This tactical problem is a continuation of tactical problem #4 taken from Scenario Campaign 2 (5.3) in A Raging Storm. Kampfgruppe Graser has received its orders -- it is to first crush the Sherwood Foresters in a two-pronged attack, then swing north and destroy the remaining British battalion positions (see solution to Problem #4). The commander has opted to infiltrate the Sherwood Foresters with a battalion of infantry before the main assault begins.

The problem is to come up with the most effective way you can to accomplish the mission (destroying the Sherwood Foresters) and detail operations for the first turn of the attack. Play the turn out against an opponent or solitaire, describing your actions and why you are taking them. This is an exercise in tactical finesse rather than grand planning, so make sure you elaborate all your tactical tricks and why you are doing what you are doing.

A submitted solution should:

1) Give a set-up for all German units.
2) Detail infiltration movements (up to 9 infantry platoons).
3) Execute the initial German bombardment: Nebelwerfer: 30.16 (will probably be out of play but you never know) 3 batteries of 450 (150mm guns): 25.10, 25.09, 26.09
4) Play out the first turn, detailing all fires, movements, assaults etc.

What I will be looking for in a solution is the preciseness of your tactics. Try to make all your movements and fires count as much as possible! Pull out every trick in your bag to give the Germans a good start. Remember to use the special capabilities of your units to the utmost, and used combined arms tactics to your benefit. It's OK if you have bad luck -- here it really is the thought that counts!

The weather for the first turn is rain. The Germans move first. I suppose they could opt to move second, but their initial attack would be much more difficult through illum and artillery barrages!

Sherwood Foresters:

25.09 A plt, 6 ldr
26.10 A plt, 2x 6 ldr
27.11 A plt, 2x6 ldr
29.12 C plt, 6 ldr
31.11 C plt, 6 ldr
33.10 C plt, 6 ldr
33.08 B plt, 6 ldr
27.08 B plt
26.08 B plt, 6 ldr
30.09 3x3" mtr, Bren

Kampfgruppe Graser (partial):

Any units from I,II Bn 145, 13 Co (4x75mm IG), 14 Co (8x75mm AT), 725 Gr Regt: East of German MLR running from 13.15 south. Only detail set-up for units that play a role on the first turn -- other deployments and movements should simply be roughly described.

Send entries to Lee Forester / 222 Country Club Rd. / Holland MI 49423 or e-mail them to forester@ hope.edu. If you like, you can e-mail graphics as .jpg or .gif files. Send text either as a text file or MSW. The submitter of the best solution will receive $10.00 credit towards The Gamers products.

NOTE: You must be a print subscriber to Operations to be eligible to win--RL