From the Meuse to the Rhine: 2. Komp. RAD at the Berg en Dal?!

[nate25]

All,

Does anyone else feel this is hokey or is it just me? [8|]

The way the AI scatters units across the map in this scenario really pushes it beyond the pale,IMHO.

I just don't think even the Germans, kings of the KG/BG, could have managed their assets scattered out like this.

Anybody got any thoughts on this?

Thanks,
Nate

[nate25]

All,

Here's one more example: a panzer co., all by itself, assaulting a dug-in para bn. at the Grave bridge. (I'm betting they're part of KG Harmer, which did go to Nijmegen).

Not another German unit around for kilometers.

Folks?

Thanks,
Nate

[wodin]

Haven't noticed. Though the AI is in my opinion unsurpassed in wargame, so I have few complaints to be honest. AI's are years away from being perfect, however I'm sure the first people to make one will be Dave and his crew.

[Phoenix100]

A very small scale tank attack on Grave bridge happened in real life, during the first night, after the bridge had been taken. It was repulsed and Axis attempts to retake the bridge really ended there (at least according to the Nijmegam book in the Pen and Sword Battleground Europe series). The feeling you get reading accounts from the 82nd as to what was happening around the DZs and the rear of their 'lines' is that there were odd collections of german units coming in from the Reichswald without too much organisation - that what the Axis proved to be surprisingly capable of, in fact, was ad-hoc resistence with inadequate numbers. This account is also given throughout Robert Kershaw's account of M-G from the Axis viewpoint - 'It Never Snows in September', so it hasn't seemed off to me. In fact, the accounts given in real life speak of smaller units than are usually modelled in BFTB milling around and popping up and giving resistence - a few tanks here and there, a section, a platoon etc. The Axis response was quite fast - putting together KG type formations to respond from the Reichswald etc, but not immediate. It's seemed ok to me.

[wodin]

Sorry for going Off Topic..

I loved Kershaws Garlands book, however I just couldn't get in to MG one. My favourite book on MG is still Ryans book Bridge to far. Getting old in the tooth but still a great read.

[nate25]

All,

Thanks for the thoughts. I was not aware of the armored attack on the Grave bridge. Interesting. The level of knowledge that our little community is sitting on out there is a source of constant amazement to me as well as a source of continuing education. I'm privileged to be a very small part of this group.

I should elaborate on my original question. The small attacks everywhere are not my issue. My issue is with units that range far from their historical AOs. I feel the AI sacrifices Arnhem for the sake of Nijmegen. With most German units rushing for Nijmegen I find it too easy to take both bridges at Arnhem. I don't believe the Germans would have let this happen.

I know every time we start a new scenario it becomes "ahistorical". Every little order we issue takes it off the path of history.

However, the AI takes it too far, set up as it is, IMHO. There needs to be some basic defend orders for the units that "historically" defended Arnhem.

I'm a novice. Most of you that I chat with I would be extremely pessimistic about my chances playing you H2H. So if I can take Arnhem that easily, even if it is "only" the AI, there's an issue. This AI is better than that.

Thanks,
Nate

[Arjuna]

Nate,

Feel free to save the scenario under a different game, add, delete or otherwise modify the objectives for each side and see if that makes it feel right for you. FYI historically the Germans were more concerned with the Nijmegen corssing than the Arnhem one and had committed the bulk of their best troops to its defence. The fact is that John Frost's 2nd Para Bn arrived at the Arnhem bridge after part of the SS had crossed but before the bulk of them. Thoise north of the arnhem crossing ended up fighting in Arnhem not by virtue of the historical orders but by virtue of a twiost of historical fate.

[Phoenix100]

Well you're doing better than me, Nate, because I haven't got anywhere near taking the Arnhem road bridge in 5 goes at From the Meuse to the Rhine. I have taken Nijmegan road bridge twice, though.

[nate25]

phoenix,

I'm the exact opposite.

Arnhem's not an issue, but I can't get close to the bridge at Nijmegen.

I can take all the other bridges in the sector (as long as they don't get blown), but I cannot get downtown.

Thanks,
Nate.