Thread by @tomjmegan

(Thread. Context: testing ‘Fury in the Hedgerows’, an introductory #chainofcommand game I’m hosting for any interested beginners at #VirtualLard6).

Date: 13 June 1944.
Location: 1.5km SW, Carentan, Normandy.

Terrain: Bocage, fields, small tree-lined stream, farm outbuildings.

Following pre-Hr fires at 0530, the lead elements of I/SS.PzG.Regt.37. cross their start lines heading towards Carentan leading the German efforts to retake the crucial town. Deploying from the left flank JOP, the Schwerpunkt forms up around 2 PzGrenadier sections, SL & Pzshrek.

Almost immediately the lead Zug comes into contact with elements of 506th PIR, 101st US Airborne. A .50 cal HMG position is well sited, covering the Bocage-lined lane. This will provide a solid fulcrum point for the US platoon as the firefight develops.

Not wasting an opportunity, the US Pl Commander evicts some farmers pigs from their pen and directs his 60mm Mortar team into an almost tailor-made firing position. This organic indirect fire assets rapidly comes into action, inflicting growing shock on the attacking Germans.

On the left flank, a US Parachute squad advances as far as the stream, before assuming overwatch positions. With the cover provided from the earthen Bocage banks and stout Norman stone walls, and allied to its formidable organic firepower, this section would anchor the US left.

On US right flank, after quickly manoeuvring behind the HMG, the second US Parachute squad pushed forward and secured a firebase on the Bocage. Aided by strong Command Dice rolls, this critically allowed for the US platoon to assume its full battle position before the Germans.

Despite taking some casualties, and having its attack blunted of some momentum, the German Platoon Commanders finally pushes his schwerpunkt forward, establishing a fire base on the hedgerow opposite the US right flank. Ferocious MG and rifle fire erupts across the wheat field.

With a 2cm cannon and MG, the Sdkfz 222 is a formidable asset to the German Platoon. However on deployment, it quickly becomes involved in a duel with the well-sited US .50cal HMG at the end of the lane. With rounds thunking off its front armour, the un-nerved driver halts…

… which is all the chance Sgt Barnes needs! Deploying forward, heedless of personal danger, the indomitable Para Sgt shoulders his Bazooka and slams a round into the armoured car, rendering it wholly ineffective.

As the firefight rages, stray rounds and tracer ignite a fire in the farmstead outbuildings. A pall of smoke begins to spread across the fields, limiting observation and upsetting the local herd of pedigree Norman cattle.

Howling at the closest US parachute section, the bellicose Sgt O’Hara directs their fire with lethal accuracy. The opposite German forces take heavy casualties, hurting their Force Morale and blunting the attack of any remaining momentum. And this is how it ended. #spreadthelard

So that’s it. Plenty learned, table plays well - its tight and lethal with multiple approach options for both sides. Few items to finish up to make it look the best. Forces work, but the Germans may need to be Elite. JOPs - patrol phase or fixed, I need to consider.

Nice little asymmetric challenge between the Sdkfz 222 and Sgt. Barnes. Interesting tactical imbalance between US Parachute Platoon and PzGrenadier Platoon - between Command Dice, firepower and organic assets.

Thanks to @Joe_Wargamer as ever for being such a great opponent & conspirator! Hugely appreciate the second opinions & commentary.

Thanks for reading & hope you enjoyed. Hopefully this will be an interesting and enjoyable experience for anyone interested in giving it a go! #VL6