Note: Score will be denoted by (x-y), where x=German casualties, y=French casualties.

THE BATTLE

0630

German forces enter from the east. German trucks rush down the roads toward the west, hoping to get to the bridge before the French can blow it up.

The French AT-Gun misses the rushing trucks and the French begin to retreat toward the ford.

0645

Germans win the initiative and the French AT Gun is demoralised by rifle fire before it can get in another shot.

French engineers blow up the southern bridge and the Cavalry race toward the ford.

0700-0715

On the road the French are overrun (0-3) but manage to stall the German advance sufficiently to allow the cavalry to make it across the ford and dismount.

They take up a defensive position in the buildings on the west side of the Semois River. The Germans advance and set up a firing line. The Assault at the ford has begun!

0730 - 0800

French reinforcements arrive and dismount.

Long range direct fire claims casualties on both sides. Germans also reduced by French artillery. (2-4)

French are hit by German artillery and the Germans rush the ford!

0815 – 0845

French get in first fire and their AT Gun (reinforcement) hits the Pz I platoon crossing the ford. (4-4)

Germans take further casualties at the ford and are routed. (5-4) Although the German major successfully advances into the village. The StuGIIIA joins the major.

Now stuck in assault, the Germans will need to move up or down the river if they can’t win control of part of the village.

0900 – 0930

French captain is eliminated in the assault along with some reduced infantry. The French send in reinforcements. (5-5)

Germans lose two more half platoons trying to get across the river. The ford is proving problematic! (7-5)

0945 – 1015

In the assault, both sides suffer further casualties (8-6).

Germans continue to try to cross but are hit by the French defenders and artillery (10-6). Eventually, the Germans manage to push along the river’s edge to the north.

1030 – 1045

Germans initiate more assaults into the village. This ties up the French, allowing more Germans to cross the ford and edge along the northern river edge. They advance off the river into the woods.

And just in time…

GAME OVER

GERMAN MAJOR VICTORY!!!

Aftermath

In total 4.5 infantry platoons and an HMG platoon and StuGIIIA made it across the river. This equates to 15 steps (AFVs count double)

This scenario felt well balanced, as it was only in the final turns the Germans succeeded in their objective. Had they waited an extra turn or two to begin their crossing the French would have won.

VPS.......French German

Casualties.10........6

Crossing.....0.......15

Total........10.......21

This was quite a fun scenario, I would have rated it above average except that the ford crossing got a bit bogged down. Yes, I’m a harsh rater.

Scenario Rating: Average, 3/5