FOW France 1944 – Daniel’s First Scenario

This Flames of war scenario, completely designed by Daniel (son) on his own without any assistance from WR, came as a total surprise to WR. He converted an online electronic game scenario to a suitable FOW scenario, drew up the scenario map below by hand, and decided to use the Ver3.0 “Forces” book, part of the trilogy of books packaged with the MRB FOW V3.0 to create the armies of play. Therefore the platoons involved are basic in the ETO France 1944 format but nonetheless fun to game with. The scenario setting has two forces advancing (encounter like mission), meeting near two central tabletop French villages, one on a hillside, the other atop a hill mound, both villages divided by a waterway. The hillsides are covered with woods or orchard at the hill top, while in the flat land, Daniel placed grain fields, hedges, and low stone walls. Overall a great first effort. The only change WR suggested was remove the waterway, as it will divide the table into two halves. The AAR below represents the non waterway scenario. Scenario length set at ten complete turns on the 6×8′ table. Control more objective markers than your opponent for win placed using standard FOW Ver3.0 placement rules.

Daniel’s first hand drawn FOW scenario map. Set in French countryside, the Germans entered on top edge, the Americans the lower edge, starting up to 12″ from the table edge. Table 6’x8′ size.

Scenario forces: Both 2000 point forces taken directly from the Ver 3.0 “Forces” book. Daniel played the Germans using a Heer Gepanzerte Panzergrenadier company with supports (1990 points). WR used an American Armored Rifle company with support (1990 points).

Heer Gepanzete Panzergrenadier Co. HQ: CoCmd, 2iC SMG teams, 2x Sd Kfz 251/1 [65 pts]. Noted that no panzerfaust or panzerknackers armed teams in use. Two objective markers.

Three Gepanzerte PzGrenadier platoons: Cmd, Sd kfz 251/10, 6x MG teams, 3x Sd Kfz 251/1 each [660 pts].

Infantry Gun Platoon (highjacked from a local Grenadier company I expect): Cmd, 2x 7.5cm leIG18, Obs. team [65 pts].

PzGrenadier AA gun platoon: 2x Sd Kfz 10/5 2cm [60 pts].

Heavy tank platoon: 3x Tiger I E [645 pts]. Ouch!

Artillery battery: Cmd, Staff team, 2x Obs. teams, 4x 10.5cm leFH18 [210 pts].

Panzerspah Patrol: 3x Sd Kfz 234/2 Puma 5cm AC [150 pts].

Limited Air Support: Ju 87G Stuka [135 pts].

For the Americans, WR rostered a standard Armored Rifle company (1990 points) with the following platoons:

Armored Rifle Co. HQ: CoCmd, 2iC Carbine teams, Baz. team, Jeep, M3 H/T w/50 cal. Sherman recovery tank [45 pts]. Two objective markers.

Two Armored Rifle platoons: Cmd, 5x Rifle teams, 5x Baz. teams, 2x M1919 LMG, 2x M3 H/T w/50 cal., 3x M3 H/T w/AA MG each [450 pts].

Armored Mortar platoon: Cmd, M3 H/T w/50 cal., 3x M4 81mm mortar [60 pts].

Armored Assault gun platoon: 3x M8 Scott HMC [105 pts].

Tank platoon: 5x M4a1 Sherman [320 pts].

Tank platoon: 5x M4a1 (76mm) Sherman [470 pts].

Field Artillery: Cmd, Staff team, Obs. team, jeep. 4x M2a1 105mm [140 pts].

Field Artillery: Cmd, Staff team, Obs. team, jeep, 4x M1 155mm [210 pts].

Priority Air support: P 47 Thunderbolts [190 pts].

General view of the tabletop showing the raising hillside village at top and mound top village with church below. American on left, the Germans at right in starting positions.

Deployment: First WR’s deployment. From left to right WR deployed one AR platoon in halftracks facing the hillside village supported by his M8 Scott HMC assault guns. Center position the M4a1 75mm Sherman platoon, the Armored M4 81mm Mortars, then the other AR platoon, in their halftracks to their right. Lastly the M4a1 (76mm) Sherman platoon held the right before the mound village and Daniel’s Tigers. Command wise the CoCmd team went with the left AR platoon, the 2iC team with the right AR platoon.

FOW Pz Brigade 150 vs. US 28th Infantry

Another game from the backlog files of CoVid YR2020. This Flames of War (FOW) version 3.0 scenario is a home grown scenario. Back in June 2020 we had an early summer like heat wave so Daniel and WR optioned for a “cool” scenario from the Bulge 1944 time period. Since WR had just finished up painting his Panzer Brigade 150 ersatz Panthers and StuG platoons, plus his Skorzeny commandos in their captured jeeps, the choice ready made. An uneven point scenario with the advancing Germans having 2000 points vs. the defending Americans with 1830 points and a patch of Ardennes to defend. All the special rules found in the Battlefront “Devil’s Charge” supplement booklet in play, the “disguises” of captured equipment, some sheet metal, English speaking Germans, rampant rumors, American bulldog rule, snowy frozen ground, and more. Plus bad weather for once.

The wintery tabletop with Pz. Brigade 150 ready to launch their assault on the American line. On left flank Daniel has his Pumas, SS Jager platoons, heavy SS 12cm mortars and ersatz StuG platoon. The remaining SS 12cm mortar platoon  sets up mid table.

Since this scenario was a “pick up game” there is no hand drawn scenario map for the 6×8 table. A typical Ardennes countrywide with forest, narrow river waterway and crossroad villages, all draped in snowy ground was laid out. Unlike many Bulge scenarios which WR has played over the years, this one has weather. Lots of cold temperatures, cloud cover, and ground fog to keep any pilots home in their warm cots and American artillery observers seeing German panzer shadows.

Forces: The starting line up for both sides, first the Germans with their Pz. Brigade 150 force under Daniel’s control (2000 points). Pz. Brigade 150 SS teams are all rated Fearless Trained (FT) unless noted.

Pz. Brigade Tank Company HQ: Co. Cmd SMG Pzf., 2iC team SMG Pzf., both with captured jeeps. [75] pts.

Skorzeny Commandos: 4x Skorzeny Commando jeeps rated Fearless Veteran (FV) [200] pts.

Ersatz Panther platoon: 3x Ersatz Panthers [550] pts.

Ersatz StuG platoon: 3x Ersatz StuG [285] pts.

Two SS Jager platoon: Cmd/Pzf, R/MG Pzf, 6x R/MG [420]pts.

Two SS Heavy Mortar platoons: Each with Cmd, Obs. team, 4x 12cm mortar teams [2×160] pts.

Ersatz Panzerspah platoon: 3x Sd Kfz 234/2 Puma [150] pts.

On the right Daniel started his ersatz panther platoon with plans to shift towards the central town at upper left. WR set up two of his Outpost platoons to guard the upper right roadway.

WR’s American force represents the “Bloody Bucket” or 28th US Infantry taken from the same “Devil’s Charge” FOW supplement. WR deployed his Perimeter Outpost fortified company miniatures to try and stem Daniel’s advancing Panzer Brigade 150 ersatz panzers and SS infantry. Perimeter Outpost and support teams are rated Reluctant Veteran (RV) for this scenario report unless noted:

FOW Cole’s Charge 1944

This Flames of War (FOW) scenario came from the former “What Would Patton Do (WWPD)” blog site several years ago. WR saved the scenario file for a future game and this last summer, Daniel and WR set up the game scenery, pulled WR’s WW2 FOW miniatures, and played out the tabletop action. Cole’s Charge is based upon an actual June 11, 1944 battle at Ingouf farm in Normandy, between the 3rd Battalion 502nd Parachute IR and their counterparts in the German army… 6th Fallschirmjager Regiment. Read the full scenario file below for more details and any internet search under “Lt. Colonel Cole, Ingouf farm, 502nd Parachute Regiment in Normandy, Purple Heart Lane” should access additional historical background material.

What Would Patton Do (WWPD) written scenario .pdf file: Coles Charge 1944 

With WR’s 20mm miniatures in position and table snacks within arm reach, the scenario opens with the fallschirmjager position shelled by several batteries of American off table 105mm artillery. In FOW 3.0 MRB terms a preliminary pre-scenario start bombardment action. Every tabletop deployed German team rolls their fate 6D, except for warrior teams, and survivors end the bombardment pinned to the ground. A roll of 4+ removes the team.

Opening scenario scene. The American artillery pounds the German Fallschirmjagers positioned around the farm and orchards.  Then switch to smoke rounds to cover the American advance.

FOW Western Desert 1940

This past week the warren theater of operations changed from the Russian front to the cold December 1940 desert of western Egypt. The British, for background, have started Operation Compass, seeking to dislodge and repulse the Italian invasion of the Egyptian western desert region since September 1940. For weeks the Italians have remained stationary in their “fortified camps” after a short advance period, strung across the open desert, loosely linked by occasional patrols and rear support formations. Seeing this general inactivity, the British and Commonwealth forces under General Richard O’Connor started their local offensive to dislodge the Italians. First day operations went all too well, with the overrunning of several camps. WR’s Flames of War (FoW) scenario below is somewhat based upon an Italian fortified camp being assaulted by British and Commonwealth units, while giving the Italian a chance with the introduction of a localized Italian counterattack…. some Italian armor, such as it was in late 1940. The scene unfolds with the British and Commonwealth infantry and supporting armor deployed to assault the Italian lines. Matildas all gassed up, while Vickers light tank mkVIIb heard gunning their motors to race forward. For the allied infantry, Daniel’s choice was Indians or WR’s painted “Gurkhas” on the tabletop, painted years ago and never been used till last week. should note Gurkhas are a bit early for appearance in the desert war but basically Indian army in structure, so they will fit the platoon organization requirement to represent the Indian 4th Division. For the Italians, WR assumed the command. Positioned in their prepared wired and mined trench lines, the Italians were Posizione di Fucilieri infantry manning the trenches with a counterattack force of M11/39 and the “dune buggy” CV35 tankettes held in reserves. The possible showdown of CV35 vs. Vickers mkVIIb awaits it seems. Scenario starting position set up based upon “Hold the Line” scenario mission template and provides the victory objective conditions.

Opening scene on the desert. British and Commonwealth infantry at right. The Italians trench lines at left. Weather clear but cold for time of year, it is December 1940. British objectives placed.

The forces for each side in the upcoming tabletop scenario. For the British and Indians Daniel uses the British Rifle company list, found in FoW Hellfire and Back book, with special use exception granted for the Vickers light tank company [1800 points]:

Rifle Company HQ: CoCmd and 2iC teams. [25 pts.]

Three Indian rifle platoons: Each wit Cmd, 6x R/MG teams, ATR, lt. mortar team. [3x 175 pts.]

Mortar 3″ platoon: Cmd, Obs, four 3″ mortar teams. [110 pts.]

Royal Artillery troop: Cmd, Obs, Staff, four 25lb mostly off table except for observer. [395 pts.]

Matilda troop: Cmd. Matilda, and Matilda mkII. [475 pts.]

Vickers mkVII company: HQ platoon with Cmd mkVII, 2ic MkVII and one more mkVII. Then two armored platoons of Cmd MkII, two mkVII tanks. All total nine Vickers mkVIIb tanks organized in three platoons. [90 +180 or 270 pts.]

View from the opposite table edge. Allied on left, Italians on right. The Vickers mkVIIb gun their motors to race ahead, followed by the Indian infantry teams (three platoons worth).

For the Italians WR rostered the following units from the Hellfire and Back Posizione di Fucilieri list [1745 points]. Several platoons start as delayed reserves or ambush position and so marked below in list:

Italian HQ: CoCmd, 2iC teams. [25 pts.]

Three Fucilieri Posizione platoons: Cmd, six rifle/MG teams, 47/32 nest, HMG nest, trench lines, 2x barbwire and 1x mines. [3x 285 pts.]

Mortar platoon: Cmd, Obs., three mortar teams w/gun positions. [80 pts.]

Anti-Tank platoon: Cmd, four 37/45 A/T guns (as foil for Vickers mkVII company exception above). In ambush position at scenario start [120 pts.]

Demolisher platoon: Cmd, six Pioneer rifle teams, two lt. mortars. In delayed reserve status. [145 pts.]

Howitzer battery: Cmd, Obs., staff. four 100/17 cannon held as off table artillery w/gun positions. In delayed reserve status [205 pts.]

Medium Tank platoon: Cmd M11/39 and four M11/39 tanks. In delayed reserve status [215 pts.]

Tankette platoon: Cmd L3/35 with three L3/35 tankettes. In delayed reserve status [100 pts.]

Станция 19 (Station 19) FOW

One week after playing out the Flames of War July 1944 Soviet breakthrough vs. German blocking force scenario (Eastern Front at home), WR and Daniel (son) had the opportunity to play another FOW scenario. This time the scenario setting was a continuation of the Soviet breakthrough theme during 1944, but deeper in the German rear area around a village, a train station numbered 19 (Станция 19), and Sicherungskompanie (Security) compound. Soviet tanks have broken through the German shattered front line and Soviet STAVKA has ordered airdropped paratroopers to link up with the local organized Soviet Partisan brigades to lead the partisans in disruption and destruction, thus aiding and expanding the Soviet breakthrough.

Station 19 Scenario Notes (.doc) file: Station 19 Scenario notes

Daniel’s Soviet Partizanskiy Brigada (Partisans) consists of the following companies and all rated Confident Conscript (CC) unless noted [Red Bear book pg. 112, 1505 points in total]:

Partizanskiy Brigada HQ: CoCmd, 2iC team, and three light mortars. [65 pts.]

Three Parizanskiy companies: Each of Cmd, komissar, and 21x rifle teams. Up to three rifle teams in entire force can be exchanged for ATR teams. [3x 220 pts.]

Partizanskiy mortar company: Cmd, Obs, six 82mm mortars. [90 pts.]

Partizanskiy MG company: Cmd, six HMG teams. [115 pts.]

Partizanskiy Scout platoon: Cmd, 4x SMG teams. These are the airdropped paratroopers who joined the partisans. Fearless Veteran rated (FV)[165 pts.]

Tankovy company: Cmd T34/85, 4x T34/85, all with cupola for better vision, as the part as the breakthrough train chasing column of tanks at scenario start. Confident Trained rated (CT)[410 pts.]

Peaceful German Sicherungskompanie (Security) compound watches as the security train arrives at the station 19 (Станция 19) Soviet village.

German Sicherungskompanie HQ at Станция 19 hears the outpost phone ring. Soviet T34/85 tanks are approaching the village from the east, following the rail line and chasing the arriving security train. Calling all the Sicherungs platoon sector outposts, the platoon lieutenants report seeing advancing partisans from the northern and southern sectors as their soldiers man their foxholes, their security team dogs* barking loudly. The security train has two Sicherung platoons on board, hoping to disembark before the Soviet tanks open fire on the slowing train and join the village defense. Calling the nearby aerodrome, the Sicherungskompanie commander requests air support with some Ju87 Stukas, mainly to deal with the Soviet tank column as his local A/T unit asset is worn out captured T34/76 tanks. Nearby, a local motorized artillery battery is also contacted, as they had dinner last night in the village, while passing through the area in transit. For reasons untold, their observers stayed behind till this morning to leave.

WR’s Sicherungskompanie compound structured with the following platoons and rated Reluctant Trained (RT) unless noted [1260 points]:

Sicherungskompanie HQ: CoCmd, 2iC team, two HMG teams, and two 8cm mortars kampfgruppe with a “recruited” observer team, and 2iC team to command them. [100 pts.]

Four Sicherungs platoons (Lithuanian, Latvian, and two Ukrainian): Each of Cmd, 6x rifle teams and maybe a “dog* team. Two start in village compound, two start on board the rail security train. [4x 80 pts.]

Sicherungs Scout platoon: Cmd, 4x rifle teams each with dogs.* [110 pts.]

Sicherungs Armored car patrol: Cmd Sd kfz 221 and two more Sd kfz 221. [60 pts.]

Sicherungs Infantry gun platoon: Cmd, Obs. team, two 7.5cm LeIG18 guns. [45 pts.]

Feldgendarmerie platoon: Four Feldgendarmerie teams to attach out. These teams are attached to the Lithuanian, Latvian, and Ukrainian Sicherungs platoons and act like Soviet kommissar team. [40 pts.]

Captured tank platoon: Command T34/76 and one other T34/76 mod 1942. [95 pts.]

Motorized artillery battery: Cmd, two observers, staff, 4x 10.5cm leFH18. All teams off board except for two observer teams. Confident Veteran (CV) rated. [210 pts.]

Air support sporadic: JU87 Stuka with bombs. [100 pts.]

Two dog handler rifle teams. See notes below on use.

The rail security train has the locomotive, two infantry cars (four passenger MG, two per side) for the boarded Sicherungs platoons mentioned above, and two light artillery cars with one 7.5cm cannon and one 2cm Flak38 AA in each. Each train car and locomotive has improvised armor level 1 for limited armor protection. [120 pts.]

Security rail bound Armored car patrol: Cmd Panhard 178 Cmd., and one additional additional Panhard 178, rail bound only, arriving as delayed reserve. [60 pts.]

• Note: The two independent dog teams are attached to the Lithuanian, Latvian, and Ukrainian Sicherungs platoons. The Sicherungs Scouts teams each have dogs. These “dog” teams give the infantry team the same capabilities for “Eyes & Ears” rules out to 16″ distance.
• Scenario notes file has map details and deployment information.

Lurking nearby in the surrounding woods, massed Soviet partisan companies creep forward before the alarm is sounded. This view shows “southern” sector with two partisan companies and HMG.

Aerial view from the western table edge and west bound security train chased by Soviet Tankovy column starting the scenario. Soviets will have first movement and importantly, first firing.

Aerial view of the “Southern” sector crawling with two Soviet partisan companies creeping into jump off position. A returning Ju87 flies overhead, radioing in they will be back.

Opening positions: From the “northern” side the Soviets have deployed one Partizan company, their 82mm mortar company, the arriving T34/85 company following the railroad and security train into the village, and lastly the paratrooper scout platoon around the partisan HQ group with light mortars. On the opposite or “southern” flank to the station village, two full partizan companies and supporting HMG company await the flare signal to attack.

FOW Festung Breslau 1945

As WR works on his long overdue Almonacid 1809 scenario AAR write-up, a growing backlog of subject material to type mounds up, noted by his lack of WR posts during the 1st quarter of 2019. WR should mention the lack of posts for the readership also is due to his “overdrive for painting” 1st quarter effort (really February into April) towards dozen+ platoons of Flames of War 20mm miniatures, including their basing. When the miniature painting bug bites…roll with the urge says WR since painting tends to come in waves of sustained effort. Lastly, the tabletop gaming in the Winnetka warren continues; several FOW games, two pick up napoleonic scenarios, one HMGS-PSW convention and preparation for same, and some enjoyable vacation trips about California, all since the Mexican Riviera cruise last January. So, to fill some of the WR posting backlog, here is the Festung Breslau April 1945 Flames of War scenario GM hosted at the recent HMGS-PSW “Victory Day” convention held March 23rd in Van Nuys CA National Guard armory. Full scenario design, sources for scenario, maps, and German / Soviet 1945 platoon forces covered at end of ARR. cc

As WR was GM and playing in the Festung Breslau April 1945 scenario, the play by-play action report is limited to the photos taken during live action. Hopefully the reader can follow the images for scenario timeline. To set the pregame stage….. The Soviets have broken though the German Eastern Front Vistula river defenses back in January and surrounded the city of Breslau by February. The ordeal of the fleeing German civilians from Breslau before the final Soviet encirclement close is just tales of winter horror, tens of thousands just died frozen. Fleeing German shattered formations retired from the city, leaving an “ordered few” regiments / battalions/ companies of German panzer grenadiers, Volksgrenadiers, SS formations, Luftwaffe, Hitlerjugend, and raised volkssturm to hold the Festung city and surrounding countryside,  Successive Soviet divisional and corps level assaults during the February and March months have reduced the perimeter held by the German garrison to the city’s outlying built up area. The sole airport and aerial supply route was taken last month, leaving the German garrison with just their improvised and cleared “Kaiserstrasse” roadway for light planes to fly in. Even at this late date in the war, the Germans still tried to drop nighttime parachute supplies into Breslau, with the massed Soviet AA batteries shooting up the night sky. Still, being a depot supply hub during the late war period, the city was well stocked with food, some fuel, and small arms ammunition, except for the needed A/T rounds, larger artillery shells, and medical supplies.

General view of the Breslau tabletop scenario. Table 12×6′, most of WR’s building collection is seen in play. Soviets set up at right, the German hold the center towards the left in photo.

Left end table from German view. Most of the German teams are hidden in the building off-table on the specific building underlay mats. Visible is the StuG IV platoon. Soviets upper left corner.

Center view from German side. Seen are the two 8.8cm cannon entrenched with Volkssturm platoons in support. With little open space…. Soviet planes used open ground pending their use.

German right flank view. Volkssturm Pioneer platoon at left. Two Tiger I tanks, Another Volkssturm platoon with Pak 40 platoon support in ruins. Large buildings hold entire platoons.

Soviet left flank at start. Hero Strekovy platoons, Hero mixed Assault guns and t-34/85 companies roam the open roadway. Note the 203mm howitzer attached to Storm Group company at right.

Soviet center table. T-34 (OT-34) flame tanks, more Stretkovy companies, and “temporary” Soviet aerodrome to hold the Soviet plane models. Appears no photo of the Soviet right flank taken…..

 

Plans and set up: Soviet player team set up on a broad frontage to pin down the German front lines. As scenario progress made, the Soviets had two axis of advance. Down their left flank with HQ group, two Hero Stretkovy companies, a Hero SMG company, Hero Tankovy company (T-34/85), and Assault Tank mixed company. In the table center Soviets field a Hero Shturmovye Group (Shock) with 203mm howitzer attached, two Stretkovy companies, and Flame tank company. Their job is to destroy the 88mm position and support either flank advance with detached companies. The right flank advance as the second major push, with the other HQ group, two Hero Stretkovy companies, a Hero SMG company, the other Hero Shturmovye Group (Shock) with 203mm howitzer attached, a Hero Su-76M Assault gun company, and the final Hero Tankovy company. Attached to the two Shock groups are the Soviet FT teams (two each). On call, with their observer teams deployed, the two off-board artillery batteries prepare bombardments and the ever-present Soviet air force buzzing overhead. Overall, the Soviets has the edge in total points…. 5000 vs. 4200 for the Germans.

FOW Stoumont Dec 1944

For the upcoming President’s Day weekend Strategicon GAMEX convention (Feb15th-18th), WR plans to run Chris Baxter’s Stoumont 1944 Bulge FOW / Rapid Fire scenario described below. After reading several historical accounts for this battle, WR has made slight force adjustment changes, to the original scenario, to reflect the actual engaged historical forces (reduced to one-third), and minor typographical terrain changes taken from Google maps.

The complete original Flames of War Stoumont .pdf file:  Stoumont scenario notes

Forces and Order of Battle: The OOB taken from the Chris Baxter’s original scenario notes ,pdf file then slightly changed by WR. The minor WR changes from Chris’s original scenario OOB are noted with red text. For both the American and German off-board field batteries, their independent observer teams are not present on the tabletop, therefore only the senior company commander team, for both sides, can summon (range in) artillery bombardments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scenario Map: Redrawn from Chris Baxter’s original 4×4 foot scenario table map. Normally for WR’s 20mm miniature Flames of War scenarios the tabletop dimensions are increased by 25%, hence the 5×5 foot table from the original 4×4 foot. Another way would have each map square on Chris’s scenario map be 15″ square vs. WR’s redrawn 12″ squares, converting to 5×5 foot scenario tabletop overall dimension. The “A” red table edge marks the German entrance edge for initial forces and follow-up reinforcements.

Peiper’s Charge 1944 AAR

Peiper’s Charge….WR’s grand convention Flames of War 3rd Edition 20mm scenario for this year’s HMGS-PSW regional Fall Mini Wars convention. Scenario features a winter 1944 Bulge scenario fought along the eighteen foot table (18′ x 5′) length.

The full table scenario set up, all eighteen feet of length. Viewed from the German entrance side towards their distant exit edge.

Opposite view showing the German foreground exit edge towards the distant German entrance at right table corner.

Scenario details: Complete scenario details can be read on WR’s previous post on Peiper’s Charge. Includes the platoon forces for both sides, the extra platoon reinforcements available or suggested to add character to scenario, some terrain details, objective notes, and WR thoughts on the scenario, especially towards play: Peiper’s Charge Introduction and Preparation and Winter Terrain construction.

Having completed the scenario tabletop setup, taken photos of the starting position, having gather the two 4-player teams for a pregame conference to cover the scenario and special FOW rules, WR explained to team German players the need to keep moving forward every turn. For the American player group, figure out any ways to delay and slow the German advance but be aware of the special German bonus movement when American fuel depots are seized. Meeting over, the signal rocket is launched. Scenario AAR commentary on the turn by turn action with Table maps embedded.

Turn One: Germans have first movement and roar onto the tabletop with three chosen platoons (Attack Column rule) plus the starting Fallschirmjager platoon facing down the American roadblock platoon position. Seen by the Americans defending Lanzerath village, the German deploy their SS King Tigers (2x), a SS Panther platoon (4x), the SS SPA Grille battery (6x), and Peiper’s own command SS Panther tank, moving across the “slow going” snowy ground. Starting next to the American forward defenses, the Fallschirmjager platoon clear away the American minefield (one team blown up) and the barbed wire. Positioned to assault now but pinned by the mine explosion, the Fallschirmjagers think hard seeing the prepared Americans manning their HMG in the building and lining the hasty trench work. German stormtrooper movement rolled for each platoon and performed.

Note: All vehicle movement off the road is rated slow going. For most tracked vehicles that is 8″ maximum movement per turn. For jeep teams, WR specially ruled them to have 6″ movement vs. the normal FOW distance of 4″ cross-country. So movement on the roadway is paramount for the Germans to keep to schedule and meet the scenario 25 turn road exit requirement at the table end. All German Stormtrooper rolls are 3+ to succeed during scenario.

Three German platoon enter the tabletop. King Tigers (2x), Panthers (4x) and SPA Grille platoon plus Peiper’s command Panther tank. Fallschirmjager clear away the American defenses.

American see targets everywhere. Their bazooka team miss the mass of German thin armor before them, but the American M! Garand plus a stream of bullets from their HMG cut down two Fallschirmjager teams to bloody the snow dusted ground. To add some insult, they place their booby trap on the Fallschirmjager. Back in the far distant American rear area, American scrap yard tank platoon start their used tank motors and drive quickly towards the front line (Table Three). Over their radio net something about German tanks reported near Lanzerath.

Note: WR error. The booby trap marker can only be placed in own deployment territory or in no mans land. Since the Fallschirmjager hadn’t moved from their starting position, they should have been declared still in their deployment area and no booby trap placement.

American open fire and bump off two Fallschirmjager teams plus deploy their booby trap marker.

Peiper’s Charge – Bulge 1944

This Flames of War (FOW) “Peiper’s Charge” scenario originally came out as an old FOW forum .pdf format scenario during Battlefront’s Battle of the Bulge themed supplements (Nuts and Devil’s Charge) era. Fortunately WR saved a copy of the scenario since it wasn’t included in the converged Watch on the Rhine – Bulge set hardcover book editions (Ardennes Offensive and Battle of the Bulge) compilation.

Peiper’s Charge represents a FOW scaled down German panzer attack led by SS Obersturrmbannfuhrer Jochen Peiper, along narrow Ardennes forest roadways, seeking to gain the Meuse River crossing, during the winter Battle of the Bulge offensive.

The scenario itself is a lengthy three table sector format all linked together by the table 6×4* short ends. Peiper and his platoons enter at one short table edge and have to fight and maneuver across all three table lengths to exit the opposite short edge for scenario victory. During his progress he encounters American blocking forces, armored rifle and rifle platoons, engineers, paratroopers, and various tank platoons, all with the winter forest lurking nearby, with the Americans tasked to slow and finally stop his forward progress for American victory.

The northern attack shows Peiper’s advance (red dotted line map center). Wikipedia map.

The book to read up on the historical event.

The original complete “Peiper’s Charge” .pdf format scenario came from Battlefront’s former forum. The .pdf scenario file contains the background story and the complete available platoon forces. There are several minor omissions or clarifications to note in the scenario commentary which WR found:  Peipers-Charge-Scenario

1. For Tables One and Two, the trigger point for Table Three American reserve early release is after the conclusion of turn eight (Table One) and turn sixteen (Table Two). On the scenario map notes for Table One it has only six turns listed to exit Table One, should be “eight” instead.

2. Objective “B” should be located on the roadway exit for Table Two and not across the river per scenario map. Objective “C” is one of the Objective “B” markers.

3. Some of the American platoons are not listed on the deployment map but are written as starting on the tabletop. WR has typed / updated the American platoons on the scenario map shaded locations as needed.

The entire scenario three table set up is played lengthwise for each table. Note the three tables are placed lengthwise and can be separated to three independent tables or played as one long

Ludendorff Bridge Hollywood AAR

Previously WR reported on his basic Flames of War 20mm scale Ludendorff Bridge 1945 scenario played as the morning game at Gamex 2018. For the second or afternoon Flames of War (FOW) game scenario, the same terraced tabletop was used but the units and platoons involved had slight changes for both sides. These changes converted what the basic FOW Ludendorff scenario was, to what WR calls his “Hollywood movie” version, following what is seen in “The Bridge at Remagen” movie (1969). To save some writing, WR refers the reader to the previous Ludendorff Bridge – Remagen 1945 article for specific details on the scenario written at end of scenario write-up. For this Hollywood themed scenario, the following changes are made from the basic scenario; platoon addition or change, team attachments, and adjusted starting positions are listed:

For the German side:

1. The German 2cm Flak36 platoon is exchanged out for a Reluctant Conscript 88mm Flak platoon of three 88mm A/A guns, their Cmd SMG team, and attached HMG team. all in entrenchment or gun pits. This 888mm Flak36 battery is positioned forward on the Erpeler Ley, till placed on the 3rd level mountain edge overlooking the entire scenario tabletop.
2. The 2iC SMG team in company HQ is exchanged out for 2iC MG team starting in the same position per scenario notes.
3. The sunken river barge is anchored (placed) on the opposite side of the bridge, in center of river, and about 3″ from bridge. Change out the sniper team for an independent trained HMG team, concealed and “gone to river” status.

For the Americans:

1. Add Armored Mortar platoon (81mm mortar) to the reinforcements pool. This Confident Veteran platoon has Cmd Carbine team, M2 or M3 H/T with .50cal AAMG, and three M4a1 81mm H/T. Following the delayed Reserves rules, roll on turn three for possible arrival at zone 3 table edge.
2. If the Pershing Heavy tank platoon is destroyed, starting on turn three or later, a replacement light tank platoon will arrive. Players agreement, either Confident Veteran  M24 Chaffee platoon (four tanks), or a M18 HellCat platoon (four tanks) without their TD rules applied… just a common tank platoon for scenario. Delayed Reserves rule applies again.
3. The Engineer platoon has special Ludendorff Bridge rules to follow for repairing or clearing the bridge for vehicle passage.

Remember WR adjusted the map squares to be 15″ wide and 12″ deep for his tabletop since he uses 20mm scale miniatures and basing.

Faced by the deadly 88mm AA Flak36 battery, the American have to target the hated cannon with their armor main guns, those same 90mm, 76mm, and 75mm tank cannon, to blast apart the German tank killing battery. So thoughtful planning the movement and fire control is paramount for the 1st turn. No double timing with the Shermans….. they will be pulped. Even the Pershing platoon needs to keep their distance to upgrade their armor factor by one… 10 to at long-range 11 vs, the 13 AT rating of the 88mm cannon. The Sherman crews just leave the turret and hull hatches open…. 88mm shells will come and go (7 to at long-range 8 vs. 13) against their armor hulls. This of course leaves the 3.7cm Flak 38 gun pit cannon complete alone for the start of the scenario…. all eight of them as they eye the American infantry. A different game mechanic situation is already in place. Much discussion at the lunch break between the scenario games…. let’s now see what the teams actually do on the tabletop.