Chain of Command 2 - Game Report 10

Operation Martlet – 1600-2000 25 June 1944

Introduction

After nine Chain of Command games Kevin and I were really getting to grips with the rules. Although, that having been said, there were still moments when we are playing that we have to spend interminable minutes trying to leaf through the rules to find specific answers to problem cases. Despite this we were learning how to apply tactics to the battle. One of the key learning points for both of us was that from playing this campaign, we were both starting to appreciate that it is a game system that merits a degree of caution when one is playing it.

Ground

For the uninitiated, the map for this battle is shown here. The numbers refer to the following pictures which I took when I conducted a terrain walkthrough in Oct 2025, and yes, it is still as open as it was when Martlet took place.

View 1 - The British view

View 2 – The angle of the main building to the road is shown accurately on the map.

View 3 The Germans might have benefited from this sunken road

View 4 – and the only discrepancy between the game map and reality. As one can see the farm complex is certainly more substantial than depicted in the game map.

Finally, the terrain that Kevin was able to put together for the battle.

Situation

After finally breaking through the outer German defences of FONTENAY on the third attempt it was time to press on into the heart of village. However, after this hard-fought day the morale of the troops was relatively low and their morale was suffering (in COC terms a force morale of -5.

Enemy Forces

The German forces had already been effectively blooded in the earlier battles in the day, it was unclear what level of resistance they would offer.

Friendly Forces

The Battalion Commander released 13 replacements from the troops left out of battle (LOB) to reinforce to 5 Platoon, bringing the total strength up to 1 officer, and 31 men. 2Lt Sutherland deferred to Sgt Wilson in reorganising the Platoon. He directed that the Piat team was redeployed to operate the 2in Mortar, and the other men were allocated to the rifle sections bringing two of them up to full strength. In support the Battalion Mortar platoon was on standby for indirect fire support. In direct support was a Sherman from Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, and a Vickers MG team from the Battalion MG Platoon. The advance would be proceeded with a divisional artillery barrage.

Mission

5 Platoon is to clear the road into FONTENAY within boundaries up to the crossroads.

Post Mission Report

The Platoon advanced covered by the Sherman.

1 Section advanced into the wood, while 2 Section advanced into the far wood supported by Sgt Wilson and the Mortar Team. Although the advance was going as planned with no intervention from the enemy, the battlefield was eerily silent as the artillery barrage lifted prematurely – from that 5 Platoon was advancing on their own resources.

1 Section advanced not the main farm complex and occupied the building. 2 Section remained on overwatch protecting the flank.

2Lt Sutherland brought forward 3 Section into the wood vacated by 1 Section. The plan was to advance around the left side of the building while 1 Section and 2 Section and the Sherman provided covering fire.

While the Sherman was brought forward, 2 Section tried advancing forward to the hedgerow only to be ambushed by an MG42, they wisely retired into the woods to regroup.

The 2in Mortar was able to provide a smoke screen that allowed 3 Section to advance to the next bound, the wall line. The smoke was essential because the farm building in the depth of the enemy position had been turned into a strong point in which an MG42 Team and been deployed.

With 3 Section deployed and the Sherman providing covering fire Sgt Wilson brought forward 2 Section to secure the Hedgerow, prior to advancing into the woods beyond.

However, a timely change in wind direction dispersed the smoke screen allowing the Germans to deploy and engage 3 Section causing significant disruption and some casualties.

3 Section were in a difficult position and with the Sherman brassing up (providing covering fire) the enemy and likely terrain features from  they were slowly withdrawn from the field. 2 Section now ready for an advance into the wood.

With the emergence of the Germans from their prepared positions, the Battalion mortars were brought into stonck them. While this was happening 1 Section rifle team moved out of the farmyard to a position where they could engage the strongpoint.

Under cover of the Mortar fire 2 Section rifle team advanced into the wood, only to encounter Germans who had tried to move out of the Mortar beaten zone. 2 Section committed a text book section attack and forced the Germans to retire.

Outcome

The Germans retired and fled further into FONTENAY. For their part the British losses were light but 1 JNCO and 5 men. Although not a battle casualty from enemy fire, 2Lt Sutherland's nerve had finally broken. He was discovered in the wood crying and catatonic, the Battalion MO intervened and he was despatched to the rear as soon as possible to avoid further impact on the men's morale.