The Huertgen Forest Campaign is an exploration of the 28th Infantry Division’s experiences in the forests of Europe. Poorly planned, poorly assessed, weak intelligence, and a inexplicably determined foe (protecting their secret – the build up for the battle of the Bulge)
The 112th Infantry Regiment fought from November 2nd thru Nov 6th. Their goal was to capture the town of Schmidt.
Facing them were the 89th Infantry and the 116th Panzer division. Historically several thousand men threw their lives away for a plan that almost succeeded. The courage of each army was amazing the losses staggering. The two diagrams show the Operational Plans that I have drawn up for the US Armies assault on Schmidt.
Now in hindsight this is the incorrect target, they should have had firstly an Op Sheet for Vossenack, then the Kall trail and Kommerscheidt. Then we could have looked at an op sheet for Schmidt. With a bit deeper knowledge regarding Op Sheets the rest of this campaign should be both more challenging and more interesting.
This adjustment was made and ‘back dated’ to allow for additional Op Sheets to be run.
In summary the US forces executed almost flawlessly against a frustrated German defense. Stymied by visual range, smoke and aggressive Artillery and Mortar fire from Chem Company, the Germans fell back in disarray after heavy losses.
The actual assault:
Company G and F approached under cover of smoke. The proceeded to call in 105mm fire and leveraged CHEM company D’s mortars to vicious effect.
E company swung wide and used the terrain drop off outside of town to make a flanking approach under smoke.
Once units were suppressed the M4, and troops laid down further (SFA) suppressing fire and then assaulted the hard pressed Germans.
The 707’s tanks attack of the paralyzed Germans already carrying losses from MG’s and Artillery ruthlessly efficient.
By noon US forces had seized control of Vossnack. One company and attached elements were separated to prepare defenses. A separate Prepared Defense Op Sheet was written up.
Troops advanced down the Vosseneck – Kommersheidt Road and established themselves for an attack into the Kall gorge and trail. Initially attempting to flank under cover of the trees and other terrain, one company crosses the river.
1340 and the US has taken some losses in the crossing and had to respond to a lone company trying to attack the mortar crews.
M-3’s press up to look for firing Opportunities, into the edge of the dense forest.
Both sides have exhausted initial supplies of arty ammo. So its low and dirty grunt work.
The US forces have successfully activated a new Op Sheet outlining thier task to attack the Kall pass and secure Kommershiedt.
Exploring Fire and Movement with TCS is excellent. It is one of systems that I think captures the feel of battle. It is dynamic enough to provide the various view points players seek at the Company, Battalion and Brigade level. Joint operations, combined arms is key to an enjoyable experience.
I’ve put a lot of data up on other posts regarding fire table results, fire effectiveness and the various artillery elements.
This TCS title follows the model tightly and rewards co-ordinated suppression fire to allow the Melee actions to take place.
Being able to pick up all of the titles cheaply in a a few bulk buys was a boon. I think these will be long term games that will give me some great stories, and generate a solid feel for WWII combat at this level.
The next AAR will be a while for this title as I am not traveling 120k miles a year any more, and I’m not inclined to punch this one just yet.
Related articles
- The TCS firing conundrum, or how I stopped worrying and started liking single step losses.
- How Hard is TCS, To Learn, To Play?