From: Darren Percival Subject: [consim-l] AAR : TLD D+1 Greetings, The following is more of a "storyboard" approach to an AAR rather than an analytical piece. For those that have attempted this game you will know that it is truly a monster and because of that reason I wanted to keep notes to remind myself of this game and the fun that was had. Venue : My house Date : April 2003 (Easter long weekend) and continued. Rules and Variants: This game was played using the original rules plus published errata except as noted below. This game was played with the 319th Division Variant (where the German side receives as reinforcements the 319th Costal division) The German costal artillery was modified (based on the General Article) so that Costal Artillery fires at "units" not "stacks" thereby reducing the "luck" factor (higher overall number of rolls to do damage but less damage done per roll - this is an attempt to smooth out the effects of German Costal artillery). Hits on Allied HQ's still results in the elimination of the HQ but the return of the HQ is based on the following not the standard 10 turn delay. DR 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Turn Delay 2, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 Most significantly was the House rule as applied to Supply. In an attempt to stop the supply chain shuffle _Divisional HQ_ could not forward supply to other division once they were stacked with a supply unit. Corps HQs were free to stack with supply and forward it on to other HQ's. This was deemed slightly artificial but agreed to by all players (and based on the rules presented in the "2nd Ed" rule set). Well enough of that, dawn is approaching and the second front is about to open. Pre-invasion Airborne landings British 6AB all units landed, Pegasus Bridge captured intact by the glider troops, 6th AB suffered minimal drift with 5 units disrupted and 3 step losses. Supply drifts and is eliminated. US 82nd, large drift patterns, A/80 AT lose all there guns and are eliminated, 6 battalions disrupted with 2 step losses, The HQ and supply counter land safely US 101st Nobody hits the drop zones as all units drift. 6 units disrupted 4 step losses. 1/506 drifts on the IV/709 artillery and a vicious fight ensures when the Germans stand their ground and fight. There are no retreats and the paras die to a man destroying the German guns. (These are the guns seen in Band of Brothers and represent an obstacle to the US units coming off Utah beach.) The HQ lands safely but unfortunately the supply doesn't. Air and Naval The allies take a cautious approach aimed at minimizing the amount of coastal artillery losses they will suffer. Attacks (air and naval) are made against 11 of the 16 coastal guns that can hit the beaches with 7 successful. Of the defended beach landing hexes (Utah and some of the Brt beaches dont have defenders in them) 10 are successfully disrupted. 4 rail cuts are achieved with 24 of the 36 allied Fighter bombers, the remainder are tasked with road interdiction. The weather in the channel is surprisingly calm as the US loses only 2 steps of DD tanks and the British 3 to calamity at sea German Coastal Gunfire Assault Units UTAH ineffective OMAHAH the 58th artillery, (3)-2-8 arty is destroyed along with 1 step loss of inf GOLD 1 step loss of inf and 1 RMSR unit JUNO 1 step loss of inf, 1 step loss of Sherman Crabs and 1 RMSR unit SWORD 1 step loss of inf and 1 RMSR unit All up not too bad Assault phase All beaches with the exception of OMAHA land intact with no losses (? that what the notes say) At OMAHA Repulsed on DOG GREEN (My impression is that it is "normal" to be repulsed on one of the American beaches see the article in the General for more details) FOX GREEN rement the DD Tanks and 1 inf loss EASY RED 2 step losses Pt du Hoc Rangers take 2 step losses German Coastal Gunfire Build up Wave UTAH 3 step losses OMAHA Destroyed a (9)-3-8 Artillery unit and hit the 29th Inf HQ SWORD 4 step losses, artillery hit and 3rd Inf HQ hit This was significantly better results for the German player. Build up movement All units move ashore, SWORD JUNO take up positions screening 711th Div and Coastal batteries, GOLD Charges off the beaches. OMAHA moves inland attempting to hit the 2/1260 Costal artillery and some exposed 352nd Division artillery. UTAH Move inland off the causeways, 1/12 4th Inf makes its way into Carentan while the remainder prepare to immolate a regiment of the 91st Inf Division. Combat should see the destruction of a large number of costal artillery units but landing problems with the 3rd Inf HQ being hit hurts. SWORD beach is a concern. In the German MECH phase the 21st Panzer rushes to support the Costal artillery around CAEN possibly saving some of it. In combat there are 6 step losses to allied units but they destroy 8 costal arty units including the 2/1260 (this unit has long range able to hit both OMAHA and UTAH and is rated (3)-1-8. It is situated inland and accounts for a large amount of the costal artillery that can hit the US beaches, 3 other Artillery battalions, an OST battalion and 4 other step losses. In the Build Up phase UTAH suffers 4 step losses OMAHA has both supply counters hit JUNO I CORPS HQ is hit and dies in the boats on the way in. All remaining HQ units and Artillery units are held off board (ie not landed) so that they cannot be hit by costal artillery (includes HQ for US1st, US 90th and most of the divisional artillery) In the German Movement Phase the German units move up, 21st Pzr has an unmolested advance. 21st Pzr centred in front of CAEN 91st In forming up west of the flooded terrain near St Savier 243 and 709 North and North West of the Utah Landings 352nd and 1st Flak Brigade hold the river line in front of OMAHA German 711th Division rolls really well and all but the OST battalion and the FE Battalion arrive, holding in the city of CABORG 716th supported by elements of the 352nd concentrate round the city of BAYEUX. 12th SS enters along the un-interdicted road K and ends up at FALAISE There were some mistakes identified at this stage: Some German units used strategic movement (they cannot on June 6th) The RMSR units did not get used in supporting normal attacks (they can but were incorrectly used in the same manner as AVREs) The DD tanks were not disrupted by the Calamity table (this only affected one attack). But considering the relative inexperience of the players this wasn't too bad with a help and a hindrance to both sides again none of the players were overly concerned with this turn of events. From: Darren Percival Subject: [consim-l] AAR : TLD D+1 JUNE 7th WEATHER OV -1 (Overcast) OV-1 weather mans no air tactical support or road interdiction So all Allied Fighter Bombers and Light/Med Bombers hit the rail network causing 12 more rail cuts. Naval Support is carefully calculated to hit 6 of the remaining 9 costal batteries that can range onto the beaches. Utilizing the maximum amount of naval support means all of these are disrupted. In the British Area the 3rd Canadian moved up to attack toward CAEN 50th Inf moved towards OMAHA to link up and attacked MKB LONG along the way 51st Inf and 7th Arm landed their respective HQ units and moved ready to exploit into the CAUMONT GAP In the US Sector the US 1st DIV moved toward the GOLD with the 29th moving up to the river line facing the Germans The 4th Inv Div moved toward/into CARENTAN 90th moved into the gap west of Carentan (without their HQ) 82nd moves across the flooded terrain to screen the landing area while 101st moves North toward Cherbourg. The Us 2nd Inf waits in the Boats along with the US 4th and 90th Div Artillery as well as some Corps artillery. VII Corps successfully lands at UTAH Attacked and cleared MKB Long and 1/1260 Costal artillery as well as both the 88PAK from 21st Pzr and one of the Mortar Units. (NB : check this) German response 711 and 91st Inf moves up North and West of St Mere Eglise making light attacks Some of the Paras from the 91st move into CARENTAN but wisely chose not to attack The 21st Pzr and 709th attack the Brits and lose 2 steps of Armour for two retreats. 711 butts heads with the 6th AB while the 1st Flak Brigade remnants 2 more units of the 29th Inf From: Darren Percival Subject: [consim-l] AAR : TLD D+2 June 8th Weather OV-1 UTAH 82nd and 101st continue to form the screen for UTAH 4th Inf moves to threaten ISNGY 90th Inf (now with its HQ for on the road to hold CARENTAN VII corps ready to provide support with some corps artillery OMAHA US 1st Inf Div does an end run trying for the 352nd Div HQ. 29th Inf Div (with no HQ) plods forward next to the Costal Artillery, I'll take losses from the Out of supply penalty but I might just stay there so we can spot for the navy next turn. Elements of the 2nd Inf Division land. At sea the US has 2nd Arm, Bulk of 2nd inf as well as the 105s divisional artillery of the 4th and 9th Division. The US 1st Inf burns supply and destroys the 352nd Inf HQ using 13pts or arty. Hoo-rah for the big red one. 4th Inf div loses a step in taking out the OST battalion near ISINGY but all Coastal Batteries are adjacent to US units now so next turn should be interesting. The Beachheads of GOLD and OMAHA are linked, still having trouble between UTAH and OMAH but this is more to do with not having the HQ for 29th than anything else. Def fire kills coastal arty battalions and am still adjacent to the remainder with luck next turn will see the beaches free of German arty. Also killed an isolated flak battery, as long as we don't get a storm we should be OK British Commander Royal Navy is off the Xmas card list, planned naval disruption of 711 did not happen, nor did disruption of 21st Pzr (less of a worry). Redeployment of 6th AB mildly more useful than expected should thump costal arty and straighten line. BIG gap for 7th Arm , 3rd Can and 51st to waddle slowly through NW of CAEN. 50th and 7th Arm to clean up units and link up with the YANKS Next turn SHOULD be able to go deep West of CAEN and force 21st Pzr to fall back, 6th AB should be OK in defence. Killed coastal Battn over ODON mouth - good! Linked up on coast at POUT-EN-BESSEN, 51st and 7th Arm kill 716th units at Conde-de-Selles. Attacking at Bayeux harder than expected, 3-1 attack mildly annoying but not critical planning to rebuild 50th as reserve unit after clearing up this area. 356th In deployed to West of CAEN, expected them to face the 6th Airborne. Still BIG gap for 7th Arm and 51st but need to clean up 716th first. 352nd In at BAYEUX now out of command thanks to US 1st Inf overrunning their HQ Goody opens up 50th inf to kill units to the west. Good Arty phase killed coastal guns and knocked around 716th units NW of CAEN. Road to CAEN open. Then again the 21stPzr is looking hungrily at 3rd Inf division. Surprised that 21st Pzr is still where it is. 1 to 2 days before 12thSS gets to front. Seems supply is stopping the 21st Pzr from attacking Ques: What do I do after I take CAEN? From: Darren Percival Subject: [consim-l] AAR : TLD D+3 JUNE 9th Weather OV-1 9 more rail cuts achieved, at least this extended Overcast weather has some benefit. From the Brt Commander ­ at this rate are we better off not having battlefield air support?? Brit Attacks have not needed them at this stage Only MKB long can hit the UTAH landing beaches so we will have to land something somewhere. 101st AB supported by DD tanks attack MKB Mark, 82nd AB still looks dangerously across the river at the Germans while 4th Inf lunches all out attack toward ISGNAY 90th prepared to accept the 6th FS division 1st Inf attacks element of 352 2nd Arm lands at OMAHA and is immediately into action against 352nd units blocking the main coast road. Supply is getting critical in UTAH British Commander Royal navy redeems itself; good disruption on 711th and 21st Pzr also on BAYUEX (352nd) should sagely kill these units now (3days?) BAYEUX completely busted by 50th, 1st Can enters CAEN ­yippee!, 51st Inf into the forts west of CAEN. 7th arm in good position to cane 346th if they are there next turn. Then again 12th SS are about to turn up to reinforce 246th ­ so much or that idea. 3rd Can in good position to gut 716th North of CAEN. If it goes well could cut off 21st Pzr before Pz Lehr and 12th SS show up strength German PAK is being rude ­ recon units are knocked about in CAEN Good attacks 50th attack in BAYEUX taking east side of town. 3rd Can with massive XXX Corps arty support smash 716th 21st Pzr now out on a limb. US 1st Inf hits isolated Stugs of 352nd Div 2nd Arm meets elements of 352nd Div and promptly displays the advantageous of being “in supply” 4th Inf burns more of the precious supply and clears the flak units from ISNGY 101st AB with Arm support loses a step of the armour but destroys MKB Long. All beaches now clear og Costal arty. Big US attacks have left supply critical at UTAH beach 4th Inf is unsupplied 90th, 101AB, 82AB and VII Corps are all down to just one half a step of supply. Next turn priority is to clear the coast road between the two beaches. Back to the Brits 17pds still kicking arse Royal Arty also kicks arse when fired en masse Now German Flak units turn up and die against 6AB S of Pegasus bridge The German Flak coming in south of CAEN is expected but annoying. 21st Pzr pulling back. Must kill its units before they get to CAEN! My advance is starting to outrun supply/command range. I would really ling to push into that HUGE gap west of CAEN but scared of bocage and being cut off. Still pleased with results. Am not taking major losses but ??? the Germans and taking land. Really need to start killing the quality Germans as to be honest the Germans I am beating up are fairly crud. From: Darren Percival Subject: [consim-l] AAR : TLD D+4 June 10th Weather: Storm (ST-1) Quote from the Brits : “PROK ­ that is going to fu$k us! Quick turn?” ST-1 implies no beach capacity, no air support So with no supply things may get a little interesting US Moves 4th Inf moves in preparation to hit ISNGY 90th Div in CARENTAN 101AB straightens the line 82AB straightens the line 29th Inv takes up blocking positions 2nd Arm slides latterly to get near ISNGY 1st Inf holds south west of hill near Merdeville BRIT Moves Lots of opportunities ­ no supply ­ no new supply for at least 2 days Blocked 12 SS Pz in bocage and cut off most of 346 Inf with 7th Arm. Isolating units of the 21st Pzr feel I lack the supply to kill it quickly. This storm will screw us around. Where to with the 50th Inf after taking BAYEUX? South to face 12th SS? St Lo might be nice ­ but big gap in line. Armored cars are getting knocked about --- STILL! My supply is a lot better than the YANKS ­ serves them right for landing supply over _my_ beaches. NB Replacements started this turn ­ due on the 12th Rolled over BAYUEX with 50th, capturing elements of the 352nd 7th Arm waited for the guns of the 346th Inf to exhaust themselves trying to break up the attack and then over ran the batteries. Will perform limited bombardment (ED : Def fire with arty) and wait for the weather to clear. There was only one attack by the US 2nd Arm which trow the German out of one hex of ISNGY but the division is now done to a single supply point. 3 bttns of the US 1st Inf start the replacement cycle Things are going to get very difficult with no supply coming on the board next turn (ST-2) Brit Commentary OK 21st Pzr did a Brave Bold Sir Robin ­ expected but still annoying lools like a complete pull out of CAEN North of the river ­ this is good as I don’t really want to fight for it. Lots of units moving against the 6th PARA ­ have to move 3rd Div to assist ­ Really would like their HQ back. 50th Inf to face the 12th SS at VILLES (?) Finis hoff 346th with 7th Arm and 51st and then push around south of CAEN. Need tanks to 51st to get combined arms attack 6th PARA needs tanks!! More/Move (?) now that 21st Pzr has pissed off. Some good arty bombardments ­ even considering the low supply restrictions. 346th Inf taking a pounding 3CAN Div now has lots of supply and nothing to attack ­ bugger Situation is still good but supply is REALLY Restriction. If this storm lasts for 3 days then this is really going to suck. Failed to keep an eye on 6th PARA seems that one of the bttn had been reduced by arty this allows different odds on the attack. Push up the 3rd Inf to assist? Supply is annoying ­ F#$king storm From: Darren Percival Subject: [consim-l] AAR : TLD +5 June 11th Weather: Still Storm (ST-2) British Notes Still not decent supply. Need to burn 3Can supply stack. Really slow turn, going to have to redeploy units, no big attacks for a few turns. Bugger! Watching my Mulberry break up and float away. WAAAAAAAA ? ED Note: On the second day of a storm and for each subsequent day there is an increasing chance that the storms will damage the Allied artificial harbours. IIRC On the first turn it is about a 1 in 6 chance. For Mulberries under construction it adds 5 turns to the completion day for completed harbours it reduces the amount they can land. So this is a not insignificant result for the game. Mopping up the German scum units that are straggling north of CAEN and reducing the 346th Inf in the pocket. 51st Inf is now down to ½ a supply point so no more attacks with that Division. 3CAN has supply to burn but is facing off the 21st Pzr across the river ­ not worth attacking just yet. 7th Arm probably has supply for careful attacks in the next 2 days. STILL CARRYING THE YANKS. THEY ARE REALLY LETTING THE SIDE DOWN. SHOULD PUT THEM ALL UNDER BRITISH COMMAND HA HA HA :P 6th PARA has too much supply now. Even if the weather clears tomorrow it will take 2 days before new supply reaches the HQs at the front. Road network runs the WRONG way ­ Stupid French Not really scared by the 711th facing 6th PARA Germans have given up CAEN w/out a real fight ­ this is GOOD as fighting for it would have rally sucked. However now have to cross the big river lines with no good bridges unless I fight out through CAEN towards BOURGUEBUS. 12th SS is coming up ­ Block them with the 50th Inf How do I reduce the 12th SS ? Lack of supply and 3rd Inv HQ has sort of thrown me mentally I have no realistic long term plans…. I need good weather. GERMAN Moves The 709th and 243rd Inv divisions continue to build up south of VOLONGES. Finally the 709th gets moving from CHERBOURG, 3 bttns and some arty. 932nd HQ and 101NW move toward the line (why did they wait so long to move?) the remainder for the German forces take up positions in the Land fronte fortifications. 91st Ind falls back from CARENTAN towards the BOLS DE LIMORS 275th move up toward COUTANCES 353rd is at TESSEY 17th SS at the city south of PERCY Remainder of 352nd Div is falling back to St-Lo in disarray US Observations I have some opportunities but no supply to exploit them ­ what will happen? Allies now have 1 ½ Armored and 2 ½ Inf Divisions sitting in the boats along with 9 supply and the HQ for the US 29th Inf division. The US has over 30 points of Arty strength waiting to land. And to top it all off the stingy Brits on my left are overfeeding there troops if they didn't hog all the supply the US would be in a better position.? These 2 days of storms have allowed a lot of German units to flood onto the board. If we get two more days of storms then they should be able to form a coherent line (and also beat the hell out of the Mulberries). Seems the Brit engineers are not as good as they think as they have managed to damage their Mulberry on the first turn of the storm. Brit Commentary Reasonable def fire Knocked around the 346th Div some more and slightly blunted the 12th SS Expect the 11th Hussars to get thumped in return. 21st Pzr starting to push the 6th PARA - this is going to hurt if weather does not improve. 12 SS Pzr is pushing 7th Arm, 11th Hussars got smashed, However the Queens Brigade defended a little better and killed a lot of Panzers Forcing the 12 SS to attack has blunted them. If I can push say the 50th Inf around to their left flank and stall with the Queens Brigade then should be able to destroy them with massed arty? Mind you 6th PARA needs massed arty as well. Need Good weather. From: Darren Percival Subject: [consim-l] AAR : TLD +6 June 12th Weather Storm again --- SHIT Both the US and British agree that there is not much to report and that is should be a quick turn. There is no damage to either of the allied Mulberries. US 1st Inf gets 3 steps back from replacements but does not attack 2nd Arm clears ISNGY and goes into the line for the first time (it has one supply point) 4th Inf Div advances towards ST-JEANT DE DAYE (but it unsupplied) 90th Inf moves through CARENTAN form a line down the road to PERIERS 82nd and 101st AB sit tight and pray. British Have crossed the ORNE river at CAEN via an undefended bride. Think I have beefed up against the 711th and 21st Pzr east of PEGASUS enough so that he will be forced to react to me. With new divs coming on soon can afford to bleed a division in the ORNE meat grinder. 3CAN in a good position and with supply to do damage. Need to reduce the pocket of 356th so that I can free up some units US Commentary German units start arriving but not all the smart. There are still holes in the line round CAEN What is JAMES (German commander) thinking? If we can get some supply he will be in a world of hurt. Discussions with the Brit commander have resulted in the objective of Cherbourg top priority (given out weather problems). The objective has always been CHERBOURG. Take CHERBOURG and you get CAEN. Take CAEN and you get PARIS, Take PARIS……and well you get the picture ;) The real fact is we have decided that we will need to get CHERBOURG to ensure that we can land our supply and reinforcements from the boats. BRIT Commentary We already have CAEN…. Didn’t you get the memo …! ;P Massed Def fire from 3CAN and 50th Inf only really cleared out the ammo stocks as there was no damage If there is bad weather tomorrow then the British sector comes to a halt. Germans are still attacking the 6th PARA in the flood (this is good news as it means he is using supply). Hopefully this will slow him down eventually. 12th SS is using its massed arty to beat up the 50th Inf I will be willing to bleed the 50th Inf in exchange for the 12th SS. =============================================================== Please note to those of you still reading this,due to a long weekend in South Australia there will be a delay in the updates for D+7 and D+8 =============================================================== June 13th D+7 Weather: Fair “STORM IS OVER” Brit Commentary Now the RN is back I can relive pressure on 6th PARA with massed naval gunfire. Air interdiction should slow the bad guys. We have way too many units to land over the beaches at the moment. 11th ARM is all at sea. Landing most of 15th Div and will send them to help 6th PARA 7th Arm and 50th Ind to block 12th SS. 51st crossing ? ? of CARN slowly. No attacks planned Hold tight and sjell to death instead. US Commentary Finally the storm is over and manage to get 6 of the 11 supply landed from my stingy friends the Brits. I managed to land the HQ for the 29th Inf as well as 9 Inf Replacement points and 2 Arm. All 9 of the Inf replacements are immediately tasked to rebuilding damaged units (1st = 1 29th = 2 90th = 4 and 4th = 1). 90th Inf w/draws from in front of CARENTAN and moves up the road closest to UTAH Plan to hit the exposed 711th in the clear terrain east of the flooded area. 2nd Arm land last of its Inf units and some armor (just 2 armor bttlns and the A/Cars to go). Remainder move up main road near ST-MERE-EGLISE it is going to hurt [attacking with armore here ] but I need to push the envelope. 29th strings out to stop 1st Flak re-entering the flooded terrain. 1st Inf attacks some 88’s. Brit moves/attacks Minor attack with 7th Armor on opportune weak spot of line near 12th SS at the River ODON. Totally failed to destroy the 356AT units ­ sigh. Retreating a lot enemy units with massed guns ­ not killing the buggers though. Big nasty 12th SS smashing back the 50th Inf and 7th Arm with powerful attacks. This could start to hurt. YANKS to get supply over the next few days. Mind you it will take the next 2 days to offload all this new stuff in the boats. Think I may have stuffed up and will have Divs out of supply? US aside That’s the last time I help the bloody Krauts with the entry rolls …. Managed to roll high and get 9 units of the 319th onto the track including the HQ and Supply unit. The German player starts to land these powerful reinforcements through the partially destroyed port of CHERBORG. Because of the damage he has already done he cant land them all at once so I guess that is something. Also managed to help keep the 3rd FS division together and get closer to the front line ­ which side am I playing anyway?? Mind you not as bad at as the Brits who managed to overlook the contact with 353rd Division ­ rumour has it they even offered to make their Saxon friends tea when they met. June 14th D+8 Weather FAIR US Commentary Yanks mange to land both air supply ­ Brits mange to miss both theirs. Who are the better pilots now? Brit Commentary Landing rest of 11trh and most of 49th Div Will land 11th Arm tomorrow not that I have th supply to do anything with it. Reshuffling 50th Inf and 7th Arm vs 12th SS Band news is they will probably kick me out of the bocage today. Have fresh 15th div units starting to replace the 6th PARA With naval support do not expect to get knocked out of the ORNE bridgehead. 3rd CAN and 51st Inf filtering across the ORNE river at and west of CAEN. Will do localised attacks to straighten the line. Situation is probably not that bad 12th SS can probably not sustain the current level of attacks against 7th Arm and 50th (I hope) Apart from 6 PARA [which I don’t want to attack with anyway] most of my divs are at full strength. More US Commentary 1 Regiment from the 90th (3 bttns) go up coast road from UTAH ready to hit the disrupted units of the 709th (4 bttns currently 2 turns away from replacement so timed it pretty nicely). The pointy end of 2nd Arm passthrough the PARA’s (to much rejoicing) ready to hit elements of 709th Div SW of MONTEMBURG with support from 8 of the US MED Bombers. All divisional arty up and ready to support the attacks. The first of the big 155mm arty Battalions is on line with VII Corps and we are ready to provide fire support. We should have 3 big attacks this turn although he can fall back to the next line of costal defences but…… The 2nd Inf and 29th Inv screen the remains of the flak from the 32nd and 1st Flak Brigades. The Paras slip across the front and down the flooded stuff near BOLS DE LIMORE (they are currently being hit by the 243rd and 91st. We will see what my big attacks do to this situation). There is not a hell of a lot of supply at CHERBOURG pity I cant cut the rail line but it doesn’t look like the German commander is that worried --- yet! Brits don’t seem to be doing that will in Def fire. 90th Div eliminates the defending units now 1 hex from QUINEVILLE 2nd Arm succeeds in both attacks with a L1R2 and a L1R3 we are across the river and heading towards MONTENBURG. 1 part of the VII corps arty is left to def fire Brit attacks 51st Inf made a pissy attack waste of supply really 3CAN managed to kick an annoying little unit from ACAEN 17pdr unit can now hopefully start kicking arse against the units facing it south of CAEN but in the open. Yanks seem to be punching holes in towards CHERBOURG ­ good They also seel to be advancing towards St LO slowly. 12th SS does not seem to be as scary this turn. Seems 3CAN and 51st are forcing a reactih --- GOOD Ooooh! A target of opportunity 7th NW HQ ! More US Commentary VII corps arty in def fire takes out the last armour in the area 2 hexes down from MONTEMBURG - -- Its positive CAM [combined arms modified +2 DR Modifier] for me !! The 8/1716 battery died from the 29th Inf MAISY now liberated and 1st Inf clears the 352nd Inf Flack unit Th3 6th FS Division is on the rail line near COUTANCES so will be a problem soon but I still need to push toward CHERBOURG. I would like to cut the rail line between CHERBOURG and the rest of the map but the German commander probably doesn’t realise the sh*t he is in with this at the moment. More Brit Commentary Advanced units of armour push down tho near MAY-SUR-ODON and call down 25pdr arty on the Germans found there. HUGE explosion of rocket ammo and the very stunned major of rocket artillery (7th NW HQ) returns to BE NE LUX. Also 17pdr in CAEN start slugging it out with German flak units South of the city. Hyper velocity rounds at 1000yds --- WOO HOO! Score 17pds 1 : Flak 18’s 0 Germans attacking CAEN result in a bit of mutual bleeding. 12th SS attacking and pushing 7th Arm out of the Bocage but it leaves the Pzr VI’s burning …… Other attacks push us out of the CAEN suburbs, dead DD tanks and Canadians --- very annoying. 21st Pzr starting to attack EAST of CAEN --- Welcome to France 15th Inf. 2nd Pzr also pushing hard ­ its time to seriously thins about this. Yanks as per usual are doing sod all and leaving the Brits to face the quality German units June 15th D+9 Weather Overcast US Moves 90th Inf continues up the coast read to attack another stack of the 709th. 2nd Arm exploits a gap to form another pincer ­ if all goes to plan I will hit 2 stacks + inf [?] I may also be able to hit the 709th HQ in the mech phase with def arty. VII corps has a (13)-3-8, (9)-3-8, (5)-2-8 mortar bttln as well as 2x(5)-3-8 mech units so it is getting ready to do some walloping. In the boats the US has the 79th and 30th Inf Divs as well as two-thirds of the 9th Inf div and some independent A/Cars but we are rapidly running out of time to get them on the beaches. Once the triple landing capacity goes away then it is going to be hard to get them on tho the mainland ­ we need a port. 29th Inf form continuous screen towards remainder of the 1st Flak Brigade. 1st Inf is pushing to Forest de Bards ready to face off against the 275th. (Bring them on!) 2nd Inf is out of supply but has landed all its units so it can react to the Germans. The 82nd and 101st AB are getting soggy as they continue to sit in the flooded terrain. Brit Moves Overcast weather ­ this is not so good but the rail net is NOT happy as all the Fighter bombers are tasked with reducing its capacity. Naval Disruption of the 2nd Pzr should stop it from attacking this turn Redeployed 6PARA to take advantage of their supply state and they got shot up. Same with the 3CAN although in return they did manage to kill 4 mech units. German 88’s are kicking my arse. Taking stick around CAEN ­ expect to be attacked again unless lack of German supply can save me. 50th Inf also getting shot up 3rd Inf still out of supply and doing nothing. I lack the supply to do anything mean now. Only the 11th Arm is in full supply and it lacks targets. Still starting to get few divs on the table which means that I now have more arty to attack with. Yanks seem to be doing well. Mind you they are not being pounded on by all those nasties. Lack supplies to attack……. May need to completely pull 6PARA out of position and replace with 15th Inf and/or 11th Arm. No supply = no offence But I think that I have already mentioned this ;( US Commentary (No Brit Commentary) 3 attacks made, 90th Inf immolates the stack of 709th, 2nd Arm hits the flak and coastal guns and the pointy bit of the div also destroys some arty ­ all up 4 units of the 709th div are removed from the map. The 709th then proceeds to fall back toward CHERBOURG. All but one unit of the VII Corps arty is available to fire in the Def fire phase ­ time to hurt some things. German attacks in the Brit sector result in the retreat of two stack at the coast for the loss of two steps. The 12th SS is bleeding itself on the main road from VILLERS to CAEN. In the meat grinder [ORNE Bridgehead] the Germans reduce a tank unit to remnant status, and reduce some more paras ­ they are now next to the 6th AB HQ and only one hex from Pegasus bridge. June 16th D+10 Weather fair (AT this point the original British commander exited from the game and all allied units are now under the control of one human player) Last turn for the triple landing capacity at the beaches. The tactical rail net on the map board dies this turn as the allies allocate enough airpower (24 Fighter bombers) to ensure that it collapses. The Americans kindly drop their air supply point to XXX Corps in the British sector. High level discussions at XXX Corps discuss the possibility of the complete withdrawal of 6th PARA from the ORNE bridgehead due to losses. 8 of 11 Naval support rolls result in disruption for the British sector, giving them some much needed breathing room. Importantly the 2nd Pzr division won't be attacking this turn. 6th PARA starts its withdrawal from the ORNE river bridgehead to be replaced by the 15th Inf. The 51st Ind eliminates some isolated armor unit. 7th Arm and 50Inf square off against the 12th SS German defensive fire eliminates and armour remnant and in inf battn ---- bloody 88's American attacks are successful with 3 hexes attacked, 3 hexes taken and destroying a Costal arty unit and OST bttn and the 709th Div Pioneers. The 709th Div cant take too much more of this. But ominously there is still the 30th Flak Brigade and the intrinsic defences between the Allies and the port of CHERBOURG German Movement 243 falls back as VALONGERS The remains of the 709th move back to QUETTENOU 6th FS Corps, 77th Inf and 17th SS Pzr Gren are held up by heavy road interdiction 275th Inf deploys to face the Big Red One (US 1st Inf). Allied def fire kills two more of the (4)-2-8 flak units (those bloody 88's) from the 3 and 4th Flak brigades 2 small attacks exchange step losses in the Forest de BARDS while 130 Pzr Lehr with massive artillary support from massed FLAK batteries take a hex of CAEN back. The fight has now become a struggle for control of the ODON River. June 17th D+11 Weather Fair Back to landing just a single stacking point per beachhead marker. Roll on the Mulberries --- please! 4 units come off the replacement cycle this is working out quite nicely although the 10 turn delay for the return of the replacement counters is a bit of a bother. 2 supply arrive this turn which will have to be allocated to the Brits ­ cant they just drink straight coffee, not tea with milk and sugar? As part of the non divisional reinforcements [essentially the drip feed system for the Corps artillery used by the allies] I commit another battery of American 155’s. It’s expensive but I have to. US Moves The 90th and 2nd Arm all but encircle the 709th Div at QUETTEU, Attacks made by the 2nd Arm with support from a single bttn of the 90th Div remove the last ot the 709th Artillery, the Costal defences on the hill and also account for another bttn. [Note: Under the rules a division can have a _single_ _battn_ or smaller sized unit attack without consuming supply] The 1st, 2nd 4th and 29th Inf divisions mover slowly toward the bocage. British Moves On the ODON River the 7th Arm slides 2 hexes towards CAEN with more of the 5th Division going into the line. The 5th Div is flanked by the 49th Inf importantly there are no reserves in the british sector at this point. The 3CAN from a continuous line prior to getting the crap beaten out of them. They suffer 2 step losses and a retreat from the big stacks of FLAK units (they really pack a wallop). More of the 6th PARA is pulled back from the bridgehead to be replaced by units of the 15th Inf (now its there turn to get hurt). 1 supply point goes to the 11th Arm Div so it can act as the mobile reserve for the B/Head. XXX Corps gets the other one but is generous and sends half a point on to the 50th Inf in preparation for defensive fire. All of the arty in XXX Corps and 50th inf tasked to attack the FLAK Units at CEAN and the 12SS in defensive fire. Def fire is successful as it removes the 12SS divisional PAK 88s (12)-5-8 A (4)-2-8 Flak unit (more 88’s ) is also removed from the board. A big attack against one of the German Pzr Gen bttns fails so expect the troopers in CAEN to get hit in the German attacks. In the US Sector VII Corps reduces AOK7 and clear another coastal artillery unit (6/1216) German responses In the ORNE River meat grinder another stack is pushed back with combined arms modification (also causing a PARA Bttn to become remnant), The Germans however fail to follow-up. I think it is almost time to withdraw. The PARAS and the INF division are facing two Pzr divisions (21st and 2nd) supported by 711th Inf and a FLAK Battery. German Corp artillery can also be used to support the attacks. Although he doesn’t have a lot of spare supply, the allies simply don’t have the units in the Brit sector to keep cycling through to take losses and the Germans are pushing all the supply they can to this sector as it supply used here is getting results. In addition the US are not in a position to land all of their available units (so can’t be counted on to help ­ besides the objective is CHREBOURG). To top it all off the Brits have a smaller number of replacements to use with a larger number of casualties ­ not a “win/win” situation. In CAEN the Germans are 5 points shy of a 3:1 attack but do have a +2 Combined arms bonus and the attack goes in, they are successful in reducing the Inf Bttn to remnant and next to CEAN he recaptures 2 hexes. The Germans are starting to squeeze the Brits out of CEAN. The 12th SS buoyed by the attacks in and around CEAN decide to attack the 7th Arm and find some British who do know how to fight. The attack goes in at 5:1 in favour of the SS and they roll a “1” (this is affected by the -1 DRM for the Bocage to become “0”) and the 12th SS receives one very bloody nose. June 18th D+12 Weather Fine The Brits are going to have their problems this turn but hopefully the Yanks can start their assult on the Landfronte fortifications in front of CHERBOURG. No air supply gets sown this turn ­ damm Is it the Brits or the Yanks that get the supply point? [I assume that there was only a single supply counter on the reinforcement track this turn]. US Moves 2nd Arm hits the outer edge of CHERBOURG a successfully attack at 3:1 breaks into the perimeter but another attack also at 3:1 bounces with a Die Roll of “1” (-1) becoming a “0” This causes a L2R3 result for the attackiers (Lose 2 steps from every unit in the attack). Its expensive but I guess it had to happen I have been lucky with my important die rolls. I also have enough replacements to recover. 1st and 29th Inf envelop the 1st Flak Corps and hill the HQ unit along with two other (4)-2-8 units. Although it does cost two steps of infantry in the process I consider this a big success as the loss of the HQ effectively removes the flak units from play in this sector [No HQ = No Supply = No attacks] and it has been the Flak that has really held the German line together. There are also 14 steps of replacement infantry just 7 days away so I will be able to push hard and rebuild in the next week to 10 days. British Moves Defensive fire reduced an armour unit in CAEN. The 17#’s exchange shots with some exposed Flak (more hypervelocity rounds at 1000yds) There is not a lot of supply in the British sector but the 7th Arm and 49th Inf both have a full supply point so there is at least 30 pts of Defensive fire on call. XXX Corps eagerly look forward to using the new arrivals in the form of 7.5” Howitzers, these new units are rated as (7)-1-4 and have a range of 9 hexes. This means that they can be placed in such a way as to cover large portions of the British front line. Further examination shows that XXX Coprs now has available 41 pts of artillery strength (2x7, 3x5 and 1x12). Add in 10 pts from the 7th Arm and 49th Inf available as “free” attacks and it becomes a potent force in def fire. There are 4 supply counters arriving tomorrow and a further 6 the day after. German Moves (New German Commander in play) German lie reorientates 2nd Pzr attempts to move out of the flooded terrain looking for more Panzer friendly ground to fight over. 130th Pzr Lehr concentrates around CAEN south of the river 6th FS Division takes up positions on the river ODON where the 51st Highlanders vacated. 265th and 77th move up to seal off the “CAUMONT gap” they are tasked with holding the flanks while the 17th SS Pzr Gren makes a drive down the middle. 91st falls back in front of CARENTAN The fight for CHERBOURG is over but we must deny the port to the allies so the remains of the 709th and 243rd fall back supported by the 932 and 30th Flak Batteries. Hold until the last man and the last round….. Seig Heil ! Allied def fire hits and eliminates the 709th HQ --- curses this will make the allies task of cracking the port easier In the British sector the def fire is surprisingly light and retreat a battn from Pz Lehr. German Attacks around CAEN are launched by 130 Pz Lehr at at 5-1 odds a step of tiger tanks are lost but they crush (eliminate) a battn of the 3CAN Div and some independent DD tanks supports them. 21 st Pzr attacks a tank battn in the meat grinder and causes a step loss and a retreat further compressing the Allies meagre hold across the river. 12th SS continues to attack in the bocage retaking another hex (in return for a step of armor). The allies are now defending in clear terrain (apars from one wooded hex outside the bocage line). But that hex of forest can be hit from 3 sides with fire support from a fourth hex across the riverline ­ this shouldn’t take too long. Elsewhere along the line all is quiet. June 19th D+13 Weather Overcast level 2 (OV-2) As the mist rolls in all Allied aircraft are grounded with the exception of the heavy bombers who continue there task of interdiction of the German Entry track. Naval Bombardment suffers a -1 DRM and beach landing capacity is halved …. Oh dear I guess this means no new troop’s for the Yanks. British Naval bombardment is useless……Most of the RN must be having the day off although the one disruption that is successful is against what appears to be the main assault stack from 130 Pzr Lehr. I suspect that this will result in no attack from Pzr Lehr although there will be _lots_ of def fire. In the Crotean the 2nd Arm pulls back slightly from the defence’s ringing CHERBOURG. The 90th completes its encirclement of the 709th div with a battn of the 90th liberating the port of St VASST [This is a minor port and hence important for the allies]. A composite battle group consisting of a single battn from the 2nd Arm and 90th makes a (supply) free attack against another of the costal arty positions that can hit St VASST. The 2nd Arm and 90th Div are down to one half a supply step each and there is only one full step of supply “in reserve” for the entire VII Corps area. If we don’t get more supply soon the pressure on CHERBOURG will ease and the Germans may be able to form a more coherent defence. It is just a matter of time (and supply) before the Germans can no longer deny the port but with the weather closing in it simply confirms that the destruction of the port will be complete when the allies do liberate it. With the destruction of the 1st Flak Brigade HQ the battered 29th Div takes responsibility for more of the line allowing the Big Red 1 [US 1st Div] to move latterly toward the Brits in preparation for the 17thSS. The 2nd Inf div centres on BAYEUX as the reserve for this sector (although some supply for them would be useful). 6TH PARA continues to pull out of the Orne bridgehead, 1th Arm and 15th Inf consolidate the line but am forced to abandon the hill at PETIVILLE a very important piece of terrain. If we keep pulling back wit will continue to take losses but if we attack ­ we don’t have the supply. With the weather at OV2 (resulting in a +1 DRM for the weather roll next turn) we should conserve supply in case a storm hits. German defensive fire is devastating, 9 attacks are made resulting in 5 step losses and a retreat. In the British sector there are 8 divisions and 1 stack of Corps artillery firing plus the FLAK this is not good. The Brits launch no attacks this turn. German Moves 2nd Pzr starts its road move with all its units now on the road in the flooded terrain. 21st Pzr forms for an attack on the retreating Brits. 12th SS lines up to attack another hex and the 17th SS move in to the gap between the US and Brit forces. More line straightening in performed in front of ST LO, 243rd falls back on CHERBOURG. The 709th moves a hex in an attempt to save the half step of supply with the division. US Def fire kills 2x (4)-2-8 Flak units and retreats the armour units on the river. The Brits manage to inflict a step loss on one of the big infantry bttns of the 12th SS (rated at 9-10-8), as well as force back the armour accompanying it. However the 12th SS has its revenge in a 5:1 attack they decimate the defending units reducing the supporting Shermans to remnant status. They do not however follow up as this would expose the precious supporting artillery to attack next turn. June 20th D+14 Weather : Another Storm (No crap I rolled a 5) Allied commentary The American Mulberry comes on line just in time to get damaged next turn (Given the way I am rolling the mulberry will probably get damaged next turn so I had better make the most of it). Storm weather = no Air support No naval support and no beach landing, Mulberries are halved and Ports are unaffected. The port of COURSELLS will take 4 more turns before I can use it. This storm will make things more than a little interesting. So with only 6 stacking points available to unload I chose to land 6 full supply counters. 2nd Arm masses approx 2 hexs from the German defenders at CHERBOURG in anticipation of some of the supply being landed. 9th Inf takes control of a sector of the line (albeit unsupplied) 4th and 29th move the line another hex closer to the bocage. 1st Inf solidified in front of the 17th SS 2nd is centred on BAUYEX Of the 3 supply landed 1 heads toward the 2nd Inf in the belief they will soon be fighting the 17th SS. The others start the long road move toward VALONGE to help VII Coprs and 2nd Arm. In the British sector there is more shuffling of units in the ORNE Bridgehead ad at CAEN. Most units are now reduced and so it is really just a shuffle to present full strength units on the line. Hopefully they will slow down the Germans and inflict some step losses. If we manage to get some clear weather we may be able to go on the offensive, there is a t least one weak point the German player has overlooked. German def fire reduced the 6th PARA engineers and the Sherman CRABS ­ the name of the game at the moment seems to be attrition. Most German divs seem to have a full supply point. German Commentary Movement on the German entry track is unusually easy now that we are not bother by the allied heavy bombers, all bar two units of the 9th NW proceed along with all 6 supply units. Two new supply units make it to the map board allowing for us to keep the pressure up on the allies. The 17th SS goes into the line striking at the US/British boundary southwest of BAUYEX. The 12th SS looks to attack another hex of the British line and the 21st Pzr aims to capture the hex adjacent to Pegasus bridge. Allied Def fire is useless across the entire line , XXX Corps burns up its last supply point in a futile attempt to blunt the 130 Pz Lehr attack at CEAN. The only bright point for the allies is the retreat of the Mk IV panzers leading the attack in the ORNE. This will at least eliminate the combined arms modifier the Germans were going to enjoy (+2 DRM on 1d6). Undaunted by this the veteran panzer grenadiers of the 21st attack and take the hex next to Pegasus bride. The 4:1 attack (+0) results in a step loss to the 51st Highlanders defending the bridge. The bridgehead is getting just a little too hot but what can the allied commanders do? The 17th SS attacks at 6:1 odds and rolls a “5”. The supporting armour (AVRE’s) evaporates and the members of the 49th Inf are reduced. Greetings one and all. I received the following from the player who was in control of the British forces for the start of the TLD game I ave been posting notes about. He asked that I onpost this to the list to voice his thoughts on the game and give his "view" on the experience. ======================================================================== Greetings, I had the (mis)fortune of being the British commander from D+1 till D+8 when the Easter weekend came to an end and I had to let real life take back over. Darren has been forwarding me the day by day accounts that he has transcribed - which considering the quality of my handwriting and the semi conherant way I took notes that weekend is quite an achievement. A little background from my part. Our German player on that weekend was testing out some voice transferal software he had borrowed that weekend and then trying to use that to transcribe his thoughts and comments onto his laptop. Not sure what ever happened to that but I seem to remember the software not being as useful as hoped so I do not know if the German comments still exist anywhere. I started taking notes on the 'allied diary' about D+2, partly because it seemed a good idea and partly because it gave me something to do while the German player did his turn. As the weekend went on I found it more a place to 'think out loud' about what I was trying to do rather then a report of what actually happened. Also Darren (playing the US) and I were using the same notebook to take notes which is why there is a bit of snide interaction between what the two Allied players were commenting about. About the game - it is BIG. I had never played this game before and the scale of this is not really appartent until you see it set up. From memory the others set up the game and did 6 June the night before I turned up so it was a bit of a culture shock for me to come in on my first morning of the game. I few things stick out to me about the game. One is that there seems to be no way to replace step losses for the Allied para units. 6 Para sitting in the swamps on the Allied left flank recieved a major pounding during that game and, since I was unable to repare any of them I was force to eventually pull them out of the line and replace them with an infantry division. Darren I believe was then forced to pull out that first division and replace that with a second one. Major meatgrinder with the main damage being caused by the huge amounts of German Flak that gets to bombard you almost constantly. Next thing was the lack of British motorised/mechanised infantry. The game system supports combined arms and also contains a mechanised move where armour and mech units get to move a second time during the turn sequence. Useful for exploting holes in the line or reinforcing danger spots. However since none of the Brit infantry units are mechanised you are forced to either risk sending unsupported tanks off to their death or only doing minor moves. Since each Armoured Division at that stage of the war contained a Motor Bn using halftracks to scoot around then I feel the counter mix should have made this unit mech instead of just being another foot/truck infantry. We as the allies had either a bad run with storms or played the rules wrong or both. The storms came historically early and that prevented me as the british player from cleaning up the german static type divisions before all the nasty panzers turned up. Not being able to attack or brave enough to attack those units during the storm meant that they were pulled back to make up the numbers in the german line. This prevented me from finding weaker points to attack and really hurt me in the later turns. Craig =================================================================== Regs Darren June 21st D+15 Weather Storm Level 2 The Cherbourg Damage marker is now at “1” In the boats the allies have US 83rd Inf Div US 79th Inf Div US 30th Inf Div (minus the HQ which has landed) Divisional 155 battery and *illegible* from the US 9th Inf Div US Corp level assets including a 155 battery and 2xSPA units 2 supply counters BRIT Corps assets 2x7.2 inch howitzer units. And we can land a total of 6 stacking points ---- In 3 days time there will be even mors stuff including the US 3rd Arm Div and the Brit 43rd Inf Div If we land both the Brit 7.2inch units then we can attach them to the 49th and 50th Inf Divs to give them some more punch. Then land the US 155s’ and one supply. Then we just need to pray that the storm ends. Whoa hold that thought…… we haven’t rolled for storm damage to the Mulberry. Guess what! Damage to the Mulberry this one is now down to a total of 8stacking points per turn with a max of 4 being landed during stormy weather. Another roll like that and the Mulberry will be destroyed. This means that we are now in big trouble. We must capture Cherbourg, but to do that we need to stop the Panzers talk about the Devil's alternative. Well no one said that it was going to e easy and I guess that’s why we get to wear all the gold braid on the uniform. Allied command resolved to land both the supply units and the Brit a rtillery Allied Commentary More reorganisation takes place in the ORNE bridgehead as another hex is conceded. The 17pds dig in preparing to defend PEGASUS Bridge. Shuffling of units takes place in CAEN to keep fresh units on the line. Troops of the US 2nd Inf div draw combat supplies and join the front directly opposed to the 17th SS allowing the US 1st Inf div to shorten their overextended lines. Near CHERBOURG the 90th div continues to attack at a low level (ie supply free) and VII Corps attaches the big 155 battery to the US 2nd Arm to help them in the upcoming attacks on the LANDFRONTE Fortifications. Supply is OK at the moment and will continue to trickle in but if we blunt (ie suffer too many casualties) with the 2nd Arm getting into Cherbourg will it really be worth it? Well of course it will….. Orders go out to V corps defensive fire priority will bre to attack the tanks of the 17th SS division in an attempt to deny the Germans Combined arms modifications. A speed run by some US ndependent armour is done at the same time to bolster the defences of the 1st and 2nd Inf Divs. In the British sector there are worrying trends developing. The 51st Inf has almost no full strength infantry units on the board. The 15th Div is running at about half its units at full strength and the 11th Arm Div is starting to take losses. If the Germans manage to push the Brits back from the river lines then there wont be much available to stop the powerful German divisions. We may have to give supply to the US 9th Div and have them take over the line in front of ST LO. This will allow the US 29th,1st and 2nd Inf divs to move latterly effectively covering the Brits 49th Inf division sector. By reducing the Brit lines they can strengthen in front of the German Armour. (Time for the US to save the Brits ---- What were those comments made earlier in the game by the British commander?) [Note this along with some of the other US/BRIT comments is related to good natured rivalry between the then BRITISH Commander and myself]. German Defensive fire remnants another of our precious armour units but fails to dislodge the 17pds in CAEN. The US 2nd Arm loses a step at CHERBOURG but rolls well when attacking to “L1R2” the defenders. This results in the elimination of 3 units of the 30th Flak Brigade, and one of the CHERBOURG Alarm units and clears another Hex of the CHERBOURG Defences. German Moves 21st Pzr reorientates ready to attack either of the remaining 2 hexes of the ORNE River Bridgehead. This will allow some flexibility on the attack although the 17pds defending the bridge are most tempting. The entire 9th NW brigade is in supporting positions with supply ready to support this attack (34 pts available firepower and a full strength supply unit). 130th Pz Lehr orientates to hist one of the CAEN City hexes with 2nd Pzr in support. Several units of the 12th SS Div pull out of the line and link up with the replacement units that have arrived. The remaining 12th SS units are still able to attack a stack of British Units defending in Clear terrain. The 17th SS Pzr Grenadier aim for an exposed battalion of the Brit 49th Div. While the remainder of the 319th Div (those that didn’t land at CHERBOURG slowly make their way up from the bottom of the board. Allied defensive fire kill 3 of the (4)-3-8 Flak units belonging to various battalions of the III Sturn Flak Corps. It also manages to reduce a battalion of Pz Lehr Panzer Grenadiers. The British commander smiles cockily at all of this proclaiming his love for XXX Corps and its artillery, 41 pts of artillery on call and all for the low low cost of half a step of supply. VII Corps launch a massive artillery attack (26pts all up) and eliminate the 4/1261 costal artillery and 2 full battalions of the 709th Div. The German attacks result in The 17th SS taking another hex in the Bocage The 12th SS exchanging step losses 21st Pzr supported by Corps artillery f XLVII Panzer Corps and the 9th NW brigade attack (30pts ground units and 54 pts of artillery) attack Pegasus Bridge there is not combined arms modifier but at 6:1 odds they still successfully force a L1R2 on the defenders. The expenditure of one and a half steps of supply in the attack was deemed well worth the effort. 130th Pzr Ler decides not to attack as the best they could manage was 2:1 odds and decide to husband their supply. June 22nd D+16 Weather ST2 (DR 6 + 2 = 8!) So the storm enters its 3rd day much to the delight of the Germans. Both Mulberries avoid storm damage Allied Moves Both the 90th Inf and 2nd Arm attack with 2nd Arm looking to widen the hole in the defences around CHERBOURG. The US 2nd Inf div prepares to counterattack against the 17th SS while the Brits task 11th Arm to retake and hold Pegasus bridge German def fie light with bugger all done. Most notable is the Germans use of half a supply point at CHERBOURG to fire the 101st NW units but they are ineffectual and the 2nd Pzr finally managing to reduce the 17pds in CAEN (they had been targeting this unit for many days). The attack by the 90th Div finishes off the last of the 709th Div and the 8/1261 Costal Artillery. 2nd Arm roll a "1" at 5:1 odds +1 to bounce on its attack on the fortifications. US 1st and 2nd Div attack some of the 17th SS, they manage to get to 4:1 odds with +2 DRM from the Combined arms. The result is an exchange of step losses. 11th Arm and 15th Inf retake the hex at PEGASUS but I fear that the bridgehead is lost. Without the ability to keep attacking and facing two big 88 PAK units and the other Flak the time may be ripe to withdraw behind the river!. We really need the port of CHERBOURG or at least clear weather!! German Moves Germans in CHERBOURG fall back a row of hexes slowing giving up ground. Requiring the use of both the 90th Div and 2nd Arm supported by VII corps The battalions of the 219th Div that arrived take up positions in the old stone forts.So Even though they are removed from their HQ the forts bonus negates the Out of Supply penalty. It looks like these units will form the cornerstone of the final German defences. And as such they will be a tough nut to crack. The 17th SS takes another hex of the bocage from the battered Brit 49th Div but it does cost them 4 steps losses. 130th Pzr Lehr again doesn't attack at CAEN (it could only manage a 2:1 attack. 12th SS doesn't attack 21st Pzr does attack and captures the south end of Pegasus bridge again. 9th NW has supply and most of its subordinate battalions available for defensive fire. 7th NW HQ finally returns and is in supporting position along the line but lacks the supply to fire. 319th Div (less that which arrived in CHERBOURG) continues its a pproach march to the front. The 1st and 2nd SS Pzr divisions are released by Hitler for use in Normandy. More stormy weather would not only hasten there approach on the strategic track but will also damage the cursed allied harbors. What will the next day bring? June 23rd D+17 Weather Still stormy (4 days now) US Mulberry rolls a 6 --- destroyed! Brit Mulberry rolls a 3 ­ its still OK This is a major problem very little beach capacity expected now. Nothing gets off the boats this turn so even though there is 3 supply points and 4 next turn—none of it is getting to the mainland. Nevertheless even with the storm 90th Inf and 2nd Arm continue the assault on CHERBOURG ­ we need the port. US 1st and Brit 49th withdraw behind the river line 4/5 hexes SW of BAYEUX. If the 17th SS wants to play we will let them. 11th Arm regroups to open PEGASUS, if we can do this without the arty support we may be able to hold the evacuation corridor open with defensive fire. Germ def fire eliminates a Bttn of independent tanks in the ORNE that cant retreat. Allied attacks remove 4 more steps at CHERBOURG A 3:1 attack at PEGASUS results in a step loss ­ I will have to hope the Corps artillery can clean out the Germans. Germans move up as the 12th SS gets the pointy bits back (11-12-6 and 7-8-6 tank battns) 21st Pzr looks to do more damage while 130 Pz Lehr and 2nd Pzr cry for the supplies they need to launch an attack. In CHERBOURG the approach is to delay the enemy as much as possible (a task they are doing very well). Brit def fire average although it is successful where it is really needed as a 2:1 def fire shot clears the end of Pegasus bridge, opening the retreat route. 7th Arm manages to inflict a step loss on 12th SS Panzer Grenadiers so that may blunt the attack a little. VII Corps does noting! Now if only this bloody storm would end!! 21sst Pzr launches its attack against a different hex than expected as at 7:1 does damage but the bridge is still open!! 12 SS holds again (best it could do was a 3:1) June 24th D+18 Weather Fair (DR 1 + 2 = 3) Thanks the weather gods for that!!!! The port of COURSCULIES opens for trade and we will be able to land some items today. 2 fresh divisions arrive today so there is plenty to get off the boats. We have waiting 7 supply counters, 2xBrit 7.2”, US 155 Btty, 3xM10 (5-4-6 arty) and the Brit Crocodiles. 7th and 9th RTR and 2 Armoured Recon units US 2nd Arm Recon element US 9th divs 105;’s and 1/60 inf All of the 30th Div (bar the HQ) And all of the Brt 43Inf , US 79th Inf, US 83rd Inf and US (French?) 3rd Arm Divisions We have the capacity to offload 12stacking points by Brit beaches and 6 by US beaches with 1 stacking point available from the port. Well is it better than nothing I suppose! At least the weather is clear for both this and the next turn. If the US can start to attack the western edge of the board (far end of the German line) we may be able to stretch the Germans a little. This might help the Brits a little by stretching the 12th SS. It should also draw supply and reinforcements toward the US Sector (German 319th and 266th Divs). The allies still need to get CHERBOURG and evacuate the ORNE river bridgehead. I just don’t see how the Brits can hold that piece of real-estate if the Germans are serious about taking it back? Allied Moves The Brits duly pull back across the river Supply is distributed to the 50th and 49th Inf divs so that def fire this turn should be big. If we get some spare beach capacity I would like to begin off board replacement of the Brit units it is far more efficient to do it that way its just that there has not been any spare beach capacity. The rest of the line is quiet while the 90th and 2nd Arm continue to batter there way into CHERBOURG­ another landfronte hex is destroyed and we occupy the strategic hill behind it (2 hex SW of MKB BROM). A total of 3 units were eliminated, again it is a matter of time and supply but both are in short supply (no pun intended). German Moves 130th forms for an attack at CAEN from the one hex they hold on the British side of the river. 12th SS has the pointy bit ready for an attack. Brit def fire manages to reduce on of the 139th Pzr Gren battalions that was poised to attack ­ Hurrah! 3rd CAN reduce the 88PAK from 2nd Pzr. 12th SS attacks a clear hex with massive artillery support. Total supply used this turn was Brit 4xone half steps (2 total) to the Germans one half. June 25th D+19 Weather Fair (DR 1 -1 = “0”) The British Mulberry comes on line (to much rejoicing) Landing capacity is now 10 Stacking points over British Beaches, 6 Stacking points over the US beaches and 12 Stacking points available from the Brit Mulberry (there are no restrictions on what can and can’t land at ports and Mulberries). There is also a single stacking point available via the port of COURSCULIES. In the US sector elements of the US (French?) 3rd Arm division land but little else. Once the div is ashore it can be used to attack down towards COUTANCHES or given the way my die rolling is going it will need to be used to replace the 2nd Arm at CHERBOURG. In the Brit sector they land a massive 23 stacking points of units including 3 full supply counters, 4 Bttns of the 43rd Inf, some 17pdrs to help support the 43rd Inf, Some more 7.2” howitzers to be used as Corps artillery and the crocodile flame tanks [NB in this game when used as part of combined arms they can lead to some BIG die roll modifiers possible +/-4 on a D6 ] The plan is to commit the crocodiles in the bocage against some of the German Infantry only divs. They can then lead in the drive on CAUMONT. This should have the bonus of drawing some of the German armour into the bocage and require some more supply usage of the German divs in defensive fire if they want to keep the crocodiles away. The 43rd Inf can keep attacking the 17th SS. Regardless of what actually happens by putting the 43rd Div on the line the US will be able to move latterly and stretch the far end of the German line. Elsewhere in the British sector the 11th Arm dive pulls back for some much need replacements while the remaining Brits sit warily in there defences. The British army while not having that much in the Dead/Remanet pile they do have at least 18 reduced units across 5 division holding the front line. The 43rd Inf div attacks the 17th SS and retreats the 88PAK unit. German defensive fire finally kills the Indian Brigade attached to the armoured division that was causing so much pain for the 12th SS. The US 2nd Arm div attacks again at 4:1 and rolls a “1” (+1) in support of the 90th Div. However the other attack by the division manages to roll a “5” (also at 4:1 +1DRM) to successfully widen the gap. The division is hurting and there is still effectively the 2nd line of LANDFRONTE Fortifications (based around MKB Brom) and then the city. This port could be a hard nut to finally crack! German Moves Not that much. 91st Div performs some minor adjustments. 219th and 266th still moving slowly toward the front. 130th Pz Lehr shuffles again trying to launch its attack from the one hex in CAEN that is on the Allied side of the river. This one hex is turning into a very important piece of real estate. The Germans manage to bring on 5 supply units this turn and the 8th NW brigade. 21st Pzr looks ready to attack across Pegasus bridge. British def fire reduce the Pz Lehr units attacking from the Brit side of the river significantly blunting the potential attack. Nevertheless Pz Lehr launches two attacks the first at 4:1 DR2 results in a step loss to both sides. While the second attack at 5:1 has a DR3 This attack is backed by 41points of arty support, 22 from 7th NW and 19 from the divisional artillery). 12th SS backed launches an attack on the exposed British units and with artillery support manages to get to 5:1 odd and rolls a “6”. Only one armoured unit advance into the vacated British positions (we will “mech” in some infantry next turn). Unfortunately most of the artillery that is left available for defensive fire can support one side of this unit ­ so we will have to wait and see. However the Germans still have the 9th NW brigade left for defensive fire in other hexes of CAEN. June 26th D+20 Weather Fair (DR 2 ­ 1 = “1”) The port of ISANGY opens for service ­ seeing as the YANKS need all the help they can get this is important. 3 supply, 2 Corps HQs 11 US Inf Replacements, 3 Brit Inf Replacements, 2 Brit Arm Replacements and more 17pds arrive today. Given the long turn around time for replacements I am seriously considering shipping some of the Brit remanet units back to England for replacement. It has to be more efficient than shipping the replacement units to the continent. And the remnant units don’t cost a stacking point --- doh I should have been doing this ages ago. [Ed Note : I don’t know if this is true or not I thought that REM counters still had a stacking value of one]. If we send the units back to England it will be 2x3 turns for replacements and then 10 turns back to the action. Allied moves Standard moves with 2nd Arm and 90th Div British 3rd Inf takes on part of the front line in CAEN as the 51st Inf concentrates around the German Inf on the Allied side of the river. German defensive fire ineffectual as the German try some 1-1 and 2-1 attacks against STACKS of the 51st Inf and failed. The attack will still go in even though the German infantry is bolstered by support from some the Divisional STUGS and some Panthers from 130th Pzr Lehr. The attack is successful in pushing the Germans back across the bridge but 51st used all of its artillery support and all bar one unit from XXX Corps. So there is not much defensive fire available for next turn. Greetings, The following are some more comments from Craig who was the British Cmdr in the game I have been sending posts on. I must apologize to everyone as he did send me these comments back a week ago and it has taken me this long to send them on. Im going to blame the end of the financial year :) More comments if you like them or not :P ____________________ Pt II Supply is a major point in this game. As pointed out in the first post we used a variant rule for supply allocation. As summary once supply had been given to a HQ it stayed with the HQ. Not completely sure if this is historically valid or is a fudged mechanic to give a historical result but it does become a right pain in the arse to play. You are really forced to think ahead to keep divisions in supply and think even further ahead if you are planning to attack anything. Having the storms come early delayed a lot of allied supply which meant we (the allieds) did start to dry up in the very early turns when we should of been able to thump Germans. Do recall not actually attacking very often as the British player and instead doing a lot of manoeuvre instead. Thinking about it all in retrospec I would not recommend playing using the optional supply rules we used if anyone was planning to sit down and Longest Day although Darren may disargee. In summary from a British point of view this is a tough ask to play. If you are reading up the D+11 reports you will see that the British forces were being pushed back pretty much allong their whole line. Although it may not be clear from the earlier reports, I had managed to take Caen and had pushed at least 3 hexes into the bocage. These, you might consider to be pretty good places to try and defend in right? German units are also pretty nasty - most have a 'remnants side' effectively giving them 3 steps to lose. It means you put in a nasty attack, put two step losses on each defender and STILL have people in front of you. Also the masses of German flak (which having their own supply lines do not need to draw on the normal German supply points) are VERY dangerous. Ignoring supply effectivally they just shoot you... and shoot you... and when you FINALLY kill one off there is still 20+ of the F. things left on the table. As for german rocket arty (hey - no chance my spell check is going to let me spell their name correctly so cut me some slack) - there is lots of that as well and they hurt. I am trying to remember if I was facing all the German armour in that game and how it compared to the historical deployment. Considering where most of it comes onto the table there seems very little point in wasting time and turns moving it to face the yanks. I do remember that the German player that weekend had hopes of overrunning the British beaches and was probably pushing for it - hence the strong panzer deployment in the British zone. We also played the option where the channel island german divisions gets reposted to Cherbourg but appart from that division I seem to remember 90% of the Germans fighting against ME. Is the game histroical? Possibly not completely but then I am a minutures gamer and like a little more detail. I also have my doubts that with the massive amounts of defensive firepower available to a british division/corps/army group by late war, that Germans could make anything but limited counterattacks. Is the game fun? Well considering the slightly insane urge I have to play it all again... :) have fun MudCrab ----------------------------------------------------------------- Well Craig was correct! I do have a different opinion about supply rule used. As a recap we played supply exactly as written in the rules presented with the game except that once supply had been placed (given) to a divisional HQ it couldn't then be passed on to another HQ. Corps HQ's were exempt from this. I will agree that the house rule was a little hard to play and it is in need of some "tweaking" when presented with divisions that are no longer "on the line" but I still feel that it was important. The concept of this rule was to stop the game mechanic where a new supply unit is introduced into the game and moves to an HQ. Supply that this HQ has can then be "shuffled down the line" to the next HQ etc etc. Given the correct situation and spacings between units this can result in units halfway across the board benefiting from the supply chain shuffle. As German supply enters most readily (read quickly) from the right hand side of the board this was an attempt to more realistically handle the issues of getting supply to the front. Did it help the Allies? I believe it did, as it made resupplying those German units in the center of the board much more difficult. Did it harm the Allied cause? IMO only marginally -- I didn't have a problem (either as the US Commander or later as the overall commander) with shuffling supply through/past a Corps HQ and then on to individual Divisional HQ. My biggest memory was the use of those all important Airborne supply units. Having them tied up in the initial portions of the game with the Airborne divs resulted in less supply through the system. Should the rule be used? I belive that yes there is merit to it although probably in a more refined form. If anyone else has an opinion then please feel free to comment.