Wild Bill Wilder

Thanks Gentlemen. I hope you will enjoy them. Old Buckeye puts me through my paces but he to a large degree has influenced what comes to you. He is one of the best testers you'll find anywhere. He is painfully kind Wild Bill

Okay, off my butt and on my feet, well, in a manner of speaking. I don't do scenario design standing up I've been busy over the last two months working on the tourney sceanarios for rumblings of war (which will be released to all of you once the Tourney is completed) Two more new ones coming to you in the next week or so. Armored Ambush Title: Armored Ambush Type: UK attack vs German Defend Date: July 18, 1944 Location: Emeiville, Normandy Weather: Clear Terrain: Dry Turns: 25 Author: Wild Bill Wilder Wild Bill's Raiders bwilder@bellsouth.net The Scenario: This scenario depicts the hard fighting to take the ground southwest of Cagny by the British Guards Armored Division. The History: After six weeks of hard fighting, the city of Caen and the surrounding vicinity was still putting up stiff resistance. The struggle had been costly for both sides, especially in men. General Montgomery now proposed an operation that would utilize the three armored divisions under his command. They were the Guards, the 7th, and the 11th Armored Divisions. Against this formidable force of over 700 tanks Rommel had prepared well his defenses in five separate layers. Each layer had a buffer zone of infantry backed by armored mobile forces with well hidden antitank guns behind them. The German defenses had a depth of nearly seven miles, a few miles more than what the British anticipated. After a devastating carpet-bombing executed by most of the aircraft of the British Bomber Command, the advance of the tanks began. It was a long and difficult process. The attackers were bound on the right by continuing resistance of the Germans in the southern end of Caen. To their left the high ground of Troarn, heavily wooded, precluded any armor entering in strength. Thus the British tanks found themselves wedged into a narrow line of advance with little room for maneuver. This was an ideal defensive situation and the Germans took full advantage of it. After reaching the town of Demouville, the three British armored divisions moved in different directions. The 11th Armored moved to the southwest; the Guards to the southeast, and the 7th following the first two divisions and pressing on to Bergebous Ridge. After suffering serious losses at Cagny, the Guards Division turned to the left and moved toward Vimont further to the south and to link up with the British 3rd Division covering the left flank of the advance. Though suffering terribly at the hands of the British carpet bombing, enough tanks of the 503rd Heavy Tank Battalion were able to get moving and provided an additional bitter surprise to the weary British tankers. For the Guards, this was their first major engagement in World War II. It would be a costly one. In fact, all three divisions met with disaster. The Guards lost nearly half their tank strength in a period of two days. By the end of the first day of action in Operation Goodwood, British tank losses were in the hundreds, a very high price to pay for a small bit of ground gained. The only plus of the entire operation was that the Germans too had suffered irreplaceable losses and were forced to begin a retreat from the area. A CANADIAN CONFRONTATION (GO CANUCKS!) Title: A Canadian Confrontation Type: Canadian Attack vs German Defend Date: July 18. 1944 Location: South of Caen Weather: Clear Terrain: Dry Turns: 20 Author: Wild Bill Wilder Wild Bill's Raiders bwilder@bellsouth.net By July 19th, the second day of Operation Goodwood, the Canadian 2nd and 3rd Infantry Divisions had crossed the Orne River and completed the encirclement of Caen. The next move was south, toward Bourgebous Ridge. In the lead was the Canadian 2nd Armoured Brigade. The 12th SS Hitlerjugend (Hitler Youth) had been giving and taking from the Canucks for over a month. The series of confrontations would come to a fiery climax here on the battlefield as what remains of the Hitler Youth make a hard stand south of Caen. I'll let you know when and where. Wild Bill

Okay, off my butt and on my feet, well, in a manner of speaking. I don't do scenario design standing up Two new ones coming to you in the next week or so. Armored Ambush Title: Armored Ambush Type: UK attack vs German Defend Date: July 18, 1944 Location: Emeiville, Normandy Weather: Clear Terrain: Dry Turns: 25 Author: Wild Bill Wilder Wild Bill's Raiders bwilder@bellsouth.net The Scenario: This scenario depicts the hard fighting to take the ground southwest of Cagny by the British Guards Armored Division. The History: After six weeks of hard fighting, the city of Caen and the surrounding vicinity was still putting up stiff resistance. The struggle had been costly for both sides, especially in men. General Montgomery now proposed an operation that would utilize the three armored divisions under his command. They were the Guards, the 7th, and the 11th Armored Divisions. Against this formidable force of over 700 tanks Rommel had prepared well his defenses in five separate layers. Each layer had a buffer zone of infantry backed by armored mobile forces with well hidden antitank guns behind them. The German defenses had a depth of nearly seven miles, a few miles more than what the British anticipated. After a devastating carpet-bombing executed by most of the aircraft of the British Bomber Command, the advance of the tanks began. It was a long and difficult process. The attackers were bound on the right by continuing resistance of the Germans in the southern end of Caen. To their left the high ground of Troarn, heavily wooded, precluded any armor entering in strength. Thus the British tanks found themselves wedged into a narrow line of advance with little room for maneuver. This was an ideal defensive situation and the Germans took full advantage of it. After reaching the town of Demouville, the three British armored divisions moved in different directions. The 11th Armored moved to the southwest; the Guards to the southeast, and the 7th following the first two divisions and pressing on to Bergebous Ridge. After suffering serious losses at Cagny, the Guards Division turned to the left and moved toward Vimont further to the south and to link up with the British 3rd Division covering the left flank of the advance. Though suffering terribly at the hands of the British carpet bombing, enough tanks of the 503rd Heavy Tank Battalion were able to get moving and provided an additional bitter surprise to the weary British tankers. For the Guards, this was their first major engagement in World War II. It would be a costly one. In fact, all three divisions met with disaster. The Guards lost nearly half their tank strength in a period of two days. By the end of the first day of action in Operation Goodwood, British tank losses were in the hundreds, a very high price to pay for a small bit of ground gained. The only plus of the entire operation was that the Germans too had suffered irreplaceable losses and were forced to begin a retreat from the area. A CANADIAN CONFRONTATION (GO CANUCKS!) Title: A Canadian Confrontation Type: Canadian Attack vs German Defend Date: July 18. 1944 Location: South of Caen Weather: Clear Terrain: Dry Turns: 20 Author: Wild Bill Wilder Wild Bill's Raiders bwilder@bellsouth.net By July 19th, the second day of Operation Goodwood, the Canadian 2nd and 3rd Infantry Divisions had crossed the Orne River and completed the encirclement of Caen. The next move was south, toward Bourgebous Ridge. In the lead was the Canadian 2nd Armoured Brigade. The 12th SS Hitlerjugend (Hitler Youth) had been giving and taking from the Canucks for over a month. The series of confrontations would come to a fiery climax here on the battlefield as what remains of the Hitler Youth make a hard stand south of Caen. I'll let you know when and where. Wild Bill

Thanks Big Dog. I really enjoy these updates...WB

On to resounding victory, my warriors! WB

I'll accept that Berlichten. You have valid points. Thanks...Wild Bill

Depends on your definition of small. Compared to most of the battles that have been designed, it is smaller in size. I guess to fit the criterion we would have to define "small," # of units, # of turns, length of play, etc. Persaonally, my own point of view on "small" is a scenario in which at least one side has less than 30 units and 20 turns or less. Since the German side has less than 30 and the turns are 20, I took the liberty to include it. But again,Berlichten, it depends on the definition. Certainly it is larger than SPR or Save Nimtz. Wild Bill

Okay, I'll even suggest a few, (of mine, of course ) Wiltz - Great for beginners Aachen - Also for city fighting Son - Airborne Defense during Mkt Gdn Villers Bocage - Tiger! All of these are on the CD Others include Ramelle-Saving Private Ryan Combat - Hills are for Heroes Maastricht - Tanks Only Tiger Hunt (Brand New!) Bruneval - Commando Raid -1942 Keep Nimtz Alive - Fictional Paderborn-Far From Over These are what I call "quick play" scenarios. Most can be played in 30 minutes to one hour. Wild Bill

A great service, Keith and Big Dog! You are going above and beyond. I know many CM warriors greatly appreciate these updates. I certainly do! Well Done! Wild Bill

The guns are rumbling...the war is on. I want to thank you all for your patience. As a word of warning, sometimes you will feel deprived, or mistreated. You must remember that in any battle, the gods of war are capricious, including CMBO. With all the hard work given to play balance, you may not feel that is the case. I think, though, with the quality of this testing group, they are as balanced as they can be. The rest is up to you and that infamous roll of the dice. Treeburst now has the last scenario, a rather varied approach to different areas in the war. Enjoy! Good luck to all. Thanks to those who offered words of gratitude. Finally, a very humble "thank you" to all who worked so hard on the testing team, well over a dozen qualified gamers. Great job! Back to the War... Wild Bill

I'll suggest a couple of mine since I am more familiar with them, Louie. You could try Maastricht-tanks only, or Elsdorf - the Encounger (revised) tanks only. These are the smaller quick play variety of battles. Far From Over-Paderborn is mainly tanks and an upcoming one, A Tiger Hunt will be just about all tanks. Wild Bill

I thank you sir! Now you've gotten me inspired. Its been awhile so I think I'll take it on again. I appreciate the asterisks...WB

Even without the fog, the game will limit the visibility. Early on I had the same problem till I updated my video card (and my monitor!). It looks better with the fog, but plays the same, seeing it or not. Good hunting...Wild Bill

A quick note to all those who will be locking and loading soon. We are progressing very nicely on this Tourney series. I have a deep personal sense of satisfaction with what is being done. My thanks to two real heroes, Winecape and Treeburst. I sometimes think they are real gluttons for punishment. They have taken on a prodigious task and deserve our thanks. I personally could not begin to do the job they are doing. Bravo Zulu! And the testers! Well, what can I say about them? It would never be enough! What a great bunch of gamers! These guys are the heroes. They are really busting their asses and our primary focus after making some very "different" attack-defend scenarios is that of balance. Please remember, the fortunes of war befall all of us. The next card in the deck may be an ace or it may be a three of diamonds. That is the part that no amount of testing will disclose. But I assure you you won't feel overwhelmed. Neither will you feel overconfident. If that does happen, well two or three turns will change all of that Just be ready for some very hard fights, approaching the battlefield from various points of view. I think that it will be an experience, win or lose, that you will fondly remember. Back to the drawing board. I just wanted to stop by and say a quick hello to the gang! Wild Bill

Thanks, Kingfish! I appreciate your offering to do that. Spike, you are quite right. Those are two great websites among the many that support this fantastic wargame! Fieldmarshal, I hope you enjoy it. It is pure mayhem with ... no I won't spoil it for you. It's all there. Enjoy. It is "Midnight Madness" in truth! Wild Bill

I remember Bil's scenario well during the scenario beta testing exercises as we worked with CMBO. Bil does good stuff. Any scenario by Hardenberger will give you a run for your money. Wild Bill

Good advice, from all of you. Cauldron if you want some maps, drop me an e-mail and I'll send a few your way. Wild Bill

I'm reading these very carefully gentlemen and appreciate your thoughts. The pillbox is a pain. Most fixed fortifications are. I think it has a place in the battle. There were defenses, some rather stout. Often I use an item in a scenario to represent a situation...a piece of ground well covered by defensive fire that is hard to knock out. While Kingfish does have a point what the pillbox represents should be there. There has to be something to slow down the initial French thrust or they'll be at the back of the map too soon. I've studied the battle from my own limited sources and cannot swear that a pillbox was there. Determined German defenders trying to keep the French in place were there. Even so, as the good Admiral states, the scenario has been modified, not a lot, but at least to give the French a better chance than before. He has the latest copy at the CM Depot for your convenience. If any of you need a copy sent for any reason, I'll be happy to do so, but a visit to the depot is even better. The revision should be up soon also on the Boots N Tracks site. I'll check and see if it is anywhere else and update it. After reading this last night (thanks for the heads up, Super Ted!) I toyed with it, tested it and made some changes. I think it is better. I hope you will too. I will say, however, that all of this input is good and I peraonally am greatful for all of it. No one knows better than you players what works and what does not. Wild Bill

Some of your points are valid, Cauldron. Some are not. Reinforcements will enter in the area and at the time you specify. Did you set them at 100%? You are not doing something right here. It does work. There is a difference between the three types of battles IF one designs his scenario with that type of battle in mind. One example. Defending troops will be dug in. Meeting engagement troops will not. Your point, reinforcements do not enter as reinforcements but are on the map for placement means that you are doing something wrong. Did you set them as reinforcements and give them a turn of entry? The fire discipline thing I can partially agree with but still the commander on the scene is going to shoot at what he deems the greatest danger no matter what you tell him to shoot at. This is historical and realistic. No flags in campaigns. I would like to see that changed too. Finding a particular unit is a pain too. I'd love to see a roster somewhere so that you could click on that unit and be taken to it instantly. When you have a small amount of units it is not hard, but with 2 companies or more, it can take time from play and cause you to lose your train of thought. We are hoping to improve some of this in CMBB, so don't give up yet. If you need some help, write me. I don't have all the answers, but I have some. Try again. It is a very frustrating effort but the results make it all worthwhile. Learning to work within the framework of what you have can pay rich dividends, Cauldron. Again, good luck with it. Wild Bill

My favorite and one I love to use when I am going to sock it to you is..."Intelligence reports indicate..." If you ever see this in one of mine, be careful! Wild Bill

The map should be dependent on (1) the historicl event and (2) what the designer is trying to portray. As to map sizes, they are also dependent on how much of the bigger picture is to be included. So largely I think it is a choice of the designer. There will be small "in close" quick play battles and the larger monster ones in CMBB. You can count on that. Since your tastes differ, my gaming friends, we want to try to whet everyone's appetite. Scenarios are just like the ladies. Different types appeal to different people. We hope to have scenarios in the bunch that will cover every aspect of taste and desire. Little ones, big ones, complicated one, simple ones, hard ones, easy ones (doubtful, knowing Rune - ), a real smorgasbord of battles. It should be most interesting. Wild Bill

I enjoyed it Rommel. It really gave me some insight into the happenings inside those minds of those tank commanders. Just mortal men dealing with problems and their own insufficiences. Glad you liked it....Wild Bill

I tried to send you a fix Runyan but your e-mail address sent it right back to me. Sorry, but I did attempt to get it to you. Wild Bill

Interesting reports, Gentlemen, and I appreciate your candor. This is one I will look at some more. The testers using 2 player format gave a pretty good review but your comments merit attention and will get it. You can of course, report it as you found or wait a day or so and see if you think it looks or plays better. This kind of information is a big help to me personally. You keep me on my toes. Thanks. If you two want, I'll pass the revisions to you and I'll be sure that the Combat Mission Depot gets it. Either way, I appreciate you letting me know this. Wild Bill

Well for some interesting insight into how it all works, check out this piece of historical data. A destroyer standing off shore at Iwo Jima picked up these transmission from a Marine tank company in action on Sulfur Island. Makes for some intense, sometimes comical reading. I found this in an old long out of print book on the Marines in WW2. Tank Talk In the background of the transmissions, one could hear the chatter of machine gun fire. The voices of the men ranged from flat and authoritative, with moments of acid stress, to almost unbelievable male soprano during peaks of excitement. Red One is the tank company commander. "This is Red One. Blue Two and Blue Three, move left a little, but be careful of the swamp." This is Red Two, Red One. Heartburn says that he is ready to start shooting at those pillboxes." "Tell Heartburn I can't receive him. You will have to relay. Tell him to give us a signal and we'll spot for him." "Red Two, wilco." "Heartburn, raise your fire. You're right into us." "That's not Heartburn, Red Two. That's a high velocity gun from our left rear. I heard it whistle. Red One, out." "Red Three, this is Red One. Can you see that gun that's shooting at us?" "Red One, I think that our own gunfire." "Dammit, it's not, I tell you. It's a high velocity gun and not a howitzer. Investigate over there on your left. But watch out for the infantry; they're right in there somewhere. Red Two, tell Heartburn, Down Fifty, Left Fifty." "Red Two, wilco." "Red Three, what are you doing? Go southwest." " I am heading southwest, Red One." "For Christ's sake, get oriented! I can see you, Red Three. You are moving northeast. Fox Love with hard left brake. Cross the road and go back up behind that house." "But..." "I don't know why I bother with you, Red Three! Yellow One, take charge of Red Three and get him squared away. And get that gun. Its too close!" "Red One from Red Two. Heartburn wants to know if we are the front lines." "Hell yes, tell him we're plenty front right now." "This Red Two. Artillery on the way." "Red One, wilco." "Red One from Yellow One. I can see some Japs setting up a machine gun about a hundred yards to our right." "Those are our troops, Yellow One. Don't shoot in there." "The man at my telephone-I think he's an officer-says we have no troops in there." "Yellow Two, go over there and investigate. Don't shoot at them. That man at your telephone probably doesn't know where the troops are. If they're Japs, run over'em." "Yellow Two, wilco." (A long pause) "Go ahead Yellow Two. What in God's name are you waiting for?" "I'm up as far as I can go and still depress my machine guns." "The hell with the machine guns. I told you to run over them. Run over them, Dammit! Obey your orders!" "Yellow Two, wilco." "Green Two, do a right flank and go up to the top of that hill. Keep in defilade. Red Two and Yellow One, open out a little more. Guide Right. Move out, now. And watch very closely; these troops are in a position to get into the same sort of trouble that they did yesterday. They're all screwed up, so be ready to move immediately." "Green Three, where are you?" "I'm on the left of the road, Red One, just below Green Two." "Raise the muzzle of your gun so I can spot you." "Green Three, wilco." "I thought so. Move out some more. I can't tell whether you or Green One is at fault, but you are too close." "Move over, Green Three! You're within ten yards of me now!" "O.K. O.K., Green One. I'm movin'!" "Yellow One, what have you to report on that machine gun?" "Red One, a Jap stood up and threw a hand grenade at us so I gave him a squirt." "Did you run over that gun like I told you?" "No, Red One, we put an HE in it, and wrecked it. It's gone." "Damn! Won't you people ever learn to conserve your ammunition?" "All tanks, move out. Guide right and open out the interval to one hundred yards. Red Two and Red Three, you are too close. Why are you always too close? Open out to the left flank." "Red One from Green Four. I am moving out to take a pillbox the infantry's pointed out. I will take care of it and let them catch up." "Where is it, Green Four?" "In that clump of bushes to my right. It's one of those coconut log things. It looks like it might be too strong to squash. Can you see it? Is it all right to fire in the slit?" "Affirmative. But be careful." "Wilco." "See that mortar over there, Hap?" "No I don't Fuzzy. Where?" "To your right. I'm squirtin' now." "O.K. I got it." "Red One, this is Blue Two. I just passed six AA guns looked like they was in pretty good shape and just been deserted. I destroyed 'em anyhow." "O.K. Blue Two, Wilco." "Red One, this is Hairless. We've got some Japs bottled up in two caves in Target Area Four Baker. We'd like you to leave two tanks to watch them." "You know damn well that's infantry work. We're a mobile unit, not watchdogs. Put your saki drinkers in there." "O.K. Harry." "Red One, out." "All tanks, this is Red One. Start 'em up. Move out now. Guide right and form a shallow right echelon. As soon as we hit the flat ground around the airfield, spread out to 150 yard interval. All right, move out, move out." Wild Bill