SPOILERS--Arracourt Scenario Discussion

[Jagger2002]

Ok, it is Monday. Hopefully people have had an opportunity to play Arracourt. So any and all SPOILERS allowed. This thread is to discuss strategy, tactics, difficulties or general questions.

My comment is I discovered just how powerful the American air force could be in clear weather. On turn one, I made the mistake of leaving a battalion of PzIVs in the open without AA protection and they were pounced on and massacred by air attack. I lost 15 of 21 PzIVs in that one turn. Checking the replay, I had some flak somewhere in the distance which managed to repel exactly one aircraft out of the swarm of 50. One Panzer battalion kaput!

[FelixCulpa]

Hi Jagger2002,

There is more to this small scenario than one may initially suspect. It is a good study scenario to figure out tactics and the mechanics of the game.

Sounds like you have figured out that your German troops are rather brittle and attacking the US does not yield a positive result, if fact a net negative to the Germans.

In the opening turns you have to get more eyes (Recon points) on the enemy so your subsequent artillery attacks will be more effective. Note current US unit recon points, then move a unit, e.g., the 61 Pzj Abt into Blanere. The 37 Tk Bn starts with 43 Recon points and Best LOS 12. After moving 61 Pzj Abt, Best LOS is 50. This is the theme of the opening moves, more eyes on targets.

Then move the 11 Pz Auf to Blanere, 37 Tk Bn Recon Points increase 43-51.

[Jagger2002]

Yes, I enjoyed the scenario and did learn some lessons which came in handy in later scenarios.

I initially attacked w/11th Panzer and took Juvelize for those 10 VP and to create a defensive line based on that river branching off the Seille river. I had hoped at some point to capture Lezey as well but the conditions never developed. I also moved the mass of my 559th VG division south across the river to that hill forest mass to compress the Americans and get a view into the valley on the other side. It was risky because there was 3000 yards of open ground between the 559th VG and the center 11 the Panzer troops defending around Juvelize. The Americans tried to move through that open space but the 11th Panzer tanks in Moyenvic beat off that move. The toughest challenge was south with the US moves vs the 2 panzer brigades. If I hadn't reinforced them with some panzergrenadiers of 11th Panzer, I don't think they would have held. Overall a very good scenario and a lot of fun. Highly recommend it.

And yes, I have been much focused on recce. Makes a big difference for everything.