Game played on Skype with Alan Sawyer. This was the seventh and final scenario in our 9th SS Hohenstaufen versus the British from the BSS book. I had struggled in some defensive situation games of late and was determined to do better this time round. Surveying the board, this one looked ripe for a decent forward defence with the plan of holding back the enemy for as many turns as possible before falling back to the town and only giving the attackers a minimum time window to take town hexes.

The British would attack Estry from its east side. The 9th SS Hohenstaufen had deployed their infantry about 500 yards forward of the town on a lower level, but higher than that of the Scottish attackers. They were supported behind by their MG platoons, and the town centre was packed with a Nebelwerfer battery and five platoons of mortars. These would supply defensive fire support for the grenadiers to the fore. Also, on the east of Estry there was one platoon of StGIII’s and a battery of the feared 88’s. A number of picket platoons were deployed to the south and a ring of mines had been layed to the south-west outskirts of Estry. The main British thrust looked as if it would come from the east axis with smaller forces north and south of those. HMG platoons, Churchill tanks and numerous mortars were assigned to assist the Tommy infantrymen.

At 1545 hours the attack began with a cautious advance by the British. German artillery caused early casualties upon this approach. Thereafter, the next hour was spent with the German forward line deterring a frontal assault whilst the British flanks attempted their envelopment. Few casualties occurred during this time and the Germans were pleased with the enemy’s slow progress. The British did score one success when they secured a hit to knock out one of the mortar platoons in Estry. Overall, it appeared the Scottish troops appeared to be struggling to find a way through to Estry.

By 1715 hours, things were hotting up. As the British tried to probe, the casualties began to grow. Artillery, MG and small-arms fire began taking their toll. British Churchills and Achilles took hits from the 88’s and the StG’s sitting atop the hill in Estry. Artillery took out British Sappers and the MG’s finished off one rifle platoon that ventured into the open. One platoon of Scots got to the edge of the minefields around Estry, but were pretty much leaderless and unable to push further.

In all, it was during this period that the British command lost its heart and decided that the attack should be called off. It may have been decided on too early (turn 9 of 16)considering how one fire activation can sometimes cause the collapse of a whole hex.

Casualties were 1 German mortar step against 7 British foot steps and 2 AFV steps. The seven battle BSS Campaign between the 9th SS and the British during Op Bluecoat produced a huge disparity in casualty totals: (shown in steps). As well as yielding 6 x SS wins and a draw.

German – INF 29, OFF 6, AFV 7, APC 7, GUN 7

British - INF 68, OFF 16, AFV 37, APC 27, GUN 7

This scenario gets a standard 3 from me. Unfortunately, with the early declaration of game end, I don't think I got the full experience of the game having not had to play through the final 7 turns of a 16 turn battle. Maybe my rating would have gone up or even down 1 point had I had the option to complete, but as it stood, the '3' appears fair enough on what was played.