couple of squads and my Tigers. They are moving Northeast to get away from the artillery. The Tigers are trying to pick up the two units left so they can get off the hill quickly. Forward elements engaged some running enemy infantry. Group 3 grenadiers continuing to move towards road intersections. Enemy infantry moving on Hill 2, but being suppressed by artillery. Bazooka team destroyed by engineers and Tigers destroyed last bunker. One Tiger moved Southwest to assist Groups 1 and 2 while other Tigers are moving up. Engaged by a Sherman near Hill 3. Returned fire and damaged the Sherman. Recon tracks are in position and will start harassing enemy up North again. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 10 casualties. Enemy: One M4(Early) tank and bunker destroyed and estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 31
Group 1 broke into the open for a short period of time. One engineer charged down the road to see if it was clear of mines and drew fire from a Sherman and several infantry units. They also found another line of mine. A small breach will have to be cleared to allow units to advance on objective groups G2 and G3. At this point, it's not clear if I'll get to G1 since resistance has been constant. Group 2 drew fire from the same enemy infantry that fired on Group 1. Smoke was popped and artillery plotted. Some elements are still having a miserable time getting off of Hill 1 because of enemy artillery. The Tigers are off of the hill, however and moving Northwest to the dirt road. Group 3 grenadiers continuing to move towards road intersections. Group 4 engineers pushed to the rear edge of Hill 2. This time, there wasn't as much enemy fire. Several units tried to swing to a road to their right and found an enemy infantry unit right in the way. The traded fire and the enemy ended up retreating. Two Tigers are moving that way to support as are one platoon of PzKw IVhs. They were able to put some direct fire down on a 60mm mortar behind the hill. They should be able to start pushing forward. Recon tracks opened up on the enemy positions up North again, inflicting several casualties. The drew direct fire from an enemy 60mm mortar, but it wasn't effective. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 10 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 15 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 32
Group 1 and Group 2 concentrating while waiting for support to deal with two Shermans and enemy infantry behind mine field. One Tiger from Group 4 will provide assistence while Group 2's Tigers come up. Most elements of Group 2 are moving up to the minefield. One grenadier squad traded fire with an entrenched enemy infantry unit. There are still two squads trying to get off of Hill 1, but the enemy is still hitting it with moderate artillery. I guess better there than someplace that could really hurt. Group 2's Tigers are about 750m from the minefield line. Group 3 grenadiers are starting to near the edge of town and several engaged some entrenched infantry. Engineers from Group 4 are continuing to push towards town and objective group G3. They are about 200m away, but there are lots of enemy infantry units around. One Tiger is following an engineer unit in and is providing support. It actually is able to see one of the Shermans near Hill 3. A couple of shots were taken, but the enemy infantry forward is more important at the moment. Another Tiger from the group is moving to take care of the Shermans. Engineers were able to destroy the enemy 60mm mortar. The mark IVhs are still moving up and the last platoon of engineers will follow. Enemy artillery fire is hitting the Western side of Hill 2, bogging down several units there. A line of mines has been spotted on the East side of town. Recon tracks are continuing their harassing tactics. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: One 60mm mortar destroyed and estimated 10 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 33
Since Groups 1 and 2 have been effectively merged, they will be referred to as Group 12. Group 12 engineers have cleared a 50m gap in the minefield so the group can push forward. Enemy infantry units are coming out of entrenchments and trying to push the group back. One appeared in the gap and was immediately thrown back. Others are engaging elements that moved into a line of woods next to the minefield. The supporting Tiger from Group 4 destroyed one of the Shermans near Hill 3. Enemy artillery is falling to the rear of the group. All units are finally off of Hill 1. The group Tigers should link back up in two turns. Group 3 grenadiers are blocked by a minefield to their front, but are engaging enemy infantry beyond. Group 4 engineers are trying to clear mines and dragon's teeth on a bridge at the Southeast corner of town. The obstacles are heavy at this location. Other units are trying to clear obstacles as well, but the bridge is important to get tanks in for support. Most enemy infantry in this area are routed at the moment. Enemy artillery is still pounding the West side of the hill, but most units are out of the way. North sector enemy infantry units are suffering a few casualties from my recon tracks. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: One M4(Early) tank destroyed and estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 34
A nice little fire fight has broken out between Group 12 and enemy infantry. It started with the Tiger supporting the group following an engineer through the smoke and dueling with the last Sherman. The Sherman lost and the Tiger pulled out and started to return to Group 4. Grenadiers and LMG teams shot it out with a platoon of enemy infantry, with casualties on both sides. Friendly artillery probably finished the fight because they hit the enemy hard. Elements should be able to push through several gaps in the minefield. Group 3 grenadiers traded fire with an enemy squad and bazooka team. The bazooka team was destroyed and the squad is running. There might be a route through the mines by using the enemy entrenchments. They are going to try to get to their assigned location and the road intersections. Several enemy squads fired at lead elements of Group 4 clearing obstacles. Dragon's teeth have been removed and some of the mines are gone, but there are no gaps as of yet. The two group Tigers pushed up the road East of the mined bridge and provided fire support. Enemy artillery is still coming in on the West side and my artillery was a touch closer than I would have liked. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 10 casualties. Enemy: One M4(Early) tank destroyed and estimated 15 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 35
Group 12 still involved in a fire fight with enemy infantry to their front. I though my artillery ended it, but the enemy rallied. Elements of the group are pushing through the gaps in the mine fields. Two group Tigers have pushed through as well, adding their fire power to the push. Artillery hit the enemy positions again and this time, one enemy squad is clearly running. Enemy mortar fire came in on the group, suppressing some units. Another bunker has been spotted, but most units are already past it. Group 3 grenadiers are trading fire with enemy reinforcements arriving from the North. This is why I want them to get to those road intersections. Several enemy squads have been seen so far. The bridge has been cleared of obstacles, but the engineers need to lead out to make sure the roads are clear. One enemy unit in a house is continuing to keep the lead elements under fire. Enemy mortars are dropping just behind the engineers. It will be less effective once they get through and fan out. The last Tiger of the group is finally returning and should be back in 3-4 turns. Recon tracks are continuing to be annoying up North, but with all the action down South, the enemy might not bother firing on them this time. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 10 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 36
Group 12 is pushing forward to objective group G2. The enemy still has a platoon in the way, but they are starting to break. Most of the group was suppressed from enemy artillery last turn and are suppressed. The Tigers are pushing forward and destroyed the bunker sighted, but another has been seen. Artillery continues to hit enemy positions and their artillery is continuing to hit my troops. Group 3 still has mines in front of them, but they will attempt to cover the flank of Group 4 from their current position using enemy entrenchments. They are still trading fire with enemy reinforcments, but need some heavier support. Group 4 has established a bridge head West of the West branch. Two Tigers and almost two platoons of engineers have crossed. The mark IVh platoon is coming up with another platoon of engineers and a company of core infantry. The enemy is hitting the bridge head with mortar fire and the mark IVhs with 155mm artillery. One was immobilized. It is very close to the bridge, so it might go. Recon tracks are still harassing the enemy Northern force. It's time for them to shift positions. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: One enemy bunker destroyed and estimated 15 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
2 Attachment(s)
Turn 37
Group 12 has effectively broken all resistance to objective group G2. Enemy artillery is slowing their advance, but units that have gotten out of the impact zone are moving quickly. One core infantry company and one platoon of PzKw IVh tanks have been detached from Group 4 and are going to try to move to objective group G1 from this direction. Tigers destroyed last enemy bunker sighted in this sector. Group 3 heavily engaged with enemy reinforcements coming from the North. They are slowing the enemy considerably. Bridge head being hit by heavy enemy artillery, but mark IVh platoon and engineer platoon rushed across river. Most moved North to support Group 3 in stopping enemy reinforcements. Two flags of G3 turned, but most units in this area are heavily suppressed. The bridge is still up. If it stays up, there are seven more tanks and a core infantry company ready to cross. Recon tracks are going to relocate to see if they can interdict enemy reinforcements heading South. Since this has been a long and hard battle, I've attached two screen prints showing the main battle areas. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 15 casualties. Enemy: One enemy bunker destroyed and estimated 15 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 38
Group 12 is running in the open, as much as you can run in a cratered field. Enemy reinforcments from the North have stalled. Group 3, with help from Group 4 and artillery have stopped them for the moment. The bridge is gone, so getting reinforcements to Group 4 will be difficult. It's not impossible to get them there, but there is a risk of bogging units down in the stream. With the enemy artillery coming in like it is, I am in no hurry in getting more units over there. Engineers are scattering and one Tiger and two PzKw IVhs are immobilized. Eventually, the enemy will lift their fire. In the meantime, there should be enough troops to hold the objective group. They certainly aren't moving forward. One more flag has been turned on G3. Two recon tracks are firing on enemy reinforcements coming down from the North. Four others are moving into position to help. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 15 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 15 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 39
Group 12 is pushing to bridge near objective group G2. Core infantry has caught up with them, but lost one loaded track when a hidden Bofors opened up. I'll have to deal with that quickly. Group 3 continuing to engage enemy reinforcements coming down. Could be in company strength, but some are already running and artillery is dropping on road intersection that was the Group 3 objective for Phase 2. Recon tracks are helping to slow the enemy reinforcment advance. Enemy mortar fire is still dropping on Group 4, but the heavy stuff has let up for the moment. Units are trying to push out some to protect the immobilized tanks from any infantry that might happen to pop up. One flag to go in objective group G3. Engineers are clearing mines in the area, not that the tanks can move. Casualties Friendly: One SdKfz 250/1 half-track destroyed and estimated 15 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 40
Lead elements of Group 12 have pushed across West branch bridge near objective group G2. They will continue to move forward. Follow-up elements can move and capture G2. G1 is the objective group that I'm not sure there will be enough time to get to. Heavy artillery starting to fall in the rear. I'm might move the core infantry around a different way and let the units on foot take the direct route. Artillery has been plotted on the Bofors. Enemy reinforcements still pushing down from the North. One East of the stream is heading down the road toward the recon tracks. I'm going to send two over to stop it. Bridge head still getting hit, but units are spreading out so it's not having as much of an affect. One unit stumbled on a bazooka team near G3 and was thrown back. I'll move several units over and take care of it. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 10 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 10 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 41
Group 12 elements are advancing into town. Infantry units reached the first intersection and another hidden Bofors opened up. I was able to overwhelm it with other infantry units and two Tigers. Rear elements are still moving up, but the core infantry in tracks are still holding position because of the other Bofors. I had pulled up a mark IVh and started firing at 700m. After exchanging fire a couple of times, THE SMOKE DISCHARGERS FIRED!!!. I forgot to turn the stupid things off!! At that range, I wasn't worried about the Bofors getting a penetrating shot. Unfortunately, there weren't any other spots with a clear view. I have to wait for the artillery or infantry to get up there. Enemy infantry coming from the North is running into a meat grinder. Two platoons of grenadiers, engineer LMGs, two mark IVhs and artillery are making it impossible to get close. Recon tracks moved closer, took care of the one unit running down the road and are catching others from behind. Light mortar fire coming down on Group 4, but there aren't any packed targets to hit anymore. Engineers were able to get the enemy bazooka team close by. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: One 40mm Bofors destroyed and estimated 10 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 42
Smoke cleared in other locations, so I finally got a clear shot at the enemy Bofors with my mark IVs. As expected, they did a pretty good number on it. Not destroyed, but the Bofor's crew took casualties and was routed. Lead units of Group 12 starting pushing North up the road to objective group 12. About 100m up, they got hit by another Bofors. Two Tigers came up and dispatch it. The infantry moved up another 50m and this time, enemy infantry and a MMG team opened up, so the last Tiger came up and engaged them. Follow up units are spreading out around the road to make sure no bazooka teams get through. One platoon of core infantry are moving up as well, plus a couple more tanks. Group 3 is taking heavy enemy artillery fire now. One position is on fire, so it will be tough to keep them there. At the moment, the choice is between moving and taking artillery in the open or staying in entrenchments in a burning hex. The choices aren't good, but they are staying put. Two of the recon tracks ended up being in the line of sight of a 57mm ATG and are both destroyed. Friendly artillery is still hitting enemy reinforcements. Light mortar fire is still coming in on Group 4. I need to get the tracks out of there. They will risk getting bogged down and run across the stream. Stuck is better than dead. Engineers are pushing forward. Casualties Friendly: Two SdKfz 250/10 recon tracks destroyed and estimated 10 casualties. Enemy: One 40mm Bofors destroyed and estimated 15 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 43
Group 12 is slowly pushing up the road. They have eight turns to move two city blocks and there seem to be enemy ambushes every step of the way. The enemy infantry unit encounterd was total routed and the MMG team destroyed. Another infantry unit came down the road and was sent running. The remaining Bofors has been found abandon. One platoon of core infantry came up and dismounted. Two more are coming up, but will stay mounted in case I need to make a dash for it. Rear units are moving into objective group G2. Four flags have been turned. They encountered an enemy 60mm mortar and engaged it. The crew was last seen running. Group 3 is getting hammered by artillery and some of the grenadiers are running. I managed to get them back under control for the moment, but that won't keep the way enemy artillery is coming in. There is a nearby company of core infantry, so if the grenadiers run, the way will still be blocked. Enemy reinforcements are still trying to get through, but are meeting resistance from the composed elements of Group 3 and elements from Group 4 across the road. Artillery is continuing to slow the advance of enemy units, inflicting heavy casualties. Group 4 units are pushing North and encountering some enemy infantry. There aren't enough to be a threat at this time. The tracks started pulling back, but one found a mine. At least it was empty. Casualties Friendly: One SdKfz 250/1 track destroyed and estimated 10 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 44
Group 12 advanced another 150m up the road. Enemy infantry is on the other side of the intersection in platoon strength, but some have taken damage. One more Bofors was spotted by some of the flanking units. It was engaged by small arms fire and suffered several casualties. Rear units turned two more flags of G2. Group 3 panzer grenadiers are about at half strength. The artillery is being rough on them. The group engineers are still in the woods, but will hold position. One enemy squad is advancing South along the East bank of the West branch of the stream. My artillery has been as rough on the enemy as theirs has been on me. Group 4 engineers still pushing out. Enemy artillery hitting near the two mark IVhs North of G3. They have to hold position because there is really nowhere to go. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 10 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 45
Group 12 has secured the intersection and is proceeding North. One squad was about a city block from the G1, but got jumped by two enemy squads and is running. Those are the only two active enemy squads known to be in front of the group. Two mark IVhs and two platoons of core infantry in tracks have closed in on the lead elements and are ready to make a quick push. Rear elements have turned the last flag of G2. It is secure. Finally, the enemy heavy stuff has let up on Group 3. Only light mortar fire this time. Several enemy units are pushing South, but there aren't enough to get through. The grenadiers have taken a beating, but are still in there fighting. Two bridges the enemy reinforcments have been using to cross have been destroyed, but they are leg units so it doesn't matter much. Group 4 is holding positions, securing the city block North of G3. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 10 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 46
Lead elements of Group 12 are now one city block away from objective group G1. One platoon of core infantry in tracks moved forward and secured the route through the next block after dismounting. One more enemy infantry unit was encountered, but destroyed by the core. The other two enemy infantry units seen last turn were engaged and sent running. Routed enemy infantry is being pushed to make sure they don't come back. One concern is the 57mm ATG that killed the two recon tracks is somewhere along the road just North of G1. If it's in the intersection, it might be a problem. Enemy infantry still trying to push through the intersection North of Group 3. Several bazooka teams and a platoon of infantry were trading fire with grenadiers, engineers and tanks. They aren't getting far. Friendly artillery is continuing to fall making their job as difficult as possible. Group 4 is continuing to hold position and assist Group 3 in holding off enemy reinforcements. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 10 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Sant' Angelo, Italy
Turn 47
Group 12 core infantry now within 200m of objective group G1. Those track mounted troops have been able to move quickly up the road. There is an enemy mortar close by, so they will finish that off. All other enemy units in the area are running. The tanks are holding back and will advance if needed. Other Group 12 infantry has pushed out around the tanks to keep bazooka teams away. Enemy artillery is falling on units around G2 and one active squad was seen. I'm not sure where it went to, but I'll push troops out to locate and deal with it. Three mark IVhs are moving up to assist. Groups 3 and 4 are still fighting off enemy units. They are advancing in company strength, but have taken a real beating and are all but shattered. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 10 casualties. |
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