In an unpleasantly lengthy scenario, I was finally able to win one for the near-hapless French side, this time at Connage, in another unbalanced scenario that favors the German side. This extended and bloody battle ended on Turn 20 with the French claiming a Major victory on a score of 38-22, mostly thanks to reckless, and poorly-coordinated German armor attacks, as well as a number of lucky morale checks, initiative throws and AT shots -- and most critically -- the tough armored hides on the FCM36 tanks.

In the end, all but 3 reduced-strength, French tank platoons were eliminated, but nearly all the German armor was demoralized and destroyed as well. The German-held town in Hex 0610 held out for most of the scenario in spite of repeated French infantry assaults, while back-and-forth occupations of the two 1-hex towns in 0912 and 0412 occurred over-and-over after the 10th game turn at 0830. Fighting was especially bitter in-and-round the latter hilltop town with 3 French infantry platoons dying for their country as German combat engineers assaulted it in 4 separate waves. The French were not able to eliminate the deadly German half-strength, Bufla SPAT unit for the entire match. The game was in doubt until around the 16th turn, but luck was with the French side, as both the above-mentioned towns were in French control after that turn, albeit by half-strength garrisons. By the end, there were only 2 French leaders remaining, both in disrupted condition.

For a more balanced scenario, I suggest the following additions to the French counter mix: 1) two more FCM36 tank units with at least one more Tank Leader; 2) another 8-strength increment of OBA, 3) at least 1 more of the weak French infantry platoons to try & hold key terrain, 4) at least one French Sergeant. Another option for a more interesting experience: replace the existing French dismounted cavalrymen with ESC units from the 1st Marocaine Division extension.