20C - To the Green Fields Beyond Ham - The Battle for Belgium

Part of the Battle for Belgium Series. The English are attacking the German lines outside of Ham seeking to break through to "the Green Fields Beyond"

English briefing and forces

General Baddington called in Captain Haggis for his briefing. “Haggis, Ham is the centre point of the German lines. It is also the Achilles heel of the Ham-Burger line. I want you to breakthrough to the green fields beyond Ham.”
“Aye, General it will done!”
“Haggis, you have the following forces”
Tanks Female 2 x 28 = 56
Infantry Platoons 3 x 18 = 54
Mortar Platoon 1 x 9  =  9
HMG Platoon 1 x 5  =  5
Total        124 points

German Briefing and forces

“Captain Burger, we have received intelligence that the English are going to attack our lines at Ham. They must not breakthrough to the green fields of Ham!!.
“General, I, Captain Burger will hold Ham or die there!”
“Burger, your nation is trusting you, so do not fail. Your forces are:”
Trenches 2 x 15 = 30
Infantry with flamethrowers and torpedo men 2 x 22 = 44
Artillery 1 x 28 = 28
Total 102 points

 

Photo of initial positions.

Haggis's plan was to concentrate on the right hand flank. Both tanks and two of the infantry platoons were to capture the German trench and then move into the town of Ham. Once outflanked he was sure the Germans would retreat on the left.
The left flank would be held by one infantry platoon supported by the HMGs.
The mortars would stay out of sight and their observer would concentrate fire on any heavy weapons.

Captain Burger split his defences equally across the front. With only two infantry platoons he was not able to create a reserve. To deal with the threat of the English tanks he kept his artillery on board where it could fire directly.


In the descriptions of the turns, firing is shown as it is rolled for.

The number of shots equals the number of shots the unit can potentially make which is dependent on its weapons, what targets are in its line of sight, the range and whether or not it will move.
Fire means how many shots are actually made, this is dependent on the unit’s training.
Hits is the number of enemy that are hit, and this depends on the firing unit’s fire power compared to the defending unit’s armour.
Dead showing how many were not able to make their natural save or cover save.
 
Turn 1
English Fire Phase
The Mortar’s open fire using their observer on the hill.
Mortars fire at Artillery on Left Shots 3, Fire 2, Hits 1, Dead 1  Burger curses, the battle just began and half his artillery is gone. Haggis smiles, “this is how it works” he says to himself.
The HMGs open up on the infantry on the left. Shots 9, fire 7, Hits 7, 2 dead.

German Close Combat Phase
None.

English Movement Phase
The Tanks advance while the infantry remain in cover.

German Fire Phase
With only the tanks in sight the remaining artillery piece opens up.
Artillery at tank, Shot 1, Fire 1, Hits 1, but no effect, Burger curses and Haggis breathes deeply.

English Close Combat Phase
None

German Movement Phase
None

 
Turn 2
English Fire Phase
Mortars at remaining artillery. Shots 3, Fire 2, Hits 1 but no effect. The 2nd shot falls short onto three German infantry killing 1.
HMGs at Infantry (right) Shots 9, Fire 8, Hits 8 but only 1 dead as the infantry hide in their trenches.

German Close Combat Phase
None

English Movement Phase
Tanks advance further and the infantry come out in support.

German Fire Phase
Artillery at tank Shots 1, Fire 1, Hits 1, the round penetrates the armour and the tank is immobilised. Burger cheers, some good news, Haggis curses.
Flamethrowers fire at the tanks but cannot get their machines to ignite and fail to fire.

English Close Combat Phase
None

German Movement Phase
The German infantry hug their trenches.

No photo.
 
Turn 3

English Fire Phase
Mortars fire at artillery  Shots 3, Fire 2, Hits 1 but no effect.
Immobilised tank fires three guns at artillery Shots 9, Fire 5, Hits 3 but no effect
It then fires one gun at the infantry Shots 3, Fire 3, Hits 2 Dead 2.
HMGs fire at the infantry on the left Shots 9, Fire 3, Hits 3 and 2 dead.

German Close Combat Phase
None

English Movement Phase
Infantry and remaining mobile tank advance.

German Fire Phase
Artillery at Tank Shots 1, Fire 1, hits 0.
Flamethrowers once again fail to fire.
Infantry fire at the English they can see.
German Right hand side Shots 37, Fire 20, Hits 11 and 11 dead.
German Left hand side Shots 24, fire 7, Hits 4 and 4 dead – Burger screams at his troops to stand in their trenches and fire.

English Close Combat Phase
None

German Movement Phase
None

No Photo
 
Turn 4

English Fire Phase
Mortars fire at Artillery Shots 3, Fire 2, a miss and Hit but the hit has no effect.
HMG at Infantry on left Shots 9, Fire 5, Hits 4 and Dead 3
English Infantry on left fire while moving Shots 16, Fire 8, 6 hits and Dead 4.
Immobilised Tanks fires at Infantry Shots 12, Fire 8, 7 Hits but only 1 Dead as the German infantry duck into their trenches.

German Close Combat Phase
None

English Movement Phase
Tank overruns the flamethrower in front of it and crushes it.
Infantry advance on both sides. On the English right they move towards the crater for protection. On the Left they head towards the German trenches.

German Fire Phase
Artillery fires at the moving tank, Shots 1, Fire 1, Hits 1 penetrates the armour but only damages the weapons.
Flamethrower finally fires at the immobilised tank, Shots 1, Fire 1, Hit 1 but does not have any effect
German Right Infantry fire Shots 40, Fire 20, Hits 15, Dead 15. The English platoon is down to its last few men.
Left infantry fire Shots 37, Fire 17, Hits 10 Dead 7

English Close Combat Phase
none

German Movement Phase
Torpedo men advance.
 

Turn 5

English Fire Phase
Immobilised Tank at Infantry Shots 12, Fire 9, Hits 9, Dead 4
Infantry (remain 6) Shots 12, Fire 10, Hits 8 Dead 2
Infantry Moving Shots 6, Fire 4, Hits 2 Dead 1
Mortars fire at Artillery Shots 3, Fire 2, Hits 2, but no effect – Haggis curses
HMGs at infantry Shots 9, Fire 7, Hits 7, Dead 6

German Close Combat Phase
None

English Movement Phase
Tank overruns the torpedo man and two infantry as it advances towards the artillery.
Infantry on English left advances for the assault on the German trenches.
Infantry on the English right moves to the lip of the crater to fire.

German Fire Phase
Artillery at Tank – its last chance- Shots 1, Fire 1, Hits 1 but no effect. – Burger curses the metal monstrosity.
Flamethrower at immobilised tank, Shots 1, Fire 1, Hit 1 but no effect.
German Right platoon fires at advancing English infantry Shots 22, Fire 12, Hits 11 and 11 dead.
German Left platoon fires at infantry in crater Shots 26, Fire 13, Hits 11 Dead 6 as the English take cover.

English Close Combat Phase
None

German Movement Phase
Torpedo men head for the tank.
 

A view from the trenches


Turn 6

English Fire Phase
Haggis knows that this is the time on which the battle will be decided. He needs the infantry to close assault the German trenches this turn so the fire needs to be accurate.
Immobilised Tank at Infantry Shots 12, Fire 2, Hits 1, Dead 0
Infantry (remain 6) Shots 12, Fire 8, Hits 6 Dead 0
Infantry Moving Shots 13, Fire 9, Hits 7 Dead 2
Haggis curses, this means the troops may be slaughtered in the open.
The mortars target the infantry Shots 3, Fire 1, Hits 1, dead 2
On the right hand flank.
HMGs at infantry Shots 9, Fire 6, Hits 5 Dead 3
Infantry in crater Shots 22, Fire 16, Hits 12, 9 Dead

German Close Combat Phase
None

English Movement Phase
Tank overruns the artillery and some infantry.
The Infantry advance so that they can close assault but Haggis fears there will not be enough left after the German fire.

German Fire Phase
German Right fire at close assaulting Infantry Shots 16, Fire 5, Hits 5 Dead 5.
Haggis can’t believe his luck.
German Left fire at infantry in Crater Shots 10, Fire 6, Hits 6 Dead 4.

English Close Combat Phase
The British Infantry close assault the German line. Shots 14, Fire 14, Hits 7 Dead 7.
With less than 10 men left the Germans must retreat.

German Movement Phase
Torpedo man advances towards the tank. 

Turn 7

English Fire Phase
Haggis knows the battle is won. Only a few Germans remain and they are all destroyed by the final blast of fire from the remaining British troops.


English De-Briefing
“Haggis, you did a great job. An excellent attack with perfect all arms co-ordination!”
“Thank you General but I will need reinforcements to hold the line.
Of my original troops.
Infantry Platoon 1 has gone from 30 men to 8
Infantry Platoon 2 has gone from 30 men to 6
Infantry Platoon 3 has gone from 30 men to 14
One tank has been immobilised and the other one’s weapons are damaged.
Only the HMGs and Mortars are still intact.”


German De-briefing
The General wrote to the family of Captain Burger. His wish to die to defend his country granted along with that of his fellow soldiers. Never mind thought the General, I will organise a counter attack and Ham will soon be back in our hands, Burger or no Burger.

20C Bastogne The Battle for Belgium

Part of the Battle for Belgium Series. The Germans need to stop the French surprise tank breakthrough through the "tank proof" Ardennes. All they have is some infantry and their reserve of paratroops. Will it be enough?

German Briefing.

General Gotterdammerung is briefing Captain Strudel of the DLK.

“The French have sent a lightning thrust through the Ardennes. It has smashed through our forward positions. We had thought that the Ardennes was tank proof but we were wrong! “

“We need you to defend the town of Bastogne and its cross roads or the French will outflank us and the whole front will collapse!”

“General you can rely on me. What are our current forces there?”

“Strudel, we have scrapped together a single platoon of infantry with some flamethrowers and torpedo men. They are entrenched just south of Bastogne, covering the approaches. There is a HMG platoon with them plus a battery of Artillery.”

“General, I will drop with my men on Bastogne immediately. It may be a hot LZ so can I have a squadron of flyers to provide landing cover?”

“Strudel, because of the importance of this mission, Captain Rich Toffee’s squadron has already been put on alert and will escort your zeppelin to Bastogne and cover the drop.”

“Thank you General. You can rely on the Deutsch Luft Korp!”

On his way out Strudel shouts to his sergeant “Lock and load Forrest, we lift in ten minutes – drop is Bastogne and it might be a hot LZ– get the men ready!”

 “And Forrest, one other thing – don’t forget the music!”

Sergeant Forrest (Blacky to his men) went to get the platoon ready and baby sit the two flamethrowers who had just been assigned to the DLK from the army. He wasn’t looking forward to dropping with them. They can explode just walking around.

One of his men asked “Sarge what music is the Captain talking about?”

“Oh, he likes his Wagner our Captain does. He likes The Ride of the Valkyries good and loud just as we drop”

“I don’t like Wagner Sarge. Can we play something else? How about a polka?”

“Tell you what Private. When you’re Captain you can play what you want! Now lock your weapon and load your chute and stop wasting my time!”

German Defence Group

1 x Infantry Platoon & 2 Flamethrowers & 2 Torpedo men 22 points

1 x HMG Platoon              5 points

1 x Artillery plus Observer              28 points

1 x Trenches       15 points

1 x Flyers squadron          12 points

1 x DLK Platoon + 2 LMG +2 Flamethrowers            26 points

                              Total      108 points

The German Plan

The DLK dropped just prior to turn 1, avoiding a hot LZ so there was no wind assistance from the French player. Nonetheless, one soldier was lost.

Strudel told the infantry platoon to hold as long as it could and then withdraw to the ruined church. Meanwhile the DLK would consolidate in the rest of the town. The HMG would support and the Observer would cover from the southernmost part of the town. If the French looked like they would advance past the trenches the Observer would move back to the church. The flyers were to disrupt any breakthrough attempt by the French.

French Briefing

“OK Camembert, we have broken through the Prussian lines. You are to lead the exploitation force. Usual armoured assault group. Your target is Bastogne and the cross roads. Once we control them we can threaten the rear of the Prussian forces on both sides and cause a general retreat in this sector. If we move fast enough we may even surround a division or two. This is great times Camembert – don’t fail!”

“General, I will not fail. What is my likely opposition?”

“Very minimal at this time if you move fast! This is “La Guerre éclair”!!” – (the French Army’s doctrine of Lightning War)

“And Camembert, we have had to replace the motor cycles with a Bike squadron? OK?”

“That is fine General. I am sure I will find a use for them!” Probably as entertainment he thought to himself.

French Assault Group

3 Infantry platoons plus LMGs      21 points each = 63 points

4 tanks                                                              12 points each = 48 points

1 Bike squadron                               10 points = 10 points

1 taxi group                                                     5 points = 5

                                                            Total   126 points

French Plan

Camembert planned to over run the trenches in front of him with an infantry assault of two platoons supported by the tanks. The Infantry platoon in the taxi’s would then follow the tanks through before disembarking before the first objective. Meanwhile, the bicycle squadron would manoeuvre around the right hand side of the battlefield and try to scout the enemy and take up positions to assist the following infantry.

PHOTO 1

Turn 1

French Fire Phase

No targets so no firing.

French Movement

Infantry advance through the woods in front of them.

Two tanks move up the road between the two woods and two around the left flank.

The bike squadron races up the right flank.

German Fire

The French infantry are at the edge of the wood so the German infantry open fire. With 40 possible shots, 25 fire and they get 21 hits. With the cover save of the woods 14 French infantry are killed.

The HMG also opens fire but only one shot is made, but it takes out another French infantry man.

The Observer calls for fire on the French tanks but gets no response.

Camembert curses, half a platoon already down.

French Close Combat

No one in range so no activity.

German Movement

The DLK move towards their defensive positions. All of them trying to get within the command radius of their officers. The flyers move towards the French bikes.

PHOTO 2 – end of first turn.

Turn 2

French Fire Phase

The LMGs fire on the run. With 6 possible shots, they get off 3 and one German infantry is dead.

The rest of the force holds its fire so that it can move.

German Close Combat

None

French Movement

The two infantry platoons advance towards the entrenched German infantry. The Bike squadron moves towards the first objective. The Tanks move into positions where they can assault or fire at the German infantry.

German Fire

The Infantry fire at their assailants. 42 possible shots, result in 21 firing, 15 hits and 15 dead. The French infantry platoon is gone! Camembert curses!

The Observer can see the tanks and calls in the artillery but again gets no response.

French Close Combat

None as no one is in range to assault.

German Movement

The DLK continue to consolidate from their drop positions towards their officers and to hold their two objectives. The Flyers head towards the bikes.

Turn 3

French Fire Phase

LMG 1st Platoon fire at the German Infantry. 9 shots 7 fire, 6 hits and 3 dead

The 2^nd platoon are going to move so it reduces their shooting.

LMG 2nd Platoon fire at the German Infantry. 6 shots 3 fire, 2 hits and 2 dead

Riflemen fire at the Germans. 15 shots, 7 fire, 7 hits and 3 dead.

German Close Combat

None.

French Movement

The French 2^nd platoon advances towards the trenches before it so they can close assault and defenders.

The tanks advance as well.

German Fire

Flamethrower 1 targets a tank and 1 shot and fires but then explodes in flames!

Flamethrower 2, targets a tank and fires, luckily does not explode, he hits the tank and immobilises it!

The infantry target the French Infantry, 23 shots, 14 fire, 8 hits and 8 dead.

HMG also fires at the French infantry, 3 shots, 1 fire, 1 hit and 1 dead.

The Flyers target the Bikes. 18 shots, 10 fire, 9 hits and 9 dead! The bike squadron is gone! Camembert sighs.

Finally the Artillery answer the Observer’s fire requests. Target is the immobilised tank. 2 shots, 2 fire and 2 hits! The Tank explodes in fiery destruction! Camembert curses!

French Close Combat

The French infantry close with the German HMG and destroy it!

German Movement

The DLK move into their defensive positions while the flyers loop around and retreat after devastating the bikes.

Turn 4

French Fire Phase

2 LMGs moving ate one plane Shots 4, fire 1 hit none

2 Tank HMGs at infantry shots 6, fire 3, hits 2 and 2 dead

1 Tank canon at infantry shots 1, fire 1, hits 5, 4 dead

German Close Combat

Nothing.

French Movement

French infantry advance and taxis move to shelter of the hill

See photo 5

German Fire

Flamethrower tries to fire at tank but can’t.

Infantry fire at Infantry 24 shots, 15 fire, 10 hit and 10 dead.

Artillery fire at infantry, 2 shots, 1 fires, 12 hit and 10 dead (as some French infantry are in the trenches)

LMGs in the church open fire at the flank of the infantry, 6 shots, 5 fire, 4 hits and 4 dead.

HMG in church opens fire as well, 3 shots, 1 fire, 1 hit and 1 dead

French Close Combat

French can’t move to contact as less than 10 men left.

Camembert curses. Light opposition in deed. But he has learnt a valuable lesson, never expose your infantry’s flank to concentrated machine gun and artillery fire.

German Movement

The flyers move up to support the infantry so that they can withdraw while the DLK troops hold their positions.

Turn 5

French Fire Phase

Infantry (moving) fire at infantry, Shots 9, fire 6, hit 4 and 2 dead

2 tanks HMG fire at infantry, shots 6, fire 3, hit 3 and 1 dead.

German Close Combat

None

French Movement

Tank overruns flamethrower – flamethrower fails it’s save and is destroyed (no consolidation for overruns)

Taxi’s dismount their LMG for anti-aircraft fire.

German Fire

Torpedo shoots at tank but fails to fire.

The observer calls for fire on the tank and from 2 shots, 2 fire, 1 hit and 1 miss. The hit is rolled for but does no damage.

French Close Combat

None

German Movement

Infantry fall back to the woods to proceed to their secondary position in the church. The flyers move up to cover and attack the tanks.

See photo 7

Turn 6

French Fire Phase

Tanks with HMG fire at flyers. 6 shots, 3 fire, 2 hits and 1 dead.

LMGs from 2^nd platoon fire at flyers, 6 shots, 4 fire, 0 hits.

LMGs from 3^rd platoon fire at flyers, 9 shots, 6 fire, 2 hits and 1 dead.

Captain Rich Toffee curses as his planes get shot down in a hail of bullets.

German Close Combat

None

French Movement

Tank overruns the torpedo but it manages to escape.

German Fire

The remaining flyer bombs the tank but does not fire.

French Close Combat

None

German Movement

Infantry move into the trees.

The flyer turns away from the concentrated AA and finds shelter behind a hill.

The observer moves back from his exposed position and heads towards the ruined church.

See photo 8

Turn 7

French Fire Phase

No fire for the French

German Close Combat

None

French Movement

Tanks advance, taxis embark their LMGs and the infantry move into the trench.

German Fire

None

French Close Combat

None

German Movement

Observer moves to the church.

Infantry move into second wood

Flyer moves back while the DLK hold their positions.

See photo 9

Turn 8

French Fire Phase

None

German Close Combat

None

French Movement

Tanks advance while taxis reposition and infantry hold.

German Fire

None

French Close Combat

None

German Movement

Infantry move towards church, and the observer takes up his position there.

Flyer hides behind the hill and DLK hold, waiting for the final French assault.

See photo 10.

Turn 9

French Fire Phase

None

German Close Combat

None

French Movement

Tanks advance and taxis advance and disembark their infantry

German Fire

The observers sees the infantry and calls for the artillery to fire. 2 shots but only 1 fires but it is on target and 10 infantry die.

Camembert curses the German artillery. The British artillery didn’t fire like this at Waterloo!

See photo 11

French Close Combat

None

German Movement

The flyer moves to a shooting position.

The infantry move to the church while the DLK hold their positions.

Turn 10

French Fire Phase

2 LMGs at flyer 6 shots, 4 fire, 2 hits no dead.

3 LMGs moving at flyer, 6 shots, 3 fire, no hits.

Rich Toffee weaves through the heavy French fire.

German Close Combat

None

French Movement

Tanks advance with the infantry close behind while the taxis race for safety behind a hill.

German Fire

The observer calls for fire on the tanks but gets no response.

The flyer lets loose its LMGs at the infantry, 6 shots but only 1 fire and it does not hit.

French Close Combat

None

German Movement

Infantry take up positions in the church.

Flyer moves to enfilade and the DLK hold their positions.

See photo 12

Turn 11

French Fire Phase

LMGs at the Flyer Shots 6 fire 2 no hits.

Camembert curses at his troops.

LMGs moving fire at the flyer- shots 6, 4 fire, 1 hit and 1 dead – Rich Toffee leaps out and pulls his rip cord as his plane plummets to the ground.

Tank canon shoots at HMG but does not fire.

German Close Combat

None

French Movement

HMG tanks advance and the infantry follow them.

German Fire

The Observer calls for final defensive fire but gets no response.

Other troops can’t fire as the infantry are shielded by the tanks or terrain.

French Close Combat

None

German Movement

All hold their positions and wait the final assault.

See photo 13

Turn 12

French Fire Phase

The canon tank shots at the HMG on the left but once again does not fire

The HMG tanks fire at the HMG on the right. 6 shots, 3 fire, 3 hit and 1 dead.

German Close Combat

None

French Movement

Infantry advance into the town. Finally says, Camembert, we are in Bastogne.

German Fire

DLK Infantry fire at French infantry in range, 24 shots, 9 fire, 6 hit and 3 dead (3 saved by terrain)

Flamethrower fires at infantry, 1 shot, 1 fires and does not explode, 5 hit and 3 dead.

Infantry in church fire at French infantry, 6 shots, 4 fire, 2 hit and 1 dead.

HMG fires at infantry, 3 shots, 1 fire, but no hits.

Artillery once again fails to heed the observer’s frantic calls for fire.

French Close Combat

Infantry attack the DLK in the buildings.

French Infantry fight first, 18 shots, 18 fire, hits 10 and 10 dead.

Germans take their losses from the infantry in contact and the remaining troops fall back 10 cm.

German Movement

The DLK advance so that they can assault the French.

See photo 14

Turn 13

French Fire Phase

Infantry fire at the DLK, 22 shots, 12 fire, 7 hit and 6 dead

LMGs fire at DLK, 9 shots, 6 fire, 5 hit and 5 dead.

Tank canon fires at HMG, 1 shot, 1 fire, 1 hit but the HMG survives.

German Close Combat

The DLK assault the French Infantry

They get 8 rifle shots, 8 fire, 6 hits and 6 dead.

The LMGs get 4 shots, 4 fire, 3 hit and 3 dead.

The French have less than 10 men left so must retreat.

French Movement

The tanks advance.

German Fire

Flamethrower fires at tank, 1 shot, 1 fire, 1 hit and the tanks explodes in fire.

The artillery finally come through, 2 shots, 1 fire but is misses.

French Close Combat

None

With the French outnumbered, their forces shattered Camembert decides to withdraw from the field of battle.  Strudel is happy to see them go saying it was a near run thing. He quickly goes over to congratulate the German infantry on their sterling performance and sends his thanks to the artillery and condolences to the air force.

Epilogue

Camembert was down cast when he reported to the General. “Never mind Camembert, you did your best and nearly broke through. The Germans were much quicker to respond than we expected with their DLK and ground support! I have a new mission and new force for you. The English having made a great salient at Kortriik and we want you to break in from the east to meet a thrust from the west. It is called Operation Bastille”

“Don’t worry General, I know how to handle the English!”

French Forces

Original force and what was left

Infantry 1            33 to 0

Infantry 2            33 to 7

Infantry 3            33 to 7

Bikes                     8 to zero

Tanks                    4 to 2

In German HQ, Strudel reported to Gotterdamerung. “A near run thing General, we got there just in time. The infantry performed magnificently and the artillery was OK.”

“Well done Strudel, a great victory for the DLK the Kaiser has heard and is most impressed! Probably be an iron cross in this for you. But first things first. We are planning a strike at the English. There will be a series of jumps to capture bridges while the main assault group follows. Hopefully this strategy will gets us past all these dam rivers and into Liege! It is Operation Kinder Garden ! Are you up for it Strudel!”

“Yes sir!”

German forces

Original force and what was left

Infantry                34 to 11

DLK                       34 to 11

HMG                     3 to 2

Flyers                    3 to 0

Observer and artillery no losses

20C Waterloo 2 - the Battle for Belgium

June 1917, as the three empires, France, Britain and Germany invaded Belgium to protect it from the others, the first clash occurred at a familiar crossroads on the road from  France to Brussels - Waterloo!!

Once again the British would be fighting to stop the French getting through to Brussels.

On the British Side Captain Crumpet was leading the fight. He had been told that the cross roads were to be held at any cost and he was not to disgrace the memory of the Duke of Wellington.

On the French side, Captain Camembert was under similar pressure to wipe the stain from the French flag of the terrible defeat and to even the score with "perfidious Albion"! The general told him, "you have the finest of our new tank heavy assault groups for “La Guerre éclair” (lightning war). You are not only fighting to wipe the stain from our history but to prove our new battle doctrine. Win and you will be a Colonel, lose and you had better be a corpse!"

Captain Crumpet had the following forces at his disposal.
2 Platoons of Infantry
3 Mortars
3 HMGs
2 Horse Artillery Guns
Trenches and some barbed wire

Captain Camembert had an assault group
3 Platoons of Infantry
3 taxis, enough to carry one of the platoons
3 Motor Cycle HMG
2 F17 tanks with Cannon
2 F17 tanks with HMG

Starting positions

 Crumpet put one infantry platoon in the farm house ("I'm sure I have seen this farm house somewhere" he thought), two mortars on his right, the HMGs and one infantry platoon in the trenches across the crossroads and the Artillery in close support behind.

 Camembert decided to assault the farm with two infantry platoons in columns. While on the left flank, the tanks would be concentrated with the motor cycles and one infantry platoon in taxis to clear the British trenches, take the crossroads and chase off the Artillery. Using the hills as cover for his approach he hoped to minimise his casualties.

The French columns move forward

The British infantry hear the bugle calls of the French and move to the edge of the farm so that they can fire.

French Movement Phase on turn 2. The Infantry on the left advance while the tanks crest the hills on the left. The taxis remain in cover until the British fire is suppressed.  The Motor Cycles take up firing positions.

Turn 2 British Firing Phase.

The two mortars on the British right fire but miss!

The Infantry in the farm fire and get one long range hit

The horse artillery fire at the tanks and get one miss and one hit! Camembert heaves a sigh of relief as the tanks escapes any damage.

The British HMG's open up on their counterparts in Motor Cycles and get six hits and destroying two of the Motor Cycles - Camembert gets worried.

The final British Mortar attempts to fire but fails.

End of the British Firing Phase.

The French are not close enough to close assault and the British do not want to move, so no further action this turn.

Turn 3 French Fire Phase.

The French Tanks HMG's target the British artillery but either do not fire or miss.

The French Tank Cannons also fire at the Artillery and get one hit but cause no damage. 

The remaining Motor Cycle opens fire on his opponents but does no damage.

Camembert scowls in disgust.

French Movement Phase.

The French attack continues with the infantry columns advancing on the left while the attack on the right seems stalled.

French positions after moving

Turn 3 British Firing Phase

The Infantry in the farmhouse target one of the French columns. With a possible 40 shots, 29 fire and they get 16 hits - one French column is decimated.

The two mortars target the other column, one hit results and another six French infantry are removed!

The 3 HMG's target the final Motor Cycle and it goes up in flames.

The two artillery try to fire at the tanks but fail.

The final mortar on the British left also fails to fire.

Camembert looks ashen as he scans his forces, seeing the gaps in his infantry columns.

The French attack after the British have fired.

Turn 3 - the French are not near enough to close assault and the British do not move. So onto turn 4.

Turn 4

French Firing Phase. 

The two Infantry columns fire on the move with their LMGs. Six LMGs get eight hits but only four dead as the cover in the farm saves the British infantry.

The French Infantry also fire but can only get 12 rifles aimed at the target because of their close columns. They get four hits and 2 dead with 2 British saved by the sturdy farm walls.

 

Crumpet looks on with hope stirring within him. It looks like once again the British troops will hold at Waterloo!
Camembert orders the French Tanks to advance and crush the British resistance under their tracks. Will this turn out like Ney's abortive assault 100 years before?

The French positions after their movement phase. The taxis have moved to follow the tanks' assault.

Turn 4 British Firing Phase.
Once again the order to the Infantry in the farm house is to fire at the French column. This time there is 23 infantry firing and they get 18 hits and 18 French infantry are removed. The column is gone!!
Two mortars target the other infantry column but miss.
Once again the British artillery fails to fire - Crumpet curses them.
The HMGs are powerless against the tanks and bide their time for a target.
The final mortar also fails to fire.

Nonetheless Crumpet is pleased - he is pretty sure that the French assault on the farm house is stopped.

French positions after the British Firing phase.

 Turn 4 French Close Assault.

The French Infantry close assaults the farm house.

 The French Infantry, knowing that their is no way back, surge forward past the bodies of their fallen comrades to attack the British Infantry hid

ing in the farm house.

The first phase of the close assault the French get 10 infantry in contact and cause 8 dead.

The British consolidate (taking the casualties from models not in contact) and fight with 8 infantry and cause 6 French casualties.

The French do not give in, also, taking their casualties from the un-involved troops  they respond with another 10 attacks getting 7 hits and deaths on the British troops.

The British Infantry is down to its last 9 men so must withdraw 15 cm against the superior French force. The French move 5 cm to consolidate their position.

The French take possession of part of the farm house as the British retire from its edge.

Camembert is elated as Crumpet is distraught. Although the French columns are down to a quarter of their strength they have pushed into the farm house.

Turn 5 French Fire phase.
The French do not fire, it is time for the assault on the British trenches.

French Movement Phase.
The French tanks move over the British trenches, destroying the barbwire and crushing two British HMGs and 5 infantry who could not escape.

The French taxis race up behind the tanks and disgorge their passengers into the fray.

Turn 5 after the French move.

Turn 5 British Firing Phase.

In the farmhouse nine British infantry can fire and get nine hits but with the French in the farmhouse they get cover saves and only 4 are killed.

On the British right, the artillery fires once this time but misses!

The mortar does not fire - Crumpet screams at them.

In the Trenches, 22 infantry fire and get 30 shots off but only 19 dead.

The remaining HMG targets the taxis and one goes up in flames.

The French right after the British fire phase and their close assault.

Turn 5 French Close Assault.
 The French attack first and score 8 hits from their 15 men.
The British fight back with six men and two French Infantry go down.
The French keep attacking and another 10 British infantry fall.
But the British are not ready to quit yet and fight on. Seven infantry fight on and 4 French fall.
With the French platoon down to 10 men and being less than the remaining 12 British, they must fall back 10 cm.

The French position after the failed assault.

Camembert scowls, so close! Crumpet looks on in shock, down to his last few men and still 4 French tanks in action.

Turn 6
French Fire Phase.

The remaining LMGs and rifle men fire at the British infantry and score 10 hits with 5 dead in the trenches.
One on the tanks fires its HMG at the British infantry and scores three hits with 2 dead.
The cannon in the tank also fires but misses.

French Movement Phase.
Two tanks assault the Artillery and over run it. Crushing the guns beneath their tracks.
On the French left, the British infantry have been seen off and the French start moving to control the entire farm house and support their compatriots on the right.

French final assault.

British Fire Phase.
The British Infantry throw grenades at the French tanks. Two fire at the front of the tanks but miss, two fire at the side and with one hit, only the weapons are damaged! Crumpet crumbles, nothing is working, the battle is lost.
A HMG gets one hit on the French infantry and a man goes down.
2 mortars fire and get 4 hits with another 3 French infantry down and a taxi in flames.

But it is all too little and too late! The British retreat to the nearby forest.

French Victory!

Post battle there were two very different de-briefings.

In the French HQ Camembert was greeted cordially by the General. "Well done Colonel Camembert! A fantastic victory it will be in the papers tomorrow. I have already sent the press release with all the details!"
"But General we suffered many casualties. Of 100 Infantry we have only 21 left, Not even a full platoon! The Motor Cycles are all destroyed! And two of the taxis!" sobbed Camembert.
"Never mind Colonel. France can take casualties but NOT defeat!" shouted the General.
"OK General what are my orders. I hear a Prussian corp are headed for the Waterloo cross roads. Am I to defend them?"
"No Colonel, that is not the job for our armoured assault group. I am sending you to Bastogne. Your losses will be replaced. You move at dawn!"

In the British HQ it was a very different story. "Crumpet you are a coward and a fool. There is only one place for you. The Navy's tanks where all the scum of the army are sent! No dont say anything. There are no excuses - only failure. Get ye gone before I shoot you!" Crumpet trudged out, his reputation and morale in tatters.