22. December, 1944					____<\_____
						\===888===/
						     \8/
						     (X)

FROM HQ 116.th Panzer DIVISION


Major Schmidts,

your general orders are to push with your Kampfgruppe through the Ourthe
valley towards Hotton and this way provide flank protection for your left
neighbour, the 2.nd Panzer Division which is attacking towards the meuse
crossings at DINANT.

At your disposal is a mixed Kampfgruppe composed of a Panther company from
Pz.Rgt.116 and Grenadiers from PzG. Rgt. 60. Several support units are
attached as well. Our artillery Abteilungs are still stuck in rearward
traffic jams or even left at their start lines from 16.th december for lack
of fuel or transport, so you cant count on their support. Some additional
motorized Mortar units and self propelled guns are attached instead.

The enemy in front of you is believed to be parts of the US 84th Infantry
Division and parts of a yet unidentified US Armor Division might also be near.
The US forces shouldnt be much of a problem as due to the bad weather they
cant count on their airforce support!
 
Attack is scheduled to start at 8:00 at dawn.
Move as fast as the situation allows, take the small town VENDREUX
and push with your main forces further to the NORTH (!!>VICTORY EXIT HEX<!!).
Secure your advance by leaving back minor detachments for flank protection
and holding supply lines open. Also if possible, take posession of any
terrain features that might help to secure local superiority.


Good luck Major Schmidts!


-------------------------------------

Hints: Remember! Most victory points are awarded for exiting your most
valuable units at the VICTORY EXIT HEX at the northern map edge (52,0)!
Some units have reduced Ammo battle loads due to the bad supply
situation. The Panthers and Stug40 are temporarily "overloaded" with
infantry passengers. Dismount them only when necessary, as you cant
remount them again at full strength, due to the limited default carry
capacity of the vehicles in the official OOB!