CMPzC Operation "Bloody Christmas" (Ortona '43)

[ChappyCanuck]

I came across this photo of members of the 48th Highlanders of Canada about to attack San Leonardo...how fitting!

 

[ChappyCanuck]

I hope we don't come across the dreaded Sturm Donkey, better known as Donkeyfaust!

 

[ChappyCanuck]

The German infantry in front of A Coy are few and some are fleeing - ideal for the role of ACs to pursue and chase them down.  I think we have only two ACs left and unfortunately they are on the wrong side of the map. Are there any bren carriers close? Or for that matter, some hunting teams in universal carriers?  I would rather not see the Germans being able to flee into San Leonardo where they will become a larger issue in future

[Stonecutter]

Best option is likely to move the AC's over to the left flank as they really are outgunned by the panzers. Although it will take a few minutes, this will give A Coy time to win the fire fight against the strong points and then the AC's can conduct a pursuit. There are 2 x bren carriers but they belong to C and D Coy while the other remaining carriers are committed to the ATG's.  

[Kuderian]

The German infantry in front of A Coy are few and some are fleeing - ideal for the role of ACs to pursue and chase them down.  I think we have only two ACs left and unfortunately they are on the wrong side of the map. Are there any bren carriers close? Or for that matter, some hunting teams in universal carriers?  I would rather not see the Germans being able to flee into San Leonardo where they will become a larger issue in future

 

Will do! Remaining 2 AC's heading W to give some love to A Coy.

 

Stonecutter should have no problem with his Shermans and APC's on the E flank!

[ChappyCanuck]

I am sure you commanders have seen it...but there is a new ATG lurking in the enemy rear area, to the front of Combat Team Stonecutter

[ChappyCanuck]

Snake - you are mortaring your own troops. Please discontinue!

[Kuderian]

I love the whole personal naming of each Coy thingie.

And with the new permadeath Coy HQ mechanic, the sense of agency of one's troops(and caution) is enhanced greatly, I think.

Really enjoying my first massively multiplayer CM experience

Thanks Phil et al.

 

[snake_eye]

Hi, ChappyCanuck,Well,

Two bombs fell of my farthest right squad and a third fell on its target area, behind the tree line, as the mortar team was ordered. I think, they did not put the right charge on the bomb and it fell short. We have to pay dearly for every mistake !

I really don't like that new ATG in front of my objective. I thought earlier, that there might be one there and I would have like to be mistaken.

D Company CO

 

[Stonecutter]

Both the Pak38 and Pak40 were strongly suspected and are about where predicted based on the loss of the bren carrier and AC on the central road running directly north from the bridge site. The tankers have taken notice and are taking appropriate evasive action (i.e. moving to where they can't be seen!).

[Stonecutter]

With the arrival of over a half dozen tanks from A Squadron, Larouche allowed himself a moment of relief. Three of the Shermans sped west along the road toward A Company while two others drove straight ahead toward the houses and woods that represented D Coy's immediate objective. Reacting quickly, he spotted the markings on the closest Sherman and issued an immediate warning on the battalion net that he knew the tankers were monitoring.

"Tango one-two, this is India two, enemy Paks directly to your front covering opening by bren carrier on road, acknowledge over!"

Larouche watching the tanks skid steer off to the left and pull into some shallow depressions in the ground.

"India two, this is Tango one-two, thanks for the warning!"

As D Coy shook out into line and prepared to advance, Larouche grabbed a couple of stragglers from the knocked out armoured cars and ordered them down to the carriers behind the woods. After identifying the mortar position to them, he watched as they climbed into the carriers and sped off with the additional ammunition to feed the hungry 81mm tubes. Almost simultaneously, he heard the sound of heavy German mortar fire landing in the vicinity of the vineyards where he suspected the lead elements of A Company were located. Having endured the lethal accuracy of German artillery far too frequently, he cringed and said a quick prayer for his A Company comrades. He watched as the battalion mortars responded with a much lighter rate of fire, sending rounds arcing overhead and into distant targets outside of his line of sight. Keeping low, he continually watched the woods and buildings near the knocked out bren carrier. No sooner had D Company started to advance then they came under small arms fire from enemy infantry. Despite all that B Company had already endured, Larouche knew that he could not simply stay put and do nothing. Issuing orders, he soon had Quinn and 5 platoon dashing forward on his left alternating with his own platoon's advance. Halting the two platoons in a line roughly 200m short of the woods and parallel to Tango one-two's Shermans, he assigned  arcs and took aim himself. Soon, the steady crackle of rifle fire interspersed by the occasional burst from a bren gun or a 2 inch mortar shot began to have an effect as the fire on D Coy lessened. The Shermans soon opened up and Larouche saw a grenadier trying to make a dash get spun around as twin lines of MG fire crossed his path, nearly cutting him in half. Engines revving, the two Shermans lurched forward and closed to within a 100m of the objective, pouring main gun and MG fire into the now visible foxholes and house. D Coy remained pinned down for the most part but Larouche could feel the tide turning as the enemy was being outflanked and had no where left to run. 

Lieutenant Montgomery scanned the woods directly to his front while a squad from B Coy pepper-potted forward. Issuing orders for his ad hoc group, he split the arcs and watched carefully as 75mm high explosive rounds and machine gun fire raked the woods from left to right. The easily identifiable sound of a Ma Deuce opening up from one of the half tracks drew his attention to his right. Following the tracers, he spotted the fleeing grenadiers and watched as the heavy half inch slugs tore through the trees and into them. The gunners of all the half tracks joined the chorus and the ground where the enemy had been was soon filled with dust and splinters of wood. The combination of fire was too much and several squads of grenadiers retreated from the crest and dashed toward their second line of defence where the Montgomery knew the three MkIVs had retreated to. Keeping below the crest and ensuring the other vehicles did the same, he had his gunner fire several bursts and a few main gun rounds into the far woods. He and there, the occasional burst of 0.50 joined the tank fire as the gunners picked off the retreating grenadiers. Having pushed the enemy off the crest, Montgomery wanted to pursue them but knew being too aggressive would prove fatal. While the Germans were retreating, they were showing no signs of fleeing and he knew that breaching the second line of defence would be much more difficult. With only a platoon of infantry and his three tanks, he called mortar fire in on the woods where the grenadiers had retreated to and waited to see if his own infantry could spot the enemy armour, thus giving him some options. 

The large flash on the far crest immediately grabbed Larouche's attention and several seconds later he heard the tell tale crack of an armour piercing round striking the turret of the one of the Shermans racing toward A Company. The shot brought an immediate reaction as the remaining two tanks violently veered into the low ground. The stricken Sherman was rocked again by another shot and the crew bailed in the nick of time as a third shot ignited its ammo, setting off a cascade of fireworks and explosions. Ahead of him, Larouche watched the troop leader raise his binoculars and caught snippets of the conversation as he held the radio headset against one ear.

"All stations, this is Tango one-two, contact. Pak40 on far crest, right edge of woods in fox holes. Area grid six-one-four, eight-niner-zero. Second contact, Pak38 on right side of crossroads, area grid six-one-two, eight-eight-three."

"Golf three-four, this is Tango one-two, fire mission over."

"Golf three-four, fire mission, over."

"Tango one-two, fire mission. Grid six-one-four, eight-niner-zero, radius twenty-five, neutralize for ten, over."  

"Golf three-four, fire mission. Grid six-one-four, eight-niner-zero, radius twenty-five, neutralize for ten. Target not observed, send corrections, over." 

"Tango one-two, send corrections, out."

Listening to the surge in radio traffic, Larouche could hear the urgent demands for mortar fire from across the battlegroup and was glad he had sent the ammo carriers away when he did. The extra rounds would mean not having to skimp on the fire missions and hopefully that would produce the desired results. If the enemy ATGs could be eliminated, it would give the Shermans freedom of movement and allow them to make full use of their protection and firepower to help suppress or destroy enemy concentrations. Having just been on the receiving end of the shock action of panzers, Larouche hoped Montgomery and his fellow tankers would be able to return the favour to the Germans. The key would be to prevent a retreat of German forces into San Leonardo. The fighting would be brutal enough inside the town without it being bolstered by additional forces. Every German that died or surrendered now was one less he and B Company would have to root out of a cellar, attic or sewer once the street fighting began. 

 

[Stonecutter]

 

A company advances on the defended farmhouse through the vineyards.

As always, the Germans react quickly and the leading elements of A Company come under heavy mortar fire. An errant shot lands right on top of the new 2 platoon commander, instantly killing him and his radio operator.

D Company comes under effective fire as they near their objective and several soldiers are wounded.

Rushing to aid D Company, Lieutenant Larouche leads the remainder of B Company rush forward to provide a fire base for D Company (on the right) who are pinned down by the enemy in the woods and farm house. Tango one-two and his partner provide intimate support, being careful to keep their fire over and away from the accompanying infantry so as not to have any friendly fire accidents.

Gunners from the half tracks open up on the retreating grenadiers with Ma Deuce.

 

The light woods provide no protection from the heavy 0.50 slugs and several grenadiers go down. 

A squad from B Company dashes forward with fire and movement to purse the fleeing enemy.

A crack veteran Pak40 crew scores a first round hit at 2000m against a rapidly moving Sherman.

After three hits, the ammunition catches fire and the Sherman begins to brew up. Luckily, the crew manage to bail and get to cover behind the stone wall before the cook off occurs.  

[Heinrich505]

Stonecutter,

  Very nice.  Following with interest.

 

Heinrich505

[kohlenklau]

Heinrich505,

 

Gary! I know it is very comfy up there in the corporate box seats at the 50 yard line.

That blonde and brunette bringing the drinks and snacks.

But, when will you maybe come down here to the sidelines and we will suit you up and send you in for a few plays?

 

 

[Heinrich505]

Ah, the owner just handed me another plate of brisket and a beer.  Probably heading to the private bathroom in a few.

Past few weeks have been rough...first time I've actually had two days in a row off without being ordered in for OT.

Think I'll stay in the box seats for a little while longer till things settle out.   ;D  [emoticons don't seem to be functioning right now...sorry...]

 

Heinrich505

[kohlenklau]

OK, as long as you know the offer is always there.

You do awesome screenshots and that old Hurtgen Forest AAR from CMAK was just the stuff we'd love to see.

[ChappyCanuck]

Intense action!!!

[ChappyCanuck]

Stonecutter - good job on taking out that pesky ATG...vengeance is served...looks like there may be another one co-located behind it?

Snake - well done on securing that copse of trees, but beware of your spacing - you have a company packed in there and you will take significant casualties if that is an enemy indirect target

Keep rolling boys!

 

 

[snake_eye]

 

Snake - well done on securing that copse of trees, but beware of your spacing - you have a company packed in there and you will take significant casualties if that is an enemy indirect target

Hi chappyCanuck,

I know it is silly to get the Company all tied up (hope they won't shell it), but with the PAK guns on the other side of the tree line, the only way to be hidden is to stay behind it and or behind the houses. I am eager to deploy the Company as soon as it is feasible.

Cheer

 

 

 

[ChappyCanuck]

COMMANDER'S SITREP

Stonecutter has provided us with some excellent, action-packed AARs, but I have decided at this point to inform everyone of the overall picture - what has transpired and what is coming next.

EN - the Germans counter-attacked B Coy with panzers and infantry immediately after they had crossed the newly constructed Fraser Bridge. The attack was repulsed by our ATGs and infantry (our tanks were still on the way). Several panzers were eliminated with some infantry casualties. The Germans have been conducting a skillful withdrawal since then, as we have once more begun the advance towards San Leonardo.

FR - almost the entire battle group is now across the Moro River. On the left flank, A Coy is advancing while C Coy is in reserve behind it. In the center, B Coy is holding the bridge area, while D Coy and some tanks are advancing towards San Leonardo. On the far right, the hastily formed Combat Team Stonecutter is pinning the German panzers that have withdrawn into the woods to their front.

Here is a picture of the current situation:

LEFT - As you can see, A Coy has encountered small infantry elements during its advance, who are skillfully withdrawing once they can no longer hold their positions. Additionally, accurate HMG fire from the town and mortar strikes have slowed the advance. A Coy needs some mobility/manoeuvre elements in order to proceed, so a light carrier force is being formed, and two Shermans are being deployed there now.

CENTER - D Coy recently secured an intermediate objective where it sits now (buildings and a copse of wood). To its immediate front, there were 2 x ATGs that were holding things up. One is confirmed destroyed, while the second is suspected destroyed.  However, the priority target that is holding everything up is a lone ATG to the far north (see map). It is excellently sited to cover almost our entire front and was responsible for taking out several of our vehicles. The good news is that it is now suspected destroyed as some accurate ATG spec fire of our own hit its foxholes a minute ago....once this is confirmed, D Coy and its two tanks will continue the advance

RIGHT - Combat Team Stonecutter occupies a hull down position at the top of the ridge that slopes back down to the Moro River. With a troop of tanks and a platoon of mounted infantry, it is a mobile force that packs a punch. It has forced German infantry elements to withdraw from its immediate front, causing a fair amount of casualties. The panzers that withdrew in/near the wood are currently pinned by this force, as well as by our ATGs in the center.

FUTURE OPS - A & D Coys will continue their advance on San Leonardo with tank and arty support. They will fight through and capture San Leonardo. This should force the hand of the panzers on the right, as they will then be outflanked and trapped between the tanks supporting A & D Coys, and Cbt Tm Stonecutter. At a suitable time, C Coy (reserve) will then spearhead the advance to Casa Berardi (just off the NE map edge).

Pro Patria!!!

 

 

[Kuderian]

Thanks for great Sitrep Chappy.

A small vignette from the San Leonardo battle.

After watching his 4 PLDG Recce Squadron being decimated, the last of two surviving scouts gets his revenge on Jerry!

He opens fire with his Bren gun - only 4 shells left.

Jerry hits the dirt while his comrade flees  in terror.

Out of ammo, he pulls out his trusty Webley revolver..

Singlehandedly he has breached Jerry's second line of defence.

 

 

 

[A Canadian Cat]

Great overall picture there @ChappyCanuck, thanks.  Nice story with the Bren gunner running out of ammo and finishing the job with his revolver there @Kuderian.

[ChappyCanuck]

That man deserves a medal! Make it so

[kohlenklau]

My copy of "Ortona" by Mark Zuehlke has finally arrived...!

[ChappyCanuck]

My copy of "Ortona" by Mark Zuehlke has finally arrived...!

Wicked! I have read it twice (not your copy but mine lol).  Take note of Sterlin's Castle and Maj Strome Galloway, B Coy Commander, RCR.

I still cringe at the battle of the "Gully"