George MC Posted December 23, 2005 Share Posted December 23, 2005 Peiper's "Blowtorch" Battalion A CMBB combat history of the III. (gep)/ SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt. 2 commanded by Jochen Peiper, following its actions from the 3rd Battle of Kharkov in the winter of 1943, to the conflagration of Kursk in the summer of 1943. Researched and designed by Charlie Meconis and George McEwan. About the “Blowtorch Battalion” scenarios The legend of the Blowtorch Battalion was born in the battles around Kharkov in the winter of 42/43. The nickname “Blowtorch Battalion” was worn with some pride by this unit as many of its vehicles eventually sported a blowtorch symbol painted on their bodywork. Peiper developed armoured mounted infantry tactics that were for the time extremely innovative, and which made best use of the SPWs mobility and firepower. Jochen Peiper is quoted in the biography by Agte as saying the nickname came about due to their innovation of successfully attacking tough Soviet positions in villages with high-speed night assaults, mounted in their new halftracks. The thatch in the houses roofs caught fire due to tracer rounds etc - hence the nickname. This nickname was then given different connotations after the war with the allegation, denied by Peiper, that the unit deliberately set fire to houses with blowtorches. After the war this allegation formed part of the case that was made against Peiper for his being tried for war crimes. Given the total and brutal nature of the war in the East, it is likely that Peiper and his troops both committed and were the victims of war crimes in terms of international law. No one came out of that apocalypse called World War II with their hands really clean. We do not condone those actions. This series of scenarios recreating several of the actions involving Peiper's unit were born out of a desire to recreate some rather audacious, courageous and ultimately bloody actions that were fought by both Soviet and German units during the winter of 42/43 around Kharkov, and latter in the summer of 1943 during the epic Battle of Kursk. Both authors have been very meticulous to research the Soviet side and give the Soviets their own identity rather than a faceless 'Red Horde' - as the bravery shown by the Soviet units during this fighting was exceptional. Although it should be borne in mind that to date, Soviet sources are still not as detailed and complete as German ones are. It is to be hoped that through time these sources will become more available in English, so that the efforts and contributions of the Soviet soldiers to the victory over Nazi Germany will become as well known. You can download them at www.blowtorchscenarios.com Merry Christmas Charlie Meconis and George McEwan [ December 26, 2005, 03:44 AM: Message edited by: George Mc ] 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aragorn2002 Posted December 23, 2005 Share Posted December 23, 2005 The site looks superb, George. And the scenarios that you and Charlie made/make are simply among the best CMBB has to offer. Thank you again for all your work and a merry christmas to you both. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dieseltaylor Posted December 23, 2005 Share Posted December 23, 2005 Your first link goes to M$oft! The other one works fine. Excellent stuff. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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