Wild Bill Wilder

Just to let you know, I'll be attending Origina 2005 in Columbus Ohio. I hope I will have the opportunity to meet some of you great folks in person. Combat Mission was a wonderful experience for me and I hope Battlefront will be there. It would be a fantastic moment to see some of you in the flesh after so long! Wild Bill

Kingfish! Thanks for remembering the old Guard. I enjoyed immensely doing every one of those scenarios. You've been a great encouragement to me as I work. You are not forgotten either, my friend.

Harry Yiede, devoted CM player is now a recognized author. I strongly encourage you to get his book, "Steel Victory." Ir is the history of the independent tank destroyer battalions in World War II. There is some excellent material here, and seeds for a number of good battles. For those looking for new ideas, it is an excellent source. It is published by Ballantine Books and is worth it! Wild Bill

Thank you Gentlemen! Excellent suggestions, all of them. The 45th would be a good unit to follow. Desert Rats would be another.

Thank you....a lifetime of suggestions. Some of the battles you mentioned are very good ones. Smaller scenarios, specific actions. I really can't say much except that you have amply answered my question and I think you'll be pleased with what you see. WB

If you can Stouffel, find someone who can proof read for you. I have a couple of guys who do that for me. Usually when I don't, I make mistakes too. I do the same thing for some gaming brethren from Italy, Germany, and Finland. If I can ever be of service to you, I'd be delighted to help you. CKG! Sounds great. I will pay you a visit tonight. Thanks so much for the offer. Without a doubt I'm going to take you up on it. And I appreciate as always the kind words of encouragement. They mean a lot...WB

Actually you are right. Should have been in general discussion...my bad! If I mentioned anything it should have been the six articles of the War between German and Russia, more fitting, but still out of place. Still, I thank you for the kind words, COG and Monwar. Thanks...WB

I am unable to say any more about the game at this point, fellas. I'm sorry...WB

May I interject some thoughts here, gentlemen, please? Having designed over 1300 scenarios and campaigns for over a dozen games, I know a little bit about what Jim is saying. The main problem here is that some designers do their work and don't have it properly tested. Many times they don't even play them...they just stick them out there. So you become the tester instead of the player. That is too bad. As Dan has said, "design for yourself." If you don't like your scenario enough to try it out yourself, don't stick us with it. Once I finish a scenario, I'm dying to play it. I also enlist outside eyes to catch what I'm missing. I love testers. They are GRUNTS. They do hard work for little glory. Any success I have achieved I owe to those who have tested my scenarios, given me good ideas and pointed out my mistakes. The other point is that the designer must make a good mix of historicity and playability. There are many ways to do that. One does not have to give up one or the other. You can have both but it is a delicate balance. Usually there are enough tools in the editor for a designer to give you the ability to put both elements, historicity and playability into a well rounded scenario. Finally, to new designers: START SMALL! Most designers think that bigger is better. Not so. The well crafted smaller scenario is an even greater challenge, can be tested quickly and gets one accostumed to creating them. How do you know whether a scenario is what you want? 1. Does it cover an area or battle of interest to you. 2. Does the name of the scenario designer give you pleasant or unpleasant memories? 3. Is the intro text appealing. Usually if the designer does a sloppy job with the text, the scenario will be the same. Using some guidelines will help you pick and choose the right ones. Wild Bill

Since CMAK is well on the way, some of the designers on the Scenario Design Team are going to continue to design scenarios to have them ready for the various web pages that are out there. Considering that the game will cover all of the action in the Mediterranean, do you have some battles or operations that you would like to see done in this theater of operations? Let me and the rest of the designers what you would like to see recreated through this fine game. We are listening. I know I am. Wild Bill

Since CMAK is well on the way, some of the designers on the Scenario Design Team are going to continue to design scenarios to have them ready for the various web pages that are out there. Considering that the game will cover all of the action in the Mediterranean, do you have some battles or operations that you would like to see done in this theater of operations? Let me and the rest of the designers what you would like to see recreated through this fine game. We are listening. I know I am. Wild Bill

Thanks gentlemen! That is very encouraging and it incites me to try to do an even better job of it. I appreciate it. Of course, you didn't open the scenario to read a book! We designers must remember that. :eek: Still, getting in the mood is half the fun. I'll leave that one right there. Make of it what you will And the nice thing is that it is at the end so you don't have to read it if you don't want to do so. For those who can't get tons of info, just give the player what you can, plus where the idea for the scenario came from. It lends credibility to what you are trying to do. You'll like the Rangers, Garry. Well, since we are "in the mood," try this one FIND THE FOX! On November 17th, 1941, an event later immortalized by the movie, "The Desert Fox" occurred. Just a few hours before the initiation of Operation Crusader in the middle of November 1941, the SAS, a secret British commando group, raided what was presumed to be the headquarters of General Rommel to kill him. Intelligence reports indicated that he was using a large building at Bed Littoria, some 200 miles from the front lines. Approaching in the veiled blackness, the British were challenged by a German sentry. They replied in fluent German. The sentry then thought they were simply DAK troops lost who had wandered into the complex and did nothing. One of the SAS men drew close and suddenly fired on the sentry with his pistol, killing him instantly. The group then rushed threw the entire building, kicking open doors, firing their Sten guns, and tossing grenades as they went. As they reached the second floor of the building, they were met at the top of the steps with a vicious volley of German automatic fire. The British officer leading the mission went down, stitched across the middle. The remaining SAS men made a quick retreat and vanished into the darkness. Historical Outcome: Four German soldiers, two of them officers, were killed in the raid. Rommel, however, was not there. He had only recently moved his headquarters to another location and left the building to officers and men of the Quartermaster troops of his Afrika Korps. Once again the Desert Fox had worked his magic and narrowly escaped death. It had been one of many noble efforts of these secretive heroes on both sides to help steer the course of the war to their side. Sources: Rommel's North Africa Campaign, Greene Rommel's War in Africa, Heckmann Rommel, Lewin The Rommel Papers, Hart Rommel, Battles and Campaigns, Macksey Afrika Korps, Macksey Foxes of the Desert, Carell The Desert War, Editor: Bromall Afrika Korps at War (2 Vol) Forty Rommel's Greatest Victory, Mitcham Fighting the Desert Fox, Delaney [ September 29, 2003, 10:38 AM: Message edited by: Wild Bill Wilder ]

Some of you may be aware that I have a monthly column on the Wargamer. The theme this month is the "Why of War." In addition, on the cover page you'll find an article on the turning point battle of the war in the desert at El Alamein. For those wanting some quick background on this battle and to get even more into the mood for Combat Mission Afrika Korps, I recommend its reading. As always, any comments, good or bad, are always appreciated. http://www.wargamer.com/ Thanks,

Some of you may be aware that I have a monthly column on the Wargamer. The theme this month is the "Why of War." In addition, on the cover page you'll find an article on the turning point battle of the war in the desert at El Alamein. For those wanting some quick background on this battle and to get even more into the mood for Combat Mission Afrika Korps, I recommend its reading. As always, any comments, good or bad, are always appreciated. http://www.wargamer.com/ Thanks,

What the heck. Here is an example of the kind of briefing I like. Maybe I should not post this. Well, they can fire me, but they can't cut my pay ---------------------- A Ranger Last Stand From North Africa and through Sicily the theory of an elite army force called Rangers had proven to be a wise investment. Led by Colonel William O. Darby, the Rangers had picked up a US tradition dating back to revolutionary times and Rogers Rangers. After prolonged procrastination at Anzio, the Allied forces on the beaches had lost the golden opportunity to go straight to Rome. Now German forces were converging on the beaches with the plan of driving the enemy into the Mediterranean. The Fifth Army commanded by General Mark Clark, was under a lot of pressure to break this stranglehold. One of these efforts involved three US Ranger Battalions that were to infiltrate enemy lines and take the key town of Cisterna. This would block the highways leading to Anzio and provide an adequate jumping off spot for a move to the north. The attack would take place near dawn after an all nigh forced march by the Rangers. Moving in the darkness, the 1st and 3rd Rangers would provide flank protection for the 4th. It was the latter's job to spearhead the attack on Cisterna. Since their attack was one of infiltration, no armor, artillery or air support would be provided. Suddenly the 4th Ranger Battalion, in the lead, came under heavy fire, as did the units on either side of the Ranger attack. Suddenly the Ranger battalions found themselves extended far beyond their lines and facing an armored assault with strong infantry support. The Rangers had been in ticklish situations before, but they faced nearly insurmountable odds now. Historical Outcome: All during the night, advancing tanks and Panzergrenadiers, passing through Cisterna and headed to Anzio were met head on by the Rangers, 4th Battalion. They were tenacious in their defenses and fought like wild men. But even the bravest, under such conditions and against such odds, could not hold out. With the supporting Raider battalions pinned down and unable to assist, they were doomed. Their heroic fight at Cisterna, however, did slow the advance of the Panzers and made the troops at the Anzio beachhead aware of the danger. After this nightmarish struggle, the 4th Battalion ceased to exist. Many were killed. Many others were taken prisoner. This particular battalion was never reconstituted. Darby passed into history but the Rangers lived on. They would be seen again at Normandy, throughout Europe, and the Pacific. They would continue to fight in Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and are today alive and well as a vital part of the armed services of the United States. Sources: Darby's Rangers: We Led the Way, Darby To Fight with Intrepidity, Lock Rangers in WW2, Black Raiders or Elite Infantry, Greenwood Backwater War, Hoyt The Mediterranean and the Middle East, C.J.C. Moloney There's a War to be Won, G. Perret US Army Special Operations in World War II, Hogan US Army Rangers and LLRP Units, 1942-1987, Osprey US Army in WW2, Salerno to Cassino, Center of Military History, US Government Printing Office

I've done the same thing in my CMAK scenarios, Monwar. The nice thing about the historical detail is that you don't have to read it if you don't want to do so. You can just skip it. Like you, however, I believe that an understanding of what really happened gives you a greater appreciation for what the scenario designer is trying to demonstrate. I sometimes feel that when there is little or no history that maybe (I said "maybe") the designer did not properly do his homework. Of course, some are designers, not writers, but still quoting some sources for further reading can't hurt. I love to set the atmosphere before you start. I like that feeling and don't have that "lost" sensation when I start a battle. You'll see plenty of this in my scenarios in CMAK. Let me know what you think...WB

There are a few done awhile back in CMBO that you might enjoy. They include Paderborn, Masstricht-tanks only, Elsdorf-the Encounter, Duel at Dompaire, Death of the Titans, And I've always enjoyed "The Wrong Hill," where Canadian tanks are ringed by Panthers and Tigers when they arrive at the wrong objective. All are historically based scenarios and have been designed for CMBO. I think you will enjoy them, Red 6. Most are at the Scenario Depot and a few of them are at the Boots N' Tracks site. Wild Bill

Panzerman! The man! I think you'll be pleased with the game. I'm in love with the desert graphics! This one has some top-notch scenarios and I've tried to do some of my "unuusual" ones, including fighting in sandstorms, raids, ambushes and other little tricks. You'll find 3 of them on the American Rangers, including ... well, maybe I'm saying too much. But I've tried to keep an innovative spirit and a little different approach to scenarios even in this game. I'd love your feedback, good or bad. It helps me to do them better next time around and that is my goal. The same goes for all of you great CM brothers. Let me know what you think! WB

Well, you did it now, my friend. Look for some new maps for CMAK of North Africa, Sicily and even Italy. I'm glad to know that they have been enjoyed by the group. I have not gotten a lot of feedback on them and often wondered. Now I know. Your words are like "Sic'em!" to a hound dog, so I guess we'll be doing some more for you. Thanks so much Monwar! I appreciate the note very much...WB

That was some wild fun, wasn't it Winecape! I really enjoyed doing those battles for you and watching the results of the tourney. It was great. I hope we can do it again with CMAK...WB

Show 'em one of the 88 when it fires, Wyatt. Man, the whole screen shakes when it lets go...WB

Thanks Wyatt. I appreciate that. From a long term wargamer that is high praise indeed. Yes, I have a dozen themes for a dozen scenarios that I will continue to work on to go with CMAK when it hits the public. I'd be honored to post them on Boots N' Tracks. Thanks for the invitation...WB

Me, Hans! No I don't use them. They are great looking but in the heat of battle, I'm more interest in what is in the dress than the color of it. Wild Bill

Having designed a few scenarios in my time, I think I can address this from a designer's point of view as well as a player. I like a mix. I like short ones (my favorites..I bore easily) with some mediums and an occasional long one. I think 60 turns as a rule is too much for most players. True, it represents one hour of time but it would take 20 hours of play...at least for me. Butit depends on the invidual. We need some scenarios of all sizes. Instead of a 60 turn monster, I'd prefer an operation with fighting in the same area. That way I could end a battle, come back later and fight again on the same terrain. But to each his own. One thing to remember and this is important. Real war was not often afforded the luxury of all the time you need to fight a battle. Commanders were constantly being harassed by superiors. "You are falling behind! Get the job done! We need to move ahead. Get your men up there and complete your mission!' Rommel and Pattons were two protagonists of the "What is taking so long?" So the battlefield commander is faced with the pressure of getting the job done and getting it done quickly. This forces him to make quick decisions that he must live with later. There is some realism here that we don't want to lose if we want the "feel" of the real thing. Wild Bill

Wow! You guys have been around awhile! Black Berets...The Chosin...brings back memories. One of the biggest blessings in this work has been the contact and communication with veterans or their families. A former 5th Cavalry officer, the widow of a 2nd armored Division tank man, the widow of a young officer in the 28th Infantry Division, the grandson of a member of the 92nd Tank Battalion early in the war of the Philippines, on and on I could go. The last and perhaps most moving was the letters I got from Don Malarkey, Sgt, 101st Airborne. Remember him from Band of Brothers? He is alive and well in Salem, Oregon and wrote a nice intro for me for the new Matrix Screaming Eagles Mega Campaign I just finished coordinating along with 30 fine wargamers. I love CMAK. I'll have you a dozen good fights in this one, guys, the majority those hard-hitting quick play type. I hope you will enjoy them. I know I had fun doing them, with some fine folks helping me. Thank you for bringing up all those good memories. You are all very kind. Wild Bill