Bolt Action - Game Report 4

Into the Ruins of Caen July 1944

Introduction

This was the second of three tournament games at Entoyment This was Bolt Action Scenario 3 - Key Positions

Situation

Operation Charnwood is going well. The northern outskirts of Caen are now being mopped up. However, there are three key positions that need to be captured in order to ensure we can secure crossings over the River Orne.

Enemy Forces

Wireless intelligence had reported that a Battlegroup of 15th Panzergrenadier Division had moved up to defend the ruins of Caen. The wireless intercepts indicated that they were commanded by Leutnant Mike Ems. A tough and experienced veteran of many years of combat.

Friendly Forces

9Pl has 3 sections each of 8 men including a LMG and its Piat team, they are supported by a Churchill from C Squadron 147th Regt RAC and a FOO, and a Mortar section from the Bn Mortar Platoon.

Mission

9pl 1 DOG is to capture the three key positions identified by Bde HQ to secure the start line that will enable us to force a crossing over the River Orne

Combat Report

This report is prepared by the Tank Commander from C Squadron 147th Regt RAC

The initial advance seems to have gone well, with all the infantry sections moving forward well. 1 Sect moved left, whilst 3 Sect secured the initial objective. No 2 Sect on the right reported that they had secured the building in front of the middle objective.  In doing so they had destroyed a truck and some infantry debussing from it. 

My loader reported a Nebelwerfer deploying to our left front. It was able to put down one salvo before we destroyed it with our MGs. 

It was during this action that I heard over the radio that the FOO was down; he had been hit by a sniper and was being casevaced.

No 2 section went into defence in their building.

The Panzer Grenadiers viciously counterattacked and secured a foot hold in the building. From their higher elevation they were able to bring suppressive fire on 2 Sect. A German armoured car tried to intervene but couldn't stand against my tank. It rapidly withdrew, I heard some PIAT rounds explode on my right flank, but there was no secondary explosion and I heard nothing more from the PIAT again.

German progress was exceptionally rapid after this. I was pinned down by mortar fire, but I continued to use my Coax and hull MGs to best effect as possible. I couldn't prevent the Germans overrunning the near objective when 3 Sect were destroyed, and 1 Sect on the left faired no better.

The Grenadiers securing the objective.

Outcome

9Pl failed to secure the key positions and lost heavily in the process. A loss.