Hello,
I set up a campaign starting in June 1944 with a reinforced German parachute batallion on the Western front. My idea is to fight battles similar to those the Green Devils saw in France, Netherlands, Belgium and the Lower Rhine region.
I try to configure the single battles that they "fit" more or less to the situations the paratroopers saw. Therefore, I incorporate maps delivered with the game or change artificial maps in a way that they make sense. Finally, I change the AI troops in a way that they make also sense and the whole force does not look so "gamey".
First battle will be a hypothetical counter attack (actual a "advance" mission") south of Carentan on June 7th, 1944. Forces are:
1 x Parachute Batallion (maybe III./FJ Rgt 6) consisting of
3 x Parachute Companies (with K98 instead of FG 42 because I never read that it was used in front line with the
exception of Operation "Eiche")
1 x Heavy Company (1 x MG Platoon, used SS to simulate Elite character, 1 x LG 75mm section, 2 x 81mm
Mortar section;normally, the heavy company had 2 MG platoons but FJR 6 was low on MGs)
1 x Light Howitzer battery (75mm, I "play" that ArtRgt 191 from 91. GrenDiv to which FJRgt was subordinated gave one
battery to that combat group, this regiment had 75mm Mountain howitzers)
1 x Tank company with H 35 (assumed that Panzerbrigade 100 which was on the Contentin peninsular gave a company to
the battle group)
1 x 88 FlaK battery (8 tubes) vor AT purpose (assumed that an anonymous batallion gave a battery to the battle group;
FJR 6 had more or less no AT guns)
1 x StuG III battery (to have at least a little bit of armour)
Battle group is for the mission reinforced with a batallion of 105 mm howitzers (most common artillery in German army) and 2 platoons of motorcycle infantery for reckon (very common in the reckon company/batallion of the parachute divisions)
Enemy will be US paratroops (as historically), later reinforced with tanks and infantry. I gave the AI also strong airforce and naval artillery to simulate the situation directly after D-Day
Give me a respond if you are interested in battle reports...
WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
Moderator: MOD_SPWaW
WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
"No other troops in the world but German paratroops could have stood up to such an ordeal and then gone on fighting with such ferocity" — Field Marshal Alexander.
-
Korpraali V
- Posts: 659
- Joined: Mon Jul 11, 2005 6:52 am
- Location: Finland
RE: WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
ORIGINAL: Zardoz
Give me a respond if you are interested in battle reports...
a respond
[;)][:D]
RE: WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
[:D]
as requested ?
War Diary III./FJR 6 05.06.1944
Korps Commander General Marcks and Regimental leader Major Freiherr v. d. Heydte decided to build up a battle group around III./FJR which should function as a reserve on the Contentin peinsular. Battle group will be named after the batallion leader Hauptmann Wenskat "Kampfgruppe Wenskat". Reinforcements will be 2. Kompanie of Panzerbrigade 100, 3. Batterie of Artillerieregiment 191 and 1. Batterie of StuG Abteilung 202. Furthermore, 2. Batterie of Flak Abteilung 352 will be attached.
Deceision was made since desertion of all drivers coming from Alsaque, activities of French marquis and the bombing of bridges, crossings and railroads around Carentan and Coutances gives evidence that the invasion will occur in the next couples of days. Korps and 7. Armee assume that invasion will take place in their area
War Diary Kampfgruppe Wenskat 06.06.1994
Cotentin penisular was subject to heavy bombing in the nigth of 5/6 06.1944. Outposts reported parachute and gilder landings. Korps, Regiment and kampfgruppe were immediately alarmed. Kampfgruppe was given the task to organise at Carentan because support elements had not yet reached III./FJR 6
Parts of the Jäger Companies were involved in local skirmishing with hostile paratroopers. Enemy was identified as US paratroops. Division or divisions are yet unclear since prisoners show high morale and give no answers than name and rank.
as requested ?
War Diary III./FJR 6 05.06.1944
Korps Commander General Marcks and Regimental leader Major Freiherr v. d. Heydte decided to build up a battle group around III./FJR which should function as a reserve on the Contentin peinsular. Battle group will be named after the batallion leader Hauptmann Wenskat "Kampfgruppe Wenskat". Reinforcements will be 2. Kompanie of Panzerbrigade 100, 3. Batterie of Artillerieregiment 191 and 1. Batterie of StuG Abteilung 202. Furthermore, 2. Batterie of Flak Abteilung 352 will be attached.
Deceision was made since desertion of all drivers coming from Alsaque, activities of French marquis and the bombing of bridges, crossings and railroads around Carentan and Coutances gives evidence that the invasion will occur in the next couples of days. Korps and 7. Armee assume that invasion will take place in their area
War Diary Kampfgruppe Wenskat 06.06.1994
Cotentin penisular was subject to heavy bombing in the nigth of 5/6 06.1944. Outposts reported parachute and gilder landings. Korps, Regiment and kampfgruppe were immediately alarmed. Kampfgruppe was given the task to organise at Carentan because support elements had not yet reached III./FJR 6
Parts of the Jäger Companies were involved in local skirmishing with hostile paratroopers. Enemy was identified as US paratroops. Division or divisions are yet unclear since prisoners show high morale and give no answers than name and rank.
"No other troops in the world but German paratroops could have stood up to such an ordeal and then gone on fighting with such ferocity" — Field Marshal Alexander.
RE: WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
Another "respond"
Keep it up, Zardoz![:)]
Keep it up, Zardoz![:)]
RE: WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
(Map is the Normandy map in the game pack with the "Elle river" in the South"
War Diary Kampfgruppe Wenskat 07.06.1944
Kampfgruppe got in the night the order to attack southward from Carentan. Enemy (identified as US troops) has erected a beachhead and already taken St. Mere Eglise. Strength and quality of the enemy there is still unclear beside the fact that 101. and 82 US Parachute Divisions have been identified.
The task of the Kampfgruppe is to push back the enemy perimeter and make contact with I./FJR 6 which is in danger to be encircled.
The Jäger companies and the attached parts of Art.Rgt 191 and 2./PzBrigade 100 have reached in the night the north side of the Elle river. The other parts of the battle group have been delayed by heavy sea based artillery fire. Contact to them is lost. According to the last information they will reach the start position for the attack within 1 or 2 hours. However, it is no time to wait and the attack must be started without them. Fortunately, contact was created with the survivors of ArtRgt. 191, 91. Gren Div which is able to support the battle group with 3 batteries of 10,5 cm howitzers.
War Diary Kampfgruppe Wenskat 07.06.1944 7:00
Attack started at 7:00 in the morning. 9. Kompanie is situated in the South of the operational area , supported by the MG platoon and the LG platoon of 12. (heavy) Kompanie. Furthermore 1 Platoon of 2./PzBgd 100 has been attached. The company has the task to take the bridges over the Elle and to secure the town situated north at the river. It is assumed that the south bank of the river is already in the hands of the enemy as well as the southwest part of the town.
11. Kompanie will attack in the centre of the operational area, support 9. Kompanie in taking the town and take hill 102 situated northwest of the town. it is assumed that hill 102 allows to control artillery fire and must therefore be taken. The company is reinforced with a platoon of 2./PzBgd 100 and a Kradschützen platoon.
10. Kompanie attacks in the north with the task to secure vital crossroads and, if possible, to take the town in the Northwest edge of our operational area. However, the last task should be tried to fullfilled with a"Stosstrupp" infiltrating the enemy frontline rather than an attack. One platoon of 1o. Kompanie is kept as batallion reserve. The company is supported by the rest of 2./PzBgd 100.
Attack started with a surprising success. After a preparing artillery barrage the Kradschützen took both bridges over the Elle intact without any resistance. In the other areas the companies marched forward and contact with the enemy is not yet made.
War Diary Kampfgruppe Wenskat 07.06.1944 7:15
9. Kompanie has made contact with the enemy. Strong infantery groups suppported by jeeps attack our bridge head at the South most bridge. At the moment only one squad of a Kradschützen platoon and a LG hold the position. The town is to about 2/3 in our hand. However, in the Southend of the town, a hostile infantery concentration was detected. A strong enemy attack is suspected in the next 15 minutes.
In the centre, the Kradschützen were ambushed by the enemy and suffered heavy losses. The firefight alarmed the 11.Kompanie which prepared a definsive perimeter to hold the central cross road
10. Kompanie in the North approaches without any resistance.
Artillery fire is directed on the enemy.
7:30
In the centre, a group of the enemy was ambushed and lost several jeeps. Our artillery fire has hit the enemy and his march stopped. 11. Kompanie reorganises to attack him and push him back. Our Jäger appreciate the effective support by the H 35. Losses are light at the moment.
In the north, 10 Kompanie has still not made contact
In the south, 9. Kompanie was able to support the bridgehead just in time with a Jäger platoon. Fighting is heayy, one LG is lossed, but the enemy losses are much higher, especially because of our well aimed artillery fire. The bridge head is under heavy hostile mortar fire.
At the South side of town the first attack of the enemy was stopped. One H 35 was lost by a Bazooka hit. The enemy, identified as US paratroopers try to infiltrate the town. 9. Kompanie fall back to the next row of houses to set up a prepared defense because the company seems to be outnumbered by the enemy.
In the centre, we meet only light resistance and assume to overcome it in the next 15 minutes
War Diary Kampfgruppe Wenskat 07.06.1944 7:45
10. Kompanie made contact with the enemy in the North. Resistance is only light and it is assumed that the approach is not stopped very long.
I./11. Kompanie came under heavy fire of hostile naval guns. 2/3 of the platoon were wounded or killed. The rest must reorganise. Jabos attacked tanks of 2/PzBgd 100. 3 tanks were destroyed with no survivors. One tank was knocked out by a bazooka, 1 tank broke down.
11. Kompanie still holds all crossroads and repulsed an enemy attack with losses for him. Own losses with the exception of I/11. Kp are still light.
9. Kompanie prepares for a suspected enemy attack. The enemy has alread infiltrated the town with some squads. MG platoon has the task to destroy them. At the NorthWest edge of the town at the Elle river the enemy took cover as he was hit with our mortar fire.At the South bridge all enemy attacks were beaten off. However , the defending platoon is under heavy mortar fire. a second platoon was able to cross the bridge.
Overall, the situation has now changed much. With the execption of 1o. Kompanie in the North, all companies have taken defensive positions. Tanks cannot operate in the open any longer. All company leaders got order to keep their units moving to avoid losses by naval fire.
No contact with our reinforcements yet.
War Diary Kampfgruppe Wenskat 07.06.1944
Kampfgruppe got in the night the order to attack southward from Carentan. Enemy (identified as US troops) has erected a beachhead and already taken St. Mere Eglise. Strength and quality of the enemy there is still unclear beside the fact that 101. and 82 US Parachute Divisions have been identified.
The task of the Kampfgruppe is to push back the enemy perimeter and make contact with I./FJR 6 which is in danger to be encircled.
The Jäger companies and the attached parts of Art.Rgt 191 and 2./PzBrigade 100 have reached in the night the north side of the Elle river. The other parts of the battle group have been delayed by heavy sea based artillery fire. Contact to them is lost. According to the last information they will reach the start position for the attack within 1 or 2 hours. However, it is no time to wait and the attack must be started without them. Fortunately, contact was created with the survivors of ArtRgt. 191, 91. Gren Div which is able to support the battle group with 3 batteries of 10,5 cm howitzers.
War Diary Kampfgruppe Wenskat 07.06.1944 7:00
Attack started at 7:00 in the morning. 9. Kompanie is situated in the South of the operational area , supported by the MG platoon and the LG platoon of 12. (heavy) Kompanie. Furthermore 1 Platoon of 2./PzBgd 100 has been attached. The company has the task to take the bridges over the Elle and to secure the town situated north at the river. It is assumed that the south bank of the river is already in the hands of the enemy as well as the southwest part of the town.
11. Kompanie will attack in the centre of the operational area, support 9. Kompanie in taking the town and take hill 102 situated northwest of the town. it is assumed that hill 102 allows to control artillery fire and must therefore be taken. The company is reinforced with a platoon of 2./PzBgd 100 and a Kradschützen platoon.
10. Kompanie attacks in the north with the task to secure vital crossroads and, if possible, to take the town in the Northwest edge of our operational area. However, the last task should be tried to fullfilled with a"Stosstrupp" infiltrating the enemy frontline rather than an attack. One platoon of 1o. Kompanie is kept as batallion reserve. The company is supported by the rest of 2./PzBgd 100.
Attack started with a surprising success. After a preparing artillery barrage the Kradschützen took both bridges over the Elle intact without any resistance. In the other areas the companies marched forward and contact with the enemy is not yet made.
War Diary Kampfgruppe Wenskat 07.06.1944 7:15
9. Kompanie has made contact with the enemy. Strong infantery groups suppported by jeeps attack our bridge head at the South most bridge. At the moment only one squad of a Kradschützen platoon and a LG hold the position. The town is to about 2/3 in our hand. However, in the Southend of the town, a hostile infantery concentration was detected. A strong enemy attack is suspected in the next 15 minutes.
In the centre, the Kradschützen were ambushed by the enemy and suffered heavy losses. The firefight alarmed the 11.Kompanie which prepared a definsive perimeter to hold the central cross road
10. Kompanie in the North approaches without any resistance.
Artillery fire is directed on the enemy.
7:30
In the centre, a group of the enemy was ambushed and lost several jeeps. Our artillery fire has hit the enemy and his march stopped. 11. Kompanie reorganises to attack him and push him back. Our Jäger appreciate the effective support by the H 35. Losses are light at the moment.
In the north, 10 Kompanie has still not made contact
In the south, 9. Kompanie was able to support the bridgehead just in time with a Jäger platoon. Fighting is heayy, one LG is lossed, but the enemy losses are much higher, especially because of our well aimed artillery fire. The bridge head is under heavy hostile mortar fire.
At the South side of town the first attack of the enemy was stopped. One H 35 was lost by a Bazooka hit. The enemy, identified as US paratroopers try to infiltrate the town. 9. Kompanie fall back to the next row of houses to set up a prepared defense because the company seems to be outnumbered by the enemy.
In the centre, we meet only light resistance and assume to overcome it in the next 15 minutes
War Diary Kampfgruppe Wenskat 07.06.1944 7:45
10. Kompanie made contact with the enemy in the North. Resistance is only light and it is assumed that the approach is not stopped very long.
I./11. Kompanie came under heavy fire of hostile naval guns. 2/3 of the platoon were wounded or killed. The rest must reorganise. Jabos attacked tanks of 2/PzBgd 100. 3 tanks were destroyed with no survivors. One tank was knocked out by a bazooka, 1 tank broke down.
11. Kompanie still holds all crossroads and repulsed an enemy attack with losses for him. Own losses with the exception of I/11. Kp are still light.
9. Kompanie prepares for a suspected enemy attack. The enemy has alread infiltrated the town with some squads. MG platoon has the task to destroy them. At the NorthWest edge of the town at the Elle river the enemy took cover as he was hit with our mortar fire.At the South bridge all enemy attacks were beaten off. However , the defending platoon is under heavy mortar fire. a second platoon was able to cross the bridge.
Overall, the situation has now changed much. With the execption of 1o. Kompanie in the North, all companies have taken defensive positions. Tanks cannot operate in the open any longer. All company leaders got order to keep their units moving to avoid losses by naval fire.
No contact with our reinforcements yet.
"No other troops in the world but German paratroops could have stood up to such an ordeal and then gone on fighting with such ferocity" — Field Marshal Alexander.
RE: WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
War Diary Kampfgruppe Wenskat 07.06.1944 8:00
Enemy attacked our positions in the South and the centre. Only in the northmost part of the operation area II. platoon of 10. Kompanie approaches without meeting any resistances. Scouts of the platoon have already reached the Northeast outskirts of the town in the Northwest.
On the main road crossing in the Northern area the enemy has concentrated about a company and attacks the defending III. platoon of 10. Kompanie. Good positioning of snipers and scouts allows well aimed own artillery fire and pins down the enemy. Enemy losses must be here severe. III./10 Kompanie falls back 100m to take cover and await the enemy. Own artillery is aimed on the old defensive position to surprise the enemy when he attacks.
Further south 11. Kompanie has recovered from heavy artillery fire and its spearheads have reached hill 102. Leading platoon prepares the attack.
The town at the Elle river was hit by naval artillery fire and air attacks. The centre of the town is devastated and burns. Losses were severe. One squad was totally wiped ot when the building they hided collapsed after a hit. However, 9. Kompanie stubbornly repulsed all attacks and also counterattacks. Leutnant Zimmermann, leader of I./9.Kompanie took advantage of the fact that the naval barrage hit also the enemy and caused disorganisation in their lines and pushed the perimeter further west. This allows good observation of enemy action in the town and helps aiming our artillery and mortars.
In the Southern bridgehead, 9. Kompanie could hold its postion even though attempts to further penetrate were not successfull. Own artillery was very effective and caused a high toll from the enemy. Own losses grew in the last minutes because the bridgehead was target to fire from medium naval guns. Here, too, some grenades were bad aimed and hit the enemy position.
Tanks of 2./PzBgd 100 are constantly harassed by Jabos. One tank got a direct hit and exploded.
Overall, activity of the enemy slowed down and had less pressure. It is hoped that his high losses consumed already part of his fighting power.
First elements of our 88 battery reached the area. Deployment is a problem because streets are under permanent straffing from the air.
Enemy attacked our positions in the South and the centre. Only in the northmost part of the operation area II. platoon of 10. Kompanie approaches without meeting any resistances. Scouts of the platoon have already reached the Northeast outskirts of the town in the Northwest.
On the main road crossing in the Northern area the enemy has concentrated about a company and attacks the defending III. platoon of 10. Kompanie. Good positioning of snipers and scouts allows well aimed own artillery fire and pins down the enemy. Enemy losses must be here severe. III./10 Kompanie falls back 100m to take cover and await the enemy. Own artillery is aimed on the old defensive position to surprise the enemy when he attacks.
Further south 11. Kompanie has recovered from heavy artillery fire and its spearheads have reached hill 102. Leading platoon prepares the attack.
The town at the Elle river was hit by naval artillery fire and air attacks. The centre of the town is devastated and burns. Losses were severe. One squad was totally wiped ot when the building they hided collapsed after a hit. However, 9. Kompanie stubbornly repulsed all attacks and also counterattacks. Leutnant Zimmermann, leader of I./9.Kompanie took advantage of the fact that the naval barrage hit also the enemy and caused disorganisation in their lines and pushed the perimeter further west. This allows good observation of enemy action in the town and helps aiming our artillery and mortars.
In the Southern bridgehead, 9. Kompanie could hold its postion even though attempts to further penetrate were not successfull. Own artillery was very effective and caused a high toll from the enemy. Own losses grew in the last minutes because the bridgehead was target to fire from medium naval guns. Here, too, some grenades were bad aimed and hit the enemy position.
Tanks of 2./PzBgd 100 are constantly harassed by Jabos. One tank got a direct hit and exploded.
Overall, activity of the enemy slowed down and had less pressure. It is hoped that his high losses consumed already part of his fighting power.
First elements of our 88 battery reached the area. Deployment is a problem because streets are under permanent straffing from the air.
"No other troops in the world but German paratroops could have stood up to such an ordeal and then gone on fighting with such ferocity" — Field Marshal Alexander.
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PimpYourAFV
- Posts: 581
- Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2005 11:49 pm
- Location: Japan
RE: WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
Zardoz, nicely written report and great idea for a battle design. Are you going to post a scenario or campaign of this for us to play?
I have to admit I'm frightened of the numbers you mentioned. It sounds like you have about 5 companies of units to control. Is that right? Wow. I have a total of one company for my core in my game and it is plenty for my small brain to try and handle. Do you put most of them on AI control? I always put support infantry on AI to reduce micromanagement. How long does it take you to do one turn?
Keep the story coming dude. I will be reading it.
RE: WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
Hi Tokioboy,
thank you very much. I have to confess that iIam sticked to this scale of battle report because my English is not good enough to write an "emotional report" like a soldier in the fighting as for example KG Erwin had done. However, this report should have the breath of an "official" German war diary which were always very casual.
The number of units is really a bit high. 3 infantry companies, 1 heavy company, finally 2 tank companies and a AT company. I stick to this because for me slow scale actions ..a company or so...are a bit gamey..more commando-style. And my phantasy for commando-style operations is a bit limited. And..making a mistake with a small force can be very tremendeous.
I have not yet looked on the watch.... i do not know how long it takes to play a turn.
I have saved the battle as a scenario. I can give it to you, no problem. But I have to warn you. I do not know whether the battle is really outbalanced. I have the impression it is not and the AI has an advantage. Furthermore, one explanation. I changed the names of leaders but they are not historically even they look now more real (at least for Germans....I hate it having 3 Tychsen in my force and 2 Achtzehn....not very common names in Germany *s*)
thank you very much. I have to confess that iIam sticked to this scale of battle report because my English is not good enough to write an "emotional report" like a soldier in the fighting as for example KG Erwin had done. However, this report should have the breath of an "official" German war diary which were always very casual.
The number of units is really a bit high. 3 infantry companies, 1 heavy company, finally 2 tank companies and a AT company. I stick to this because for me slow scale actions ..a company or so...are a bit gamey..more commando-style. And my phantasy for commando-style operations is a bit limited. And..making a mistake with a small force can be very tremendeous.
I have not yet looked on the watch.... i do not know how long it takes to play a turn.
I have saved the battle as a scenario. I can give it to you, no problem. But I have to warn you. I do not know whether the battle is really outbalanced. I have the impression it is not and the AI has an advantage. Furthermore, one explanation. I changed the names of leaders but they are not historically even they look now more real (at least for Germans....I hate it having 3 Tychsen in my force and 2 Achtzehn....not very common names in Germany *s*)
"No other troops in the world but German paratroops could have stood up to such an ordeal and then gone on fighting with such ferocity" — Field Marshal Alexander.
RE: WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
War Diary Kampfgruppe Wenskat 07.06.1944 8:45
Suffering constant losses 9. Kompanie is down to 20 - 30 men. Losses were heavy due to close range fighting with machine pistols and hand grenades. All attempts to further widen the bridge head were beaten off by the enemy with severe losses for 9. Kompanie. Oberleutnant Jungbluth, leader of 9. Kompanie has requested permission to retreat on the east bank of Elle river and to evacuate the bridgehead. Enemy has brought in tanks. All attacks with infantry AT weapons against them personally lead by Jungbluth were without effect. Furthermore, 9. Kompanie even with support of 11. Kompanie is not able to hold the town any longer. Permission to act at free will was granted. Jungbluth will try to retreat and destroy the Sothern (wood) bridge.
Batallion reserve has been released and has reached the Northeastern part of the town. A platoon of 11. Kompanie supported by 3 tanks of 2./PzBgd. 100 have been orderd to perform a flanking attack against the town from the North. The attack makes good progress. Other elements of 11. Kompanie have already taken hill 102 without any resistance. In the central part 10. Kompanie has stopped the enemy effort to retake the vital crossing there. The infiltrating platoon has reached with spotters the town in the Northwest and controls the road crossing there. An emey HQ, presumably of a brigade or batallion, was detected and a squad was given the task to ambush it.
88 battery has reached in full strengt the front. Battery will set up a defensive position at the central crossroad as well as at the East bank of the Elle river to stop the suspected enemy tank assault there.
Kampfgruppe sufferd less from air attacks and naval artillery. Several own mortars are already out of ammo. No supply possible because all transports to the front were hit by enemy air attacks.
Suffering constant losses 9. Kompanie is down to 20 - 30 men. Losses were heavy due to close range fighting with machine pistols and hand grenades. All attempts to further widen the bridge head were beaten off by the enemy with severe losses for 9. Kompanie. Oberleutnant Jungbluth, leader of 9. Kompanie has requested permission to retreat on the east bank of Elle river and to evacuate the bridgehead. Enemy has brought in tanks. All attacks with infantry AT weapons against them personally lead by Jungbluth were without effect. Furthermore, 9. Kompanie even with support of 11. Kompanie is not able to hold the town any longer. Permission to act at free will was granted. Jungbluth will try to retreat and destroy the Sothern (wood) bridge.
Batallion reserve has been released and has reached the Northeastern part of the town. A platoon of 11. Kompanie supported by 3 tanks of 2./PzBgd. 100 have been orderd to perform a flanking attack against the town from the North. The attack makes good progress. Other elements of 11. Kompanie have already taken hill 102 without any resistance. In the central part 10. Kompanie has stopped the enemy effort to retake the vital crossing there. The infiltrating platoon has reached with spotters the town in the Northwest and controls the road crossing there. An emey HQ, presumably of a brigade or batallion, was detected and a squad was given the task to ambush it.
88 battery has reached in full strengt the front. Battery will set up a defensive position at the central crossroad as well as at the East bank of the Elle river to stop the suspected enemy tank assault there.
Kampfgruppe sufferd less from air attacks and naval artillery. Several own mortars are already out of ammo. No supply possible because all transports to the front were hit by enemy air attacks.
"No other troops in the world but German paratroops could have stood up to such an ordeal and then gone on fighting with such ferocity" — Field Marshal Alexander.
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Korpraali V
- Posts: 659
- Joined: Mon Jul 11, 2005 6:52 am
- Location: Finland
RE: WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
ORIGINAL: Zardoz
I changed the names of leaders but they are not historically even they look now more real (at least for Germans....I hate it having 3 Tychsen in my force and 2 Achtzehn....not very common names in Germany *s*)
[:D] Some of the name choices are really quite funny. Seeing the former presidents or generals of Finland in squad leaders. [:D] Many of their names were very rare at that time (nowadays as well).
RE: WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
War Diary Kampfgruppe Wenskat 07.06.1944 9:30
Hauptmann Wenskat, leading a counterattack in the Eastern part of the town ath Elle river, was killed in action. Command of the battle group has been taken over by Oberleutnant von Alzey, leader of 12. Kompanie.
9. Kompanie has been almost annihilated after been attacked by light tanks. Its leader, Oberleutnant Jungbluth was killed in action. The survivors of the company, roughly 10 men, are dispersed, hide in the bridgehead or try to get connection with own troops in the the town at the Elle river. Enemy has taken the Southern bridge which could not yet be destroyed and has reached the Eastern side of the second bridge. However, 2 light tanks were knocked out by Hauptmann Bachmann, leader of 2./PzBgd. 100 with his PzJg 38, the only vehicle of the company with a gun over 3,7 cm
Jäger of 10. Kompanie (reserve platoon), elements of 11. Kompanie and 12. Kompanie hold still the Eastern outskirts of the town and repulse all attacks of the enemy with heavy losses for him. The enemy was reinforced with 2 tank destroyers of "Wolverine" type and 1armoured car. Tanks were destroyed in close aussault by members of 10. Kompanie. Armoured car was knocked out by Sergeant brunner and his H 35. However, H 35 is more or less useless in combat against enemy tanks because his armor can easily be penetrated even by 3,7cm guns and its optic to abd to fight on larger ranges. it is only suited for infantry support when the enemy has no AT guns.
After taking hill 102 advacing elements of 11. Kompanie, supported by 1 H 35, surprised an enemy AT gun, destroyed it, and were able to knock out an enemy mortar position with 3 60 mm tubes.
The central road crossing is still in the hands of 10. Kompanie after repulsing several assaults. Defending was effective supported by 2 88 guns used for direct fire support. Enemy flees and seems to be more or less annihilated. II./10. Kompanie has completely surprised the enemy HQ and destroyed it and a comand post. Furthermore, the spearhead of an enemy recconaissance columm was ambushed. Fighting is still raging.
The StuG battery has now reached the front. Parts counter attackt the enemy near the Elle River on the East side and destroyed an enemy Stuart tank. It seems to be possible to retake the bridge. 2 StuG III support 11. Kompanie in the town. One StuG was destroyed by a bazooka. Battery leader and some additonal StuG will try to support 11. Kompanie and secure lanes to the West. becasue the enemy has already tanks it must be considere d that he might receive more reinforcements from the beachhead.
One 88 was destroyed by a Jabo. 2 guns are used to secure the bridge in the Eastern part of our operational area. other guns have taken position in the town to secure the main roads.
Morale of the enemy has significantly dropped as a result of his heavy losses. However, morale of our troops is also quite low as they heard that their beloved leader Hauptmann Wenskat was killed. (i.e. Moral of both sides is broken...at least the US moral 2 game turns earlier)
Hauptmann Wenskat, leading a counterattack in the Eastern part of the town ath Elle river, was killed in action. Command of the battle group has been taken over by Oberleutnant von Alzey, leader of 12. Kompanie.
9. Kompanie has been almost annihilated after been attacked by light tanks. Its leader, Oberleutnant Jungbluth was killed in action. The survivors of the company, roughly 10 men, are dispersed, hide in the bridgehead or try to get connection with own troops in the the town at the Elle river. Enemy has taken the Southern bridge which could not yet be destroyed and has reached the Eastern side of the second bridge. However, 2 light tanks were knocked out by Hauptmann Bachmann, leader of 2./PzBgd. 100 with his PzJg 38, the only vehicle of the company with a gun over 3,7 cm
Jäger of 10. Kompanie (reserve platoon), elements of 11. Kompanie and 12. Kompanie hold still the Eastern outskirts of the town and repulse all attacks of the enemy with heavy losses for him. The enemy was reinforced with 2 tank destroyers of "Wolverine" type and 1armoured car. Tanks were destroyed in close aussault by members of 10. Kompanie. Armoured car was knocked out by Sergeant brunner and his H 35. However, H 35 is more or less useless in combat against enemy tanks because his armor can easily be penetrated even by 3,7cm guns and its optic to abd to fight on larger ranges. it is only suited for infantry support when the enemy has no AT guns.
After taking hill 102 advacing elements of 11. Kompanie, supported by 1 H 35, surprised an enemy AT gun, destroyed it, and were able to knock out an enemy mortar position with 3 60 mm tubes.
The central road crossing is still in the hands of 10. Kompanie after repulsing several assaults. Defending was effective supported by 2 88 guns used for direct fire support. Enemy flees and seems to be more or less annihilated. II./10. Kompanie has completely surprised the enemy HQ and destroyed it and a comand post. Furthermore, the spearhead of an enemy recconaissance columm was ambushed. Fighting is still raging.
The StuG battery has now reached the front. Parts counter attackt the enemy near the Elle River on the East side and destroyed an enemy Stuart tank. It seems to be possible to retake the bridge. 2 StuG III support 11. Kompanie in the town. One StuG was destroyed by a bazooka. Battery leader and some additonal StuG will try to support 11. Kompanie and secure lanes to the West. becasue the enemy has already tanks it must be considere d that he might receive more reinforcements from the beachhead.
One 88 was destroyed by a Jabo. 2 guns are used to secure the bridge in the Eastern part of our operational area. other guns have taken position in the town to secure the main roads.
Morale of the enemy has significantly dropped as a result of his heavy losses. However, morale of our troops is also quite low as they heard that their beloved leader Hauptmann Wenskat was killed. (i.e. Moral of both sides is broken...at least the US moral 2 game turns earlier)
"No other troops in the world but German paratroops could have stood up to such an ordeal and then gone on fighting with such ferocity" — Field Marshal Alexander.
RE: WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
War Diary Kampfgruppe Wenskat 07.06.1944 16:30
Elements of 10. and 11. Kompanie cleared the town at the Elle River. Also, the the South bridge is our. In the centre and the North all companies are marching forward as enemy is in full retreat, as it seemed.
StuG battery represents now the main force and keeps high pace to get connection with I./FJR 6. However, without infantry it is a dangerous task in the hedgerow country. Jäger must keep back and secure objects and with regard to our own high losses, the tanks can only be supported with very weak elements.
10. Kompanie ambushes a columm in the Northwest. 2. aroured cars and a halftrakc could be destroyed. Platoon must retreat because the columm turned to have strong armour support.
StUg battery prepared for the battle and attacked the enemy. Quickly it was to reckognise that we are again outnumbered. A chaotic battle started because visibility was low and enemy tanks seemed to be everywhere. Battery Commander of the StuG died in his tank. Even we were again able to inflict high casualties to the enemy, we had to accept that our forces are to weak to achieve a breakthrough. The enemy retreated after the firefight and we took defensive position with the centre in the town at the Elle.
Regiment and Korps appreciate our efforts. Even we were not able to achieve a breakthrough, the enemy paid a high price for it.
Own losses are
Men 501
Artillery 2
Soft vehicle 6
APC (?) 1
AFV 14
von Alzey
Interim Company Commander
Enemy losses were
Men 1o90
Artillery 11
Soft vehicle 1
APC 14
AFV 22
Result was a draw even most V-hexes were held by me at the "sudden death" end of the battle
Hm....I think was to aggressive and lost several squads when I attempted to retake the town and to penetrate the bridgehead. StuG were not very useful in the close combat in the bocage and Ihad the disadvantage of low firerate. Furthermore the better penetration at longer range could not be used. Only, sometimes with 88 guns well positioned. Naval fire was very unpleasant and caused many losses.
beside the fact that the kill rate in the game is much to high...have batallion lost in 1 1/2 hour real time (gt at 5 minutes?) the battle coudl gave an impression of the war in the Normandy. Towns devasted, German forces fight courageous but are outnumbered.
AI forces were
5 parachute companies
1 heavy company
2 combat groups
1 Cav reckon group
1 Platoon M5 Stuart
4 Thunderbolts
2 destroyer
1 cruiser
1 battery 75mm pack howitzer
1 company 5,7 mm AT
Elements of 10. and 11. Kompanie cleared the town at the Elle River. Also, the the South bridge is our. In the centre and the North all companies are marching forward as enemy is in full retreat, as it seemed.
StuG battery represents now the main force and keeps high pace to get connection with I./FJR 6. However, without infantry it is a dangerous task in the hedgerow country. Jäger must keep back and secure objects and with regard to our own high losses, the tanks can only be supported with very weak elements.
10. Kompanie ambushes a columm in the Northwest. 2. aroured cars and a halftrakc could be destroyed. Platoon must retreat because the columm turned to have strong armour support.
StUg battery prepared for the battle and attacked the enemy. Quickly it was to reckognise that we are again outnumbered. A chaotic battle started because visibility was low and enemy tanks seemed to be everywhere. Battery Commander of the StuG died in his tank. Even we were again able to inflict high casualties to the enemy, we had to accept that our forces are to weak to achieve a breakthrough. The enemy retreated after the firefight and we took defensive position with the centre in the town at the Elle.
Regiment and Korps appreciate our efforts. Even we were not able to achieve a breakthrough, the enemy paid a high price for it.
Own losses are
Men 501
Artillery 2
Soft vehicle 6
APC (?) 1
AFV 14
von Alzey
Interim Company Commander
Enemy losses were
Men 1o90
Artillery 11
Soft vehicle 1
APC 14
AFV 22
Result was a draw even most V-hexes were held by me at the "sudden death" end of the battle
Hm....I think was to aggressive and lost several squads when I attempted to retake the town and to penetrate the bridgehead. StuG were not very useful in the close combat in the bocage and Ihad the disadvantage of low firerate. Furthermore the better penetration at longer range could not be used. Only, sometimes with 88 guns well positioned. Naval fire was very unpleasant and caused many losses.
beside the fact that the kill rate in the game is much to high...have batallion lost in 1 1/2 hour real time (gt at 5 minutes?) the battle coudl gave an impression of the war in the Normandy. Towns devasted, German forces fight courageous but are outnumbered.
AI forces were
5 parachute companies
1 heavy company
2 combat groups
1 Cav reckon group
1 Platoon M5 Stuart
4 Thunderbolts
2 destroyer
1 cruiser
1 battery 75mm pack howitzer
1 company 5,7 mm AT
"No other troops in the world but German paratroops could have stood up to such an ordeal and then gone on fighting with such ferocity" — Field Marshal Alexander.
-
PimpYourAFV
- Posts: 581
- Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2005 11:49 pm
- Location: Japan
RE: WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
Nice fight. I prefer your report style which is good 'n clean. No heavy descriptions of some commander having emotional problems or smoking addictions. You should post this as a public scenario. There's never anything wrong with having the AI's army being stronger than the human's side. That's the way I like my battles cause I like a challenge to survive a hard firefight. [8D]
RE: WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
Nice action and nice reporting...WB
In Arduis Fidelis
Wild Bill Wilder
Independent Game Consultant
RE: WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
Thank you very much for your comments.
I have a version of the battle as a scenario....the campaign does not work...where shoud I post it? Is there a special thread for such things?
To BW...
*s*...would be also a nice idea for a campaign or even mega campaign....I would have already the title "Broken wings....Green Devils on the ground in the West" [:)]
They were involved in many dramatic battles, Carentan, St. Lo, Albert Canal, Nimwegen, Kleve, Moyland and finally "Varsity"
I have a version of the battle as a scenario....the campaign does not work...where shoud I post it? Is there a special thread for such things?
To BW...
*s*...would be also a nice idea for a campaign or even mega campaign....I would have already the title "Broken wings....Green Devils on the ground in the West" [:)]
They were involved in many dramatic battles, Carentan, St. Lo, Albert Canal, Nimwegen, Kleve, Moyland and finally "Varsity"
"No other troops in the world but German paratroops could have stood up to such an ordeal and then gone on fighting with such ferocity" — Field Marshal Alexander.
RE: WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
I forgot the battle of the bulge...
"No other troops in the world but German paratroops could have stood up to such an ordeal and then gone on fighting with such ferocity" — Field Marshal Alexander.
RE: WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
Since my files crashed, i had to set up a new campaign....forces are the same as in the last campaign with the difference that i did not purchase agian a H 35 company and the heavy company has now not only one but two MG platoons.
Motorisation is scare and totally mixed...for historical reasons....2. FJ Div, which is the mother of the battle group in this game, had only 5 % of the scheduled motor transport and this was a mixture from 4 nations and about 20 types... so i have 2Kettenrads, Guzzi trikes *s*..looking very interesting, trucks from Skoda, Fiat, Opel, Peugeot, Renault, MAN....
Ok...here I start again
War Diary Kampfgruppe Wolzow 8. Juni 1944
Hauptmann Wolzow, leader of Fallschirmersatzbatallion 2, was appointed commander of former Kamfgruppe Wenskat, which was renamed „Kamfgruppe Wolzow“ after its new leader. The battle group absorpted the men of the Ersatzbatallion as replacement for the losses of the last day.
After the experience of yesterday’s battle Regiment and Korps see at the moment no realistic alternative than to defend and to slow down the enemies approach. Kampfgruppe Wolzow has received the task to stop the enemy in this area and especially prevent that the enemy takes Carentan and cuts off the rest of 91. ,243., 709. GrenDiv. and of FJR 6. Reinforcements (17. SS PzGrenDiv “Götz von Berlichingen”) are on the way but will need some days to reach the front. This time must be granted by the battle group.
The battle group sets up a defensive perimeter almost at the start line of yesterday’s attack. With the help of the Pionierkompanie of FJR 6 the position of the battle group was strengthened with some minefields and wire obstacles. Since no explosives were available the bridges over the Elle River were blocked with wire and mines. 2 Pionier platoon remain with the battle group and will function as a reserve.
Also, the ranks of the StuG-battery could be filled with survivors of 2./PzBgd. 100 and all tanks knocked out yesterday could be repaired. Consequently, 2./PzBgd 100 was dissolved.
The frontline will be the east bank of the Elle River, the town “Elleville” and then roughly a line of hedgerows running in South/North direction. The guns of Flak Batterie 112 (88 guns) were set up mainly backwards, concentrated at the Eastern bridge of the Elle river and a bridge over a small creek in the Northeast because any position more forward especially in installations in the town would not allow to retreat the guns. For this reason, fire power in Elleville will be provided by a battery of 105 mm LG (4 tubes) from Fallschirmartillerieregiment 2., which was temporarily subordinated to the battle group to increase its firepower.
The LG platoon of 12. Kompanie with its 2 75mm LG is positioned in the North in an AT role. The StuG battery, together with the Pionier platoons will function as a mobile battalion reserve.
MG platoons of 12. (schwere) Kompanie have been concentrated in Elleville and between the Western and Central Bridge over the Elle to cover suspected approaches of the enemy.
The South-western part of the Elle river bank will be defended by one platoon of 9. Kompanie. Elleville itself will be reinforced by another platoon of 9. Kompanie. The last platoon will take a covering position more eastern to provide a fall-back line or to function as reserve. In similar fashion 10. and 11. Kompanie defend the hedgerows up to the North. Emphasis is laid on defending in depth to be able to move without risking a breakthrough of the enemy and still be able to avoid his deadly naval artillery fire.
Motorisation is scare and totally mixed...for historical reasons....2. FJ Div, which is the mother of the battle group in this game, had only 5 % of the scheduled motor transport and this was a mixture from 4 nations and about 20 types... so i have 2Kettenrads, Guzzi trikes *s*..looking very interesting, trucks from Skoda, Fiat, Opel, Peugeot, Renault, MAN....
Ok...here I start again
War Diary Kampfgruppe Wolzow 8. Juni 1944
Hauptmann Wolzow, leader of Fallschirmersatzbatallion 2, was appointed commander of former Kamfgruppe Wenskat, which was renamed „Kamfgruppe Wolzow“ after its new leader. The battle group absorpted the men of the Ersatzbatallion as replacement for the losses of the last day.
After the experience of yesterday’s battle Regiment and Korps see at the moment no realistic alternative than to defend and to slow down the enemies approach. Kampfgruppe Wolzow has received the task to stop the enemy in this area and especially prevent that the enemy takes Carentan and cuts off the rest of 91. ,243., 709. GrenDiv. and of FJR 6. Reinforcements (17. SS PzGrenDiv “Götz von Berlichingen”) are on the way but will need some days to reach the front. This time must be granted by the battle group.
The battle group sets up a defensive perimeter almost at the start line of yesterday’s attack. With the help of the Pionierkompanie of FJR 6 the position of the battle group was strengthened with some minefields and wire obstacles. Since no explosives were available the bridges over the Elle River were blocked with wire and mines. 2 Pionier platoon remain with the battle group and will function as a reserve.
Also, the ranks of the StuG-battery could be filled with survivors of 2./PzBgd. 100 and all tanks knocked out yesterday could be repaired. Consequently, 2./PzBgd 100 was dissolved.
The frontline will be the east bank of the Elle River, the town “Elleville” and then roughly a line of hedgerows running in South/North direction. The guns of Flak Batterie 112 (88 guns) were set up mainly backwards, concentrated at the Eastern bridge of the Elle river and a bridge over a small creek in the Northeast because any position more forward especially in installations in the town would not allow to retreat the guns. For this reason, fire power in Elleville will be provided by a battery of 105 mm LG (4 tubes) from Fallschirmartillerieregiment 2., which was temporarily subordinated to the battle group to increase its firepower.
The LG platoon of 12. Kompanie with its 2 75mm LG is positioned in the North in an AT role. The StuG battery, together with the Pionier platoons will function as a mobile battalion reserve.
MG platoons of 12. (schwere) Kompanie have been concentrated in Elleville and between the Western and Central Bridge over the Elle to cover suspected approaches of the enemy.
The South-western part of the Elle river bank will be defended by one platoon of 9. Kompanie. Elleville itself will be reinforced by another platoon of 9. Kompanie. The last platoon will take a covering position more eastern to provide a fall-back line or to function as reserve. In similar fashion 10. and 11. Kompanie defend the hedgerows up to the North. Emphasis is laid on defending in depth to be able to move without risking a breakthrough of the enemy and still be able to avoid his deadly naval artillery fire.
"No other troops in the world but German paratroops could have stood up to such an ordeal and then gone on fighting with such ferocity" — Field Marshal Alexander.
RE: WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
War Diary Kampfgruppe Wolzow 8. Juni 1944
10:00
The Jäger companies established an observation screen about 200-300 m in front of the Main Battle Line composed of „Spähtrupps“ and snipers. The companies defend their areas with two platoons each. The third platoon is positioned backwards as a rear guard and reserve.
The battle group was temporarily reinforced by a Fla-battery equipped with 4 20 mm Quadruple guns, 2 engineer platoons, a 105mm LG battery and, finally, an artillery battalion with 105mm guns for indirect fire support.
10:15
Spotters noticed engine noises and the noises of tracks. The enemy starts his attack.
First contact was made in the South and the centre. Assaults by the spotters against enemy tanks were unsuccessful and caused only own losses. Therefore, the spotters received the order to retreat to the Main Battle Line.
In the centre, enemy forces consisting of APCs and tank destroyers are seen. All units have the strict order to open fire only at close range to safe ammunition and secure kills.
10:30
In the centre a 75mm LG opened fired at about 350 m distance. Immediately, 3 APCs were knocked out. The enemy infantry bailed out and was cut down in the cross fire of our machine guns. However, the enemy localised the LG and put heavy fire on it.
In the South, the enemy probes the wood bridge. After a shoot-out at close range with support of a StuG, 2 tanks were immobilised, a third one was knocked out by the Panzerjäger attached to 9. Kompanie.
In Elleville, 9.Kompanie awaits the enemy in the centre of the town. It was decided not to defend the outskirt because this would allow the enemy to easily put heavy artillery fire on our positions. Defending in the town has the advantage of low visibility. The enemy was, however, surprised by our artillery fire in the town and fire from 105mm LGs and Stugs along the streets. We made the experience that on a distance of more than 400 mm the LG fire is not exact enough to knock out the tanks.
In the North, the enemy attacked the main crossing and suffered heavy losses. Several tanks were destroyed by a 105 mm LG and an 88 Flak Gun. The attack was stopped.
Some hundred metres south, the enemy was able to inflict losses to 10. Kompanie and to penetrate the front line. However, the squad of Sergeant Feller (4./II./10. Kompanie) distinguished himself by knocking out three APCs and 1 Sherman tank with Panzerfaust and close assaults. For his courageous action he will be awarded the Iron Cross First Class. A platoon of StuG II reinforced by an engineer platoon was alarmed to stop the breakthrough. Since the enemy infantry – here assault engineers – were stopped and not able to follow the tanks, the isolated tanks should be easily destroyed.
To be continued..
10:00
The Jäger companies established an observation screen about 200-300 m in front of the Main Battle Line composed of „Spähtrupps“ and snipers. The companies defend their areas with two platoons each. The third platoon is positioned backwards as a rear guard and reserve.
The battle group was temporarily reinforced by a Fla-battery equipped with 4 20 mm Quadruple guns, 2 engineer platoons, a 105mm LG battery and, finally, an artillery battalion with 105mm guns for indirect fire support.
10:15
Spotters noticed engine noises and the noises of tracks. The enemy starts his attack.
First contact was made in the South and the centre. Assaults by the spotters against enemy tanks were unsuccessful and caused only own losses. Therefore, the spotters received the order to retreat to the Main Battle Line.
In the centre, enemy forces consisting of APCs and tank destroyers are seen. All units have the strict order to open fire only at close range to safe ammunition and secure kills.
10:30
In the centre a 75mm LG opened fired at about 350 m distance. Immediately, 3 APCs were knocked out. The enemy infantry bailed out and was cut down in the cross fire of our machine guns. However, the enemy localised the LG and put heavy fire on it.
In the South, the enemy probes the wood bridge. After a shoot-out at close range with support of a StuG, 2 tanks were immobilised, a third one was knocked out by the Panzerjäger attached to 9. Kompanie.
In Elleville, 9.Kompanie awaits the enemy in the centre of the town. It was decided not to defend the outskirt because this would allow the enemy to easily put heavy artillery fire on our positions. Defending in the town has the advantage of low visibility. The enemy was, however, surprised by our artillery fire in the town and fire from 105mm LGs and Stugs along the streets. We made the experience that on a distance of more than 400 mm the LG fire is not exact enough to knock out the tanks.
In the North, the enemy attacked the main crossing and suffered heavy losses. Several tanks were destroyed by a 105 mm LG and an 88 Flak Gun. The attack was stopped.
Some hundred metres south, the enemy was able to inflict losses to 10. Kompanie and to penetrate the front line. However, the squad of Sergeant Feller (4./II./10. Kompanie) distinguished himself by knocking out three APCs and 1 Sherman tank with Panzerfaust and close assaults. For his courageous action he will be awarded the Iron Cross First Class. A platoon of StuG II reinforced by an engineer platoon was alarmed to stop the breakthrough. Since the enemy infantry – here assault engineers – were stopped and not able to follow the tanks, the isolated tanks should be easily destroyed.
To be continued..
"No other troops in the world but German paratroops could have stood up to such an ordeal and then gone on fighting with such ferocity" — Field Marshal Alexander.
RE: WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
War Diary Kampfgruppe Wolzow 8. Juni 1944
11:30
The enemy attacks at our whole front. In the south, we succesfully destroyed the wooden bridge by an 105 mm artillery barrage. The enemy went further north and attacks especially the southern and northern outskirts of Elville. Here, he concentrated about a tank company. Which this support he managed to deeply penetrate our defensive perimeter in the town. Since the central position here repulsed all infantry attacks with heavy losses for the enemy, the towns is in danger to be encircled.
The enemy achived this success after he concentrated naval artillerx fire and air attacks on two 105 mm LGs and MG squad securing the main roads at the Northeastern corner of the town. Theses units were literally annihilated. However, one Jabo was shotdown by our AA battery. Beside this, several trucks were lost to the straffing attacks. Attacks on our tanks could be avoided by rigid camouflage tactics and avoiding to postion the StuGs in open terrain. This is time consuming but saves our valuable tanks according to the old Jäger theme "sweat saves blood".
Losses of 12. Kompanie are severe because the LGs and its MG squad are the favorised targets of the enemies heavy artillery and airforce.
In the centre a road crosing and a road running in Northsouth direaction were lost to the enemy after heavy fighting, in which the US troops lost several tanks to close assaults and Panzerschreck fire. Corporal van Severen from 10. Kompanie knocked out 3 Sherman tanks with his Panzerschreck. He will be awarded the Iron Cross First Class after the battle.
In the North the enemy also concentrated about a tank company with infantry and succeeded to penetrate the front line. Here, too, his tank losses were severe and about 5 tanks were knocked out in close quarter fighting. One 88 gun was destroyed iin this fight. The enemy has now learned to avoid roads in the North as they are watched by 88 guns which took a high toll from his amoured forces.
Reserves habe been released and a StuG platoon together with an engineer platoon were sent to the town.Two StuG and parts of the second engineer platoon were sent to the North to stop the enemy there. The StuG platoon has already reached Elleville and enagged enemy tanks in the Norteast and Southeast part of the town. Even outnumbered, it is hopened that the enemy assault can be beaten with fire support from StuGs and an 88 gun postioned on the Southern rbank of the Elle river.
To avoid losses by the numerical superior enemy and to maintain a coherent frontline, it was decided to fall back on our second battle line. This tactic seems to be successfull as the spearheads of the following enemy sufffered losses in ambushes when he tried to maintain contact with our retreating Jäger.
The HQ of the battle group was attacked from the air. The command car was destroyed , the HQ suffered losses but Hauptmann Wolzow was only lightly wounded and is still able to lead his troops in this battle.
11:30
The enemy attacks at our whole front. In the south, we succesfully destroyed the wooden bridge by an 105 mm artillery barrage. The enemy went further north and attacks especially the southern and northern outskirts of Elville. Here, he concentrated about a tank company. Which this support he managed to deeply penetrate our defensive perimeter in the town. Since the central position here repulsed all infantry attacks with heavy losses for the enemy, the towns is in danger to be encircled.
The enemy achived this success after he concentrated naval artillerx fire and air attacks on two 105 mm LGs and MG squad securing the main roads at the Northeastern corner of the town. Theses units were literally annihilated. However, one Jabo was shotdown by our AA battery. Beside this, several trucks were lost to the straffing attacks. Attacks on our tanks could be avoided by rigid camouflage tactics and avoiding to postion the StuGs in open terrain. This is time consuming but saves our valuable tanks according to the old Jäger theme "sweat saves blood".
Losses of 12. Kompanie are severe because the LGs and its MG squad are the favorised targets of the enemies heavy artillery and airforce.
In the centre a road crosing and a road running in Northsouth direaction were lost to the enemy after heavy fighting, in which the US troops lost several tanks to close assaults and Panzerschreck fire. Corporal van Severen from 10. Kompanie knocked out 3 Sherman tanks with his Panzerschreck. He will be awarded the Iron Cross First Class after the battle.
In the North the enemy also concentrated about a tank company with infantry and succeeded to penetrate the front line. Here, too, his tank losses were severe and about 5 tanks were knocked out in close quarter fighting. One 88 gun was destroyed iin this fight. The enemy has now learned to avoid roads in the North as they are watched by 88 guns which took a high toll from his amoured forces.
Reserves habe been released and a StuG platoon together with an engineer platoon were sent to the town.Two StuG and parts of the second engineer platoon were sent to the North to stop the enemy there. The StuG platoon has already reached Elleville and enagged enemy tanks in the Norteast and Southeast part of the town. Even outnumbered, it is hopened that the enemy assault can be beaten with fire support from StuGs and an 88 gun postioned on the Southern rbank of the Elle river.
To avoid losses by the numerical superior enemy and to maintain a coherent frontline, it was decided to fall back on our second battle line. This tactic seems to be successfull as the spearheads of the following enemy sufffered losses in ambushes when he tried to maintain contact with our retreating Jäger.
The HQ of the battle group was attacked from the air. The command car was destroyed , the HQ suffered losses but Hauptmann Wolzow was only lightly wounded and is still able to lead his troops in this battle.
"No other troops in the world but German paratroops could have stood up to such an ordeal and then gone on fighting with such ferocity" — Field Marshal Alexander.
RE: WW II Campaign with a German paratroop batallion
War Diary Kampfgruppe Wolzow 8. Juni 1944
11:45
After heavy fighting on close distance the assault guns orderd to Elleville succeded in stopping the armoured pincer attack in the north and the south of the town. The success was caused by the superior tactic of a combined infantry-armor attack supported by one 88 gun positioned on the other bank of the Elle river. The enemy lost about 6 tank with no losses in tanks for us. However, since our forces in the town are outnumbered, it was decided to retreat and erect a new defensive line at the eastern outskirt of the town. The decision was also influenced by the assumption that a heavy artillery bombardment of the town by ship based fire is expected as a reaction of the enemy on his defeat here.
In the north the enemies approach could also be stopped. Despite an extrem intensive bombardment by the enemy with naval artillery and several air attacks, our counter attack was successfull and only minor forces should have escaped our . Here, our Jäger were succesfull in close assault against enemy tanks and destroyed several of them. This was possible because our resistance succesfully seperated infantry from armor. The infantry of the enemy, identified as members of 101. US Airborne Division and 4. US Infantry Division are still pinned down at our old front line. OLt. Fabricius, leader of 11. Kompanie, having personally destroyed 2 tanks in close assaults, leads our counter attack here and has organised an simultan attack on the enemy from north and east. The counter attack makes good progress especially because it is supported by own massive artillery fire. His outstanding performance should be awarded with the Iron Cross Second Class beside the 2 badges for single handed tank destruction earned by him.
Nevertheless, we suffered some painful losses. The reserve engineer platoon was badly hit by concentrated naval artillery and suffered considerable losses.Also, an 88 gun and its crew were destoyed in this bombardment. Finally, the leader of our assault gun battery was killed when his vehicle was hit by several rockets fired from about 5 P-47 Jabos after he had survived the naval artillery barrage.
In the centre the situation remains critical. The enemy achieved a serious breakthrough through our lines with an armoured columm of about six tanks. An important road crossing felt into the hands of the enemy. It was only possible to temporarely slow down the approach of the enemy by some retreating Jäger squads of 10. Kompanie. Here, Uffz. Kiesow, leader of 4. Gruppe II. Zug 10. Kompanie, succesfully attacked the enemy and destroyed 3 APC with Panzerfaust and close assaults.
Because of the retreat contact to the enemy is partially lost in the centre. Therefore, the combat group has no longer a comprehensive picture of the activities of the enemy.
The reserve platoon of 10. Kompanie is already alerted and set up an ambush on the assumed march route of the enemy. Furthermore, the main bulk of our assault guns have been send to the centre after fullfilling their task in Elleville. 2 StuG III have already taken position to open fire on the envisaged route of the enemy.
11:45
After heavy fighting on close distance the assault guns orderd to Elleville succeded in stopping the armoured pincer attack in the north and the south of the town. The success was caused by the superior tactic of a combined infantry-armor attack supported by one 88 gun positioned on the other bank of the Elle river. The enemy lost about 6 tank with no losses in tanks for us. However, since our forces in the town are outnumbered, it was decided to retreat and erect a new defensive line at the eastern outskirt of the town. The decision was also influenced by the assumption that a heavy artillery bombardment of the town by ship based fire is expected as a reaction of the enemy on his defeat here.
In the north the enemies approach could also be stopped. Despite an extrem intensive bombardment by the enemy with naval artillery and several air attacks, our counter attack was successfull and only minor forces should have escaped our . Here, our Jäger were succesfull in close assault against enemy tanks and destroyed several of them. This was possible because our resistance succesfully seperated infantry from armor. The infantry of the enemy, identified as members of 101. US Airborne Division and 4. US Infantry Division are still pinned down at our old front line. OLt. Fabricius, leader of 11. Kompanie, having personally destroyed 2 tanks in close assaults, leads our counter attack here and has organised an simultan attack on the enemy from north and east. The counter attack makes good progress especially because it is supported by own massive artillery fire. His outstanding performance should be awarded with the Iron Cross Second Class beside the 2 badges for single handed tank destruction earned by him.
Nevertheless, we suffered some painful losses. The reserve engineer platoon was badly hit by concentrated naval artillery and suffered considerable losses.Also, an 88 gun and its crew were destoyed in this bombardment. Finally, the leader of our assault gun battery was killed when his vehicle was hit by several rockets fired from about 5 P-47 Jabos after he had survived the naval artillery barrage.
In the centre the situation remains critical. The enemy achieved a serious breakthrough through our lines with an armoured columm of about six tanks. An important road crossing felt into the hands of the enemy. It was only possible to temporarely slow down the approach of the enemy by some retreating Jäger squads of 10. Kompanie. Here, Uffz. Kiesow, leader of 4. Gruppe II. Zug 10. Kompanie, succesfully attacked the enemy and destroyed 3 APC with Panzerfaust and close assaults.
Because of the retreat contact to the enemy is partially lost in the centre. Therefore, the combat group has no longer a comprehensive picture of the activities of the enemy.
The reserve platoon of 10. Kompanie is already alerted and set up an ambush on the assumed march route of the enemy. Furthermore, the main bulk of our assault guns have been send to the centre after fullfilling their task in Elleville. 2 StuG III have already taken position to open fire on the envisaged route of the enemy.
"No other troops in the world but German paratroops could have stood up to such an ordeal and then gone on fighting with such ferocity" — Field Marshal Alexander.