Operation Martlet – 0800-1200 26 June 1944
Introduction
This is the 4th scenario from the Operation Martlet PSC (Pint Sized Campaign). The British have pushed on beyond the village of Fontenay Le Pesnel, with the fight moving down the road to Rauray. The next defensive position available for the Germans was the farm of St Nicholas 500m south of Fontenay.
Ground
Continuing the pictures from battlefield tour in Oct 2025, here is the terrain map from the scenario. As before the numbers relate to the vantage points where I took pictures.
View 1 – Looking into the St Nicholas Farm from the other side of the road.
View 2 – looking down the road to Fontenay Le Pesnel from which the British would be advancing.
View 3 – Looking towards the objective of St Nicholas farm from the British perspective.
Finally, the terrain (that Kevin built), looking from the German's position from an oblique view taken by a photo recon sortie as 7 DWR started their advance.
Situation
After pushing the Germans out of Fontenay the pursuit looked like it was on, and there was hope for a clear end run to the Rauray ridge. After their success the CO 7 DWR ordered A coy forward led by 3 Platoon.
Enemy Forces
Given the time the enemy had been positioned in defence there was every expectation that they would have prepared as many buildings for defence as possible. It was unclear which, but given that St Nicholas farm was on one of the sole buildings on the axis of advance intelligence were confident that this would be part of the defence in depth that the Germans had prepared. However, detailed forces confronting 7 DWR were unknown.
Friendly Forces
3 Platoon would continue to be supported by two Shermans from the Sherwood Yeomanry, the battalion mortars, and engineers.
Mission
3 Platoon A Company 7 DWR is to clear St Nicholas farm.
Post Mission Report
Lt Bertram-Willey decided to advance to contact with 2 sections forward, with 1 Section left and 2 Section right. The Shermans would accompany them in initiate support as they cleared the orchard to the north of the farm.
In the distance the British tank crew recognised the deep throaty sound of the Maybach HL230 P30 V12 gasoline engine powering a Panther; the big cats were on the prowl.
The orchard was crossed by a number of low hedges, these provided ample cover to allow the sections to advance by fire and movement as they closed in on the farm.
The Panther was spotted outside the farm flanking the Platoon and Lt Bertram-Willey ordered 2" mortar to fire smoke to provide cover as they advanced. It was also intended to allow the Shermans to reposition themselves while the Panther was obscured.
The Shermans moved forward and started to provide covering fire and opening breaches in the walls of the farm's outbuildings.
The Mortar platoon started a stonk on the farm to keep the German's heads down.
While a Sherman advanced down the eastern flank of the farm it came under Panzerfaust fire all of which was inconsequential. The other Sherman provided covering fire for 2 Section to advance to the breach in the outbuilding.
The distinctive sound of the Panther could be heard within the farm courtyard and more smoke was brought down to obscure it.
Number 3 Section have now advanced into line ready to move around the eastern flank of the farm. Meanwhile as the smoke has clears the Sherman and Panther fail to secure any hits on each other as they become visible to each other. At the same time Number 2 Section has started advancing to the breach.
Unfortunately, the Panther scored a direct hit and brewed the Sherman, while the remaining Sherman working the left flank was ambushed by Panzerfausts and immobilised. With no armour support to take on the Panther 3 Platoon withdrew through the Orchard successfully.
Outcome
3 Platoon lost only two men in the engagement, one of which was lightly wounded and who was likely to return that day.
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