Rinaldi

Hello,
In light of recent events (I do hope this thread remains as non-political as possible) and also given that Steve has expressed interest in expanding Black Sea to cover the current conflict, I think it is worth having a discussion about whether Russia might be over modeled in CM. Just a few suggestions to kick off the thread:
1) Steve has said before that in WW2 CM titles things like inefficient slave labour is modeled by having German armoured vehicles suffer catastrophic failures, I think you could bring this to Black Sea by having a chance for Russian tanks to have no ERA or Russian vehicles having low supplies.
2) High-end Russian vehicles such as the T90 may need to be made rarer to represent Russia's reliance on older vehicle models.
3) Typical Russian soldiers should have severe morale and leadership penalties. I think your average Russian unit needs to be set to green and negative leadership. Then more "elite" units like the VDV can be set to Regular (but they should clearly still maintain the leadership issues).
Just want this to be a friendly thread where we discuss ways to improve the simulation 😁.

Our 'reliable' reporter in Moscow, dbsapp@, is awfully silent after all his Putin propaganda. Is he banned or is his job done?
 

Here also is the CMBN scenario Detours Ahead by @Rinaldi
https://www.thefewgoodmen.com/tsd3/combat-mission-battle-for-normandy/cm-battles-for-normandy/cmbn-detours-ahead/

Thank you. We've been slowly but surely playing, there's been a few real life bottlenecks (as always), and of course current events have been, distracting, to say the least.
Thank you, again. 
Before I begin with the update I'm going to plug my latest blog post, which covers the Op Encore campaign that came with Rome 2 Victory. It'll also explain why I've slowed down on the DAR front, I've been binging the singleplayer experience when I could have been doing more turns with James. Naughty, I know. Read it here. I also want to thank El Presidente Putin, who I believe is also on these forums, for constantly sending suggestions for edit that hide my embarrassing lack of command on the written word.  
1816-1817
On the right
The troop leader of the recce begins to ford the river to join the Dingos, who are busily engaging, with effect, some HMGs in the orchard that is contiguous with the West Village. 


Suddenly, he spots a Panther edging forward into a shooting position. He would have been away and clear long before this Panther becomes an actual threat to him, except, his vehicle also bogs. He essentially bids the radio net farewell before being killed along with the entirety of his crew.


The 11th Hussar's troop is now bereft of both its leaders. 
As some minor consolation, the "fire for effect" is finally called on the Pak43's position. Rounds do appear on target, but are straddling the trench. No direct hits. 

Its starting to look like the efforts of the recce are culminating on both flanks. Asides from their casualties sharply increasing, they are starting to brush up against real resistance; entrenched anti-tank defences and main-line enemy armour. So, callous as it is, they're accomplishing quite a bit. I'm just not protecting them as well as I can or should be. I'm really upset at their losses, I hate appearing reckless with my recce. The cost is relative, however, and I need to remind myself that ultimately, we've unmasked a lot of key positions. 
With the Pak43 being hit, I am going to try and dash No 6 Platoon of B/1st Rifles forward under the cover of the Firefly. If I take any heavy fire or losses whilst doing this I am officially ruling out COA2 as the main effort. Fingers crossed I don't take fire from a new and unexpected direction. Speaking of that, I noticed Hill 204.1 has line of sight on the forward pair of Cromwells and the remnants of the armoured car section just as 1817 ends. The Cromwell troop leader, nervous about this threat zone, will be ordering a volley of HE fire from his forward section to address this threat. Here's a look at the planned movement:

 
1817-1818
A busy turn.
On the right
It appears James and myself had the same realization about Hill 204.1's line of sight. Just as the Cromwells are slewing their turrets and adjusting to fire on the Hill, a round clangs off the left turret of one of them. A second round passes high and the Cromwells return fire, with equal lack of effect. 


At any rate, my FOO's fire mission is ranging in on Hill 204.1 at the same time as this brief exchange, and no further rounds come the Cromwell's way. I love little anecdotes like this - it shows you just how extreme the fidelity of the armour simulation can be, at least in the historical titles. 
Behind these Cromwells, near Hill 207.8, the Halftracks of No. 6 platoon make their dash through the open without drawing any evil attention. The Firefly rumbles forward to cover this movement and immediately engages a Panther at the rather optimistic range of 2500m. The round misses, but it will give Draper pause for thought. I will pull the Firefly back at end of the turn. This same Firefly also briefly identifies a second Panther moving in west village, though is never able to draw a bead on it. 

On the left
Despite the survivability move, a mortar round catches one of the recce carriers, knocking it out. This enemy mortar barrage finally fires the full effect, thankfully off target and without any further carnage. We always joke, James and I, that his incredible luck is only matched by my exceedingly poor luck. I wonder if he realised how much effect his random spotting rounds had versus his actual fire mission. 

Thank you. We've been slowly but surely playing, there's been a few real life bottlenecks (as always), and of course current events have been, distracting, to say the least.
Thank you, again. 
Before I begin with the update I'm going to plug my latest blog post, which covers the Op Encore campaign that came with Rome 2 Victory. It'll also explain why I've slowed down on the DAR front, I've been binging the singleplayer experience when I could have been doing more turns with James. Naughty, I know. Read it here. I also want to thank El Presidente Putin, who I believe is also on these forums, for constantly sending suggestions for edit that hide my embarrassing lack of command on the written word.  
1816-1817
On the right
The troop leader of the recce begins to ford the river to join the Dingos, who are busily engaging, with effect, some HMGs in the orchard that is contiguous with the West Village. 


Suddenly, he spots a Panther edging forward into a shooting position. He would have been away and clear long before this Panther becomes an actual threat to him, except, his vehicle also bogs. He essentially bids the radio net farewell before being killed along with the entirety of his crew.


The 11th Hussar's troop is now bereft of both its leaders. 
As some minor consolation, the "fire for effect" is finally called on the Pak43's position. Rounds do appear on target, but are straddling the trench. No direct hits. 

Its starting to look like the efforts of the recce are culminating on both flanks. Asides from their casualties sharply increasing, they are starting to brush up against real resistance; entrenched anti-tank defences and main-line enemy armour. So, callous as it is, they're accomplishing quite a bit. I'm just not protecting them as well as I can or should be. I'm really upset at their losses, I hate appearing reckless with my recce. The cost is relative, however, and I need to remind myself that ultimately, we've unmasked a lot of key positions. 
With the Pak43 being hit, I am going to try and dash No 6 Platoon of B/1st Rifles forward under the cover of the Firefly. If I take any heavy fire or losses whilst doing this I am officially ruling out COA2 as the main effort. Fingers crossed I don't take fire from a new and unexpected direction. Speaking of that, I noticed Hill 204.1 has line of sight on the forward pair of Cromwells and the remnants of the armoured car section just as 1817 ends. The Cromwell troop leader, nervous about this threat zone, will be ordering a volley of HE fire from his forward section to address this threat. Here's a look at the planned movement:

 
1817-1818
A busy turn.
On the right
It appears James and myself had the same realization about Hill 204.1's line of sight. Just as the Cromwells are slewing their turrets and adjusting to fire on the Hill, a round clangs off the left turret of one of them. A second round passes high and the Cromwells return fire, with equal lack of effect. 


At any rate, my FOO's fire mission is ranging in on Hill 204.1 at the same time as this brief exchange, and no further rounds come the Cromwell's way. I love little anecdotes like this - it shows you just how extreme the fidelity of the armour simulation can be, at least in the historical titles. 
Behind these Cromwells, near Hill 207.8, the Halftracks of No. 6 platoon make their dash through the open without drawing any evil attention. The Firefly rumbles forward to cover this movement and immediately engages a Panther at the rather optimistic range of 2500m. The round misses, but it will give Draper pause for thought. I will pull the Firefly back at end of the turn. This same Firefly also briefly identifies a second Panther moving in west village, though is never able to draw a bead on it. 

On the left
Despite the survivability move, a mortar round catches one of the recce carriers, knocking it out. This enemy mortar barrage finally fires the full effect, thankfully off target and without any further carnage. We always joke, James and I, that his incredible luck is only matched by my exceedingly poor luck. I wonder if he realised how much effect his random spotting rounds had versus his actual fire mission. 

Thank you. We've been slowly but surely playing, there's been a few real life bottlenecks (as always), and of course current events have been, distracting, to say the least.
Thank you, again. 
Before I begin with the update I'm going to plug my latest blog post, which covers the Op Encore campaign that came with Rome 2 Victory. It'll also explain why I've slowed down on the DAR front, I've been binging the singleplayer experience when I could have been doing more turns with James. Naughty, I know. Read it here. I also want to thank El Presidente Putin, who I believe is also on these forums, for constantly sending suggestions for edit that hide my embarrassing lack of command on the written word.  
1816-1817
On the right
The troop leader of the recce begins to ford the river to join the Dingos, who are busily engaging, with effect, some HMGs in the orchard that is contiguous with the West Village. 


Suddenly, he spots a Panther edging forward into a shooting position. He would have been away and clear long before this Panther becomes an actual threat to him, except, his vehicle also bogs. He essentially bids the radio net farewell before being killed along with the entirety of his crew.


The 11th Hussar's troop is now bereft of both its leaders. 
As some minor consolation, the "fire for effect" is finally called on the Pak43's position. Rounds do appear on target, but are straddling the trench. No direct hits. 

Its starting to look like the efforts of the recce are culminating on both flanks. Asides from their casualties sharply increasing, they are starting to brush up against real resistance; entrenched anti-tank defences and main-line enemy armour. So, callous as it is, they're accomplishing quite a bit. I'm just not protecting them as well as I can or should be. I'm really upset at their losses, I hate appearing reckless with my recce. The cost is relative, however, and I need to remind myself that ultimately, we've unmasked a lot of key positions. 
With the Pak43 being hit, I am going to try and dash No 6 Platoon of B/1st Rifles forward under the cover of the Firefly. If I take any heavy fire or losses whilst doing this I am officially ruling out COA2 as the main effort. Fingers crossed I don't take fire from a new and unexpected direction. Speaking of that, I noticed Hill 204.1 has line of sight on the forward pair of Cromwells and the remnants of the armoured car section just as 1817 ends. The Cromwell troop leader, nervous about this threat zone, will be ordering a volley of HE fire from his forward section to address this threat. Here's a look at the planned movement:

 
1817-1818
A busy turn.
On the right
It appears James and myself had the same realization about Hill 204.1's line of sight. Just as the Cromwells are slewing their turrets and adjusting to fire on the Hill, a round clangs off the left turret of one of them. A second round passes high and the Cromwells return fire, with equal lack of effect. 


At any rate, my FOO's fire mission is ranging in on Hill 204.1 at the same time as this brief exchange, and no further rounds come the Cromwell's way. I love little anecdotes like this - it shows you just how extreme the fidelity of the armour simulation can be, at least in the historical titles. 
Behind these Cromwells, near Hill 207.8, the Halftracks of No. 6 platoon make their dash through the open without drawing any evil attention. The Firefly rumbles forward to cover this movement and immediately engages a Panther at the rather optimistic range of 2500m. The round misses, but it will give Draper pause for thought. I will pull the Firefly back at end of the turn. This same Firefly also briefly identifies a second Panther moving in west village, though is never able to draw a bead on it. 

On the left
Despite the survivability move, a mortar round catches one of the recce carriers, knocking it out. This enemy mortar barrage finally fires the full effect, thankfully off target and without any further carnage. We always joke, James and I, that his incredible luck is only matched by my exceedingly poor luck. I wonder if he realised how much effect his random spotting rounds had versus his actual fire mission. 

Been binging the news nonstop - have barely got any work done. Stay safe, Haiduk - and others who are less visible but in the conflict zone. All right minded people are with you.
Speaking of right minded people, how telling it is that so many of the usual suspects have fallen silent on these forums. I hope you stay silent, you silly little men :). 

Been binging the news nonstop - have barely got any work done. Stay safe, Haiduk - and others who are less visible but in the conflict zone. All right minded people are with you.
Speaking of right minded people, how telling it is that so many of the usual suspects have fallen silent on these forums. I hope you stay silent, you silly little men :). 

Been binging the news nonstop - have barely got any work done. Stay safe, Haiduk - and others who are less visible but in the conflict zone. All right minded people are with you.
Speaking of right minded people, how telling it is that so many of the usual suspects have fallen silent on these forums. I hope you stay silent, you silly little men :). 

Been binging the news nonstop - have barely got any work done. Stay safe, Haiduk - and others who are less visible but in the conflict zone. All right minded people are with you.
Speaking of right minded people, how telling it is that so many of the usual suspects have fallen silent on these forums. I hope you stay silent, you silly little men :). 

I believe we are in the state known as Schroedinger's Straits. The Straits are neither open nor closed until examined by an observer. 
Kidding aside I posted that info because it seems to me like attacks on neutral shipping in the Black Sea have changed Ankara's calculus. At the beginning of the conflict the answer seemed to be a "hard no." Today, for Zelensky to have misunderstood Ankara's position means that the answer isn't as cut and dry as it was before. Seems to suggest a very real chance that the straits could indeed be shut. 

Been binging the news nonstop - have barely got any work done. Stay safe, Haiduk - and others who are less visible but in the conflict zone. All right minded people are with you.
Speaking of right minded people, how telling it is that so many of the usual suspects have fallen silent on these forums. I hope you stay silent, you silly little men :). 

Been binging the news nonstop - have barely got any work done. Stay safe, Haiduk - and others who are less visible but in the conflict zone. All right minded people are with you.
Speaking of right minded people, how telling it is that so many of the usual suspects have fallen silent on these forums. I hope you stay silent, you silly little men :). 

The Eighty-Seventh Minute
KG Leino -  Die Mitte
Jean lets rip. A casualty is observed. The man has ice in his veins.

The last man standing turns tail and heads back into the relative safety of the woods chased by MG fire as he is spotted by the overwatching 4 Zug in the buildings and they try their luck too. He gets away clean.

KG Koskela - die Links
Everyone gets mounted into the spare spots on 1 Zug's vehicles.

They soon set off towards SCHWARZ, unharrassed and unharried by any form of opposition. I wonder where they are?

KG Perala - das Rechts
The scouts have reached the end of the scrub, kein Kontact! They start to probe out into the open.

The rest of the KG are moving through, oh so slowly.

S2 is pulling flank protection. T1 is almost on station and will provide additional flank security.

SITMAP

All in all a quiet turn and a non-even on the left. It seems I have got away with it.
In the middle 1 Ko will start to probe the treeline and see what shakes out.
KG Perala on the right will continue to work their way through. I'm starting to get a bit worried about the time, there's not an awful lot left and there's a lot of map to cover. Here's hoping my forces don't have any more bad luck.
MMM

On this sad day of invasion against democracy, I prefer to remember me that of liberation for democracy
the fourth is here

Recently completed the "Operation Encore" campaign. Loved it. Here's some choice shots:




I compiled all my experiences into a very brief, very general overview for my blog. You can read about it here: https://rinaldiaars.blogspot.com/2022/02/combat-mission-fortress-italys.html. I've also included a link to the full gallery of all the screens. It should go without saying but, obviously, spoilers!

So from the same calculator, I make that 0.18 degrees, not twice as much. It could probably go a bit lower and flatter than that (this was only a quick guess), and at that inclination doesn't reach as high as 5m.

Trajectory at 0.18:

It was in my plans to add mod tags for the units involved in the fighting including the 4ID. Though adding in modded textures is probably a bridge too far, happy to communicate those modtags at time of release so players can mod their own uniforms and markings.

CMBN The Road to Montebourg is a classic. It’s long but it has a bit of everything and there are plenty of playthrough videos on YouTube if you want some tips

Battle size: Tiny
Time limit: 30 minutes
Conditions: Allied Probe; best played Allied v AI; not tested for H2H.
Scenario file here: https://mega.nz/file/mlgSCIiQ#NApfMMl6q6rZvzfhk6_wnZXBBfG8pTdKpcvRi16Goiw
Optional mod-tagged brz here: https://mega.nz/file/a0gGHJwZ#eNCxKwAnHdivn8EqAEqMFEHlbtRu2UhPC1YOyheCWlQ
Requires MG, VP.

Panzerschreck in action. 



At least he got out of it alive. 
 
 

No God no, I am very much in the shark tank. I've applied all over England and Wales and now am waiting to hear back. As always, bitter disappointment anticipated  - but lets distract ourselves with an update, as its a slow work day. 
----
1813-1814
On the left
A bad turn. 
The carrier section's dismounts are just starting to dust themselves off from the previous ambush and skip around the known enemy positions when they attract particularly savage attention from the high ground. First, the section leader's Bren-man is killed instantly by rifle fire. Less-than-accurate MG fire adds to the misery and, I suspect, rather creates the feeling that the men are quite near an incredibly peeved wasps' nest. The section's 2 inch mortar is busy engaging targets around Farm 001, in an attempt to cover the Troop's 2IC. The 2IC for his part is beginning to creep forward in the low ground when mortar rounds begin to splash all around them. I suspected at the time, and still do, that these were just accurate spotting rounds and not a TRP. Whatever the case, one bomb explodes right amidst the 2IC and his team, just as they reach good cover from small arms fire. 

The 2IC is killed instantly, while two of the ORs with him are incapacitated. Two men still capable of fighting raise their heads out of the mud, no doubt wondering what just happened.
C Coy's rifle platoons have begun to generate a smoke screen with their 2inchers and smoke pot/grenades in anticipation of going up and over the raised causeway. This pause also allows them to regain some stamina after dashing across under some MG fire. 

On the right
Despite the rifle grenade incident, the Dingo successfully fords the water obstacle, and immediately draws fire from enemy infantry in a foxhole to its right. However, by this point the supporting Daimler II has moved into position and promptly engages this position. The Dingo quickly identifies its assailants and adds to Jerry's misery. This little action has allowed for a third dingo to begin crossing unmolested. This is all very bread and butter recce stuff, "poking the enemy's eyes out" but I love it. It goes well, and by the end of the turn most of the enemies are made casualties or choosing discretion over valour. 

The Troop leader, in his own Daimler has orders to put some fire down on the Barn where the rifle grenade originated from. He is still hauling himself up to a position as the turn ends. 
So, we have a ford, now what? Well I intend to deal with the likely enemy outpost positions and push all four remaining Dingos and Daimlers up. After that, the trailing Cromwells can move forward into overwatch positions and I can get some infantry into the west village. That's the plan, anyways. 
Speaking of the Cromwells the trailing cruiser (No. 1 tank) has taken over from a Dingo in an overwatch position, covering the last known position of that pesky Puma. Sure enough, he spots the damned thing, buttoned up and moving further into west village.

The gunner spots it as well, no doubt laid on by the commander's vane sight, or his rudimentary manual traverse mechanism (I know the middle and later Shermans had this, as did Comets - fairly sure Cromwells had it too). They fire a round.


The Puma merrily trots on, continuing its charmed existence. Target picture is lost shortly after. No doubt this Puma is moving to parry any further thrust by the armoured cars. 
1814-1815
On the right
Lets carry on with the action on the right.
All my clever little plans for the armoured cars goes right to hell immediately. The trailing Dingo bogs in the ford. Uh oh.

One is a rather lonely number, however, so one of the Cromwells working its way forward to a supporting fire position also decides to bog in solidarity.

Why am I being persecuted? For the record, this is the first time I've had a Crommy bog in a long time, they are relatively light, by a narrow margin, to Shermans and I believe they have just better ground pressure (part of the reason why I love them). 
On the bright side, a rather bold pair of German pops up from the foxholes and make a run for it. They are promptly cut down by Bren fire from a Dingo. The Armoured cars begin working over the Barn and some other suspect buildings. 

On the left
C Coy gets moving again, making use of the obscuration they developed last turn. We're well beyond the realm of an administrative move and are now moving under fire, so the sections move by groups. The rifle groups move first, the gun groups trail thirty seconds behind. Brief halts are made to preserve stamina in good cover (which means, if they take fire that pins them, they're in excellent cover as well).

The entire company crosses the second tributary without incident. We're now in a position to move them up the flank of Farm 001. Hopefully, under a minimum of fire from the high ground overlooking the Farm. 
The mortar fire that took the recce's 2IC from us has now begun to fall uncomfortably close to where the carriers are laagered. They spread out a bit to reduce the chance of any damage, but I am mindful of the Pak gun potentially looking them over so not much more can be done than this small adjustment. 
1815-1816
On the right
The vehicles all regain traction and unbog. Thank goodness.
On the left
No. 9 Troop of C Squadron / 5 RIDG have finished shifting to the left and are now in a position to better support by fire, at extended range, the efforts of C Coy / 1st Rifles and the carrier section. 


The dismounted riflemen, for their part, have completely finished moving across the second water obstacle. They will need another minute to catch their breath, but as I stated above they will be wheeling to the right, in bounding overwatch of platoons, towards Farm 001. 

Further, and finally, the FOO has established an OP and is able to confirm that the anti-tank gun on Hill 204.1, is still indeed intact. Now I don't mean to beat a dead horse here, but I want to stress how survivable AT guns are in even a modicum of fortification and placed with even a modicum of thought. The FOO immediately calls for another mission on this pesky PAK.

The FOO and the advancing riflemen of C Co/1st RB are also able to do some BDA on the other Pak Gun, the one the now deceased recce 2IC called in a few minutes ago. They confirm that it has been knocked out, likely along with the entirety of the crew. Gratifying to know the 2IC took some jerry with him. 

Still watching with interest, and patience!

No God no, I am very much in the shark tank. I've applied all over England and Wales and now am waiting to hear back. As always, bitter disappointment anticipated  - but lets distract ourselves with an update, as its a slow work day. 
----
1813-1814
On the left
A bad turn. 
The carrier section's dismounts are just starting to dust themselves off from the previous ambush and skip around the known enemy positions when they attract particularly savage attention from the high ground. First, the section leader's Bren-man is killed instantly by rifle fire. Less-than-accurate MG fire adds to the misery and, I suspect, rather creates the feeling that the men are quite near an incredibly peeved wasps' nest. The section's 2 inch mortar is busy engaging targets around Farm 001, in an attempt to cover the Troop's 2IC. The 2IC for his part is beginning to creep forward in the low ground when mortar rounds begin to splash all around them. I suspected at the time, and still do, that these were just accurate spotting rounds and not a TRP. Whatever the case, one bomb explodes right amidst the 2IC and his team, just as they reach good cover from small arms fire. 

The 2IC is killed instantly, while two of the ORs with him are incapacitated. Two men still capable of fighting raise their heads out of the mud, no doubt wondering what just happened.
C Coy's rifle platoons have begun to generate a smoke screen with their 2inchers and smoke pot/grenades in anticipation of going up and over the raised causeway. This pause also allows them to regain some stamina after dashing across under some MG fire. 

On the right
Despite the rifle grenade incident, the Dingo successfully fords the water obstacle, and immediately draws fire from enemy infantry in a foxhole to its right. However, by this point the supporting Daimler II has moved into position and promptly engages this position. The Dingo quickly identifies its assailants and adds to Jerry's misery. This little action has allowed for a third dingo to begin crossing unmolested. This is all very bread and butter recce stuff, "poking the enemy's eyes out" but I love it. It goes well, and by the end of the turn most of the enemies are made casualties or choosing discretion over valour. 

The Troop leader, in his own Daimler has orders to put some fire down on the Barn where the rifle grenade originated from. He is still hauling himself up to a position as the turn ends. 
So, we have a ford, now what? Well I intend to deal with the likely enemy outpost positions and push all four remaining Dingos and Daimlers up. After that, the trailing Cromwells can move forward into overwatch positions and I can get some infantry into the west village. That's the plan, anyways. 
Speaking of the Cromwells the trailing cruiser (No. 1 tank) has taken over from a Dingo in an overwatch position, covering the last known position of that pesky Puma. Sure enough, he spots the damned thing, buttoned up and moving further into west village.

The gunner spots it as well, no doubt laid on by the commander's vane sight, or his rudimentary manual traverse mechanism (I know the middle and later Shermans had this, as did Comets - fairly sure Cromwells had it too). They fire a round.


The Puma merrily trots on, continuing its charmed existence. Target picture is lost shortly after. No doubt this Puma is moving to parry any further thrust by the armoured cars. 
1814-1815
On the right
Lets carry on with the action on the right.
All my clever little plans for the armoured cars goes right to hell immediately. The trailing Dingo bogs in the ford. Uh oh.

One is a rather lonely number, however, so one of the Cromwells working its way forward to a supporting fire position also decides to bog in solidarity.

Why am I being persecuted? For the record, this is the first time I've had a Crommy bog in a long time, they are relatively light, by a narrow margin, to Shermans and I believe they have just better ground pressure (part of the reason why I love them). 
On the bright side, a rather bold pair of German pops up from the foxholes and make a run for it. They are promptly cut down by Bren fire from a Dingo. The Armoured cars begin working over the Barn and some other suspect buildings. 

On the left
C Coy gets moving again, making use of the obscuration they developed last turn. We're well beyond the realm of an administrative move and are now moving under fire, so the sections move by groups. The rifle groups move first, the gun groups trail thirty seconds behind. Brief halts are made to preserve stamina in good cover (which means, if they take fire that pins them, they're in excellent cover as well).

The entire company crosses the second tributary without incident. We're now in a position to move them up the flank of Farm 001. Hopefully, under a minimum of fire from the high ground overlooking the Farm. 
The mortar fire that took the recce's 2IC from us has now begun to fall uncomfortably close to where the carriers are laagered. They spread out a bit to reduce the chance of any damage, but I am mindful of the Pak gun potentially looking them over so not much more can be done than this small adjustment. 
1815-1816
On the right
The vehicles all regain traction and unbog. Thank goodness.
On the left
No. 9 Troop of C Squadron / 5 RIDG have finished shifting to the left and are now in a position to better support by fire, at extended range, the efforts of C Coy / 1st Rifles and the carrier section. 


The dismounted riflemen, for their part, have completely finished moving across the second water obstacle. They will need another minute to catch their breath, but as I stated above they will be wheeling to the right, in bounding overwatch of platoons, towards Farm 001. 

Further, and finally, the FOO has established an OP and is able to confirm that the anti-tank gun on Hill 204.1, is still indeed intact. Now I don't mean to beat a dead horse here, but I want to stress how survivable AT guns are in even a modicum of fortification and placed with even a modicum of thought. The FOO immediately calls for another mission on this pesky PAK.

The FOO and the advancing riflemen of C Co/1st RB are also able to do some BDA on the other Pak Gun, the one the now deceased recce 2IC called in a few minutes ago. They confirm that it has been knocked out, likely along with the entirety of the crew. Gratifying to know the 2IC took some jerry with him.