Vernichtende Niederlage - A BftB AAR

[Raptor1]

Well, time for another optimistically named AAR which I will never complete and nobody will ever read. This time it's a Battles from the Bulge scenario depicting II SS Panzer Corps' attack through the Manhay Crossroads following the fall of St. Vith and the subsequent battle with the US 3rd Armored Division. This is not the largest scenario in the game, but at almost 15 days, it is by far the longest.

I will be playing the Germans for once, which I'm sure will be most painful.

And yes, I know that my German is (probably) woefully incorrect.

-------------------------------------------------------

Day 1 - December 23rd, 1944

1150 hours

Weather Report

Clear skies
Temperature: 0c
Ground: Snow
Visibility: 10,000m

Current OOB

II SS Panzer Corps


1130th Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment


2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich

2nd Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment
4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

2nd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment





---

Things were looking grim for General Raptor, who was freezing at his headquarters on the Bastogne-Liège road. The supply situation was bad, with only 20% of the amount required to sustain operations would be trickling in each day. The forces available for the attack were not impressive either, with the 9th SS Panzer Division not available and only an assortment of units from the 2nd SS Panzer Division and the 1130th Grenadier Regiment ready to attack.

The immediate objective of the offensive was the Baraque de Fraiture crossroads, which was to be assaulted and taken as quickly as possible. German forces would then proceed to Manhay, where they would either exploit westwards or attempt to hold their ground should Allied counterattacks force them to.

On the table sat a map of the area, with the first phase of the operation roughly plotted upon it:

http://img813.imageshack.us/img813/7595/plan101.png

The main attack would be in the east, where what elements of the 2nd SS Panzer Division are in position will assault the Baraque de Fraiture crossroads and the town from multiple directions. In the west, the 1130th Grenadier Regiment will move into the forest to threaten Allied forces around Freyneux and prepare to attack northwards.

All was ready for the offensive to commence.

---

To be continued...

[Oberon]

Lay of the land looks good...forests could be a problem near Malempré I'd wager. You will be attempting to pincer the allied forces between the 2nd SS Panzer Division and the 1130th Grenadier Regiment I take it?

Good luck, it's bloody cold out there...

[Raptor1]

Lay of the land looks good...forests could be a problem near Malempré I'd wager. You will be attempting to pincer the allied forces between the 2nd SS Panzer Division and the 1130th Grenadier Regiment I take it?

Good luck, it's bloody cold out there...

Something like that. Mostly I'm hoping the Allies will draw off their more powerful units from the west in order to resist the main attack by the 2nd SS Pz. Division, at which point I'll march the 1130th through the gap at La Fosse and Oster to cut off the highway at Manhay, then crush the pocket while defending against Allied counterattacks from the north.

In theory...

[Raptor1]

1200 hours

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/9692/bftb2.png

The offensive begins.

In the west, both battalions of the 1130th split and head into the forest, while the Regimental HQ rebases into Dochamps.

In the east, the 2nd SS Panzer's elements move to attack the crossroads. The 2nd Battalion of the 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment marches west along the road before moving into the forest, while the 3rd Battalion heads east, bypassing the marsh and turning west to attack Fraiture. The 2nd Battalion of the 2nd SS Panzer Regiment, consisting of nothing more than a company of assault guns (StuG III G) and a company of tanks (Panzer IV J), heads directly along the highway.

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/1831/bftb3.png

First contact happens at 1300 hours, when 2/2nd SS Pz. Regt meets Allied troops at the crossroads and the lead elements of 3/4th SS Pz.Gr. Regt approach the outskirts of Fraiture. 2/4th SS Pz.Gr. is still in the forest, on the way to the crossroads.

The 1130th Gr. Regt's advance into the forest northeast of Dochamps is unimpeded by the Allies, though there is some sign of movement.

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/148/bftb4.png

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/511/bftb5.png

After over an hour and a half's fighting in the east, 2/4th SS Pz.Gr. has arrived at the crossroads and joined the attack. Meanwhile, the lead elements of 3/4th SS Pz.Gr. retreat from Fraiture after a first, uncoordinated and unsuccessful assault.

The attack on the crossroads yields results, however, as the Allied line buckles under attacks from multiple directions. After half an hour more, several Allied units have surrendered and most of the rest retreat into the forest.

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/7751/bftb9.png

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/8307/bftb10.png

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/7751/bftb9.png

At 1514 hours, the 1st Battalion of the 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment arrives at the field. It is immediately sent to the gap between the 2nd SS Panzer Division and the 1130th Grenadier Regiment.

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/1323/bftb12.png

General Raptor notices the requests for additional ammunition from units participating in the battle and hopes the supply situation holds up.

Allied units around the crossroads manage to hold the line, but only at the cost of horrible casualties. The 1130th begins spotting units moving away from its area, probably to reinforce the front to the east (Just as planned...?) and makes no overt move to stop them.

Meanwhile, the crossroads fall into German hands, but the Allies regroup and continue the fight from the forest just beyond it with some reinforcements (The units from the west? Hopefully). Another assault by 3/4th SS Pz.Gr. Regt is repulsed by the enemy at Fraiture (Note to self: Fire incompetent commander).

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/7800/bftb13.png

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/7833/bftb14.png

1750 hours; the sun has mostly set. Most of the units from the western sector have apparently been withdrawn, and 1130th's advance can resume. The 2nd Battalion advances across the stream and into the La Fosse/Oster gap, while the 1st Battalion pursues and captures Odeigne with little resistance. 1/4th SS Pz.Gr. also advances to guard the 2nd SS Panzer's left flank.

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/2295/bftb15.png

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/5940/bftb16.png

The battle to the east has mostly stabilized. 3/4th SS Pz.Gr. has been withdrawn to reorganize before continuing the attack on Fraiture. The Allies still hold a line in the forest north of the crossroads, but only at the cost of rising casualties.

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/221/bftb17.png

At 2155 hours, 3/4th SS Pz.Gr. is once again ordered to assault Fraiture. This time it splits into two in order to assault the town from multiple directions (And its commander might yet be spared).

2/1130th Gr. Regt advances deep into the gap and almost to Manhay, encountering no resistance. However, more Allied units are sighted moving south along the highway.

http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/6854/bftb18.png

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/6173/bftb19.png

End of Day 1

The situation at the end of December 23rd, 1944 is as follows:

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/7127/bftb20.png

[Spike88]

This game looks like it takes place on an Arctic Camouflage pattern. :hmmm:

[Oberon]

This game looks like it takes place on an Arctic Camouflage pattern. :hmmm:

The Battle of the Bulge was virtually arctic...bloody cold winter:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBeXRvdlmyY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC2WmnfTpn0

The winter of Jan '45 was the coldest on record, -10 celsius in some places, and probably a lot colder in others. Frostbite casualties and men freezing to death were not uncommon.
The heavy snow was a boon and a bane for the Wehrmacht, it grounded the allied air cover which plagued any military movements for the Germans, however it also lead to traffic jams and other organisational nightmares which used up valuable fuel and time.

[Raptor1]

Day 2 - December 24th, 1944

0000 hours

Weather Report

Clear skies
Temperature: -7c
Ground: Ice
Visibility: 3,000m

Current OOB

II SS Panzer Corps


1130th Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment


2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich

2nd Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment
4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment





----

Things have gone almost according to plan. The 1130th's advance has been surprisingly swift, and it will almost surely be able to cut off the highway today. On the other hand, the 2nd SS Panzer has yet been unable to clear the Allies from the Baraque de Fraiture crossroads, while Allied troops dug into Fraiture have resisted all attempts to capture it.

The Manhay crossroads must be captured quickly, then held for as long as possible. Taking Manhay and its surrounding areas will not only allow the Germans to send forces to exploit westwards, but also force the Allies into prematurely attacking or risking facing heavily dug-in forces.

To that effect, the following orders are issued by II SS Panzer Corps' staff:

2/1130th will attack Manhay, then dig in and await the inevitable Allied counterattack. 1/1130th and 1/4th SS Pz.Gr. will also head across the road, with the former proceeding to attack Malempré and the latter turning southeast to cut off the Allies. 2nd SS Panzer's forces will continue their respective attacks on the Baraque de Fraiture crossroads and Fraiture.

The Corps, Division and Regiment HQs will also rebase forward, in order to shorten communication times and avoid supply mix-ups.

Or, less confusingly (I hope):

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/9034/plan201.png

Direction of reinforcements for both sides is dashed. Known Allied positions are marked in lines and assumed Allied positions are marked by ellipses.

---

What actually happened was supposed to go here, but it's way too much of a bloody mess for me to write at the moment, so...

[Raptor1]

While major movements will start in the morning, small scale fighting continues. Reports come in of Allied units infiltrating German positions in the night, and the fight around the crossroads degenerates into a confused melee in the darkness as Allied reinforcements are fed into the meatgrinder.

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/8357/bftb000027.png

1/1130th, having yet to participate in combat, marches towards Malempré. Brushing aside an Allied light armour platoon. Two companies enter Malempré shortly before 0400 hours, where they engage some Allied units, however they become separated as the rest of the battalion is held up near its starting point.

http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/239/bftb000028.png

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/4425/bftb000029.png

At 0533, the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment arrives. It is sent to the rear of the German forces fighting at the crossroads, where it will serve as a reserve.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/1903/bftb000031.png

0700; dawn. More reinforcements arrive, this time the 3rd Battalion of the 3rd Pz.Gr. Regt and the 2nd SS Panzer Regiment. The 2nd Battalion of the 2nd SS Panzer Regiment, already on the field from the beginning of the battle, is reattached and the rest of the Regiment is sent to reorganize west of the crossroads.

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/3645/bftb000032.png

http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/1056/bftb000033.png

2/1130th at last arrives at its destination and assaults Manhay. By sunrise, 1/1130th's two companies have cleared the enemy out of Malempré.

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/5336/bftb000034.png

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/1314/bftb000035.png

Meanwhile, 3/4th SS Pz.Gr. has once again failed to take Fraiture (:stare:), and it is decided to throw the reinforcements into battle to break the deadlock. The whole of 3rd SS Pz.Gr. is ordered to smash through the crossroads and proceed to capture Fraiture.

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/8035/bftb000036.png

Surviving Allied troops in Fraiture retreat towards the crossroads, surrendering the town to the Germans, but are caught by 3rd SS Pz.Gr., which breaks through the crossroads at the same time, and are mostly destroyed. Approximately 20 minutes later, Manhay is at last secured by 2/1130th, who begin to dig into the town.

The Allied line at the crossroads is now heavily compromised, and units begin surrendering in large numbers. Unable to effect a retreat, most units disperse into the forest, while the rest surrender or continue fighting until they are no longer able to.

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/7984/bftb000038.png

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/8646/bftb000039.png

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/4412/bftb000041.png

1200 hours

Weather Report

Clear skies
Temperature: -5c
Ground: Ice
Visibility: 10,000m

At 1233, the last Allied unit dug into the crossroads surrenders, at last allowing the Germans to move forward.

This is also the moment that German command and control begins to break down. Large concentrations of Allied troops have been spotted north of Manhay, where the detached 2/1130th stands alone, threatened from several directions. The various units of the 2nd SS Panzer Division are ordered to dash along the highway to save the lone battalion before the Allies regain the crucial Manhay crossroads. Unfortunately, due to a mix-up of orders, the entire division is sent along the highway, where an enormous traffic jam develops as Division staff frantically tries to make sure every unit gets to where it is required to go. Surviving but cut-off Allied units continually harass the huge German column from the forest. (And 2nd SS Panzer's base seems to have run off and repositioned itself somewhere near Dochamps, for some reason...)

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/5228/bftb000045.png

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/5619/bftb000047.png

The fighting along the highway degenerate into another confused series of individual actions, with little possible to help the situation at the moment. By nightfall, the only unit to have arrived at its destination is 8th Coy, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment (This is the StuG company that has participated in fighting since the start, no less).

The Allies mount some limited attacks against Manhay, but fail to dislodge the 2/1130th.

At 1930, Kampfgruppe Recke arrives on the field, it is sent west in order to avoid 2nd SS Panzer's traffic jam.

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/2328/bftb000050.png

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/2522/bftb000051.png

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/1949/bftb000052.png

And this situation continues until...

End of Day 2

What a mess...

http://img816.imageshack.us/img816/3757/bftb000057.png

[Task Force]

Hopes things go well for you raptor.:up:

[Oberon]

Traffic jams, breakdown of command and control, mass Allied casualties, freezing temperatures.

Seems realistic enough :yeah:

[Raptor1]

Day 3 - December 25th, 1944

0000 hours

Weather Report

Clear skies
Temperature: -7c
Ground: Ice
Visibility: 3,000m

Current OOB

II SS Panzer Corps


1130th Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment


2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich

2nd SS Panzer Regiment

1st Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment
2nd Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment - Disbanded


3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment


4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment


Kampfgruppe Recke



----

Raptor's First Law of Operational Warfare: Any insufficiently exact order will be misinterpreted in the worst way possible at the most critical point in time.

Due to the incompetence of II SS Panzer Corps' command staff, the majority of the 2nd SS Panzer Division is now disorganized, fatigued, and utterly halted along a 5-kilometer stretch of the Bastogne-Liège highway. While the column could theoretically start moving by morning, it may be too late to save the thin line defending Manhay and Grandmenil.

At around 0145 the Allies commence another attack against Manhay, while more Allied units enter Grandmenil. At 0230, Allied units (Some of hose which dispersed following the fall of the Baraque de Fraiture crossroads) march into Odeigne, evicting the garrison company. In response, Kampfgruppe Recke is ordered to move into Odeigne and retake the town.

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/1781/bftb000059.png

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7190/bftb000061.png

At 0500, 7th Company, 1130th Grenadier Regiment, which has been guarding Grandmenil, is broken by the Allied attacks and retreats to the forest in the darkness. 8th Company, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment continues to guard the town alone.

The headquarters of the US 3rd Armored Division is sighted near Grandmenil, indicating the Allies were not expecting the town to be occupied by German troops. Regardless, the enemy formation facing II SS Panzer Corps is now identified.

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/6647/bftb000062.png

By 0550, 2nd SS Panzer Division's column has once against started moving, and lead units start moving off the highway. It is too late, as at the same time, 2/1130th is driven out of Manhay by the Allied attack.

German units start lining up on the hill south of Manhay and Vaux-Chavanne.

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/4909/bftb000064.png

And thus begins a meat grinder that will last all day. At 0700, the 2nd SS Panzer Regiment attacks Manhay, where it clashes with units of the US 3rd Armored Division for 2 hours. Suffering heavy casualties, both sides retreat out of the town.

Meanwhile, the 3rd and 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiments are ordered to form a coherent defensive line across Manhay and Vaux-Chavanne, but they are unable to continue for lack of fuel. Nearly unable to move, both units exchange fire with the Allies east of the highway.

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/3711/bftb000066.png

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/9084/bftb000067.png

The Allies drive the German units in Grandmenil out, but a counterattack by local units recaptures the town. In a curious twist of luck, the US 3rd Armored Division's HQ is caught by German units and is captured, which will certainly interfere with the Allies' ability to control their units effectively.

KG Recke is ordered to move to Grandmenil, where it will reinforce the stretched garrison. It is mostly composed of recon units, so it won't last long against a determined assault.

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/3663/bftb000068.png

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/6849/bftb000070.png

1200 hours

Weather Report

Clear skies
Temperature: -6c
Ground: Ice
Visibility: 10,000m

The Allies attempt another incursion into Manhay, which has by now become no-man's-land, and they are promptly forced out by the German units on the hill.

Things start moving slightly, the 2nd SS Panzer Regiment and KG Recke reach Grandmenil. The disorganized remains of the now disbanded 2nd Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment are relieved and ordered out of the area. 2 companies at last move and occupy Vaux-Chavanne

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/1320/bftb000073.png

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/5590/bftb000074.png

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/1838/bftb000075.png

Supply reserves are dangerously low, and fuel is still mostly depleted. Night sets, and the confusion continues. Another Allied assault on Grandmenil takes place, and an Allied company drives deep into the town. A few Allied troops are seen entering the remains of Manhay, likely more cut-off survivors. A (probably understrength) battalion of Allied troops attacks east of Manhay, where they are halted by the dug-in 6th Comapny, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment.

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/5302/bftb000076.png

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/7885/bftb000077.png

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/5012/bftb000078.png

End of Day 3

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7458/bftb000079.png

[Raptor1]

Day 4 - December 26th, 1944

0000 hours

Weather Report

Clear skies
Temperature: -8c
Ground: Ice
Visibility: 3,000m

Current OOB

II SS Panzer Corps


1130th Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded


2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich

2nd SS Panzer Regiment

1st Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment
2nd Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment - Disbanded


3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment


4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment





Kampfgruppe Recke



----

The last day's back-and-forth stalemate must not be repeated; with the horrid supply situation being faced by the German army, an attrition match would likely end in a crushing victory for the Allies.

Therefore, the initiative must be retaken, and the following objectives must be achieved as quickly as possible:


Drive Allied troops out of Manhay, Grandmenil and Vaux-Chavanne.
Achieve operational envelopment of the 3rd Armored Division by capturing Chêne-al-Pierre.
Destroy the 3rd Armored Division.

Or, rather, something like this:

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/7986/plan302.png

The 2nd SS Panzer, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier and 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiments will realign and attack the valley, taking Manhay while clearing Vaux-Chavanne and Grandmenil. The 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers are currently acting as mobile reserve, but will be sent to reinforce the right flank near Vaux-Chavanne. Elements which will enter the field during the day will conduct a wide sweep across the right flank of the 2nd SS Panzer Division and take Chêne-al-Pierre, cutting the highway off again. Once that is completed, Kampfgruppe Recke will move and seize the crossroads at Petite Hoursinne, sealing the gap.

In short, General Raptor has officially lost his mind...

[Oberon]

So basically...Zerg Rush. :hmmm:

I'd keep one bullet in that Luger, or you'll be fighting in Poland next I think...

[Raptor1]

I wonder if it's warmer in Poland... :hmmm:
Nah, not likely.

Note to self: Don't use JPGs again.

---

Orders for 3rd SS Pz.Gr. and 4th SS Pz.Gr. to move to their starting positions are sent. The 4th will enter the valley to the east of Manhay, while the 3rd would set up along the highway directly south of Manhay, where it will await until morning.

Meanwhile, night skirmishing continues. The Allies are once more driven out of Grandmenil by 0343. 6th Company, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment evades destruction by enveloping Allied units and retreats westwards.

By 0500, several units of the 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment have entered the valley and aligned to the northwest.

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5779/bftb000107.jpg

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/4454/bftb000108.jpg

A few Allied companies are caught by the 2nd SS Panzer Regiment near Grandmenil and sent retreating back into the hill. The 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier and 2nd SS Panzer Regiments are ordered to commence a coordinated assault on Manhay at 0930.

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/7008/bftb000111.jpg

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/4938/bftb000112.jpg

At precisely that time, an Allied mechanized infantry company makes a surprise attack on the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment's headquarters, causing it to hastily reposition. It is quickly routed by German infantry, but the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers' assault is delayed.

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/2570/bftb000114.jpg

At 0951, Kampfgruppe Krag, a respectable combined arms formation, enters the field. This is the reinforcing unit that will cut off the 3rd Armored's supply line at the highway, and it is given orders to immediately start marching towards its objective. The Kampfgruppe, still possessing sufficient fuel, progresses rapidly, and it moves halfway to it its objective over the next hour.

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/6892/bftb000116.jpg

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/8915/bftb000117.jpg

The planned grand assault on Manhay, ruined by the Allies (Bastards!), is turned into a series of small scale assaults by German units on three sides of the town. Despite this, Allied units are gradually sent retreating from the town and into the hills. By 1215, the Allies are once more cleared from Vaux-Chavanne.

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/6044/bftb000118.jpg

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/2944/bftb000119.jpg

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/9389/bftb000120.jpg

At 1350, Kampfgruppe Krag moves onto the highway and descends upon the startled Allied troops in Chêne-al-Pierre. Ten minutes later, the last Allied troops in Manhay surrender, conceding the town and its crossroads to the Germans again. Units are sighted withdrawing from the valley to counter Kampfgruppe Krag's flanking maneuver.

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/5025/bftb000121.jpg

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/5384/bftb000122.jpg

With Kampfgruppe Krag blocking the highway and on the verge of capturing Chêne-al-Pierre, the last phase of the plan is put into action. Kampfgruppe Recke is ordered to drive to Petite Hoursinne while avoiding contact with the enemy. Since KG Recke is mostly composed of reconnaissance units, it will not last long if it is caught in the open by Allied armour or infantry.

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/5540/bftb000125.jpg

By 1700, Kampfgruppe Krag has finally driven the Allies out of Chêne-al-Pierre, but is facing a counterattack by hastily assembled units. The Allies enter the town again 30 minutes later. To the north of the town, Allied reinforcements, the US 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment, move in and attack KG Krag.

http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/4504/bftb000126.jpg

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/5597/bftb000128.jpg

The 2nd SS Panzer Division's line in the valley is ordered to reorder and dig in, while the 3rd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers is ordered to link up to the right flank of the division. By 2300, the line starts looking like a proper defensive position.

Kampfgruppe Recke is bogged down on the road by fatigue, but is ordered to push on as soon as possible.

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/5757/bftb000129.jpg

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/1151/bftb000132.jpg

End of Day 4

I can't believe that craziness actually worked... :doh:

http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/130/bftb000133.jpg

[Oberon]

Christ, at this rate you might just pull it off. :doh:

I guess the occasional insane move does work... :hmmm:

[Raptor1]

It should be a couple of days before the Allies get more significant reinforcements, so in theory I should have just about enough time to annihilate the remains of the 3rd Armored and then set up a mobile defence until the 9th SS Panzer Division arrives.

A shame I mostly blew my chances of exploiting my forces westwards by now, but there wasn't that much I could do about that because of the delay in the beginning, I think.

[Raptor1]

Day 5 - December 27th, 1944

0000 hours

Weather Report

Light fog
Temperature: -5c
Ground: Snow
Visibility: 2,100m

Current OOB

II SS Panzer Corps


1130th Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded


2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich

2nd SS Panzer Regiment

1st Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment
2nd Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment - Disbanded


3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment


4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment





Kampfgruppe Recke
Kampfgruppe Krag



----

Conditions begin to deteriorate. It starts snowing again, and fog begins restricting visibility.

With the Allied counterattacks against KG Krag, it becomes clear that the original plan starving the Allies will take too long; Allied troops on both sides of Chêne-al-Pierre have cut off the supply route to the Kampfgruppe. It is now necessary to annihilate the 3rd Armored Division before the Allies can drive KG Krag out or otherwise break out of the encirclement. Orders are once again changed to account for the new situation:


KG Recke abandons its march to the Petite Hoursinne crossroads in favour of strangling the Allies from a much closer position. This puts the Kampfgruppe in a greater danger of being overrun, but will make it much easier to stop any units breaking out.
The 2nd SS Panzer Regiment is moved north, through the road up the hill that was used by KG Recke, from where it can more easily attack.
A thin garrison consisting of the remnants of 2/1130th is stationed at Manhay and Grandmenil.

After this is completed, the assault will begin:

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/1127/plan401.png

((I never really appreciated how ridiculous the NATO symbol for paratroopers looks until now))

The assault will be launched in the morning, with the 2nd SS Panzer, 3rd and 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiments attacking the pocket from multiple directions. 3/4th SS Pz.Gr., still in reserve, will be sent north through the forest to relieve some of the pressure from KG Krag. Some units, especially the 2nd SS Panzer, are pretty low on fuel, so this will also be somewhat of a gamble.

EDIT: The incompetent German command staff has forgotten that motorized units can't pass through the pine woods, so the plan is hereby revised: The 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment will head north along the road, then turn southwest at La Fourche and attack southwards. It will take longer to get to the objective, but this way has the added bonus of breaking the Allied southern attack on KG Krag along the way.

[Raptor1]

Night. At 0036, the Allies on the southern flank of KG Krag retreat and Chêne-al-Pierre is secured.

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/9784/bftb000177.png

After resting, the 2nd SS Panzer Regiment proceeds to its launching point, slowed by its lack of fuel.

But wait, what's that? Out of the fog emerges Major General J. Lawton Collins in his staff car, along with the rest of the US VII Corps command personnel! Quick, get them!

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/9571/bftb000178.png

Unfortunately, the assault gun company is too slow to react and they manage to slip through 2nd SS Panzer's lines. Two armored car companies from KG Recke are sent to chase down the elusive general.

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/4960/bftb000180.png

Morning. The assault begins as the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers climb the hill and move into the forest. 2nd SS Panzer struggles through, still low on fuel. The 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers move towards their objective as fast as possible.

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/3050/bftb000182.png

A brutal battle develops in the forest west of the highway, with the main Allied pocket is trapped between KG Recke, the 2nd SS Panzer and 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers. The 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers' assault quickly breaks the Allied elements on the eastern side of the pocket and they surrender. The 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers reach the highway at 1030 and proceed south.

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/2674/bftb000184.png

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/9159/bftb000185.png

Allied companies attempting to break through the gap between 2nd SS Panzer and KG Recke are fired upon and sent reeling back into the pocket, which is pulled tighter as the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers advance. Lead elements of the 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers move off the highway and advance towards the pocket.

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/7707/bftb000187.png


1200 hours

Weather Report

Light cloud
Temperature: -2c
Ground: Snow
Visibility: 10,000m

The pocket is solidified as the 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers enter combat at around 1340. Fired upon by all sides, what remains of the main body of the 3rd Armored Division begins surrendering. The battle continues for the next hours as the pocket is gradually reduced.

In the north, the 517th's attack continues, but with the southern flank cleared and the 3rd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers coming up to assist, KG Krag is in much less danger.

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/9219/bftb000191.png

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8341/bftb000192.png

By nightfall, the main pocket has been reduced to a couple of badly understrength companies, and most of the units outside it, including the 3rd Armored Division's base, have also been been captured.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5362/bftb000194.png

End of Day 5

With most of the 3rd Armored's command, logistical and fighting ability utterly destroyed, it is safe to say that the division is well and truly annihilated. It will probably not be appearing again in the Allied order of battle anytime soon.

Amazingly, Axis casualty count turns up only 314 men dead, missing or wounded for the fighting during this day.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/9162/bftb000198.png

What is left of the main pocket, crosses naturally mark destroyed units:

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/2784/bftb000196.png

Just a shame that that bastard Collins and VII Corps' HQ evaded my grasp. I shall get him yet...

[Oberon]

http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/USA-A-StLo/img/USA-A-StLo-p96.jpg
"Awarded for 1337 driving 5ki115."

[Dowly]

:har::har:

[Raptor1]

Day 6 - December 28th, 1944

0000 hours

Weather Report

Moderate fog
Temperature: -6c
Ground: Snow
Visibility: 1,500m

Current OOB

II SS Panzer Corps


1130th Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded


2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich

2nd SS Panzer Regiment

1st Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment
2nd Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment - Disbanded


3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment


4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment





Kampfgruppe Recke
Kampfgruppe Krag



----

Because of the arrival of Allied units to the west, the opportunity to exploit a breakthrough along the Grandmenil-Erzee road has passed. With the destruction of the 3rd Armored Division in the encirclement mostly completed, II SS Panzer Corps must now retreat and set up defensive positions in order to face the inevitable Allied reinforcement and counterattack.

The exact layout of the defensive line has not yet been established as General Raptor believes the retreat itself takes precedence, or else German units might be caught in the open while low on supplies. But first, the rest of the Allied units in the pocket must be destroyed.

At 0450, an Allied armoured company attacks Lamormenil and forces the field battery there to retreat. How the company got there in the first place is unknown, but presumably it bypassed the main German force after transiting through the forest to the northwest.

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/3129/bftb000206.png

At 0530, Kampfgruppe Krag is ordered to retreat to Oster, having fulfilled its primary mission. The 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers are then ordered to return to the ridge south of Manhay. Kampfgruppe Recke is ordered to retreat in the morning.

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/4930/bftb000207.png

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/339/bftb000208.png

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/2811/bftb000211.png

Scattered Allied units to the south of the main body of the 2nd SS Panzer Division are overrun by the retreat, with many surrendering. The 2nd SS Panzer and 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers are sent to the Grandmenil-Mormont road to cover the retreat. Soon afterwards, the 2nd SS Panzer Division comes under an intense artillery bombardment, slowing down the withdrawal.

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/7793/bftb000213.png

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/2778/bftb000214.png
http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/763/bftb000215.png

1200 hours

Weather Report

Clear skies
Temperature: -2c
Ground: Snow
Visibility: 10,000m

KG Krag, having successfully completed its retreat to Oster, is ordered to counterattack and retake Lamormenil. The retreat of the 2nd SS Panzer Division is relatively stalled because of Allied bombardment and lack of fuel.

A running battle has developed to the west, with several German companies (Including one which was sent after VII Corps HQ the previous day) clashing with scattered Allied units. Several Allied units, including a large amount of artillery are captured in this fight throughout the day.

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/1157/bftb000216.png

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/1627/bftb000217.png

At 1733, Lamormenil is recaptured by KG Krag, the Allied armoured company surrenders soon after. The 2nd SS Panzer Regiment reaches its destination by sunset, but the rest of the retreat is still relatively stalled.

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/1727/bftb000221.png

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/8987/bftb000224.png

End of Day 6

Not as good as I would've liked. If the 2nd SS Panzer Division cannot retreat by tomorrow and establish a defensive line, it would be pretty vulnerable to Allied counterattacks.

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/5258/bftb000225.png

[Raptor1]

Day 7 - December 29th, 1944

0000 hours

Weather Report

Light cloud
Temperature: -7c
Ground: Ice
Visibility: 3,000m

Current OOB

II SS Panzer Corps


1130th Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded


2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich

2nd SS Panzer Regiment

1st Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment
2nd Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment - Disbanded


3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment


4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment





Kampfgruppe Recke
Kampfgruppe Krag



----

While II SS Panzer Corps staff was busy getting the 2nd SS Panzer Division on the move again, General Raptor plotted out the layout of the defensive line.

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/1673/plan501.png

The defence of the center of the line is left up to the to the 3rd and 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers, centered around Malempré and Oster, respectively. The understrength 2nd SS Panzer and Kampfgruppe Krag will hold up the left flank against Allied units entering from the west. The right flank, which is not expected to come under major attack, is mostly held by two battalions (1/1130th and 2/4th SS Pz.Gr.) and the assorted divisional escort units of the 2nd SS Panzer Division. Kampfgruppe Recke will act as a mobile reserve until the arrival of reinforcements.

The direction from which the Allied reinforcements are expected to arrive is marked, as well as the direction from which the 9th SS Panzer Division should arrive, beginning on Day 9.

But first the units must be gotten into place...

[Raptor1]

No longer under bombardment and somewhat restocked with fuel, the 2nd SS Panzer Division begins moving again. Slightly before morning orders are sent in for the various units to occupy their assigned positions.

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/6650/bftb000226.png

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/928/bftb000227.png

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/3459/bftb000228.png

By morning, most of the 2nd SS Panzer Division is in position, with only 2/4th SS Pz.Gr. and a few other units still located north of the line.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/8637/bftb000229.png

The retreat is completed by 1030. A single battery (2nd Battery, 9th SS Panzer Artillery Regiment) is still located north of Grandmenil. The reason it is there in the first place must be some sort of order mix up caused by the typical incompetence of the Corps' staff.

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/3834/bftb000235.png

Allied units reenter the Manhay valley, engaging the battery, which is ordered to hightail it to the east and get behind the line.

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/7808/bftb000236.png

At around 1300, 1/4th SS Pz.Gr. and the 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers' HQ in Oster comes under a heavy artillery bombardment, temporarily forcing some units out of the defensive positions. Counterbattery fire by German artillery soon relieves the pressure, and the units return to the town. At 1330, an Allied parachute company makes a probing attack on the 2nd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers' positions on the Bastogne-Liège highway.

The stranded battery makes it back to the line, having lost only one of its Hummels in the brief fight.

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/867/bftb000238.png

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/9083/bftb000239.png

Nothing much happens for the rest of the day.

End of Day 7

The retreat and formation of the line was done very quickly, especially compared to the rate at which things were going the previous day, which is good. Other than that, nothing important happened today.

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/4080/bftb000242.png

Still no sign of major Allied reinforcements, either. Maybe they decided to pack up and go home...

[Task Force]

Still no sign of major Allied reinforcements, either. Maybe they decided to pack up and go home...

Never say that. ha, last time I said that in a game they started pulling them out of everywhere.:damn:

[Raptor1]

Day 8 - December 30th, 1944

0000 hours

Weather Report

Heavy snow
Temperature: -3c
Ground: Ice
Visibility: 1,000m

Current OOB

II SS Panzer Corps


1130th Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded


2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich

2nd SS Panzer Regiment

1st Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment
2nd Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment - Disbanded


3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment


4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment





Kampfgruppe Recke
Kampfgruppe Krag



----

Conditions deteriorate; snow begins to fall heavily, and visibility is down to 1,000 meters.

Before dawn, the commanders of the 3rd and 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers decide to shift units around the line. This is completed without incident.

Allied artillery begins shelling 3/4th SS Panzer Grenadiers' position on the ridge south of Grandmenil. Counterbattery fire is executed by German artillery effectively.

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/1572/bftb000246.png

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/9474/bftb000247.png

With some of the artillery driven out of its original position by the counterbattery fire, 3/4th SS PzGr and 3/3rd SS PzGr are committed to a local counterattack into the Manhay valley with the intention of eliminating some of the Allied artillery and an Allied supply base.

At 1150, Allied troops start emerging out of the woods to the west, opposite the position occupied by 1/4th SS PzGr.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/479/bftb000249.png

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/7836/bftb000250.png

1200 hours

Weather Report

Moderate snow
Temperature: -3c
Ground: Snow
Visibility: 5,000m

At 1310, units of the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers enter Grandmenil and begin attacking the Allied battery and supply base. 3/4th SS PzGr is held up by enemy fire. Approximately an hour later, the battery surrenders and the supply base is dispersed. With their mission completed, 3/4th SS PzGr and 3/3rd SS PzGr are reattached to their respective units.

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/8687/bftb000254.png

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/7897/bftb000256.png

At 1530, large amounts of Allied units begin to enter the Manhay and Oster valleys; the expected Allied reinforcements have arrived. Oster and the surrounding areas is heavily shelled by Allied artillery. 1/4th SS PzGr is recalled from the west by the 4th SS PzGr's HQ to Oster when Allied units threaten to bypass the battalion.

KG Recke is ordered to plug the gap between the 4th SS Panzer Grenadier and the 2nd SS Panzer Regiments.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7425/bftb000258.png

http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/1601/bftb000260.png

At nightfall, yet more Allied units enter the Oster valley. Allied companies enter Oster at 2000, where they are engaged by the 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers. Allied armour then proceeds to bypass Oster, cutting off the supply line to the 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers.

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/8105/bftb000263.png

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/7125/bftb000264.png

At 2215, some Allied troops enter Malempré, having approached undetected in the bad weather, but they are driven out.

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/6237/bftb000267.png

By 2350, the situation in the Oster valley has mostly stabilized, but the Allies enter Malempré once more.

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/8631/bftb000269.png

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/3880/bftb000270.png

End of Day 8

Not a disaster, but the situation definitely deteriorated somewhat because of how easily the 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers were outflanked. I knew the Oster position was bad, but I admit it turned out much weaker than I thought.

Casualties are pretty light, overall, though.

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/1763/bftb000271.png

[Raptor1]

Day 9 - December 31st, 1944

0000 hours

Weather Report

Moderate fog
Temperature: -4c
Ground: Snow
Visibility: 1,500m

Current OOB

II SS Panzer Corps


1130th Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded


2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich

2nd SS Panzer Regiment

1st Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment
2nd Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment - Disbanded


3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment


4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment





Kampfgruppe Recke
Kampfgruppe Krag



----

(I've decided this day better be split in two, so this post ends at 1200)

The outcome of the previous day's action is worse than previously assessed by II SS Panzer Corps' incompetent staff. The Allied advance has been quicker than anticipated, and now the 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers are cut off and in danger of being destroyed. With the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers under increasing attacks and the gap in the line only partially plugged by KG Recke, the 2nd SS Panzer Division is in serious danger of being split apart if the Allies make a determined push. Fortunately, the 9th SS Panzer Division should arrive today, so the line must be held until noon when reinforcements arrive.

At 0100, an armoured formation now known as Task Force Lovelady (What the hell kind of name is that, anyway?) arrives and drives on Malempré, throwing the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers out of the town. However, it is inadvertently cut off by 2/3rd SS PzGr when it bypasses the battalion.

30 minutes later, Allied units coming out of the Oster valley assault Kampfgruppe Recke, but they are beaten back.

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6938/bftb000297.png

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/3765/bftb000298.png

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/5784/bftb000301.png

The units guarding the eastern section are ordered to join the battle raging in the center, with 2/1130th sent to complete the encirclement of TF Lovelady at Malempré and 2/4th SS PzGr ordered to guard the Oster-Odeigne road, in case the Allies attempt to exploit the gap in the line.

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/9590/bftb000302.png

At 0646, TF Lovelady's HQ surrenders, while the rest of the unit is still cut off and under heavy fire by the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers. This happens in stark contrast to the battle raging in the west.

At dawn, massive fighting erupts as the cut off 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers desperately attempt to hold their ground. Soon afterwards, the majority of the Regiment, under heavy fire and artillery bombardment, is forced to retreat up the hill east of Oster.

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/7704/bftb000304.png

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/9604/bftb000305.png

http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/3208/bftb000306.png

By 0915, only a single infantry company manages to remain in Oster, it soon surrenders. Judging the situation lost, the 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers are ordered to regroup up on the hill and hold there until they are relieved.

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/9072/bftb000307.png

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/8237/bftb000308.png

Over the next hour, what remains of the Regiment is mostly regrouped at the the top of the hill, but it is in a very shaky state, and unlikely to survive an immediate assault. German artillery shells Oster in the hope of preventing such an attack. At the same time, KG Recke comes under a heavy Allied bombardment.

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/2373/bftb000309.png

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/6033/bftb000312.png

Fighting continues, but nothing significant happens until 1200, when the 9th SS Panzer Division at last arrives on the field.

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/7158/bftb000313.png

[Raptor1]

1200 hours

Weather Report

Moderate fog
Temperature: -3c
Ground: Snow
Visibility: 5,000m

Current OOB

II SS Panzer Corps


1130th Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded


2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich

2nd SS Panzer Regiment

1st Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment
2nd Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment - Disbanded


3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment


4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded
2nd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment





Kampfgruppe Recke
Kampfgruppe Krag


9th SS Panzer Division Hohenstaufen

Kampfgruppe Zollhöfer

1st Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment





----

The 9th SS Panzer Division has arrived on the field with Kampfgruppe Zollhöfer, comprising the 19th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment, a Jagdpanzer company (Panzer IV L/70) and an assortment of support units. The main armoured component of the Division is a couple of days away, but this will do for now. Unfortunately, the enemy has also recieved reinforcements, and a fair amount of troops have been sighted entering the field from the west.

The initiative must be regained at once, or the already stretched left flank will collapse. In order to achieve this, the 19th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment (KG Zollhöfer) will be split into its three battalions. The 1st Battalion will advance along the highway and reoccupy Manhay, thus threatening the Allied left flank. The 2nd Battalion will reinforce the gap on Kampfgruppe Recke's right flank, where it will be ready for an Allied attack or to participate in a German counterattack. The 3rd Battalion (With KG Zollhöfer's attached elements), in the traditional backstabbing manner, will conduct another wide sweep around the enemy, where it will cut off the Allies from their supply to the north and northwest, engage rear area elements (Artillery batteries and supply bases) and await further orders.

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/7085/plan601.png

Previous moves are in dashed arrows, currently planned or predicted moves in solid arrows.

[Dowly]

They really have to drop the price on this one, there's people out there who want to play this. :DL

Great AAR, makes me regret that I gave up so easily on Highway to the Reich, just didn't have the patience to learn it. :-?

[Raptor1]

But if they drop the price, I'll feel horribly cheated of out my moneys. :wah:

[Raptor1]

KG Zollhöfer moves onto the highway, with each battalion heading towards its destination at maximum speed, so the Allies will have less time to react.

The 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment is still desperately trying to reform at the top of the hill, under heavy Allied fire. At the end of the left flank, Allied units begin moving on KG Krag's positions.

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/7152/bftb000326.png

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/6154/bftb000328.png

The 19th SS Panzer Grenadiers enter combat as the 1st Battalion meets an Allied platoon (Believed to be of tank destroyers) immediately south of Manhay, which they engage. On the right flank, the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers attempt to destroy the remaining armoured company and TD platoon of TF Lovelady in the encirclement, but these prove extremely hard to take out. In the west, Allied companies attempt to march on Dochamps, but they are stopped by fire from elements of KG Krag arrayed across the stream.

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/9681/bftb000329.png

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/5663/bftb000330.png

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/7797/bftb000331.png

By 1530, 1/19th SS PzGr continues to be held up by the platoon (Now believed to be made up of light armour) when a company of tank destroyers (Or are they?!) shows up. 3/19th SS PzGr reach Chêne-al-Pierre, where they leave a single company (I plan to reinforce this at some point) before proceeding westwards.

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/539/bftb000333.png

On the left flank, KG Krag continues to effectively stall the Allied advance, while 2/19th SS PzGr has mostly reached its destination on the right of KG Recke. At 1700, 3/19th SS PzGr finally arrives at its destination, Mormont, where it finds an unknown Allied supply base. 1/19th SS PzGr finally begins to break through the Allied forces (I've completely lost track of what the hell those things are) in its way, and by 1810 the first company enters Manhay.

The 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers have still not managed to get rid of TF Lovelady's accursed armoured company.

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/2554/bftb000336.png

http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/4342/bftb000338.png

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7223/bftb000339.png

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/3152/bftb000340.png

By 1840, 1/19th SS PzGr has arrived at Manhay with sufficient forces. On the right flank, however, the Allied armoured company has managed to break through the encirclement and is heading west (Somebody is going to pay for this...). 2/4th SS PzGr, now mostly relieved by 2/19th SS PzGr's presence, is ordered to hunt down this accursed company before it can do too much damage.

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/4024/bftb000343.png

By 2045, 3/19th SS PzGr has sighted an Allied artillery battalion (The 991st with some 16x 155mm guns). It also identified the supply base, which belongs to the US 75th Infantry Division, so that's who these bastards are. The Allies mount an armoured assault of unknown strength on 2/19th SS PzGr's lines.

2/4th SS PzGr continues to hunt down the Allied company, but seemingly nothing can be done to this invincible unit.

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/1787/bftb000346.png

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/3537/bftb000347.png

At 2257, H Company, 3/33rd Armored Regiment, which has been chased around all day by German units, finally surrenders. By the same time, the remains of the 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers have reformed to something resembling coherency on the hill east of Oster. At 2308, the 75th Infantry's supply base surrenders, which will certainly impair Allied logistics.

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/5356/bftb000350.png

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/9994/bftb000351.png

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/7926/bftb000352.png

End of Day 9

Quite possibly the bloodiest day so far, for both sides; thousands of freezing bodies litter the field at the end of the day. The 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers have suffered over half the day's casualties, losing some 25% of their strength (Not counting the detached 2nd Battalion). However, the Allies are now once more outflanked themselves.

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/873/bftb000354.png

[Raptor1]

Day 10 - January 1st, 1945

0000 hours

Weather Report

Clear skies
Temperature: -5c
Ground: Snow
Visibility: 2,500m

Current OOB

II SS Panzer Corps


1130th Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded

2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich

2nd SS Panzer Regiment

1st Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment
2nd Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment - Disbanded

3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded
2nd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment





Kampfgruppe Recke
Kampfgruppe Krag

9th SS Panzer Division Hohenstaufen

Kampfgruppe Zollhöfer

1st Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment





----

Happy New Year, surely 1945 will see our final victory. Soon enough, aircraft swarm overhead and the rumble of distant guns is heard as Operations Bodenplatte and Nordwind are launched.

It was initially decided that the outflanking of the US 75th Infantry Division would serve as the initial step in a complete encirclement and annihilation of said formation, however, because of the current supply situation, the assault was called off. 3/19th SS PzGr will continue to raid Allied supply lines before returning, while other positions around the 75th Infantry Division would be maintained, for now. Besides holding the line and inflicting as many casualties upon the Allies as possible, the primary objective for now is the rescue of the trapped 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment.

KG Zollhöfer and 3/19th SS PzGr are ordered to move to the southeast, and the line south of the 75th Infantry's position in the Oster valley is readjusted to better hold. An Allied armoured group infiltrates the lines and engages 2/19th SS PzGr's HQ, but it is counterattacked and forced to retreat. Allied companies engage the Dochamps garrison, and more Allied units bypass the garrison and head north into the rear of the German line. KG Krag (Which is desperately short of supplies, especially food), is ordered to move and stop them at once.

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/2412/sc000561.png

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/1354/sc000562.png

KG Krag lines up just in time, and an attacking Allied TD company is obliterated by its fire. Armoured attacks are mounted on the 2nd SS Panzer Regiment and the reorganizing 2/19th SS PzGr, but they are also beaten back.

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/1115/sc000566.png

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/992/sc000568.png

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/7097/sc000570.png

At 0650, the 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers are ordered to break out while avoiding the enemy as much as possible. The 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers, with their sector secured, are ordered north to set up delaying positions in case even more Allied reinforcements show up.

At 0800, with artillery support (As much as the short supplies allow, at least), the 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers attempt to break out for the first time, but they are pushed back by Allied fire and artillery. At 0950, units of 3/19th SS PzGr storm and destroy VII Corps' main supply base. The 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers begin to dig into their defensive positions.

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/5262/sc000574.png

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/5959/sc000577.png

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/6785/sc000579.png

At 1050, 1/19th SS PzGr are ordered to advance their line against the rear of the 75th Infantry in order to cover the 4th SS Panzer Greandiers' escape.

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/7305/sc000580.png

1200 hours

Weather Report

Light snow
Temperature: -3c
Ground: Snow
Visibility: 7,000m

At around 1500, the 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers reform for another attempt at breaking out. The unmotorized companies head east through the thick pine forest and the motorized elements head north towards Grandmenil. This time, under covering fire from 1/19th SS PzGr, the Regiment's HQ as well as a substantial number of troops escape. However, the rest of the Regiment is pushed back.

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/1694/sc000588.png

http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/4172/sc000589.png

At around 1900, the Allies mount a large attack on the right flank of the Lamormenil-Freyneux line, but they are pushed back by 2/4th SS PzGr. Allied units, as predicted, begin emerging to the north, where the 10th Company, 19th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment fights a delaying action. However, it is pushed back after an hour's resistance and ordered to withdraw.

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/9613/sc000595.png

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/3126/sc000596.png

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/8146/sc000597.png

End of Day 10

I hope those Allied reinforcements to the north don't turn out too strong, I have enough to deal with already...

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/2201/sc000601.png

[Raptor1]

Day 11 - January 2nd, 1945

0000 hours

Weather Report

Heavy snow
Temperature: -5c
Ground: Snow
Visibility: 1,000m

Current OOB

II SS Panzer Corps


1130th Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded


2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich

2nd SS Panzer Regiment

1st Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment
2nd Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment - Disbanded


3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment


4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded
2nd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment





Kampfgruppe Recke
Kampfgruppe Krag


9th SS Panzer Division Hohenstaufen

Kampfgruppe Zollhöfer

1st Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment





----

With more Allied reinforcements arriving from the north, and units rapidly running out of food, fuel and ammunition, II SS Panzer Corps must now be resigned to reacting to the Allied attacks and preventing them from breaking through along the road the road to Houffalize. Later today, Kampfgruppe Telkamp and whatever is left of the 9th SS Panzer Regiment should arrive arrive on the field; they would be the last reinforcements to arrive.

Shortly after midnight, a large Allied attack is mounted against the lines of the 2nd SS Panzer Regiment, on the far left flank of the Lamormenil-Freyneux line. The attack is heavily reinforced over the next several hours, but is beaten back in a bloody battle with the Panther tanks and StuG assault guns. In the north, 10th Company, 19th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment, which was recently driven out of Chêne-al-Pierre by Allied reinforcements, recovers and manages to temporarily halt the Allied advance.

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/7227/sc000603.png

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/4678/sc000605.png

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/2935/sc000606.png

KG Zollhöfer and 3/19th SS PzGr are ordered to end the raid and break out toward Manhay. The last infantry company of the 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers escapes, leaving only a Flak unit behind.

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/3355/sc000607.png

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/4673/sc000609.png

Meanwhile, the attack against the right flank of the Lamormenil-Freyneux line intensifies, and a confused fight develops between scattered German companies and Allied units. To the north, the HQ of Task Force Doan blunders into ambushing positions of the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers in the darkness and surrenders. Shortly before sunrise, 1/19th SS PzGr is ordered to retreat to Manhay in order to avoid being cut off.

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/6276/sc000610.png

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/9858/sc000611.png

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/1893/sc000612.png

Dawn sees the start of a huge Allied offensive aimed at breaking the Lamormenil-Freyneux line south of the Oster valley. Allied companies infiltrate the line, the usual artillery barrage is fired into German positions, and more units are added to the attack on the left and right flanks of the line as German units desperately attempt to hold the line. In the north, 10th Company, 19th SS Panzer Grenadier is finally swatted out of the way and Allied reinforcements proceed southwards.

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/918/sc000613.png

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/441/sc000614.png

KG Krag is ordered to return to the fight and sent against infiltrating Allied companies attempting to outflank the line. The reinforcing Allied units soon reach the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment's lines, but they are stopped by the German fire. By 1115, 1/19th SS PzGr has retreated to Manhay, but 3/19th SS PzGr is still struggling to return to German lines.

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/941/sc000616.png

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/2922/sc000617.png

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/8586/sc000619.png

At 1200, KG Telkamp, with 1/9th SS Panzer attached, arrive at the field. They are sent northwards to reinforce 3rd SS PzGr, where they will defeat the Allied reinforcements and prevent them from linking up with the 75th Infantry Division. By 1400, the main Allied attack has stalled after heavy fighting, and most of the Allied units retreat back into the Oster valley.

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/9496/sc000623.png

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/5831/sc000626.png

KG Zollhöfer gets on the way again, but soon stalls upon arriving at the edge of the forest. KG Telkamp begins arriving around Manhay shortly before 1600 and sets up its positions. The battle between 3rd SS PzGr and the Allied reinforcements continues inconclusively.

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/7136/sc000627.png

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/4015/sc000628.png

Fighting continues until nightfall. The 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers are ordered to retreat southwards in order to link up with KG Telkamp. KG Zollhöfer gets moving again, breaking out of the forest, capturing an Allied artillery battery and heading into Grandemnil. The 1st Battalion, 9th SS Panzer Regiment dashes forward to seize the northwestern road into Manhay, where it catches and encircles a full strength Allied armour company. Meanwhile, Allied armour, having infiltrated the mostly exposed left flank (Bad idea), drives against Odeigne, where the 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers hastily attempt to set up a defence.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/9967/sc000637.png

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/3373/sc000641.png

End of Day 11

Bloody and inconclusive, I think, covers the situation pretty well.

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/9598/sc000644.png

[Raptor1]

Right, time to continue this.

EDIT: Oh, just realized what day it is. Seems rather fitting.

---
Day 12 - January 3rd, 1945

0000 hours

Weather Report

Moderate snow
Temperature: -3c
Ground: Ice
Visibility: 1,500m

Current OOB

II SS Panzer Corps


1130th Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded


2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich

2nd SS Panzer Regiment

1st Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment
2nd Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment - Disbanded


3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment


4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded
2nd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment





Kampfgruppe Recke
Kampfgruppe Krag


9th SS Panzer Division Hohenstaufen

Kampfgruppe Zollhöfer

1st Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment


Kampfgruppe Telkamp

1st Battalion, 9th SS Panzer Regiment
3rd Battalion, 20th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment





----

As supply reports of units in the field come in, offensive plans against Allied formations are quickly scrapped. Many units in the field lack basic supplies, and ammunition, especially for infantry anti-tank weapons, is desperately low. KG Telkamp, having recently arrived at the Manhay crossroad will now be used to cover the final breakout of KG Zollhöfer and the retreat of the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment from its holding positions north of Manhay. The Kampfgruppe will then retreat behind the lines and, as the only relatively fresh unit on the field, will act as a mobile reserve.

The movements conducted at the end of the previous night by the 75th Infantry Division become apparent as it thrusts the majority of its remaining strength into a massive attack on the thinly held gap on the Oster-Odeigne road. Facing this attack are a mere 3 anti-tank guns of 2/4th SS PzGr's Pak platoon and two desperately fatigued and understrength companies of the 4th SS Panzer Grenadiers, who soon find themselves in dire straits. KG Recke is ordered out of the Lamormenil-Freyneux line, to swing around the heavy pine forests and reinforce the Odeigne position.

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/5838/sc000799.png

Meanwhile, in the Manhay valley. Allied armour attempts another advance in the dark, but encounters the tanks of the 9th SS Panzer Regiment and beaten back with heavy losses. KG Zollhöfer in Grandmenil now only faces a thin line of Allied rear-area personnel preventing it from linking up with the 20th SS Panzer Grenadiers.

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/4379/sc000800.png

http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/5341/sc000801.png

By 0130, the last Allied opposition in Grandmenil is cleared and KG Zollhöfer links up with KG Telkamp. The Allied advance on the Odeigne road continues, though it is partially stalled by fire from German units around Freyneux.

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/8705/sc000803.png

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/8072/sc000804.png

At 0300, the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers begin withdrawing from their positions, but they are stalled by fatigue, lack of supply and fire from pursuing Allied units. The leading elements of KG Zollhöfer move on the highway and head towards Odeigne.

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/2736/sc000806.png

http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/6549/sc000807.png

At 0640, KG Recke begins disengaging from the line and moving to Odeigne. KG Zollhöfer arrives at its destination and assaults the Allied armoured units east of Odeigne.

At dawn, another Allied armoured attack, this time with mechanized infantry support, is mounted against the 9th SS Panzer's positions by units attempting to envelop the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers. This attack is soon beaten back as well. At approximately the same, the Allied units on the Oster-Odeigne road manage to sweep aside the thin resistance in the gap, but they are exhausted and unable to advance on Odeigne itself.

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/8034/sc000811.png

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/611/sc000812.png

At 0730, the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers finally manage to disengage and start heading towards their new positions south of Manhay. Units of the 75th Infantry Division drive another attack at Freyneux and push back some of the defending German units in brutal fighting.

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/7724/sc000814.png

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/5902/sc000815.png

By 0930, KG Zollhöfer's attack against armoured units on the right flank is mostly finished, having knocked out approximately 25 tanks, destroying two companies and severely mauling the third; the immediate threat to the right flank is mostly gone. KG Zollhöfer is ordered to take defensive positions west of Odeigne in order to stop the Allied attack in the gap, but it's exhausted and out of supply after its breakout and recent combat, so it is unable to proceed.

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/6946/sc000818.png

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/4604/sc000820.png

By 1015, the main body (Or what's left of it) of the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers arrives at its new defensive position south of the Manhay valley and begins digging in. KG Telkamp, having successfully covered the withdrawal of both KG Zollhöfer and most of the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment, begins to retreat behind the line as well.

Over the next hour, Allied units are also steadily driven back from Freyneux by German counterattacks, while the Allied advance from its breakthrough along the Oster-Odeigne road continues slowly but steadily.

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/4205/sc000821.png

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/522/sc000823.png


1200 hours

Weather Report

Moderate snow
Temperature: -2c
Ground: Ice
Visibility: 5,000m

KG Recke is ordered to drive back along the road and stay there in case any Allied foot units attempt to infiltrate through the pine woods. The Allied advance on Odeigne stops as several companies manage to form a shaky defensive line.

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/4804/sc000825.png

The battle continues until the afternoon, when silence descends on the battlefield. Both sides are utterly worn out and have lost their power to hurt each other for the moment. The only serious combat is seen by stragglers of the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers, as Allied units attempt to stop them from reaching the line.

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/8431/sc000827.png

End of Day 12

http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/6865/sc000832.png

[Dowly]

Seems like we decided to continue our AARs at the same time. :DL :up:

[Raptor1]

Seems like we decided to continue our AARs at the same time. :DL :up:

Yup, looks like it. Hope I finish mine this time, I want to know how many casualties I inflicted on the Allies...

[Raptor1]

Day 13 - January 4th, 1945

0000 hours

Weather Report

Heavy snow
Temperature: -3c
Ground: Snow
Visibility: 1,000m

Current OOB

II SS Panzer Corps


1130th Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded


2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich

2nd SS Panzer Regiment

1st Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment
2nd Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment - Disbanded


3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment


4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded
2nd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded
3rd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment





Kampfgruppe Recke
Kampfgruppe Krag


9th SS Panzer Division Hohenstaufen

Kampfgruppe Zollhöfer

1st Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment


Kampfgruppe Telkamp

1st Battalion, 9th SS Panzer Regiment
3rd Battalion, 20th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment





----

The lines have stabilized since the previous evening, and the front is more quiet than it has ever been since the start of the Allied counterattack on December 30th. The 75th Infantry Division still holds the Oster-Odeigne road, cutting the German line in half and preventing easy movement of units and supplies between Odeigne and the Lamormenil-Freyneux line, but their advance has been stopped by the arrival of substantial reinforcements from the Manhay valley.

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/3757/sc000833.png

At 0215, the remaining stragglers of the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers arrive at the Regiment's new line, having avoided Allied units attempting to cut them off.

KG Zollhöfer finally recovers and moves towards the gap, assembling a strong defensive position between 0530 and 0545.

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/2329/sc000835.png

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/8199/sc000836.png

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/5922/sc000837.png

Dawn sees no significant action besides small skirmishing at first. However, Allied commanders soon see the newly assembled defensive positions west of Odeigne and order their forces to retreat from the gap. German units and artillery fire upon the retreating Allied forces, which in turn prompts Allied artillery to respond with counterbattery fire and a bombardment of the German front.

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/646/sc000839.png

The Allies attempt to disengage from the positions they captured the previous day, but they are stalled by the ground fire and artillery bombardment, and only manage to extract a handful of units over the next three hours.

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/5840/sc000840.png

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/9682/sc000841.png

At 1000, KG Zollhöfer receives orders to assault the gap and drive the Allies off the road. The attack is launched an hour later.

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/1180/sc000842.png

http://img815.imageshack.us/img815/8940/sc000843.png

1200 hours

Weather Report

Moderate snow
Temperature: -2c
Ground: Snow
Visibility: 5,000m

KG Zollhöfer's attack achieves some initial success, but is stalled by Allied artillery and the Kampfgruppe is forced to regroup.

Meanwhile, Allied units make probing attacks on the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers' positions south of Manhay, but do not attempt a major assault. It is possible that the Allied reinforcements are instead now reinforcing the 75th Infantry Division.

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/4787/sc000845.png

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/5862/sc000847.png

http://img815.imageshack.us/img815/1463/sc000848.png

KG Zollhöfer's offensive is relaunched before 0300, and manages to advance towards its objective, cutting off a light armour company and an infantry battalion HQ in the process. Only an infantry company and a mortar platoon stand between the German line linking up again.

More attacks are launched on the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers by individual units, but they are beaten back easily.

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/2990/sc000849.png

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/483/sc000850.png

At last, KG Zollhöfer manages to rout the last Allied units, which retreat into the pine forests on the hills. The Kampfgruppe is ordered to take up defensive positions on the road to prevent another attack like this.

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/4710/sc000851.png

Skirmishing continues into the night. A few Allied units recover and fire on KG Zollhöfer from the hills to the north, but they are not strong enough to cause significant damage. Several Allied units probe the Lamormenil-Freyneux line, but they are either beaten back or encircled.

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/654/sc000856.png

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/8818/sc000857.png

End of Day 13

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/875/sc000858.png

[eddie]

Great AAR Raptor! I keep trying to figure out why I play the German side when it come's to the Battle of the Bulge. Don't have a chance after the first few days, but we try anyway,lol

[Raptor1]

We are rapidly approaching the explosively anticlimatic end of this AAR.

---
Day 14 - January 5th, 1945

0000 hours

Weather Report

Heavy snow
Temperature: -5c
Ground: Snow
Visibility: 1,000m

Current OOB

II SS Panzer Corps


1130th Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded


2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich

2nd SS Panzer Regiment

1st Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment
2nd Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment - Disbanded


3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment


4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded
2nd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded
3rd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment





Kampfgruppe Recke
Kampfgruppe Krag


9th SS Panzer Division Hohenstaufen

Kampfgruppe Zollhöfer

1st Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment


Kampfgruppe Telkamp

1st Battalion, 9th SS Panzer Regiment
3rd Battalion, 20th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment





----

There are now 3 major threats to II SS Panzer Corps:


Allied armour still operating behind German lines continues to threaten German command and logistics. There are two known Allied tank companies located southeast of Odeigne which have so far avoided destruction, thanks in large part to the massive shortage of infantry anti-tank weapons and ammunition.
The 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers hold the northernmost point of the German line and are under increasing pressure from Allied troops and armour. The regiment is exhausted after weeks of fighting, has lost the majority of its men and, like most other German units, is desperately short on supplies.
The right wing of the German defence is very lightly held and completely open to any determined flanking attempt.

The German positions will have to be shifted in order to avoid the Allies exploiting these to break the line. KG Telkamp will be split in two: the first part will consist of the Kampfgruppe's HQ and 3/20th SS PzGr and will be sent to reinforce defences around Malempré, where the Allies are expected to attempt to outflank the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers. The second part will consist of 1/9th SS Panzer, which will be immediately sent to annihilate the cut off Allied armour southeast of Odeigne. Once that is completed, the battalion will be positioned on the highway and continue to serve as a mobile reserve. KG Recke will be positioned further west along the road between the Baraque de Fraiture crossroads and Samrée, in case any more Allied troops managed to slip through the line in that area.

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/9034/plan70101.png

[Raptor1]

Fighting continues at the Lamormenil-Freyneux line. Concentrated fire sends the Allied infantry reeling backwards, while more troops are still encircled by German units.

In the north, attacks against the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers intensify. Mechanized infantry attempt to exploit a breach in the line, but a company of the 9th SS Panzer arrives just in time to seal the gap.

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/549/sc000939.png

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/9295/sc000942.png

KG Telkamp sets up its position at Malempré just before dawn and awaits the predicted Allied attack. Meanwhile, the Panther tanks of the 9th SS Panzer engage the Allied Shermans in the woods southeast of Odeigne.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/210/sc000943.png

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/7692/sc000944.png

Sure enough, at 0700 Allied units sweep into Malempré, but they are quickly stopped after an hour of fighting with the dug in troops of KG Telkamp and the 1130th Grenadiers. Several units are destroyed while the rest are routed from the town.

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/1632/sc000945b.png

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/8864/sc000946.png

At 0941, the last Allied tanks fighting the 9th SS Panzer are knocked out and the surviving men are taken prisoner. The battalion is immediately sent after the remaining company.

Over the next several hours, constant attacks are made on the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers, but they are all pushed back.

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/4664/sc000947.png

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/5285/sc000950.png

1200 hours

Weather Report

Heavy snow
Temperature: -3c
Ground: Snow
Visibility: 3,500m

At 1441, the last Allied tank company known to be behind German lines is destroyed by the 9th SS Panzer. The battalion is ordered to the highway to wait for the next time they are needed.

Inconclusive fighting continues elsewhere until the evening.

http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/5153/sc000952.png

At 1900, an Allied armour company infiltrates behind the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers' lines and attacks its supply base, but it is counterattacked and routed by the company of the 9th SS Panzer which was assigned to the regiment earlier. Two hours later the Allies attack again with the surviving tanks and infantry support which slipped through the pine woods, this time overrunning the supply base. The 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers hold the line, but reserves will probably have to be moved to support it.

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/3408/sc000954.png

http://img805.imageshack.us/img805/5640/sc000956.png

End of Day 14

http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/932/sc000957.png

[Raptor1]

Day 15 - January 6th, 1945

0000 hours

Weather Report

Heavy snow
Temperature: -4c
Ground: Snow
Visibility: 1,000m

Current OOB

II SS Panzer Corps


1130th Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded

2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich

2nd SS Panzer Regiment

1st Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment
2nd Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment - Disbanded

3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment - Destroyed, HQ intact.
2nd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded
2nd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded
3rd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment





Kampfgruppe Recke
Kampfgruppe Krag

9th SS Panzer Division Hohenstaufen

Kampfgruppe Zollhöfer

1st Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment

Kampfgruppe Telkamp

1st Battalion, 9th SS Panzer Regiment
3rd Battalion, 20th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment



---

The 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers are now cut off by Allied units. While their situation is not critical, the supply line will have to be reopened as soon as possible.

Skirmishing continues as Allied units continue to operate in the vicinity of 3rd SS PzGr's position. A pocket is formed as Allied units move by choice or because of German fire into the gap between the two parts of the Regiment.

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/8572/sc000958.png

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/4690/sc000959.png

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/4668/sc000961.png

At dawn, 1/9th SS Panzer is ordered to advance along the road and clear the route to the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers. Meanwhile, Allied units are sent reeling back into the valley as they come under the guns of the 3rd SS PzGr once more.

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/1116/sc000962.png

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/8397/sc000963.png

1/9th SS Panzer begins its attack exactly one hour later, at 0800. Over the next hour, the Panther tanks of the battalion advance along the road, sweeping aside several Allied units, and link up with the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers' position.

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/8831/sc000964.png

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/3589/sc000966.png

Over the next few hours, minor fighting continues. The pocket formed by the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers is mostly cleared by 1030.

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/580/sc000967.png

1200 hours

Weather Report

Light snow
Temperature: -3c
Ground: Snow
Visibility: 7,000m

Artillery fire from everything remaining to the German gun batteries pin down Allied units in the Manhay valley, and the 3rd SS Panzer Grenadiers rest as Allied units retreat from the line.

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/962/sc000969.png

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/1040/sc000970.png

Besides some artillery fire and small skirmishes, nothing happens for the next several hours...

http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/6127/sc000971.png

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/1358/sc000972.png

[Raptor1]

1900 hours

Weather Report

Moderate snow
Temperature: -2c
Ground: Snow
Visibility: 1,500m

Current OOB

II SS Panzer Corps


1130th Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 1130th Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded


2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich

2nd SS Panzer Regiment

1st Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment
2nd Battalion, 2nd SS Panzer Regiment - Disbanded


3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment - Destroyed, HQ intact.
2nd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 3rd SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment


4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment

1st Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded
2nd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment - Disbanded
3rd Battalion, 4th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment





Kampfgruppe Recke
Kampfgruppe Krag


9th SS Panzer Division Hohenstaufen

Kampfgruppe Zollhöfer

1st Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment
2nd Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment
3rd Battalion, 19th Panzer Grenadier Regiment


Kampfgruppe Telkamp

1st Battalion, 9th SS Panzer Regiment
3rd Battalion, 20th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment





---

Decisive Victory

A staff car stops outside II SS Panzer Korps' HQ in Petites Tailles.

"Herr General!"

General Raptor steps into the car to find an aide to Field Marshal Walter Model, commander of Army Group B. The offensive had not gone well in other sectors of the front, and despite the massive victory achieved here, II SS Panzer Corps was now ordered to immediately withdraw from the salient in order to avoid being cut off.

General Raptor himself was to be promoted and issued the Knight's Cross for his victory. He was also relieved of his command and instructed to board an aircraft back to Berlin, as he was being reassigned to lead the German army's latest counteroffensive on the Eastern Front.

Over half a month of fighting, from December 23rd to January 6th, II SS Panzer Corps suffered 5,676 casualties, lost 215 armoured fighting vehicles and 167 guns. While not inconsiderable, these losses are minor compared to the staggering 18,042 men, 785 AFVs and 302 guns lost by Allied forces under the US VII Corps over the course of the battle.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/9105/sc000976.png

Of the Allied units destroyed, the vast majority of the US 3rd Armored and 75th Infantry Divisions, as well as an entire brigade of the US 7th Armored Division, have been annihilated. Nearly every major Allied command unit has been destroyed or disbanded, including VII Corps' HQ.

Only 2,900 Allied troops remain on the field. Unable to pursue because of exhaustion and command difficulties, II SS Panzer Corps' withdrawal is executed without incident.

Final Situation

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/1641/sc000974.png

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/6886/sc000975.png

The End

[Egan]

Good AAR. interesting to read!

As my WitP:AE campaign comes to it's end at last (late march 45 just now,) I'm looking for something to else to take it's place. It's either this or War in the East. I'm totally undecided. I loved their previous release but missed out on the Aegean one. The AI was the best I'd seen in probably any game and I assume it's still the case - they were always rightfully proud of it. And while my heart says go for the epic War in the East, my brain, knackered after nearly a year of fighting the Japanese empire, finds the slightly smaller scale and ETO pretty appealing...:) got some thinking to do....I'll be honest, I know I'll end up eventually buying both but, well, this one looks like being first up.

[Raptor1]

Good AAR. interesting to read!

As my WitP:AE campaign comes to it's end at last (late march 45 just now,) I'm looking for something to else to take it's place. It's either this or War in the East. I'm totally undecided. I loved their previous release but missed out on the Aegean one. The AI was the best I'd seen in probably any game and I assume it's still the case - they were always rightfully proud of it. And while my heart says go for the epic War in the East, my brain, knackered after nearly a year of fighting the Japanese empire, finds the slightly smaller scale and ETO pretty appealing...:) got some thinking to do....I'll be honest, I know I'll end up eventually buying both but, well, this one looks like being first up.

BftB or WitE...that's a hard choice (But not for me, as I have both :O:).

I can pretty definitively say that both are the most detailed (I was going to say 'best', but that's rather subjective) games ever made about their respective subject and scale, so it's really up to whichever you want to play. Oh, and the price, since I just noticed they dropped BftB's to a more reasonable level.

They're also going to be releasing a remake of Highway to the Reich as an expansion for BftB next year, so that will increase the limited scope of this game a bit.

EDIT: Looks like the price for BftB is just temporarily down because of their sale. Knew there was something fishy about Matrix Games dropping prices...