Operation Sealion LCG

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 6:

Captain Geis and his two para-platoons next release their fury on the garrison at Spittle Crouch. The StuGs once again block the path of retreat, and the British defenders quickly succumb to the German onslaught.
The area now clear of British, 1st Company, led by the StuGs, will proceed northwest towards Harrietsham.

Artillery and direct fire from the StuG squadron in 3rd Company's line of advance fails to damage the 3in AA Guns. The Luftwaffe also fail to materialize.
A closer threat reveals itself when an enemy 3SP HMG Platoon hiding in some trees opens fire on 3rd Company's lead unit.

To the north, the Motorcycle Troops clear the enemy's delaying forces and proceed along the highway that leads to Harrietsham.

No sign yet of the delayed Panzer IVs.



[center]The Wrath of Captain Geis![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 7:

Neither artillery nor Stukas nor StuGs are able to silence the dreaded 3in. AA Guns.
Fortunately, the reload times for these massive weapons is quite long, and so far there have been no German casualties.
But with 3rd Company and the Motorcycle Troops steadily closing the gap, it becomes increasingly more pertinent to quell their fire.

Meanwhile, further south, 1st Company and their StuGs approach another British blocking force on the highway to Harrietsham. The two forces exchange fire, with the British taking casualties. The thick-skinned StuGs advance near the British positions so as to protect the vulnerable paratroopers.

Also, a depleted company of Panzer IVDs numbering 8 tanks finally arrives and speeds quickly to the front.



[center]The indestructible mega-weapons![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 8:

3rd Company and the Motorcycle Troops reach the edge of Harrietsham and come under fire from multiple British units defending the town. At least three 4SP Rifle Platoons and a half-strength HMG Platoon fire on the approaching Germans. The attackers are lucky to avoid casualties but are unable to dole out much damage on the entrenched enemy.

The 3-in AA Battery is still operational despite coming under fire from multiple German units.

1st Company routs the blocking forces in their path and moves to strike against Harrietsham from the south.




[center]A hornet's nest disturbed![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 9:

Even though the British enjoy excellent defensive positions, the Germans enjoy a decided numerical and firepower advantage and quickly begin clearing the defenders from the town of Harrietsham.

While the Motorcycle Troops and Panzer IVs attack through the only open eastern approach, 3rd Company is forced to bypass a large defensive minefield and joins up with 1st Company for an attack from the south. With 2nd Company positioning for an attack from the north, the entire town and its defenders will be crushed in a huge German vise.

The enemy's 3in AA Guns fire and kill 1SP from a Motorcycle Troop with a powerful blast. But before they can reload, III Platoon, 2nd Company emerges from the north and is finally able to deliver the killing blow that puts both guns out of action.



[center]A three-pronged attack![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 10:

Several depleted British infantry units and a Battalion HQ escape west from Harrietsham before the Germans can complete their encirclement. For the rest that stay to delay the inevitable, their fate is sealed.

The Germans tighten a noose around the remaining defenders and push them into the town center for one final stand.



[center]The end is near for these defiant British![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 11:

Two platoons of Motorcycle Troops storm the trapped British in Harrietsham and after a brief firefight, three partial Rifle Platoons and a British Major become prisoners of war.

Freed of further impediments, the Panzer IVs and StuGs race west along the highway leading from Harrietsham. They quickly overtake and shoot-up slow-moving British Trucks, troops, and a Battalion HQ that are unfortunate enough not to get out of the way.

Another two-gun 3-in AA unit fires at the advancing armored units from range, but their HE shells have little effect on the German's armor.

With the fall of Harrietsham, the Germans emended plan focuses on advancing deep into the enemy's rear with armored units and causing as much damage as possible. Infantry units from Harrietsham will follow-on to engage isolated pockets of resistance and defend conquered territory.

The Plan: (Phase 2)

[junk2drive]

Thanks for your ongoing and well done AAR. You inspired me to try this one myself.
 
In the first battle, I didn't move fast enough and fell one hex short of the 150 point obj. Not even close to the 75. Took and lost the 25s along the way. Minor Loss
 
Tried again using double time, bypassed the 25 pointers, took the big points, fought off a counterattack or two. Minor Victory.
 
Things are tougher in battle two.

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 12:

Armored units strike deeper into enemy territory, and easily blast past a hastily assembled road-block set up by a British Rifle Platoon.
A Stuka airstrike fails to destroy the 3in. AA Guns, but a powerful salvo of accurate gunfire from the Panzer IVDs destroys both guns and ensures safe passage for the trailing Motorcycle Troops.

1st and 3rd Company settle in around Harrietsham and assume a defensive posture while 2nd Company, I Battalion's Engineers, and a detached Motorcycle Platoon drive on towards Hollingbourne.



[center]Get out of the way![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

ORIGINAL: junk2drive

Thanks for your ongoing and well done AAR. You inspired me to try this one myself.

In the first battle, I didn't move fast enough and fell one hex short of the 150 point obj. Not even close to the 75. Took and lost the 25s along the way. Minor Loss

Tried again using double time, bypassed the 25 pointers, took the big points, fought off a counterattack or two. Minor Victory.

Things are tougher in battle two.

It's a tough, and well thought-out campaign......I've had several battles now where it all came down to the last turn. This current battle may be no exception.

Can't wait to see what else Jason has under his sleeve![X(]

Thanks for the comments.
ChadG

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 13:

The Panzer IVs advance onward to Leeds Castle and are suddenly ambushed by heavily entrenched Rifle Plattons and a 2pdr AT Gun battery just outside the castle's walls.
One tank is lost, and several units are suppressed. The armored units beat a hasty retreat and fire from range on the more dangerous threat; the AT Guns.
They miss, but the trailing StuGs fire a full salvo at the British defenses and destroy several AT gun emplacements.

The advance must halt for now and wait for infantry support. 1st Company is ordered to leave Harrietsham and head west to assist the Motorcycle Troops.


[center]
Waiting for reinforcements![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 14:

The remaining 2pdr AT Gun protecting Leeds Castle fires at the Panzer IVs and causes a unit to retreat into the trees. A hidden British Engineer Platoon then fires and disables one tank.

The StuGs advance to close range and destroy the remaining AT gun and cause a Rifle Platoon to retreat into the castle. Not far behind are the Motorcycle Troops and 1st Company.

Further north, 2nd Company comes within sight of Hollingbourne and is fired upon by a 4SP British Rifle Platton entrenched in an orchard south of the village. No casualties are taken, but the German's return fire fails to find its mark.

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 15:

The Motorcycle Troops approach the stalled Panzers and come under heavy British fire from Leeds Castle.
German casualties are taken, as three Rifle Platoons led by a Captain and a Lt. Col. are identified amongst the defenders.
A full salvo of 150mm artillery shells from both batteries is directed onto the castle to soften the defense.

Back around Hollingbourne, 2nd Company drives the Britsh from the orchard with concentrated fire, but come under attack themselves from several other Rifle Platoons and 2pdr AT Guns defending near the village.



[center]2nd Company charge![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 16:

It has become a stalemate at Leeds Castle, with neither side conceding defeat. The German heavy artillery and tank-fire disrupts several units and allows several Motorcycle Platoons to advance within assault range in the orchards outside the castle.
More artillery strikes are called as the Panzer IVs creep towards the west side of the castle to prevent the British from escaping.

In 2nd Company's area of operations, heavy British artillery fire finds its target and kills 1SP of IV Platoon. The Germans continue to advance, exchanging fire with the remaining two British Rifle Platoons defending the area.



[center]A tough nut to crack![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 17:

The Germans are finally able to tilt the scales in their favor at Leeds Castle through a combination of heavy artillery and tank-fire.
While the Panzer IVs provide suppressive fire, two platoons of Motorcycle Troops storm the castle walls and are able to force the British out of their positions before they are able to regain their senses.
Blocked from retreating by StuGs and Panzers, the large British garrison has no other choice than surrender.


Meanwhile, 2nd Company continues its fight with the dug-in British around the village of Hollingbourne. Though the Germans are able to advance and cause casualties, the British defend tenaciously and are quick to recover.
But, horribly outnumbered 5-1 in favor of the Germans, there is little doubt left as to the outcome of this battle.



[center]Breaching the castle walls![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 18:

2nd Company easily captures Hollingbourne after heavy German artillery pounds the remaining defenders senseless.

Overall though, the Germans are not able to advance as far west as they had hoped due to clever defensive positioning and increased motivation of the British armed forces fighting for their homeland.


But the Germans are deeply satisfied with the amount of casualties inflicted on the British defenders, while escaping with relatively minor losses themselves.

[TAIL GUNNER]

Conclusion:

Final Score: 506 - Minor Victory

A tough, tough scenario full of defensive traps that are expertly designed to delay the Germans everywhere. I didn't even come close to the exit objective! But I Battalion suffers only 1SP loss so I'll take that any day.

German I Battalion losses(SPs):
1 Parachute Infantry Platoon

Wehrmacht losses(SPs):
2 Pzkpfw IVD Medium Tanks
3 StuG IIIB 75mm Assault Guns
4 Motorcycle Platoon


British losses (SPs):
23 Trucks
4 OML 3-inch Mortars
8 OQF 2-pounder Anti-Tank Guns
4 OQF 3-inch Anti-Aircraft Guns
65 Rifle Platoon
4 Engineer Platoon
6 Machinegun Platoon
3 Battalion HQ (mot.)
4 Commander 2 (mot.)
6 Commander 3 (mot.)


Total British losses (SPs) to date:
9 Mark VI Light Tanks
48 Trucks
43 Carriers
20 2pdr Portee Anti-Tank Trucks
16 OML 3-inch Mortars
1 OQF 18-pounder Field Guns
20 OQF 2-pounder Anti-Tank Guns
4 OQF 3-inch Anti-Aircraft Guns
11 OQF 40mm Anti-Aircraft Guns
6 OBL 6-inch Howitzers
51 Carrier Rifle Section
220 Rifle Platoon
18 Engineer Platoon
39 Home Guard Platoon
4 Anti-Aircraft Machinegun Platoon
41 Machinegun Platoon
1 Regimental HQ
12 Battalion HQ (mot.)
1 Commander 1 (mot.)
4 Commander 2 (mot.)
9 Commander 3 (mot.)
4 Commander 2
3 Commander 3


Received 8 replacement points. 7 of the 12 paratrooper platoons are at 5 SPs. HMGs are now full strength. Engineers at 4SPs.
Total Battalion strength is 90% of TOE.


Onward soldiers!

[TAIL GUNNER]

I Battalion is next tasked with clearing a formidable defensive line south of Maidstone in preparation for an assault across the river and into Maidstone proper.

Each of the three companys of I Battalion has a HMG platoon attached, as well as a squadron of armored cars and a three-tank platoon of Panzer IIIFs courtesy of the 18th Panzer Regiment.

Strong artillery and very strong Luftwaffe support are provided.

A full company of Motorcycle Troops as well as several platoons of Panzer IVs and a battery of 88mm AA Guns should arrive shortly.

The Plan: (Phase 1)

[sapper32]

Well done your paras are doing you proud there stubburn on the defensive as im finding out in my scenario,keep it up enjoying your AAR loads regards Ian

[TAIL GUNNER]

Thanks man.

I've grown rather fond of my tough little digital warriors and I have been known to shed a tear when they get hurt. (not really[:D])

I will admit I'm hesitant to start this next scenario.....from the scenario description it's gonna be brutal.

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 1:

The three Companys of I Battalion head out towards their pre-assigned objectives without much incident.

III Platoon, 3rd Company is fired on by a 3SP HMG Platoon that is entrenched in Loose Hill, but the British bullets are wild and inaccurate from such a great distance.

Several German tank and armored car units close in and fire on the British unit without success.

Although no other enemy units are spotted, many prepared defensive positions are identified and assumed to contain British troops and weapons.



[center]First contact![/center]