In early February 1938, German Chancellor Adolf Hitler summoned his Austrian counterpart, Kurt Schuschnigg, to Hitler's mountain retreat at Berchtesgaden. There, Hitler berated the Austrian and demanded that Austria install a Nazi-friendly government. Schuschnigg refused, and Hitler in turn would not let him leave. As no communication came from their leader, Austrian officers of the 8th Infantry Brigade headquartered a few kilometers away in Salzburg became concerned. Maj. Gen. Kurt Zborzil, appointed to the post just two weeks before, called his senior officers together. If no word came soon of Schuschnigg's fate, his brigade would storm the Eagle's Nest, free their chancellor and "kill the little bastard."

Schuschnigg returned before Zborzil led his troops over the border. The chancellor was physically unharmed but spiritually broken. Forty years later, 8th Brigade officers still spoke wistfully of the lost opportunity to destroy Hitler before he unleashed his madness. However, if unsuccessful it would have plunged Austria into an utterly hopeless war.

Austrian Army counters are on the back of the Tank Battles book. I suggest using Hopeless, But Not Serious counters because I do not like to cut up my books. Making counters from a good color copy is also an option.

If Hopeless, But Not Serious counters are not available, Avalanche Press still hosts DYI Austrian leader counters for download.

Use SS Officers from Edelweiss or Edelweiss Expanded for the SA officers.

Avalanche Press still hosts DYI German Gebirgs leaders for download. Players without Edelweiss Exp & IV, or Parachutes over Crete, may wish to use these counters instead of regular Heer leaders.