Those Infantrymen Have Guts

[slaphappypappy]

Very Good Scenario!
Took me four tries to beat it as the Americans on Normal.
Keep em coming Rico!

Tom

[UP844]

Unfortunately, so far I had no time to spare to play it [:(], but it looks like Rico at his best (or worst [:D]).

I read in the scenario description that the American player has M10's as supporting armor. I understand sometimes you have to use what you get, but I wonder who was the genius that actually thought using tank destroyers as assault guns against a fortified line [X(].

[rico21]

Thank you Tom for the appreciation.
Those who know the Second World War as well as I know that in the American armored doctrine established after the defeat of France in 1940, it is necessary to create in addition to the battalions of tanks, battalions of tank destroyers that will stop an enemy potential using his tanks massively.
The American army is therefore with more tank destroyers than necessary and therefore detached some as independent battalions to support the infantry in its assaults.
They take the function of assault guns with the defect of not having been designed in this sense, especially with their open turret which makes them vulnerable in urban combat (shooting from the floors) and in close combat (throwing grenades) .

In conclusion, when we do not know, we are silent!

[UP844]

Thanks Rico, I am perfectly aware of the American tank destroyer doctrine and of its history and of their use in urban combat: I have a picture (unfortunately, only in paper format) of a M10 or M18 of the 894th TD battalion firing at a roadblock at the eastern end of my home city [:D] on April 28th, 1945.

[slaphappypappy]

<< but I wonder who was the genius that actually thought using tank destroyers as assault guns against a fortified line . >>
My thoughts exactly because of CE vulnerability. Makes them of little value.

[rico21]

In the game and only in the game, the TDs are effective in group against a single target at maximum shooting range allowed by the LOS. In this scenario, I used them in reserve to liquidate the blockaus of exit.

[UP844]

Disclaimer: I still have to play the scenario, so I do not know all of its details.

I think the only viable tactic for TD's would be staying as far as possible away from the German positions (at least 6 hexes away to avoid being fired by squads, if possible 9+ hexes away to avoid fire from LMG's). Any range-related to-hit penalties should be balanced by firing in CE status and, on a side note. I always loved the .50 AAMG of American AFVs [:D].
I am certain Rico's has cunningly planted AT guns everywhere, and since even a 50mm Pak can easily pierce a M10, ATG's should be the #1 target for infantry, which will have to locate and kill them by itself (it's a tough job [:(], but I doubt a TD could survive two Fire Phases before being able to reply).
On the other hand, even though this is late '44 and the Germans should have plenty of LATW, the latter don't worry me at all, since I have no intention to come so close to German infantry.

[fuselex]

agree with your original post slaphappypappy.
It is a great scenario.
I also play on normal and had great fun with this one .
Thought I had it in the bag with a little bit of time on my hands to play with.
Figured it was now just about mopping up the german troops . Well that was the plan .
I really enjoy how Rico has done the Stalingrad and now the Aachen series.
1 large map, but with smaller playable scenarios that link together to create a feeling for the game.
Should there be another add on released like Kursk in the near future , I think the formula Rico has shown us
could be a winner .
Of course that is only my opinion , but I know when I have finished one scenario of these campaigns I eagerly
await the next one
The same map just links it all together.
Well done

[fuselex]

thank you

[rico21]

Welcome [:D]

[UP844]

I managed to get a Major, but I have been extremely lucky: the German OBA fired only twice on the setup hexes on the left (which my troops had vacated on the first turn). If the AI had one of his "Artillery Day" I think I would never have been able to advance past the first hill. In this case I had made use of the huge firepower of the American units to overwhelm the German defenders.

The M10's - as expected - proved both vulnerable and useless in this tactical situation.
US artillery fired a single mission, causing no losses to the Germans, then lost access.

In the end, a nice scenario (as long as no AI artillery shows up [:D])

[fuselex]

haha ,
have to query your picture there UP844?
Nice major victory but that doesn't even look like the same map

[UP844]

The map scrolled beyond the playing area when I took the screenshot [:D]

I tried playing with the Germans and I only managed to get a Draw [:(]. 1 more point and it would have been a Minor victory. Perhaps I could have counterattacked, but there was a bogged M10 and I had no particular desire to lose the StuG.

I brought forward most of the infantry squads that start in the rear area, leaving about a platoon in the exit hex. A couple missions from my artillery greatly disrupted the American attack, and the Americans never set foot on the first hill [;)].

Most American units were broken at the end of the game, despite the valiant efforts of the AI leaders. Unfortunately, I did not manage to kill enough of them to get a Minor; on the other hand I don't think leaving the fortified area would have been a wise idea.