The Battle of Malmedy (not to be confused with the massacre of Battery B, 285th Field Artillery Observation Battalion, just south of town on December 17th.) presents a rather interesting battle to game out. The troops involved are far different than that normally found on the battle field, as on both sides the command were put together out of odds and ends, with the Germans throwing into action their 150th Panzer Brigade, which was to operate with a mixture of captured American and converted German equipment in an effort to bluff its way though the American lines.
The battle was fought for control of the four bridges over the Warche River at Malmedy, though of all the bridges the railroad bridge was the most important, as that was the one bridge that the Germans could count on being strong enough to move armor across. The American goal was to deny the Germans those bridges, but at the same time holding them as long as possible in the hopes that they could be used for the American counterattack, as well as for any necessary American retreat - the Americans can not leave Malmedy by vehicle except by crossing the Warche River at some point.
The opening half of this game may be fought at night, and will require the use of a referee for purposes of movement and spotting. There is a section of rules that he needs to be aware of, as well as briefing sections and troop listings for both for the American and German players. The game can be best run with 3 American players, and 4 German players. To maintain the historical setting of the game, players should not be allowed to read their opponents briefings.
Battle of Malmedy December 21, 1944
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© Copyright 1990 by Greg Novak.
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