View Full Version : [CC:LSA] Operation Market Garden - Eindhoven (AAR)
Yees yees, another AAR when I haven't even finished the last ones. Sue me.
Game: Close Combat - Last Stand Arnhem
Campaign: Eindhoven Sector
Campaign Lenght: 1800 17 Sep. - 0600 19 Sep.
Side: Axis
Difficulty: Line - Line
Rules: 30min, VL cap w/ 2min warning, morale defeat
Standing Orders
Eindhoven Sector - 1800 17 September 1944 to 0600 19 September 1944
Your first order of business is to defend or destroy the bridges in this
sector, to prevent Allied ground forces from linking up with their airborne
units. Counter-attack the airborne landings when reinforcements arrive and
cut off the Allied spearhead.
Situation 1800 17 September (see legend below the image)
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee274/Finnish_Ferret/CC_Eindhoven_Map.jpg
AXIS
ALLIED
CONTESTED
00 - Valkenswaard
01 - Eindhoven
02 - Best
03 - Son
04 - Nederwetten
05 - Helmond
06 - Son Heath
07 - De Geelders
08 - St. Oedenrode
09 - Gemert
10 - Schijndel
11 - Veghel
12 - Dinther
13 - Uden
Objective(s) for 17 September
LSA introduces garrison troops, basically what
happened to be stationed on that sector when
the attacks started. These are small groups of
mixed units, some sectors have only few infantry
squads while some have flak guns or tanks to back
them up. Every sector that doesn't have battlegroup
in it, will have a small garrison group. That's what
I start with against allied paras and armored Irish
Guards pushing from Valkenswaard. :-?
My objective is to hold Valkenswaard, Best and Son
as long as I can. St. Oedenrode and Veghel I can't
hold, so I plan to inflict Allies as much casualties as
I can there and blow the bridges.
Reinforcements
18 September
0000 - KG RINK/347 I.D. - Best
0600 - KG 59 I.D. - De Geelders
0600 - FJ RGT. JUNGWIRTH - Dinther
0900 - 107 PANZER BDE. - Helmond
19 September
--none--
Herr-Berbunch
10-21-10, 08:39 AM
Look, a bridge! But it's too far!
:O:
DAY 1 TURN 1
Valkenswaard, German garrison vs. Irish Guards
This is the sector from where the Allied armor tries
to breakthrough to relief the paratroopers up north.
From past experience, I knew I'd have heavy losses
if I tried to hold the flags I have in the middle and
southern part of the map.
That in mind, I decided to make my stand in the town
to the north of the map.
Unit composition
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee274/Finnish_Ferret/01_T1_Valk.jpg
Suspected Allied route and my first and only line of
defence. The PaK and the StuG both have line of fire
to the road aswell as to the fields to the east of the
mill. The Panzerjäger squad acts as forward recon.
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee274/Finnish_Ferret/02_T1_Valk.jpg
The first sight of the enemy was a Sherman Firefly that
had a shot at the StuG, luckily missing it by a mile. The
Firefly wasn't so lucky.
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee274/Finnish_Ferret/03_T1_Valk.jpg
Time to pull the recon out as enemy infantry closes in to take the mill.
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee274/Finnish_Ferret/04_T1_Valk.jpg
The pointy end of the Allied attack ambushed by my
rifles and MG42 (that one remaining guy actually lasted
VERY long in that ditch).
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee274/Finnish_Ferret/05_T1_Valk.jpg
Shot to the side finishes this Sherman before it can get
a round off. Stug 2 - allies 0
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee274/Finnish_Ferret/06_T1_Valk.jpg
More Allied infantry tries to cross the open fields, only
to be slaughtered by the rifles and MGs.
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee274/Finnish_Ferret/07_T1_Valk.jpg
#3 for the StuG
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee274/Finnish_Ferret/08_T1_Valk.jpg
Shortly after the 3rd kill, the StuG spotted it's 4th victim,
which broke the Allied morale. A bit worried about the
small Allied deployment zone near my town. :hmmm:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee274/Finnish_Ferret/09_T1_Valk.jpg
And the star of the show. :rock:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee274/Finnish_Ferret/10_T1_Valk.jpg
All in all, very surprising battle. This was the 5th time
I play this battle and every single time I have lost either
the PaK or the StuG and some infantry with it. Important
victory denying the allied armor from getting any further North.
Arclight
10-21-10, 09:51 AM
Look, a bridge! But it's too far!
:O:Hope you didn't strain yourself too much coming up with that one. :O:
(my kind of humour though :yeah:)
(my kind of humour though :yeah:)
I've noticed. :DL
Arclight
10-21-10, 09:57 AM
I keep telling you; it's ma brain! It does weird things. :88)
Nice write-up, remarkable victory. :yep:
Raptor1
10-21-10, 10:01 AM
No losses for all that? Nice.
No losses for all that? Nice.
They've made some changes to the AI in LSA, now you can pretty much fend of the enemy by pinning them down. Then they usually retreat and come back for another try later on.
But this is on line - line difficulty (guess it's "normal"), that amounts to something. I was thinking of upping it to elite, but then again, there's few maps where I am horribly outnumbered and can barely last the time you have to wait before you can blow the bridge.
I go this one on Line and for the next campaign (I intend to play all three sectors as independent campaigns instead of grand campaign) I up it if this feels too easy. :hmmm:
DAY 1 TURN 1
Best, German garrison vs. 1st Bn./502nd PIR
Nothing special on this one. Again, I had played
this one before and had quite a good idea on what
the enemy would try. The FlaK guns I had (1x20mm
2x88mm) were locked to where they were to simulate
the surprise attack I guess. But they were in good positions
to fire across the map.
Surely, the AI attacked the same way as it had before, it
went for the center road flag, exactly where I had placed my
troops to. I saw only 3 or 4 enemy squads that crossed
the road, I have no idea what the rest were doing. I held them
back with the rifles and MG42 with the help of occasional shot or
two from the farthest 88mm. Their losses piled up during the first
10-15 minutes and they pretty much gave up on attacking.
The most notable thing on the battle was that the allied bastards
called air on top of my southern 88 and I lost that one.
Next turn, I should be able to win this one as my reinforcements arrive. :up:
Unit composition
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee274/Finnish_Ferret/01_T1_Best.jpg
Firing lines and allied movement
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee274/Finnish_Ferret/02_T1_Best.jpg
20mm FlaK got lucky (it's horribly inaccurate from distance)
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee274/Finnish_Ferret/03_T1_Best.jpg
Poor 88 :nope:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee274/Finnish_Ferret/04_T1_Best.jpg
This allied squad was blocked from crossing the road by
the 3 riflemen I had to the south of them. Later on I brought
in another riflesquad, but I didn't manage to kill any of the
allies, just suppress them and make the retreat.
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee274/Finnish_Ferret/05_T1_Best.jpg
End result
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee274/Finnish_Ferret/06_T1_Best.jpg
DAY 1 TURN 1
Son, German garrison vs. 506th PIR/101st AB DIV
Last sector I want (can) to hold during this turn and it
doesn't look good. I have 2 88s, again locked, on
the north side of the river companied by 3 x rifleteams,
1 x command team and 1 x light MG34 against, what
I believe, full BG of paratroopers.
Looking at the map, I come to the conclusion that
I have to sacrifice the two 88s and pull my infantry
to the south side of the river. Hopefully I can hold
the bridge for atleast 2 turns, as I THINK I might get
KG RINK here in time if I can deal with the situation at
Best on the next turn. :hmmm:
The enemy will probably take control of the Northwest
part of the town before they try to cross the bridge.
That might cause them additional losses due to the 88s.
Unit composition
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/01_T1_Son.jpg
Most likely allied movement and the area I let them come
before opening fire.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/02_T1_Son.jpg
The first 88 was quickly eliminated by and assault from 2 sides.
The second 88 was destroyed when a mortar shell fell right on it.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/03_T1_Son.jpg
Their first attempt to cross the bridge was met with fierce MG and
rifle fire from my side of the river.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/04_T1_Son.jpg
They made their second attempt in the end of the battle, which
was again repulsed.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/05_T1_Son.jpg
End result
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/06_T1_Son.jpg
It's going to be tough to hold this one on the next round.
DAY 1 TURN 1
St. Oedenrode, German garrison vs 501st PIR/101st AB DIV + reserve battlegroup
Oh dear... oh dear. Another new feature of LSA is that
one can stack 2 BG's into one sector, the other is frontline
BG and the other is reserve, giving the side that has stacked
them a huge force pool. And they give me 2 x 20mm flaks,
3 x rifleteams, 1 x command team and 1 x light MG34 to counter
them.
Looking at the map, I see the allies are coming from East and
South, which means I cannot focus my fire on just one direction.
There goes my chances.
Unit composition
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/01_T1_ST.jpg
Knowing the AI, it probably takes the shortest route to the
main flag, bridge in this case.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/02_T1_ST.jpg
All they had coming from South was one Bazooka team,
good diversion thought.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/03_T1_ST.jpg
10 minutes in and it became a race on who runs out of ammo first
with both sides holed up into the buildings along the
river. Sadly, I would be the one to run out of ammo first.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/04_T1_ST.jpg
12 minutes remaining and I was running extremely short on ammo,
so I decided to blow the bridge and give allies total victory.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/05_T1_ST.jpg
End result
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/06_T1_ST.jpg
With another MG I think I could've held them atleast for this turn, but not with what I had. Just not enough ammunition. :nope:
Lord_magerius
10-21-10, 05:31 PM
Looks like you're doing a better job than me Dowly, just getting back into CC again. Looks like I'm going to have to create a thread dedicated to AAR's as between this and HoI 3 I'm going to be doing a lot of spamming methinks :)
Just tried attacking Valkenswaard and got annihilated by the Stug and the AA guns.
Hehe, haven't played as allies yet, usually play only german as I suck at attacking anything. :O: I care too much for my men to try anything risky and possibly lose great many of them. :DL
Lord_magerius
10-21-10, 05:38 PM
Yeah, I'm usually German only in these sort of things but I thought I'd spice it up a bit. Didn't think it would end up being so much of a corpsefest though :hmmm:
You should be ok in the few following ones, that is if you can capture the bridges before the AI blows them. :hmmm:
Lord_magerius
10-21-10, 06:05 PM
I've already worked out my strategy for those. I can't remember who it was who said it but I'm going with the approach of "We will send wave after wave of troops at them, resulting in the enemy getting so depressed at killing everyone they eventually lose the will to fight" :D
I've already worked out my strategy for those. I can't remember who it was who said it but I'm going with the approach of "We will send wave after wave of troops at them, resulting in the enemy getting so depressed at killing everyone they eventually lose the will to fight" :D
Hah, that actually happened to some finnish machinegunners during the Winter War. They went nuts from all the senseless slaughter caused by the Red Army just throwing wave after wave of infantry at the finnish lines. :doh:
Raptor1
10-21-10, 06:21 PM
Hah, that actually happened to some finnish machinegunners during the Winter War. They went nuts from all the senseless slaughter caused by the Red Army just throwing wave after wave of infantry at the finnish lines. :doh:
It also happened to plenty of people during World War I, I bet...
It also happened to plenty of people during World War I, I bet...
Aye, no doubt about it.
DAY 1 END OF TURN 1
Veghel, German garrison vs. 1st BN./501st PIR
In my initial assesment, I figured I couldn't hold this one.
That was based on what I had experienced on my
Grand Campaign fighting here. The AI is very aggressive
in this map, throwing all it's infantry at me.
The map reveals that instead of them coming from the
South, this time they are coming from the northern
sector, Dinther. This is very good news as the terrain
is much more open in the north part of the sector and
there are buildings on both sides of the river from where
I can shoot to the road the enemy must take to get to the
bridge.
But given the aggressiveness of the AI on this one, I simply
might not have enough guns to stop the attack. :hmmm:
Unit composition
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/01_T1_Veghel.jpg
Evil plan
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/02_T1_Veghel.jpg
Here they come!
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/03_T1_Veghel.jpg
But the focused fire coming from the bridge and from the
buildings on the west bank of the river stopped them with
heavy casualties.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/04_T1_Veghel.jpg
End result
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/05_T1_Veghel.jpg
Well, this was a surprise. I saw them from the start and
waited for them to start running through the open terrain
before I gave the order to fire. Without the light MG42 I
couldn't have holded this, in total it was credited with 15+
kills and would have had more if it hadn't ran out of ammo.
Five minutes in and my MG42 was out of ammo and there was
a danger this would lead to a stand off with allies digging in to
where they started. That could then lead to casualties on my
side which I can't take if I intend to hold this on the next turn.
So, I decided to ask for a truce, to which the allies happily
agreed on.
Holding this sector is a great victory in that it keeps the possible
Allied units at Dinther cut from their nearest supply depot located in
Son Heath. This should make it easier for FJ RGT. JUNGWIRTH once
they make their jump at 0600 September 18.
Arclight
10-22-10, 05:21 AM
When in doubt, hold out for reïnforcements.
Raptor1
10-22-10, 05:28 AM
When in doubt, hold out for reïnforcements.
Nonsense, doubt should be resolved by immediate reckless attacks upon the enemy.
Arclight
10-22-10, 05:34 AM
Are you sure you're not Russian? :hmmm:
You should be ok in the few following ones, that is if you can capture the bridges before the AI blows them. :hmmm:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt4WdpOF4yg
"You ever built a bailey bridge before soldier?!"
"No sir!"
"Me neither!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTrO-B9sx3g
HunterICX
10-22-10, 06:46 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt4WdpOF4yg
:haha: I love that bit ''.....sssh!t''
I've never seen 'A Bridge Too Far'. :cry: Guess it's time to watch it now. :yeah:
When in doubt, hold out for reïnforcements.
I don't think I can get anyone there in time. If situation stays as it is, KG RINK is tied up in Best, KG 59 I.D. from De Geelders is needed to attack Son Heath in hopes to capture the supply depot there, FJ RGT. JUNGWIRTH jumps into combat at Dinther and when 107 PANZER BDE. finally arrives they'll still be 2 turns away.
Tho, the situation won't stay the same so, who knows, maybe I can save Veghel. :hmmm:
Situation 0000 18 September (see legend below the image)
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/CCLSAstratmap_T2.jpg
AXIS
ALLIED
CONTESTED
00 - Valkenswaard
01 - Eindhoven
02 - Best
03 - Son
04 - Nederwetten
05 - Helmond
06 - Son Heath
07 - De Geelders
08 - St. Oedenrode - BRIDGE DESTROYED
09 - Gemert
10 - Schijndel
11 - Veghel
12 - Dinther
13 - Uden
Objective(s) for 0000 18 September
Hold Son and Veghel, counter-attack at Valkenswaard
and if possible at Best to free KG RINK for other operations.
Reinforcements
18 September
0600 - KG 59 I.D. - De Geelders
0600 - FJ RGT. JUNGWIRTH - Dinther
0900 - 107 PANZER BDE. - Helmond
DAY 2 TURN 1
Valkeswaard, German garrison vs. Irish Guards
In the end of last battle here I got most of the flags
back in south and middle of the map due to morale victory.
As I don't know if they have any tanks in reserve, I will
propably leave the Stug and the PaK to the northern city
and have my infantry positioned at the middle flag (mill) to
see what the AI is up to.
If all seems clear and they have no more tanks, I move the
StuG to the mill and start moving my troops south and hopefully
forcing the enemy to their last flag and maybe even take it.
Unit composition... ehm... I kinda forgot to take the screenshot,
so check the first battle. :oops:
Plan
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/01_T2_Valk.jpg
End result
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/02_T2_Valk.jpg
Right, no screenshots from the actual battle as it was pretty
chaotic. Basically I was against an army of snipers. :o And this
being during night, it was very hard to pinpoint them.
Anywho, I went as I had planned, the Allied had one Staghound MK.I
armored car that was quickly eliminated by the StuG. After that
I started to move south with my infantry, constantly taking fire
from snipers and mortars.
Looking at the casualties, they had to be very low on reserves
as I got a morale victory from this and a nice total victory to go with it.
Hey, I dont mind. :O:
DAY 2 TURN 1
Best, KG RINK vs. 1st Bn./502nd PIR
Payback time. KG RINK doesn't have great reserves, but enough to
to hurt the Allies in this sector badly if not drive them out completely.
I can deploy to the west and east parts of the forest they were coming
from the last time, so I think I try and encircle the area they deploy to.
At any rate, total victory is my goal here. I won't push it if it seems like
I will lose too many soldiers, but gaining this one is important so I can use
KG RINK for other ops on next turn.
Unit composition
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/01_T2_Best.jpg
Plan. Heavy MG42 and the rifleteam near the center act as rear guard,
if nothing comes up, I move the rifleteam to join the fight.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/02_T2_Best.jpg
Allies suffer greatly under my mortar barrage (I think they've upped the damage on that thing in LSA)
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/03_T2_Best.jpg
Given the losses they had at the beginning due to the mortar barrage,
I don't think they can repulse an attack coming from all but one side.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/04_T2_Best.jpg
The end is nigh for these paras
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/05_T2_Best.jpg
End result
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/06_T2_Best.jpg
I got lucky with the mortar barrage, that took out most of their troops
and greatly reduced their morale. If they had had more troops, I would've
been in trouble as I couldn't see them in the forest. I was shot at all the time
as I moved, but killed only 2-3 of them during the encirclement.
Anyways, objective met here, KG RINK is free to start pushing the allies back on the next turn. :up:
DAY 2 TURN 1
Son, German garrison vs. 502nd PIR/101st AB DIV + reserve BG
Allies had rotated their troops here during the night, the sector was now
being taken over by 502nd PIR/101st AB DIV and it's reserve BG.
I'm still quite confident that I can hold the bridge with the 4 squads I have,
just by focusing the fire to the leading enemy squad and pinning them down
one by one.
I also have an advantage over the first battle in that the bridge is now primed,
which means that I can blow it anytime I want to.
I am going with the same plan as last time, fortifying the buildings on the
South bank of the river and letting them come close before opening fire.
Holding the Son bridge for this turn would allow me to reinforce the sector
with KG RINK which would tie 2 allied para BGs here while KG 59 I.D.
attacks Son Heath.
Unit composition
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/01_T2_Son.jpg
Unit placement
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/02_T2_Son.jpg
The first wave of allied infantry is repulsed with quite a losses.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/03_T2_Son.jpg
The second wave managed to sneak in to the north part of the bridge
from where I started to get fired upon without seeing them. Not wanting
to risk it, I decided to blow the bridge.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/04_T2_Son.jpg
End result
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/05_T2_Son.jpg
Well, can't say I was happy how this one went. That was until I realised
that with Valkenswaard secured, the only supply depot for allies is in
Son Heath. Losing Son is small sacrifice if I can allocate both KG RINK and
KG 59 I.D. to attack Son Heath during the next turn. Taking Son Heath
would mean sure defeat for the allies because they cannot repair bridges
without a supply line to a depot and the air supply the paratroopers get
is not sufficient for a prolonged fight.
After Son Heath is captured, it's just a matter of time to clean up the
stragglers.
Of course this all is spoiled if another armored BG arrives to Valkenswaard. :hmmm:
DAY 2 END OF TURN 1
Veghel, German garrison vs. 501st PIR/101st AB DIB + reserve BG
"And here's an analysis of our current military situation in one rude word."
That's about the only thing I could think when I saw the map. Apparently
there is an bug that happens when troops are rotated on and off a map
that is being contested. That's what happened to me here.
Remember the last battle? You know, the one I ended up in truce and
kept the americans at their first flag, killing some 20 of them in the
process? Well, here's how the game rewarded me on this turn:
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/01_T2_Veghel.jpg
All that dark area is Allied deployment zone. :shifty:
So, to sum it up in a quick AAR: I started, was surrounded immediately, blew the bridge and called BS. Total victory for Allies.
Let's hope this is the last I see off this bug.
Situation 0600 18 September (see legend below the image)
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/CCLSAstratmap_T3.jpg
AXIS
ALLIED
CONTESTED
00 - Valkenswaard
01 - Eindhoven
02 - Best
03 - Son - BRIDGE DESTROYED
04 - Nederwetten
05 - Helmond
06 - Son Heath
07 - De Geelders
08 - St. Oedenrode - BRIDGE DESTROYED
09 - Gemert
10 - Schijndel
11 - Veghel - BRIDGE DESTROYED
12 - Dinther
13 - Uden
Objective(s) for 0600 18 September
Oh dear, this is starting to fall apart. I thought the allied would be
held by the blown bridge at Son, but apparently they weren't and
managed to move southwards to Eindhoven.
They also took Gemert, which cuts all my troops out of supply. I
really wasn't expecting that. It also seems that the Allies are
making another attempt to breaktrough in Valkenswaard using the
Welsh Guards.
I did get somewhat lucky in that both Dinther and Veghel were left
unguarded, which allowed FJ JUNGWIRTH to move in faster than I had
expected.
KG RINK and KG 59 are tasked to attack and capture the supply depot
at Son Heath, which would allow me to atritt the enemy in all sectors as
long as Valkenswaard can hold.
I have 2 objectives for this one: Take Son Heath and hold Valkenswaard.
If Valkenswaard is held, the 107 Panzer arriving on next turn will have a
field day wiping out the paratroopers.
Reinforcements
18 September
0900 - 107 PANZER BDE. - Helmond
DAY 2 TURN 2
Valkenswaard, German garrison vs. Welsh Guards
The Allied's second attempt to get their armor into the sector.
This time it's the Welsh Guards and their Cromwells smashing against
the slightly weakened garrison I have here. I will go with the same
plan as I did against the Irish Guards, fortify the town in north and
let them come to me.
Unit Composition
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/01_T3_Valkenswaard.jpg
Plan
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/02_T3_Valkenswaard.jpg
Seven seconds into the battle and the first Cromwell takes a hit and
explodes.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/03_T3_Valkenswaard.jpg
Little while later, another Cromwell rolls out and straight into the sights
of the Stug.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/04_T3_Valkenswaard.jpg
Meanwhile the Allied infantry is closing in to the mill, time to pull that
recon out.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/05_T3_Valkenswaard.jpg
Third Cromwell shares the same fate as the two others that tried to
advance on the road.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/06_T3_Valkenswaard.jpg
Allied infantry is decimated by the MG42.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/07_T3_Valkenswaard.jpg
14 minutes remaining and the fourth Cromwell was sighted and destroyed
near the Mill, ending the battle in morale victory for me.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/08_T3_Valkenswaard.jpg
I got very lucky (again), the Cromwells saw the Stug at the same time
as I saw them, but I'm guessing that the experience (now maxed) of the
gunner from the previous battles have made him a very good shot.
The faith of Valkenswaard is now more to do with holding Eindhove to the
North. If Eindhoven falls, I'll probably get attacked from North aswell, which
would mean that I lose the deployment zone in the town. Doubt I could hold
an attack from both sides. :hmmm:
Ow and I definitely have to up the difficulty for the next campaign. :yep:
DAY 2 TURN 2
Eindhoven, German garrison vs. 502nd PIR/101st AB DIV + reserve BG
Holding Eindhoven will not be an easy task. They gave me 2 88s, but
I would have been much happier with an additional MG team. I want to
ambush them at the first west-east road, hopefully, I can inflict enough
casualties to slow the attack down before retreating further south to
make my last stand.
Unit composition
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/01_T3_Eind.jpg
Plan
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/02_T3_Eind.jpg
Allied infantry assaulting the first line of defence.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/05_T3_Eind.jpg
Time to bug out!
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/03_T3_Eind.jpg
End result
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/04_T3_Eind.jpg
Total and complete failure here. I couldn't hold the first line for more than
few minutes before I had to retreat due to their infantry pinning mine down.
During the retreat, both rifleteams panicked and fled the battle, leaving me
with only the light MG and a command team along with the 88 to defend. It
wasnt long after when my morale broke and it was all over.
Not a total victory fortunately, gives me time to get 107 PANZER to help.
DAY 2 END OF TURN 2
Son Heath, KG RINK + KG 59 vs. 1st BN/502nd PIR
This will be a walk in the park. Allies have here the remnants of 1st BN/502 PIR
consisting of only a handful of soldiers. I on the other hand have the combined
troops from both KGs available and arty support if needed.
I'll divide my troops to north and south groups, each being 5 squads strong
and just push east until I have taken all the flags or I find and eliminate the enemy.
Unit composition
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/01_T3_SonHeath.jpg
Plan
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/02_T3_SonHeath.jpg
Artillery makes sure the only house in the map is clear.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/03_T3_SonHeath.jpg
Both groups reach their first objectives without opposition.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/04_T3_SonHeath.jpg
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/05_T3_SonHeath.jpg
North group reaches it's 2nd objective without contact....
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/06_T3_SonHeath.jpg
...while the South group is engaged by the enemy at their 2nd objective.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/07_T3_SonHeath.jpg
End result
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/08_T3_SonHeath.jpg
Well, not much to write about this. Like I said, walk in a park.
The allies are now cut from their supply, it's just matter of taking Gemert
back now to get my troops back to supply and then start cleaning out
the enemy sector by sector.
Situation 0900 18 September (see legend below the image)
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/CCLSAstratmap_T4.jpg
AXIS
ALLIED
CONTESTED
00 - Valkenswaard
01 - Eindhoven
02 - Best
03 - Son - BRIDGE DESTROYED
04 - Nederwetten
05 - Helmond
06 - Son Heath
07 - De Geelders
08 - St. Oedenrode - BRIDGE DESTROYED
09 - Gemert
10 - Schijndel
11 - Veghel - BRIDGE DESTROYED
12 - Dinther
13 - Uden
Objective(s) for 0900 18 September
Valkenswaard must be held now that Son Heath supply depot is in my
hands to prevent the allies from getting supplied from there if and when
Eindhoven falls on this turn.
107 PANZER has 501st PIR cornered at Helmond, I must finish this fight
quickly to get my supply running to KG RINK and KG 59.
KG 59 moved South to Son where it will dig in to contain the loss of Eindhoven.
KG RINK is resupplying at Son Heath.
FJ JUNGWIRTH is preventing 501st from retreating to North.
DAY 2 TURN 3
Valkenswaard, german garrison vs. Welsh Guards
I'm quite sure the 4 Cromwells were the only tanks the Welsh
Guards had (atleast that was the case with the Irish Guards), so
I'm going for a more aggressive play to get major or total victory.
I'm going to start my attack from the Mill and use the Stug to
clear the way for my infantry attacking southwards.
Unit composition
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/01_T4_VALKEN.jpg
Plan
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/02_T4_VALKEN.jpg
Bren group crosses the bridge and is soon engaged by the MG42
positioned on the top floor of an windmill just East of the Mill flag. The
group surrendered awhile later.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/03_T4_VALKEN.jpg
The Allied had put some troops into the small deployment area they
held inside the Mill. PaK further north kept their heads down while the
command team assaulted and engaged the enemy in CQB. As a result,
the enemy was either taken prisoner or eliminated. Knopf was awarded
with an Iron Cross 2nd class for 4 acts of bravery during the assault.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/04_T4_VALKEN.jpg
My attack over the river with 2 rifleteams failed due to heavy mortar fire
which eliminated the other team completely. The Stug managed to find
and kill the last enemy infantry off, ending the game in morale victory for
me.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/05_T4_VALKEN.jpg
End Result
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/06_T4_VALKEN.jpg
DAY 2 TURN 3
Eindhoven, German garrison vs. 502nd PIR/101st AB DIV
Last stand here, but I'm not too worried about losing Eindhoven
now that most of the Allied paratroopers have been eliminated or
tied up in other sectors. I can easily contain the attacks further
North by 502nd PIR.
Everything I got are positioned so they can fire to the nearest
Allied deployment zone incase they have troops there. All in all,
I want as much casualties to them as possible, so I play this one
too a bit more aggressively than I normally would.
Unit composition
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/01_T4_EIND.jpg
Plan
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/02_T4_EIND.jpg
The Allies had three squads at the nearest zone, my infantry and the
88 had them pinned down immediately and the assault by the command team
finished them.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/03_T4_EIND.jpg
I decided to move further North, capturing the flag as I go.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/04_T4_EIND.jpg
Ten minutes in and the Allies attack my right flank, taking out the
MG42 I had there.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/05_T4_EIND.jpg
I counter-attacked with the rifleteam, hoping the enemy would be
suppressed due to the riflefire I had poured on them. I got few of them
but eventually it was too much and the rifleteam surrendered.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/06_T4_EIND.jpg
The command team came under heavy fire from the buildings across
the road shortly after and was eliminated, ending the game in morale
victory for the Allies.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/07_T4_EIND.jpg
End result (I'm still supposedly holding this sector with just an 88 in it. :doh:)
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/08_T4_EIND.jpg
DAY 2 END OF TURN 3
Helmond, 107 PANZER vs. 501st PIR/101st AB DIV + reserve BG
Our deployment zones are next to each other as they are coming
from the northern sector (Gemert) and 107 PANZER entered the
battlefield from east. As this is mostly street fighting here, I
take only 2 Panthers to support the infantry, the Allies surely
have PIATs with them.
The enemy will most likely be holed up in castle Helmond, so
I divide my panzergrenadiers, the eastern group will keep them
suppressed while the southern group assaults the castle.
I'll drive my other Panther to the bridge, South of the castle to
provide fire to the are west of the castly and my other Panther
will move in with the infantry when the assault starts.
The halftrack will go and secure the railroad to the west.
Unit composition
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/01_T4_Helmond.jpg
Plan
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/02_T4_Helmond.jpg
The Allied tried to attack South and West from the castle, but
their attempts were watered down by the Panthers. Command
team assaulted and eliminated the enemy in one of the buildings
to the East of the castle.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/03_T4_Helmond.jpg
Panzergrenadiers of the southern group move in and secure the
buildings to the South of the castle.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/04_T4_Helmond.jpg
The final assault towards the castle starts with my command team
being killed with one well placed mortar round.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/05_T4_Helmond.jpg
Rest of the assault went as planned, I pulled two PzrGrndr squads
from East to support the attack.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/06_T4_Helmond.jpg
Castle is nearly secured.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/07_T4_Helmond.jpg
End result
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/08_T4_Helmond.jpg
Situation 1200 18 September (see legend below the image)
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/CCLSAstratmap_T5.jpg
AXIS
ALLIED
CONTESTED
00 - Valkenswaard
01 - Eindhoven
02 - Best
03 - Son - BRIDGE DESTROYED
04 - Nederwetten
05 - Helmond
06 - Son Heath
07 - De Geelders
08 - St. Oedenrode - BRIDGE DESTROYED
09 - Gemert
10 - Schijndel
11 - Veghel - BRIDGE DESTROYED
12 - Dinther
13 - Uden
Objective(s) for 1200 18 September
The 501st PIR headed North to Gemert, leaving their 1st. battalion to
deal with the 107 PANZER at Helmond. They barely have any troops left
so those two sectors will most likely be clear by the end of this turn.
506th PIR moved from Best to Son with one battalion from 502nd supporting
them from Eindhoven. KG 59 has been allocated with both mortar and
air support to deal with them.
Eindhoven will be lost on this turn, I very much doubt 1 88 can counter
the Allied attack anymore. :O: I wont bother on writing an AAR about it,
so the AARs start from Son on this turn.
DAY 2 TURN 4
Son, KG 59 vs. 506th PIR/101st AB DIV + a battalion from 502nd
With the bridge blown (unlike the map shows) I can't rely on just
defending this sector without the risk of it turning into a "trench war".
That in mind I post all my heavy MG42s to the South bank of the river
to support my regular infantry which will attack the enemy on the North
side of the river.
I'm not going for an all out attack, just enough to take control of the East
part of the town. I reckon 3 squads will be enough to carry out the attack,
but just incase I have 3 more squads in reserve.
I have mortar support for this one, the air support I had, for some farking
reason, given to the FJ Jungwirth fighting in Gemert.
Unit composition
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/01_T5_Son.jpg
Plan
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/02_T5_Son.jpg
MG42s keep the mainroad clear while the smoke screen is layed for the
attacking forces.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/03_T5_Son.jpg
Attack starts.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/04_T5_Son.jpg
Mortar barrage mauls the allied paratroopers holed up in the 3-story building.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/05_T5_Son.jpg
The attackers got through the factory without opposition, so I decided
to throw them against the allies across the street. Suppressed both by
the MG fire and grenades, the enemy was defeated and the battle ended
in morale victory for me.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/06_T5_Son.jpg
End result
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/07_T5_Son.jpg
Last turn's battles at Gemert and Helmond were over in ~2 minutes
so no AAR from them. 501st PIR got disbanded in it's whole.
Situation 1500 18 September (see legend below the image)
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/CCLSAstratmap_T6.jpg
AXIS
ALLIED
CONTESTED
00 - Valkenswaard
01 - Eindhoven
02 - Best
03 - Son - BRIDGE DESTROYED
04 - Nederwetten
05 - Helmond
06 - Son Heath
07 - De Geelders
08 - St. Oedenrode - BRIDGE DESTROYED
09 - Gemert
10 - Schijndel
11 - Veghel - BRIDGE DESTROYED
12 - Dinther
13 - Uden
Objective(s) for 1500 18 September
The 327th Glider Infantry Regiment landed at Son Heath (haven't they told
them they've lost this one already?), KG59 will be used for counter-attack.
502nd PIR attacked Best from Eindhoven, KG RINK will handle the defence
of the sector.
FJ Jungwirth and 107 PANZER are moving towards Eindhoven from East.
St.Oedenrode is, AFAIK, unoccupied at the moment.
I'll do a written AAR from the rest of the battles as there's not too many allies
to fight against anymore and I'll switch the style to a more of an 'big picture'
AAR for the next sector instead of writing one larger one from each battle.
Summary of 18 September 1500hrs
Kampfgruppe RINK successfully defends the bridge at Best. With the use
of Machineguns and mortar support, the Allied attack coming from the South
bank of the river is stopped with minor casualties. 502nd Parachute Infantry
Regiment retreats back to Eindhoven.
Kampfgruppe 59's attack against the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment at Son
Heath is also successful. By dividing the troops, 59 is able to defend the
road to Son from Allied counter-attack while swinging around to the flank
of the enemy. Despite the heavy casualties, 327th still holds some ground
in the Northern part of the sector.
Situation 1800 18 September (see legend below the image)
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/CCLSAstratmap_T7.jpg
AXIS
ALLIED
CONTESTED
00 - Valkenswaard
01 - Eindhoven
02 - Best
03 - Son - BRIDGE DESTROYED
04 - Nederwetten
05 - Helmond
06 - Son Heath
07 - De Geelders
08 - St. Oedenrode - BRIDGE DESTROYED
09 - Gemert
10 - Schijndel
11 - Veghel - BRIDGE DESTROYED
12 - Dinther
13 - Uden
Objective(s) for 1800 18 September
KG RINK relieves KG 59 from front duty at Son Heath. The problem I had
during the last battle was the lack of ammunition, KG RINK is almost in full
supply so they should have no troubles clearing the sector.
107 PANZER is tasked to clear Eindhoven from the remnants of 502nd PIR.
The allies have almost nothing left, so it will be easy task for the armor to
sweep the buildings.
I'm quite sure the 327th GIR was the last of the reinforcements the Allies will
receive on this sector, unless the Grenadier Guards make last final push at
Valkenswaard. Other than that, I think the campaign's finished after this
turn.
September 18, 1800hrs
The 107 PANZER failed to make any significant progress at Eindhoven
due to very determined resistance from the remnants of the 502nd PIR.
Enemy air aswell as carefully chosen defensive positions that didn't allow the
use of the panzers against them played a key part in this battle.
---------
Kampfgruppe RINK is not able to make any significant progress at Son Heath
either. Severely weakened, the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment continues to
put up stiff resistance using their .50 caliber machineguns and mortars to suppress
any attempted attacks. Both sides suffered moderate casualties.
Situation 0000 19 September (see legend below the image)
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/CCLSAstratmap_T8.jpg
AXIS
ALLIED
CONTESTED
00 - Valkenswaard
01 - Eindhoven
02 - Best
03 - Son - BRIDGE DESTROYED
04 - Nederwetten
05 - Helmond
06 - Son Heath
07 - De Geelders
08 - St. Oedenrode - BRIDGE DESTROYED
09 - Gemert
10 - Schijndel
11 - Veghel - BRIDGE DESTROYED
12 - Dinther
13 - Uden
Objective(s) for 0000 19 September
Responsibility of the attack returned to KG 59 at Son Heath after KG RINK's
poor performance. KG RINK moves North to secure St. Oedenrode.
107 PANZER pulled to reserve, FJ JUNGWIRTH is more suitable to carry on
the attack at Eindhoven.
Arclight
10-26-10, 01:49 PM
FJ Jungwirth are paratroopers? :06:
Raptor1
10-26-10, 01:56 PM
FJ Jungwirth are paratroopers? :06:
FJ = Fallschirmjäger = Paratrooper. I guess they are.
As Raptor said, yes. :yep:
I believe the 107th Panzer Brigade was also part of the I Fallschirm-Armee.
Speaking of the 107 PANZER, here's one of it's Panthers at the Overloon war museum. :doh:
http://i351.photobucket.com/albums/q477/JohnnyWalkerBooze/museum/PANTHER.jpg
Arclight
10-26-10, 02:14 PM
Better part of it, anyway. :hmmm:
Wasn't sure about FJ = Fallschirmjäger, thanks. :)
Will the Allies make another push into the area, or is this it? Seems like it's just a matter of mopping up at this point.
Raptor1
10-26-10, 02:21 PM
I believe the 107th Panzer Brigade was also part of the I Fallschirm-Armee.
As far as I know it was under LXXXVI Corps/Fifteenth Army at this point, and was transferred to I. Fallschirm-Armee early the following month (Shortly before being reformed as the 25th Panzergrenadier Division).
Better part of it, anyway. :hmmm:
Wasn't sure about FJ = Fallschirmjäger, thanks. :)
Will the Allies make another push into the area, or is this it? Seems like it's just a matter of mopping up at this point.
I think this is it. :hmmm:
According to the scenario editor, the Grenadier Guards are in the game, but they should've arrived already to Valkenswaard if they were to. Might be
that they aren't included in the sector campaign.
Need to up the difficulty to elite-elite for the Nijmegen campaign, also the manual recommends 15 minute limit for the battles to make the AI act accordingly, so probably gonna try that too.
As far as I know it was under LXXXVI Corps/Fifteenth Army at this point, and was transferred to I. Fallschirm-Armee early the following month (Shortly before being reformed as the 25th Panzergrenadier Division).
You are probably right, my knowledge of Operation Market Garden is pretty much limited to the movie "A Bridge Too Far" and some random reading I've done the past few days (just most of the info seems to be only about Arnhem).
September 19, 0000hrs
Under cover of the night, FJ JUNGWIRTH's paratroopers manage to
pin-point and successfully assault the last two remaining enemy strongpoints
in Eindhoven's Northern sector. No own casualties reported.
---------
KG 59 suffers devastating losses under Allied sniper, mortar and heavy
machinegun fire at Son Heath and are forced to abandon some of the secured
areas in the sector.
Situation 0600 19 September (see legend below the image)
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/CCLSAstratmap_T9.jpg
AXIS
ALLIED
CONTESTED
00 - Valkenswaard
01 - Eindhoven
02 - Best
03 - Son - BRIDGE DESTROYED
04 - Nederwetten
05 - Helmond
06 - Son Heath
07 - De Geelders
08 - St. Oedenrode - BRIDGE DESTROYED
09 - Gemert
10 - Schijndel
11 - Veghel - BRIDGE DESTROYED
12 - Dinther
13 - Uden
Objective(s) for 0600 19 September
The combined forces of the Welsh and Irish Guards make their
last push at Valkenswaard, 107 PANZER moves to relieve the
German garrison.
KG 59 has been allocated with mortar support in hopes it is
enough to crack the defensive line of the 327th GIR at Son Heath.
http://cdn2.knowyourmeme.com/i/2256/original/NOT_AS_PLANNED.PNG?1242242744
END OF EINDHOVEN CAMPAIGN
Well, that was it then. Decisive victory for the germans, not that
big of an surprise considering how the campaign started.
Last reports from the field:
September 19, 0600hrs
107 PANZER overwhelmed the Welsh Guards quickly at
Valkenswaard. With no more than armored cars at their disposal,
the Allies were no match for the Panthers and infantry that counter-attacked.
---------
Good news from Son Heath: KG 59 with both mortar and artillery support
managed to secure back some of the lost areas and take out the .50 cal that
had been harrassing them. Still, small group of allied troops remain in the
sector.
And the campaign debrief screen:
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/Dowly/Campaign_End.jpg
Raptor1
10-26-10, 05:27 PM
XXX Corps' attack in the south was pretty weak. I think holding Valkenswaard so easily was a big part of the reason you won like that.
Either way, good work.
Ah yes, Valkenswaard was the key here. If the XXX Corps would have broken through I wouldn't have had much to fight it with until the 107 PANZER arrived. :hmmm:
Ah well, next up is Nijmegen, I'm fairly sure XXX Corps will make an appearance there at some point, maybe things go a tad better for the allies this time (well, hopefully not THAT much better :O:).
Valantine
10-26-10, 10:34 PM
I really hate you Dowly!
I saw this and now I've installed CC:LSA again!
Currently doing an Arnhem sector campaign as the Allies, I'm on day four now and have taken all of Arnhem but have lost the landing grounds. The Germans are beginning to push through medium armour and I've only got acces to Piats to counter them, Ambushing is going well but losses are starting to mount - I just lost my experienced Para HQ Captain to a Stug III attack on the railway bridge. :damn:
Wish there was a better way of tracking the most experienced men / squads and replenishing men in squads though - seems a shame to disband a squad with 3 highly experienced veterans to get a full compliment of average troops.
Playing on Veteran/Veteran with Rules: VL cap, 2min warning, morale defeat
V
Ow stop crying, you know you love it. :O:
I'm still kiiinda thinking of playing the Nijmegen one as Allies, the defensive battles are rather boring. :hmmm:
Raptor1
10-27-10, 04:53 AM
Traitor! Traitor!
*Puts the allied tin soldier figures back into the box*
Fine. :shifty:
Valantine
10-27-10, 08:58 AM
They get quite good towards the end, I've just held off an entire Fallsturm army with 1 badly mauled Para Rifle unit, 2 snipers, 1 para recon and a single man unit of Para Vickers MG.
The snipers were worth their weight in gold taking out unit commanders right at the start of the battle then the Vickers mauled the rest of the units as they advanced.
Total losses were the entre Recon unit KIA and a WIA man in the para rifle unit, to kill or maim 37 enemy and cause them to rout off the map.
The Stug army bearing down from the north will crush me in that sector this evening though!
V
Ah, sounds like you had a similar experience than I had in the end of the map, just you were doing the ass kicking while I was in the receiving end. :DL
Gawd, I hate those movement arrow things in the strategic map that you have in your /support folder of the game. Nijmegen is full of small sectors so you can only see an arrow jungle. Thus, I am now forced to draw the map of the sector (this should be good :DL).
Valantine
10-27-10, 01:57 PM
Yep, just sadly as predicted the Stug army has come rushing down from the north whilst an SS grenadier army has pushed up from the south.
I have lost all of the landing zones and the resupply routes leaving me holed up in three sectors: Arnhem Brige, Arnhem Rail Bridge and West Arnhem.
The main bridge is pretty secure by my main experienced army and quite blocked by wrecked halftracks now!, the rail bridge is destroyed and but my forces were badly hit by the Netherlands SS army that pushed through in the night battle, I may need to pull back away from this bit to save the forces for the main bridge.
West Arnhem is very likely to be lost in the battle I fight later on tonight since the enemy has gotten hold of 3 Panzers and I only have one Piat unit available, the issue here is if I fall back the panzers can hit the main bridge from the rear, so I have to try and hold them or at least force truces for the next day days of battles by inflicting enough casualties on their infantry.
Think this may indeed be a Bridge too far for the Allies!
V
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