Last Stand at Marchelepot (DC3)


Marchelepot, France, June 6, 1940: After the outbreak of war in 1939, the 
French government formed three regiments of foreign volunteers, the Regiments 
de Marche des Voluntaires Etrangers (RMVE). Although associated with the Foreign 
Legion, they were technically separate units and included large numbers of Spanish 
exiles. Poorly equipped and hastily trained, little was expected of the RMVE. But 
the conduct of the 22e upheld the finest traditions of the legion with which it was 
loosely linked. From March 22nd to the 25th it fought valiantly on the Somme front, 
and on June 5th it held the fortified village of Marchelepot against a full-scale 
combined arms assault by the 4th Panzer Division. But after sustaining cassualties 
of more than 50 percent, and critically short on ammunition, the 22e faced a second 
German attack the next day.

Game Length: 7 turns

For the Germans to win they must capture the church and the chataeu
For the French to win they must hold the buildings

Germans: Squads, MMG, LMG's, DC's, OBA, AFV's
French: Squads, HMG, MMG, LMG, MTR, AT Guns

Board: #46

Aftermath: Initial German attacks by armor and infantry were thrown back, but after 
heavy air and artillery bombardment, a set-piece assault by German infantry cut-off 
the village and infiltrated French defenses. The commander of the 22e refused a German 
demand for surrender, and the regiment fought house-to-house within the town. Fighting 
was especially vicious around the church and the chateau, where desperate defenders 
hurled grenades at point blank range. Overwhelmed by superior numbers and out of 
ammunition, the several hundred survivors ot the 22e finally surrendered two hours 
after their main strongpoints had fallen, although a few commited suicide rather than 
give up. The German commander congratulated the colonel of the 22e on his defensive 
efforts and expressed disbelief that so few men had held up his assault for so long. 
despite its unofficial status as a legion regiment, the unit Croix de Guerre of the 
22e, won at Marchelepot, now flies among the battle streamers of the legion's etranger.

Source: ASL Scenario DC3, Last Stand at Marchelepot, designed by David Craig
