Combatintman

POST BATTLE ANALYSIS
 
In many ways, despite gaining a victory, the post battle analysis is perhaps the most important part of the process. This is where we identify and learn the lessons and therefore make ourselves better equipped to face future challenges.
 
My intent is to break this down into the various component parts starting off by picking through the various steps of the planning process.
 
SPOILER ALERT **************************************************
 
QUESTION 1 – WHAT IS THE ENEMY DOING AND WHY?
 
First of all, I would not have been able to do this justice without SeinfeldRules’ excellent explanation above of his intent for the mission as a whole, his force picks and defensive laydown. He has saved me the possibility of double guessing his intent and getting it wrong.
 
Overall I was pretty happy with Question 1 and given that it is my day job, I was always confident that I could come up with a workable enemy picture for planning. Clearly it wasn’t 100% right but importantly it was close enough. This is an important point, not only for Question 1 but for planning as a whole. The process is about reducing uncertainty, delivering a plan that can achieve the objective and identify contingencies to deal with any curveballs as they crop up. While 99% of the time people will turn around and say something like ‘the intelligence was all screwed up’, in many instances they say this because they expect it to be 100% right all of the time – this is almost never going to be the case. So the important part about Question 1 is to come up with a workable enemy COA that can be used to drive planning. This I achieved.
 
In terms of my terrain analysis, I was pretty happy with that but I think I really ought to have marked out the locations of the single strand wire fences. The reason I say this is that, while they don’t constitute obstacles in the formal sense, they do cause damage to tracked and wheeled vehicles. I was able to overcome this during execute by using different lead vehicles to break through fences thus ensuring that I didn’t inflict significant mobility damage. This was at the cost of having to pass vehicles through created gaps one at a time thus imposing delays.
 
Enemy OOB analysis was made pretty easy due mainly to the well-written enemy paragraph in Seinfeld Rules’ scenario orders. He got the balance right between giving the player sufficient information to plan without giving the whole game away. There were plenty of gaps for me to fill and having to go through the thought process adds to the fun of the scenario.
 
Again, my analysis of the enemy OOB was not bang on the money, I overestimated the enemy strength; however, this did not adversely affect the plan. The actual number of enemy was 44 in a two-section platoon with task-organised elements versus my initial assessment of 52 in a full-strength platoon with task-organised elements. So although I got it wrong, there was nothing there that caused any unpleasant surprises. The only thing I am truly surprised about (doubly so when SeinfeldRules revealed his gunner background!!!) was the absence of any indirect fire assets. I think it is better to overestimate than underestimate because it means that resourcing in Question 5 will give you significant margin for error in terms of enemy-friendly force ratios.
 
Enemy COA analysis was pretty close to the money even though I based mine on Red Army doctrinal publications while, as you have heard, SeinfeldRules based his defensive laydown on what seemed sensible. I don’t think it was luck that our divergent approaches essentially came up with the same result. I admit that this was one of the reasons I picked this scenario as a demonstration vehicle for planning. Having played three of SeinfeldRules’ scenarios, I was confident that this one would be well put together, would offer a challenge, and have an enemy laydown and plan which would be based on sound tactics.
 
Here was my assessed COA 1:
 

 
Here is the exact laydown:
 

 
Moving on to the back end of Question 1, the only other thing I want to touch on is my event template and matrix. While both were in the ballpark I do regret my conscious decision not to look at movement rates in greater detail – remember that I did run out of time!! I should certainly have examined movement rates through Main Wood at ‘hunt’ speeds and then built in a slight time fudge to give me a better appreciation of how long clearing the wood would take. In this instance, it is not that I got the process wrong or overlooked the factor, I just skimped on the detail.
 
So that was Question 1

Combatintman asked me to provide some input on the "other side" of this scenario as part of his final analysis. I'd like to give some of my overall design philosophy for all of my scenarios and some specifics for this scenario, hopefully it's useful for future scenario designers:

I almost always start my scenarios with a vignette I've read from a tactical or personal account. From there comes an idea. The details generally don't matter too much to me; whether it was Regiment A attacking Town X isn't important, what matters is the tactical task a unit had to perform. I like to focus on company and below stuff - everyone already makes scenarios about the famous clashes, I want to make scenarios about the day to day stuff everyone forgets about. In this case, it's the taking of a step off position for a later attack. An action that would have barely warranted half a sentence in a larger narrative, is the perfect size for a Combat Mission scenario. Once I have my idea, I find a location in reality that would suit my situation - once again the details aren't super important. I rarely use overlays anymore, I just put Google Earth on my second monitor and let the in-game map become it's own place.

Once I have my map built, I integrate my situation into it. I almost always start with the enemy side (since I only do Human vs AI). In this scenario, as it is a German attack, I started with the Soviet defense. I look at the map, figure out the required amount of forces to achieve the enemy "mission" that fits the situation, and start building the enemies plan. I never build my maps around the unit or task - this almost always ends up feeling canned and puzzle-like. In real combat, you don't have the power to level hills and move forests (unless you have good engineer support). You take the forces you have and use the hills and forests to your best advantage to build your plan. The small copses of trees in the wheat field isn't there because it would make for a good MG position, it's there because I thought it looked good when I was making the map. Now I (and the player) have to build our plans around it. About the only concession I make in this regard is adding terrain later to block LOS to at least part of the player's setup area. No one likes getting shot on turn 1.

For the Soviet side here, I decided a platoon with attached HMGs would be the best force to serve as the blocking/delaying position that fits the scenario. I built the defense to accomplish the mission I gave it, as if the scenario was designed to be played by the Soviet side. I utilized the terrain as best I could to create 3 mutually supporting positions with interlocking fields of fire. If one position was taken, the other two would be able to lay fire down on the one just overrun. I envisioned that most players would choose to attack the position "head on" in some fashion, either taking the town first then the position on the Soviet right, or the outpost position on the Soviet left, attacking over the open ground. Any Germans attacking would have a hard time indeed, and need to coordinate their fire support well to accomplish it. However, the one course of action I did not take into account for my defense was what Combatintman did right here in this very thread! Only one of the Soviet HMGs was looking into the open wheat field that he advanced so boldly through. Surely no player would push his infantry through such a large open field to be slaughtered! What spelt the Soviet doom was that I did not do a proper line of sight analysis - if I had, I would have realized that the critical HMG defending the entire left flank could not see the whole wheat field, and that so called open field had undulations in the terrain (again, something I built into the map BEFORE I started building the defense) that would have allowed a whole company to advance sight unseen deep into the Soviet rear. As such, I did not plan for the eventuality that the Germans would bypass my carefully developed, mutually supporting positions with barely a shot fired. Truly an example of the enemy "having a vote", and my future scenarios won't be so assuming. Next time I will be more complete in my planning. Blame Combatintman for the lesson learned and any increased difficulty.

A quick note on doctrine, because I saw it brought up - I am not a student of any WW2 military doctrine, so I built my defense based on what made sense to me and what I have seen work, not anything historical. I do use the built in TOEs to help pick my forces though.

To touch on the German side of this scenario, for my missions I try to pick a force that when handled properly, will defeat the enemy even if the player suffers some setbacks. In other words, you don't have to be perfect. I feel that most people play scenarios to win, and if they feel that did everything almost right but still lost, then I have failed to provide satisfying entertainment (some would disagree on this, but it's just how I feel).  Usually the degree of victory and casualties taken is the distinguisher between an ok plan and a great plan for my scenarios. A 2 to 1 advantage with supporting arms will generally provide a respectable challenge against the AI while still being able to be won by most. The ratio here is more 3 to 1, as open fields and long sight lines requires more firepower and bodies to absorb casualties. I try to not to force a plan on the player, instead giving them a properly balanced force to execute a variety of actions. I also believe in simple briefings that provides truthful information the player can use to plan, while not giving away the whole show. Everything I wrote was truthful, but it's up to the player to fill in the gaps. Combatintman took the info given, executed a solid plan here and was able to wipe the Soviets off the board with very minimal casualties.

So the 2 cents that was asked for is more like 20 cents, but I thought it would be beneficial to explain my overall theory on scenario design and not just this one specifically. I like to create simple, straightforward scenarios with a realistic enemy on beautiful maps, and hopefully I've succeed with this one in that regard. Combatintman definitely executed a great plan that exploited the weak point in my plan. Great thread and thanks for picking my scenario to do it with!

0755 TO 0800 HOURS – TURNS 55-60
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
Significant event  0756 hrs. The Maxim HMG spotted at Grid 157224 at 0751 hrs has engaged the lead element of 1 Zug inflicting 2 x WIA. The Maxim HMG on Objective DIETER is bugging out.
 
Significant event 0757 hrs. Mortar missions are ending and in the light of the Maxim MMG movement on Objective DIETER, I have decided to launch 2 Zug across the open ground to clear that objective.
 
Significant event 0800 hrs. The Maxim HMG at Grid 157224 is now also bugging out.
 
So here is the situation map:
 

 
Here is the Friendly Force Tracker:
 

 
Here is the Enemy Force Tracker:
 

 
Significant event …. GERMAN ARMY MAJOR VICTORY
 
Which is nice …
 
Scores on the doors were:
German 736 VPs
Red Army 39 VPs
 
Here are the screenshots:
 

 
 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
I’m not going to say too much at this stage because the next stage of the thread will involve analysing the thing in its entirety. However, naturally I’m pleased that I saw this through to a victory and, while I didn’t execute my plan as I intended, the plan appeared to be sound.
 
More detailed analysis will follow in due course but I would be grateful for any thoughts or observations from those that have been following this thread. One thing I can promise is input from the guy who made all of this possible … SeinfeldRules. He has very generously offered to provide his scenario designer’s perspective (in essence the view from the other side of the hill). So there is plenty of life in this yet and I hope you stay onboard for a while longer.

0755 TO 0800 HOURS – TURNS 55-60
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
Significant event  0756 hrs. The Maxim HMG spotted at Grid 157224 at 0751 hrs has engaged the lead element of 1 Zug inflicting 2 x WIA. The Maxim HMG on Objective DIETER is bugging out.
 
Significant event 0757 hrs. Mortar missions are ending and in the light of the Maxim MMG movement on Objective DIETER, I have decided to launch 2 Zug across the open ground to clear that objective.
 
Significant event 0800 hrs. The Maxim HMG at Grid 157224 is now also bugging out.
 
So here is the situation map:
 

 
Here is the Friendly Force Tracker:
 

 
Here is the Enemy Force Tracker:
 

 
Significant event …. GERMAN ARMY MAJOR VICTORY
 
Which is nice …
 
Scores on the doors were:
German 736 VPs
Red Army 39 VPs
 
Here are the screenshots:
 

 
 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
I’m not going to say too much at this stage because the next stage of the thread will involve analysing the thing in its entirety. However, naturally I’m pleased that I saw this through to a victory and, while I didn’t execute my plan as I intended, the plan appeared to be sound.
 
More detailed analysis will follow in due course but I would be grateful for any thoughts or observations from those that have been following this thread. One thing I can promise is input from the guy who made all of this possible … SeinfeldRules. He has very generously offered to provide his scenario designer’s perspective (in essence the view from the other side of the hill). So there is plenty of life in this yet and I hope you stay onboard for a while longer.

0755 TO 0800 HOURS – TURNS 55-60
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
Significant event  0756 hrs. The Maxim HMG spotted at Grid 157224 at 0751 hrs has engaged the lead element of 1 Zug inflicting 2 x WIA. The Maxim HMG on Objective DIETER is bugging out.
 
Significant event 0757 hrs. Mortar missions are ending and in the light of the Maxim MMG movement on Objective DIETER, I have decided to launch 2 Zug across the open ground to clear that objective.
 
Significant event 0800 hrs. The Maxim HMG at Grid 157224 is now also bugging out.
 
So here is the situation map:
 

 
Here is the Friendly Force Tracker:
 

 
Here is the Enemy Force Tracker:
 

 
Significant event …. GERMAN ARMY MAJOR VICTORY
 
Which is nice …
 
Scores on the doors were:
German 736 VPs
Red Army 39 VPs
 
Here are the screenshots:
 

 
 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
I’m not going to say too much at this stage because the next stage of the thread will involve analysing the thing in its entirety. However, naturally I’m pleased that I saw this through to a victory and, while I didn’t execute my plan as I intended, the plan appeared to be sound.
 
More detailed analysis will follow in due course but I would be grateful for any thoughts or observations from those that have been following this thread. One thing I can promise is input from the guy who made all of this possible … SeinfeldRules. He has very generously offered to provide his scenario designer’s perspective (in essence the view from the other side of the hill). So there is plenty of life in this yet and I hope you stay onboard for a while longer.

0755 TO 0800 HOURS – TURNS 55-60
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
Significant event  0756 hrs. The Maxim HMG spotted at Grid 157224 at 0751 hrs has engaged the lead element of 1 Zug inflicting 2 x WIA. The Maxim HMG on Objective DIETER is bugging out.
 
Significant event 0757 hrs. Mortar missions are ending and in the light of the Maxim MMG movement on Objective DIETER, I have decided to launch 2 Zug across the open ground to clear that objective.
 
Significant event 0800 hrs. The Maxim HMG at Grid 157224 is now also bugging out.
 
So here is the situation map:
 

 
Here is the Friendly Force Tracker:
 

 
Here is the Enemy Force Tracker:
 

 
Significant event …. GERMAN ARMY MAJOR VICTORY
 
Which is nice …
 
Scores on the doors were:
German 736 VPs
Red Army 39 VPs
 
Here are the screenshots:
 

 
 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
I’m not going to say too much at this stage because the next stage of the thread will involve analysing the thing in its entirety. However, naturally I’m pleased that I saw this through to a victory and, while I didn’t execute my plan as I intended, the plan appeared to be sound.
 
More detailed analysis will follow in due course but I would be grateful for any thoughts or observations from those that have been following this thread. One thing I can promise is input from the guy who made all of this possible … SeinfeldRules. He has very generously offered to provide his scenario designer’s perspective (in essence the view from the other side of the hill). So there is plenty of life in this yet and I hope you stay onboard for a while longer.

I think the thread started by the OP in May of this year provides the answer:
 
http://community.battlefront.com/topic/119450-combat-mission-battle-for-normandy-price/

0750 TO 0755 HOURS – TURNS 50-55
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250751Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 157224
Location of observer: Grid 157226.
Target description: 1 x Enemy HMG.
Action by target: Observing and preparing to fire.
Action by own forces: Engaging with MG fire. Intent is to suppress while 1 Zug closes and assaults.
 
Situation as at 0755 hrs
1 Zug is now moving through Objs MUNCHEN and COCHEM using Line FRIEDA as an axis to clear the wooded outcrop with 3/1 Section in the lead.
2 Zug situation is no change, it remains on the woodline poised to cross the open ground to clear Obj DIETER.
4 Zug situation is also no change and remains in overwatch providing suppressive fire in support of 1 and 2 Zug, with fire support to 1 Zug being the current priority.
Mortars are now firing on Objectives DIETER and FRITZ.
 

 
With no more kills identified, the enemy KIA numbers remain 14 x KIA which is 20% of his force. The HMG contact spotted I assess to be the group previously assessed as part of 1 Section which engaged my 2 Zug scouts at 0722 hrs. As a result I have amended the kill chart which means that I have now seen 56% of his force.
 

 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
Not much change from before to be honest – unless I get any extra time in this scenario Objectives DIETER, OTTO and FRITZ will be too much to achieve in the time remaining between my mortar fire missions ending and getting troops on to them.
 
We’ll see what happens I guess …

The condescending tone is nice, thanks for that.
 
So your plan is to:
"Murder" the enemy Read the briefing for your intel and force estimates Once you "murder" the enemy read the victory conditions Number 1 is not always so simple.. I suppose you never play H2H?
Number 2 -- hey whattaya know; this will use the "idiot" scenario designer's objectives and his scenario briefing, etc..
Number 3 - only after you "murder" the enemy will you check the victory conditions?  
 
Personally I think knowing the conditions during pre-planning helps some... because it is not always possible to simply destroy the enemy force.  If you can do that in every game, even against the AI I would like to see an AAR from you.

0745 TO 0750 HOURS – TURNS 45-50
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
Situation as at 0746 hrs.
Enemy previously sighted at Grid 157225 is attempting to extract NW along the outcrop of the wood. I am attempting to fix and then destroy him with MG and cannon fire.
Sound contact at Grid 157225 in the right angle corner of the open ground/wood remains unsighted.
Sound contact at Grid 157226 remains unsighted. Troops of 1 Zug’s 2 Section have now identified foxholes in that location.
No further enemy sighted at the position at Grid 157226 assaulted by 1 Zug’s 1 Section and I am now firm on that position.
No new enemy sightings in 2 Zug’s AO, final elements are closing up to the woodline now and will shortly call Codeword REIS (Obj KOBLENZ secure).
Own forces casualty tracking. I have identified a further member of 1 HMG Section with a light wound. Otherwise I am conducting buddy aid where I can.
 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250747Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 157225
Location of observer: Grid 158225.
Target description: Enemy Anti-tank rifle in foxholes.
Action by target: Engaging 1 Zug Half-tracks.
Action by own forces: Will suppress position with small arms fire prior to assaulting with 1 Zug.
 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250747Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 157225
Location of observer: Grid 158226.
Target description: 4 x Enemy infantry on woodline – assessed as group formerly sighted in foxholes in this area.
Action by target: Engaging 1 Zug Half-tracks now extracting back into the woods.
Action by own forces: Have returned small arms and cannon fire resulting in 1 x Enemy KIA. Will continue to put suppressive fire down on this location to fix and destroy the enemy.
 
Situation as at 0747 hrs
Sound contact at Grid 157226 is now firmed up as enemy infantry. 2 x EKIA sighted on the position by 1 Zug’s 2 Section.
I have lost an MG gunner from one of 1 Zug’s Half-tracks.
I have now identified 10 x KIA which is 14% of his force and seen 49% of his force.
 

 
Situation as at 0748 hrs
A further 2 x Enemy KIA inflicted at Grid 157225. This group had extracted from its position in front of 1 Zug 2 Section and moved SW along the treeline. No other significant contacts or changes.
I have now identified 12 x KIA which is 17% of his force and seen 52% of his force.
 
Situation as at 0750 hrs
1 Zug is now fully up on the woodline and is now posturing to manoeuvre along the wooded outcrop 157224 and 157225. Suppressive fire on to the ATR team at Grid 157225 has resulted in both being KIA.
2 Zug is also now fully up on the woodline and has called Codeword REIS. It will now suppress and observe objectives to its front prior to assaulting Obj DIETER
4 Zug has also fully moved up to the woodline and is providing overwatch and suppressive fire in support of both 1 and 2 Zug. It is poised to move and clear Obj OTTO.
Mortars are preparing to fire on Objectives DIETER and FRITZ.
 

 
I have now identified 14 x KIA which is 20% of his force and seen 52% of his force. If I inflict another 3 x KIA, the enemy will be at amber combat effectiveness. At least one of his sections is already combat ineffective. Conversely my combat effectiveness remains well in the green. Please also note that I have tidied up my enemy plots – those elements that I am pretty sure I have destroyed have been removed.
 

 

 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
Clearing the remaining enemy from Main Wood is proving time consuming, however I don’t want to pick up unnecessary casualties in a mad rush. With the enemy casualties starting to mount up, I feel he is at tipping point now and of course he has been completely outmanoeuvred or dare I say … Unhinged …
 
Next steps are pretty much as stated in the ‘Situation as at 0750’ narrative above. Nothing is going to cross that open ground until I’ve put some mortar rounds down on DIETER and FRITZ, on the plus side, I’m pretty convinced that there is nothing in Objective OTTO. The downside is that my mortars haven’t started firing yet which means it is going to be 0755 hrs at the earliest before I can get moving to clear DIETER, OTTO and FRITZ.
 
Stay tuned – we’re nearly there ….

Bill, thanks again for your comments and yes you may say that of course .... although it is by now pretty obvious that while the plan was generally sound ... as you point out in your second comment about casualties, the execution didn't quite hit the mark. Mind you, I never said I was a good player and from my perspective as a fairly middling player I am quite pleased with my casualty count.

Dare I say it?
 
Your plan appears to have survived first contact.  
 
Seriously, good job on this... though I think you are taking too many casualties   

0745 TO 0750 HOURS – TURNS 45-50
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
Situation as at 0746 hrs.
Enemy previously sighted at Grid 157225 is attempting to extract NW along the outcrop of the wood. I am attempting to fix and then destroy him with MG and cannon fire.
Sound contact at Grid 157225 in the right angle corner of the open ground/wood remains unsighted.
Sound contact at Grid 157226 remains unsighted. Troops of 1 Zug’s 2 Section have now identified foxholes in that location.
No further enemy sighted at the position at Grid 157226 assaulted by 1 Zug’s 1 Section and I am now firm on that position.
No new enemy sightings in 2 Zug’s AO, final elements are closing up to the woodline now and will shortly call Codeword REIS (Obj KOBLENZ secure).
Own forces casualty tracking. I have identified a further member of 1 HMG Section with a light wound. Otherwise I am conducting buddy aid where I can.
 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250747Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 157225
Location of observer: Grid 158225.
Target description: Enemy Anti-tank rifle in foxholes.
Action by target: Engaging 1 Zug Half-tracks.
Action by own forces: Will suppress position with small arms fire prior to assaulting with 1 Zug.
 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250747Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 157225
Location of observer: Grid 158226.
Target description: 4 x Enemy infantry on woodline – assessed as group formerly sighted in foxholes in this area.
Action by target: Engaging 1 Zug Half-tracks now extracting back into the woods.
Action by own forces: Have returned small arms and cannon fire resulting in 1 x Enemy KIA. Will continue to put suppressive fire down on this location to fix and destroy the enemy.
 
Situation as at 0747 hrs
Sound contact at Grid 157226 is now firmed up as enemy infantry. 2 x EKIA sighted on the position by 1 Zug’s 2 Section.
I have lost an MG gunner from one of 1 Zug’s Half-tracks.
I have now identified 10 x KIA which is 14% of his force and seen 49% of his force.
 

 
Situation as at 0748 hrs
A further 2 x Enemy KIA inflicted at Grid 157225. This group had extracted from its position in front of 1 Zug 2 Section and moved SW along the treeline. No other significant contacts or changes.
I have now identified 12 x KIA which is 17% of his force and seen 52% of his force.
 
Situation as at 0750 hrs
1 Zug is now fully up on the woodline and is now posturing to manoeuvre along the wooded outcrop 157224 and 157225. Suppressive fire on to the ATR team at Grid 157225 has resulted in both being KIA.
2 Zug is also now fully up on the woodline and has called Codeword REIS. It will now suppress and observe objectives to its front prior to assaulting Obj DIETER
4 Zug has also fully moved up to the woodline and is providing overwatch and suppressive fire in support of both 1 and 2 Zug. It is poised to move and clear Obj OTTO.
Mortars are preparing to fire on Objectives DIETER and FRITZ.
 

 
I have now identified 14 x KIA which is 20% of his force and seen 52% of his force. If I inflict another 3 x KIA, the enemy will be at amber combat effectiveness. At least one of his sections is already combat ineffective. Conversely my combat effectiveness remains well in the green. Please also note that I have tidied up my enemy plots – those elements that I am pretty sure I have destroyed have been removed.
 

 

 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
Clearing the remaining enemy from Main Wood is proving time consuming, however I don’t want to pick up unnecessary casualties in a mad rush. With the enemy casualties starting to mount up, I feel he is at tipping point now and of course he has been completely outmanoeuvred or dare I say … Unhinged …
 
Next steps are pretty much as stated in the ‘Situation as at 0750’ narrative above. Nothing is going to cross that open ground until I’ve put some mortar rounds down on DIETER and FRITZ, on the plus side, I’m pretty convinced that there is nothing in Objective OTTO. The downside is that my mortars haven’t started firing yet which means it is going to be 0755 hrs at the earliest before I can get moving to clear DIETER, OTTO and FRITZ.
 
Stay tuned – we’re nearly there ….

0740 TO 0745 HOURS – TURNS 40-45
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
ENGAGEMENT AT GRID 155228 AS AT 250741Jun44
2 Zug’s 3rd Section has manoeuvred to engage the enemy initially sighted at 0740 hrs. The first sighting identified a single rifleman in foxholes. The second sighting 20 seconds later identified an SMG armed soldier moving out of the line of engagement followed by a third spot at 0742 hrs of a rifleman (assessed as the first rifleman spotted) exfiltrating along the tree line NE. I assess this as a rifle half section. It will likely continue to exfiltrate along the tree line NE. One of the three WIA soldiers of 2 Zug’s 3rd Section succumbed to his wounds and is KIA.
 
This is illustrated here:
 

 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250743Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 156226.
Location of observer: Grid 157227.
Target description: Enemy dismounts, probably dismounted infantry in foxholes.
Action by target: Engaging my MG section with small arms fire.
Action by own forces: Have suffered 3 x WIA, am returning fire to suppress. 1 x enemy KIA.
 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250743Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 157226.
Location of observer: Grid 157226.
Target description: Enemy dismounts, probably dismounted infantry in foxholes.
Action by target: Engaging my 1 Zug 1 Section with small arms fire.
Action by own forces: Conducting quick assault, have returned fire and inflicted 1 x enemy KIA.
 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250743Jun44.
Location of contact: Firing point not identified, likely to be Grid 157226.
Location of observer: Grid 157226.
Target description: Not observed, probably dismounted infantry in foxholes.
Action by target: Engaging my Half-track with small arms fire.
Action by own forces: Returning fire and reversing out of contact zone. Will manoeuvre 1 Zug, 2 Section to suppress and assault the position.
 
This image summarises those contacts:
 

 
I have not marked the UNK position on the tracker yet. Two identified contacts marked as Enemy 2 Sect – 2 x KIA marked and as I still have contacts I have marked 2 x sighted.
 
This image shows the Enemy KIA at 0743 Hrs:
 

 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250744Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 156227.
Location of observer: Grid 156227.
Target description: Enemy Maxim MG team in foxholes.
Action by target: Reorientating MG and engaging.
Action by own forces: 2 Zug, 2 Section has suffered 2 x WIA. Both 1 and 2 Sections plus supporting Half-tracks will suppress before assaulting. Enemy has suffered 1 x KIA on this position.
 
Other significant events are the KIA of 1 x enemy from 2 Zug’s 3 Section contact Grid 155228 and UNK sound contacts at Grid 157225 in front of 1 Zug’s 3 Section. Sightings for the UNK sound contact will not be added to the kill tracker until the enemy engages or is sighted.
 
New contacts and enemy update is shown below:
 

 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250745Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 157225
Location of observer: Grid 157226.
Target description: 3 x Enemy infantry in foxholes.
Action by target: Engaging.
Action by own forces: Will suppress position with MG and cannon fire prior to assaulting with 1 Zug.
 
Contact 3 x Inf I assess to be different to the group that fired on me at 0722 hrs mainly due to orientation and ground, it would have been difficult for this group to have engaged my scouts from this position. They have been marked as new sightings in the 1 Section part of the Kill Tracker.
 
Situation as at 0745hrs:
 

 
Here is the Friendly Force tracker:
 

 
Here is the Enemy Kill tracker:
 

 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
Well a busy turn for sure and although I have suffered some minor losses I am pretty pleased with the way it went. Bottom line is that I have now seen approximately 40% of the Enemy and got confirmed kills on just under 9% of the force.
 
So from my new sightings, it is clear that the Enemy went for a variation of my assessed COA 1 – Defend Forward. I don’t see any reason to radically change my thoughts about the enemy, I’ve seen enough of him, he was pretty much where I thought he would be and now that I’ve found him and have now manoeuvred to a position of advantage I can now defeat him.
 
My issue remains time, or lack thereof – nothing I can do about that now. My intent, now I have observers in place is to call indirect fire down onto Objectives DIETER and FRITZ. My HMG and Half-tracks lined up along the tree line will now engage Objectives DIETER, OTTO and FRITZ with direct fire and will engage identified enemy positions. My next priority for manoeuvre is the clearance of the Enemy in the wooded area of Grid 157224 and Grid 157225. This will be led by 3 Sect/1 Zug but my intent is to use most of 1 Zug for this task. This gives me a covered approach to Objective FRITZ which will be the next priority.
 
Victory is close (I hope) …
 

No - it'll be the first module of an updated CMSF.

0740 TO 0745 HOURS – TURNS 40-45
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
ENGAGEMENT AT GRID 155228 AS AT 250741Jun44
2 Zug’s 3rd Section has manoeuvred to engage the enemy initially sighted at 0740 hrs. The first sighting identified a single rifleman in foxholes. The second sighting 20 seconds later identified an SMG armed soldier moving out of the line of engagement followed by a third spot at 0742 hrs of a rifleman (assessed as the first rifleman spotted) exfiltrating along the tree line NE. I assess this as a rifle half section. It will likely continue to exfiltrate along the tree line NE. One of the three WIA soldiers of 2 Zug’s 3rd Section succumbed to his wounds and is KIA.
 
This is illustrated here:
 

 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250743Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 156226.
Location of observer: Grid 157227.
Target description: Enemy dismounts, probably dismounted infantry in foxholes.
Action by target: Engaging my MG section with small arms fire.
Action by own forces: Have suffered 3 x WIA, am returning fire to suppress. 1 x enemy KIA.
 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250743Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 157226.
Location of observer: Grid 157226.
Target description: Enemy dismounts, probably dismounted infantry in foxholes.
Action by target: Engaging my 1 Zug 1 Section with small arms fire.
Action by own forces: Conducting quick assault, have returned fire and inflicted 1 x enemy KIA.
 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250743Jun44.
Location of contact: Firing point not identified, likely to be Grid 157226.
Location of observer: Grid 157226.
Target description: Not observed, probably dismounted infantry in foxholes.
Action by target: Engaging my Half-track with small arms fire.
Action by own forces: Returning fire and reversing out of contact zone. Will manoeuvre 1 Zug, 2 Section to suppress and assault the position.
 
This image summarises those contacts:
 

 
I have not marked the UNK position on the tracker yet. Two identified contacts marked as Enemy 2 Sect – 2 x KIA marked and as I still have contacts I have marked 2 x sighted.
 
This image shows the Enemy KIA at 0743 Hrs:
 

 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250744Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 156227.
Location of observer: Grid 156227.
Target description: Enemy Maxim MG team in foxholes.
Action by target: Reorientating MG and engaging.
Action by own forces: 2 Zug, 2 Section has suffered 2 x WIA. Both 1 and 2 Sections plus supporting Half-tracks will suppress before assaulting. Enemy has suffered 1 x KIA on this position.
 
Other significant events are the KIA of 1 x enemy from 2 Zug’s 3 Section contact Grid 155228 and UNK sound contacts at Grid 157225 in front of 1 Zug’s 3 Section. Sightings for the UNK sound contact will not be added to the kill tracker until the enemy engages or is sighted.
 
New contacts and enemy update is shown below:
 

 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250745Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 157225
Location of observer: Grid 157226.
Target description: 3 x Enemy infantry in foxholes.
Action by target: Engaging.
Action by own forces: Will suppress position with MG and cannon fire prior to assaulting with 1 Zug.
 
Contact 3 x Inf I assess to be different to the group that fired on me at 0722 hrs mainly due to orientation and ground, it would have been difficult for this group to have engaged my scouts from this position. They have been marked as new sightings in the 1 Section part of the Kill Tracker.
 
Situation as at 0745hrs:
 

 
Here is the Friendly Force tracker:
 

 
Here is the Enemy Kill tracker:
 

 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
Well a busy turn for sure and although I have suffered some minor losses I am pretty pleased with the way it went. Bottom line is that I have now seen approximately 40% of the Enemy and got confirmed kills on just under 9% of the force.
 
So from my new sightings, it is clear that the Enemy went for a variation of my assessed COA 1 – Defend Forward. I don’t see any reason to radically change my thoughts about the enemy, I’ve seen enough of him, he was pretty much where I thought he would be and now that I’ve found him and have now manoeuvred to a position of advantage I can now defeat him.
 
My issue remains time, or lack thereof – nothing I can do about that now. My intent, now I have observers in place is to call indirect fire down onto Objectives DIETER and FRITZ. My HMG and Half-tracks lined up along the tree line will now engage Objectives DIETER, OTTO and FRITZ with direct fire and will engage identified enemy positions. My next priority for manoeuvre is the clearance of the Enemy in the wooded area of Grid 157224 and Grid 157225. This will be led by 3 Sect/1 Zug but my intent is to use most of 1 Zug for this task. This gives me a covered approach to Objective FRITZ which will be the next priority.
 
Victory is close (I hope) …
 

0735 TO 0740 HOURS – TURNS 35-40
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 

 
Significant event 0739 hrs. 2 Zug calls Codeword WURST (Obj AACHEN clear).
 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250740Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 155228.
Location of observer: Grid 156228.
Target description: Enemy not seen, probably dismounted infantry.
Action by target: Engaging my half section with small arms fire.
Action by own forces: Half section will move out of contact zone, other half section will manoeuvre to engage firing point.
 
Situation as at 250740Jun44 (End Turn 40)
1 Zug is making good progress through Obj COCHEM and lead elements of all sections are now crossing Line FRIEDA. Zug centre of mass is IVO Grid 158226.
2 Zug has now fully shaken out into its linear clearing formation. Only element in contact is 3 Section which has suffered 3 x WIA in its ongoing contact. Remainder of 2 Zug is poised to cross Line FRIEDA. Zug centre of mass is IVO Grid 157228.
4 Zug elements continue to move down Axis BLAU coordinated with the moves of 1 and 2 Zug
Mortars remain in the area of the building complex at Grid 158228.
 

 
Here is the updated Friendly Force Tracker
 

 
Here is the updated Enemy Force Kill Chart
 

 
Point to note here is that my new sightings I have estimated at 2 due to the initial nature of the contact. Also note that I am marking them off under the 3 Section header. This is not because I know that they are of the enemy’s 3 Section, it just means that these guys are likely to be a different section to the guys that I saw before and marked off as 1 Section.
 
And finally the updated Synch Matrix
 

 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
Well we have definitely ruled out Enemy COA 2 (Defend Deep), as things stand we are still looking at Enemy COA 1 (Defend Forward) but not quite as templated. I have passed through NAIs 1 and 6 which was where I had enemy units templated for this COA. This might give me pause for thought (well in fact it did) but the contact at 0740 hrs pretty much tells me that he is indeed defending forward … right on the woodline which is where I thought he might have some outposts rather than main defensive positions. However, even though the initial assessment was not 100% accurate, there is nothing that has surprised me and I still feel as if I know more about the enemy than he knows about me.
 
Clearly the Blue on Blue WIA incident was disappointing but at least the guys are alive. I think the best news for me is that the Sdkfz 251/17 has moved without bogging. Perhaps the driver has learnt his lesson.
 
In terms of battletracking – I have 20 minutes left. Realistically I don’t think that is enough time to find and clear (remembering that I have only found the first element of the Main Wood defence) Main Wood, clear DIETER, FRITZ and OTTO and then get onto HERMANN. Despite my WIA I’m well within the parameters I set myself (my endstate) and I have enough combat power to complete the mission.
 
Next time … I don’t think it would be too much to ask for me to kill some of the enemy … would it?

0735 TO 0740 HOURS – TURNS 35-40
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 

 
Significant event 0739 hrs. 2 Zug calls Codeword WURST (Obj AACHEN clear).
 
CONTACT!
Date Time Group: 250740Jun44.
Location of contact: Grid 155228.
Location of observer: Grid 156228.
Target description: Enemy not seen, probably dismounted infantry.
Action by target: Engaging my half section with small arms fire.
Action by own forces: Half section will move out of contact zone, other half section will manoeuvre to engage firing point.
 
Situation as at 250740Jun44 (End Turn 40)
1 Zug is making good progress through Obj COCHEM and lead elements of all sections are now crossing Line FRIEDA. Zug centre of mass is IVO Grid 158226.
2 Zug has now fully shaken out into its linear clearing formation. Only element in contact is 3 Section which has suffered 3 x WIA in its ongoing contact. Remainder of 2 Zug is poised to cross Line FRIEDA. Zug centre of mass is IVO Grid 157228.
4 Zug elements continue to move down Axis BLAU coordinated with the moves of 1 and 2 Zug
Mortars remain in the area of the building complex at Grid 158228.
 

 
Here is the updated Friendly Force Tracker
 

 
Here is the updated Enemy Force Kill Chart
 

 
Point to note here is that my new sightings I have estimated at 2 due to the initial nature of the contact. Also note that I am marking them off under the 3 Section header. This is not because I know that they are of the enemy’s 3 Section, it just means that these guys are likely to be a different section to the guys that I saw before and marked off as 1 Section.
 
And finally the updated Synch Matrix
 

 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
Well we have definitely ruled out Enemy COA 2 (Defend Deep), as things stand we are still looking at Enemy COA 1 (Defend Forward) but not quite as templated. I have passed through NAIs 1 and 6 which was where I had enemy units templated for this COA. This might give me pause for thought (well in fact it did) but the contact at 0740 hrs pretty much tells me that he is indeed defending forward … right on the woodline which is where I thought he might have some outposts rather than main defensive positions. However, even though the initial assessment was not 100% accurate, there is nothing that has surprised me and I still feel as if I know more about the enemy than he knows about me.
 
Clearly the Blue on Blue WIA incident was disappointing but at least the guys are alive. I think the best news for me is that the Sdkfz 251/17 has moved without bogging. Perhaps the driver has learnt his lesson.
 
In terms of battletracking – I have 20 minutes left. Realistically I don’t think that is enough time to find and clear (remembering that I have only found the first element of the Main Wood defence) Main Wood, clear DIETER, FRITZ and OTTO and then get onto HERMANN. Despite my WIA I’m well within the parameters I set myself (my endstate) and I have enough combat power to complete the mission.
 
Next time … I don’t think it would be too much to ask for me to kill some of the enemy … would it?

0730 TO 0735 HOURS – TURNS 30-35
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
Situation as at 250735Jun44 (End Turn 35)
1 Zug has called Codeword SUPPE (Obj BERLIN Clear) with a centre of mass at Grid 158227 and is moving by bounds with lead elements clearing Obj COCHEM.
2 Zug has commenced its clearance of Obj AACHEN with its centre of mass at Grid 157228. 2 Zug is still waiting for its 1st Section to sort itself out but is continuing its clearance.
4 Zug elements are moving along Axis BLAU, with its lead 1 MG Team handrailing at Grid 158227.
Mortars are now at the building complex at Grid 158228 and are setting up.
 

 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
Not much really – this was a pretty uneventful (I like those) turn. I won’t deny a sense of mild irritation with the AI in unsnarling my vehicles – although it achieved the aim, it is using up time I don’t have!!!
 
Otherwise, once shaken out I have made pretty quick progress – the reason for this should be obvious – I am running out of time. This is not to say that I am being reckless in my movement but I am moving with less caution than I would like. Rest assured that teams are split, and no element moves without another element either having eyes on or putting suppressing fire down ahead of the axis of advance and my half-tracks never enter ground that a dismounted element hasn’t cleared.
 
Enemy-wise, well it was a quiet turn as stated. However this is important to note, I have passed through NAI 7 and seen no enemy. If you look on the Situation graphic, NAI 7 covers the area that 1 Kompanie HQ, the MG Team and 1/1 Zug are sat on (Grid 158227). If my intelligence officer is right, this should indicate that the Enemy has adopted COA 1, which I think I called ‘Defend Forward’. If you go back through the execute part of the thread, you will note that most of my previous enemy sightings have pointed to COA 1 being the most likely COA that the enemy has adopted. Time will tell of course. Sometimes with your intelligence picture it can be a matter of what you don’t see that is important, rather than what you do see.
 
I'm sure things will hot up again soon.

Well said Hattori (damned nice first post, welcome aboard!), a stream of consciousness wall of poorly written text becomes practically useless for a tactical primer. Look to Bil and combatinfman's posts as examples of what a tutorial needs to look like to be useful.

0730 TO 0735 HOURS – TURNS 30-35
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
Situation as at 250735Jun44 (End Turn 35)
1 Zug has called Codeword SUPPE (Obj BERLIN Clear) with a centre of mass at Grid 158227 and is moving by bounds with lead elements clearing Obj COCHEM.
2 Zug has commenced its clearance of Obj AACHEN with its centre of mass at Grid 157228. 2 Zug is still waiting for its 1st Section to sort itself out but is continuing its clearance.
4 Zug elements are moving along Axis BLAU, with its lead 1 MG Team handrailing at Grid 158227.
Mortars are now at the building complex at Grid 158228 and are setting up.
 

 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
Not much really – this was a pretty uneventful (I like those) turn. I won’t deny a sense of mild irritation with the AI in unsnarling my vehicles – although it achieved the aim, it is using up time I don’t have!!!
 
Otherwise, once shaken out I have made pretty quick progress – the reason for this should be obvious – I am running out of time. This is not to say that I am being reckless in my movement but I am moving with less caution than I would like. Rest assured that teams are split, and no element moves without another element either having eyes on or putting suppressing fire down ahead of the axis of advance and my half-tracks never enter ground that a dismounted element hasn’t cleared.
 
Enemy-wise, well it was a quiet turn as stated. However this is important to note, I have passed through NAI 7 and seen no enemy. If you look on the Situation graphic, NAI 7 covers the area that 1 Kompanie HQ, the MG Team and 1/1 Zug are sat on (Grid 158227). If my intelligence officer is right, this should indicate that the Enemy has adopted COA 1, which I think I called ‘Defend Forward’. If you go back through the execute part of the thread, you will note that most of my previous enemy sightings have pointed to COA 1 being the most likely COA that the enemy has adopted. Time will tell of course. Sometimes with your intelligence picture it can be a matter of what you don’t see that is important, rather than what you do see.
 
I'm sure things will hot up again soon.

I really don't think you need to bother about not having too much of an idea about the processes to be honest George - I still have not solved the problems you set in your Battlegroup Attacks missions in CMSF.  I think by the time I get to the end of this saga, I won't be making a uniform recommendation to say ... this is the way to go. I think it is best suited to Coy-sized engagements with what I would call small maps (2 x 2 km tops). Trying to apply a full planning process to a handful of your great scenarios for this game as an example (Studienka, Carius at Malinova and Der Ring) would certainly overwhelm me.  Don't get me wrong btw - they are awesome scenarios with all of the right information required to go through the process (ok perhaps not Carius at Malinova - but then you have designed it to reflect what it was in real life - a bit of a mad crazy advance to contact).
 
Chuffed you are enjoying the thread though and so long as it is adding value be it in a small or large way, I am happy - it is one of the reasons I started this project - ie add some value to the community.
 
Thanks for your support.

0725 TO 0730 HOURS – TURNS 25-30
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
Explanation of deployments IVO Line EVA 0726 hrs. While not featuring in my initial Enemy analysis, I am suspicious of the building at Grid 158228. If the Enemy has on map mortars, this is where they would most likely be, because it keeps them well back from what he considers to be my most likely avenue of approach (eg not the one I’m using) and, if he is employing the principles of defence, it provides all round defence to the main position covering his rear.
 
To that end, I don’t want to be bimbling around there until I’m satisfied the building is clear. Also, now I’ve got around the back of his defensive laydown, I’m no longer interested in surprise, I want him to know I’m there with sufficient strength and firepower to cause him problems because this will have a psychological effect on him. He now has to look in two directions and if he has a reserve, which I don’t think is the case, he will now be worrying about where and when to commit it.
 
This graphic shows the detail
 

 
Significant event 0727 hrs – my Sdkfz 251/17 has bogged again at Grid 154220!!!! Hmm … it’s the Eastern Front for you my lad … no wait a minute … Hopefully with the Company HQ embarked, the driver of this wagon will receive suitable motivation …
 

 
Significant event 0727 hrs - Truck carrying 2 Mortar Team and the Mortar HQ, took fire from the HMG previously identified at Grid 154226 but suffered no damage and embarked troops also suffered no casualties while crossing Grid 154220.
 
Situation as at 250730Jun44 (End Turn 30)
1 MG Team on Line EVA at Grid 158227 and conducting fire and manoeuvre and suppressing the buildings at Grid 158228.
2 Zug is now complete IVO Line EVA at Grid 159226.
1 Zug is on Line EVA at Grid 159227 and suppressing the buildings at Grid 158228.
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 unbogged itself and is suppressing the buildings at Grid 158228 from Grid 159227.
Both Mortar Teams remain embarked on trucks at Grid 159227, intent is for them to set up IVO the buildings at Grid 158228, once they have been cleared.
 

 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
Well, I’ve finally got behind the enemy with all of my combat power and have pulled it off without suffering significant casualties. I’m pretty pleased with that, even if I’m ten minutes late. Hindsight is a wonderful thing as it is probably pretty clear to you all that I could have just whizzed across that open ground and got to Line EVA at about the 15 minute point. Not much I can do about that now so all I can do is sort those buildings out and shake myself out into an assault line ready for the difficult bit, the clearance of Main Wood.
 
Otherwise, the Sdkfz 251/17 has finally got some rounds downrange, hopefully the driver has finally mastered the skill of pulling away from the halt without bogging in – I do not want to be in the ‘Third time lucky’ arena.
 
Nothing much new to report on the enemy really, I haven’t seen any more of them and I’ve seen no indications of them moving. I’m disappointed I didn’t really think as hard as I should have about the mortars because although I factored them in, I worked on the premise of them being off-map when actually I should have considered them being IVO those buildings – of course they may not be there at all or even exist at all but we shall see.
 
On balance I suspect he has got nothing at all for indirect fire because if he did I could have expected love from above while I was faffing around IVO Grid 153220. Although remember the Red Army is not overly endowed with radios so my plan to use a flanking avenue of approach to stay out of sight of a radio-equipped observer may have paid off.

0725 TO 0730 HOURS – TURNS 25-30
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
Explanation of deployments IVO Line EVA 0726 hrs. While not featuring in my initial Enemy analysis, I am suspicious of the building at Grid 158228. If the Enemy has on map mortars, this is where they would most likely be, because it keeps them well back from what he considers to be my most likely avenue of approach (eg not the one I’m using) and, if he is employing the principles of defence, it provides all round defence to the main position covering his rear.
 
To that end, I don’t want to be bimbling around there until I’m satisfied the building is clear. Also, now I’ve got around the back of his defensive laydown, I’m no longer interested in surprise, I want him to know I’m there with sufficient strength and firepower to cause him problems because this will have a psychological effect on him. He now has to look in two directions and if he has a reserve, which I don’t think is the case, he will now be worrying about where and when to commit it.
 
This graphic shows the detail
 

 
Significant event 0727 hrs – my Sdkfz 251/17 has bogged again at Grid 154220!!!! Hmm … it’s the Eastern Front for you my lad … no wait a minute … Hopefully with the Company HQ embarked, the driver of this wagon will receive suitable motivation …
 

 
Significant event 0727 hrs - Truck carrying 2 Mortar Team and the Mortar HQ, took fire from the HMG previously identified at Grid 154226 but suffered no damage and embarked troops also suffered no casualties while crossing Grid 154220.
 
Situation as at 250730Jun44 (End Turn 30)
1 MG Team on Line EVA at Grid 158227 and conducting fire and manoeuvre and suppressing the buildings at Grid 158228.
2 Zug is now complete IVO Line EVA at Grid 159226.
1 Zug is on Line EVA at Grid 159227 and suppressing the buildings at Grid 158228.
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 unbogged itself and is suppressing the buildings at Grid 158228 from Grid 159227.
Both Mortar Teams remain embarked on trucks at Grid 159227, intent is for them to set up IVO the buildings at Grid 158228, once they have been cleared.
 

 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
Well, I’ve finally got behind the enemy with all of my combat power and have pulled it off without suffering significant casualties. I’m pretty pleased with that, even if I’m ten minutes late. Hindsight is a wonderful thing as it is probably pretty clear to you all that I could have just whizzed across that open ground and got to Line EVA at about the 15 minute point. Not much I can do about that now so all I can do is sort those buildings out and shake myself out into an assault line ready for the difficult bit, the clearance of Main Wood.
 
Otherwise, the Sdkfz 251/17 has finally got some rounds downrange, hopefully the driver has finally mastered the skill of pulling away from the halt without bogging in – I do not want to be in the ‘Third time lucky’ arena.
 
Nothing much new to report on the enemy really, I haven’t seen any more of them and I’ve seen no indications of them moving. I’m disappointed I didn’t really think as hard as I should have about the mortars because although I factored them in, I worked on the premise of them being off-map when actually I should have considered them being IVO those buildings – of course they may not be there at all or even exist at all but we shall see.
 
On balance I suspect he has got nothing at all for indirect fire because if he did I could have expected love from above while I was faffing around IVO Grid 153220. Although remember the Red Army is not overly endowed with radios so my plan to use a flanking avenue of approach to stay out of sight of a radio-equipped observer may have paid off.

0725 TO 0730 HOURS – TURNS 25-30
 
SPOILERS FOLLOW*****************
 
Explanation of deployments IVO Line EVA 0726 hrs. While not featuring in my initial Enemy analysis, I am suspicious of the building at Grid 158228. If the Enemy has on map mortars, this is where they would most likely be, because it keeps them well back from what he considers to be my most likely avenue of approach (eg not the one I’m using) and, if he is employing the principles of defence, it provides all round defence to the main position covering his rear.
 
To that end, I don’t want to be bimbling around there until I’m satisfied the building is clear. Also, now I’ve got around the back of his defensive laydown, I’m no longer interested in surprise, I want him to know I’m there with sufficient strength and firepower to cause him problems because this will have a psychological effect on him. He now has to look in two directions and if he has a reserve, which I don’t think is the case, he will now be worrying about where and when to commit it.
 
This graphic shows the detail
 

 
Significant event 0727 hrs – my Sdkfz 251/17 has bogged again at Grid 154220!!!! Hmm … it’s the Eastern Front for you my lad … no wait a minute … Hopefully with the Company HQ embarked, the driver of this wagon will receive suitable motivation …
 

 
Significant event 0727 hrs - Truck carrying 2 Mortar Team and the Mortar HQ, took fire from the HMG previously identified at Grid 154226 but suffered no damage and embarked troops also suffered no casualties while crossing Grid 154220.
 
Situation as at 250730Jun44 (End Turn 30)
1 MG Team on Line EVA at Grid 158227 and conducting fire and manoeuvre and suppressing the buildings at Grid 158228.
2 Zug is now complete IVO Line EVA at Grid 159226.
1 Zug is on Line EVA at Grid 159227 and suppressing the buildings at Grid 158228.
4 Zug Sdkfz 251/17 unbogged itself and is suppressing the buildings at Grid 158228 from Grid 159227.
Both Mortar Teams remain embarked on trucks at Grid 159227, intent is for them to set up IVO the buildings at Grid 158228, once they have been cleared.
 

 
So my thoughts on the above …
 
Well, I’ve finally got behind the enemy with all of my combat power and have pulled it off without suffering significant casualties. I’m pretty pleased with that, even if I’m ten minutes late. Hindsight is a wonderful thing as it is probably pretty clear to you all that I could have just whizzed across that open ground and got to Line EVA at about the 15 minute point. Not much I can do about that now so all I can do is sort those buildings out and shake myself out into an assault line ready for the difficult bit, the clearance of Main Wood.
 
Otherwise, the Sdkfz 251/17 has finally got some rounds downrange, hopefully the driver has finally mastered the skill of pulling away from the halt without bogging in – I do not want to be in the ‘Third time lucky’ arena.
 
Nothing much new to report on the enemy really, I haven’t seen any more of them and I’ve seen no indications of them moving. I’m disappointed I didn’t really think as hard as I should have about the mortars because although I factored them in, I worked on the premise of them being off-map when actually I should have considered them being IVO those buildings – of course they may not be there at all or even exist at all but we shall see.
 
On balance I suspect he has got nothing at all for indirect fire because if he did I could have expected love from above while I was faffing around IVO Grid 153220. Although remember the Red Army is not overly endowed with radios so my plan to use a flanking avenue of approach to stay out of sight of a radio-equipped observer may have paid off.