speed is very important. Depending on the enemy defences found at
Bridgeville I would anticipate the possibility of heavy losses for the
Battalion. The divisional commander would probably feel this was
acceptable if the town could be cleared for a quick divisional advance.
There is no time to set up nice dug in positions here!
With that in mind;
* 1st AC company to advance along the road south and east of the
river. Stopping only if heavy defences are found. They would
advance right along the road to Village area east of the 3rd
bridge and setup position there. Their principle purpose is to
flush out as many enemy defenders as possible. They are only to
stop and engage what they can quickly defeat and report back
positions to battalion HQ. From their village position they are
to engage any enemy units spotted. If they meet heavy defences
and are unable to advance to the village battalion reserves will
be brought up. Any enemy units in this village area will have to
be flushed out by 1st AC and 2nd AC is it follows up.
* 2nd AC company would follow them about 1km behind. They will mop
up any lighter defenders that 1st AC had to bypass. If enemy
units are met that 1 and 2 AC are both unable to destroy with
relative speed further battalion assets will be called up.
Assuming they are able to follow 1st AC right up to the bridge
area they will cross the middle bridge with 1st AC issuing
covering fire from the village area they occupy. If the enemy
defences in the town are judged too strong for this they will take
up position in the built up area to the south of Bridgeville. Any
enemy units that might be in this built up area should have been
spotted by 1st AC. If they are there 2nd AC will join 1st AC to
the north until enemy units in the 2nd built up area have been
destroyed.
* 3rd Krad Company to take the Northern road, cross the northern
most bridge of the red river and follow the road (or cut the
corner slightly where it goes off the map
) To advance throughthe initial set of woods and then leave the road (ground looks
good here - and avoids the possibility of enemy units in the next
set of woods) position themselves just South of the road north of
Bridgeville. This will allow possible flanking opportunities for
one or other of the forces. Possibility to be observed that the
bridge may be defended. If possible the 3rd Krad to engage and
defeat these as they are met. If too heavy then further Battalion
assets to be brought forward.
* 4th Hvy Wpns and Mot AT plat to be the Battalion's reserve. Their
use would very much depend on the situation encountered by the 3
companies recc'ing the town.
* Assuming 2nd AC managed to cross the bridge into Bridgeville and
is now engaging enemy units in the village, with 1AC across the
river supporting with no big surprises re. enemy strength in the
area the Hvy Wpns company would be brought up to a favourable
position either North of the town to join 3rd Krad, or into the
village area occupied by 1st AC to lay fire on the town while 1AC
crossed the bridge to join 2 AC. It would also be used to shift
any stubborn resistance and mop up any stragglers left by the AC
companies. It would also be sent to help 3rd Krad cross bridge if
needed. If both forces need help from non armoured forces we have
a problem! If armoured forces are involved the AT plat can be
called upon.
* 3rd Krad to enter town from North if situation permits. If
encounters heavy fire to use woods to east or west as cover. At
the very least the enemy in the town will have to face 2 directions.
* the AT platoons useage would be dependant on any armour in the
area. If safe and no specific threat known they could advance
into woods east of river to provide additional spotting capability
and would still be reasonably positioned to advance north or west
as the situation determined.
* Assuming all goes well in the town the HQ would eventually move up
to take position there.
