Operation Sealion LCG

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 14:

The British line of resistance crumbles under heavy German pressure. Engineers and Motorcycle Troops clear out the British Engineers while 1st Company with the assistance of the Panzer IVs splits up and tackles the two British Rifle Platoons that guard the highway to either side.

However, another Panzer IIIF is lost when attempting to block the retreating British and another hidden Engineer Platoon opens fire from close range.

And to the southwest of Gallant Farm, another hidden 40mm AA Gun battery opens fire on a probing armored car and easily destroys the thin-skinned vehicle.


Luftwaffe strikes across the river are successful in destroying a pair of British A13 Cruiser Tanks.



[center]1st Company smashes through the British line![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 15:

The 40mm AA battery southwest of Gallant Farm again fires from its protective bunker and targets 1st Company's I Platoon and kills 1SP, reducing the paratroop platoon to half-strength.
Captain Störck and his six Panzer IVDs quickly roll forward, and blast the much-hated British guns from range. One gun is put out of action, while the other is left heavily suppressed.

With that threat nullified, the German infantry units proceed to eliminate the surviving British defenders with brutal efficiency. Within minutes the entire area is free of enemy troops, and the Germans claim the strategic crossroads as their own.

1st Company will now drive on towards the tiny village of Barn Hill, while 3rd Company heads northwest to capture Gallant Farm.
Armored units will provide assistance as needed.



[center]The German Steamroller continues![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 16:

The British retaliate with the loss of the crossroads by unleashing a horde of Mark VI Light Tanks. Two are quickly brewed up by the German Panzers, but the enemy numbers are too great and the Panzers are forced to fall back to the crossroads.




[center]British armor counter-attacks![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 17:

Four more of the British Mark VIs are quickly destroyed by the German Panzers, which are enboldened by their success to resume the advance.

Meanwhile 1st Company troops approach the village of Barn Hill through the cover of a smokescreen. Several defending British Rifle Platoons and an Engineer Platoon react to the sudden German presence, but are unable to inflict casualties.

Heavy artillery is plotted on the British positions.



[center]1st Company under fire![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 18:

1st Company manages to destroy one of the defending Rifle Platoons around Barn Hill, but must temporarily pull back for fear of artillery strikes. Two Motorcycle Platoons arrive to assist when the advance resumes.

Meanwhile, the one-sided tank battle rages on, with two more Mark VIs destroyed by the German Panzers. The British fight bravely, but with machineguns as their main armament, they pose little threat to the German armor.
Three Mark VIs broke off from the main group some time ago and now reappear southwest of Pimp Court. Engineers and the 88mm FlaK guns are dispatched to deal with this minor annoyance.

3rd Company, two HMG Platoons, and a Motorcycle Troop slowly make their way northwest toward Gallant Farm, but are hindered by the surviving 40mm AA gun and a single British HMG, both of which defend stubbornly from the fortified bunker southwest of Gallant Farm.
Panzer IVs are unsuccessful in their attack on this position.

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 19:

Two more Mark VIs are destroyed by the German Panzers while Engineers near Pimp Court claim two more.
The Germans now count only three of the British tanks remaining near Gallant Farm, and one more near Pimp Court.

3rd Company's advance comes to a sudden halt after multiple AA guns positioned across the river open fire on the vulnerable paratroops. Fortunately, no casualties are taken, but 3rd Company must withdraw from these exposed positions.
Armored units will attempt an attack from the south once the British defenders in the bunker are eliminated.

Back near Barn Hill, the British make a terrible mistake and decide to abandon the village and join the main fight. The British Engineer unit, led by a Major, stumble into Captain Geis and two of his paratroop platoons which make quick work of the unfortunate unit.
A half-strength Motorcycle Platoon takes advantage of the British withdrawal and claims Barn Hill for Germany.



[center]Barn Hill captured![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 20:

British resistance south of Gallant Farm quickly erodes as the German Panzers finish off the last of the Mark VIs and Motorcycle Troops further reduce the British infantry units.
In one last defiant act, the elusive 40mm AA Gun claims one more Panzer IIIF destroyed before its luck finally runs out and it is blasted by the advancing Panzer IVs.

Major Gause's I Battalion is ordered to assume a defensive posture as the operation winds down.

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 21:

After the British defenders of Gallant Farm are subjected to an intense artillery bombardment, the German Panzers charge the dazed defenders and forcibly eject them from the premises.

All other units stand down.



[center]Blitzing Panzers at Gallant Farm![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 22:

The operation draws to a close and the Germans consolidate their gains.

The Panzers defend their new position and fire on several lingering British units which causes them to flee.

A pair of Stukas also get in on the action and destroy two gigantic 3.7-inch AA Guns on the northern side of the river.

[TAIL GUNNER]

Conclusion:

Final Score: 751 - Major Victory

Despite a horrific start, I learned a valuable lesson about waiting for reinforcement and attacking from the least exposed direction. Great scenario, though the British seemed a bit too eager to leave their defensive positions and got slaughtered for it.

German I Battalion losses(SPs):
6 Parachute Infantry Platoon
1 Machinegun Platoon

Wehrmacht losses(SPs):
5 Pzkpfw IIIF Medium Tanks
3 PSW 222 Armored Cars
3 Motorcycle Platoon


British losses (SPs):
16 Mark VI Light Tanks
2 A13 Cruiser Tanks
1 Truck
2 OML 3-inch Mortars
5 OQF 40mm Anti-Aircraft Guns
2 OQF 3.7-inch Anti-Aircraft Guns
72 Rifle Platoon
17 Engineer Platoon
7 Machinegun Platoon
2 Battalion HQ (mot.)
4 Commander 2 (mot.)
3 Commander 3 (mot.)


Total British losses (SPs) to date:
25 Mark VI Light Tanks
2 A13 Cruiser Tanks
49 Trucks
43 Carriers
20 2pdr Portee Anti-Tank Trucks
18 OML 3-inch Mortars
1 OQF 18-pounder Field Guns
20 OQF 2-pounder Anti-Tank Guns
4 OQF 3-inch Anti-Aircraft Guns
16 OQF 40mm Anti-Aircraft Guns
2 OQF 3.7-inch Anti-Aircraft Guns
6 OBL 6-inch Howitzers
51 Carrier Rifle Section
292 Rifle Platoon
35 Engineer Platoon
39 Home Guard Platoon
4 Anti-Aircraft Machinegun Platoon
48 Machinegun Platoon
1 Regimental HQ
14 Battalion HQ (mot.)
1 Commander 1 (mot.)
8 Commander 2 (mot.)
12 Commander 3 (mot.)
4 Commander 2
3 Commander 3


Received 4 replacement points. 9 of the 12 paratrooper platoons are at 5 SPs. 1 HMG at 3SPs. Engineers remain at 4SPs.
Total Battalion strength is 87% of TOE.


Onward soldiers!

[TAIL GUNNER]

Major Gause and his I Battalion quickly receive orders for their next operation: secrure bridgeheads across the River Medway west of Maidstone.

First, the twin villages of West Farleigh and East Farleigh must be cleared on the south side of the river, then advance across three bridges spanning the river to establish the bridgeheads.

This will not be easy, as many British units including heavy static AA guns and medium tanks were spotted during the last operation on the north side of the river defending from deep and elaborate fortifications.

Assisting I Battalion in this daunting task are elements from the 18th Panzer Regiment. Six PzIIIFs and eight PzIVDs are made available as well as a Recon Battalion consisting of a company of Motorcycle Platoon infantry, a company of Rifle Platoon infantry plus three squadrons of armored cars. Three StugIIIBs and two three-gun batterys of 88mm FlaK guns round out the auxiliary forces.

Major Schmetzer's II Battlion, 5th and 6th Company paratroops will cover the eastern flank.

Very strong artillery support in the form of three batterys of 150mm Infantry Guns and five batterys of 75mm Mountain Guns are available for fire support.

The Plan: (Phase 1)

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 1:

The German formations head out towards their objectives but come under fire almost immediatley from small, ambushing bands of Rifle infantry and light tanks. Enemy AA Guns firing from long range across the river also impede their movements.

The German troops try to advance under cover as best they can, although 1SP of a Motorcycle Platoon is lost after coming under fire from a 40mm AA battery.

Slowing 2nd and 3rd Company's advance is a half-strength British Rifle Platoon and two Mark VI Light Tanks. One of the British armored units is destroyed by Panzer IIIFs, but the paratroops are forced to seek cover from multiple 40mm AA Guns across the river which have wide fields of fire and excellent defenses. One particular battery of these much-feared weapons defends from a pillbox so the 88mm FlaK guns are called upon to offer their assistance.

1st Company and the StuGs clash with another small delaying force of British infantry and a two-gun battery of 40mm AA Guns. The British infantry unit takes losses, but the more dangerous AA battery escapes unscathed from StuG and armored car fire.

18th Recon and the Panzer IVs also come in contact with multiple British blocking forces, and are able to destroy an enemy Battalion HQ and several SPs of infantry troops.

It quickly dawns on the Germans that the road across the river will be a hard, long slog that will be bitterly contested by the British every step of the way.



[center]The British über-weapons defend from across the river![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 2:

2nd and 3rd Company, along with the Panzer IIIFs, are able to slowly advance north and successfully destroy or cause retreat on the delaying forces in their path. One of the 40mm AA Batterys across the river is subjected to heavy artillery bombardment which destroys one gun, but the other battery in the pillbox stares down ominously at the advancing Germans, inciting them to come within range of their guns.
A battery of powerful 88mm FlaK guns towed by SdKfz 7 prime movers approaches Shingle Barn where it will soon deploy and be able to fire on the British battery to ensure safe passage of the German troops.

The 40mm AA battery blocking 1st Company's advance also comes under artillery fire which disables one gun. II and III Platoon then advance and destroy the remaining gun.
However, III Platoon comes under fire from a small Rifle infantry unit hiding in an orchard, and takes a 1SP loss and falls back. II Platoon and the StuGs then proceed to annihilate the British unit, also killing a British Captain.

Panzer IVs are able to destroy another 40mm AA Battery with long-range fire, which frees 18th Recon to advance. Several British Rifle troops and Engineers take loss from the advancing German units, but the small village of Deam Street remains in British hands.

5th and 6th Company advance and cover the eastern flank, but have yet to engage in combat.
They are able to see several defensive works ahead, including a large Church that has been fortified.

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 3:

With the majority of the enemy's 40mm AA Gun batterys out of action, the Germans press forward and make progress in all sectors.

2nd and 3rd Company approach the British first line of defense south of West Farleigh, and are successful in either destroying the defenders or pushing them back.

However, 1st Comapny has less success after another half-strength Rifle Platoon fires on III Platoon and kills 1SP. Captain Geis will lead his exposed troops toward cover and resume the advance.

18th Recon advances towards East Farleigh, but a deep minefield and an anti-tank ditch prevent a direct western advance on the town.
Also, British Engineers at Deam Street continue to fiercely resist.

5th and 6th Company draw fire from a large group of British Commandos and a 3SP MG Platoon that fire on the Germans from a copse of trees just to the southeast of the Church.



[center]2nd and 3rd Company drive the British back![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 4:

The Germans continue to shove the British back towards the river.

2nd Company comes within firing range of the remaining 40mm AA battery defending from a pillbox across the river, luckily causing no casualties.
The German's 88mm FlaK guns are finally in position to retaliate, and with a thunderous boom they fire in unison and disable one of the British guns which leaves the survivors badly shaken.

3rd Company occupies former British defensive positions south of West Farleigh, and prepare to cross an anti-tank ditch and engage the enemy garrison.

Elements of 18th Recon finally force the British Engineers out of Deam Street with heavy losses to the defenders. The advance on East Farleigh proceeds with earnest;
18th Recon will approach from the east while 1st Company tightens the vise from the west.

5th and 6th Company suddenly find themselves in a vicious firefight as two more hidden British Commando units open fire on the exposed paratroops and cause casualties. German counter-fire is somewhat effective although the British have the upper hand at the moment.

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 5:

2nd and 3rd Company close the gap between them and West Farleigh, but the British defense becomes more formidable as numerous and fresh Rifle and Engineer Platoons are spotted defending in depth near the town. One of the heavy armor cars is lost when it probes British positions.
Heavy artillery is desperately called on to help the German troops root out the deeply entrenched British.

88mm FlaK guns are successful in destroying a A13 Cruiser Tank from range, but further shelling of the 40mm battery proves inconclusive.

On the other side of the equation, East Farleigh seems to have been abandoned by the British. 1st Company and 18th Recon quickly probe for a way around the minefields in order to seize this opportunity before the British realize the error of their ways.

5th and 6th Company continue their violent firefight with the Commandos near the Church.
Casualties are high for both sides, but the Germans superior firepower and numbers are slowly turning the tide.



[center]Strong resistance spotted all around West Farleigh![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 6:

Artillery strikes against the defenders around West Farleigh achieve little.
2nd Company opts to head east behind the front lines because of strong British defenses across the river while 3rd Company prepares for a direct attack on the fortified village through smokescreen covers.
An Engineer Platoon attached to 7th Regiment and Panzer IIIFs will assist.

The FlaK guns continue to fire on targets of opportunitiy from long-range, and successfully destroy an enemy Battalion HQ before it can find cover.

1st Company and infantry units from 18th Recon approach the still abandoned East Farleigh, but must traverse an anti-tank ditch on the southern approach.

And just as 5th and 6th Company gain the upper edge in their ongoing battle with British Commandos, two fresh Commando platoons and an Engineer Platoon enter the fray.
The Germans hold their ground for now, but may have to withdraw soon.



[center]II Battalion under intense pressure![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 7:

3rd Company paratroops approach the embattled village of West Farleigh through cover of a smokescreen. The defense includes two units of Engineers, who shrug off all German fire directed their way. A full salvo from the entire battalion of 150mm Guns is ordered onto the stubborn defenders.
III Platoon suffers 1SP loss from a charging Rifle Platoon led by a British Captain. The British unit is quickly beaten back with HMG fire.

FlaK guns turn their attention on British armor and destroy a A13 Cruiser Tank and a Matilda II.

Meanwhile, 1st Company and 18th Recon slowly creep closer to East Farleigh. A German Engineer Platoon peeks into the river valley and comes under fire from a plethora of British units, including a duo of the dreaded Matilda IIs. The German unit takes casualties and retreats.
Two of 18th Recons Rifle Platoons led by Captain Woytasch will enter the eastern edge of the village after a smokescreen is lain.

And despite recent reinforcement, 5th and 6th Company beat back the Britsh Commandos which suffer heavy losses.
The German's eastern flank is still secure.



[center]Strong British forces in the river valley![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 8:

German heavy artillery rains down on the besieged British Engineers at West Farleigh. The intense and lengthy bombardment leaves both units temporarily dazed.
But before the British have time to recover, III and IV Platoon, 3rd Company, rush forward with guns blazing and easily push the British out of the devastated village.

And further east, while Captain Woytasch of 18th Recon and two of his Rifle Platoons distract the British, IV Platoon, 1st Company claims the undefended East Farleigh for the Germans.

Even further east, just as 5th and 6th Company are about to declare victory over the British Commandos, a full-strength Rifle Platoon joins the melee by occupying the Church.

The Germans will now focus on clearing the remaining British forces that are south of the river.



[center]West Farleigh falls to 3rd Company![/center]

[TAIL GUNNER]

Turn 9:

3rd Company, assisted by armored units and HMGs, begins sweeping the orchards north of West Farleigh clean of British troops.
German losses are nil, but a unit from 2nd Company takes a 1SP loss from an errant British artillery shell.

Meanwhile, 1st Company and 18th Recon units take up positions near East Farleigh and push back or destroy most of the British units still on the south side of the river.
A pair of bold Matilda IIs charge across the river and at the German lines, but luckily Engineers are close by and destroy one of the beasts with a powerful satchel charge.
Many British troops are congregated on the north side of the river, and are easy pickings for the Panzer IVs.
A bothersome MG unit is the first to be blasted into oblivion. Then it's fire at will on the nearest enemy troops.

5th and 6th Company maintain their composure and expect to defeat the British forces they are engaged with soon.




[center]Fire at will on nearest enemy target![/center]