The table -- cinematically set up to appear like a small town in the French countryside -- was a whopping 4.5' x 9' that was balanced for each side. Setting up the scenario, we decided on playing off of objectives instead of a straight up slug-fest and -- out of a possible D6 objectives -- rolled a measly two. On such a large table, it would ensure that seizing an opponent's objective would come down to the wire.
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Scenario
Preceding the D-Day landings, Allied Forces launched a massive airborne operation in order to help ensure the success of the eventual amphibious attack. Hundreds of American, British, and Canadian airborne troops were paradropped behind enemy lines along with various equipment and crates of ammunition and supplies.A supply drop -- which missed its target by several kilometers -- has landed outside of he countryside town of Chambois. British forward armored brigades have been tasked with securing these supplies in order to help continue the Allied push into Normandy. However, rumors of a nearby Panzer Division have them proceeding into the combat zone with caution.
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Forces
92nd Guards Armored Brigade "Welsh Guards"
- Tank, Cruiser, Comet Prototype (Command Tank)
- Tank, Cruiser, Mk VIII, Cromwell
- Sherman VC Firefly
- Sherman V
- Tank, Cruiser, Mark VI, Crusader
Force Total: 1,097 Points
503rd Waffen-SS Panzer Divison
Since the start of Germany's Operation Barbarossa the 503rd has been fighting for the Fatherland in the harsh winters of the Russian front. In those three years, command of the division has changed hands numerous times and is currently lead by Andrew Malic. The division consists of a number of veteran tankers, but the late war has taken a toll on German military power forcing it's brigades to field whatever is available to them.
- Jagdpanther Tank Destroyer
- Panzer V, Panther ausf A (Command Tank)
- Panzer IV ausf H
- Panzer IV ausf H
Force Total: 1,100
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Turn One: Arrival
The speed of their cruiser tanks allows the British to take to the field of battle first. The Welsh Guards' Mark VI Crusader Cruiser Tank arrives on the battlefield from the southwest and moves to quickly take the ammo crates on the town's south side. The nearby creek provides a sufficient obstacle to curtail a quick German response.
Quickly following the British deployment, a Panzer IV of the 503rd arrives on the battlefield from the northeast to secure the other supply crate outside of Chambois. With each objective secured by the other, the game has come down to a race across the battlefield.
The remainder of the turn sees the Sherman V of the 92nd arrive to reinforce the Crusader as another Panzer IV arrives -- again -- from the northeast. The final move of the turn sees the Mark VIII Cromwell Cruiser Tank come barreling down the east side road from the south to confront the forming German armor line.
The end of turn one sees no exchanged fire. Long range shots are hindered by forests and buildings, but the distant sounds of rumbling engines ensures both sides that their opponents are close.
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Turn Two: Shots Fired
The 503rd takes the first shot when its Jagdpanther arrives in Chambois from the opposite side of the Cromwell. However, the quick speed at which they drive into the town forces a missed shot with their main cannon. The Cromwell responds in kind, but its medium AT shell bounces off of the Jagdpanther's front armor.
The Firefly, boasting the powerful British-made OQF 17-pounder gun, makes its appearance from the southeast. Taking steady aim, the crew of the intimidating Sherman VC takes the tracks clean off the nearby Panzer IV ensuring that the German tank is stuck in its position.
The Welsh Guards bring their Comet Prototype onto the field, backing up their currently deployed forces in the southwest. Unfortunately, no line of sight can be drawn to any German tanks and the Comet's 77mm HV remains silent for this turn.
In response to the imposing gun sported by the Firefly, the 503rd moves its Panther into position -- but its shot misses the target by centimeters.
The close of the second turn sees all tanks are now in play and an objective secured by both sides.
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Turn Three: First Blood
Utilizing their reload time to come to a halt, the Jagdpanther's gunner takes steady aim at the enemy Cromwell in his sights. A loud report comes from the tank destroyer's 88 mm Pak 43/3 L/71 gun and renders the Cruiser tank inoperable. Knowing their vehicle is out of commission, the British crew quickly abandons their tank and departs the battlefield to the south.
The 92nd responds to the loss of their forward scout in the southeast by reforming their western forces to begin proceeding east. The Comet attempts a very long range shot on the Jagdpanther, but is unsuccessful in landing a hit.
The Sherman V proceeds down the main street and fires a shot at a close Panzer IV, but fails to penetrate. The Germans attempt to return fire, but to no avail -- the 75mm shell flies harmlessly over the Sherman's turret and into the French countryside beyond.
The Firefly once again takes a shot at the same target as its last round and manages to force the Panzer IV crew into a stunned state, preventing their action for this round.
The Panther responds in kind and manages to inflict minor damage to the Firefly's front armor.
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Turn Four: The Battle Rages
The German Jagdpanther advances further into the town and onto the main street to take a shot at the 92nd's Sherman V. The round punches through the vehicle, wrecking it, and forcing the British crew to abandon it soon after.
The loss of two vehicles has now forced the British onto the defensive as the Comet takes a long-range shot at the Panther across the battlefield, failing to make contact. Using the village buildings as cover, the Welsh Guard's Crusader proceeds east through the city.
Once again the Sherman Firefly and Panther exchange shots and both crews gawk in disbelief as their shells once again fail to penetrate.
Startled by the power of the OQF 17 pounder, the crew of the immobilized Panzer IV fails to muster enough courage to act as the other Panzer IV begins its run south towards the British held objective.
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Turn Five: A Lull in the Storm
With the Firefly effectively pinned down by heavy AT fire from the Panther and nearby immobilized Panzer, the remaining forces of the 503rd begin rushing west to secure the second British objective.
The Crusader takes a shot at the side armor of the Jagdpanther, but does not make contact. The remainder of the turn is surprisingly silent as the battle draws closer to its conclusion.
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Turn Six: An Unexpected Turn
Attempting to use their forward momentum, the 503rd Waffen-SS Division continues to move west at speed. Only the Jagdpanther halts to make a shot against the concealed Comet to no avail and ignoring the light Crusader tank behind them.
A grave mistake.
Taking his time to aim his shot carefully, the gunner of the Crusader fires off a round from the tank's 40mm QF 2 pdr gun. It rocks the Jagdpanther and the engine catches on fire. With no time to react to the spreading inferno, the Jagdpanther crew is forced to abandon their burning tank.
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Turn Seven: Battle's Close
Surprised by the loss of their best vehicle, the 503rd's Panther Command Tank rolls away from the Sherman Firefly facing it and turns its main gun eastward towards the Crusader. With a single round, the vehicle eliminates the British light tank at the same time the immobilized Panzer IV forces the Firefly crew to abandon its vehicle.
Unfortunately for the German 503rd, the final turn puts them just out of reach to claim the second objective and the battle draws to a close.
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Conclusion
Battle Result: Tactical Draw
Although the 503rd Waffen-SS Panzer Division was successful in inflicting serious casualties to the opposing 92nd, imminent Allied armored forces fresh from the Normandy beachhead would be arriving within the hour. Desperate to maintain their current strength, the 503rd decided to withdraw instead of pushing for the second supply drop.
Even with four vehicles out of commission by the battles close, the fact that the chassis remained superficially intact guarantees that with some repairs they will quickly return to front-line service. The 92nd ability to hold the Germans back from the supplies in Chambois have won the Allies a long-term victory.
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