29, Let's Go! - Turn 6: Counterattack at St Germain-du-Pert

4.30a.m., D+5, 11 June 1944

It was reasonably quiet on this warm night in St Germain, but even so, Lieutenant Cooper couldn't get to sleep. Outside, beyond the broken window frame, there was the glow in the sky from the fires burning in distant Isigny, the occasional flash of some distant explosion, irregular bursts of gunfire from far away.  But it was the war inside his head that was keeping him awake. Too many recent memories that he would already rather forget. The first three days had been fairly uneventful. The advance into France had been slow, and the only Germans he'd see had been those taken prisoner or those dead in the remains of bunkers or ditches beside the road. Until yesterday, when the Major had ordered him to lead G Company in the assault on St Germain. And so they had seen the enemy off, and opened the way for the attack, and been given some time to recover. He'd even found a comfortable bed in what remained of a hotel. But there were just too many thoughts chasing around in his head, and he couldn't relax.  Not long, he thought, and the sun would be rising again, and all his chances of getting to sleep would end. He shifted position, hoping that would do the trick.

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Outside, in the pre-dawn light, there was movement along a hedgerow to the north of St Germain-du-Pret, as a platoon of German grenadiers crept slowly through the darkness, approaching the village with as little noise as possible. Their commander, Oberleutnant Klaus Neumann, a young clean-shaven patriot, whose ambition had already led to his promotion beyond his capability, was keen to grasp the opportunity to prove himself in this war, and confidently signalled his men forward. The men, who were far less confident, looked to Gefreiter Keller, an older, wiser man, who had seen action in North Africa and the Balkans, a man in whom they put much greater trust, even though he hadn't shaved recently. The NCO read their expressions, smiling grimly at his men when the  officer had turned away, gesturing them to follow.

Having taken the initiative from the Americans by holding them off at Cardonville, the Germans choose to buy some time by counter-attacking at St Germain. They are the attacker in an Attack/Defend scenario. Because the Americans have taken the village during Turn 4, the terrain on the table was adjusted from that set in 29, Let's Go! to allow the Germans to approach from the south. Their challenge is not insignificant. They play the game with a fresh platoon with +10 (29LG) -1 (Men's opinion) +2 (no Marders) = +11 support points, starting the game with -1 on their Force Morale roll because of overall German losses to date. The Germans select an Adjutant, a FO and 8cm mortar battery, a second Panzershreck team and an MG42 on tripod mount as support.

The Americans defend with a fresh platoon +19 (29LG) +6 (second time played) = +25 support points, which must include at least two Shermans. They select additional BARs for each team, a sniper, a FO and 60mm mortar battery, an HMG team and two Shermans.

Patrol Phase

The Americans deploy their patrol markers generally around the church and buildings in the village, and the patrol phase is swiftly over as the Germans pin down these markers with their own. Three American jump-off points are positioned near the buildings while the Germans have two in woodland and hedgerows set forward on their left flank, and one at their base table edge towards the centre right. With good dice rolls, both sides begin the game with a Force Morale of 10. The Germans take the first turn.

Oberleutnant Neumann signalled the men to halt. Crouched behind the hedge, even in the half-light of dawn he could clearly make out the church, the key strategic position in St Germain and their objective, barely fifty yards away. All that lay between it and their position was an open field and the churchyard hedge.  Looking to his left, he watched as the machine gun team set themselves in position to provide covering fire, and ordered his men across the open field ahead. The Gefreiter, encouraging his men, obediently followed, and with as much speed as they could muster without breaking silence, they advanced across the open field.

"Did you see that?", the private at the window asked the corporal. "Something in the field, there." The older man squinted through the broken window frame in the direction the private was pointing. For a moment, scanning the distance, all he could make out was the line of the hedge and the silhouette of a copse of trees against the brightening horizon. And then, in the centre of the field, he saw movement. The captain had warned them the enemy might try something exactly like this. Counterattacking at dawn: a plan straight out of the German battle manual. He pointed out the target and instructed the machine gunner to open fire.

German infantry sneak towards St Germain as the sun begins to rise

Turn 1, Phases 1-2

The Germans deploy their MMG team behind a hedge on the approach to the church, with their first infantry squad and their Senior Leader to its right, deployed as far forward towards the church as possible, in the open. The adjutant enables them to deploy without delay. The Americans respond by positioning their first infantry squad in the upper storey of the house beside the church and immediately open fire.

Having spent so much time in silence, the sudden burst of gunfire, raising spouts of dust from the dry soil around them, was alarming. The Gefreiter, though, was undeterred. He'd seen it all before, many times. Raising his arm, he pointed at the house, where irregular flashes betrayed the enemy machine gun position in an upper-storey window. The NCO smiled again, and then fell back, and stumbled to the ground clutching his arm, landing beside two of his men. They were quick to bind the wound - nothing fatal, but the Gefreiter wouldn't be taking much part in the action from now on. With disappointment, the men realised they would have to trust in the Oberleutnant's judgement from here on. In the distance, they could make out movement, and occasional shots being fired. They had lost the element of surprise.

"Forward!" the Oberleutnant ordered, and the squad scrambled the few yards ahead into the cover of the ornamental hedge lining the churchyard, their own machine gun opening up on the defenders, as gunfire rained all around.

The German mortar observer has a good view of the village

Turn 1, Phases 2-3

With a lucky result from the first shots of the game, the Junior Leader of the German first squad is  wounded, and will be unable to activate again this turn. German Force Morale falls by one point. The Americans deploy a second infantry squad in the church, positioning one BAR team in the tower. They shoot the same target inflicting a point of shock. The US Sergeant is deployed behind the hedge along the main road opposite the advancing Germans and the first Sherman at the end of the road on the US left flank. The German FO is deployed with a field of view toward the village, away from the main German force. The German Senior Leader removes one point of shock and advances the first squad to take cover behind the hedge along the churchyard edge, while the MMG returns fire at the church tower, inflicting one point of shock. The German second infantry squad are deployed to the right behind the hedge line and open fire on the troops in the house, killing one.

As the first rays of the morning sun brightened the horizon, between bursts of machine gun fire the radio man in the clock tower reported the situation to his commanding officer.

"Twenty - no, thirty Germans, advancing from the south-west, to the east of the copse, sir" he confirmed. "One squad is almost at the church already. How did they get so far forward?"

The BAR team beside him fired again, watching one of the enemy below fall as they crossed the hedge into the churchyard.

The radio went dead, ended by an explosion of bullets and stone chips that killed three men, silencing the gun in the tower. Behind the hedge, the German machine gun steamed as the morning dew lifted. The tower silenced, as they crossed the hedge and crouched amongst gravestones, the German mood had improved. Perhaps the enthusiasm of this young officer was infectious - with blood dripping from the side of his head where he had been clipped by an enemy bullet,  he certainly had luck on his side. And they had made it across the field and the church door was only a few yards away across  the churchyard. Behind them, on their left flank, another squad of Grenadiers was advancing across the field in support. The omens were good.

The Germans advance rapidly towards the church...

...taking heavy fire as US forces become more organised

Turn 1, Phases 4-5

As the Sherman advances along the road towards the bridge, the Americans fire again, killing one man in the German 1st squad and with another lucky hit on the Senior Leader, who takes a light wound that reduces his Command Initiative by 1 and reducing German Force Morale by another point. Despite this, the German Senior Leader advances the 1st squad over the hedge up to the church and removes the point of shock. The German 3rd squad is then deployed into the open field on the left. The Germans concentrate their fire on the church tower and kill all men in the BAR team. American force morale falls by one point.

American armor approaches

Stretching up from the cupola, scanning the area ahead with binoculars, the tank commander took in the scene. The gunfire was on the other side of the village, beyond the church. As the Sherman rode the crest of a small bridge, the could make out American infantry moving rapidly along the road up ahead, taking defensive positions on the left hand side, as they fired at the unseen enemy.

In the fields, unaware of the American armour approaching, the German advance continued. The infantry covering the left flank were taking heavy fire, but in the centre, they had reached their objective.

Wiping blood from the side of his face, machine pistol at the ready, Oberleutnant Neumann gave the order: "Handgranaten!" The Grenadiers charged, bursting through the church doors, their entrance heralded by the explosion of two grenades. But the last words of the radio man in the tower had been heard, and the Americans were ready. Behind overturned pews, they met their enemy with a strong defence. The Germans fell in the doorway, their only survivor the young officer, who somehow managed to escape and make it back to the distant hedge line alive.  Inside the devastated church, the high price the Americans had paid for victory had been high, the two men who remained unscathed tending their wounded friends.

Turn 1, Phases 6-7

The American 3rd squad is deployed to face the threat of the German 3rd squad, who come under heavy fire, taking one point of shock and losing two men, but continue their advance across the open field. The Sherman moves up the road and crosses the bridge. The Germans request mortar support. The German Senior Leader orders his men to assault the church, calling for Handgranaten and charging in. Their entire squad bar the Senior Leader is wiped out, while the Americans lose all but the Junior Leader and 1 soldier with a BAR. The German Senior Leader flees back to comparative safety. German Force Morale falls by two more points.

The mortar barrage offers some support to the German counterattack

In that moment, the momentum of battle shifted. Either side of the church, American infantry in strong defensive positions put down a hail of fire on the Germans, stalling their advance. In the open field, the Grenadiers hit the dirt, despite the cover of the hedge line only a few yards ahead.

"Get up! Get up!" their NCO shouted, kicking and dragging men in the direction of the hedge. "Stay here and you'll die here!" But his shouting had no effect, and as bullets hit the ground all around, too many hitting their targets, the NCO fell to the earth, clipped in the thigh by enemy fire.

To their right, around the church, smoke was rising as German mortar fire landed nearby. The men crouching in the field looked hopefully towards the barrage. If the smoke came closer they might be given the opportunity to retire in safety.

Behind the hedge, German soldiers were having similar thoughts. The fire coming from the distant buildings had increased its intensity and was taking a toll. Their young commander, disregarding his own wounds as well as those of his men, was unwilling to order a withdrawal, but the decision was taken out of his hands only moments later as a stray bullet found his forehead and he fell dead to the ground. And as the wind blew mortar smoke across the front that separated them from their enemy, abandoning their guns and ammunition, those men that could get away fell back towards safety in disarray.

German forces fall back after the failed assault, but not fast enough

Turn 1, Phases 8-15

US forces open fire, killing 1 man and inflicting 2 points of shock on the German 3rd squad and killing 1 man and dealing out 4 points of shock on the 2nd squad, while the Sergeant removes 1 point of shock from the survivors in the church. The Germans press on, but roll a double 1 when advancing the 3rd squad, which because of accrued shock means they do not move at all. As the German Senior Leader attempts to control the accumulation of shock, German mortars begin firing - on target but to no effect. The American FO deploys as the Americans continue to shoot. The German 3rd squad, caught in the open, over two phases suffers 4 casualties, 2 points of shock, and their Junior Leader receives a light wound, while the 2nd squad receives a further 3 points of shock. German Force morale falls dangerously low and their central jump-off point is removed. Unable to control the build-up of shock, contemplate withdrawal but decide to fight on for one more phase, their shooting and mortar barrage inflicting 1 casualty and 3 points of shock on the Americans. The Americans then roll 2 sixes, and concentrate their fire over two phases. The German 2nd squad suffers 1 casualty and 2 points of shock, and their mortar barrage is requested and arrives on target, killing the German Senior Leader. German Force Morale is reduced to 0 and the game ends.

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Colonel Goode was woken early when the news arrived. An unexpected German counterattack on the left flank had been repelled. Again, Major Foster had done well. He needed reliable men like that; the Major's promotion prospects were looking good. Less nervous than when he had gone to bed, he called in his aide to give the order for the men to continue their advance. The road to Isigny was clear.

The counterattack at St Germain-du-Pert may have been repelled, but it had succeeded in its primary purpose, to gain time. American forces had been slow to advance along the causeway, and were still some distance from the bridge at Isigny, but the Germans need even more time than this to complete their escape.

29, Let's Go! - Turn 5: Cardonville

Author's Note: Apologies all for the lack of photos here. I did take some, they are somewhere, but I just can't find them. As soon as I do, they will be added here. I hope you enjoy the article anyway.

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"Nein! Nein!"

The Oberst was shouting down the field telephone again. It should have been easier than this for subordinates to report, even if it seemed to always be bad news, the adjutant thought, as he approached his commander's desk and set down the tray. As a Prussian, the senior officer was supposed to be a professional - but then as a Prussian he wasn't used to being told about his troops retreating in disarray. As he began to pour the coffee, the bone china cups clattered on their saucers as the Oberst abruptly slammed the receiver down, fuming with frustration.

"More bad news, sir?" the adjutant casually asked, his question stating the obvious.

The Oberst sighed. "It seems these days there is nothing but bad news, Manfred," he resigned, leaning back into the leather chair. "Those fools left behind from 352 Panzerjager failed to even slow the American advance. We need to gain time to have any chance of regrouping, and I only have one full strength Company left in the vicinity. And I cannot contact them to make them aware of the urgency of the situation because the telephone lines have failed again. This is not how it was supposed to be."

The adjutant did not feel qualified to comment, so kept silent. He finished pouring the coffee as the general brooded in silence.

"I apologise, Manfred," the Oberst resumed. "This is simply the way things are now. The enemy has the upper hand, and it is up to us to respond. If we are to survive, that is. I must trust to German ingenuity that my junior officers take the initiative to counterattack. And thank you for the coffee." The Oberst waved the adjutant away, and picked up the receiver again, to try to get through to Hauptmann Krauss in Isigny.

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Though troubled, Colonel Goode was steadily becoming more reassured. The German positions to the left of the main line of advance had now been cleared, and he had just been about to order the general advance along the Isigny road to recommence when news arrived of another enemy position ahead. One mile along the road, just to the right of the causeway, a depleted company of German infantry had been spotted in the farmland around Cardonville, almost certainly originally deployed there to defend a small radar station. Now a flanking manoeuvre was required to clear this position before the advance could continue, and he had already given the order.

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D+4, 10th June 1944

Around midday the Americans become aware of the German position at Cardonville, and the order is given for a flanking attack. The main American advance remains halted in position for the time being. The position at the radar station centres on two farm buildings within an area of open fields and scattered orchards. 

The patrol phase works well for the Germans, with jump-off points placed in strong positions to rapidly occupy the buildings, while the Americans will need to advance quickly from closer to the table edge. The Germans comprise a fresh infantry platoon supported by one MMG team and an off-table 81mm mortar battery. The attacking American platoon is supported by its own off-table mortars and a Sherman tank. The Germans initially lack co-ordination and begin the game disorganised, having to make an additional roll to deploy.

It had been barely two hours since the message confirming the enemy's continued advance along the causeway towards Isigny. All communication lines had remained broken for the last 24 hours and it was fortunate that the commanding officer at St Germain had thought to send word by other means. Arriving on a bad-tempered farm horse, the infantryman who had served as messenger hadn't stayed for long, keen to continue his progress to a safer position further behind the lines. The Americans were approaching rapidly now, and were expected at the outskirts of Cardonville within the hour.

Oberleutnant Ziegler's platoon had seen no action for months, stationed around the small village of Cardonville here to garrison the radar station. They had enjoyed the peace and sunshine of the early summer, while for them the war happened elsewhere. But in the last few days everything had changed. Gathering his junior commanders, he gave instructions. Three squads would take up defensive positions in the village, close to the approach the Americans were most likely to take. They would take the tripod MG42 and a Panzerfaust with them, just in case. Mortar support would be made available should it be required.

Turn 1, Phases 1-4

The Germans position their MMG team in the central building with a field of fire towards all American jump-off points. The Americans enter the table with two squads of infantry supported by the Sherman, which rapidly advances along the road. The Germans fail to deploy two of their squads, but are able to bring on their mortar observer beside the MMG team. The MG42 opens fire, killing two Americans and causing one point of shock.

Despite the best of intentions, Ziegler's squads were slow to organise and although the MG42 was set up in a good spot with plenty of time to spare, the Americans could be seen in the distance approaching before the main body of the platoon was anywhere near being in position. Two squads of the enemy were advancing slowly, crouching along distant hedge line, and announced by the unmistakable sound of its approach a Sherman tank came into view, steadily advancing along the main road into the village. The MG42 was swung around, a clear field of fire opening towards the American troops behind a distant hedge. They opened fire, and the enemy duly halted as their men hit the dirt.

Turn 1, Phases 5-9; Turn 2, Phase 1

The Sherman opens fires, missing, while the US infantry squads advance cautiously. The Germans deploy one infantry squad at the central road junction, but fail to bring on further troops. The Americans deploy their mortar observer and a sniper. The Sherman fires again, this time killing one man and causing one shock on the MMG team while their second squad advances through woodland.

A shell whistled overhead, landing unseen somewhere distant. The enemy tank, now aware of the defender's  presence, had reacted, its aim wayward. In the distance the Germans could see khaki soldiers shifting, repositioning and advancing cautiously toward safer positions. As one squad closely followed a hedgerow ditch, the other ran to the right, its men taking turns to clamber and leap across a gate to the comparative safety of a broad block of woodland beyond, their progress too rapid for the MG42 to respond, unable tio catch them in the small patch of open ground immediately beside the gate. Urging his men to hurry, Ziegler ordered one German infantry squad into position near the house at the main junction in the centre of the village, beside the road edge, as American troops continued steadily to arrive and advance through the wood.

At the edge of the tree line, scanning the village ahead through the sight of his sniper rifle, Corporal Guthrie allowed his mind to relax, cutting out all sounds other than the calm words of his observer.

"Grey house to the right. Top left window, with the broken shutters."

He had already seen the movement, but it could have just been a curtain shifting in the breeze beside the broken window. No sign of the enemy. And then it suddenly disappeared from view.

"Sherman got there first," Private Barrington smirked. "Dust will clear in a moment."

Guthrie, who had maintained his view at the same spot, began to make out the window again as the smoke dissipated. Only one shutter remained attached, but the building seemed intact. There was still movement inside. Alert, he took aim and waited for his moment.

Turn 2, Phases 2-7

The sniper opens fire on the MMG team, missing, while the US lieutenant commands the first squad to open fire on the German infantry, killing one. The Germans deploy a second infantry squad to meet the threat of the US advance through the wood, and return fire on the Americans with unexpected success. Four Americans are killed along with three points of shock. Despite their losses they return fire, killing two more of the enemy, as the third US squad is deployed. The Germans respond in kind, concentrating their fire this time. Three Americans die and the first US squad becomes pinned. The German senior leader is deployed, and a mortar barrage successfully called as the Americans continue to advance, their second squad occupying the house at the edge of the wood.

In the house, men were coughing, scrambling. The second shell from the Sherman tank had hit the roof above their heads, and at least one man was wounded too badly to continue. Plaster dust from the broken ceiling was everywhere, turning uniforms light grey and leaving a grey-white layer over everything. Men were reminded of snow, but nothing like some had witnessed in Russia. As ears recovered, they could hear gunfire from outside, and they rushed to reorganise and reposition the machine gun. Outside, a firefight had begun between American infantry crouching behind a hedge on one side of a field, and Germans along a roadside ditch on the other. Men on both sides were falling, but the Americans, whose position was just that bit more vulnerable, were taking the worst of it, pinned behind the thin cover of the hedge, their advance halted.

At the edge of the wood, Guthrie could make out the helmet of a German through the broken glass and squeezed the trigger gently.

"No good," the observer confirmed what the sniper already knew. "Wide left and slightly down. "

"Sight must be damaged," Guthrie mumbled angrily, rolling back and examining, adjusting the rifle. He could hear more American infantry now, advancing through the wood beside him to take up better, safer positions. Ahead of them, men had reached the forward edge of the woodland and entered a house at the lower end of the street, under fire from a second group of German infantry on the opposite side of the road.

Turn 2, Phases 8-10

As the Germans deploy their third infantry squad, their mortar barrage begins, killing two men and causing shock on both US squads in the open. The sniper shoots and misses again, but shooting from the second squad in the house is more effective on the Germans opposite, killing three men. The German mortar barrage continues, shifting slightly, and the US forward observer is killed. They deploy their Panzershreck team in the house. German shooting continues to be extremely effective, removing US teams and wounding one US junior leader, and the US force morale drops rapidly to 2.

In the house, Oberleutnant Ziegler was organising his men, who were responding well under the pressure. Above, on the top floor, the MG42 had opened fire again, and he could hear the dull popping of German mortar shells outside. He smiled. Not only would the mortars cause the enemy problems directly, their smoke would protect his men from enemy fire and give them the time they needed to become organised.

Outside, the barrage was taking its toll on the American troops. In the field, the pinned squad was suffering. Few men remained active, medics were fussing over the sergeant who had taken a bad one to the chest, and their forward observer had been killed outright as he tried to find a safe place to take cover.

From the wood, Guthrie blocked out the screams of the wounded and fired again.

"Better," Barrington stated. "Hit on the window frame, about a foot from the sill on the left."

Swearing under his breath, the corporal rolled back again, repositioning the sight carefully. A thick smoke from the mortar barrage had risen, but the light breeze was keeping it away from his line of sight for the time being. Guthrie hurriedly finished the adjustment and rolled back into position for another shot.

While Americans in the building were exchanging fire with Germans outside, at the rear of the village, the mortar barrage shifted, and the first American squad, vulnerable and damaged, pinned beside the field hedge, came under the raking fire of German infantry and the MG42. Three more GIs dropped to the ground. The Americans were beginning to lose heart. Their commander, beginning to realise their progress had been halted, hesitated. There was still a chance if that Sherman could make its mark.

On the left flank, as the Sherman moved through the mortar barrage, Ziegler understood the situation in the same way.

"You two," he shouted at the men with the Panzershreck, "With me now". He pointed through the kitchen window where the tank, too close for comfort, was clearing the smoke, its turret rotating towards them, and the Panzershreck fired, its explosion and a flash of flame momentarily obscuring its effect.

Outside, the charge detonated on the front armour of the tank. There was a burst of earth, dust and a flash, and a groan of metal twisting unnaturally in anger. There was no explosion, no flame, but as the Germans recovered they could see the turret jammed to one side, the tank leaning away from vertical, its hatch open as its crew abandoned, hands held high.

Guthrie and Barrington heard the calls. The Lieutenant had ordered the withdrawal. Rolling back again, they disappeared into the safety of the woods and made their way back to safety. A few hours respite, perhaps, but they would be back soon, he knew.

Turn 2, Phases 11-13

The Americans, their options significantly reduced, shoot to no effect, while The Germans continue to inflict casualties. The Sherman tank, in an effort to redress the balance, emerges from the mortar smoke to a shooting position, but before it can fire it is hit by a shot from the Panzershreck and knocked out. US force morale is reduced to 0 and the Americans retreat.

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Ever since that morning Colonel Goode had had the feeling their progress had been too good to be true. With his troops held back at Cardonville he knew the line was overstretched. Worried now, he knew they needed artillery support to advance, and was even more concerned about a counterattack from the Germans. Muttering to himself, he considered his options once again.

Closer to the action, Oberleutnant Ziegler was also considering the options. The enemy had been driven back, albeit temporarily, and he had no choice but to hold position, but there was nothing to stop other platoons in the company from making a localised counterattack. As the line were down he had sent a messenger with words to that effect for the attention of the Major at headquarters. And assuming there still was a headquarters, and a Major, someone ought to be able to do something about it.

29, Let's Go! - Turn 4: St Germain-du-Pert

"Little Bird to control, we have a spot on the target. Over."

"Go ahead, Little Bird. Over"

"Four nine three four north, one zero four west. Repeat four nine three four north, one zero four west. Two self-propelled guns, with supporting infantry. Over"

"Got that, Little Bird. Message received. Over"

"Roger, control. Over and out."

Pulling the stick gently left, the pilot smiled to himself. Job done, they'd found those guns, and no ack-ack this time.  Its twin engines roaring against the headwind, the P38 accelerated as it banked, beginning to turn a wide circle, heading for home.

-----

The duty officer saluted, turned smartly, and walked back to his desk, leaving the small written note in his senior's hand.  Despite the success of his men at Arthenay, the Colonel remained troubled. Cota had been lucky, but now there were more damned 88mm guns on the flank of his tanks. That was not what he needed, not at all. And there was no question about it, there would be no further advance until those German guns were silenced. Too many good men had died on the beach at Omaha and he wasn't going to have more unnecessary deaths on his conscience. Not this time. He picked up the phone to give the order.

-----

The smell of freshly brewed coffee beckoned Lieutenant Cooper, George Company, 3rd Battalion, 175th Infantry, towards the tent at the top of the hill, where an older, heavily moustached man stooped above a field table, poring over a map with two other officers. But for his helmet, and the colour of his uniform, he might have been mistaken for a commander in the US civil war.

"Major Foster?" he asked the group.

"Be with you in a moment, Lieutenant", the older man replied, apparently without even looking in his direction. "Sinclair, get this man some coffee".

In moments a steaming metal mug of black liquid was forced into his hand by a fussing, subservient lackey, who scurried away as rapidly as he had arrived, before Cooper had even registered from where he had appeared. The coffee was strong, burnt and bitter, but still very welcome.

"Lieutenant Cooper". The Major spoke his name as a statement, not a question. "Good of you to join us."

Not as if he had any choice, he thought.

"You'll be aware that we've been ordered to halt again," the Major continued. "Well, you and G Company are going to get us on the move again".

D+4, 10th June 1944

Now the attention moves away from the main attack towards Isigny. Concerned about the vulnerability of their flank, and aware of the presence of a Marder battery around the village of St Germain-du-Pert, the Americans halt until they are able to outflank this German position. The fresh German force defending this position comprises as infantry platoon supported by two Marder IIIs, and begins the game with a Force Morale of 9. American forces comprise a platoon with support points spent on two Shermans, a forward observer and 81mm off table mortar battery, a medic and additional BARs for each team. They start the game with a Force Morale of 10, so begin with the initiative. This is Scenario 5 from the rule book. After the Patrol Phase, German jump-off points are concentrated around the church and houses of St Germain du Pert, with three of the US jump-off points at their starting table edges. One of their jump-off points ends up within the village, dangerously close to the German positions and allowing American troops to deploy in one of the houses.

Dangerously close jump-off points

Sergeant Franks was feeling pretty pleased with himself. After marching through the night, the platoon had split up two hours ago about a mile from St Germain-du-Pert. It was a clear night, with a bright moon, and though they could hear the occasional sound of movement, for the most part it was quiet. He'd pointed out the ruined farmhouse on the far western edge of the village, and the Lieutenant had agreed it was unlikely to be occupied by the enemy, who seemed to have been caught off guard. Not even any signs that they had set a watch tonight. That building would be an ideal position, both to scout out the enemy and to ambush them from the rear when the main assault began, and so his Section had been ordered to take position there. 

Stealthily crossing the fields, shielded by a herd of cattle that barely registered their presence, they reached the edge of the building easily and entered without a sound. A bombed-out ruin, its roof collapsed, the outlying building offered no shelter and understandably had been left abandoned. Finding good defensive positions, so close to the enemy that they could hear at least one man snoring, they waited in silence for the attack to begin.

Turn 1, Phases 1-5

The US deploy their forward observer and one Senior Leader behind a hedge with a clear view of the whole village. Squad 1 with their Junior Leader are deployed in the house at the rear of the village. The Germans deploy infantry squads in two houses and the church, where they also deploy their Panzershreck team. The Americans deploy their remaining infantry teams close to the forward observer and one Sherman along the road. They successfully request mortar support.

Lieutenant Cooper checked his watch. It had been an hour already, plenty of time for Franks to have gotten his men in position. In the silence, Cooper could hear distant metallic squealing; the wheels and tracks of armour - the movement of those Nazi self-propelled guns, no doubt. 

Squinting into the distance, towards the church, he just caught a glimpse of one of the Marders before he was caught unprepared by the sudden explosion. Slate tiles on the church roof and the western side of the steeple flowered out amongst a cloud of dust as the mortar barrage began, covering the area around in smoke. Behind him the he could now hear American tanks behind his position. Shermans of the 747th, announced by the unmistakeable, reassuring drawl of their Detroit motors.

The Americans deploy

Turn 1, Phases 6-7

US infantry squad 1 advances tactically along a hedge line towards the village, as the Germans deploy both Marders in the village close to the church. An immediate mortar barrage is slightly off target but hits troops in the church, killing one man, and one of the Marders, to no effect. The Sherman advances and another appears along the road behind, as the second US Senior Leader deploys.

The 29th Infantry advance

A shadow moving forward towards him out of the cloud shrouding the church took solid shape. There was a brief muzzle flash from the Marder's 88mm gun, as its shell whistled above Cooper's position, off-target, and exploded at the edge of the road. Its target, the lead Sherman, was showered with black mud from the ditch, but otherwise unscathed. Some distance to the left, a second flash betrayed the presence of another Marder, and the wall of the house crumbled in response, the bodies of two of Franks's section tumbling down, sickeningly, to the ground amongst the rubble. Weapons opened up from troops in both houses, each trying to find advantage. Cooper understood now that the house Franks had occupied was too close to the enemy positions, too vulnerable to their response. But he would do what he could. He gave the order to advance,  and his men started to make their way cautiously through the hedge and across the open field beyond.

Turn 1, Phases 8-12

One Marder moves around the church to face the Shermans, and shoots inflicting 1 shock, while the other shoots at US troops in the house, killing 2 and causing 1 point of shock. The troops in the house shoot back and a firefight develops between houses over several phases, killing 1 German, but with the US troops taking the worst of it, with 2 men killed, 5 more points of shock accrued, and its Junior Leader wounded such that he may not activate again this turn.  US squad 1 continues its cautious advance, and US squad 2 crosses the hedge and moves tactically across the field beyond towards the church.

One of the Marders leaves the smoke of the mortar barrage behind

"Take cover!"

As soon as he had shouted the order and fallen face-flat in the damp earth of the field, he realised he and his men were not the target. Another German shell whistled overhead, missing, with two coming back in response. Cooper looked up. The house was still there, just about, though its front wall had largely collapsed, and he could see the movement of men from Franks's section leaving the building from the rear, and Germans advancing to the front. The advance position had been lost - and there was nothing that Cooper could do about it.

Cooper ducked instinctively, cursing as he bit his tongue in the moment of the explosion. He hadn't even seen the shell, but there was now a crater in the road behind, with one wheel and some tracks of the lead Sherman in it. The tank wouldn't be going anywhere, but those men were lucky it hadn't been any worse.

Phases 13-16

The Marder shoots the Sherman again but fails to hit, and both Shermans return fire causing 1 shock. The firefight between the houses continues, the Americans suffering a further 4 kills and 6 points of shock, and they break. The mortar barrage kills 2 Germans in the church.  German infantry leave one of the houses and capture the US jump-off point at the edge of the village. German infantry leave the church to take up positions along the hedge line. Finally, the Marder returns fire successfully and the lead Sherman is immobilised.

Shermans return fire

Shells were exploding all around.

"Sir?"

A young man had rushed to his position, thinking the Lieutenant injured.

"I'm OK son," Cooper reassured, "Just bit my tongue. Nothing serious."

It was time to get the men moving. There was confusion ahead and behind and he knew this was the situation the Germans would take advantage of to counter-attack.  As if on cue, as their advance began, they could make out the enemy at the edge of the smoke ahead, and opened fire. Caught by surprise, the Germans tried to take cover, but the firepower of Cooper's men, alert to the danger all around, vengeful of the friends they had seen killed, was more than they could take. As the Americans ran forward, a young German officer turned, desperately attempting to hold them back, disappearing into the smoke as Cooper opened fire in that direction with his Thompson.

"Forward", the Lieutenant ordered, gritting his teeth as his men advanced toward the German armour which had once again found itself beneath the smoke of the mortar barrage.

Phases 17-20

The mortar barrage shifts, killing two Germans now caught in the open and causing 2 points of shock, while the US infantry continue their advance, despite German harassing fire. The Marder is about to fire, but the Americans use a Chain of Command die to interrupt, and the Sherman fires first. Shots are exchanged but miss. The German platoon opposing the US infantry advance takes heavy fire and is wiped out, and its Junior leader is also lightly wounded. The Marders shift position to oppose the advancing US infantry and the one remaining effective Sherman. 

Dangerously close!

Cooper heard nothing. There was a sudden flash, and he was thrown backward. Blood, warm against his skin, tickled his cheek. Mortar shells were falling nearby, exploding, and at least one had hit one of the Marders, which was on fire. As his hearing slowly returned, he could make out the screams of men caught in the wreckage or burning nearby. War was hell. But before he had time to take in more of the situation, he heard the other Marder, close by. Too close, its shadow emerging from the smoke ahead as its muzzle flashed again. Without a thought, he ordered two of his men forward with grenades. That open turret was too good a target to overlook, and they were so close. Two, three, four grenades, but the Marder's relentless advance could not be stopped. Cooper's men fell back, some of them too slow, trapped between the hedge and the advancing vehicle, bearing down on them with its crushing tracks.

The end of the Marders

But it was not to be. The second Sherman fired and the Marder stopped dead, armour, tracks and wheels destroyed by the perfect hit on its side armour.  The two men emerged, mud-stained, from the ditch, unexpected grins of relief on their faces. Peterson, the first to emerge and, behind him, Garman, the Lieutenant recalled, pleased that in the moment he was able to remember their names.

"Damn, Sir, that was close," Peterson stuttered, and then fell to the ground as a single shot rang out. Cooper swung round instinctively, firing back at the shooter, the German officer, the one who had previously disappeared into the smoke. This time he fell to the ground, dead.

"Damn it to hell," Peterson yelped, holding his leg where the bullet had torn a hole in his ODs and opened the skin; complaining, but knowing his luck - this wound wan not serious.

Cooper smiled. The guns were destroyed and the Germans had fallen back again. Major Foster could rest easy, the job had been done.

Phases 21-31; Turn 2 Phases 1-4

One Marder is hit by the continuing mortar barrage and takes sufficient shock to be abandoned by its crew. US infantry are close enough to attack the other Marder with grenades, which they do over several turns. The Marder tries unsuccessfully to run the infantry over, and is finally destroyed by a shot from the Sherman against its side armour. Finally the wounded German Junior Leader is killed and German force morale is reduced to 0, though the result is close with the Americans ending the game at Force Morale 2.

29, Let's Go! - Turn 3: Arthenay

D+3, 9th June 1944

Stretching his arms and beginning to enjoy the morning sunshine, Lieutenant Carter's attention was suddenly seized by a jeep sending a cloud of dust up from the road verge as it sped around the halted tank column towards him, two men aboard, one of whom was almost certainly an officer. He corrected his helmet slightly and stepped forward as the vehicle pulled sharply nearby. A young man, who couldn't be more than eighteen, was sitting stiffly in the driving seat, his face betraying the nervous attention to duty of the junior-ranked assigned to the most powerful of the senior. Slouching in the passenger seat, the stub of a dead cigar between his teeth was an older man, a general, his face familiar to every man of the fighting 29th.

"Son, you need to get your men moving," General Cota stated, his tone firm and undeniable. "I don't care what orders have come down to you from Colonel Goode's office. The 29th are taking the initiative again."

"Sir, yes sir", snapped the Lieutenant, smiling, moving back to cascade that order to his men. Thank God there was someone in command who knew what needed doing and was doing his part.

General Cota wryly smiled as well, tossing away the dead stub of his cigar, patting his pockets in search of a new one. He sat back in the passenger seat of the jeep, hunting in another pocket for a lighter, and waved the driver forward further along the column to encourage other units.

"Run me up that road, son."

Colonel Goode's call for a halt at La Cambe has been overridden by personal order of General Cota. The US immediately seize the initiative and attack during Turn 3.

Just over a mile to the west, the Germans, retreating from La Cambe towards Isigny, had halted overnight at the hamlet of Arthenay, where they planned to fight a delaying action against the advancing Americans. They had had little sleep. The radio operator was frantically trying to make contact with HQ, but the lines were still down. On the western horizon the orange-red glow of Isigny burning persisted, as it had through the night. But there was a glimmer of hope; they had made intermittent contact with a self-propelled gun battery to the north-west, well-positioned to support their position.

Moving back after darkness fell at La Cambe had been essential, but Unterfeldwebel Lund was all too aware of the effect this had had on his men. Sullen, stern faces everywhere; but the NCOs were doing their best to bolster morale, keeping soldiers busy and even cracking the occasional joke, despite their lack of sleep. Here, at Arthenay, they would halt and attempt once again to slow the relentless American advance. A small farmstead, the woods and hedges at Arthernay seemed a reasonable defensive position, especially if they could get the support of those Marders to the north-west.

German infantry defend the hedge line at the edge of the orchard

The Germans are defending with a denuded force following the US victory at La Cambe. Their basic force finds itself nine men short, with six dead and three wounded, returning next game. The one man they were missing after turn 1 has now returned to duty. The Germans select two snipers and an MG42 on tripod mount as support. They begin the game with 8 Force Morale points.

The Americans are supported with two Shermans with Junior Leaders, a forward oberver with 81mm mortar batters, additional BARs for all rifle teams, and a medic. They begin the game with 10 Force Morale points.

By the time the first of his men had taken up positions, there were already signs of the American advance. Movement within an orchard, partly concealed by a hedge line, betrayed the presence of enemy scouts. Lund snapped the order for his men to move faster and they took up positions swiftly.

Turn 1, Phases 1-5

US deploy Forward Observer, Squad 1 and Sergeant.in the front corner of the orchard and along the hedge line. With three consecutive turns the Germans deploy Squad 1 in the house 1 with Junior Leader, Squad 2 on left hand flank at small hedge line, a sniper in the front left hand building, Squad 3 at the front of the small orchard, their MMG team in the front left hand house and the Senior Leader in the front right hand building. The US deploy Squad 2 in the orchard and call for support fire from mortars.

The simple option would have been to stay in position, holding as long as possible, hoping to wear the enemy down. But that would not work today, Lund knew. Morale was low, and the enemy determined and numerous. A static defence wasn't going to hold for long, and he would simply lose more men if they sat still. Their only hope was to take the fight to the enemy, and Germans were strong in counterattack.

Obergefrieter Schmidt was given his order. "You four and you three with the machine gun", he shouted, pointing, "With me, now". He scrambling forward with his men, leading them to the opposite hedge, to draw the enemy towards them. Half-crawling, the soldiers worked their way across the muddy field to the opposite hedge line, as American mortar fire opened up on the German lines, hitting the house with a shower of roof tiles, a second shell landing nearby as the squad took cover in a field ditch alongside the hedge. As the noise of the shells subsided, they could make out the unmistakable sound of tanks moving along the road towards them.

German troops advance to take up forward positions

Turn 1, Phases 6-10

The Germans send a four-man rifle team around the small hedge moving tactically towards the Americans. The US mortar barrage  is on target and causes 1 point of shock to each of the sniper, MG team in left hand house and the rifle team in right hand house. The US then deploy the first Sherman. The German rifle team advance tactically with their LMG team and Junior Leader and reach the hedge line.

From the cover of the hedge the German squad watched the Sherman approach ahead of them, pursued by a jogging platoon of fresh-faced GIs. There were certain to be others in the column, following behind. Mortar shells flew overhead, exploding around the houses and the positions they had moved from only moments before, their sound interspersed with the screams of the injured and the shouts of NCOs trying to encourage their men to hold. Smoke from the mortar barrage obscured the landscape all around the houses, and then, suddenly, the barrage ceased.

In the comparative silence, the German officers tried to establish control, sending a Panzershreck team forward as more tanks and men appeared as the enemy column continued its relentless approach.  In support, American infantry on its flanks moved forward, leaving the cover of the hedgerows and moving cautiously across the open fields towards Arthenay, while a supporting squad provides support, waiting in the hedgerow, their weapons trained on the German positions.

US troops, supported by tanks, advance

Turn 1, Phases 11-13; Turn 2, Phases 1-2; Turn 3, Phases 1-3; Turn 4, Phases 1-2

US Sherman advances along road, while the US 3rd Squad deploys along the right hand hedge. The mortar barrage continues, delivering 1 point of shock to the MG teams in both houses and killing the Junior Leader in the right hand house. The German Senior Leader removes 1 point of shock from all the teams in the right hand house. Squad 2 MG team reaches the hedge. The Germans use a CoC dice to end end the turn, hoping to stop the mortar barrage, but the US use one of their own CoC dice to maintain it. The barrage is moved 6” towards their own lines to improve the smoke screen, causing 1 point of shock to the MG team, and 1 point of shock and 1 kill on the rifle team in the left hand house, and 1 point of shock on the MG team in right hand house. The Sherman advances. The Germans remove 1 point of shock from each team in the right hand house, and spend another CoC dice to end turn. This time the US mortar barrage ceases, and when requested again it becomes unavailable for the rest of the game. A second Sherman in deployed, as is the Panzerschrek team.

From the upper storey of the house, Lund could just make out the enemy troops moving in and around one of the farm buildings on the opposite side of the field. The radio operator beside him was attempting to make contact with the artillery battery to the north as he scanned the horizon. Seeing an opportunity, he gave the order to open fire. Gunfire burst through the air, smashing through the windows of the opposite building. In response, the Americans behind the hedge fired back at the German positions, killing the man standing adjacent to the radio operator, sending him tumbling backward into the furniture in the centre of the room. The enemy fire intensified, supported by the forward tank, and a shell burst through the wall, exploding, throwing Lund to the floor.

Deafened and bruised, as Lund came round, he became aware of the men lying dead and wounded beside him. Obergefreiter Steiger, a young, enthusiastic man liked by his men, was one of them. Another life wasted by this terrible war. The gunfire continued, peppering the room, but the radio operator was excited, alert, shouting co-ordinates to someone on the other end of the line. In moments, a shell, fired from a distant gun, whistled through the air and below, at the front of the column, the lead Sherman exploded with a direct hit. A momentary success, but the mood was clear, and in the ensuing firefight he saw another of his NCOs fall. Too many Germans lay dead or injured; they had failed to hold the enemy back or delay their advance, and the defences of Arthenay would soon be overrun by the enemy. Lund did not have to issue the order as his men fell back in disarray and the relentless American advance across this corner of Normandy continued.

Turn 4, Phases 3-8; Turn 5, Phase 1; Turn 6, Phases 1-7

German and US forces exchange fire over multiple phases, the Germans taking the majority of shock and kills and using command points to remove shock as a priority. American firepower is more intensive and more effective, helped by their having three successive phases. The Germans use a CoC die to shoot with the off-table Marders at the lead Sherman, knocking it out, and spend their final CoC die to end the turn, healing one of their injured Junior Leaders. Opening Turn 5, US Squad 1 shoots at German Squad 2 killing 3 and causing 1 point of shock and wound to Junior Leader. The German Squad 2 runs away. German Force Morale is reduced to 3. The Americans use a CoC die to end the turn, and German Force Morale is reduced to 1. With little to lose, the Germans continue shooting, but shock inflicted is easily removed by the US Leaders. US shooting wounds one of the German Junior Leaders in due course and German force morale is reduced to 0 and the game ends.

Campaign Movement at the end of Game 3

Again the Germans have suffered a loss, this time with 11 casualties, one of whom is Obergefreiter Steiger, who on a roll of 6 is not replaced. This means that when Lund's men next take the field they will be denuded by 10 mean and 1 Junior Leader dead plus 3 wounded. All others retired safely. With the German CO still out of radio contact, his opinion remains unknown. The attitude of the men moves from -1 to -4, which will affect future force morale, and Lund's own outlook remains Worried.

The 29th's successful breakthrough at Arthenay improves Colonel Goode's outlook to Worried.

29, Let's Go! - Turn 2: La Cambe

D+2, 8th June 1944

"Where the hell you heading, boy?"

Staff Sergeant, First Class, Jonas J McKenna was as proud of his uniform as he was his Irish-American heritage. The war was straightforward as far as he was concerned. He was here to do a job and that was to drive the Nazis back to Berlin where they belonged. He didn't care to understand or even waste time on those who didn't feel the same way, so one of the things he really hated to see was an American soldier on the retreat. It didn't matter that the GI had obviously been in action, and by the look of the mud and smattering of blood on his left sleeve, very recently. Wasn't good for anyone to see Americans on the run. The GI, flustered after realising he was the one the Staff Sergeant was shouting at, stopped, looked up, and saw a fat man standing behind the turret of a Sherman tank, pointing at him with the stub of a cigar.

"You're going the wrong direction, boy. Pretty sure the road to Berlin's thisaway." The Staff Sergeant gestured along the road to Isigny, the line that the column of tanks was moving. "Get your men and join the line", he said calmly. "No damn Nazis going to stop us now. We're gonna get them back for what they done to our boys at Omaha."

The US platoon is supported this time by 25 support points, spent on additional BARs in each squad, a medic, a forward observer from an off-table 60mm mortar battery, and three Shermans. The Germans spend their 12 points on a sniper, an adjutant, a forward observer from an off-table 60mm mortar battery, and an MG42 on tripod mount. The Americans begin with 10 Force Morale points, the Germans 8.

The patrol phase ends with American jump-off points in roughly the same positions as for the previous game, one behind the manor house and the other two along the main road. The Germans have one jump-off point at the house, one along the orchard hedge line and one positioned slightly forward behind a hedge along the main road.

Almost an hour had passed since the Americans had pulled back. With some relief, reviewing the situation, Lund saw that the damage had not been as bad as he had originally thought. Light wounds for the most part, and bandaged but relieved, the majority of his men had now returned to their foxholes behind the hedge, and were watching for the enemy. The guns were out of action, though, which was a problem, and intermittent interference on the radio, which two of his men were frantically doing their best to fix, was causing difficulties contacting the FlaK battery. His defensive line had held, but it was unlikely to last for much longer.

There was one piece of good news, though. HQ had called, advising that a mortar battery just over a kilometer behind his position had been ordered to give him support. Good news indeed, as long as that radio could be repaired soon.

US infantry squad No.1 deploys

Turn 1, Phases 1-2

The Americans have the first turn and deploy squad No.1 in front of the house on the left flank and squad No.2 and the Platoon Sergeant behind the manor house. The Germans deploy their senior leader, sniper and forward observer in the house on their right flank, and infantry squad No.1 behind the hedge line in front of the house.

The Germans deploy beside the house

The sniper rifle had been lying on the floor as if placed there deliberately. A few scratches, but no serious damage - unlike the body of its former owner which must have protected it when the roof fell and part of the wall of the house had collapsed in the explosion of a direct hit from an enemy shell. The sight had needed adjustment, but that had been a simple task for its new owner. Gunter had been considered a good shot during basic training. "Bullseye", they'd called him, but he'd never had the chance to use a proper sniper rifle. So of course he had raised his hand when the Unterfeldwebel had asked for a volunteer, and now here he was, crouching over a heap of brickwork with his rifle poking through a hole in the wall staring at the La Cambe manor house, where there was some movement. As he made out the enemy soldier pushing through the hedge, he fired, missing, but forcing the surprised GI to jump back into cover. Then, as the sniper reloaded, he could see the Americans scrambling rapidly across the open ground and into the relative protection of the manor house itself.

US infantry scramble for the safety of the manor house

Turn 1, Phases 3-6

US squad No.1 moves tactically forward to positions behind the hedge, while the German squad No.2 deploys along the orchard hedge. The sniper shoots at US squad No.2 inflicting shock while the forward observer calls for a mortar barrage. The Americans control the shock, deploy their forward observer and medic and advance into the manor house. Squad No.1 goes into overwatch and squad No.3 is deployed behind the house on the left flank.

There was an explosion in the field and spout of muddy soil was thrown into the air as a mortar shell - a mere ranging shot - hit the ground, several yards off to the right from where the Americans had been scrambling and a good distance away from the manor house, its intended target. Gunter turned to the right now that his target near the house had disappeared into the building. Peering down the road he saw a broken line of American soldiers moving cautiously around the edge of a house to take up positions behind a hedge on the opposite side of the ploughed field.

US forces steadily build up on their left flank, waiting for support

He took aim. Perhaps he would have better luck against this target. More men were joining them now, edging cautiously around the house. It seemed like the enemy were assembling their forces ready for an advance across the fields on that flank. Opposite, in their positions behind their own hedges, the Germans waited, watching expectantly, as the mortars of both sides exchanged ranging shots that fell wide of their targets.

Turn 1, Phases 7-11

The German forward observer calls in a ranging shot onto the Manor House but it falls widely off target. The sniper changes target to shoot at US squad No.1 and deploys the MG42 team in position to fire at the same target. The third German squad deploys along the orchard hedge. The US forward observer calls for a mortar barrage. A second ranging shot on the Manor House is closer but still off target. The Americans deploy their platoon leader in the house on left flank and a US mortar ranging shot falls wide of its mark. All German squads are put on overwatch.

Germans defend from the cover of the orchard hedge line

The Americans were waiting as well. They had learned that crossing that open ground was fraught with peril, but this time their advance would be better supported. Wheels squeaking on the tarmac, a Sherman was moving up along the road, the head of a column of armour.

The Germans behind the hedge ducked as another ranging shot from the American mortars flew overhead, much closer, this time crashing through the upper storey of the house, and exploding in a cloud of shattered masonry, which rained dust and brick fragments on the men in their foxholes. The house, which had already suffered earlier today, held together despite the damage, but the sniper had been silenced, killed remorselessly before even having the chance to prove his worth. Though no-one spoke, the mood along the German lines was sullen.

Turn 1, Phase 12

The first Sherman enters along the road. A second ranging shot from the US mortars is a direct hit on the house and kills the German sniper. The Germans suffer -1 force morale.

A crescendo of mortars commenced, both sides' barrages commencing at the same time, and the battlefield was plunged in smoke and dust. Two tanks had moved alongside the house and were firing on the German lines as well. The smoke and dust was everywhere. Men could not see or hear and kept their heads down, close to the ground, their hopes and prayers focused on survival. It was the break the Americans needed, and infantry moved over the hedge and across the ploughed field, advancing to the German lines, taking advantage of the cover of the smoke and the enemy's preoccupation with the barrage.

US armour advances along the Isigny road

Turn 1, Phases 13-19

A German mortar barrage opens up on the manor house causing minor casualties and shock. The US mortars return the favour as another Sherman arrives and both tanks advance down the road. The US mortar barrage continues, and shock and kills begin to mount. Shock caused by German mortars is more successfully managed by the Americans. US squad No.2 advances into the ploughed field.

Without warning, the enemy barrage suddenly ceased. Lund did not waste time giving the order to fire, and his men were quick to react to the situation. Their enemy, unexpectedly caught in the open expanse of the field, dropped to the ground, seeking cover in the ridge and furrow of the ploughed soil, while their own tanks and mortars returned fire on the German lines in an effort to protect them. Ignoring the explosions of mortar shells, Lund shouted encouragement at his troops, doing all he could to maintain morale.

US infantry advance under heavy fire across the ploughed field 

Turn 2, Phases 1-9; Turn 3, Phase 1

The turn ends as a result of command dice. Units are unpinned and the smoke clears.

The Germans desperately try to reduce the shock on their teams while they open fire on the US squad No.2. Both tanks advance with machine guns firing. While the German fire is sufficient to pin US squad No.2, they are suffering from accumulated shock and kills themselves. US mortars fire again, but off target. The Germans use a Chain of Command die to end the turn and another to maintain their own mortar barrage, but the American mortars are successfully called on once more.

Tended by medics, a wounded soldier was groaning with pain near the wall of the house, a heap of broken timber, plaster dust and brick debris left behind after machine gun fire had torn through the upper storey of the house. This unfortunate man must be the forward observer - he had been the only one still inside the building. That was a setback, for now Lund had no means of calling for mortar support, which he desperately needed. It seemed there would be no reprieve for Lund's platoon. The guns of both Shermans were firing again, tearing branches from the hedgerow and forcing the German defenders to flatten themselves further into the damp soil, wthdrawing even deeper into their foxholes. Lund felt an unexpected surge of pride. Although the faces of his men betrayed their fear - their desire to be elsewhere, loyalty to their duty kept them in their mud-sodden positions even as their companions were being wounded and killed all around. Even now, the intensity of enemy fire was increasing, with American mortars shells raining relentlessly on their position. And above all this Lund felt a far deeper resonance that shook the ground every few moments. Heavy artillery, possibly naval guns, had begun firing - not at them, thankfully, but at some distant target.

The taller of the radio repair men appeared suddenly by his side, spattered with mud and dust, leaping into the safety of the rubble pile beside the house where Lund was crouching. Taking barely a moment to catch his breath, he shouted his report above the noise of the barrage.

"Sir, the radio is repaired," he announced. Good news, but he spoke hesitantly. Lund could sense there was worse to follow. "But we have lost contact with headquarters. The lines are down." Probably the naval bombardment, Lund reasoned. The sky behind their positions, in the direction of Isigny, was glowing, flames from the burning town tinting the overcast clouds with an orange glow. There were few options left now. Behind the smoke and dust raised by their mortars the enemy were advancing, and they would soon reach the German lines. Too many good men had died already today. It was time to go. Lund gave the order to fall back. The relief in the eyes of his men was obvious as they moved cautiously out of their foxholes, back from the hedge line and through the orchard to the comparative safety of positions further to the rear.

Turn 3, Phases 2-4

The Americans use a Chain of Command die to interrupt and shoot one Sherman with full effect as the Germans attempt to manage shock. The US mortar barrage then falls directly on target as both Shermans open fire and the German forward observer is killed. The Germans make the decision to withdraw to safe positions rather than continuing to fight a losing battle, and as all their troops are close enough to jump-off points to retire, the game ends.

Campaign Management at the end of Game 2

US forces win the scenario and take the hamlet of La Cambe.

The Germans suffer 12 dead which is more than the Americans. Because there is no radio contact, the change in the German CO’s opinion is unknown  at this stage, but may be resolved later. The opinion of Lund's men’s opinion moves from +1 to -1, while Lund's own outlook moves down one on the table to “Worried”.

"Damn it to Hell!" Colonel Goode gazed at his desk, deeply troubled. For a moment, during that call, he had felt less worried, but then the same man who had informed him that La Cambe had been captured had told him that while pursuing the retreating enemy his brave boys had been bombed by some stupid American pilots who had mistaken them for Germans. They 'weren't expecting friendly troops that far inland from Omaha', apparently. Disappointing, annoying and stupid, but just the sort of thing he had expected after being given the order to advance his men that fast. He couldn't let that happen again, his men deserved better. They would hold and consolidate their positions at La Cambe for the time being. His mind firmly set, Colonel Goode picked up the receiver and gave the order to halt.

Colonel Goode’s opinion moves up by one after La Cambe is captured, but an immediate attack on his advancing troops by friendly aircraft reverses his opinion which drops by two to “Nervous”. Because of this, he makes the decision to delay for one Campaign turn at La Cambe.