BDF at 1638 - GERMAN WIN

 

The US are reduced to just a few cadres and crews, a hero and a leader [wounded]. The rest are POWs, broken or surrendering. The 2 remaining M8s can't be expected to do much at this stage. 

The Germans succeeded by exerting cautious steady pressure. They whittled down the US defenders who ran low on ammo and men. 

It was a brave defence - no doubt. But the Germans are numerous, have FP and can use the time they have to wear down the US.

In the real battle, I suspect they were in a rush and ran risks. Also, they would not have had St44s or snow camouflage in all likelihood. It's conceivable coming from Norway they'd have snow camouflage. But there is no evidence for this.

Still. A fun game. Lots happened. What next?

BDF at 1630

 

BDF 1616

 

With about 30 minutes before sunset - Twilight should start in 15? - The US have little left to fight back with. Outnumbered 2:1, how long can they last?

Back at this after a long break....BDF

 

Laborious. That about covers it. I think the Germans have too much to do with too little combat power. It's a long way to get to the jump off points. The mist makes it hard to use their FP. It does stop the US too though...

So many things can go wrong. An entire platoon has disappeared due to morale loss - just melted away. Seems fair. The main defences, lots of riflemen in foxholes to the south, and a bunch of MG nests to the north are untouched. Mobile devastating FP from aaHt are still on the map, though one has been shot up badly. Meanwhile, what attacks the Germans can launch are probes at best. The will inflict losses and burn thru ammo - but cannot dislodge the Americans.

Interesting study. The men who held Parker's Crossroads were brave, no doubt. But they achieved what was reasonably expected of them until 2nd SS arrived and then it was beyond anyone's ability to hold on. Like Arnhem bridge really.

BdF at 1638 - sunset.

This is very atmospheric. There are about 50 Americans left holding out - surrounded without heavy weapons and with few options except keeping their heads down.

BdF 1634

Further resistance seems futile. It will get dark soon and that can only make things worse for the Americans.

BdF at 1600

It's going from bad to worse for the Americans. Sniper fire enabled the Germans to break through in the north and a bad morale roll caused the western flank to collapse.

BdF at 1540

BdF at 1520

The Germans have so much firepower that the Americans daren't fire back unless they have a lucrative target. The loss of all but one aaHt and the presence of the small group of VG inside the  perimeter has severely hampered the Americans efforts.

It's still not over by any means, but the balance seems to very much in the Germans favour.

BdF at 1448

What might be called H&I fire from the 105mm hit the mortar crews and has pretty much knocked them out for the time being.

Aside from that the Germans continue encroaching on the US perimeter. They need to maximize fire support before they emerge from the woods as they will only get one chance.

Significant amounts of mortar and infantry gun fire impacting within the perimeter...does not bode well.

BDF at 1440

The Volksgrenadiers are moving into position and opening harassing fire with some success. Earlier losses suffered by the defenders may prove decisive though they do retain considerable firepower for point blank defence.

Midday at Baraque de Fraiture

After about 3 hours of sniping from the Germans and Major Parker's struggles to load, aim and fire the 105mm howitzer things have settled down to a stand off. The Germans can still expect some results from sniping but the Americans are best served by keeping their heads down.

The 3 M8 armored cars have arrived and taken up positions to cover the approaches. The next German attack is due in under 2 hours, though they would not know this.

Baraque de Friature

I am back to this after a long break. I dusted off this seasonal scenario [75 year anniversary and all that] and it went rather well for the Volksgrenadiers. Despite heavy losses they managed to infiltrate about 25 men into the buildings and with a high number of heroes they will be tough to dislodge.

GLEAMIN'DEMON - MISSIONS TO NURNBERG, MAINZ, MUNSTER AND MERSEBURG

GLEAMIN'DEMON TAKES OVER - MISSIONS TO BREMEN, BIELFELD, MERSEBURG

WULF BAIT II SHOT DOWN OVER STUTTGART

WULF BAIT II BACK FROM POLITZ AND HUSUM