Narrative AAR...US Campaign 3 "Wolf's Lair"

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bootlegger267
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Narrative AAR...US Campaign 3 "Wolf's Lair"

Post by bootlegger267 »

Other than the Setup intro, this one will be told through eyes of the Tank Platoon, and on down.....


1400072489z……2AD (Fwd) TOC:

Gen Funk looked at the recon photos, both aerial and satellite, plus the video tape from the JSTARS that showed Soviet vehicle movements as the NORTHAG Cdr spoke over the secure line. “Ivan does not want to cross the Wesser north of Bremen, nor does he want to fight a protracted battle for the city itself..
The photos showed that the 2nd GTA was readying an attack with multiple units arriving in the vicinity of Lauenbruck . The JSTARS movement video verified the photos.

He wants to control the A1/B75 corridor because it offers a high mobility route as it passes south of the city” said the NORTHAG Cdr. “I need you to continue to defend that corridor in the vicinity of Scheessel.”

His troops were at their limit…72hrs of Combat OPs took their toll. The repositioning took its own mechanical toll. The Brigade Support Area was filled with vehicles of every type. Only those that could be put back on the line within 12hrs were being worked on. The “Wrenches” worked to get every vehicle possible to the front. They were just as much part of this battle as the tankers, grunts, and cannon cockers on the line.

The Russian commander of the 2nd GTA was continuing to push SE. The A1/A27 junction southeast of Bremen effectively cut NORTHAG’S supply line, and NATO supplies were running low. The loss of his two lead divisions was unexpected, but NATO had given ground in each battle and the 2nd GTA Cdr believed that they were close to breaking.



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MikeJ19
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RE: Narrative AAR...US Campaign 3 "Wolf's Lair"

Post by MikeJ19 »

Bootlegger267,

I'm looking forward to watching this AAR. Good luck and have fun!

Mike
Mike

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RE: Narrative AAR...US Campaign 3 "Wolf's Lair"

Post by bootlegger267 »

02010725z....2/B/2/66Ar vic 185169 NE Scheessel

2Lt Boyers had his TC's hatch open and took off his CVC for the moment. The turret was moving slowly left and right, as his gunner continued to scan his assigned sector. His platoon had arrived in their positions on either side of the B75 highway about 30 minutes ago, as had the bulk of the Bn. With his CVC off, he could still hear vehicles moving about inside the town. It seemed like there was a tank every 50-75m's along the outter edge of this town. Just as he completed that thought, the turret, which was moving to the right suddenly came to a halt...His gunner, Sgt Joe Amboy, was slapping his leg as he pulled the CVC back on.

"Sir, take a look at what's coming down the road" said Amboy. Boyers sat down on the TC's seat and looked through his sight extension. "How many?" asked the Lt. "Hard to tell at this distance, but at least 8 vehicles. Cant tell if they're tanks or PC's either" said Amboy. "Tim, put me on the Co net" ordered Boyers as he looked at his map. PFC Tim Cook hit the button labeled 1 on the radio and the dials spun up to the Co Freq...well almost. The AN/PRC12 radio dated back to the 1950's and the presets never lined up exactly. He reached over and flipped the dial one click and announced "You're on Sir". "White 6, White 1, spot report over...."Enemy 8 tanks/pc's from A14, Left .7, up 1.2 over"....Just as he released the toggle switch on his CVC, Cook let out a yell...."Holy shit, look at that!"...

Off to his left, 3 rocket trails streaked to the north....Then, the Co command net lit up....contact choppers north, out!





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RE: Narrative AAR...US Campaign 3 "Wolf's Lair"

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0211072589z 3/D/2/66Ar.... The tanks were scanning their sectors as the first of multiple missiles were fired at the choppers. The Russian BRDM's that were part of the divisional Recon element, came into view not long after. The M1A1's began what would become the destruction of the Russian lead elements...

"Here they come" announced the gunner on D33. The TC dropped down into the turret and began the same process he had been through only 12 hrs prior. "Whadda ya see" asked the TC as he looked through his sight. "Sarge, I got everything. Tanks PC, recon, you name it, its out there." came the response. Contact and spot reports were flying over the plt net as the Tank Commander evaluated the numerous targets in his field of view. "Start near to far Tom, there's enough out there to keep everyone busy" ordered the TC as no fire commands came over the radio. SOP and years of training came into effect "I'll yell what I want" said the gunner, referencing the type of round he needed loaded, based on his target. The TC's job now was to make sure what he was engaging was the most dangerous to his crew. "Keep loading Sabot" said the gunner then announced "On the Way!"







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RE: Narrative AAR...US Campaign 3 "Wolf's Lair"

Post by bootlegger267 »

0215072589z..The Russian's were advancing along 3 axis. This was a 2nd echelon unit as the PC's were BTR's, not BMP's. The tanks were beginning their engagements at 3000m's or more. Enemy vehicles exiting Helvesiek were brought under a murderous fire from the M1A1's 120mm cannon.



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RE: Narrative AAR...US Campaign 3 "Wolf's Lair"

Post by Jagger2002 »

I have never played this one before. I wonder if the Russians have plenty of artillery. They are going to need something to help them cross all that open ground.
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RE: Narrative AAR...US Campaign 3 "Wolf's Lair"

Post by bootlegger267 »

They usually do, but during the 2nd battle in this campaign ("Battle Tested"), I really cleaned the Russians clock and they could not recover their "Fallen Out" vehicles from the battlefield.....

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RE: Narrative AAR...US Campaign 3 "Wolf's Lair"

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0229072589Z 1/D/2/66 Ar….SFC Kline pulled his face away from the sight extension as he wiped the sweat that was pouring down his forehead. He pushed the lever that released his TC’s hatch. Pushing up and back, the hatch clanked into the full open position. “Bobby, back straight up” ordered Kline. They needed to get the remaining rounds from the semi-ready rack transferred. Once they were 50m behind their position, Kline ordered the driver to stop. 5 minutes later, 16 rounds , 11 sabot, 5 Heat were stowed behind the ready rack door.

It seemed like every few seconds a tank cannon would let loose,. Then two, three, four more in quick succession. Kline pulled his tank back into position, only this time 25m to the left of his original spot.

For the past 30 minutes the crew of D14 and the rest of the crews on this side of town, had been engaging targets at the intersection of the K219 and L131 roads. This was their predetermined “tripwire”, when the enemy reached it, all hell broke loose….Over 30 Russian vehicles were burning in and around the crossroads….

Kline placed his hatch back into the Protective Open position, sat down into his seat, and flipped his CVC toggle to Intercom. “Ok, what do we have, Tim?” asked the PSG. Sgt Tim Gainey had been Kline’s gunner for the past 18 months. “Sarge, still plenty of targets out there but the wrecks, fires, and smoke are making it hard to pick em up until they clear the carnage,” answered Gainey.

Just then, 2 tanks and 5 PC’s cleared the killing field…….






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RE: Narrative AAR...US Campaign 3 "Wolf's Lair"

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0244072589z...The echos of tank cannon fire had suddenly dropped from a steady staccato to an occasional report. The unique sound of a Bradley's 30mm could be heard when the tanks weren't firing. Gen Funk monitored the battle from his TOC which was located in a copse of woods south of Bartelsdorf. He wanted to go forward to see for himself what was happening to his north. He did not press his commanders for information as they were fighting their units and had their hands full. The reports coming over the Brigade net, besides those his staff monitored on the various Battalion nets, had to be taken with a grain of salt. His Cdr's were reporting that the Russian attack was stopped dead in its tracks.

"S2, S3, get me a detailed sitrep from the Cdr's and back brief me in 15 minutes" ordered Funk. If the reports were accurate, Funk needed to plan his next moves. He walked over to the S2's map and traced the flow of the battle that had so far, lasted only 45 minutes...

His S2 walked over to his map, clipboard in hand, and started to post the new known enemy positions. Once he was finished and the S3 joined them, he began the briefing.

At 0201z enemy Helo's and BRDM's were spotted here along the K219 some 6kms north of TF D/4/41 positions in Westerholz. Not long after that, at least a Bn's worth of BTR's were spotted heading south out of Helvesiek and also here, coming down the B75. Recon elements belonging to that Bn were spotted paralleling the road here. The helo's were engaged by multiple Chaparral's and destroyed. Recon elements here, here, and here, were destroyed by direct fires.

By 0230z, we identified the enemy's axis of advance. One towards Westerholz, and three towards Scheessel, one from the NW, another from the north, and the third from the NE. The pre-plotted FASCAM was fired to block the L130 here, and the bridge was blown over the Wurmme to the north of the town.

Sir, from what we can tell, and these reports are 5 minutes old, the massed fires of TF 2/66 and TF D/4/41 stopped the attack in its tracks. A few enemy vehicles closed within 500m of both units positions, but right now, all are reporting engaging stragglers.

The one concern I have is a report of enemy tanks and PC's moving due south out of Lauenbruck, but we can't verify that at the present moment.

Funk thought about that one for a second and said "Sam, get TF C/2/66 moving to here, over watching the bridges. If Ivan is trying to get behind us, this is where I'd try. Between them and the 98th, maybe we can catch them in a serious crossfire" said the General. The S3 left the briefing and moved to the S3 side of the TOC plotted and gave the order....

"Okay, lets take nothing for granted. Ivan came in dumb, paid for it, but he isn't stupid. Sam, also get 4/41 to REDCON 1.




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RE: Narrative AAR...US Campaign 3 "Wolf's Lair"

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0300072589z...The rain came from nowhere but was welcome as it reduced the amount of smoke covering the battlefield. Updated spot reports came in confirming the destruction of another Russian Division....



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RE: Narrative AAR...US Campaign 3 "Wolf's Lair"

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0308072589z vic Ostervesede (320200)... When Cpt Connally received the report that enemy tanks and Pc's might be approaching his vicinity, he repositioned one of his sections to the west side of the village. Not minutes after they arrived, the enemy tanks appeared....

The contact report was heard in the TOC. Funk realized TF C would not get into position in time. "FSO I need a FASCAM mission at the following grid coordinates....



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RE: Narrative AAR...US Campaign 3 "Wolf's Lair"

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0331072589z...Connally could not believe his luck. The Russian tank were moving in company columns and flanked to his positions. The rain and limited visibility added to his elements concealment, and at 1500m he hoped to take out the bulk of the enemy with the first volley. Eight TOW missiles streaked towards their targets guided by commands sent down a un-spooling wire to the track that fired it. Gunners in each vehicles continued to track and keep their reticles on their assigned targets. Within 30 seconds, the Russian tank company ceased to exist.......The few vehicles that were not targeted with the first volley tried to turn towards their unseen enemy but were also destroyed before they has a chance.

0331072589z....Connally was in the middle of sending a detailed spot report to Bde when the BMP's came from behind the hill to his right front...Again, the Cav troops waited until the last vehicle cleared the hill and then opened fire with their 30mm cannons, saving their 2nd TOW's for more worthy targets. As the engagement continued another group of vehicles appeared in the thermals of the gunners...more tanks!

The report of the BMP's lined up with the earlier spot report, and the battle staff in the TOC thought they had this one in the bag. When the fragmented report of 20+ tanks was heard, Funk knew the Cav didn't have enough weapons systems to stop the advance....It was simple math. The appearence of a reinforced tank battalion was a problem, but then the lead elements found the FASCAM minefield...

"FSO, hammer them with everything you have!" ordered Funk. "3 inform TF C what's going to be in front of them and tell em to kick it into high gear!"



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RE: Narrative AAR...US Campaign 3 "Wolf's Lair"

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0346072589z...Funk was standing behind his staff manning the radios, listening to the battle of Ostervesede unfold. An enemy tank Co had peeled off the main column and tried to close the the distance between himself and the enemy in the village. The poor visibility and the accuracy of his enemy's fire wittled down his force until only a Plt of tanks were left. The did actually make it into the western edge of the village, but were met with devastating fire from three sides.

Just as these reports were coming through, TF C reported "Set" on the high ground overlooking the bridges. When asked if his force was ready to engage, his response was greeted with everyone staring at their radios "There is nothing to engage"....

Even with that bit of news, Funk was taking no chances. "S3, get 4/41 moving. Tell them to occupy position west and south of Bartelsdorf and once set, to standby for further instructions." From the position he gave the S3, 4/41 could still react north if needed, but his plan was to have them relieve the Cav in Ostervesede.



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RE: Narrative AAR...US Campaign 3 "Wolf's Lair"

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"S2, help me out here" asked the General. I get the Russian Tank Bn trying for the bridges on our right flank, but another makes an attempt down the B75? Two questions, why another attack down the B75 when we've been kicking their butts for hours.? Second, where are they coming from? "And FSO, why are we still taking accurate artillery fires for Ivan?"

The BDE S2 spoke first..."Sir, my only guess is that the Russian commander is being pushed by his boss to get into Scheessel. You're right, it makes no tactical sense. Regarding the second question, I have a call into NORTHAG for an overflight. With the weather starting to break, maybe we can spot any other surprises" said the Intel Officer.

The FSO spoke next. "Only thing we can figure is that Ivan has a small FO element in the woods, here" asn pointed to the small wooded knoll to the NW of the town.

"Well damnit! Flatten that damn hill and everything around it." order Funk.

"S2, show me your battle map" requested the Commander.









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RE: Narrative AAR...US Campaign 3 "Wolf's Lair"

Post by bootlegger267 »

Conclusion and notes....This scenario actually was ended by the computer at 0331, right after the Russian's were ambushed by the 98th Cav (+) outside of Ostervesede. It truly was total carnage.. I ended up with a 94% victory. The map above shows the killing grounds..........

Setup...There were slim choices in regards to starting positions for the US. Scheessel offered great cover & movement, with wide open FOV's so this is where the main defense was located. Alpha, Bravo, and Delta Co'S 2/66Ar were positioned in an arc from west to east along the edge of the city. Alpha and Bravo Co's 3/41 Inf were located in the SE corner. C/2/66 Ar (-) and C/3/41 Inf (-), the two weakest units, were combined and formed the immediate tactical reserve located south of Scheessel on the B75 in the low ground. Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie Co's 4/41 (-) constituted my counter attack element.

The other positions, to the west or east, had to be moved into. The village of Ostervesade on the right flank offered great FOV's East and West, and was shielded by the large hill to its N/NE. Chances were good that any forces ordered to occupy it would arrive before the enemy, and any movement would be out of sight of the enemy.

The left flank was different as Westerholz, being a VP location, along with the two road intersections to the north, also VP locations, were closer to the front. Again, weather conditions, fighting at night, and entering the town from the south concealed the move of TF D/3/41, who was assigned to defend that location.

The Russians were able to get into direct fire range only a few times. Their artillery was VASTLY reduced from the prior scenario. Without the bulk of their arty, they were helpless.....


I decided to continue the the game, not with the total destruction of any remaining enemy forces, but rather testing out movement, screening/Scouting tactics...etc

I did relieve the 98th Cav with TF 4/41 (-), then sent them to recon the woods overlooking the Fintau River to the north, then the woods SW of Laurenbruk. Once that was completed, TF 4/41 was given the mission to cross that river at Vadhe, and move west along the K212 and the river towards Laurenbruk.

The Cav located the Russian Hq's and remaining Arty, and I pushed 4/41 into Laurenbruk proper, stopping at the river.

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RE: Narrative AAR...US Campaign 3 "Wolf's Lair"

Post by JohnOsb »

Didn't see any type of arty from the Soviets? Sure was a lot of open ground to cross.
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RE: Narrative AAR...US Campaign 3 "Wolf's Lair"

Post by bootlegger267 »

I wiped a good part of the RAG/DAG in the previous battle. Since the losses were 4-1+, the AI could not recover "Fallen Out" units. Huge difference!

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RE: Narrative AAR...US Campaign 3 "Wolf's Lair"

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