New file at the Repository: At Another Crossroads (2011-06-08)

[Battlefront Repository]

This is small scale, infrantry only engagement in which elemnts of the 325th, 82d Airborne must seize a crossroads as the "only road out of town" for the Germans leaving Vindefontaine. The map should be pretty accurate and it can be played as either Axis or Allies.v1.1 various AI fixes.

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[Badger73]

At Another Crossroads

CMBN Base Game scenario

submitted 09-June-11

file author: Badjayhawk (William Odle)

- 14-June-1944

- Duration = 30 minutes

- US Glider Infantry platoons (force size of less than a company) vs. understrength company of German Grenadier Infantry.

- This is small scale, infantry only engagement in which elements of the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division must seize a crossroads as the "only road out of town" for the Germans of the 77th Infantry Division leaving Vindefontaine. The scenario is fictional but the map accurately reflects the area of conflict.

Can play as USA or GER versus AI.

Gameplay report - CMBN version 1.11 on WARRIOR setting.

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This is a small, fun scenario. A week after D-Day, two platoons of glider light infantry are tasked with closing off a crossroads from German use for advance or withdrawal.

Players new to CMBN often ask which scenario's are good for them to cut their teeth. This scenario is very well suited to a new CMBN player who has mastered the training campaign and wants to exercise developing skills. Each side comprises less than a company. The situation is straightforward. The briefing quite good. The briefing map is excellent. Opposing forces are balanced.

The scenario provides an attractive map for an interesting little encounter. The battle plays quickly and goes well when using sound tactics. It is straightforward for the Americans and good practice for finding exposed flanks in bocage. The 500 meter x 700 meter map area allows players flanking room rather than be funneled into a kill zone. Not knowing what you are up against when playing the first time provides anxious moments.

Veteran gamers playing the AI will not find this battle challenging enough.

1) Deployment & Initial moves.

This is a small size battle with plenty of room to maneuver. The US forces comprise 2 glider infantry platoons and an automatic weapons section. The Germans defend with an understrength company supplemented by automatic weapons teams.

This scenario provides more than enough time fto perform required missions; secure or defend the crossroads. With an area to reconnoiter and several axis of advance, it will an hour or two for solitary play.

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<<< SPOILERS FOLLOW >>>

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2) Conduct of operations

2a) as the US player.

You command two platoons of motivated light infantry with mortar support and a BAR section providing good base of fire. This is a classic situation for your 103 men to Find, Fix, Flank, and Finish. Follow your Op Order and you will do well. Split squads into teams. Advance by bounds. Recon before committing your units. Use your mortars.

2b) as the GER player.

You command 80 men split between two positions. You know the Americans are out there. Find good fields of fire. Hide until the enemy telegraphs his intentions, then pin their advance and chip their flanks away. Spread out initially and avoid deploying heavily in landmarks to minimize vulnerability to concentrations of artillery fires. Your half track lays down excellent machine-gun fires. Keep it in reserve where it can react and move quickly. Use it to break the American advance after it is sufficiently pinned by your defending infantry. You are on your own. Preserve your forces and protect your positions.

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<<< SPOILERS END >>>

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Assessment: This scenario is straightforward and fun. US maneuver options are viable and not confusing. German defenders have multiple options. This scenario graduates new players to company level commands with dependable units and manageable assets.

USA player has to practice recon, fire. and maneuver with good opportunities to make use of mortars. GER forces have to wait for things to develop and respond accordingly. This is a well constructed scenario and certainly worth the time for new and moderately skilled users to play.

Rate "5" for map design.

Rate "4" for AI deployment of forces.

Rate "5 / 3.5" for initial play / replay against AI.

Recommendation: This is a great scenario for new gamers to play. While solo play will grow stale after the second replay, it is also an excellent match up for beginning player H2H.

Parting shots.

I commend William for a nicely researched near-historical scenario. He has done a fine job developing a manageable D-Day exploitation. This scenario provides my favorite briefing map of the several scenario's I've played. His Briefing also provides a great example of a misunderstood communication; specifically, referencing a "poor excuse of a hill" confused me as the American player. That's exactly the same kind of confusion which occurred in the field and a good example where colloquial expressions produce unintended consequences. Given that this is not an example of poor communication but rather one of clear communication unintentionally confused; a good combat leadership lesson in itself.

Good luck and good gaming!