German WW2 Strategy and Tactics Articles

[Erwin Rommel]

I found this page and thought it may help some of the newer players out there..

http://etloh.8m.com/strategy.html

I used some of the defensive setups and techniques described to great effect in game.

[imported_no_one]

Danke!

Some good stuff!

[JasonC]

Most of it doctrine "shouldas" rather than actual "dids", but some bits are interesting. On recon, for instance, despite the "billing" about it always being in force and aggressive, the details turn out to be -

d. BATTLE RECONNAISSANCE PATROLS

The Germans send out reconnaissance patrols consisting of a noncommissioned officer and three or four men, to get such information as the location of enemy positions and minefields. They generally avoid contact and retreat when fired on.

In other words, send a half squad. The standard way of finding out what is where.

COMBAT PATROLS

15 to 20 men, organized in two equal sections, each commanded by a section leader. These are raiding patrols, and their mission often includes bringing back prisoners of war...often sent out to test the strength of enemy outposts. If an outpost proves to be weakly held, the patrol attacks, occupies the position, and remains there until relieved.

In other words, a reduced platoon sometimes backs up the half squad scouts, and if the enemy is just an LMG or half-squad itself, drives it away.

Mounted recon -

Armored car patrols normally are composed of three armored reconnaissance cars...If enemy forces are met, action is avoided unless the force is so weak that it can be destroyed...A patrol is never split up, but in open country distances between cars may be as much as 200 to 300 yards.

They mostly stay on roads, recon by fire at any roadblocks, overrun single infantry LPs, and avoid anything more serious.

Realistic, not particularly special, not exactly rocket science...