The defence of DP1 is hastened as panzers of 1st platoon conduct a right flanking and take out three more Churchills with short range shots. However, one Churchill proves tough and requires 7 rounds before it finally succumbs.
The defence of DP1 is completed as Harzer’s 2nd platoon engages in close range fighting with grenades. Sniper Fink methodically shoots another enemy after successfully destroying an entire bren carrier squad with a well aimed grenade and burst from his spotter’s MP40.
Forewarned by the scouts defending DP1C, Ulrich’s gunner gets the drop on a Churchill breaking through the hedgerow and sets the tank in flames in very close quarters fighting.
With the Churchills threatening the vital ground of DP1 destroyed, the panzers of 1st platoon press their advantage against the now defenceless British infantry.
FOO Rau observes the final spotting round and calls down fire for effect. He then issues an immediate warning over the Battalion combat net that rounds are incoming in two minutes. Henrichsen’s 4th panzer platoon and the scouts defending DP1C prepare to stave off the British assault for just a little longer.
The 3rd infantry and panzer platoons in reserve around Manor 1 wait quietly as the battle rages just a few hundred metres away.
The Churchills clearing DP1 advance to support their infantry while Giessens’ 1st platoon panzers move to flank them.
The Churchills are caught offguard as Graber gets a flank shot that penetrates and stuns the crew. Two more penetrating shots later and the tank catches fire.
Mere seconds after Graber has caught the attention of the Churchill tanks, Giessen quickly takes out two more enemy tanks with flanking shots at point blank range. The combat is so close that his gunner has trouble aiming as the gun sight is filled with the enemy Churchills.
To the tremendous relief of DP1C’s defenders, the nebelwerfer rocket battery drops precisely on target with devastating effect on the British infantry. This is the last blow for the British attackers. Having lost half a dozen tanks, several carriers and half a company of infantry in the span of a couple minutes, they are forced to abandon the assault.
Lessons Learned
1) The hedgerows provide excellent cover, concealment and protection for infantry but it is extremely difficult for tanks to fire through them.
2) Better use could have been made of British artillery to provide suppression and smoke throughout the battle. When used, the artillery proved quite effective both at suppressing infantry and inflicting casualties.
3) The timely reinforcement of DP’s using a mobile panzer reserve and the half-tracks to transport infantry proved essential in preventing British breakthroughs.
Key Turning Point: The flank attack by 1st platoon panzers as it removed a dire threat and freed up other forces to stiffen the defence of the orchard and DP 1C.
Hero of the Battle: Sniper Fink with 22 confirmed kills. In addition to taking out 4 crew commanders he single-handedly defended the north hedgerow by DP1 for several minutes, buying critical time for 1st panzer platoon’s flank attack.
Stonecutter got a reaction from Bud Backer in Flowers of the Forest AAR
