Chain of Command 2 - Game Report 5

Operation Martlet – 0400 to 1200 25 June 1944

Introduction

With our increasing familiarity with the rules, it was time for Kevin and I to dive into one of the pint-sized campaigns available. We chose Operation Martlet as the starting point. After watching a number of videos of others playing the campaign we were ready and eager as were our troops.

Situation

MARTLET was designed to secure the eastern flank of Operation EPSOM. Army Group HQ were concerned about the high ground around RAURAY and planned for Operation MARTLET to secure this ground and thus protect the flank of Operation EPSOM. 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division were the lead formation for the Operation, they would be supported by the 8th Armoured Brigade.

The Divisional Commander committed two brigades to the attack with 146 Bde on the left. The Brigade Plan called for three battalions up. The 11th Bn Royal Scots Fusiliers (11 RSF) were to advance on the left of the brigade line, with B Company left and D Company right. The attack would be preceded by very heavy artillery support.

Enemy Forces

The 12th SS Panzer Grenadier (12PZG) were holding a 12 mile line from the south-west outskirts of Caen to FONTENAY, which was the brigade objective. The village itself was likely to be protected by Panzer Grenadiers and heavy weapons. Despite the losses already inflicted on the 12 PSG they remained a very capable and well led fighting force.

Friendly Forces

The OC B Coy 11RSF gave orders that 2Lt Archie Sutherland's 5 Platoon would lead the company advance. He would be supported by the Battalion mortars, and his troops were well stocked with grenades including WP and Hawkins.

Archie had been in command for nine months he was a thoughtful 21 year old young man. He had quit Edinburgh university and with his Officer Training at university he had been sent to Mons for commissioning. His Platoon Sergeant was an old hand who had served in the last war. Although Sgt Wilson was a 51 year old Glaswegian, and a little on the large size, he was fitter than any man in the Battalion. The wags in the Battalion joked that it was his pre-war occupation of door-to-door salesman and the trail of broken hearts he had left behind that encouraged him to enlist in 1939. Whatever the reason he was a competent and capable SNCO who had taken a shine to the young officer who now commanded him.

Mission

11 RSF is to secure FONTENAY within boundaries.

Post Mission Report – 11th Bn Royal Scots Fusiliers

The No 1 Section emerged from the mist at dawn to be confronted with vicious MG fire from dug in Panzer Grenadiers.

Additional MG fire was delivered by a Panzer IV on the edge of FONTENAY.

More Panzer Grenadiers emerged from their defences to engage 1 Section.

1 section took casualties rapidly. All the time the rest of the Platoon was lost in the mist and unable to support 1 Section. They were able to call in Mortar smoke which did allow the section to withdraw and regroup with the rest of the platoon.

By 1000hrs Sgt Wilson and 2Lt Archie Sutherland were able to gather most of their dispersed sections. They both agreed that Sgt Wilson should take 1 and 2 Section forward to continue the advance. 2Lt Sutherland would bring on the remainder of the Platoon when they had regrouped.

This time the artillery fire seriously impeded the German response, and the Panzer Grenadiers offered no effective response allowing no 1 and 2 sections to advance. Despite positive encouragement from Sgt Wilson the Sections advance was far too slow.

As they approached the outskirts of FONTENAY the bombardment ended precipitously allowing the enemy to deploy its MGs to again bring devastating fire down which inflicted casualties and caused the troops to go to ground wherever they could.

2 Section deployed WP to cover itself from the worst of the fire directed at it.

No 1 Section reached the forward houses of the village but were ambushed by Panzer Grenadiers and broke from the fire and casualties. On the positive side 3 Section joined the fight along with a Vickers MG team from the Battalion reserve.

Sgt Wilson decided that they weren't advancing any further and ordered a withdrawal. The Mortar Fire Controller (MFC) brought down a fire mission on the crossroads to cover the retreat. This was so effective that it silenced the Panzer IV – it would later be discovered abandoned with its optics damaged and other equipment damaged. Cpl Macleod commanding 1 Section was covering his sections retreat when he was separated from the other members of the Section and never returned to our lines. He was listed as missing and eventually reported as captured.

Outcome

The second attempt to take the initial objective had failed. The battle was a serious blow to Archie Sutherland who became withdrawn. He was also embarrassed to be dressed down by the CO. However, in hindsight he wasn't the only one. The rest of the Battalion had fared poorly. The mist had severely impeded their ability to deploy and move forward. The afternoon was looking much brighter and with support from B Squadron of the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry (SRY) it was anticipated that FONTENAY would soon be in British hands.

Age of Eagles - Game Report 10

The Battle of Perchaon 29 April 1809

Background

After a little breather we were back in action within the 1809 Danube campaign, and into our nineth battle of the campaign.

Situation

The campaign action on the 29 April 1809 is split between the northern half of Upper Austria where the 1st, 2nd ArmeeeKorps and 2nd Austrian Reserve Korps are holding the line of the River Inn against the might of most of the Grande Armee. However, further south and east of Salzburg the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th ArmeeKorps and 1st Reserve Korps are fighting a delaying action against Massena's IVth Corps D'Armee, the Wurttemberg Corps and other Light and Heavy Cavalry French formations.

At one stage it seemed likely that Massena had found a way to penetrate the line of Austrian formations, however swift action by General der Kavalerie Johannes Liechenstein's 1st Reserve Korps blocked the way, the 3rd ArmeeKorps and Austrian Light Cavalry units now moved to the sound of the guns in order to defeat Massena, and blunt the French advance.

Battlefield Map and Terrain

The ground east of Salzburg starts to become increasingly broken with hills and woods with many small villages in the valleys. It is less open than the terrain further North close to the Danube.

The view looking North East from where the Austrians will arrive from the South East.

The Battle

The 1st Reserve Korps deployed into two columns around MUNDSIG. The larger of the two made up of two Grenadier Brigades and two heavy cavalry brigades was directed to move north east and attack any enemy north and east of PERCHAON, while one Grenadier and one cuirassier brigade was to form a blocking position on the high ground east of PERCHAON. The final grenadier brigade was to move into a blocking position in the defile on the road between LENGAU and PERCHAON.

From the outset of the advance the plan fell to pieces with brigades failing to move into position, this allowed at 1100hrs time for the General Tharreau's 1st Division from II Corps D'Armee to march to the sound of the guns and deploy to protect the French northern flank. Meanwhile 3rd Heavy Cavalry division also arrived deploying into a blocking position.

Given that Liechtenstein could see that fresh French reinforcements were arriving from the West, at 1300hrs he cancelled the planned advanced and adopted a defensive posture until such time 3rd ArmeeKorps arrived. The French reinforcements included the lead elements of the IV Corps D'Armee. However there was no evidence that at this stage that Massena had arrived on the battlefield. For their part the Austrians had received reinforcements from the North and South with the arrival respectively of the 3rd and 4th Light Dragoons.

The strength of the French forces increased steadily throughout the early afternoon, and by 1530 all four divisions of IV Corps D'Armee present; less their Corps Commander. The French artillery deployed in line North of PERCHAON and started a furious bombardment on the Austrian Grenadiers formed on the hill causing significant and unwarranted casualties as their pride and discipline prevented them falling back into the dead ground behind the hill. 

Although there was a lack of Corps Command direction the initiative shown by the French Divisional commanders allowed them to fight for the woods South of PERCHAON and at the same time to ready themselves to advance on command from Massena. However, the Austrian Grenadiers were not going to vacate the woods without a fight and threw the French out of the wood when the French charged.

By 1700hrs it was clear to Liechtenstein that 3rd ArmeeKorps would not arrive in time to influence the battle. He needed to break contact and withdraw as rapidly as he could. The guns and grenadiers started their withdrawal, while the Heavy Cavalry Brigades launched several charges to force delay on the French Infantry.

Unlike many previous retreats executed during the campaign thus far, this was orderly and well managed with artillery and grenadiers leapfrogging ach other, all the while covered by the cavalry.

By 1730hrs the sun was setting, and both sides were effectively breaking contact from each other with the Austrians retiring to the South-East and leaving the French in possession of the battlefield. (Note to self: remember to set the table the other way around so that the sun really sets in the West next time.)  The French decision was partly made because Massena only arrived to take command around 1600hrs and he had passed the VII Corps D'Armee on the way to the battle. Vandamme reported that because of the state of the roads he was unlikely to arrive at PERCHAON until after dark.

Outcome and Casualties

The Austrian's had failed to force the French to battle on their terms. Instead, they were forced to another defensive battle to buy time. Fortunately, they were able to extract themselves from the battle and regroup with the remaining Austrian reinforcements to the South East. Casualties were heaviest for the Grenadiers who lost most to the severe artillery fire they suffered exposed on the forward slope of the hills facing the French guns.

Chain of Command 2 - Game Report 4

The 04:30 to Kotelnikovo – December 1942

Introduction

With four CoC2 games behind us Kevin and I thought we should dive into one of the historical scenarios available. I had purchased "Operation Winter Storm" so we decided to kick off with this and for that I needed some Soviet Partisans. A rapid search for stl files secured a nice range of interesting figures to add to some standard Soviet infantry figures for a Partisan platoon.

Situation

Soviet Forces have successfully encircled German forces besieging Stalingrad. Intelligence has indicated that the Germans are moving troops forward to counter-attack and to relieve 6th Army. Stavka has directed that all available regular and irregular resources are made available to counter any German relief of Stalingrad. To that end the South Western Partisan Forces Commander has directed that all relief columns for Stalingrad are to be intercepted and attacked. Local Soviet citizens have come into the camp and reported that a truck column has been seen on the road to Kotelnikov, the road passes close enough to the Lt Gregorvich's area of operations for his Partisan Platoon to be directed to intercept and destroy the convoy.

Enemy Forces

It is known that there are German security forces active in the area and that they are very responsive to any threats. They are equipped with the normal array of infantry weapons, and it is likely that there will be MMGs deployed on any vehicle within the convoy.

Friendly Forces

Lt Gregorvich's Platoon has recently been reinforced with he now has 31 men under command deployed as two sections of 11 men and women and one of 10. The local area commander has provided him with two LMGs, and MMG and 50mm mortar section, a sniper team and a 3 man engineer team.

Mission

To destroy the Trucks before the Germans can react.

Post Mission Report

Lt Gregorvich deployed one section on either side of the road to divide the German response, which in this case was formidably rapid.

The German MMG on the vehicles provided devastating fire that allowed the Germans at the front and the back of the truck column to manoeuvre and engage the Partisans.

Given the effective fire Lt Gregorvich pulled the engineer team out of the line of fire. The Section on the northern side of the road suffered heavy casualties from the German fire and retired. In response the third section was brought forward to support the Southern attack. The Germans were seen to be moving away from the road to close off the Soviet out-flanking opportunities. Lt Gregorvich has moved forward to direct the Mortar fire which has not been sufficiently effective.

The sniper team decided to redeploy to engage the MMG.

The German attempt to outflank from the South was detected and heavy fire disrupted their movement and ability to intercede in the fight.

The northern Partisan section have finally broken from the field through the weight of fire being directed at them, but not before they threw back a German close assault on their position.

Finally, Lt Gregorvich manages to bring forward the MMG team who are able to inflict casualties on the German MMG team, but not sufficient to suppress them. The soviet MMG will be destroyed by the return fire from the German MMG.

The German attempt to redeploy their MMG fails and the remaining infantry providing close protection to the trucks is destroyed by the Partisans who now move in for the kill. Lacking engineer support they throw grenades at the vehicle only to miss the target.

The remaining Partisan section advances to engage the second truck and its grenades similarly miss the target.

As night falls there is no sign of more German activity, and what forces are left to protect the convoy are incapable of offensive action. The Partisans disappear into the night after posting grenades through the truck cabins.

Outcome

Kevin and I agreed that even though the objective conditions expressed in the scenario had not been met to the letter, the Soviet partisans had done enough to destroy the convoy as dusk fell.

Conclusion

A really challenging scenario and one which in this case the Germans were able to respond incredibly quickly which disrupted the Soviet attack. On the other side it was well worth painting the Partisans for this battle.

Chain of Command 2 - Game Report 3

Attack and Defend – 1944

Introduction

For our third CoC2 game Kevin and I decided that we needed to bring some vehicles into play and therefore opted for the "Attack and Defend" scenario with the Soviets attacking on the long table edge.

Situation

With the brief stabilisation of the Baltic Front by the German forces through their successful delaying action, the 116th Separate Infantry Battalion has been ordered to form as a forward detachment and to break through the enemy defences in order to allow the advance to continue. The initial objective is to secure a North-South road through the village of Raczyn to allow Soviet Forces to manoeuvre to the North or South to envelop and bypass German positions. The battlefield was dominated by the road across the front of the likely advance with the village of Racczyn on the northern flank on the other side of the Vikula Stream. The bridge crossing was protected by a pillbox, but there is no evidence that it is currently occupied.

Enemy Forces

Aerial intelligence has produced evidence that the Germans have been reinforcing the sector. There have been indications of support being provided to the Panzer Grenadiers of the 61st Volksgrenadier Division, with anti-tank guns and filed defences being provided to the defenders.

Friendly Forces

Lt Kruskov's platoon has been ordered to provide the advance guard, and he would be closely monitored by Captain Melinkov, the Company Commissar. Commander 43rd Army has directed that armour support is provided and a T34-76 with a scout car has been made available to support the attack. Additionally, the Battalion mortar platoon will provide fire support. The Scout section will deploy to provide flank protection.

Mission

Ly Kruskov is to secure the hill that dominates the North-South road, in order to gain freedom of manoeuvre for the rest of the Battalion.

Post Mission Report

The Platoon advanced with two sections forward. Captain Melinkov coordinated actions with the left forward sections as they approached the road. The second section advanced screening the arrival of the T34, with the carrier taking up over watch positions in the right overlooking the bridge.

A German Panzerschrek team advanced to give fire on the T34, but were brough under effective fire from the carrier and infantry section.

A 50mm anti-tank gun opened fire on the T34 to no effect.

To provide further flank support the Scout Ream deployed from the carrier to suppress the anti-tank gun. Meanwhile the Battalion mortars opened fire to allow the infantry to close on the objective.

As the mortar barrage lifted the infantry sections closed in on the objective.

The anti-tank gun continued to try and hit the Soviet armoured vehicles, all the time under continual fire from the Scout Team.

The Germans reorganised rapidly after the barrage and were able to bring heavy MG fire down on the advancing Soviet infantry.

The right forward section broke under fire and retired to the start-line. The reserve section was brought forward to protect against the enemy advance to recapture the objective.

The German anti-tank gun team recovered their wits and in quick order destroyed both Soviet vehicles. Meanwhile the firefight between the infantry was continuing to see casualties increase on with both sides neither able to advance.

Outcome

The German counterattack managed to secure the objective; the Soviet lost 10 men as casualties, not including the vehicle crew.

Conclusion

A very good game. However, I continue to have concerns on how "objectives" are defined in the game and their role in determining the winner; which I have shared on the TooFatLardies Patreon page where this issue is discussed.

ADLG - Game Report 240

Communal Italian (189) vs Feudal Spanish (190)

For my last battle of three (Harry fought 5 on the day!) it was a pleasure to be able to bring Tony's Feudal Spanish to battle against my Italians. The Army had been subject to further change since they fought the Normans. They now had a fortified camp and had allocated a mixed Crossbow/heavy spearmen unit to each command. With that in hand we were attacking in the plains. I deployed the right of the infantry command against the coastline, and the two supporting Knightly commands to their left.

The Spanish light troops tried to envelop the lone Light Cavalryman, but they failed to inflict any damage.

The Italian line becomes even more strongly echeloned to the left. Thanks to a support charge by the Knights in the centre to disperse the Spanish light troops the way has now opened for the Light Cavalrymen to penetrate the enemy line and threaten the Spanish camp.

The Spanish drive off the Light Cavalry but not before their camp has been lost. While the Knights close on the enemy the Communal Militia on the right flank now close the distance to give battle to the Spanish foot.

The Spanish crossbows fail to hold the end of the line allowing the Communal Italians to move towards the enemy flank. However, the supporting charge by the elite French mercenary Knights has been less successful and they are now in danger of being destroyed. Along the line Knights are engaging Knights to win the day.

Which the Communal Knights successfully do across the front of the line, while the Communal Militia commence mop up operations against the remaining Spanish Infantry.

Outcome

A Communal Italian victory by 17 to 24.

Lessons Learnt

A reminder of why it is great to gather for a day with ADLG friends to continue our enmity across the wargame table.

As for the Communal Italians, a definite plus for this orbat and a viable army for Kegworth.

ADLg - Game Report 239

Ptolemaic (43) vs Late Imperial Roman (87)

For their second outing, Ptolemy offered battle against Paul's Late Imperial Romans. Once again, we were attacking in the plains but this time against Constantin the Great. In this battle the CinC deployed on the right with the Cavalry on the left.

The Greeks started a graceful wheel to the left, allowing the Nubian Warriors and the light troops to push forward, and the Roman light troops fell back without offering combat.

As the wheel continued the Roman's and their Visigoth allies started their deployment into their own line of battle.

Contact! The Greek right supported by Nubian Warriors engages the Auxilia in the plantation and come off a decidedly second best. Which on later reflection by Paul and myself will be adjudged to be the turning point of the game.

More Nubian Warriors enter the fray on the right but fail inflict any damage on the Auxilia on contact. Meanwhile the opposing lines of battle continue to advance and close the distance.

The Lines are well matched and lined up perfectly while a lone Pike unit has been turned to the flank to protect the flank from the Auxilia who are winning their fight.

The Pikes move forward to engage, while the remainder of the line holds back, with the false hope that the Visigoths will charge them. Faint chance of that with a Brilliant General who is guaranteed to be able to hold his impetuous line back. Of course, only so long as he doesn't enter into combat himself! A point I failed to pick up on for a couple of turns as we held ourselves back waiting for the charge.

The Greek General with his elite Pikes has broken the line, which way will he turn?

The answer is, hidden behind the hand of God (thank you Maradona aka Paul) is that he turns to the right to try to hold back the rolling up of his line as the rest of the line engages. But to no avail as by this time the rest of the Roman Line from the centre to the Roman left has already won the day for them.

Outcome

A Roman victory by inflicting 24 to only receiving 12 in return.

Lessons Learnt

One can impede the enemies command and control by bringing their included commanders into combat

In deciding whether to stick or twist, I should have certainly twisted and charged and took the risk!