Hoa Binh- Operation Tulipe

[Michielson]

What a fight…
After a couple of shorter battles and scenarios this map promises to bring a real challenge.
At the very beginning it’s already clear: A large force, with armored assets and only a few major roads. It will be tough keeping the troops on the move, fast enough (15-turn limit), but avoiding deadly ambushes.
I started of by advancing in the North, infantry first, followed by the tanks and M3’s. Some enemy fire was coming in from the West.
In the South I decided to build some improved positions facing the N-S ridgeline, as a fall back line. At the Same time infantry and parachute infantry platoons started to advance SE->NW in a streched line formation.
Progress in the North was slow, the M3’s took some hits and the difficult terrain proved to be a major factor in delaying the attack.
In the South progress was faster, but managing reinforcements and artillery to break the enemy line wasn’t easy.
Around turn 10 I got an EP penalty because of a casualty rate of 5%.
Later on a second penalty followed (10% casualties).
The last 4-5 turns the enemy line was broken, but fighting remained intense.
In the end the scale of our force, combined with constant artillery support, saved the day.
We managed to capture all but one objective.
This battle is a real challenge. Speed is of key importance, but affects casualty rates highly. I also haven’t used my reconnaissance platoons in the right way. And, keep your medium and heavy trucks nearby to load and move your troops faster after taking an enemy stronghold.
Nice scenario!

Stats:
Side A SP losses: 65 / B: 282
Side A point loss: 237 / B: 730
EP’s: Side A -150
OP’s: A: 1500 / B: 250
Total: 1593, minor victory

[Jason Petho]

Now that sounds like a fun battle indeed!