This situation (based on the experiences of Kampfgruppe Peiper during the Battle of the Bulge) was designed for initiating inexperienced players into the value of infantry when well handled and how misleading numbers can be in gauging strength. I had expected 4 players whose only WW II experience consisted of one game, composed mostly of armor, plus Ed Eaton, the German from Situation #1. However, as usual, it didn't work out as expected. Only 2 of the novices could make it, but Kerry Hanscom, who had several WW II battles to his credit was able to come, though not previously expected. Again, fortunately, the situation was sufficiantly flexible to handle these changes.

Kerry was designated the senior German player (Kampfqruppe "Grey"), one novice took KG "Dark Green" and the other doubled up on KGs "Light Green" and "Tan" (these names were derived from the paint jobs on the miniatures used for each group) while the most experienced player again took the defending side.

TASK FORCE EATON (2nd Bttn/119th Inf Rgt/ 30th Inf. Div)

You are assigned the following forces:
Anti-tank platoon: (HQ Company 3x57mm AT Guns, towed by 3 x M3 Halftracks w/.50 cal. HMGs, 1 jeep, carrying 1 officer 1 NCO w/SMG, 1 driver w/rifle

2nd Squad, "B" Company, 51st Engineer Combat Battalion: 3 engineers, 2 flamethrower, 1 field phone, 1 sniper, 1 NCO w/ MGO 1 M3 Halftrack w/trailor, 1 demolition charge (or 2 half charges), 1 (1"x2") AT minefield

1st Platoon, minus 1 rifle squad & weapons squad,"C" Company, each with: 1 NCO w/SMG, 1 BAR, 6 M1 rifles, 1 bazooka team, 1 walkie-talkie. C.O. = 1 jeep, carrying 1 officer, 1 NCO w/SMG, 1 driver w/rifle.

MISSION: Yor are to fight a delaying action to slow up large forces of Germans that have broken through VIII Corps and are heading for the Meuse crossings. 1st Army is rushing large reinforcements to the area, but the Germans must be delayed long enough to allow these reinforcements to reach the front. Specifically you are to defend the crossings of the Ambleve-Salm Rivers and prevent the Germans from passing thru Aywaille or Werbomont toward the Meuse.

APPRECIATION: The Germans are known to have broken thru in great strength, both armor and infantry. This is a major offensive! Yesterday they were turned back from Army HQ at Spa only by burning large amounts of P.O.L. in their path. The head of their column was reported to be at Stavelot last night. They are said to have a new kind of heavy tank, a "King Tiger" as if the regular version wasn't bad enough! It's not likely RGT. or DIV. will have any help available to send you, but if things get desperate we'll see what we can do.

SET-UP: Anywhere except within 1 foot of the east edge of the board on either or both sides of the river. However, the engineer squad must be kept together in one area, and each infantry squad must be deployed as a unit, not broken up. Mines, booby traps, etc. can be set up by the engineers in their own general area. Confer with the judge on placement, nature, number, etc.

This seemingly weak force was greatly aided by the nature of the terrain. All off-the-road movement would be at the rough terrain rate. Woods and the large hills were impassable to vehicles, and two plowed fields plus all fords were so muddy a special chart was devised to determine whether vehicles would get stuck, this terrain would channel the German advance into a series of bottlenecks where ambushes could be prepared. The small American force could hold its own if well placed, hidden and well handled. And if the Germans were prevented from breaking through to the clear area around Werbomont. For the German force would appear to be overwhelming.

KAMPFGRUPPE "GREY" (Headquarters 1st SS Panzer Rqt.)

You are assigned the following forces:
1 Panzer VIb "Tiger IV super heavy tank
1 Armored halftrack 251/1 carrying 1 squad of infantry (1 MMG, 3 rifles, 1 NCO w/SMG and panzerfaust, 1 officer)
1 unarmored halftrack (6 ton) carrying 3 engineers, 1 rifle, 2 SMGs

Also, being the senior German commander, you will have overall control of all German forces.

MISSION: The 'Fuhrer' has decided to launch an all-out offensive on the western front to recapture Antwerp, the Allies' major port. We will cut off large enemy forces and force their evacuation from the Continent! You have been chosen, because of your party record and loyalty to the Fuhrer (along with some experience in North Africa) to lead the spearhead of this offensive.

You will proceed to the Meuse River and seize the bridges before the Americans can react. You will proceed by way of Trois Ponts, and Werbomont if possible - otherwise via Stoumont. and Aywaille. Be sure to leave behind you sufficient forces to hold all bridges, crossroads, etc., until the following units reach the area. Remember that speed and boldness are all-important. The Fuhrer will brook no delay and no excuses!

APPRECIATION: Only light resistance has been encountered so far, from small, isolated American units. Nothing more is expected this side of the Meuse River, if you act quickly, before reinforcements can be brought up.

SET-UP: All German forces will come on north of the Ambleve River on the eastern edge of the board, from the direction of Stavelot. YOU will decide in what order the German hattlegroups will appear, but they must stick TOGETHER as UNITS at least at first.

KAMPFGRUPPE "TAN" (Reconnaissance)

You are assigned the following forces:
2 4-wheeled armored cars SdKfz 222
1 Armored halftrack 251/10 (with 37mm ATG) carrying 1 officer, 1 LMG, 2 panzerschreks
2 armored halftracks 251/1, each carrying 1 squad of infantry (1 LMG, 5 rifles, 2 SMGs, 1 NCO w/SMG & panzerfaust)
1 VW "Schwimwagen" amphibious car carrying 2 rifles & 1 SMG
1 StuG III assault gun

KAMPFGRUPPE "DARK GREEN" (Armor & Infantry)

Your are assigned the following forces:
2 Panzer V "Panther" Medium-heavy tanks
3 armored halftracks 251/1, each carrying 1 squad of infantry: (1 LMG, 1 SMG, 5 rifles, 1 NCO w/SMG)
1 unarmored halftrack (8ton) w/75mm anti-tank gun, towed.

KAMPFGRUPPE "LIGHT GREEN" (Armor)

You are assigned the following forces:
1 StuG III assault nun
2 Panzer IVH medium tanks
1 Panzer V "Panther" medium-heavy tank

The Germans were instructed to deploy the "Kampfgruppen" as units, and not to break them up or intermix them until on the table. They were also required to indicate, before the game started, which units would come on when,so that their march order could not be changed after seeing what they were up against.

As it turned out, the Germans couldn't have walked into the American traps better if they had been moved by the American player. They only not about half way across the table, losing everytinq they had, except one Panther a couple of half tracks the Anti-tank gun, and some infantry - all of which surrendered!

More WWII Delaying Actions

Introduction
Situation 1: Battle of Sidi Bou Bou
Situation 2: Battle of Stoumont
A Word About Rules