Thread by @tomjmegan

(Thread). AAR. At 063hrs D+2, Normandy, France, June 1944. 21. Pz Div Aufklarüngs Abteilung elements creep forward to occupy a Start Line Position along edge of wheat fields from bridge. Sdkfz 222 and 223 provide overwatch whilst 8cm mortar crew establishes position behind barn.

Sdkfz 223 provides MG overwatch for heavily-armed PzGrenadier sections creeping forward using cover provided by local farm buildings and trees. Central road approaches the bridge and is key to movement of wheeled vehicles unable to traverse rough fields.

A Kradschützen section, quietly but quickly moved into and established a firing position shielded by the still smouldering Sdkfz 251. Once engagement commenced, accurate and heavy Bren gun fire would force their withdrawal and efforts to find an alternative route forward.

British Paras made the most of the slit trenches. Hastily dug under the cover of darkness, they would prove key in mitigating the worst effects of German fire at long range. However as the Germans closed, their ferocious MG42 fire would prove irresistible, even with hard cover!

German Schwerepunkt rapidly moves towards the center axis of advance as under the cover of smoke from 8cm mortar two PzGrenadier sections along with Pl Comd Gp dash across the road and into the large wheatfield to establish a solid base of fire and commence their assault.

Aided by smoke and by this stage increasingly accurate MG fire which is effectively suppressing the return British fire, the German PzGrenadier fist reaches the relative safety of the wheatfield, forming up into a brutal fire and manoeuvre assault formation bristling with MG42s.

On the right flank, the third PzGrenadier section having infiltrated forward using the trees to cover their advance breaks out into open field and engages the British section which is providing flank security on the Airborne left flank. It inflicts heavy casualties and pushes on.

At this point, forward British sections are being ground, their fire waning as casualties (very) steadily mount and highly accurate German smoke screens obscure their targets moving to their front. Ironically, this smoke also increases their survivability for just a little longer

Sensing momentum and initiative swinging their way, German Pl Comd pushes his heavier assets forward, with the Kradschützen and armoured cars moving into better firing positions and providing the fulcrum point for the massed Grenadier assault to pivot as it heads for the bridge.

German PzGrenadiers reaches the Final Assault Line, setting their base of fire prior to hitting the bridge. British forward sections have been almost annihilated by sustained, accurate MG42 fire and lethal 8cm mortar strikes. Focus now inevitably and grimly shifts to the bridge.

On the German right, the third PzGrenadier having annihilated a surprise reserve British section in a hail of gunfire amidst the orchard, and despite taking casualties, continues to creep down through the stream, turning the British left flank, cutting off further Para reserves.

The final, inevitable end. Bloody, brutal close assault on the bridge itself. Part obscured by drifting German smoke, PzGrenadiers and the last remaining British section meet amidst a hail of grenades, Sten gun, MP-40 and rifle fire. Both sides virtually annihilate each other.

With the rest of his small platoon virtually annihilated, the Para Pl Comd could only watch from an empty slot trench as he committed his final reserve in an attempt to deny the Germans control of the key objective.

However as the smoke cleared, only the German section leader remained alive, the British section entirely and the German section were wiped out. As the second German section and Pl Comd moved up, the British force could only retreat. A solid German victory.

So overall - a cracking game. Thanks to @Joe_Wargamer for being such a fantastic opponent. Some superb moments, some outrageous dice rolling on both sides as friction worked its magic and plans went out the window (particularly on British side!). Hope you enjoyed reading!