1st game - Arnhem Campaign lost?

[stubby331]

Well, after playing my first tutorial and having a bit of a read of the excellent manual (a big thank you for the printed matter). I decided to dive head first into the deep end and play the Arnhem campaign as the allies.

I’m @ dusk on day 2 and things aren’t looking too great for 1st ABN. 2para, 3para and the KOSB’s are clinging (and I mean clinging) onto the outskirts of eastern Arnhem waiting for the sun to go down so they might retreat (without getting slaughtered in the open) into the forest just north west of the rail bridge. They have taken some losses, the lowlight being “A” Coy 2para surrendering [:(] .

Hackett’s 4th brigade is complete, still uncommitted, poised in the forested areas north of the rail line running into arnhem from the west and about to receive orders to try and push into the northern outskirts of Arnhem under cover of darkness. (I have already lost hope of gaining the main bridge but I must keep up the pressure else give up the battlefield initiative).

On a bright note I have captured and still hold three minor Rhine crossings that are located just south of Renkum heath (which is still in my possession, much to the relief of the 2nd drop today) and have pushed HQ 1 Para brigade and 1 Para across to the south side of the Rhine to be poised in the wooded area just south west of the still intact rail bridge. These units will be attempting an assault of that bridge tonight. Hopefully between Hackett’s brigade and 1 Para pushing for the rail bridge Jerry’s forces might be strained to contain both (everything’s crossed).

Being from good Perth stock (like myself [:D] ), I know Hackett will push his Brigade for all he is worth, but will it be enough????

Stay tuned.

[The_MadMan]

Hang on to the Railway bridge, with it intact you have a very good chance of getting a decisive victory.

[MadScot]

While you don't have much choice about defending in woods some of the time, don't give up the eastern edge of town lightly. You'll have more chance in an urban area than woodland, once the German arty starts letting rip.

With the Germans owning the highway bridge they'll be free to reinforce or counterattack the rail bridge even once you take it, AND to move units down the highway to block XXX Corps. I'd consider putting some "roadblocks" out along the highway to occupy some of the key ground - maybe a job for the 21 Ind para units? You may give the Guards an easier ride, and at the least you'll have some observation of the highway, which will help the armour when it does show up.

[stubby331]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Well, the intact railway bridge is mine. Its now 4am day 3 and 1para and HQ 1 Para Brigade are now digging in on both sides of the bridge waiting for daylight and the german counterattack. Ive got both 6 and 17 pounders supporting, so, we will see. (not looking forward to watching them getting smacked by the jerry artillery....)

I'm intending to send the 1st recce sqdn across the rhine and having a poke down south to recce out Jerry blocking postions. From this info I will use the Poles to provide some relief to xxx corps when needed....

Re Hacketts Brigade, Ive held off on their Arnhem town/bridge attack until the night of day 4.... (maybe even the night of Day 5 IF I can get some XXX corps light armour support through the back roads upto and over the rail bridge...)

Re 2 & 3 para and the KOSB's. Their strength has been gutted with some companies being combined.... I'm afraid their offensive capability is pretty much kaput.

So its all down to hackett and xxx corps....

[The_MadMan]

Use the poles to defend Elst or even better Elden and when XXXcorps arrives use the railway tracks as a road, the jerries do not block, only where it crosses the road.