"The Southern Front is Sundered."

German 22 PM Comments

Allied 22 PM Comments

The 12SS suffered from supply shortages. The bulk of the mechanized forces are across the Ourthe now and are starting to drive westwards. Two US armored regiments in Ouffet, with Montgomery, are attacked, surrounded, but it is understood that this battle will take more than one turn. Some flanking attacks will go in to try to cut defensive artillery support. The US throws a weak screen in the south-center and the Germans will try to roll up the flank. In the far North, the Germans half-heartedly press towards the Meuse.

Post Combat Notes: With 34 US units now dead, John has declared his intention to perform the "Great Skedaddle". That seems prudent given that he longer can form a cohesive line across the center. I expect Patton's force to be diverted to the defense of the Meuse - the Brits can't do it alone. I have a thin screen in the South but it's situated in such a way as to be able to slow down any attack by the US 3rd Army that does not involve at least a division or two with some artillery.

Due to the earlier Boddenplatte, the Germans and US will have 2 air units apiece in 23AM - I look forward to seeing how John decides to commit them as there are probably valid reasons to execute any mission - interdiction, ground support, or air supply! The network of downed bridges will certainly slow me but I except to have my lines fully cleared by 23PM.

This game continues to be interesting - I know have to decide whether to risk going for the decisive, automatic, victory by pushing Panzers off the map or should I shift gears and try to clean out the fortress towns of Marche and/or Bastogne. I'm sure either decision will be fiercely contested....

The upper Ourthe battles have left the Allied army a shadow of its former self. It most likely would have been better to retreat last turn and leave Ouffet to its fate. The counterattack from the German attack in 22PM resulted in a disaster in the Allied turn, when I rolled a 6 on a 1-2 (+1) and eliminated Monty and both garrison units.

The only move left was to retreat to the Meuse and try to hold out there. Meanwhile Patton brought on 4th Armored and 26th Infantry plus artillery and attcked the German screen near Palisuel. 80th and 5/10 remained off board.

Turn Navigator: [ December 16 AM ] [ December 16 PM ] [ December 17 AM ] [ December 17 PM ] [ December 18 AM ] [ December 18 PM ] [ December 19 AM ] [ December 19 PM ] [ December 20 AM ] [ December 20 PM ] [ December 21 AM ] [ December 21 PM ] [ December 22 AM ] [ December 22 PM ] [ December 23 AM ] [ December 23 PM ] [ December 24 AM ] [ December 26 AM ]

German Combat Notes:

Attack Results:

1. 2702: +179. Combined to 3-1. = 3 = D1

2. 3108: +406. Comboned to 5-1 (-2)= 5 = 3 = D4

3. 3413: 5-1(-1)= 5 = 4 = D3

4. Bombard 7/CCB (4-6) = 4 = SHOCK

5. Bombard 9/60 (5-6) = 4 = No

6. 3110: +333, 402. 46 vs 12 = 3-1 = 6 = 4 = CA

7. 3415: combined to 7-1 (-1) = 2 = 1 = 1D4

8. 4418: 7-1 = 2 = 1D3

9. 3211: 2-1 = 2 = D1 (2 US Regiments of 3rd Arm eliminated)

The combat dice were average but the results were devastating because of the number of long retreats. Two US arty units and the remaining regiment of 3 Arm were surrounded. 2 US units and Montgomery remain trapped in Ouffet and will have to counter-attack.

Moderator Comments:

I believe the shell has cracked, irreparably is open to debate. U.S. 3rd Armor, the primary onboard counterattack force, was effectively eliminated this turn. In addition, an unfortunate turn of events caused Ouffet to fall. This town can pose a major thorn in the German advance, and John needed it to hold out for another turn or two. The Allies, with their few remaining units, don't have much choice but to head for the shelter of the Meuse River hexes. Patton, on the other hand, is threatening to puncture the German defense in the South via a well placed counterattack. How Tom responds to that threat is of definite interest. I think John was wise to hold some of the 3rd Army forces off map to keep Tom guessing.

View Page Stats