Halt the Breakthrough

Mission Briefing:

Herr Hauptmann! We are receiving reports of British troops already through the dunes on the coast. They're threatening to link up with their paratroopers. You must advance and engage them - Wipe them all out

Our second game of Airfix battles pitched The Germans against the British. Again it was a simple 2 infantry squads a Captain and a unit of Veterans per side and the game was set up in accordance with the scenario pictured. (apologies for the paint schemes but they are over 30yrs old!)

Field Report:011/1944

Submitted by: Hauptmann Sneider

We approached the Hamlet of villersfontain from the East at 14:00hrs. My veterans and I were in the southerly flank supported by sqd 3 just to our north behind a thatched cottage. Further to the north on the right flank were unit 2.

We could see the British advancing from the west toward the house and ruin that straddled the road and squad 2 reported a further British sqd to the north.

I ordered squad 2 to make a rapid advance to the north and engage the British squad they had spotted. Squad 3 advanced into the thatched cottage and I moved up behind the cottage in support. Squad 2 came under heavy fire when the British squad in the north opened up causing 60% casualties and resulting in Squad 2 retreating. The other British squads both advanced toward the centre of the village remaining in cover.

The British squad to the north showed superb teamwork as they fired on Squad 2 causing 2 more casualties and advanced upon their position. Squad 2 somehow remained on the field showing commendable courage. I moved with my veterans to the North to support squad 2. The British squad in the south advanced into the ruins but their advance was interrupted by fire from Squad 3 who reported 2 British killed. Squad 3 then proceeded to fire on the same unit killing three more and causing the British to retreat.

The British commander and his squad made a sweeping advance into the centre of the village just to the north of the cross roads.

As I advanced I heard the sound of incoming shells, the British had called in an Artillery strike which hit the cottage covering Squad 3. 4 grenadiers perished but the squad held firm. I engaged the Northern most British squad and sent them retreating.

Squad three then carried out a commando style assault into the ruined village to their west firing on the British commander as they went although they only managed to kill one of his squad they put down enough fire to pin the British commander. Squad two rallied and re-joined the fray supporting me and my veterans firing on the Northern British squad killing one more.

Unfortunately the British in the north were made of tough stuff they rallied and in an assault worthy of commandos they wiped out squad 2. Revenge was swift however as I ordered my veterans to open fire on those troublesome British annihilating the squad. In the south squad 3 opened up on the retreating British squad and wiped them out.

The British commander escaped but their advance has been halted. Request immediate reinforcement to secure the crossroads.

(Sorry about the picture Quality I need to get a better camera!)