Closing Falaise

TRYING SOMETHING NEW

The other day Chris and I played a game of 6mm WWII micro armor using the Combat Cards. This time we tried something a little different with the scenario – it was set up to reflect a more specific real world mission for each of our forces.

Looking West to the Village

The setting was northern France 1944, near Falaise. Chris was playing the Americans and was in command of a Task Force (a battalion strength combined arms force). I was playing the Germans with a rather pathetic Kampgruppe acting as a rearguard/flanking screen.

THE FORCES

Chris had two full strength companies of M4 Shermans, a company of armored infantry, an M10 tank destroyer platoon and a battery of M7 Priests in support. I had two under strength Panther platoons (for a total of five tanks), an under strength assault gun platoon (three Stug III’s) and two remnant infantry companies (for rifle platoons and one weapons platoon between them).

The Americans Amass before the Village

There was a village at the western end of the table, and rolling country to the east.  The Germans were tasked with delaying, and if possible destroying, the rapid American advance which would allow more of their comrades to escape through the Falaise gap. The Americans were ordered to either secure the village, or rapidly flank it and keep the advance moving in an attempt to rapidly close the gap and trap the maximum number of  enemy forces.

THE BATTLE

The game was very fun, with lots of back and forth momentum. The Americans made several probing attacks to determine where their best attack option was. Eventually they found a vulnerable point in the German defenses, which were spread very thin, and were able to push much of their armor through the gap. They were also able to make a strong push on the village by utilizing their infantry and artillery with great effect.

Fighting in the Village

The only thing that really helped the Germans was the confusion on the American side as units got redirected during the attack, and a pair of Panthers situated on the dominant heights. Besides accounting for numerous kills, the Panthers drew much of the American’s attention and concern.

The Americans Breakthrough

In the end the Americans just weren’t quite able to push the attack through at the speed required so the Germans eked (and I mean eked) out a victory point win. All in all, it was a very entertaining game with the usual amount of trash talking and corresponding humility as the battle flowed.

Shermans in Action in the Village (An Action Shot!)

Using the historically researched and realistic scenario and objectives really provided a great game. I think I am going to try and incorporate those elements into as many future games as I can.

I can’t wait for the next battle!

Until next time…

Cheers!

Dan