Celleno: The Final Battle IAR

[DerKommissar]

Celleno: The Final Battle

 

The Mission

Before us, lies the hill-top fortress of Celleno. This is the final objective of our campaign, and it looks to be the toughest one, yet. We did our best to conserve our fuel, ammo and manpower for this battle. We are ahead of the recce, and nearly blind. Now, night approaches and we must begin the assault.

 

The Plan

Phase 1: Establish observation points and direct the initial bombardment.

Phase 2: Occupy the heights and establish a base of fire.

Phase 3: Begin the combined assault on ALPHA.

Phase 4: Mop up BRAVO and CHARLIE.

 

The Forces

Task Force 1 (Armoured): C Squadron (Major Chetty)

Task Force 2 (Infantry): B Company (Major Jansen)

Task Force 3 (Infantry): C Company (Major Ntsimango)

Supports: 2 x Recce Troops, 2 x Forward Observers, 2 x Machinegun Sections

Edited March 3, 2021 by DerKommissar

[DerKommissar]

PRELUDE: A Retrospective

This was our Battalion's first battle against the Hun, in Italy. It has been a rude awakening, and lessons were learned the hard way.

 

After a heavy bombardment, Jerry pulled back from his defensive line. Little did we know about their well-prepared fallback positions.

 

Their guns are well positioned, camouflaged and fortified. They make mincemeat out of infantry, and seriously crippled a couple of Shermans.

 

We tried to advance quickly, to avoid being bled dry in kill-zones. The Hun made great use of automatic weapons and hand-held anti-tank launchers.

 

We decided to take it slow, to conserve our forces. If this deadly maze is a sign of things to come -- we will need them for taking Celleno.

 

First, we take our time probing their positions. Second, we slowly surround them. Third, we pound them into submission.

 

Fourth, Jerry counter-attacks with tanks. This caught us off-guard -- we can expect armoured counter-attacks, going forward.

[Aragorn2002]

Good screenshots!

[mjkerner]

Nice!  End of that first post, can't quite figure out what that tanker is doing with his gun. Where's a 400 year dead Roundhead's picture-captioning contest when you need one?

[Artkin]

An AA gun in a foxhole? That's new to me! Your opponent is in it to win it baby!!!

But seriously that map looks like a total knife fight. If I was to avoid it I would strike Charlie with TF 2+3. TF1 would secure that nasty SW-facing alley. Proceed to flank and destroy. Without knowing the topography of course.

Great title btw, I had a total blast.

Edited March 26, 2021 by Artkin

[DerKommissar]

Phase 1: Recce

Recce platoons sneak their way into the brush. We need to see what we're dealing with.

 

Forward observers establish satisfactory observation posts. They are ready to direct remaining artillery assets, for Phase 2.

 

Oi! PAK opened up on us! Reverse -- oh, and do let Major Chetty's Shermans know where they are.

 

Firing at that tree-line! First shot falls short!

 

PAK returns fire! That was a close one -- hope we've brought spare underpants.

 

They've quieted down after a few shots... but keep firing! Major Chetty doesn't want to see that PAK, ever again.

 

The Huns know we're here. MG bullets ricochets off of armour, as our own MGs arrive into the thick of it.

 

HMG spotted. The gloves are coming off. Time to establish fire superiority.

[DerKommissar]

Phase 2: Base of Fire

Snipers sit atop the hill, in sturdy brick structures on Point Charlie. Shermans have to fill in as field guns.

 

Sustained HMG fire is forcing Jerry to pull back from Point Bravo. This flank looks weak, Major Chetty is growing eager for an attack.

 

Forward observers enjoy a great view, as spotting rounds fall on Point Alpha. All of the Battlegroup's howitzers are coming down on Celleno.

 

Task Force 1 is poised to strike. Task Force 2 and 3 are waiting for artillery cover. Assault is imminent.

Edited April 21, 2021 by DerKommissar

[Aragorn2002]

Looks stunning, DK. I take it this is work in progress?

[DerKommissar]

On 5/9/2021 at 4:28 AM, Aragorn2002 said:

Looks stunning, DK. I take it this is work in progress?

I've managed to finish it before F&R dropped. Still have to select, crop and upload the images, and the new games have been keeping me busy. I'll post part 3, soon!

[danfrodo]

Nice work, DerKommissar.  I don't know how I missed this thread earlier, really nice pictures & story. 

[DerKommissar]

Phase 3: Assault

Major Chetty leads Task Force 1 into a hail of fire.

Shermans supporting Major Jensen's Task Force 2, answering, in kind.

All of the Battlegroup's Stonks are dumped on the defenders. Major Chetty speeds onwards.

Infantry from Major Ntsimango's Task Force 3, advance under artillery cover.

Jerry answers with artillery fire on Task Force 2's base of fire, as our own barrage ends.

Task Force 2 gets bogged down in house-to-house fighting, not far from their objective.

Major Chetty's gamble pays off, as Bravo is virtually undefended. Task Force 1 quickly moves to exploit the enemy's rear.

As the smoke from Task Force 2's light mortars clears, the 88 is ambushed. Major Chetty scores a battlefield commendation.

As the bullets crack over their heads, the German officers decide it's not worth it, after all. If only they'd had that revelation, earlier.

Edited May 16, 2021 by DerKommissar

[Falaise]

it was great thank you !!