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If the only bridge across a wide river has been destroyed, what can I do? Can't I ever cross it again?

Originally posted by Saviola
If the only bridge across a wide river has been destroyed, what can I do? Can't I ever cross it again?

Once a bridge is gone, it's gone. Look for shallow water hexes in the river where you may be able to ford vehicles. Your troops will probably be carrying inflatable rafts, and if so just put them into the water and they'll "become" the rafts so you can go across. Of course, there are also barges for carrying vehicles. Where ever possible, keep your artillery away from the bridges you might need.

Saviola,

REMF has it. I only wanted to add that ANY, repeat ANY hit destroys an assault boat! So make sure you have them pinned quite nicely, with artillery, tank guns, and MG's. Lotsa smoke is a must! Amphibious tanks are quite handy also. Any tank with a movement number after its normal speed listing is amphibious. (example 24:2)

Goblin

ic...but how if in a campaign, how can I predict I have to use amphibious AFV in a particular battle? Will it be wasting money to buy several barges just for in case the bridge is destroyed? Barges have no tactical value...am I right?;)

Yes, you are correct. In a campaign you will be told what each mission is on the support points screen under the 'mission' button. Use support points (and you get quite a few on a river crossing mission) for barges. Amphibious tanks such as the PzIIIM are wonderful main battle tanks, and could even be part of your core purchase. The Sherman DD is another example. I believe most of the major nations have some form of amphibious AFV to choose from. Italy also has Frogmen!

Goblin

thanks for your information, goblin. you are so nice.

Originally posted by Saviola
ic...but how if in a campaign, how can I predict I have to use amphibious AFV in a particular battle? Will it be wasting money to buy several barges just for in case the bridge is destroyed? Barges have no tactical value...am I right?;)

Before you purchase, look at the map of the battlefield, it can give you hints.

Good point, REMF! Aerial Recon.

Goblin

I hope that there weren't units on the bridge, because they would be lost...
It happened to me, and I remember it with some pain:( .

Regards.

Another way to suppress the enemy on the other side of the river (and get some recon data in the process) is to use aircraft...but they're only useful in small scenarios, or if you have large numbers of them.
However, nothing beats a bridge in river crossing:-)
Also, you can destroy a bridge to your own advantage... see the "Ramelle" scenario. It's based on the movie "Saving Private Ryan", and you can try to take the bridge out with the P-51's? you've got...to stop the enemy getting over before your reinforcements arrive.

Antarctic