Panzer Grenadier Battles on March 29th:
Spearhead Division #16 - Final Accounting
Not in the Mood: I've got a Headache
Author Poor Yorek
Method Solo
Victor Germany
Play Date 2014-01-25
Language English
Scenario NoEl008

Previous AAR by Armyduck95 outlines the various options quite well. In this reality, the Heer set up with a few GREN and the 75IG holding the B22 towns; load the town of Munsterbusch with the HMGs and a few GREN; and set-up two AT groups (2xGREN + 75ATG + Hetzer/Panther) in LT more-or-less a few hexes north of the B22/B24 board edge.

Light to medium rain set in for the first 75 minutes keeping US air at bay during the initial and critical combat.

US ponders the greater risk/reward approach up the western edge, but, 3rd Armored command recalled the ambush of 15 September (Sc #2) and opted for occupying the 20m wooded hill in the SE of B22; off-loading the INF and attacking the various villages and hamlets with the M3s/armor in support.

With 7th Armee General der Infanterie Brandenberger's exhortations still ringing in their ears, 9th Panzer elements with their accompanying GREN platoons moved south to engage. The Hetzer used the cover of the large fields to swing about to the west and south to ambush US M3's supporting the two-hex village. The PzV's likewise shot up the M3's supporting the attack on hamlet 0914.

US armor rushed to the rescue of the latter and a savage armor battle ensued ... the panthers were saved from a +2 flanking shot by the 75/41 uncovering to make a step kill + DEM on an M4/76. The panthers were finally laid low, but the US armor pool was savaged with DEM reduced units forced to retreat into the heavy woods SE of the hamlet.

German defense of the 0914 hamlet was inspired with shocking D/DD results and the US unable to coordinate their assault despite attacking on the 18 or 24 col. This eventually fell, but the steadfast Heer bought precious time.

In the village (0608+0708) and hamlet (0809), US assault went well, but here German OF and OBA wrecked havoc. A full strength US HMG took the honors as the PDDU (perpetually demoralized unit) and an OBA strike reduced + DEM the other HMG platoon. US armor tried to regroup, but the Hetzer fled back north having destroyed or chased off the US M3 supporting units.

The US had wrested control of B22 but at a fearsome price. The Heer had essentially fully rested components waiting (all their HMGs) as well and both 75/41's and the Hetzer now waiting for the US to move across open ground.

Lt. Col. Richardson decided to give his units a chance to recover (22 step points lost) and call up reinforcements before making an attempt on Munsterbusch.

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