CO - BftB: Tutorial AAR - The Other Side

[daft]

ORIGINAL: OlegHasky

You mean going directly for Breitfeld via Neidingen? Wouldn't that put them in danger of ending up in a slow slog up the smaller roads to the West, giving the Germans ample time to do a local retreat from Lommersweiler and re-arrange the forces at Breitfeld to counter the new threat? Considering the numerical advantage the Americans hold here, isn't the "best bet" a quick push up the largest road considering the Germans are positioned quite badly?. At least the I battalion is positioned quite badly at the start. You might be right though. A flanking move to the west might be the best option for the Americans. Just thinking out loud here.

No, Just instead rolling straight only for the push on the objective (giving the Germans opportunity to pull back from the town) Than perhaps using the same bow root, send Inf to those forests North-east of the town overwatching the railroad (making German Bn Northern root from Lommerswiler cutted off)
Chad schowed tha his retreat from the city is sopose to be North to cut the main road in three points, making an obstacle for the US to advance forward quickly.
. While Chad had settled within the secondary objective in whole stranght (Maybe anticipating that the AI could not be capable to luch such move in strenght). Risking... So its possible.


The cutt of could prevent such obstacle
And till the American reinforcements will arrive. The closed, cutted, and surrounded German Bn will find it hard to any try of fighting their way out.,
So Americans can arrange a good force forward, with very less oposition now to bother Breitfield, lefting only enough force to overwatch German Bn in Lommerswiler.

That is the acceptable good opportunity I see from the situation. And its far from briliant - Its just seem obvious. Just wondering if AI will recognize the opportunity too.


P.s.- sorry for the edits

Sounds like a decent enough plan. I think in the end it is "just" an AI, but it really is a good AI. One of the best I've seen in a wargame in fact.

[daft]

Ok, having reviewed the briefing for the scenario it is clear that a bridgehead has to be established, and unless you want to rely completely on destroying the enemy to get the 100 points required, you most probably have to take the bridge and drive the German forces off the objective. I think that would be incentive enough for the AI to disregard such an indirect approach in its attack on St Vith.  

[Howard7x]

Facinating AAR's, making me want this game more and more. Even the tutorials look epic [:)]
Im dusting off COTA as I type.

Save half this month + half next month = mine.

Keep it coming...

[daft]

Also, after going over the map a bit more it seems like the head on approach on the Steinebrück bridge is the only viable option here. Mind you, I haven't played the St Vith tutorial extensively at all, I'm currently assaulting the bridge with 51. Amd infantry and 1.138th, but it seems that bridge is the best option for for a motorized crossing. The other crossings seem to give heavier penalties for those types of units, so I'm thinking the AI is working very well in its route planning and attack approach.

[ElchDivision]

By the way, just in case you are interested -

This is who is commanding Infanterie-Regiment 27 :

Heinz Georg Lemm (Knights Cross with Swords, Close Combat Badge in Silver and more). One of the youngest regimental commanders of the Wehrmacht.
After being awarded the swords to his Knights Cross he is reported to have said "I would have prefered 1000 artillery shells or 5 assault guns".

[Chad Harrison]

ORIGINAL: daft

Sounds like a decent enough plan. I think in the end it is "just" an AI, but it really is a good AI. One of the best I've seen in a wargame in fact.

Oleg

This is the best way to sum up the AI in this game. Yes, it is going to do things at times that make no sense - but as I mentioned above, so would a real commander. The AI in this game gives you a solid opponent - not a perfect one. You could record what the AI did in any particular situation and pick it apart looking for mistakes. But since when has any commanders - human or AI - orders ever been perfect and without fault?

If the only reason anyone is sitting on the fence about this game is the AI, then its time to buy the game. The AI will be a challenging opponent for many, many hours. For instance, I have run this tutorial scenario a number of times by now and everytime the AI does something different. I have seen it completely abandon Lommersweiler and move all its troops to the South bank of the Our. And another time it moved those troops to Breitfeld.

This is a game after all. If the AI makes the game fun, interesting and challenging, then whats missing?

[Chad Harrison]

ORIGINAL: Howard7x

Even the tutorials look epic [:)]

That has been my assesment of the entire game. The tutorial is the only scenario I have played so far, and I am having a blast - even as the Germans.

[Chad Harrison]

D1 - 15:00

II Battalion holds on for another two hours! While they are almost at their total breaking point, they have been able to hold out against unbeatable odds for another two hours. Anticipating that Lommersweiler will fall at any moment, we have ordered 7 Co to fall back along the river bed. They have done so safely without losses - they followed the same path as 6 Co earlier in the day. However, the units still in Lommersweiler are at their breaking point now. They will only be able to hold for a few more minutes . . .

The good news is that the Americans have been on the attack all day since 06:00. Since they held nothing back, our enemy must be tired - and low on supplies. We can not say how aggressive the commander will be, but since there are only a few hours of daylight left, we imagine that the enemy is not going to press much farther down the road.

This would be great news indeed! That would give up ample time for II Bn 48 Gren Rgt to arrive and to setup in St Vith. We have a number of line units that will be available to harrass the enemy throughout the night - both in an attempt to sever their lines of communication and to keep them from resting.

Anything we can do to stall their attack will buy us more and more precious hours.

[Chad Harrison]

D1 - 18:00

The sun has finally set.

For the past 12 hours our brave troops have gave the defense of the Our their all. Many of our fellow troops have fallen - at this point, it would be impossible to say how many. Regardless, their sacrifice has not been in vain. As the sun sets, we have both reason to feel hope, and reason to despair.

Our defense of the Our, and the only standing bridge at the Steinebruck has failed. I Bn, despite their best efforts, gave way to the overwhelming pressure of CCA's assault. However, both 1 and 2 Co escaped and are in decent shape. They have been safe for the greater part of the day and are still resting. II Bn's defense of Lommersweiler has also failed. But, 6 and 7 Co have pulled out and are ready to fight again. 5 Co continues to hold and despite the days fighting, they are reporting very few casualties.

The Americans have both succeeded and failed. They *did* get across the Our. They *did* push our troops back. But, it took them all day to do so. And, the majority of my troops are still in good condition - albeit tired. After their day long assault, with no fresh reserve, the Americans must be tired also. I do not expect much activity from them tonight.

We have issued orders for our troops to rest for the next four hours. At 22:00 we will redeploy many of our units into blocking or harassing positions. At this point, the best thing that I and II Bn can continue to do is to delay the Americans for as long as possible.

[Chad Harrison]

D1 - 22:00

Good news, our forward companies are reporting no movement from the Americans. Our hope has now been confirmed: they have reached their high water mark for the day. While we would have liked to hold him for longer in the morning, our efforts against their assault has delayed - and tired - them enough to where they have chosen to call it good for one day. This will give our troops time to reposition this night and be ready for a renewed assault by the Americans tomorrow. Reports are coming in that CCB will be joining CCA also. Now two combat commands against our depleted, freezing and tired two battalions.

We have given orders to 1, 2 and 7 Co to redeploy along the Americans most likely route. While we could try a counterattack, or atleast harrassment, this night, our troops are just too tired. I would much rather have them delay the resuplly of CCA, and the advancement of CCB, tomorrow. 6 Co is reporting that their foxholes have been dug, and are now being improved. Hopefully they will be able to put up a decent fight.

Now, we move and we wait. If the Americans do infact sleep throughout the night, our troops should be in place, dug in, and fresh for the fight. Though resting is proving difficult in this freezing, snow covered land.

The feelings around our command post are starting to improve. We have not stopped them, but we have slowed them. 34 more hours and we will have our chance to destroy them.

[Chad Harrison]

D2 - 06:00

They are on the move again, and with greater numbers. Our forward troops have reported that CCB has infact arrived.

After receiving their orders at 22:00, our faithful troops moved out to their new positions along the major roadway to St Vith. There was no rest for our troops here - they immediately drew the attention of numerous troops moving along the route. Whether it was CCA or CCB we can not tell - all we know is that the Americans are heavily using this road. Immediate, close firefights errupted all along the road throughout the night. 2 Co was immediately pushed back, while 1, 6 and 7 Co hold on. Much like yesterday, against such determined attacks, how long can they hold?

Atleast some better news in the fact that II Bn 48th Gren has finally arrived. We have already issues them orders to moved to the city of St Vith itself. With the ongoing effort of I and II Bn 27th Fusilier, they may have enough time to setup a decent defense.

Now, much like yesterday, we hold the best we can. With 26 hours left before our own armor arrives, there may be some of us left to greet them after all.

[Chad Harrison]

D2 - 08:11

Reports are flooding in now from our rifle companies along the main roadway. Heavily engaged along the entire length. 7 Co has had to fall back deeper into the woods - closely followed by American troops. 6 Co is reporting multiple troops passing them, and that they have engaged all. Most of all, 1 Co is reporting a huge congestion of troops in front of their position. They have greatly delayed the passing elements of CCA and CCB. While this is certainly only a termporary blessing, it has helped our efforts none-the-less.

II Bn 28th Gren is now in position and digging in as fast as possible.

The desperate fight goes on . . .

[Chad Harrison]

D2 - 10:00

Much like our brave AT gunners yesterday, 1 Co is still holding the line - alone and against all odds! Since their position is so close to the Americans, they are unable to call in their 105mm artillery. If they want our superior troops gone, they will have to come into the woods and get them out. However, this can not go on for ever. All forward troops are reporting that they have fired all of their Panzerfausts, and they are out of AP warheads for their Panzerschrecks. Still, any delay they can cause is helping us tremendously.

The combined might of both CCA and CCB has still been unable to dislodge our troops. We continue to hold, and continue to fight.

[Chad Harrison]

D2 - 12:00

And now it all comes apart.

Almost immediately after our last status report, 1 Co finally abandoned their position and withdrew into the woods. Shortly thereafter, a massive wave of American armor overwhelmed 1012 PzJg - destroying the unit in only a few minutes. Under this same attack, 6 Co finally withdrew from their foxholes and also fell back into the woods - joining 7 Co. However, the Americans are determined to finish off these units - numerous units are pursuing them into the woods - or atleast, as far as their vehicles can take them.

I am atleast thankful for my efforts to pull out my heavy mortars yesterday. They have been pouring continual fire into the advancing Americans - even causing a few to fall back. However, it is not enough. Given our recent reports of our troops falling back, and the destruction of our only armor assest, there is now nothing blocking CCA and CCB from getting to St Vith. Once there they will have to face II Bn, but it may be too late.

Our only hope now is that the Americans will once again exaust themselves this afternoon giving time for our armor to arrive. Only 18 more hours to hold on. If we made it through the last 32, why not 18 more?

[daft]

Any chance of bringing 7. Kompanie back into the action or are they well spent?

[Chad Harrison]

ORIGINAL: daft

Any chance of bringing 7. Kompanie back into the action or are they well spent?

They still have about 70 men left, and some AT assets (all hand held). More than anything, they are tired. I am resting them until this evening. That is actually the biggest problem with all my line assets - they are all very, very tired.

[Chad Harrison]

D2 - 15:00

As suddenly as the direct assaults against 6 and 7 Co started, they are now over. Neither company is reporting any contact with the enemy now. It would appear that the Americans realized that the day was once again drawing to a close and they needed to get to St Vith. Moments later, II Bn in St Vith reported contact with the enemy. Now as their moment of truth. Unfortunately, 6 Co immediately gave ground, and 5 Co followed shortly thereafter. Since we are in the city, there is atleast cover for these withdraws. II Bn is reporting multiple units, both armor and infantry, from both CCA and CCB, closing in from the South, East and West. Our only hope now is that the Americans will once again run out of steam and have to rest for the night. Tomorrow morning brings our relief force . . .

I and II Bn 27th Fusilier are now waiting for darkness. The five reporting companies are exausted - they are therefore under orders to rest until 22:00 once again. At that point, we will once again move them into blocking positions along the main route. If we can only hold them for a couple more hours . . .

[Chad Harrison]

D2 - 22:00

The sun has fallen, and our troops have rested. In the seven hours since our last status report, II Bn 48th Gren has hung onto St Vith - but only barely. The Americans surrounded the city from all but the North and pressed into close combat. Our brave soldiers would fall back a block and continue to fight - making the Americans pay for each house they took. But the results have been devastating. We have lost all contact with 5 Co and can only assume that they have surrundered. 6 Co is reporting that they have been pushed out of the city altogether. Only 7 Co remains in the city, along with II Bn Hq and 48th Gren Hq. These troops are out of supply and their supply routes have been cut.

Luckily, just as last night, the Americans have once again run out of steam. Since the sun set, for the most part, the Americans have not moved. Given the fact that they have been on the attack all day, this should not be surprising. Regardless, we fully expect them to renew their assault before dawn. It will not take long for them to finish the job.

A little bit of good news from the 27th Fusilier: they are issuing orders to retake all three objectives this evening. Their troops have spent the last 7 hours resting and preparing for this order. 5 Co is reporting that no troops are in Lommersweiler - we will be moving into town inforce to setup a defense ready for the morning attack. We will also attempt to retake the bridge at Steinebruck. While this may prove to be devastating for the 1 Co, they realize what it would mean if they could pull it off.

Now, we just need to wait out these last 10 hours. KG Peiper is almost here. We are already in communication with them - they will be ready to move immediately upon arriving. What the next 10 hours will bring will greatly determine their first move.

[Chad Harrison]

D3 - 06:00

The night has gone well. We can honestly say that our hopes have been realized - atleast for this night.

First and foremost, St Vith is still in our hands. Or rather, it is not in their hands yet. II Bn is holding on. 6 Co reported in the early morning hours that they had rejoined their brothers in arms and are continuing their fight in the city center. The Americans have not been idle either. Just as we expected, after resting for a number of hours, their attack was renewed in the pre-dawn hours. We continue to take losses, but we are also inflicting losses on them. All we can hope is that II Bn can hold on for just a few more hours.

Just as good news is the the 27th Fusilier is reporting that Lommersweiler and Breitfeld are both back in our hands. They moved into town early this morning and have already dug in. No doubt the Americans will not appreciated these troops on their supply route. However, we have enough troops in each town that it will take an atleast supported attack to drive them out. 1 and 2 Co are also once again in blocking positions along the 'Route' - as they are now calling it. They have stalled a number of support and artillery units trying to move closer to the front - not to mention the supply trucks that have been trying to move forward. All in all a good night for the 27th.

Only 2 more hours now. Its hard to believe that 48 hours ago we thought that this time would never come. We are here and we are ready to make the Americans pay for their aggressive attack.

[Chad Harrison]

D3 - 08:10

It was the crackle over the radio we have been waiting the past 50 hours for: KG Peiper has arrived in good order and is ready for orders. Despite all odds, there are actually troops to greet them.

These troops have done handily for the past 50 hours too. Thanks to II Bn, St Vith is still denied to the enemy - but only barely. Thanks to the heroic efforts of the 27th, Brietfeld and Lommersweiler are fully in our hands once again. Also, 1 and 2 Co continue their heroic delay actions along the 'Route'. 2 Co is reporting that they are now in contact with the bulk of CCR! This means that our meager forces are now facing the 4th Armored Division in its entirety.

Since the Americans have commited both CCA and CCB to the direct assault of St Vith, CCR will have to fight through the 27th to join them there. The better news is that our troops are in position to interdict the supply lines to CCA and CCB. It would appear that KG Peiper has come at a prime time.

Our staff has been working through the night to come up with orders for our new brothers in arms . . .