Operation Overlord 6 June to 6 July, 1944

[MikeJ19]

John,

Great question. I was wondering the same thing, but there is nothing stating that. There is a supply source in Cherbourg, but I think it is a German one. This makes sense in that it would take a while for the Allies to prepare Cherbourg to take supplies. This would likely be longer than the scenario, or just too difficult to simulate. If I could improve my supply situation by getting Cherbourg that would change my priorities...

Also, I'm surprised that my supply levels at the airfields in England is so low. When I look at the supply sources, I have two 100 level supply sources in England, but when I look at the supply trace they are giving me only 4s in England.

Thanks and have a good day,

[MikeJ19]

Thoughts on Phase 2

I like the idea of not attacking directly 12th SS and 21st Pz Div. Thus, by attacking South of Caen, I might achieve this.

I think that Option 3 has too many moving parts. I like the simplicity of options 1 and 2.

I think that I will go with Option 2, but will keep in mind the idea of exploiting past St. Lo as per option 1.

The timing to launch is based upon the arrival of 2nd Armd Div, which is 12 Jun, so it should be ready to attack on the 14th, as I have to move it forward behind the 2nd US Inf Div first.

However, initial elements of 51 Inf Div arrived today (June 10th), so it should be ready to attack as early as 12 June.
The 79th Inf Div arrives on the 13th in the VII Corps sector. Right now, I’m not sure that I need them as V Corps has 3 Divs (1st, 2nd and 29th) and could achieve their desired results with the addition of 2nd Armd Div. This would free up the 79th to assist in the attack towards Cherbourg or to be ready to exploit any success by V Corps.

Decision

From these thoughts I have decided to go with Option 2. It will start on June 12th in the East with 51 Inf Div attacking South Eats of Caen. On 14 June, 2nd Armd Div will attack towards St. Lo, while 29th Inf Div attacks towards Foret de Cerisy.
VII Corps will continue to press North now – not waiting for this operation to start and their attack is not really linked and I would like to keep the pressure on the Germans.

Overall, I’m hoping to trap some of the German forces facing XXX Corps and V Corps with these moves and to get some of the key towns and their accompanying road and rail networks.

As for operations over the next two days:

VII Corps will continue as usual.

V Corps
1st Div will continue to push to link up with XX Corps to their East
2nd Div will continue to work towards linking up with VII Corps.
29th Div will move into position ready to launch on the 12th

XXX Corps (50th Inf Div) will link up with 1st US Div

I Corps
3rd Cdn Div, 3rd Inf Div and 6 AB will hold in place
51st Inf Div will move into place to launch on 12 June.

[MikeJ19]

My Air Force will rest for the most part until June 12th when I will put a lot of them back into combat support and interdiction regardless of supply.

I will also move my navy closer to shore near Juno and Sword Beaches - if they can hit the German positions that would be nice!

[MikeJ19]

Just had a thought, I need to look to see if there are any rail bridges that I could target - this would help slow down the German reinforcements...

[MikeJ19]

Here is a look at the plan in the West for today

[MikeJ19]

Here is the idea for linking up ...

[MikeJ19]

Now over in the East

[MikeJ19]

Morning has arrived and it is a cloudy day in Normandy

[MikeJ19]

A look at what VII Corps is going to be up to

[MikeJ19]

A little to the East

[MikeJ19]

Now a look at the eastern half of the battle

[MikeJ19]

Well, that was a shock. The Germans got back to back turns and hit me hard. Looks like the start of phase 2 will be delayed...

[MikeJ19]

The situation facing the American side of my battle is okay. I may be whining, but it would really help if my Air Force was being supplied ...

[MikeJ19]

The British and Canadians have taken a beating in front of Caen.

[MikeJ19]

As morning lifts, well after the Germans attacked...

[MikeJ19]

It is going to take a long time for my Air Force to get supplied at 4 a turn... Oh well.

[MikeJ19]

It is the 14th today...

[TheeWarLord]

I did an AI/po on this scenario, ended up beating up on the allies, a 2nd Dunkirk. IMHO, a live opponent is the best way to go. Just my 2cents.

[MikeJ19]

TheeWarLord,

I agree that it would be more fun, but I'm not quite ready for that. I worry that I do not play consistently enough to play against someone else. Eventually, I will want to try that.

Hopefully, in this fight, I do not end up being pushed into the sea...

Have a good day,

[MikeJ19]

Things are progressing and the Germans are frustrating my plans - which from a gaming perspective is a good thing.