Paul T. Gardner

Interesting discussion chaps. Lets not forget that the Germans were masters of combined arms tactics, and indeed pioneers of infatry-tank cooperation. The coordination between tanks and Panzer Grenadiers moving into combat *on* armoured half tracks is similar to the technique employed in a purely armoured formation, since the armoured halftracks are not only troop-carrying vehicles but also *combat vehicles* - again a german innovation in this area. It's all a matter of timing really. If jshandorf sends his SPW's out with the infantry following closely then this is pretty much as the Germans would have done. Obviously he perceives that the time to dismount has come and that the Grenadiers must clear the way for the Panzers aided by the SPW's. Note that I say 'pretty much what the Germans would have done' - as strictly the Grenadiers would have gone in *with* the SPW's whilst benefitting from their fire support (hence the support versions of the SPW) - not following too far behind. If one wants to send a few vehicles on point as the Germans, then armoured cars are more suited and more historically accurate and thus perhaps less 'gamey'. Advance the armoured cars into towns or to the edges of woods, draw fire and then retreat to probe again. Classic Wehrmacht tactics and not at all gamey. ------------------ PTG

Thanks for the imput guys. ------------------ PTG

Hi, I've been away for a while, but I've played CM since its release and had been watching it for some time before that. Introductions aside, I know that there can be some quite harsh replies to people asking questions that a quick search will answer. I have tried a search, but cannot find much info on the progress of CM2. Is this a taboo question? I know it' going to be on the Ostfront this time, but has anything else been mentioned? Here's to hoping I'm furnished with information beyond my wildest dreams... Rgds ------------------ PTG [This message has been edited by Paul T. Gardner (edited 03-08-2001).]

Fenris, you are correct about the number of Sturmtigers. 18 were built by Alkett between August and December 1944. One was used in the Warsaw uprising, seven were used in the Ardennes, and a fair amount were used along the Rhine in various skirmishes. Particular locations that come to mind are Drolshaven and Bonn. Rgds ------------------ PTG

I recall that someone had designed a rather spectacular Vauban style fortress for a scenario. Does anyone know what happened to this? Is it available? ------------------ PTG

Fangorn - is this the Fangorn that used to do artwork for Games Workshop - or have you just tagged the name? ------------------ PTG

For German equipment, Chamberlain & Doyles 'German AFV's of WWII' is a must. Also agree that any of Jentz and Spielbergers are top notch. As with any literary works however, they are produced by humans and so there are clashes so be careful! Jentz and Spielbergers PzKpfw V II 'schmallturm' controversy is one that springs to mind... ------------------ PTG

The PSCG guys raved about CM saying that it was THE ideal template for all future tactical sims. Enough said really. ------------------ PTG

So how many of us own Shogun total War? ------------------ PTG

Pardon me - I thought the first didn't make it. Put it down to 'fog of war'. ------------------ PTG

Foyles and Motorbooks are most certainly the finest military literature retailers in this great capital of ours. You will not be dissapointed. ------------------ PTG

No question - Foyles and Motorbooks are the top military literature establishments in our fine capital. go to either and you will not be dissapointed. ------------------ PTG

Pillar have you tried posting your scenario on the CMHQ? I can't get the scen either. just let CMHQ host it for you... ------------------ PTG

From the Panzerfaust http://www.geocities.com/Augusta/8172/panzerfaust.htm site: "Caution was to be paid to the backblast of the weapon, it created an explosion blast of two to three meters ( 6.5 - 10 ft.) behind the tube. Therefore on many Panzerfausts, especially the early Panzerfaust 30 m, a warning in large red letters printed on the upper rear part of the tube advised to stay clear: Achtung! Feuerstrahl! ("Beware ! Fire Jet !") Sometimes other variations of this warning were stenciled on the upper rear. But the backblast wasn't only dangerous to bystanders: the rear of the firing soldier had to be free of obstacles for at least 3 m (10 ft.), otherwise heavy burns on the back of the firing soldier would result. Officially the rear of the gunner had to be free for 10m for safety reasons and the backblast was reported as lethal to a range of 3m behind the tube. Mostly the fiery backblast, but also the atmospheric pressure and the relative hazardousness of the blast's smoke put put heavy restrictions on indoor use; this holds true even more for the Panzerschreck." And for the Schreck: "The backblast of the Panzerschreck was even more dangerous than that of the Panzerfaust. Therefore, as explained above, with the early model the operator had to wear a kind of fireproof poncho and a gas mask (with the filter removed) for protection against the backblasting propellant particles. As stated abvove, the propellant continued to burn for another 2m (6.5 ft) even after it had left the launch tube. Later the protective shield cured this problem." Rgds ------------------ PTG

Toss up between the Panther and it's jager brother ------------------ PTG

Well, here are the stats for the Hetzers armour: Front Superstructure: 60/60 Front Hull: 60/40 Side Superstructure: 20/40 Side Hull: 20/15 Rear Superstructure: 8/70 Rear Hull: 20/15 Superstructure Top / Bottom: 8/90 Hull Top / Bottom: 10/90 Gun Mantlet: 60 Saukopfblende (Jagdpanzer) I don't know what the penetration values for the .50 are with AP, but if anyone has them maybe we can clear this up. If it's an accuracy issue I'm sure BTS would do something about it. As an aside, the last time I saw a Hetzer was the Sunday just gone. Having 'tapped, prodded and poked it', and having seen what a .50 can do to a car I think it's very unlikely that a .50 could penetrate a Hetzer over 100m. Can anyone remember the distances involed in their engagements? ------------------ PTG

GP, are you attempting to keep your tanks facing front at all times? I know you have said that you have tried staying still and moving, but there are certain ways of doing both. Personally, if my tanks are stationary (which they will only be if they are waiting in ambush, and so by insinuation have a rough idea which way the tank they have spotted is going), then I always try to have as many sides as possible covered by terrain. So not only would it be hull down, but it would for examle be covered from sight to the left by some bocage, and on the other partially by some scattered trees. So even if some enemy tanks do flank you, they cannot get a shot until (hopefully) you have taken yours against their comrade. If by some chance they do flank you then REVERSE out of the firing position to the nearest hard cover (i.e a hill). Even if they don't flank you REVERSE out of your firing position after taking the shot, and HUNT to the next firing position. When on the move, never advance so far so that your tanks are left uncovered by a friendly tank or AT gun, and do not move long distances over open or even partially open terrain. When moving, move in bounds under cover of freindly support. If you only have one tank, then let the terrain be you wingman. Advance in short hops from cover to cover without EVER exposing your sides to any enemy tanks or POSSIBLE positions for enemy tanks. If you get a whiff of an enemy tank, WAIT and see what he does. Hopefully he won't see you and you can get the first shot off. If he does see you, then turn to face him (or face off at 45 degrees to him if your in a Tiger I), and take a shot or two before REVERSING out of your position.. Anyway, that scratches the surface. I'll now move aside for some of the many other learned people on the forum to convey their experiences. Rgds ------------------ PTG

On the CMHQ site under Special Events there is a Jabo fest. The Fliegerabwehrkanonen tag 14 Jabos if I remember correctly! ------------------ PTG

Damn, I work in London, so I should be able to smell the panzer fumes from here... Live in Brentwood though (big shout to DrAlimantado up the A12 in Colchester), so maybe CM has cunningly flanked me and arrived at home while I'm here. Well here's me hoping so... P.S. Also a big hello to Jim Crowley near Chichester - my Gran lives in Petworth so I visit W.Sussex quite often. ------------------ PTG

Hi there, just to nip the error in the bud, the Dora was 800mm, or 80cm as the Germans would label it. (They used cm rather than mm in such nomalacature). Rgds ------------------ PTG

I would back up the recommendation of the U.S War Departments Handbook on German Military Forces, though do read it with some caution. Remember the time it was written - e.g. there is no real concept of Kampfgruppen because they were just so alien to other nations forces at the time. There are also some other organisational errors. On the whole it is outstanding though. I would also recommend Nafzigers book on German Infantry Organization of WWII. Again there are some errors, but on the whole it is a very good overview. Also, this book only details Heer units, but this includes the Gebirgsjager and Volkssturm. Just nitpicking really, but you say "#2. Could anyone provide a description of the following German forces . Just a few notes on their role that they played. Wehrmact Waffen S.S. Fallschirmjager Gebirgsjager Volkssturm" The Wehrmach *is* the German armed forces encompassing Heer, Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine. I see people make this mistake all the time so please do excuse me if I seem a little pedantic as it is a pet niggle of mine. All the best. ------------------ PTG

At last some sense prevails. Thank goodness there *are* true wargamers here. I've played the whole CC series, own 3 and 4, and yes I have ordered CM I discovered CM last November, but it didn't make me think, yikes CC is pants. Rather I thought it would make a great addition to my wargames collection, and depending on my mood I play CC or CM because thats MY choice. I must admit I was in two minds as to post this after reading some of the responses here. Anyway, to sum up, as a wargame there is no doubt whatsoever that CM is better than CC, BUT, CC is very playable - especially with the mods. You must try the West Front (1944), Vietnam and Real Red mods before flaming the game. They give the series new life... ------------------ PTG