The Merville Battery


Meadows of Merville, France, the night of June 6th, 1944: In preperation for the seaborne assault,
the 6th Airborne Division received the mission of occupying and holding the zone located between
the Dives and the Orne to the north of Caen. The destruction of the four large guns at the Merville
Battery in the northeast of this zone is entrusted to the 9th Parachute Battalion. It was the most
difficult task entrusted to a paratroop unit during the airdrop since the garrison included approximately
130 men defending the fortified positions with bunkers surrounded by barbed wire and minefields.

Game Length: 9 Turns

For the British to win they must capture the four large guns
For the Germans to win they must hold the four large guns

British: Squads, MMG's, LMG's, Piat, DC's
Germans: Squads, HMG, MMG's, LMG's, MTR's

Aftermath: After gathering his men, Lt. Col. Otway decided to divide his forces into seven groups. Two
groups tackled the barbed wire to open the way for four groups, which were to destroy the guns. The last
group was to make a diversionary attack at the principle entry of the German position. When the attack 
started, the two gliders which had to land in the heart of the position appeared. Unforetunately, not
managing to locate the site, they landed 200 meters away. The combat intensified and, attacking on several
fronts at the same time, the British managed to progress rather quickly in spite of the keen German defense.
The garrison finally surrendered. 100 of the 130 defenders and 70 paratroopers were killed or wounded by
the end of the battle.


Source: Tactiques Magazine, Scenario ASL TAC 5, The Merville Battery
