Turn 13
Reporting always top to bottom
Not moved in first screenshot finished turn in second.
Turns out it was 3 AAguns the MkIV took fire from the ATG which missed as finishing them off, it died under a hail of fire. AA guns were also overwhelmed so we emerged unscathed.
Assuming that's it & mounting up to go over the hill we are needed & this took longer than I anticipated. 1 Squad is checking a bit further East.
Panthers have hopefully paraded around in full view (low risk only 2-3 hex wide strip) hope is this will attract artillery allowing mounted units safe passage to the hill.
Expect them to be a prime target for the lone Spitfire so all AA assets are coming forward to support the advance, hope is to take it out while not engaged. High vis you would think it would be easy.
Ignore last post bit more sleep today Panthers & arty did not engage the Churchill its position is fine & more are now visible. Arty is still going after British on map arty before switching to area around A. Maybe we got it but Mortar fire on the hill has stopped so taking a tentative look. Squad that smoked drew fire from the British squad others seem hidden.
Units in the woods detected the Stewarts the MkIVs are going to try & engage. Bit rough when the enemies Light Tanks have a better armour package than your Mediums.
I was hoping to come up with something more elegant but as we have them the heavy lifting is going to be done by the units with a decent armour package.
By the numbers section off & clear the area advance, how it develops depends on what MkIVs encounter as move to B. If no ATG fire they are well positioned to lay smoke & help the infantry clear A.
Panthers will move to C under cover of smoke, move through means well within coaxMG range - the smoke needs to be in front of the mud so can lay more to right & move E-W behind it. Gives flexibility for Mech Infantry or lets us move to avoid artillery.
The only issue with this is if there are 17 pounders out there we have closed the range & hence hit chance so the Sturmpanzer's with their tough superstructure (13) have been asked to come over the hill in full view & see what flies their way. There gun is not particular accurate at range so they have the privilege of supporting the Panthers weak flank & providing smoke.
Can't help thinking there is probably some colourful conversation among their crews over those orders.
The Heavy Recon team down south are waiting on the MG but converging to battle formation. They will try to provide smoke cover for the armour if needed when it moves out. StuG(i) does not have dischargers fitted.