THE ALLIED ADVANCE

SEPTEMBER 3, 1944
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 This is a supplement for Flames Of War, the World War II miniatures game.
A copy of the rulebook for Flames Of War is necessary to fully use the contents of this book.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any
means without the prior written permission of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that
in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
© Copyright Battlefront Miniatures Ltd., 2016. ISBN 978-0-9941206-5-6
 Battle of the Bulge was compiled from Bloods, Guts, & Glory; Miniatures Design: Evan Allen, Tim Adcock, Will Jayne
Devil’s Charge; and Nuts. These books were originally produced by Cover Art: Vincent Wai
the Battlefront team and Friends.
Internal Art: Warren Mahy, Vincent Wai, Ben Wootten
Compiled, edited and new material by: Wayne Turner
Miniatures Painting: James Brown, Blake Coster, Thomas
Additional new material written by: Jonathan Baber, Crook, Mark Hazell, Aaron Te Hira-Mathie, Jeremy Painter,
Alexander Costantino, Sean Ireland, Matt Parkes, Shelby Taylor
Mitchell Kemmis, Simon MacDonald, Michael McSwiney
Terrain Modelling and Photography: Battlefront Studio
Editors: Peter Simunovich, John-Paul Brisigotti
Playtest Groups: Houston (Scott McKenzie), La Brigada de
Proof Readers: Alexander Costantino, Madrid (Jorge Sancho), Northern Battle Gamers (Nigel Slater),
Mitch Kemmis, Luke Parsonage, Michael McSwiney, The Rat Patrol (Kevin Hovanec)
Gregg Siter, Stephen Smith
Many thanks to all the other playtesters who have
Graphic Design: Sean Goodison made this compilation possible.
Assistant Designers: Casey Davies, Victor Pesch

CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Bastogne and the Battle of the Bulge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Normandy to Lorraine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Screaming Eagles, US 101st Airborne Division. . . . . . . . . 104
Roosevelt’s Butchers, US 4th Armored Division . . . . . . . . . 12 Easy Company, A Company of Heroes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
George S Patton Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Parachute Rifle Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Creighton Abrams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Airborne Engineer Combat Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
The Lucky Seventh, US 7th Armored Division . . . . . 20 Glider Rifle Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Improving the Breed, M4 Sherman Tanks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 US 2nd Ranger Battalion in the Hürtgen Forest. . . . . . . . 124
Tank Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Ranger Battalion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Armored Rifle Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 US Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Fortune Favors the Brave, US Arsenal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
US 644th Tank Destroyer Battalion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 US Painting Americans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Victory Not Glory, US 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion. . . 37 British 21st Army Group from Normandy to the Rhine. . 148
Tank Destroyer Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 7th Armoured Division. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Black Panthers, US 761st Tank Battalion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Desert Rats Armoured Squadron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
761st Tank Battalion Light Tank Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Desert Rats Motor Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
761st Tank Battalion Tank Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Desert Rats Rifle Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
29th Infantry Division. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 29th Armoured Brigade in the Ardennes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
29th Infantry Division Rifle Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Armoured Squadron. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
The Bloody Bucket, US 28th Infantry Division . . . . . . . . . 66 Motor Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Perimeter Outpost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 53rd Welsh Division
Indianheads, US 2 Infantry Division. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
nd & 51st Highland Division. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
The Battle Babies, US 99th Infantry Division. . . . . . . . . . . 74 Rifle Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Viking Battalion, US 99th Infantry Battalion. . . . . . . . . . . 76 6th Airborne Division in the Ardennes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Audie Murphy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Parachute Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Rifle Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Airlanding Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
The Damned Engineers, British Corps Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
US 291st Engineer Combat Battalion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 British Arsenal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Engineer Combat Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Painting British. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Minding the Gap, US 14th Cavalry Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Arracourt Battlefields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Cavalry Recon Troop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Ardennes Battlefields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Cavalry Tank Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Winter Weather. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216

1
 Introduction
Flames Of War ‘Desert Rats’ as they fight their way from Normandy through
In Flames Of War you take on the role of a company northern France and into Belgium and Holland. You can also
commander manoeuvring your troops across the battlefields field the 29th Armoured Brigade as they are quickly thrown
of World War II. This classic period of warfare is brought into the line to hold the crossing over the Meuse River. They
to life in your own game room. Battle of the Bulge provides are joined by 53rd Welsh Division, 51st Highland Division
the core armies in the form of Intelligence Briefings. These and 6th Airborne Division who then join the Americans in
Intelligence Briefings allow you to field the German forces pushing the Germans back through the Ardennes.
that clashed with the British and American forces in Belgium, They are all here in Battle of the Bulge, looking for the right
France, Luxembourg, and Germany from September 1944 general to take command and bring the sting of battle to
to February 1945. your game room.
To play Flames Of War you’ll also need the Flames Of War
rulebook. The rulebook contains all the rules that you need How this Book Works
to fight miniature World War II battles. This book is divided into two sections, one for the US forces
and the other covering British forces. Within these sections
Why collect a Battle of the Bulge there are Intelligence Briefings for various tank, mechanised,
force? and infantry companies. All of the forces in this book are
based on historical examples that fought on the German
Battle of the Bulge provides Flames Of War players with the frontier from September 1944 to February 1945.
American and British forces needed to recreate the battles
on the German frontier from September 1944 to February Each company has easy-to-use charts, highlighting available
1945. platoons which are the fighting units of your company. Each
platoon diagram visually displays what troops are included
Battle of the Bulge brings Flames Of War players into the in the platoon and their points value.
hard fought battles along the German border with Belgium,
Luxembourg, and France, from the Lorraine campaign, to A detailed arsenal at the end of each section describes the
the Hürtgen Forest, the Battle of the Bulge and German specific ratings for your teams and the weapons they use.
Operation Nordwind. You can field the American forces that From tanks to infantry, this book contains everything you
retook the Lorraine region and pushed the Germans back need to get started on your army!
to their border, or the British that drove through northern In addition to the technical information you need to build
France to liberate Belgium. Fight the desperate battles to your force, each book contains plenty of inspiring pictures to
hold back the German Ardennes offensive, or engage in the help you capture the flavour of your new Flames Of War force!
Ardennes counter offensive in the Battle of the Bulge.
To find out more, visit your local game store, or visit our
You can field a variety of forces that fought in these cam- informative website at www.FlamesOfWar.com.
paigns. Battle of the Bulge allows you to field the US forces
that fought in the Lorraine Campaign including the hard
charging 4th Armored Division, with heroes such as the
famous Lieutenant General George S Patton and Lieutenant 4th Armored Division Tank Company
Colonel Creighton Abrams to lead your force to victory. A Company HQ (Compulsory Headquarters)
1 M4A3E2 Jumbo & M4A3E8 Easy Eight 290 points
You also take a company of US tank destroyers, troops who
specialise in taking out enemy tanks with stealth and cunning, B Tank Platoon (Compulsory Combat Platoon)
as their motto says, ‘Seek, Strike and Destroy!’ You can also with 2 M4A3E8 Easy Eights & 1 M4A3E2 Jumbo
All with Hedgerows cutters 445 points
take the ‘Black Panthers’, the US Army’s first African-American
tank battalion, excellently drilled and motivated troops ready C Tank Platoon (Compulsory Combat Platoon)
to prove themselves better than any other US tank battalion. with 2 M4A3E8 Easy Eights
& 1 M4A3E2 Jumbo 440 points
It’s not all about the mechanised troops, you can also choose
from a selection of infantry companies. Field the veteran D Recon Platoon (Weapons Platoon)
with 2 Recon Sections and Bazooka team
riflemen of the 2nd Infantry Division, of the fresh 99th Infantry Arm all Jeep teams with AA MGs 120 points
Division. Hold off the assault with the fortified outposts of the
28th Infantry Division, or the road block of the 291st Engineer E Armored Rifle Platoon (Support Platoon)
Combat Battalion. You can also take the veterans of the 29th with 1 Rifle Squad 235 points
Infantry Division with their LVT-4 amphibious transports for Total—1530 points
their operations over the Roar River, or the tough 2nd Ranger
Battalion during their fighting in the Hürtgen Forest.
Battle of the Bulge also allows your to field various British
forces to take part in these battles. You can take the squad-
rons and companies of the famous 7th Armoured Division

2
 INTRODUCTION
Company HQ
In most Flames Of War games you
will command a company with
several platoons. When you choose
your force the first thing you need
is your Company Headquarters.

Combat Platoons
Whatever your battle plan
requires, your Combat Platoons
are the ones you rely upon to
get the job done! You are usually
required to take at least two
combat platoons but you could
take three or more.

Weapons Platoons
Weapons Platoons are your
battalion’s own support weapons.
They are not required, but their
heavy machine-guns, mortars,
recce, and anti-tank weapons
provide excellent support.

Support Platoons
Support platoons are loaned to
your company by your regiment,
brigade, division, or corps. These
platoons give you extra support in
many forms ranging from tanks
to artillery.

4th Armored Division Tank Company

D

3
 Using a Company Diagram
Each force begins with the Company Diagram, which demonstrates the company organisation graphically in an easy-to-read
format. This simple diagram will help you create your Flames Of War company and get you playing in no time at all!

Choosing your Company

This first step is choosing your company. Which company you take is entirely up to you. It can be an infantry, reconnaissance,
mechanised, or tank force. Have a read through the history text and find a force that interests you and you’re off!

Instructions
Once you have decided which company to build,
have a look at the instructions box to see what you
need to do to build your force.
Some companies, like the US Tank Company
on page 28 for example, have two variants:
4th Armored Division, and 7th Armored Division.
Other companies are based on a single division, like
the US 29th Infantry Division Rifle Company on
page 54. The instruct­ions box will also talk about
any additional instruct­ions for the variants.

Variant Forces
When building a force that has several division
variants, you must chose one of the variants and
stick to it. Your Company HQ and all of your
Combat and Weapons platoons (and usually some
of your Support platoons) must match the division
you have chosen. To help, we have included
divisional symbols to distinguish the variants.
Simply use the options showing your divisional
symbol when calculating points or choosing
optional upgrades.

Building Your Company

You will notice that the company diagram consists
of a variety of black and grey boxes, each containing
a silhouette of soldiers, guns, or vehicles. Each of
these boxes represents a platoon that is available
to your force. The black boxes are the core of your
force, so when building your company, you must
field one platoon from each box shaded black. The
grey boxes are optional platoons. You may field
one platoon from each box shaded grey.

Page Reference
Each platoon box will have a page number. Use this to find
the platoon and its points value.

Special Platoon Options

Sometimes a platoon box in the company diagram will have
special platoon options available to a specific variant. These
are always marked with the variant’s symbol to the left of the
platoon name. Only forces based on the same variant as the
special option may take that platoon.

4
 INTRODUCTION
BUILDING A US 4TH ARMORED DIVISION TANK COMPANY
Flames Of War uses a point system to ensure that games are Eights (+65 points per tank). To one of the Tank Platoons I
reasonably fair and balanced. Games are typically played with add some Hedgerow cutters for +5 points for the platoon to
around 1500 points, but you are certainly not limited to any help them get through tough terrain. My HQ comes to 290
particular value. You can play any point value you and your points, my first Tank Platoon with the hedgerow cutters is
opponent decide from small 600 point games in an hour, to 445 points, and the one without 440 points.
mammoth games using armies that are 3000 or 5000 points
Then I’ll add some of the optional platoons in grey boxes. I’d
or more! Once you and your opponent have agreed on a
like to take some reconnaissance troops for scouting. Looking
points limit, you can choose any platoons allowed by your
at my Weapons Platoons column I see the Recon Platoon
company diagram up to that total value.
(page 34) at the bottom. I take this with both sections (90
I have chosen to field a US 4th Armored Division Tank
Company from page 28. I chose this because it played a major
role both in the Lorraine and during the Battle of the Bulge.
Reading the instructions box and company diagram, I see
that I need to field at least a Tank Company HQ and two
Tank Platoons from the black boxes and they must be from
the same division. I simply take three M4 Shermans under
the platoon entry for 250 points in the column marked with
the 4th Armored Division symbol for both Combat Platoons.
Below this is a list of upgrades with points and the number
you can have. This same list is also used for the tanks in
my Company HQ. Each HQ and platoon can have one
M4A2E2 Jumbo (a Sherman with extra armour), so I get one
for my HQ and one each for my two Tank Platoons (+60 points) and add the grey optional Bazooka team (+20 points)
points per tank). The HQ and platoons can also have up to and give the two Jeeps AA MGs (+5 points per jeep).
two M4A3E8 Easy Eights (with improved suspension and a
Divisional Support has a variety of platoons, but I’m getting
76mm gun) each, so I upgrade the rest of Shermans to Easy
close to my 1500 point total, so I’ve decided to add one
The US Tank Company INFANTRY platoon of infantry. There are two Infantry support boxes,
has many different infantry so I can have up two platoons, one from each of the Infantry
options in its two Infantry boxes, but I’ll take just one. These two boxes contain options
boxes, but you can only take for infantry from my 4th Armored Division, or other divi-
Armored Rifle Platoon sion’s it fought in support of. I decide to take a Armored Rifle
00

one from each.

Platoon (page 33), which can come from either box.
Rifle Platoon
00

INFANTRY The Armored Rifle Platoon (page 33) is a well-equipped

Engineer Combat
00

Platoon platoon, so there is only a matter of choosing its size. I

selected a platoon with one Rifle Squad for 235 points.
Parachute Rifle Platoon
00

Armored Rifle Platoon Parachute Engineer

Once I have selected all of my platoons and totalled up my
00

00

Combat Platoon points, I just have to gather my miniatures, set up a battle­

Rifle Platoon field, and start playing!
00

ADDING WARRIORS TO YOUR FORCE

There are warriors throughout this book. These are heroic
soldiers (many from real life) who can join your force and
help it to victory. For most warriors there is a photo of the
miniature and the product code so that you can easily find
out where to get the miniature and add it to your force.
Warriors are available from the Flames Of War website
www.FlamesOfWar.com and independent retailers as special
order items (USO###, BSO###), blister packs (US###,
BR###), or boxes (UBX##, BBX###). Each warrior entry
displays the relevant pack code.
In the example to the right you can find the warrior
Lieutenant Colonel Creighton Abrams as a product item
code UBX32, which contains two of his Sherman tanks,
“Thunderbolt VI” and “Thunderbolt VII”, either of which
you can mount him in.

5
 Basing Your Army
Battlefront Miniatures packages Flames Of War products to give you everything you need to assemble your force as quickly
and accurately as possible. Our blisters and box sets are packaged to give you all of the options available to build your army.

How to base different types of units

Every army organises its platoons differently, and the organisation diagrams reflect this. For example, a Rifle squad in an
American Armored Rifle Platoon has ten men split into two Rifle teams of four soldiers and a Bazooka team of two soldiers.
Of course, units in combat rarely maintain their theoretical strength. We reflect this by allowing you to take fewer squads.

Infantry teams
The fundamental building blocks of an infantry platoon are the various types of infantry teams. The most common ones are
shown below with a brief description of their function and organisation.

Command Teams A Command team is made up of an officer, an NCO, and a rifleman on

a small base. There are often options to upgrade your Command team
with a different weapon. To do so, simply replace the rifleman with the
chosen upgrade. You can see an example of this on the following page.

Rifle teams Rifle teams are the basic form of infantry. All the miniatures in a rifle
team will normally be armed with rifles. Some squads may have a single
machine-gun, but its effect is diluted by the number of rifles in the
squad. Base your rifle teams on a medium base.

Rifle/MG teams Rifle/MG teams are organised like rifle teams, except that every squad
of two teams has a machine-gun. Base Rifle/MG teams on a medium
base with the second base normally modelled with a machine-gun.

MG teams MG teams are better armed than Rifle/MG teams. Every MG team has
a machine-gun. Base MG teams with a machine-gun and two to three
riflemen on a medium base.

SMG teams Some nations equipped entire platoons with submachine-guns. SMG
teams are made up of miniatures armed exclusively with submachine-
guns. Base SMG teams on a medium base.

Pioneer teams A Pioneer team retains the normal characteristics and basing of its type,
e.g. a Rifle team on a medium base, and gains combat engineering char-
acteristics and abilities such as an increased anti-tank rating in assault
and the ability to clear mines and demolish fortifications.

Light Mortar teams Light Mortar teams are made up of a miniature armed with a light
mortar and a loader on a small base.

Light Anti-tank teams Light Anti-tank teams are infantry teams made up of a miniature armed
with a weapon like a Bazooka or PIAT and a loader on a small base

Gun teams
Artillery batteries and machine-gun, anti-tank gun, and infantry gun platoons combine command infantry teams with
gun teams. Information on basing gun teams can be found in Basing Your Miniatures on pages 10 to 13 of the rulebook.
Essentially, Man-packed gun teams are mounted like infantry teams on a medium base facing the wide edge, anti-tank and
infantry guns are mounted on a medium base facing the narrow end, and artillery is mounted on a large base facing the
narrow end.

Platoon diagrams
Each platoon diagram indicates the required squads and teams you must have to make that unit combat-worthy. Troops in
black are the core of the unit. Troops in grey are optional supporting troops, weapons, and vehicles that you can add to give
them more punch or mobility. Many platoons also include options that allow you to improve the equipment or capabilities
of some of the teams. The platoon entry will also list the special rules that the platoon uses. The following example shows an
Armored Rifle Platoon from page 240 and how to assemble it using an Armored Rifle Platoon box set (UBX01).

6
 INTRODUCTION
Armored Rifle Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant

HQ Section with
Light Machine-gun Squad, Command Rifle team Bazooka M3 half-track with
60mm Mortar Squad, and: 4 7
Rifle team team .50 cal AA MG
HQ Section
2 Rifle Squads 295 points 225 points
1 Rifle Squad 235 points 180 points Sergeant Sergeant

Option
Rifle team Rifle team Rifle team Rifle team
• Replace Bazooka team in HQ Section with an
M3 37mm gun at no cost.
M3 half-track Bazooka M3 half-track Bazooka
with AA MG team with AA MG team
Rifle Squad Rifle Squad

Sergeant Sergeant

M2 60mm mortar M1919 LMG M1919 LMG

M3 half-track Bazooka M3 half-track with Bazooka

with AA MG team .50 cal AA MG team
60mm Mortar Light Machine-
Squad gun Squad

Armored Rifle Platoon

Lieutenant
Lieutenant

Command Rifle team Rifle team Bazooka team M3 half-track with

.50 cal AA MG
HQ Section

Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant

Rifle team Rifle team M2 60mm mortar M1919 LMG

Rifle team Rifle team Bazooka team M1919 LMG

Bazooka team Bazooka team Bazooka team

M3 half-track
with AA MG
60mm Mortar
squad
M3 half-track M3 half-track M3 half-track with
with AA MG with AA MG .50 cal AA MG
Light Machine-gun
Rifle Squad Rifle Squad squad

Armored Rifle Platoon

7
 NORMANDY TO LORRAINE
THE ALLIED ADVANCE THROUGH FRANCE
On D-Day, 6 June 1944, US and British forces landed on the Compounding the German problems, another American
beaches of Normandy, starting the long-awaited liberation of and French force landed in southern France on 15 August,
France. The German Army responded with all the force it racing north against light opposition. After months of pes-
could muster, throwing ten armoured divisions, three heavy simism, the Allied press was confidently predicting the end
Tiger tank battalions, and 27 infantry divisions at the Allied of the war by Christmas.
beachhead over a period of two and a half months. For most
By the end of August, Patton’s Third Army faced just nine
of that time, it looked like they might succeed as they kept
battalions of infantry and ten tanks between it and the
the Allies bottled up in their small bridgehead.
German border. However, a new problem had emerged—a
The cost had been too high though, and by the end of July, shortage of fuel, and with it a shortage of ammunition.
the Allied forces had torn a hole in the western end of the Almost all of the Allied supplies were still being landed
German line and were pouring through the gap. Despite the across the beaches of Normandy, as no major ports had yet
best efforts of the Germans, General Patton’s Third Army been captured. As the armies raced towards Germany, they
flooded into the Brittany Peninsula and raced towards Paris, got further and further from the beaches and their sources of
trapping the German forces in the Falaise Pocket. This supply. Even the famous Red Ball Express couldn’t keep up
disaster almost destroyed the German Army in the West. with the voracious appetites of tens of thousands of tanks,
They extricated the supply and artillery echelons of most half-tracks, and trucks.
of the armoured divisions, but lost most of their tanks and
The Third Army reached the Meuse at Verdun on 31 August,
infantry, leaving little to stop the triumphant Allied advance
but then halted for five days to gather enough supplies to
across France and Belgium. Paris was liberated on 25 August,
continue on. Unfortunately for Third Army, the British
then Brussels on 3 September.
Second and US First Armies to the north had priority for

FRANCE, JUNE - SEPTEMBER 1944

Bristol The Hague
London
BRITAIN Southampton Dover Dunkirk Kassel
Antwerp
Calais British
Second Cologne
Army Brussels
English Channel GERMANY
Aochen
Mons
Cherbourg First
Le Havre Amiens Army
Frankfurt
Rouen
Caen
St. Lô
Reims
Metz
er

Brest
Paris
Riv

Third Strasbourg
ne

Army
Rhi

Lorient
Sein

Epinol
Bay of
eR
iver

St. Nazaire Belfort

Biscay River
Loire
Key Berne
30 June
SWITZERLAND
31 July
13 August FRANCE Lyons
25 August
3 September n
Milan
ITALY
iver

14 September Po River
Rhone R

Siegfried Line
Red Ball Express Montelimor Genoa
Bologna

Seventh
0 Miles 50 100 150 200 250 Army
0 Kilometres 100 200 300 Marseilles
Cannes Leghorn

8
 NORMANDY TO LORRAINE
supply as they were advancing directly towards Germany’s two divisions forced crossings between Metz and the city of
Ruhr industrial heartland. Third Army’s route led through Nancy, and a third crossed south of Nancy, quickly followed
Lorraine, the traditional invasion route to Germany, but by the 4th Armored Division. Patton ordered the 4th Armored
faced the fortifications of the West Wall (also known as the Division to encircle Nancy, with the two combat commands
Siegfried Line), with no big prize at the end. meeting at Arracourt. Once there, the division would regroup
and strike for the German border.
Unwilling to be sidelined, Third Army begged, borrowed, and
stole fuel to continue its advance, aided by the capture of a Having been given another five days, the German Army
German fuel dump. Patton managed to scrounge enough fuel continued to work miracles, gathering another motorised
for a two-week dash to the Rhine for his two armoured divi- infantry division, two extremely-battered armoured divisions,
sions, provided they didn’t get tied up in heavy fighting. The and four brand-new panzer brigades to stop the American
only major natural obstacle to be overcome was the Moselle advance. The 4th Armored Division reached Arracourt on
River, which Patton intended to force with his infantry divi- 18 September after a lightning advance, only to be met there
sions to open the way for the armoured breakthrough. by a series of armoured counter­attacks lasting until the end
of September.
On 5 September, the advance resumed with the 80th Infantry
Division crossing the Moselle south of the fortified city of The resulting battles were the biggest armoured battles
Metz. Unfortunately for the battalion involved, the Germans fought by the US Army in the Second World War, pitting
had not been idle while the Americans gathered fuel. Two around 200 American tanks and tank destroyers against over
motorised and three second-line infantry divisions had 250 German tanks. By the end of the fighting three out of
moved to shore up the defences, and promptly smashed the the four panzer brigades had been wiped out, but Patton’s
small American force. armour was out of fuel and out of time. It would be nearly
six more months of hard fighting before Third Army finally
It wasn’t until 10 September that the Americans were ready
crossed the River Rhine in March 1945.
to try again. This time the attacks were better prepared and

The Red Ball Express three quarters of whom were African-American, operated
To get the supplies to both the First and Third Armies, around the clock, suffering badly from fatigue.
a massive conveyor belt of 6000 trucks was organised to The Red Ball Express was shut down once the port
ferry fuel from St. Lô to the front lines. The roads were of Antwerp became operational in November 1944.
marked out with sign posts with a large red dot, giving rise However, at its height, it delivered 12,500 tons of supplies
to the nickname the Red Ball Express. per day. While not enough to keep an army going at full
The route led to Paris where the trucks were split north speed (Third Army alone consumed 350,000 gallons, or
towards First Army and east toward Third Army. Once they 1325 tonnes, of fuel every day, not counting food, ammu-
dropped off their loads, they returned on parallel roads to nition, and other essentials!), it allowed for limited opera-
reduce traffic and keep the convoy moving. The drivers, tions, such as Patton’s advance into the Lorraine.

9
 CROSSING THE MOSELLE

D Company, 37th Tank Battalion, rushes to secure the crossing, but are met and stopped by StuG assault guns.

10
After breaking through, CCA rampages behind German lines, riding hell-for-leather to their objective at Arracourt.

The rest of the 4th Armored pushes through the German defenders with the help of the 80th Infantry Division.

11
 ROOSEVELT’S BUTCHERS
THE U.S. 4 ARMORED DIVISION TH

The 4th Armored Division, under the command of the ag- Nancy
gressive General John Wood, first saw action during the By September, the 4th Armored, now assigned to Major
breakout from Normandy in late July 1944. While most of General Eddy’s XII Corps, found itself in front of Nancy.
the armoured divisions headed east following the breakout, Knowing his tanks would be wasted in a city fight, General
the 4th Armored smashed into the Brittany Peninsula, Wood deployed his combat commands (CCA, CCB, and
securing Coutances and Rennes, before joining in the race CCR) north and south of the city along the Moselle River.
across France toward the German frontier.
On 12 September, CCB and CCR stormed across the
The division’s seemingly unstoppable advance sputtered to a Moselle and attacked Lorey before pushing north to Mont
halt at the Meuse River, along with the rest of the Third Army, and then on to Dombasle by 14 September.
for lack of fuel during the first days of September 1944. But
through ingenuity and careful rationing, Patton and his staff The March of the 4th Armored
kept the offensive going, albeit at a slower pace. 1944-45

Name Enough United Kingdom

Netherlands

Most divisions in the US Army had nicknames, such as Belgium Germany

“Old Ironsides” for the 1st Armored, “Hell on Wheels” for Normandy Lux.
the 2nd Armored, and “Spearhead” for the 3rd Armored. Utah Beach
However, when the time came for the 4th Armored Brittany Paris Lorraine
Coutances Nancy
Rennes
Division to choose a nickname, General Wood put it
plainly that “Fourth Armored Division does not need Switzerland
and will not have a nickname. They shall be known by France
their deeds alone.” From that point on “Name Enough”
was the 4th Armored’s unofficial nickname. Italy

US XII CORPS AT NANCY, SEPTEMBER 1944

Raucourt

Pont-à-Mousson 3 PzGr Div 106 Pz Bde

Delme
Nomény
11 Pz Div
559 VG Div
Flirey 317 Regt Ste Geneviéve

CCA Fresnes-en-Saulnois Château-Salins

Dieulourd Dieuze
Sivry
Se

Millery
il

Moyenvic
318 Regt
le
Ri

Morboche Chambrey
ver

n
113 Pz Bde

319 Regt Moselle River Champenoux

Arracourt Moncourt

Nancy 553 VG Div TF Abrams nal

ne Ca
Key e-Rhi
Maixe Marn
Combat Command A Crévic 111 Pz Bde
Combat Command B St Nicholas-du-Pont 15 PzGr Div
Dombasle Lunéville Croismare
Combat Command R
Pont St Vincent
German Attacks 21 Pz Div
Damelevières
M

Flavigny
ose

German Frontlines Mont M

lle

eu
Ri

Battles r th
ve

eR
r

Lorey ive
US 80th Infantry Division r
CCB Gerbeviller
Brémoncourt

0 Miles 5 10 15 20
Boinville-aux-Miroirs
0 Kilometres 10 20 30 CCR

12
 ROOSEVELT’S BUTCHERS
Meanwhile, CCA waited patiently as the 80th Infantry The Battles of Arracourt
Division struggled to establish a bridgehead at Pont-à- During the night of 18 September, the 113th Panzer Brigade
Mousson. Frustrated, the Americans forced another crossing prepared to attack CCA north of Arracourt. At the same
a bit further south at Dieulourd, the site of an ancient time the battered 111th Panzer Brigade moved from Lunéville
crossing guarded by old Celtic, Roman, and medieval forti- to attack from the south, but it had become hopelessly lost
fications. They managed to open up a narrow corridor, but during the night. It was up to the 113th to face CCA alone.
it was fiercely opposed by the German infantry and assault
guns. Crossing the river with CCA would be risky at best. The morning of 19 September was filled with dense fog
as 11 Panthers attacked blindly into the American lines.
The cautious Major General Eddy called a council of war C Company, of Abram’s 37th Tank Battalion, waited until
to discuss whether or not to send CCA across to exploit the they were within 75 yards before unleashing hell. Three
gap. Colonel Bruce Clarke, commander of CCA, deferred to Panthers were instantly knocked out. Shocked, the Germans
his top battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Creighton tried to disengage, but a platoon of Sherman tanks sneaked
Abrams, who pointed across the river and simply replied, behind them in the fog and knocked out four more. As the
“That’s the shortest way home!” Eddy gave in and sent CCA Americans quickly disappeared into the fog, the remaining
across the Moselle. four Panthers struggled to see their attackers. Then suddenly
CCA pushed through the bridgehead and into the open the Shermans appeared once more behind the Panthers and
country on the other side. The American tankers raced deep finished them off completely.
behind enemy lines, smashing up a dozen German tanks Further along, M18 Hellcat tank destroyers of the 704th Tank
along the way. By nightfall CCA was within striking distance Destroyer Battalion destroyed 16 more Panthers from the
of Chambrey. Together with CCB’s and CCR’s advances in unfortunate 113th Panzer Brigade. By the afternoon, the last
the south, the noose around Nancy was getting so tight that of CCA’s tanks arrived from Lunéville and knocked out an ad-
the Germans evacuated the city on 15 September. ditional nine Panthers, putting an end to the German attack.
During the day’s fighting, Wood claimed the 4th Armored
Lunéville had destroyed 43 enemy tanks, mostly Panthers, at a cost of
As the American spearheads moved deeper, the Germans three M18 Hellcats and five M4 Shermans.
launched an infantry attack to cut off CCR’s advance at
Convinced the Germans had been destroyed, Patton
Lunéville, but were promptly thrown out. When German tanks
ordered CCA to continue their offensive east. They reached
of 111th Panzer Brigade finally arrived on 18 September they
Dieuze when word came that the Germans had attacked
assumed that Lunéville was in German hands and they drove
Arracourt again—it was the belated 111th Panzer Brigade.
unwittingly into the 42nd Cavalry Squadron. The dismount-
Abrams’ Shermans raced back toward Arracourt and hit the
ed cavalrymen fought hard with the help of M18 Hellcats of
111th Panzer Brigade hard, knocking out 11 Panzer IV J and
the 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion. The force doggedly held
five Panther tanks. The German attack was again stifled.
onto a few blocks of the city and called for reinforcements.
Over the next few days the Germans launched repeated
CCA, already in Arracourt, dispatched a task force com-
attacks against the 4th Armored, but each time they were
manded by Abrams to help CCR. A fierce close-range fight
repelled by tough infantry, bold tankers, cunning tank de-
erupted, forcing the badly mauled Germans to eventually
stroyers, and punishing P-47 fighter-bombers. When the
fall back. The focus of the German attack then shifted to
dust settled, the division had lost 41 M4 Sherman and seven
Arracourt.
M5A1 Stuart tanks but claimed 200 tanks from the Fifth
Panzer Army, earning the Americans of the 4th Armored the
nickname “Roosevelt’s Butchers” by the Germans.

13
 The Ardennes We’re Going In
After the fighting in the Lorraine, the division was enjoying Abrams began to doubt if he had the strength to keep going.
a long deserved rest and refit when news of the German His thoughts were interrupted by the droning sound of
attack in the Ardennes reached the Third Army on 16 American transport planes risking it all through a thick sheet
December 1944. Patton shifted his most able divisions, in- of German flak to drop supplies to the besieged defenders
cluding the 26th, 80th Infantry, and the 4th Armored Divisions of Bastonge. That was it, his resolve was hardened. Abrams,
north to the Belgian border to launch his counterattack pointed in the direction of their objective.
on 21 December. During that night, the German Seventh
“We’re going in to those people, now.” He turned to his
Army had slipped through between the lead elements of the
men and had C Company’s seven remaining tanks brought
advancing Third Army and the 101st Airborne Division in
forward. After conferring with General Patton, he ordered
Bastogne, completing the encirclement of the important
a bold rush straight through Assenois to Bastonge with
crossroads there. The US paratroopers were cut off. While
1st Lieutenant Charles P Boggess’ M4A3E2 Jumbo, nick-
they were used to fighting in isolation, the “Screaming
named “Cobra King”, leading the way.
Eagles” of the 101st couldn’t hold out for long. Breaking the
siege became the 4th Armored’s top priority. With a pat on the back of the nervous lieutenant, Abrams
told Boggess, “Get to those men in Bastonge.” With that
The fight to reach Bastogne was difficult. Combat Commands
the Lieutenant mounted up and the column moved out. At
A and B each made a drive before being ground to a halt,
1615 hours, Boggess’ tanks were on their way.
exhausted, and out of options. Still they had propelled the
division deep into German lines. On 26 December, with
Bastogne just out of sight, it was CCR’s turn with Abrams’ Assenois
37th Tank Battalion leading the way. Waiting for them in Assenois were eight dug-in anti-tank
guns and a large number of Fallschirmjäger and Volksgrenadier
Abrams takes the lead troops. To help deal with the defenders, Abrams called in a
pre-arranged barrage from 13 artillery batteries as his tankers
The German 5th Fallschirmjäger (Parachute) Division made
charged through. Over 2300 shells smashed into Assenois
the advance slow and tough for the US tankers. But Abrams
as the Americans stormed down the road. Remarkably only
pushed his men hard through one small village after another.
a single half-track and a jeep were hit and destroyed by
He doggedly kept the pressure on the Germans, cycling his
friendly fire.
companies and denying the enemy a moment’s respite.
The Germans’ return fire was ineffectual as they tried to cope
However, the moment had arrived when Abrams’ battal-
with both artillery and the thick hide of Cobra King as it
ion was down to 20 operational tanks and 250 “Armored
blocked the incoming fire with its mass. The Jumbo fired its
Doughs” (a nickname given the armoured infantry). His
75mm gun like a machine-gun, firing 21 shells in a matter
A and B Companies were depleted and had run out of the
of minutes and plastering the German lines with explosive
reliable 75mm ammunition needed to knock out enemy
shells as it tore through the village. Confusion was rampant
guns and infantry. To make matters worse, the well-defended
in the German lines as the “Armored Doughs” swept the
village of Assenois stood between his tanks and Bastonge,
bewildered German defenders with machine-gun fire from
just five miles away.
their half-tracks.

14
 ROOSEVELT’S BUTCHERS
All was going well until a telephone pole was hit by a Pressing On
155mm shell and toppled onto a half-track, which stopped Meanwhile, Boggess’ column, now consisting of just five
the vehicle and cut Boggess’ column in half. As the tanks Shermans and one M3 half-track, broke free of Assenois
sped forward to Bastogne, the “Armored Doughs” fought a and pushed on to Bastogne. The half-track in the middle
bloody hand-to-hand fight with the defenders of Assenois of the column was overloaded with riflemen and fell behind
amongst the deadly barrage from their own artillery. the faster tanks, creating a wide gap in the column. The
Abram’s tank, Thunderbolt VI, sped forward to see what was Germans made use of the space created in Boggess’ column
holding up the advance. When he reached the telephone to deploy a string of Teller mines across the road. The half-
pole, Abrams and his crew dismounted under fire to help track didn’t notice the danger and was destroyed by a mine.
clear the obstacle and get the column moving again. The surviving infantrymen and the tankers dismounted and
cleared the road before mounting up on the Shermans to
Hendrix’s Heroics chase after Boggess.
During the struggle, one armoured rifleman, Private James
Hendrix, noticed a pair of anti-tank guns firing on the tanks. Into Bastogne
Armed with his M1 rifle, he shot one of the guns’ crew and Cobra King and the two remaining tanks were driving
ordered the rest to surrender. They refused. As Hendrix ap- forward when they suddenly encountered a German pillbox.
proached their foxholes a German poked his head up only to Boggess put three high explosive rounds into the concrete
be struck by the butt of Hendrix’s rifle. The rest of the crews structure. Remarkably the pillbox caught on fire and began
surrendered their guns, which were then put out of action. smoking.
As the column drove through the streets of Assenois, an As Cobra King cautiously approached it, several soldiers
M3 half-track was struck by an anti-tank round. The occu- emerged from a nearby wood. Boggess shouted out for the
pants were strewn around the vehicle, dead and wounded. soldiers to identify themselves. An officer came forward
Two German machine-guns were sweeping the wreck with with a massive smile and said, “I’m Lieutenant Webster,
fire. The “Armored Doughs” angrily returned fire with their 326th Airborne Engineers, glad to see you guys!” It was
.50 cal machine-guns but failed to silence the Germans. Then 1650 hours, 26 December 1944.
Private Hendrix jumped out of his half-track and sniped the The 4th Armored had reached Bastogne after five days of
crews of the offending machine-guns. Hendrix stayed with bloody combat. At 1710 hrs, Abrams reported to Brigadier
the wounded men until they were evacuated. General Anthony McAuliffe, commander of the 101st Air-
On his way again, he witnessed a German grenade explode borne to see what he could do to help. The siege had been
inside another M3 half-track. Most of the men escaped lifted, but the fighting wasn’t over yet.
before the vehicle went up in flames, but one man was left The 4th Armored worked with the 101st Airborne to widen
behind. Once again running through enemy fire, Hendrix the corridor and then helped to throw the enemy back into
rescued the man and put the flames out, but the man later Germany before crossing the Rhine themselves. By the time
died of his wounds. Hendrix was later awarded the Medal of the war ended, the 4th Armored Division had charged all of
Honor for his actions in Assenois. the way to Czechoslovakia.

15
 LIEUTENANT GENERAL
GEORGE S PATTON JR.

“An army without profanity couldn’t fight its way out of a piss-soaked paper bag.”

Patton graduated from West Point in 1909 and was commis- scandal, but General Dwight Eisenhower intervened and
sioned into the US Cavalry. He joined the US Olympic team saved Patton from an early retirement.
for the 1912 summer games, competing in foot and eques-
In 1944, Patton took command of the Third Army, which
trian racing, swimming, fencing, and pistol shooting events.
came into action during the breakout from the Normandy
Then, in 1916, Patton carried out America’s first armoured
beachheads. Patton’s hard-charging divisions pushed into
attack when he took three armoured cars to hunt down and
Brittany and then struck east reaching the Meuse River on
kill two of Pancho Villa’s closest generals, one of which was
1 September, where his army ran out of fuel. Through thrift
shot by Patton himself. His bold actions in Mexico won him
and outright theft, Patton and his staff gathered enough
command of the new 304th Tank Brigade during the First
supplies to conduct the Lorraine battles.
World War, where he was wounded in combat.
When the Germans attacked in the Ardennes on 16 December,
Following Germany’s blitzkrieg campaigns of 1939-40, the
Patton reacted instantly, shifting his best divisions north before
US Army underwent a rapid expansion of its tank forces
even being ordered to do so. When he counterattacked on
and Patton was promoted in 1941 to Major General to take
21 December, he took personal control of the operation, even
command and train the 2nd Armored Division during the
going so far as to prescribe that the new Jumbo assault tanks
Louisiana and Carolina Maneuvers.
should be at the point of every advance.
After the US entry into the war, Patton commanded I Armored
Patton led his army across the Rhine into Germany and
Corps during the invasion of North Africa in late 1942. After
straight through to Czechoslovakia before the war ended. For
the defeat of II Corps at Kasserine Pass, Patton was promoted
his achievements Patton was made full General in April 1945.
to Lieutenant General and took command of the demoralised
After a warm homecoming tour of the US, Patton returned
troops. Through hard work (and a liberal use of profanity)
to occupation duties in Germany. On 9 December he was
Patton brought the disheartened men around and won victory
involved in a automobile accident and died of his injuries on
at El Guettar in March 1943.
21 December 1945.
Patton was then given command of the Seventh Army for the
George S Patton, Jr. is regarded as one of America’s greatest
invasion of Sicily in 1943, where he famously raced with his
generals. His career was covered in success but was also often
rival, British General Montgomery, to Messina. It was also
marred by controversy. Nonetheless, Patton’s aggressive lead-
where he slapped two soldiers suffering from battle fatigue.
ership helped shape an army of citizen soldiers into a hard-
Patton’s career nearly ended when the press got a hold of the
fighting and unstoppable force.

16
 LT. GEN. GEORGE S PATTON JR.
Patton on Profanity
“When I want my men to remember something important, to really make it stick, I give it to them double dirty. It may not
sound nice to some bunch of little old ladies at an afternoon tea party, but it helps my soldiers to remember. You can’t run an
army without profanity; and it has to be eloquent profanity. An army without profanity couldn’t fight its way out of a piss-
soaked paper bag. ... As for the types of comments I make, sometimes I just, By God, get carried away with my own eloquence.”

CHARACTERISTICS
Lieutenant General George S Patton Jr. is a Warrior and An Ounce of Sweat
Higher Command Transport Team rated Fearless Veteran. “I believe in the old and sound rule that an ounce of sweat
He is mounted in an M20 utility car. You may field Patton will save a gallon of blood. The harder we push, the more
for +75 points with the Tank Company on page 28, the Germans we will kill. The more Germans we kill, the fewer
Armored Rifle Company on page 32, or the Tank Destroyer of our men will be killed.”
Company on page 38.
—George S Patton, Speech to the Third Army, 5 June 1944
Foul Mouth
Each turn Patton may re-roll one die rolled to receive
“We’re not going to just shoot the sons-of-bitches, we’re
Reserves for his company.
going to rip out their living Goddamned guts and use them
to grease the treads of our tanks. We’re going to murder
those lousy Hun cocksuckers by the bushel-fucking-basket.” Old Blood and Guts
—George S Patton, Speech to the Third Army, 5 June 1944 “We are advancing constantly and we are not interested in
holding onto anything, except the enemy’s balls. We are
Patton and any platoon that he has joined pass Motivation going to twist his balls and kick the living shit out of him
Tests on a 2+. all of the time... We are going to go through him like crap
through a goose; like shit through a tin horn!”
The Greatest Soldier —George S Patton, Speech to the Third Army, 5 June 1944
“Americans love a winner. Americans will not tolerate a
loser. Americans despise cowards. Americans play to win all A force led by Patton has the Always Attack rule (see page
of the time. I wouldn’t give a hoot in hell for a man who lost 257 of the rulebook).
and laughed. That’s why Americans have never lost nor will
ever lose a war; for the very idea of losing is hateful to an
American.”
—George S Patton, Speech to the Third Army, 5 June 1944

If Patton is Destroyed during the game American morale

at the front and back home suffers a huge loss, despite any
other gains. If this happens, the American player loses one
Victory Point and their opponent gains one Victory Point
at the end of the battle.

17
 LIEUTENANT COLONEL
CREIGHTON ABRAMS

“They’ve got us surrounded again, the poor bastards.”

Creighton Williams “Abe” Abrams Jr. graduated from West After the Lorraine fighting, Abrams’ understrength battalion
Point in 1936 and joined the 1st Cavalry Division. In 1940 was assigned to Combat Command R (CCR) to rest and
he gained the rank of Captain and took command of a refit, but their break was rudely interrupted by the German
tank company in the newly-formed 1st Armored Division. offensive in the Ardennes. The 4th Armored packed up and
Leading up to the war, he was given command of the sent its three combat commands north to try and break
37th Tank Battalion of the 4th Armored Division. through to the embattled paratroopers in Bastonge.
In the prewar months of 1941, Abrams focused on training After the other combat commands had made some headway
his men. Even before his men received their first tanks, toward Bastogne, CCR was called up to make the final push.
Abrams had his men take to the training field equipped with Like in the Lorraine, Abrams pushed his men hard, drove
imaginary tanks. He instructed that the tank crews must stay through the Germans’ line, and met up with the besieged
together, with an arm on the next comrade’s shoulder, to paratroopers on 26 December 1944. For his bold drive, he
simulate working together. In this way and others he fostered was awarded another Distinguished Service Cross.
cooperation and trust between his men.
Abrams continued to command the 37th Tank Battalion until
Abrams and the 37th Tank Battalion made landfall in France he was promoted to Colonel in 1945. Under his leadership
at Utah Beach in July 1944. During the fighting, Abrams the 37th had gained the reputation as being the best tank
led from the front and expected his staff to do the same. outfit in the US Army. For his service Abrams was awarded
He removed a Sherman tank from each of his companies two Distinguished Service Crosses, two Silver Stars, the
and gave them to his S-2 (intelligence), S-3 (operations) Legion of Merit, the British Distinguished Service Order,
and liaison officers with orders to take command should and the French Legion D’Honneur.
company officers fall in combat.
After WWII, Abrams went on to command all US forces in
During the first battles in the Lorraine, the Americans made Vietnam and was later appointed the Chief of Staff of the
very little headway trying to cross the well-defended Moselle United States Army. An avid lover of cigars, Abrams died of
River, but there was no stopping Abrams and his tankers. The lung cancer in 1974. In honour of his legacy as a tanker, the
37th Tank Battalion sped to Arracourt, deep behind enemy modern M1 Abrams main battle tank was named after him.
lines where it clashed with the Germans’ own offensive. But
In a rare fit of humility, General Patton once said, “I’m
Abrams’ aggressive leadership had tipped the balance in the
supposed to be the best tank commander in the Army, but I
Allies’ favour, earning him a Distinguished Service Cross.
have one peer—Abe Abrams.”

18
 LT. COL. CREIGHTON ABRAMS
Abrams’ Thunderbolt From Normandy through the Lorraine, Abrams was com-
During the course of the war, Abrams wore out six tanks. manding Thunderbolt V, having run down several tanks
Despite this, he never had one shot out from under him, before even seeing combat! He and his crew were so attached
which was amazing given his habit of leading from the front to the old M4 that they had to be ordered to give it up.
of his column, standing tall in his turret to get a better view. Next in the Thunderbolt linage was an M4A3 (76mm). Like
In fact, Patton once told reporters that if they wanted to its predecessor, Abrams and his crew ran Thunderbolt VI
interview Abrams, they had better do it now, as Patton didn’t into the ground during his famous drive into Bastogne, but
believe Abe would survive the war! it served the men well before giving up the ghost in 1945.
Abrams’ tanks were called Thunderbolt. He put himself in For the drive into Germany, Abrams took command of
the action, shooting enemy tanks at point-blank ranges and Thunderbolt VII, the last in the series. Abrams customised
helping out where he could. The men that served in the the basic M4A3E8 model by adding extra armour protection
37th claim that Thunderbolt had the most kills out of the and an extra .30 cal machine-gun on the turret. Thunderbolt
battalion, however an official tally was never kept. VII served Abrams well all of the way to the end of the war.

CHARACTERISTICS
Lieutenant Colonel Creighton Abrams is a Warrior and Up Front
Higher Command Tank Team rated Fearless Veteran. He is Abrams took a tank out of each company and gave one to his
mounted in one of his “Thunderbolt” tanks as follows: S-2 (intelligence), S-3 (operations) and liaison officers. They,
like him, were expected to lead from the front and take over
M4 Sherman “Thunderbolt V” 155 points in the event the junior officers were wounded or killed.
M4A3 (76mm) Sherman “Thunderbolt VI” 210 points
Combat and Weapons platoons in a force led by Abrams
M4A3E8 Sherman “Thunderbolt VII” 260 points use the German Mission Tactics special rule (see page 242
of the rulebook).
You may field Abrams in the Tank Company on page 28 or
the Armored Rifle Company on page 32.
We’re Going In
That’s the shortest way home! Down to a mere 20 tanks and just five miles from Bastonge,
Under the aggressive direction of General John Wood Abrams sent a message to Patton: “will you authorize a
(4th Armored Division commander), Colonel Bruce Clarke big risk with Combat Command R for a breakthrough to
(CCA commander), and Lieutenant Colonel Abrams Bastonge?” Patton’s reply was instant. “I sure as hell will!”
(37th Tank Battalion commander), the Americans liberated
Arracourt with lightning speed. A platoon led by Abrams may use the German Stormtroopers
special rule (see page 241 of the rulebook).
A force led by Abrams may make Spearhead moves (see
page 261 of the rulebook) with up to two of your platoons
at the beginning of the game.

19
 THE THE
LUCKY SEVENTH
U.S. 7 ARMORED DIVISION TH

The ‘Lucky Seventh’ was formed on 1 March 1942. The The 7th Armored was moved north and assigned to the US
division first went into combat under the command of First Army to help clear out the German defenders in the
General Lindsay Silvester in mid-August 1944 and joined in Peel Marshes south of Nijmegen. The tanks quickly became
the Allied advance across France to the German frontier as a bogged down in the mire typical of the fighting there. High
part of Patton’s Third Army. roads were the only place tanks could go, making them
perfect targets for German anti-tank guns. To make matters
Despite a severe fuel shortage, the 7th Armored arrived at
worse, the division was broken up into small units that were
the battlefields of northwestern France liberating Château-
unable to support each other during the battle. Once again,
Thierry and then Verdun by the end of August.
the division took heavy casualties and were removed from
the fight to rest and receive badly needed reinforcements.
Metz
When Patton’s Third Army reached the Moselle River, he Rest and Refit
divided his armoured forces to deal with the three major
By the end of October 1944, the division had received the
cities blocking his way. The 7th Armored was assigned to
unenviable nickname: “Unlucky Seventh” having sustained
support the 5th Infantry Division opposite the extremely
very high casualties, lost dozens of vehicles, and being poorly
fortified city of Metz.
handled. As it rested and trained, the division received the
When the tankers arrived outside Metz they encountered fresh replacements necessary to fill out the unit.
an elaborate network of fortifications, tunnels, minefields,
On 1 November, General Silvester was relieved and replaced
and well-sited anti-tank weapons. Not only would the
by General Robert Hasbrouck, previously the commander of
division have to force a crossing over the Moselle, it would
the 7th Armored’s Combat Command B. To take his position,
have to contend with these fortifications manned by fanati-
the newly promoted Brigadier General Bruce Clarke was
cal soldiers from the city’s military school who knew Metz
brought in from the 4th Armored Division to lend some
inside and out.
battle experience to the rebuilt division. It would not be long
Nevertheless, the 7th Armored crashed into the teeth of the before the Unlucky Seventh would have a chance to reverse
defences. The overly-keen division was wasted against the their misfortunes.
fortifications and were soon horribly depleted. After bitter
losses, the 7th Armored found an opening south of Metz and The Battle of the Bulge
forced a crossing where the fortifications were light. The
On 16 December 1944, the Germans launched a major
fighting was still tough as the division fought hard for each
offensive in the Ardennes Forest. The plan was to reach the
hill and valley until 24 September when they were shifted
Meuse River, head north on to Antwerp to cut off several
north to Holland.
American and British armies, and force a peace settlement
favourable to Germany.
Holland
The offensive caught the Americans completely by surprise
By 24 September, British Field Marshal Montgomery’s
and cut through the thinly held frontlines. All available units
Operation Market Garden was in its final throes and the
were rushed to meet this threat, including the 7th Armored.
Allies had little to show for their effort. Access to the port
city of Antwerp remained shut, thanks to the tough German Massive roadblocks made movement very slow as the
defenders around the Scheldt Estuary. This made the fuel 7th Armored tried to get from Holland to where they were
shortage a massive problem all across the front lines, from needed in Belgium. General Hasbrouck dispatched Clarke’s
Montgomery’s 21st Army Group in the north to Patton’s CCB ahead of the rest of the division to St. Vith, a critical
Third Army in the Lorraine. It became vitally important for crossroads that needed to be kept from the Germans.
the Allies to clear the Germans out of Holland and open up
Antwerp’s ports.

20
 THE LUCKY SEVENTH
St. Vith and uncoordinated, allowing Clarke time to fight off the first
Of the three main attacks launched by the Germans, the waves. However, the Germans were determined to capture St.
centre thrust succeeded in smashing open the American lines. Vith and committed their precious few armoured reserves to
The German Fifth Panzer Army poured through the opening the fight on 19 December, including the elite Führer Begliet
hoping to capture the critical crossroads and railroad hub Brigade (FBB).
junction at St. Vith. Although the US 106th Infantry Division Heavy artillery bombardments and attacks toward the rear
had been smashed apart, remnants kept the Germans busy plagued the 7th Armored as they fought hard, exacting a
long enough to rush the 7th and 9th Armored Divisions into heavy toll on the Germans and forcing them to commit even
the region. Combat Command B of the 9th Armored was the more tanks to the battle. However, the German penetrations
first to arrive and immediately went to work trying to stabi- of the front lines convinced Clarke to withdraw to the more
lise the breech. The task proved too difficult for the untried defensible high ground to the southwest.
division, so when Clarke’s CCB arrived on 17 December, the
Even heavy snows on 22 December didn’t stop an ambitious
region’s defences were handed over to him.
German attack by 75 tanks attempting to wrest control of
The German advance had pushed deep into the American Rodt from CCB. The German tanks struggled in the mud,
lines to the north and south of St. Vith, creating a danger- and the lighter M4 Shermans managed to withdraw in good
ous salient for the American forces defending within. The order and inflict heavy casualties on the FBB.
two American combat commands coordinated and set up
During the fighting, the Allies restructured their commands
a thin infantry screen made from dismounted cavalrymen
and the 7th Armored was reassigned to the XVIII (18th)
and engineers to hold St. Vith, while the armoured divisions
Airborne Corps, under the command of General Matthew
took up the eastern and southern approaches.
Ridgway, who immediately tried to set up what he called
No sooner had the lead elements of CCB arrived than the “fortified goose-eggs” throughout the salient that could be
Germans attacked. Luckily the swift advance of the Germans resupplied by air. While this strategy might work for para-
had caused enough confusion to make their attacks weak troopers, Clarke protested that it was not a sound strategy
for an armoured division. His concerns were echoed by Field
The March of the 7th Armored Marshal Montgomery, Ridgway’s superior, who immediately
1944-45 countered the orders and had the 7th Armored withdraw,
Netherlands having fought an excellent delaying action.
United Kingdom Nijmegen
Belgium Germany The 7th Armored fought its way back to Vielsam, where
St. Vith
Lux. the 82nd Airborne Division was holding the way open and
Normandy
Utah Beach
escaped the closing salient on 23 December. During the
Brittany Paris Lorraine fighting, the men of the Lucky Seventh lost 113 vehicles, but
Coutances Metz had bloodied the Fifth Panzer Army, drained it of precious
Rennes
fuel reserves, and bought the Allies time to get reinforce-
Switzerland
ments to the Ardennes.
France
Italy

THE DEFENSE OF ST. VITH

n
17

9 SS-Pz
Dec

CCA

21 Dec
Nieder-Emmels
FBB
82 Airborne
nd Ober-Emmels

Hünningen

Vielsalm CCR Rodt 22 Dec

18 VG Div
23 St Vith
De
c
17

CCB
De
c

Key 62 VG Div
7th Armored Div Attacks
c
De
22

German Attacks Crombach

CCB
0 Miles 1 2

0 Kilometres 1 2 3
106th In Div

21
 US COMBAT COMMANDS
Combat commands were used by armoured divisions to add CCA and CCB had the bulk of the division’s offensive units,
a degree of flexibility to their command. The concept was such as tanks, armoured infantry, self-propelled artillery, and
proposed by General Adna Chaffee, known as the father of cavalry recon, and were used to attack. CCR stayed behind in
the US armoured forces. He envisioned a flexible unit along reserve with towed artillery, tank destroyers, and under strength
the same lines as the German Kampfgruppe, or battlegroup, units, ready to reinforce or take over a stalled advance.
but on a much higher command level.
The example below is based on the 4th Armored Division
In essence a division could be broken up into about three at the outset of the division’s attack in the Ardennes, but
separate units roughly the size of a brigade or regiment. They it representative of many combat commands in operation
were called Combat Command A, B, and R, referred to as during the war.
CCA, CCB, and CCR respectively.

4TH ARMORED DIVISION

Combat Command A Combat Command B
35 Tank Battalion
th
8th Tank Battalion

17 17 17 17 3 6 17 17 17 17 3 6
51st Armored Infantry Battalion 10th Armored Infantry Battalion

21 21 21 4 3 3 21 21 21 4 3 3

66th Armored Field Artillery A Troop, 25th Cavalry 22nd Armored Field A Battery, 489th AAA Self-
Battalion Reconnaissance Squadron Artillery Battalion propelled Battalion

3 18 8 24 3 18 8 8

274 Armored Field

th
B Battery, 489 AAA Self- th
B Troop, 25th Cavalry B Company, 24th Armored
Artillery Battalion propelled Battalion Reconnaissance Squadron Engineer Battalion

3 18 8 8 8 24 4 10
177th Field Artillery A Company, 24th Armored
Battalion (155mm) Engineer Battalion

4 4 4 10

Combat Command R C, D, and E Troops,

25th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron
37th Tank Battalion

8 24 17 8
17 17 17 17 3 6 94 Armored Field
th
177 Field Artillery
th

53rd Armored Infantry Battalion Artillery Battalion Battalion (155mm)

21 21 21 4 3 3 3 18 4

C Battery, 489th AAA Self- C Company, 24th Armored

704th Tank Destroyer Battalion propelled Battalion Engineer Battalion

8 3 12 12 12 8 8 4 10

M4 Sherman Tank M5A1 M7 Priest M3 M20 Utility 1 ½ ton or M15 CGMC Armored Rifle
(various models) Stuart HMC Half-track or Scout Car 2 ½ ton truck (37mm) Company
Key

Armored
Machine-gun
Platoon
M18 Hellcat M8 Scott M1 155mm M4 81mm M8 Jeep M16 MGMC Combat Engineer
Tank Destroyer HMC Howitzer MMC Greyhound (Quad .50 cal) Company

22
 M4 SHERMAN TANKS
IMPROVING THE
M4 SHERMAN TANKS
BREED
When the Second World War broke out in September 1939, the troops in August 1944, it quickly became the most
the US Army possessed 18 M2 medium tanks. The situa- popular version of the Sherman.
tion had not improved when the US Army was shocked into
These M4A3 tanks produced by Grand Blanc were some of
action by the fall of France in June 1940. With a require-
the first of a new generation of Sherman tanks. Combat ex-
ment of 2000 as-yet-undesigned medium tanks by the end of
perience had shown a number of problems with the original
1941, the Army accepted a radical proposal from GMC for
design: weaknesses in the armour, dangerous ammunition
Chrysler to build a brand-new tank factory, the Detroit Tank
stowage, and poor turret hatches. The new-style tanks had a
Arsenal, specifically to mass produce tanks. Within a year
single piece hull front, ‘wet’ armoured ammunition stowage
the updated M3 medium tank (named the General Grant by
bins filled with fire-retardant fluid, a better commander’s
the British) was rolling out the doors, with the Detroit Tank
cupola, and a new loader’s hatch.
Arsenal producing over 3000 in its first year.
With the basic Sherman tank rolling off the production
With the M3 on the production line, attention turned to a
lines in huge numbers, attention was turned to producing
new M4 medium tank (named the General Sherman by the
new variants. The first of these was armed with a 105mm
British). The M4 was designed as one of the most powerful
howitzer to give the tank battalions their own artillery. The
medium tanks in existence. It mounted a 75mm gun in a
Detroit Tank Arsenal produced these in both the M4 and
fully-traversing turret, and armour able to withstand any
M4A3 configurations.
tank gun then being fielded. Like the earlier medium tanks,
it was powered by a Continental radial aircraft engine. This With the armour of German tanks getting thicker each year,
gave it a reliable engine with lots of power, but resulted in an there was concern over the ability of the Sherman tank to
unusually tall tank. deal with them. The designers created a variant armed with
a 76mm gun with better anti-tank capability, but the initial
The first model into production was the M4A1 with a
response was that it was totally unnecessary since the tank
cast hull, quickly followed by the M4 with a welded steel
destroyers would fight enemy tanks leaving the tanks free
hull, manufactured by heavy engineering firms like Lima,
to engage other targets. Fortunately production of M4A1,
American Loco, and Pressed Steel. These first saw combat
M4A2, and eventually M4A3, models began anyway, as
with the British at El Alamein where they were known as the
demand for them soared when the Army faced large numbers
Sherman II and Sherman I respectively.
of heavy German tanks for the first time in Normandy.
A shortage of radial engines led Chrysler to devise a multi-
With no heavy tanks available, another variant was rushed
bank engine of five standard automotive engines linked to a
into production in early 1944. This M4A3E2 (the second
common drive shaft. This M4A4 (Sherman V to the British)
experimental variant of the M4A3), was a heavily armoured
model replaced the M3 in production at the Detroit Tank
assault tank designed for infantry support. Nicknamed the
Arsenal. With demand still outstripping production, General
“Jumbo”, the M4A3E2 arrived too late for the fighting in
Motors built another tank factory at Grand Blanc, near Flint,
Normandy, only reaching the front in October 1944.
Michigan. This factory turned out the M4A2 (Sherman III)
model, this time with a twin GM diesel motor. Both of these In late 1944, the final tweak to this famous design, HVSS
types were rarely seen in the US Army, being sent to Britain, suspension, entered production. HVSS (Horizontal Volute
the Soviet Union, and China instead. Spring Suspension) gave a much smoother ride and better
floatation on wider tracks than the old vertical volute
Meanwhile Ford entered the picture with a new 500 hp V8
suspension. Tanks fitted with this were commonly called
tank engine, creating the M4A3. This was produced in rela-
“Easy Eights” from the M4A3E8 designation given to the
tively low numbers (for a tank produced in such staggering
prototype. The Easy Eight continued in service after the war,
numbers as the Sherman!) until Grand Blanc switched to
fighting in the Korean War.
producing it in early 1944. Once this model started reaching

23
 M4 SHERMAN TANK SPECIAL RULES
In late 1944, the US Army in France started receiving new variants of the M4 Sherman tank. Some of these only differed in
their guns and armour, but others changed the way that the tank operated as well. These special rules reflect these changes.

Detroit’s Finest Duckbills

The Ford V8 engine improved the performance of the Duckbill track extensions gave the Sherman better mobility
M4A3 series of tanks. Its power gave them a good top speed, in boggy ground. However, they were attached to the pins
while its robustness and reliability allowed them to take linking two pieces of track, so the tank had to keep its speed
advantage of this without worrying about breaking down. down to avoid breaking them off and throwing a track.
“Some of the GIs…said that the CCB must have been going
At the start of the game a player may elect to fit all of their
downhill with a hundred-mile-an-hour tailwind all the way.”
Sherman tanks (of all variants) with Duckbills. This gives
—Belton Cooper, 3rd Armored Division
them Wide Tracks (see page 61 of the rulebook), but makes
their mobility rating Slow Tank.
Tanks that use the Detroit’s Finest special rule have a
Movement Distance of 14”/35cm on Roads or Cross- M4A3E2 Jumbo and M4A3E8 Easy Eight tanks cannot be
country Terrain. fitted with Duckbills and ignore the Duckbills special rule.

Detroit’s Finest and Duckbills

The Detroit’s Finest special

rule allows the M4A3 Sherman
to move 14”/35cm on Road or
Cross Country.

14”/35cm
8”/20cm

12”/30cm

M4A3 Sherman with Duckbills

Duckbills make a Sherman into a Slow Tank, limiting it to

8”/20cm on Road or Cross Country, but also give it the Wide
M4A3 Sherman M4A1 Sherman Tracks rule allowing it an extra 4+ roll to avoid Bogging Down.

Smooth Ride An M4A3E8 Easy Eight tank does not suffer the +1 penalty
The driving force behind the development of HVSS to its score To Hit when using the Stabilizers special rule,
(Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension) was the need for provided that it did not move more than 6”/15cm during
wider tracks for crossing soft ground, and a smoother ride. the Movement Step and it did not move in, enter, or move
As a result, HVSS made it much easier for gunners to use the out of Rough Terrain.
basic stabiliser system fitted to the Sherman tank.

Smooth Ride

Crossing Rough Terrain or moving more +1 Penalty

than 6”/15cm gives these M4A3E8 Easy
Eight tanks the normal +1 penalty To +1 Penalty
Hit for using their Stabiliser special
rule to fire two shots on the move.

No Penalty

The Smooth Ride special rule allows M4A3E8

Easy Eight tanks to shoot at full rate of
fire without penalty if they only move up to
6”/15cm and don’t cross Rough Terrain.

24
 M4 SHERMAN TANK SPECIAL RULES
Jumbos Lead the Way Tank Telephones
Initially the M4A3E2 “Jumbo” assault tank was allocated to By the end of 1944, most Sherman tanks working with
tank battalions supporting the infantry. Once the armoured infantry had been fitted with field telephones on the rear to
divisions caught on though, they started using Jumbos as allow the infantry to point out targets to the tanks.
the lead tank in their advances, deliberately encouraging the
Germans to shoot at it rather than the lighter M4 Sherman If a Tank team with Tank Telephone and an adjacent
tanks operating with it. Infantry team did not move in the Movement Step, and the
Infantry team is not Pinned Down, the Infantry team can
You may allocate hits to an M4A3E2 Jumbo tank as if it use the Eyes and Ears rule (see page 195 of the rulebook) to
had the lowest armour rating, assigning it a hit before the Reveal one Gone to Ground enemy team to that Tank team
lesser armoured tanks. as if the Infantry team was a Recce team. If other tanks in
the platoon fire, they must either have their own Infantry
This rule does not apply to hits from Artillery Bombardments
team pointing out the target or continue to treat the target
or hits from Aircraft.
as Gone to Ground.

Jumbos Lead the Way

The Jumbos Lead the Way special rule allows The Hit Weakest Armour First
the American player to allocate the first hit rule on page 95 of the rulebook
to the heavily-armoured M4A3E2 Jumbo tank requires the player being shot
as it is treated as having the lowest armour. at to put the first hits on the
tanks with the lowest armour.

The German player can use the Gun

Tanks rule on page 96 of the rulebook
to attempt to hit an M4A3E8 Easy
Eight rather than the M4A3E2 Jumbo.

The German player rolls a 5 or more, so the American player

must allocate the hit to an Easy Eight instead of the Jumbo.

The US player must allocate the The German Panzer IV

first hit to the M4A3E8 Sherman as tank scores two hits
it is the only target within 16”/40cm. with Anti-tank 11 and the
As the Sherman’s Front armour Panther tank scores one
of 7 is treated as the highest of hit with Anti-tank 14.
the tanks that were hit, this must
be the Panther’s hit as it has the
highest Anti-tank rating.

The second hit must be allocated to the

M4A3E2 Jumbo as it is treated as having the The third hit goes to the M4A3 Sherman
lowest armour of all the tanks more than tank showing its Side armour as it has the
16”/40cm away. next lowest Armour.
This hit must be from the Panzer IV as the This must be the second hit from the
Mixed Anti-tank Ratings rule on page 95 of the Panzer IV as the M4A3 has the next lowest
rulebook requires the lowest Anti-tank rating Armour rating of 4 with + 1 for being over
to be assigned to the lowest Armour rating. 16”/40cm away.

25
 M4 & M4A1 Sherman The M4’s hull was welded, giving it square sides. The M4A1
was essentially the same tank however its hull was cast out of a
Top single piece of steel and therefore has a rounded appearance.
Armour
1

One quick way to identify

Side Front
Armour Movement the M4 and M4A1 from the
Armour
4 Standard Tank other variants is the engine
6

Weapon Range ROF AT FP Notes

deck configuration, which
M3 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Smoke, housed the tank’s R-975
Stabiliser. 9-cylinder radial aircraft
engine.
Availability: The M4 model served throughout the entire war.

M4A3 Sherman The M4A3 was developed as a replacement model for the M4
and M4A1. There are two major features that you can use to
Top identify an M4A3 Sherman tank. The first is the single-piece
Armour transmission housing on the front of the tank, rather than the
1
bolted multi-part housing on older models.

Side Front
Armour Movement Armour
4 Standard Tank, Detroit’s Finest. 6

Weapon Range ROF AT FP Notes

M3 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Smoke,
The second major change in the M4A3 was its engine. This version
Stabiliser. replaced the old R-975 engine with a much more powerful Ford
GAA V8 tank engine, increasing the tank’s power.
Availability: The M4A3 first saw action as replacement vehicles from August 1944 and served to the end of the war.

M4A3 Sherman (late) While the M4A3 improved the breed, some things still
needed to be addressed. One of the critical flaws was the fact
Top Protected Ammo that the tank’s ammo tended to catch on fire with practically
Armour
every hit. To fix this, designers added ‘wet’ stowage ammo
1
racks. They also added another hatch on the top of the turret
to help the crew get out faster.

Side Front
Armour Movement Armour
4 Standard Tank, Detroit’s Finest. 7
The front end of the M4A3 also underwent some changes.
Weapon Range ROF AT FP Notes
M3 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Smoke, The drivers’ hatches were made larger, prompting the front
Stabiliser. armour plate to be tilted at a steeper angle. Extra armour
protection was also added.
Availability: The M4A3 (late) model first saw action as replacement vehicles from September 1944 and served to the end
of the war.

26
 SHERMAN SPOTTING
M4A1 (76mm) Sherman The old 75mm gun was rapidly becoming outclassed by
German armour, so a new 76mm gun was developed and
Top Protected Ammo
installed in the M4A1 chassis. The tank retained its cast hull
Armour as well as the R-975 radial engine. This is evident by the
1
engine deck it shares with the older M4 tanks.

Side Front
Armour Movement Armour
4 Standard Tank The difference with the older tanks lies in the turret, which
7

Weapon Range ROF AT FP Notes

was enlarged for the 76mm gun. The M4A1 (76mm) tank also
M1 76mm gun 32”/80cm 2 13 3+ Stabiliser. introduced new crew hatch arrangements in both the turret
(late) and hull and installed wet stowage for the ammunition. These
features would be repeated in the later M4A3 designs.
Availability: The M4A1 (76mm) first saw action during the breakout in Normandy as a part of Operation Cobra and
continued to serve out the remainder of the war.

M4A3 (76mm) Sherman The M4A3 (76mm) married the new M4A3 hull with the
76mm gun, making for a fast, hard-hitting tank.
Top Protected Ammo Like the other late M4A3 models, you can spot an M4A3
Armour
1 (76mm) tank by its steep front armour plating and crew
hatches.

Side Front
Armour Movement Armour
4 Standard Tank, Detroit’s Finest. 7

Weapon Range ROF AT FP Notes

M1 76mm gun 32”/80cm 2 13 3+ Stabiliser.
Of course the 76mm gun is another dead give-away, but
(late) once again the turret was redesigned and the loader’s hatch
was made into a single-piece oval hatch.
Availability: The M4A3 (76mm) came into service along side the M4A3 (late) models in September.

M4A3E8 Easy Eight The M4A3E8, better known as the Easy Eight, marked the
pinnacle in the Sherman design. Essentially the same as the
Top Protected Ammo
M4A3 (76mm), the Easy Eight model introduced a new
Armour track and suspension system.
1

Side Movement Front

Armour Standard Tank, Detroit’s Finest, Armour
4 Smooth Ride, Wide Tracks. 7 The Horizontal Volute Suspension System (HVSS, for short)
made it much easier to replace damaged road wheels and
Weapon Range ROF AT FP Notes
a new wide track was developed to improve the tank’s off-
M1 76mm gun 32”/80cm 2 13 3+ Stabiliser.
(late) road performance. Together this gave the Sherman a much
improved ride and far better flotation over soft ground.
Availability: The M4A3E8 Easy Eight entered service in late December 1944 during the fighting in the Ardennes and
served admirably to the end of the war. It continued to serve in the US Army until 1955.
For more about the M4A3E2 Jumbo and M4A3 (105mm) Sherman see pages 30 and 31.

27
 TANK COMPANY Tank Company

Motivation and Skill

4 4 Armored Division 7 7 Armored Division
th th

A Tank Company from the 4th Armored Division is rated

Confident Veteran. RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
CONFIDENT TRAINED CONFIDENT TRAINED
A Tank Company from the 7th Armored Division is rated
FEARLESS VETERAN FEARLESS VETERAN
Confident Trained.
HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
box shaded grey.
Your Company HQ must be either from the 4th Armored Division (marked  4  and  ), or the 7th
Armored Division (marked  7  and  ). All other platoons marked with any of these divisional
symbols must be from the same division as your Company HQ.
Tank Company HQ
29

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

WEAPONS PLATOONS

ARMOUR ARTILLERY
ARMOUR ARTILLERY

Armoured Mortar
Tank Platoon
30
29

Platoon Corps Tank Destroyer 13

Platoon
0 Armored Field Artillery

13
Battery

5
ARMOUR ARMOUR
Field Artillery Battery

13
INFANTRY

2
Field Artillery Battery

13
(155mm)

3
Sherman Assault Gun
Tank Platoon
31
29

Platoon Armored Rifle Platoon ARTILLERY

33

Rifle Platoon
81

ARMOUR ARMOUR
Engineer Combat
91

Platoon Armored Field Artillery 13

Battery 5
Parachute Rifle Platoon
11
5

Light Tank Platoon

31

Tank Platoon
29

Airborne Engineer ANTI-AIRCRAFT

11

Combat Platoon
9

ARMOUR
INFANTRY
Anti-aircraft Artillery
13

(Self-propelled) Platoon
8

Light Tank Platoon

31

Armored Rifle Platoon AIR SUPPORT

33

RECONNAISSANCE
Rifle Platoon
81

Air Support
13

Recon Platoon RECONNAISSANCE

9
34

AOP

Cavalry Recon Platoon

97

Air Observation Post

13
9

28
 TANK COMPANY
HEADQUARTERS
Tank Company HQ Captain
Headquarters Captain Sergeant

Company HQ with: 4 7
2 M4 or M4A1 Sherman 165 points 130 points
Company Command 2iC Command
1 M4 or M4A1 Sherman 85 points 65 points M4 or M4A1 Sherman M4 or M4A1 Sherman
Company HQ Recovery
Options Section
• Add M31 TRV for +10 points or M32 TRV for Tank Company HQ
+15 points.
• Equip one M4, M4A1, M4A3, or M4A3 (late)
• Fit any or all tanks with Improvised Armour for
Sherman tank with a dozer blade making it a
+5 points per tank.
Bulldozer for +5 points.

COMBAT PLATOONS
Tank Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon 4 7
Lieutenant

5 M4 or M4A1 Sherman 415 points 320 points

4 M4 or M4A1 Sherman 335 points 255 points
Command M4 or M4A1 Sherman
3 M4 or M4A1 Sherman 250 points 190 points

Options Sergeant Sergeant

• Fit up to half of the platoon’s tanks with Hedgerow
Cutters for +5 points for the platoon.
• Fit any or all tanks with Improvised Armour for M4 or M4A1 Sherman M4 or M4A1 Sherman
+5 points per tank.

The Sherman tank has served the Army well. Rather than M4 or M4A1 Sherman M4 or M4A1 Sherman
discard the design, the engineers back in Detroit have made Tank Section Tank Section
them bigger, better, and faster. This new generation of M4s
will bring certain victory to the Allied cause. Tank Platoon

SHERMAN TANK UPGRADES

By late 1944 there was no such thing as a standard M4 Sherman
Replace up to two tanks in your Company HQ and each
tank. The basic design had proliferated into a variety of Tank Platoon with:
improved and specialised models. These were issued as avail- 4 7
able and mixed together in whatever fashion the commander M4A1 (76mm) +50 points +40 points
on the spot desired. M4A3 (76mm) +55 points +45 points
M4A3E8 Easy Eight +65 points +55 points
You can upgrade your M4 or M4A1 Sherman tanks from
your Tank Company HQ and Tank Platoons to newer Replace up to one tank in your Company HQ and each
models. For each tank you wish to upgrade, simply add the Tank Platoon with:
4 7
points that match your division ( 4 or 7 ) from the M4A3E2 Jumbo +60 points +50 points
adjacent table to the cost of your HQ or platoon.
Replace any or all tanks in your Company HQ and each
For example, in one of your full-strength Tank Platoons Tank Platoon with:
4 7
from the 4th Armored Division (415 points), you would M4A3 +5 points +5 points
like to upgrade one tank to an M4A3E2 Jumbo, two tanks
M4A3 (late) +20 points +15 points
to M4A3 (76mm), and leave the rest as normal. This adds
+60 for the Jumbo upgrade and +55 for each of the 76mm Replace up to one tank in
upgrades, for a total cost of 585 points for the platoon. your company with:
4 7
In your next platoon you would like to upgrade all five tanks M4 (105mm) -15 points -10 points
to M4A3 tanks, making that platoon cost 440 points. M4A3 (105mm) -10 points -5 points

29
 M4A3E2 Jumbo Fears of having to breakthrough the German Siegfried Line
led to the development of the M4A3E2 assault tank. The late
Top M4A3 chassis was used with extra armour added all around.
Armour
Its sheer bulk led to the nickname: “Jumbo”.
1
The obvious points to look for on the Jumbo are the thick
frontal and side armour plates, making it substantially larger
than a normal M4A3 Sherman.

Side
Armour Movement Front Armour
8 Slow Tank. 12, Jumbos Lead the Way.

Weapon Range ROF AT FP Notes

M3 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Smoke,
Stabiliser. The second is the Jumbo’s massive turret, built especially for
the tank. The massive 7”/18cm thick mantlet is particularly
characteristic of the Jumbo. One last thing to spot is the tank’s
Availability: The M4A3E2 Jumbo entered combat in late
duckbill wide tracks, which had to be permanently installed to
October 1944 after the battles in the Lorraine. The Jumbo’s
deal with the tank’s 42-ton weight!
first major actions were in the Ardennes.

WEAPONS PLATOONS
Armored Mortar Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant

HQ Section with 4 7
3 Mortar Sections 110 points 85 points Command Carbine team M2 half-track with .50cal AA MG
2 Mortar Sections 80 points 60 points

Option Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant

• Arm any or all M4 81mm MMC half-tracks with
.50 cal AA MG for +5 points per half-track.
M4 81mm MMC M4 81mm MMC M4 81mm MMC
half-track half-track half-track
The M4 81mm MMC half-track is ideally configured to
Mortar Mortar Mortar
support your Sherman tanks with smoke to screen your Section Section Section
movement and high explosives to neutralise enemy anti-tank
guns. Armored Mortar Platoon

30
 TANK COMPANY
Sherman Assault Gun Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon 4 7
Lieutenant Sergeant

6 M4 (105mm) 410 points 310 points

3 M4 (105mm) 205 points 155 points
Command Assault Gun Assault Gun
2 M4 (105mm) 135 points 105 points
6 M4A3 (105mm) 420 points 320 points
3 M4A3 (105mm) 210 points 160 points Assault Gun Assault Gun
2 M4A3 (105mm) 140 points 110 points

Option
Assault Gun Assault Gun
• Fit up to half of the platoon’s tanks with Hedgerow
HQ Section Gun Section
Cutters for +5 points for the platoon.
Sherman Assault Gun Platoon

M4A3 (105mm) Sherman The 105mm assault gun variant was developed to lend serious
firepower to the fight. Their role was to use their high-calibre
Top Protected Ammo
shells to knock out enemy infantry and gun positions.
Armour
1 The assault gun was based on both the older M4 and the late
M4A3 chassis and are similar to those models in appearance.

Side Front
Armour Movement Armour
4 Standard Tank, Detroit’s Finest. 7

Weapon Range ROF AT FP Notes

M4 105mm 24”/60cm 1 9 2+ Breakthrough gun, The best way to pick out a 105mm Sherman is by its unique
howitzer Slow traverse, Smoke. mantlet, which was specifically built to hold the wider 105mm
Firing 48”/120cm - 4 4+
bombardments barrel, and the air extractor on the back of the turret to vent
the howitzer’s fumes from the fighting compartment.
Availability: The M4 (105mm) assault guns were available from D-Day, June 1944 onwards. The M4A3 version entered
service along with the other M4A3 models.

Light Tank Platoon Lieutenant

Platoon 4 7
Lieutenant

5 M24 Chaffee 415 points 320 points

4 M24 Chaffee 335 points 255 points
Command light tank
3 M24 Chaffee 250 points 190 points
5 M5A1 Stuart 260 points 200 points
Sergeant Sergeant
4 M5A1 Stuart 210 points 160 points
3 M5A1 Stuart 155 points 120 points

Options Light tank Light tank

• Fit up to half of the platoon’s tanks with Hedgerow
Cutters for +5 points for the platoon.
Light tank Light tank
• Fit up to half of the platoon’s tanks with Improvised
Armour for +5 points per tank. Tank Section Tank Section

Light Tank Platoon

While outclassed by more modern tanks, the M5A1 is still
Combine them with M18 Hellcat tank destroyers to create a
extremely useful for securing flanks, screening enemy infantry
fast, hard-hitting force that can easily turn the enemy’s flank
and armoured cars, and exploiting a gap in the enemy lines.
and tip the battle in your favour.

31
 ARMORED RIFLE COMPANY Mechanised Company

Motivation and Skill

4 4 Armored Division 7 7th Armored Division
th

An Armored Rifle Company from the 4th Armored

Division is rated Confident Veteran. RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
CONFIDENT TRAINED CONFIDENT TRAINED
An Armored Rifle Company from the 7th Armored
FEARLESS VETERAN FEARLESS VETERAN
Division is rated Confident Trained.

You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS
box shaded grey.
Your Company HQ must be either from the 4th Armored Division (marked  4  and  ), or the 7th
Armored Division (marked  7  and  ). All other platoons marked with any of these divisional
Armored Rifle symbols must be from the same division as your Company HQ.
33

Company HQ

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

WEAPONS PLATOONS

INFANTRY RECONNAISSANCE
ARMOUR ARTILLERY

Recon Platoon
34

Armored Rifle Platoon

33

Tank Platoon Armored Field Artillery

29

13
Battery

5
MACHINE-GUN
Light Tank Platoon
31

INFANTRY
Field Artillery Battery

13
2
Corps Tank Destroyer
13

Platoon Field Artillery Battery

0

13
(155mm)

3
Armored Machine-
35

Armored Rifle Platoon Gun Platoon

33

ARMOUR
ARTILLERY
ARTILLERY
INFANTRY

Tank Platoon
29

Armored Field Artillery

Battery 13
Armored Mortar Platoon 5
30

Light Tank Platoon

31

Armored Rifle Platoon

33

ANTI-AIRCRAFT
ARTILLERY INFANTRY
ANTI-TANK

Anti-aircraft Artillery
13

Armored Anti-tank Rifle Platoon (Self-propelled) Platoon

8
81
34

Platoon Assault Gun Platoon

35

Engineer Combat Platoon

91

AIR SUPPORT

Parachute Rifle Platoon

11
5

RECONNAISSANCE Air Support

13
9

AOP
Cavalry Recon Platoon
97

Air Observation Post

13
9

32
 ARMORED RIFLE COMPANY
HEADQUARTERS
Armored Rifle Company HQ
Headquarters 4 7
Company HQ 25 points 20 points
Company Command 2iC Command Bazooka
Options Carbine team Carbine team team
•
4 Add a Bazooka team for +20 points.

•
7 Add a Bazooka team for +15 points.
Jeep M3 half-track with .50 cal AA MG
• Arm Jeep with an AA MG for +5 points.
Company HQ

Armored Rifle Company hq

COMBAT PLATOONS
Armored Rifle Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant

HQ Section with
Light Machine-gun Squad, Command Rifle team Bazooka M3 half-track with
60mm Mortar Squad, and: 4 7
Rifle team team .50 cal AA MG
HQ Section
2 Rifle Squads 295 points 225 points
1 Rifle Squad 235 points 180 points Sergeant Sergeant

Option
Rifle team Rifle team Rifle team Rifle team
• Replace Bazooka team in HQ Section with an
M3 37mm gun at no cost.
M3 half-track Bazooka M3 half-track Bazooka
The armoured riflemen are known as “Armored Doughs”, with AA MG team with AA MG team
a play on the term “doughboys” for American troops in the
Rifle Squad Rifle Squad
First World War. Each platoon is an army unto itself, with
its own machine-guns, mortar, and anti-tank weapons. With Sergeant Sergeant
these combined arms, the armoured rifles are well suited for
offensive and defensive operations. M2 60mm mortar M1919 LMG M1919 LMG
The 10th and 51st Armored Rifle Battalions firmly held
Hills 265 and 318 during the Lorraine battles. Their tough
defence secured the 4th Armored’s hold on Arracourt. M3 half-track Bazooka M3 half-track with Bazooka
with AA MG team .50 cal AA MG team
During Abrams’ march to Bastogne, the 53rd Armored Rifle 60mm Mortar Light Machine-
Battalion pushed through Assenois and freed up Boggess’ Squad gun Squad
tanks to push on and reach the trapped paratroopers. Armored Rifle Platoon

33
 Armored Anti-tank Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant

HQ Section with:
4 7
3 Gun Sections 125 points 100 points
2 Gun Sections 85 points 65 points

Options Sergeant Sergeant

• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Gun Sections for

4
+20 points per Bazooka team. M1 57mm gun M1 57mm gun
(late) (late)
7 Add a Bazooka team to any or all Gun Sections for
•
+15 points per Bazooka team.
M2 half-track with M2 half-track with
Every armoured rifle company had a platoon of M1 57mm .50 cal AA MG .50 cal AA MG
anti-tank guns to support the Armored Doughs. The platoon Gun Section Gun Section
is well equipped to handle enemy tanks, especially when it Sergeant
can ambush the enemy with 57mm shells and bazooka fire.
To make it even more useful as infantry support, the platoon
M1 57mm gun M2 half-track with
has recently received new high-explosive ammunition. This (late) .50 cal AA MG
will make them essential for knocking out enemy gun em- Gun Section
placements in addition to their tank-busting duties.
Armored Anti-tank Platoon

WEAPONS PLATOONS
Recon Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant

HQ Section with: 4 7
2 Recon Sections 90 points 70 points
1 Recon Section 65 points 50 points

Options
Sergeant Sergeant
• Add a Bazooka team for +20 points.
4

• Add a Bazooka team for +15 points

7

• Arm any or all Jeep teams with an AA MG for

+5 points per jeep team. Recon Section Recon Section

Recon Platoon
Recon Platoons are Reconnaissance Platoons. The small size of the Recon Platoon makes gives it a low
profile so it can sniff out enemy ambushes.

34
 ARMORED RIFLE COMPANY
Armored Machine-gun Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon
HQ Section with: Command Carbine team M2 half-track with .50 cal AA MG
4 7
2 Machine-gun Sections 155 points 120 points
1 Machine-gun Section 85 points 65 points
Sergeant Sergeant
Options
• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Machine-gun
4 M1917 HMG M1917 HMG M1917 HMG M1917 HMG
Sections for +20 points per Bazooka team.
• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Machine-gun
7
Sections for +15 points per Bazooka team. M2 half-track with M2 half-track with
.50 cal AA MG .50 cal AA MG
Machine-Gun Section Machine-Gun Section
Armored Machine-gun Platoons may make Combat
Armored machine-gun platoon
Attachments to Combat Platoons.

Assault Gun Platoon Lieutenant

Platoon 4 7
Lieutenant

3 M8 Scott HMC 135 points 105 points

2 M8 Scott HMC 90 points 70 points
Command M8 Scott HMC

The M8 Scott HMC offers the Armored Doughs some close

artillery support. Built on the M5A1 chassis, the Scott is fast Sergeant Sergeant
and can respond quickly to requests for support.
Its 75mm howitzer can neutralise enemy guns and get your
advance moving again. Though it lacks the ammunition supply M8 Scott HMC M8 Scott HMC
to carry out a smoke bombardment, the Scott excels at obscur- Gun Section Gun Section
ing the enemy’s vision with a well-placed smoke round. Assault gun Platoon

35
 FORTUNE FAVORS THE BRAVE
644TH TANK DESTROYER BATTALION
The 644th Tank Destroyer Battalion was formed on The Twin Villages
15 December 1941. After two years of training, it landed on The Germans hit the villages in force at 2030 hours,
Utah Beach on 11 July 1944, and fired its guns in anger for 17 December, stumbling into a blocking force from the
the first time four days later in support of the US 8th Infantry 2nd Infantry, a few M10 tank destroyers from the 644th, and
Division. It pushed through German lines during Operation towed M5 3in guns of the 612th Tank Destroyer Battalion.
Cobra, the breakout from the Normandy beachhead, and
followed the 8th Infantry into Brittany, where it helped blast The Germans renewed their attack the next morning and
apart German nests and fortifications. finally broke through the roadblock and entered Rocherath
by 1300 hours. The US defenders reorganised. The towed
After Brittany, the 644th swept east to the German border guns of the 612th came under command of the 644th, which
along with the rest of the US forces and fought in the bloody pooled all of its tank destroyers to defend Klinkelt with the
crucible of the Hurtgen Forest. After the harsh fighting Indianheads’ 38th Infantry Regiment.
there, the battalion was rushed south to counter the German
offensive in the Ardennes sector. Heavy street-to-street fighting broke out and the tank de-
stroyers engaged enemy tanks at point-blank range. In one
Battle of the Bulge instance, an M10 was startled when the building it was using
for cover suddenly collapsed to reveal a pair of Panther tanks
The German Ardennes offensive took place along three axes
20 yards away!
of attack, the northern shoulder across the Eisenborn Ridge,
the centre through St. Vith, and the southern shoulder The battalion blazed away, reluctantly giving up ground over the
through Bastogne. All of these attacks were to converge with course of the 17 hour battle. Finally at dusk on 18 December,
clock-work precision and push north to capture Antwerp, Major General Walter Robertson, of the 2nd Infantry Division,
cutting off huge numbers of Allied troops east of the envel- ordered a general withdrawal to the Eisenborn Ridge. When
opment. The whole operation relied on one area supporting the shooting stopped for the night, the 644th had destroyed
the other by securing the flanks and pushing through with 17 panzers and two self-propelled guns.
all due haste. Time was of the essence.
The Germans never managed to push the 2nd Infantry off of
On the northern shoulder, the twin villages of Krinkelt and the Eisenborn Ridge, which allowed the Allies to stabilise
Rocherath stood between the German starting line and the the situation in the north. Ultimately, the battle for the twin
Eisenborn Ridge, a critical piece of high ground that the villages had thrown the German plans hopelessly off schedule.
Germans needed to secure their flank against the Americans. In interviews after the war, SS generals conceded that the
Defending the area was the veteran 2nd Infantry Division, German failure in the northern sector resulted directly from
known as the “Indianheads”, owing to their divisional the fierce defence of Krinkelt and Rocherath.
insignia, and the green 99th Infantry Division.
After the initial German onslaught had been stopped, the
On 16 December 1944, the German 277th Volksgrenadier 644th helped reduce the so-called “bulge” salient and pushed
Division, backed by a small force of tanks and panzergrena- into Germany, fighting at the Roer River, Remagen, and the
diers of the 12th “Hitlerjugend” SS-Panzer Division, attacked Ruhr Pocket. Unlike many other of the tank destroyer units, the
and cut their way through the US 99th Infantry and to the 644th never parted with their trusty M10 GMC tank destroyers
outskirts of the twin villages by noon on the following day. and fought the entire war with these reliable machines.

BATTLE OF THE TWIN VILLAGES

To
3mElse 612th TD
i/5 nb
km orn 12. SS Pz
Rocherath 9th Inf Regt 644 TD
th
Netherlands
741st
Tank Bn Key
Belgium Germany 9th Inf Regt German Attacks

France Lux. US Withdrawals

644th TD
Battles
612 TD
th
US 2nd Infantry Division
38 Inf Regt
th n
To Wirtzfeld Krinkelt
1mi/1.6km 0 Feet 2000 4000
12. VG Div 0 Metres 400 800 1200

36
 TANK DESTROYER BATTALION HISTORY
VICTORY NOT GLORY
704TH TANK DESTROYER BATTALION
The 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion was also formed on Arracourt
15 December 1941. Unlike many tank destroyer units, the Meanwhile, on 19 September, the rest of C Company
battalion stayed with its parent unit, the US 4th Armored engaged the 111th Panzer Brigade at Arracourt. Thick fog
Division, through most of the war. This created a strong gripped the battlefield as the Germans attacked, forcing the
bond between the tankers of the 4th and tank destroyer (TD) sort of close quarters fighting the TD men excelled at. In
men that produced a tough fighting team. the opening stages of the battle, one platoon of C Company
In the summer months of 1944, the 704th used their new knocked out eight Panther tanks for the loss of three M18s.
M18 Hellcat vehicles expertly through the breakout battles By noon the fog had lifted, revealing 30 enemy tanks advancing
in Normandy and into the Brittany peninsula. The battalion toward CCA’s command post. The only thing standing in their
followed the 4th Armored Division across France and soon way was a company of combat engineers and C Company’s
found itself at the Moselle River near the city of Nancy. M18s. The Americans remained hidden until the enemy was
The plan to capture Nancy involved a wide envelopment from close before opening fire and claiming two Panthers.
the north and south. The 704th divided itself up to support The rest of the enemy tanks became confused and turned
the attack by sending a company to each of the 4th Armored their turrets to try and find the well-hidden tank destroyers.
Division’s three combat commands: C Company joined But this only played into the TD men’s hands as they tore
CCA in the northern attack, A Company with CCB, and B through the enemy tanks, claiming another six tanks for a
Company held in reserve with CCR. running total of 16.

Lunéville On 20 September, the Germans struck again, this time

against CCA’s rear, but the combined efforts of the combat
On 18 September, the Germans sent a force of 17 tanks and
command’s M7 Priest self-propelled howitzers, some
panzergrenadiers to push the Americans out of Lunéville
Sherman tanks, and C Company quickly saw off the attack,
and expose the American’s over-extended flank. The first to
destroying a further six German tanks.
respond were the fast Hellcats of B Company with CCR,
which quickly engaged the enemy in point-blank fighting, With the Lorraine fighting over, the battalion’s history
destroying three Panthers. Soon more reserves from CCR claimed the unit had destroyed 33 tanks and two self-pro-
arrived, including Sherman tanks, infantry, and a battery of pelled guns for the loss of five Hellcats, four of which were
M7 Priests. The fight was desperate and lasted into the night, recovered later.
but the Americans were just holding on.
The next day CCA sent a task force from the 37th Tank Ardennes
Battalion and a tank destroyer platoon from C Company After the surprise German offensive in the Ardennes forest
to help out. The destroyers approached from the south near kicked off the Battle of the Bulge on 16 December 1944, the
an abandoned factory building, surprised the Germans, and 704th moved north with the 4th Armored Division to help
quickly destroyed four enemy tanks before joining up with breakthrough to the embattled American troops trapped in
B Company. Bastogne. The battalion, supported by fast M5A1 Stuarts,
helped secure the flanks of the division as it pushed its way
Soon the 704th was reinforced by the lead elements from through.
the 6th Armored Division, including a company of M18s of
the 603rd TD Battalion, and then later a company of M10s After the Ardennes, the battalion lent its expertise to help
from the 773rd TD Battalion. By 21 September, Lunéville penetrate the Siegfried Line, then supported the 4th Armored’s
was firmly in American hands thanks in large part to the drive to the Rhine and into Germany itself.
TD men.

37
 TANK DESTROYER COMPANY
Mechanised Company

Motivation and Skill RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT

The 644th and 704th Tank Destroyer Battalions arrived in Normandy and plied their trade CONFIDENT TRAINED
with distinction in the bloody street fighting in Brittany. A Tank Destroyer Company is rated
FEARLESS VETERAN
Confident Veteran.
HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
box shaded grey.
A Tank Destroyer Company may be supported by both Veteran troops (marked  ) and Trained
troops (marked  ). Your company can have a mix of Veteran and Trained support troops.
Tank Destroyer
39

Company HQ

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

WEAPONS PLATOONS

ARMOUR RECONNAISSANCE
OR INFANTRY ARMOUR ARTILLERY
OR ANTI-TANK

Tank Destroyer Platoon Tank Destroyer Armored Field Artillery

39

40

13
Recon Platoon Battery

5
Tank Platoon

29
Tank Destroyer
40

13
ARMOUR Pioneer Platoon Field Artillery Battery

2
Light Tank Platoon
31
RECONNAISSANCE Cavalry Recon Platoon
97

ARTILLERY
Towed Tank
13

Destroyer Platoon
1

Tank Destroyer Platoon

39

Tank Destroyer Field Artillery Battery

13
40

Recon Platoon

2
ARMOUR
ARMOUR OR ANTI-TANK Field Artillery

13
Battery (155mm)

3
ANTI-AIRCRAFT
Light Tank Platoon
31

Tank Destroyer Platoon

39

Corps Tank
13

Destroyer Platoon
0

Anti-aircraft Artillery
13

Towed Tank (Self-propelled) Platoon

13

Destroyer Platoon
1

AIRCRAFT
INFANTRY

Armored Rifle Platoon Air Support

13
33

Rifle Platoon
81

AIRCRAFT
Engineer Combat
91

Platoon

INFANTRY
Air Observation Post
13
9

Rifle Platoon
81

Engineer Combat
91

Platoon

38
 TANK DESTROYER COMPANY
HEADQUARTERS
Tank Destroyer Company HQ Captain
Headquarters Captain Sergeant

Company HQ 80 points
Company Command 2iC Command
Option M20 scout car M20 scout car
• Add an M32 TRV recovery vehicle for +15 points. Company HQ
Recovery
Section
M20 Scout cars from a Tank Destroyer Company HQ are Tank Destroyer Company HQ
Recce teams.

COMBAT PLATOONS
Tank Destroyer Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant

Security Section and Tank Destroyer Section with:

4 M10 3in GMC (late) 405 points Command .50 cal Recon Jeep M20 scout car M20 scout car
2 M10 3in GMC (late) 225 points Security Section

4 M18 Hellcat GMC (late) 410 points Lieutenant

2 M18 Hellcat GMC (late) 230 points

Options Command Tank Destroyer Tank Destroyer

• Fit up to half of the platoon’s Tank Destroyers with
Hedgerow Cutters for +5 points for the platoon.
• Fit any or all tanks with Improvised Armour for
Tank Destroyer Tank Destroyer
+5 points per tank.
Tank destroyer Section
• Upgrade all M10 3in GMC (late) with Top Armour 1
for +5 points per tank. Tank destroyer Platoon

A Tank Destroyer Platoon uses the US Tank Destroyers All Tank Destroyer Platoons in your force must be entirely
special rules found on page 238 of the rulebook. equipped with either M10 3in GMC (late) or M18 Hellcat
GMC (late) Tank teams, but not both.
A Tank Destroyer Platoon is a Reconnaissance Platoon.

39
 WEAPONS PLATOONS
Tank Destroyer Lieutenant
Recon Platoon Lieutenant

Platoon
2 Recon Sections 170 points
Command M8 armored car Recon Jeep Recon Jeep
1 Recon Section 85 points
Recon Patrol

Sergeant
Dismount
Before deployment you may choose to dismount all of your
Command M8 armored car Recon Jeep Recon Jeep
Tank Destroyer Recon Platoons. If you do this, all of the
Recon Patrols from the same platoon operate as a single Recon Patrol
platoon. Tank Destroyer Recon Platoon
If you do this, all of its vehicles are permanently removed
from the game. Replace all of the vehicles in each Recon A Tank Destroyer Recon Platoon is a Reconnaissance
Patrol with any two of the following teams for each Patrol: Platoon.
• Rifle teams • M1919 LMG teams
• Bazooka teams • up to one M2 .50 cal MG team Recon Patrols of a Tank Destroyer Recon Platoon operate as
per Recon Patrol separate platoons, each with their own Command team.

Designate any one of the teams as the Platoon Command The reconnaissance company operates as the battalion’s own
team. The platoon remains a Reconnaissance Platoon. eyes and ears, but in a pinch they can form tank-hunting
parties as was the case of the recon men of the 644th during
the close quarters street fighting in Krinkelt.

Tank Destroyer Lieutenant

Pioneer Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon
HQ Section with: Pioneer Rifle M20 Utility Pioneer Supply
2 Pioneer Sections 115 points Command team 1 1/2 ton truck

1 Pioneer Section 65 points

Sergeant Sergeant
Options
• Add a Pioneer Supply 1½-ton truck for +25 points.
Pioneer Rifle team Pioneer Rifle team
• Add M20 Utility and 1½-ton trucks to the platoon
for +10 points.
• Arm any or all 1½-ton trucks with .50 cal AA MG
1 1/2 ton truck 1 1/2 ton truck
for +5 points per truck.

At the start of the game before deployment you may replace Pioneer Rifle team Pioneer Rifle team
any or all Pioneer Rifle teams with Pioneer Bazooka teams.

The reconnaissance company has a platoon of pioneers to 1 1/2 ton truck 1 1/2 ton truck
help clear obstacles and reinforce bridges. But in the close Pioneer Section Pioneer Section
fighting at Krinkelt and Lunéville, the pioneers helped by
laying mines and taking up positions armed with bazookas. Tank Destroyer Pioneer Platoon

40
 TANK DESTROYER COMPANY
US TANK DESTROYERS
M10 3in GMC The M10 3” GMC (gun motor carriage) tank destroyer was
developed to handle medium and heavy German tanks. It was
Top the first destroyer to incorporate a turret, which housed the 3”
Armour
anti-tank gun, the best in the US arsenal at the time. The de-
0
stroyer’s chassis was based on the diesel M4A2 Sherman tank.
The M10 soldiered on from the North African campaign to
the end of the war. During that time crews made some field
modifications to improve some of the vehicle’s major weak-
nesses, such as the open fighting compartment and the thin
frontal armour, with overhead protection and improvised
Side Front armour using sandbags.
Armour Movement Armour
2 Standard Tank 4 The M10s typically served infantry divisions, offering their
guns to blast German pillboxes when not otherwise engaged
Weapon Range ROF AT FP Notes with enemy tanks.
M7 3” gun 32”/80cm 2 13 3+ Slow traverse.

M18 76mm GMC Hellcat The M18 76mm GMC tank destroyer was designed by Buick
in Detroit, Michigan. Of all the tank destroyer models used
Top by the US Army, the M18 was the only one purpose-built for
Armour
the TD men, taking aboard feedback in the field.
0
The number one request was speed, so the M18 was designed
with a unique suspension system and stripped down to only
the minimum armour needed to stop rifle fire. It used the
same R-975 9-cylinder engine found in a Sherman tank,
but since the M18 weighed only 20 tons compared to the
Sherman’s 35 tons, it could race along roads at an impres-
Side Front sive 50mph (80km/h). This led to the vehicle’s unofficial
Armour Movement Armour
nickname, the Hellcat.
0 Light Tank 2
Hellcats arrived in time for the breakout operations in
Weapon Range ROF AT FP Notes
Normandy and equipped up to 19 tank destroyer battalions
M1 76mm gun 32”/80cm 2 13 3+
by war’s end.

M36 90mm GMC Jackson As German tanks became harder to deal with, the tank de-
stroyer arm decided to up-gun their M10s with the M3 90mm
Top anti-aircraft gun. A larger turret was designed to hold the new
Armour
weapon and a power motor installed to rotate it.
0
The US home front converted over 1300 M10A1 chassis
(based on the M4A3 Sherman chassis) and designated the
new vehicle as the M36 90mm GMC. The destroyer quickly
took on the nickname “Jackson” among the troops.
The first M36s arrived in Europe in August 1944, but were
not passed on to front line units until September where a
Side Front few battalions were fully re-equipped, while others slowly
Armour Movement Armour
replaced their M10s as needed.
2 Standard Tank, Detroit’s Finest 4
The M36s came into their own during the Ardennes fighting
Weapon Range ROF AT FP Notes
where they were able to trade shots with the feared Panther
M3 90mm gun 32”/80cm 2 14 3+
tank from the front.

41
 Black Panthers
the 761st Tank Battalion
One of the tragic ironies of World War II was America’s 761st operating alongside the 85th Infantry Division, the
segregated military. On the one hand the United States 93rd Infantry Division, and the 100th Infantry Battalion of
was fighting the Axis to free the world from the yoke of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team comprised of Nisei
tyranny and preserve basic human rights, yet at home (Japanese-American soldiers). The 761st performed extreme-
African-Americans were subject to incessant and often ly well in these manoeuvres and impressed several high
brutal discrimination. African-Americans were organised ranking officers.
into segregated units, and the units were never intended to
be used in combat operations as the white leadership of the Camp Hood
US Army had no confidence in the ‘Negro soldier.’ However, The 761st moved to Camp Hood, Texas in September 1943.
the exemplary combat record of ‘Colored’ formations like While at Camp Hood, the morale of the unit improved
the 332nd Fighter Group (the Tuskegee Airmen) and the greatly as the 761st learned to respect themselves as soldiers
761st Tank Battalion (the Black Panthers) would ultimately and as a Battalion, despite continued issues with the local
catalyse social change at home and result in the integration population. The Battalion received a new commanding
of America’s armed forces. officer, Major Paul L. Bates. He was an extremely able officer
with none of the prejudices of many of his contemporaries.
Activation and Early Training The Battalion was also re-organised into its final four-com-
The 761st Tank Battalion was activated on 15 March 1942 pany configuration with Companies A, B, and C being
as the second battalion of the all African-American 5th Tank equipped with the Sherman medium tank and Company
Group. The theory behind the tank group was to create a D being equipped with the M5 Stuart tank. The 105mm
smaller, more flexible unit which could be assigned and assault tank platoon and the 81mm mortar platoon were
attached as needed as opposed to the larger monolithic incorporated into the headquarters platoon.
Armored Division. Unfortunately the 5th Tank Group was
While at Camp Hood, the 761st frequently served as the
situated at Camp Claiborne in Louisiana. Many of the
opposing force for members of the tank destroyer command
African-American soldiers from the North had never experi-
taking their Army Ground Forces Tests. Members of the
enced the deeply rooted racism and “Jim Crow” laws which
761st almost always defeated the tank destroyers, and ac-
permeated the Deep South. These attitudes would cause
cording to Bates ‘thoroughly enjoyed it.’ First Sergeant Sam
several incidents between African-American soldiers and the
Turley joked that instead of ‘Seek, Strike, and Destroy’ the
local population.
tank destroyer’s motto around the 761st should be ‘Sneak,
The future tankers started with basic infantry training and Peek, and Retreat.’ The Battalion’s assault gun platoon also
then were transitioned to Stuart light tanks. Each member of distinguished itself at Camp Hood and quickly gained a
the crew was cross trained in all of the basic functions of the reputation for being able to zero in on a target with the first
tank (driver, gunner, loader, etc.), so if one member of the volley and destroy it with the second. Their accuracy was so
crew was put out of action any other member could seam- good they were allowed to continue to work for weeks with
lessly take his place. The morale of the unit also got a boost a wide variety of ammunition to further hone their skills.
when the first African-American officers arrived from Officer
Candidate School (OCS) to join the Battalion in July 1942. Into the Fray
After over a year of training, the 761 got the opportunity
st Though it was never intended to be used in combat, the dev-
to prove themselves in the field. In April 1942, the entire astating losses of the Normandy breakout created an acute
Third Army participated in scheduled manoeuvres with the need for armoured formations. On 5 October 1944 the

Antwerp
Cologne

Brussels

Frankfurt
Bastogne

Luxembourg

Saarbrücken
Metz

Paris 1 2
see page 43
see page 45

42
 BLACK PANTHERS TANK COMPANY
761st Tank Battalion was assigned to Patton’s Third Army. in the men of the 761st and deserted the minute hostilities
Before deployment the Battalion received new equipment. commenced. His cowardice deprived the rest of the battalion
Ironically, the African-American soldiers of the 761st were and the overall attack greatly needed support from the now
better equipped than the tankers who fought during the leaderless headquarters company. Ultimately Wingo would
Normandy Campaign and subsequent breakout as they had be evacuated to the rear for ‘combat fatigue.’
received all new Sherman tanks most if not all with the new
Able Company led a spearhead toward cities supported by
76mm high-velocity gun. Before going into battle, the 761st
the 101st Infantry Regiment, the 104th Infantry Regiment,
received a visit from Patton himself:
and a detachment of combat engineers. Three tanks were lost
“Men, you’re the first Negro tankers to ever fight in the to minefields before reaching the assault’s first objective, with
American Army. I would never have asked for you if you the remainder halted by a roadblock. Sergeant Ruben Rivers
weren’t good. I have nothing but the best in my Army. I commanded the lead tank, and with complete disregard for
don’t care what color you are as long as you go up there and his own safety, he dismounted under enemy fire and rigged a
kill those Kraut sons of bitches. Everyone has their eyes on cable from his tank to the roadblock. He then backed up his
you and is expecting great things from you. Most of all your tank to clear the road, detonating many hidden mines in the
race is looking forward to your success. Don’t let them down process. Rivers’ heroic actions were instrumental in keeping
and damn you, don’t let me down!” the attack moving forward.
While privately Patton still harbored strong prejudices By the end of the day on 8 November, the 761st had survived
against African-American soldiers, he was at his core a its ‘Baptism by Fire.’ They had faced an entrenched and de-
pragmatist. Patton was the first General to actually integrate termined enemy consisting of elements of 11. Panzerdivision,
rifle companies when manpower was short and while still 361st and 559th Volksgrenadier Divisions and defeated them.
as bigoted as a majority of the other officers, his actions did They’d faced the fearsome ‘88’ (known to men of the
much to advance African-Americans in the military. Battalion as the ‘Ripsaw’) and survived. Now Bezange-la-
Petite, Bezange-la-Grande, and Hill 253 were all in Allied
First Action in France hands, but the offensive was far from over.
On 8 November 1944, the Panthers went into combat
for the first time attacking Moyenvic and Vic-sur-Seille. Bloody Morville-les-Vic
Unfortunately they would go into battle without their com- The next day, the 761st continued its assault toward Vic-
manding officer. Lt. Colonel Paul L. Bates was injured at sur-Seille, Moyenvic, and Morville-les-Vic. Several tanks
the outset of the battle. With Bates evacuated for medical were lost early in the advance, but the Panthers were able
treatment, command of the Battalion fell to the incapable to destroy an observation team which had been directing
Major Charles Wingo. A staunch racist, he had no faith fire onto the unit. Snow would soon hamper the offensive,
and the layered German defences ultimately pushed the
Black Panthers - Map 1 Panthers back after a see-saw engagement. Meanwhile, Dog

43
 Company’s light tanks were supporting the infantry advance After successfully engaging enemy armour during the charge
from the heights outside of town. At one point, Sergeant into Guebling on 17 November, the assault resumed on 19
Crecy’s Stuart bogged down in the soft terrain. Witnessing November with a move east towards the nearby village of
the carnage around him, Crecy stopped work on the tank to Bougaltroff. By this point, Rivers wound had become gangre-
man his tank’s turret deck .30 calibre machine gun to cover nous, but he refused treatment and stayed on the line in the
the infantry as they withdrew. face of withering anti-tank fire. Ignoring repeated withdrawal
orders Rivers and one other tank, commanded by Sergeant
Charlie Company was decimated when they found them-
James, identified the source of the anti-tank fire, exited cover,
selves hemmed in by an impassible anti-tank ditch backed
and concentrated 76mm cannon fire on the German tanks
by hidden pillboxes and anti-tank teams. The Panthers lost
and Panzerjäger tank-hunters. Their accurate fire allowed
seven tanks in quick succession to German fire with a total
the other tanks and infantry to escape the German ambush.
of ten men losing their lives. Later analysis showed that the
Ultimately the Germans zeroed in on Rivers’ tank, and his
American forces had been poorly briefed on the German
Sherman was hit by two rounds. Ruben Rivers was killed
anti-tank defences in the area leading to the 761st falling into
along with several other members of the crew.
an obvious German trap unprepared.
Enraged by the loss of their comrades, the Panthers took
By the time reinforcements from the Headquarters Company
out their aggression on the enemy with a vengeance. Ruben
arrived with their 105mm assault guns and 81mm mortars,
Rivers’ original tank crew returned to the fray and ultimately
Charlie Company had nearly been annihilated. Spotter
destroyed two enemy tanks from 113. Panzerbrigade with
planes also recorded an additional 30 vehicles and 200
one round each at a range of over 1500 yards. Once the im-
infantry enroute to the battlefield. First Lieutenant Charles
mediate action had finished, Able Company withdrew and
‘Pop’ Gates directed the 105mm assault guns to engage the
was forced to regroup at Marimont, northeast of Guebling,
incoming infantry with indirect fire. The accurate fire of
where the remaining tanks were repaired by the Battalion
the assault guns, perfected at Camp Hood, virtually wiped
maintenance section.
out the enemy column and allowed the survivors of Charlie
Company to withdraw. As night fell, the 761st were ordered
back, but the town of Morville-les-Vic had been secured. Honskirch
As with several previous assaults, at Honskirch the 761st once
Guebling, Bougaltroff, and Ruben again fell prey to poor intelligence, leadership, and a near
casual disregard for the unit at the divisional level. Lieutenant
Rivers
Gates could clearly see layered German anti-tank defences
After regrouping, the 761st continued on through several around their objective, but his analysis was overruled by
French towns including Obreck and Chateau Voue. Able a white infantry colonel with no combat experience. As
Company spearheaded the advance, led by Platoon Sergeant Charlie Company advanced toward Honskirch the last tank
Ruben Rivers. Rivers bravery in combat was legendary. in the column was hit by pinpoint German anti-tank fire,
When Able Company was selected to lead an attack against trapping the rest of the armour. One by one, the Germans
Guebling on 16 November, Rivers was in the lead tank. The destroyed five of the leading tanks in the formation in quick
assault passed over ground which had seen a previous failed succession.
assault by elements of the 4th Armored Division.
Gates was seriously wounded in the attack, and his driver
As the assault neared Guebling, Ruber Rivers’ tank hit a was killed. On one of his frequent visits to the front, General
double teller mine which flipped the tank and destroyed the Patton asked Gates why his unit had lost so many tanks in
right track and volute system. The explosion severely gashed such a short period of time, and Gates related the incident
Rivers’ leg effectively amputating his kneecap. Rivers refused to the General. Patton made a habit of holding his officers
morphine and all but basic medical treatment. Ignoring accountable for their failures, and when performing this
orders to evacuate to the rear, Rivers commandeered another duty he tended to be more colour-blind than the average
tank and returned to action despite the fact that the crack staff officer. Within two weeks, the colonel who had ordered
4th Armored division had lost 30 tanks engaging the targets the ill-advised attack on Honskirch was on a boat back to
ahead. the United States.

44
 BLACK PANTHERS TANK COMPANY
The Battle of the Bulge Over the next several days, the 761st fought alongside the
In early December the 761st Tank Battalion strongly con- paratroopers to take Gouvy, Haubillan, and moved toward
tributed to the reduction of the German-held Maginot Line Saint Vith. The continuous armoured assaults had choked
defences, and by 14 December had entered Germany itself. off all of the key supply arteries for the German offensive
On Christmas Eve the Battalion was assembling to strike effectively ending the German advance. Major General
the Siegfried Line near Saarbrücken and Zweibrücken, but William M. Miley, commanding general of the 17th Airborne
this offensive would have to wait as Hitler had launched division, deeply appreciated the support the 761st had
his Ardennes Offensive. With their Christmas Turkeys only provided during the Battle of the Bulge stating, “During
half-baked, the 761st was ordered north as a part of Patton’s the Ardennes operation we had very little armoured unit
‘90 Degree Turn’ to attack the southern flank of the Bulge. support, but of that we had, the 761st was by far the most
It took the Battalion several days to reach the front, but by effective and helpful.”
New Year’s Eve they were in action again with the 761st in
its familiar place spearheading the infantry advance toward Breaking the Siegfried Line
Bastogne. Badly depleted and with no replacements trained in the
States, the 761st drew men from all specializations to fill their
Knowing their offensive had been blunted, the Germans
ranks, many taking reductions in grade to serve with the
began to withdraw toward Tillet, Belgium (12 km west
unit. February 1945 also saw the return of the unit’s beloved
of Bastogne) behind an interlocking defensive system
commander, Lt. Colonel Bates. On 21 March, ‘Task Force
supported by 15. Panzergrenadierdivision to protect vital
Rhine’ was formed from most of the 761st Tank Battalion
supply lines. The inexperienced soldiers of the 87th Infantry
(minus Charlie Company), elements of the 409th Infantry
Division suffered severe casualties in their efforts to take the
Regiments, engineers, and a reconnaissance platoon from
town. The 761st was committed as a whole to the battle with
the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion. Charlie Company was
each company fiercely engaged. Able Company engaged
dispersed by platoon and attached to the elements of the
enemy anti-tank defences, knocking out an 88mm gun and
409th and 411th Infantry Regiments.
a Panzerjäger. The Dog Company’s ‘Mosquito Fleet’ of light
tanks raided enemy mortar positions and supply depots near Task Force Rhine first assaulted Reisdorf smashing through
Gerimont killing 50 Germans and capturing ten. the town and reducing the pillboxes north of the town to
rubble. By 22 March, Task Force Rhine had reached Silz.
Facing overwhelming enemy fire in a direct assault, Charlie
As the German defences crumbled, the pace of the advance
Company knocked out eight machine gun emplacements,
increased. Faced with the full fury of Task Force Rhine,
one tank, an ammo dump, and three antitank guns. During
many Germans simply began to surrender. Those that didn’t
the assault, Staff Sergeant Moses Dade continued to lead his
were eliminated when the Task Force systematically cleared
platoon even after the top of his turret had been blasted off by
Klingenmunster on 23 March. Task Force Rhine had opened
an anti-tank round. Platoon leader Staff Sergeant Cochrane,
a clear path to the plains behind the Siegfried Line for the
also took three anti-tank round hits that day, but Cochrane
14th Armored Division which pushed on to the Rhine.
continued to fight and lead the advance in his battered tank.
Black Panthers - Map 2

45
 The Battalion’s stampede across the Siegfried Line defences
was nothing short of spectacular. Without the benefit of 761st Tank Battalion Attachments
substantial Allied artillery support, the Black Panthers had During their fighting in France, Belgium, and Germany
simply smashed the enemy. Between 20 and 23 March, the the Black Panthers were attached a number of different
761st had taken or destroyed seven towns. Over 400 enemy divisions.
vehicles and 80 heavy weapons were knocked out. All told,
US Third Army: 5 October 1944
they inflicted over 4000 casualties on the Germans and
engaged and defeated elements of 14 enemy divisions. At the 26th Infantry Division: 29 October to 12 December 1944
end of the line in Klingenmunster, the Panthers discovered
87th Infantry Division: 20 to 23 December 1944, 1 to 15
one of the dark sides of the Third Reich when they liberated
January 1945
a slave labour camp freeing over 1000 people from bondage.
17th Airborne Division: 15 to 27 January 1945
Mopping Up 87th Infantry Division: 26 January to 1 February 1945
On 30 March 1945, the 761 crossed the Rhine River
st
17th Armored Group:
destined for Langenselbold, Germany, some 132 miles
distant. By this time the German war machine was crum- US Ninth Army:
bling on all fronts. Upon arrival they were assigned to 95th Infantry Division: 2 to 13 February 1945
mopping up exercises and completely encircled the 6th SS
Mountain Division Nord. Determined not to surrender, the 79th Infantry Division: 20 February to 1 March 1945
SS Division attempted a breakout on 2 April, but by 4 April US Seventh Army:
the entire division had been eliminated, with its members
either killed, captured, or on the run. 103rd Infantry Division: 10 to 28 March 1945
The rout continued as the 761st began a drive across the US Third Army:
remnants of the Third Reich which saw it dash across 71st Infantry Division: 28 March to 10 May 1945
Bavaria and eventually cross the Danube River on 28 April
1945. Once across the Danube, the 761st captured the several villages along the Salzburg-Vienna Highway. On 5
town of Straubing and came face to face with the horrors May, the Battalion received the following historic order:
of the Holocaust for the first time when they discovered the “You will advance to the Enns River and you will wait there
outlying satellite of a concentration camp. Captain John D. for the Russians!” On 6 May the Soviets arrived and combat
Long commanding Baker Company perhaps best summed operations for the 761st Tank Battalion effectively ended.
up the feelings of the 761st after encountering the camps:
The Battalion amassed an impressive record during their time
“From this incident on, Jerry was no longer an impersonal in the European Theatre of Operations. Travelling nearly
foe. The Germans were monsters! I have never found any 2200 combat and 500 non-combat miles, they captured or
way to find an excuse for them or any man who would do aided in the capture of over 30 towns, four airfields, and
to people what I saw when we opened the gate to that camp several branch concentration camps. They inflicted almost
and two others. We had just mopped them up before, but we 130,000 casualties on the enemy including over 450 wheeled
stomped the shit out of them after the camps.” vehicles, 34 tanks, 87 antitank guns, 27 artillery pieces, 58
On 2 May, 761st reached the Austrian border. Even though pillboxes, and scores of machine gun nests. The cost to the
gasoline was officially rationed, the Panthers scrounged 761st was high, losing 33 tanks to antitank fire, 19 to mines,
enough gas to continue the offensive. Carefully negotiating eight to Panzerfaust and Panzerschreck, seven to artillery, and
the narrow track across the top of the dam at Egelfing, the four to enemy tanks. The Battalion suffered 201 non-combat
Battalion’s tanks made their way into Austria one by one with casualties and 304 combat casualties including 34 killed in
the last one arriving on 4 May. Immediately going on the action. The unit received a long overdue Presidential Unit
offensive, the 761st and their accompanying infantry took Citation in 1978.

46
 BLACK PANTHERS TANK COMPANY
761ST TANK BATTALION SPECIAL RULES
A 761st Tank Battalion Tank Company uses all the US special Well-Drilled
rules on pages 236 to 240 of the rulebook. In addition they
Upon arrival in the ETO, the 761st Tank Battalion was
also use the special rules below.
arguably the best-trained tank unit in the American military
Superior Fire Control (Lord knows they’d had enough time to train!). Their ability
The Assault Gun Platoon of the 761st Tank Battalion was to out-manoeuvre and out-fight other tank units and even
legendary for its accuracy. They were often known to range in tank destroyer units in manoeuvres is well-documented. Their
on a target with the first round and destroy it with the second 105mm battery simply didn’t miss and ranged-in on a target
round. Because of their aptitude, they received several extra in one round. The members of the unit were expert drivers
weeks of training with all available ammunition types before and could not only cross terrain other tankers feared to tread,
departing for the ETO. if they did bog down, they generally extracted themselves
quickly. Unfortunately higher command frequently put the
Sherman Assault Gun Platoons from the 761st Tank 761st in harm’s way (often unreasonably so), and their casual-
Battalion may re-roll their first attempt to range in on a ties were high.
target.
Teams from a Fearless Trained 761st Tank Battalion Tank
“I see ‘em. We’ll fight ‘em.” Company’s HQ, Combat Platoons, and Weapons Platoons
pass all Skill Tests on a result of 3+. In addition, when
Not only was every member of the 761st cross-trained in all firing Bombardments, they roll to hit as though they were
tank crew positions, but the initial lack of strong senior leader- rated as Veteran.
ship led to each member of the 761st being able to take over in
a pinch. On numerous occasions even junior NCO’s who lost
their tank would commandeer the tank of a senior NCO if they
believed they had superior tactical knowledge of the situation.
Even after being severely wounded in the leg when his tank was
destroyed by enemy fire, Ruben Rivers commandeered a new
tank, saying “I see ‘em. We’ll fight ‘em.” He continued to fight
on for several days before being killed in action.

Tank Platoons, Light Tank Platoons, and Sherman Assault

Gun Platoons belonging to the 761st Tank Battalion use the
German Mission Tactics special rules (see page 242 of the
rulebook).

17TH AIRBORNE DIVISION SPECIAL RULES

Parachute and Glider Rifle Platoons supporting a 761st Tank
Battalion company are from the 17th Airborne Division and Parachute and Glider Rifle Platoons with a Command
use the normal US special rules (see pages 236 to 240 of the team may attempt a Thunder from Heaven move at the
rulebook). In addition, they use the Thunder from Heaven start of the Shooting Step instead of shooting. If a platoon
rule below (instead of the Master Sergeant rule used by 101st attempts to make this move, it may not shoot even if it fails
Airborne Division). to make the move.
Roll a Skill Test for each platoon:
Thunder from Heaven • If the test is successful, the platoon may move another
The US paratrooper is renowned for taking his objective 4”/10cm,
like a thunderclap. With total surprise, the Golden Talons • Otherwise the platoon cannot move this step.
strike at the enemy and seize the battlefield from their
bewildered foe. All normal rules apply for this movement. A Platoon cannot
make this move if it is Pinned Down or has moved At the
Double. Bogged Down gun teams cannot make this move.

47
 761st Tank Battalion ‘Black Panthers’

LIGHT TANK COMPANY Tank Company

HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
box shaded grey.
Your Company HQ must be either Trained (marked  ), or Veteran (marked  ). All other
platoons marked with either of these symbols must be the same symbol as your Company HQ.
761st Light Tank
49

Company HQ

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

WEAPONS PLATOONS

ARMOUR ARTILLERY
ARMOUR ARTILLERY

761st Armored Mortar

761st Light Tank Platoon
52
49

Platoon Corps Tank Destroyer Field Artillery Battery

13
13
Platoon

2
0
Towed Tank Destroyer Glider Field Artillery

12
13
ARMOUR ARMOUR Platoon Battery

3
1
Parachute Field

11
Artillery Battery

7
INFANTRY
Chemical Mortar

87
761st Assault Gun Platoon
761st Light Tank Platoon
53
49

Platoon
Cannon Platoon

85
Rifle Platoon 81
ARMOUR ARMOUR
Engineer Combat
91

Platoon RECONNAISSANCE

Parachute Rifle Platoon

11
5

761 Tank Platoon

st
51

761st Light Tank Platoon

49

Glider Rifle Platoon

12

Cavalry Recon Platoon

1

97
Airborne Engineer Intelligence & Recon
11

ARMOUR Combat Platoon

9

84
Platoon

INFANTRY ANTI-AIRCRAFT
761st Tank Platoon
51

Rifle Platoon
81

RECONNAISSANCE Anti-aircraft Artillery

13

(Self-propelled) Platoon
8

Parachute Rifle Platoon

11

Anti-aircraft Artillery
5

13

Platoon
7

Glider Rifle Platoon

12
1

761st Recon Platoon Heavy Anti-aircraft

53

13

Artillery Platoon
8

ARTILLERY
AIR SUPPORT

Field Artillery Battery

13
2

Air Support
13

Field Artillery Battery

9
13

(155mm)
3

Glider Field Artillery

12

Battery AOP
3

Parachute Field
11

Artillery Battery
7

Air Observation Post

13
9

48
 BLACK PANTHERS TANK COMPANY
Motivation and Skill Up to January After January
During the Saar and Ardennes Campaigns the 761st 1945 1945
Tank Battalion is rated Fearless Trained. RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
CONFIDENT TRAINED CONFIDENT TRAINED
After the Battle of the Bulge, the 761st Tank Battalion is
FEARLESS VETERAN FEARLESS VETERAN
rated Fearless Veteran.

HEADQUARTERS
761st Light Tank Company HQ Captain
Headquarters Captain Sergeant

Company HQ with:
2 M5A1 Stuart 110 points 120 points
Company Command 2iC Command
1 M5A1 Stuart 55 points 60 points M5A1 Stuart M5A1 Stuart
Company HQ Recovery
Options Section
• Add M31 TRV for +10 points or M32 TRV for 761st light Tank Company hq
+15 points.
• Fit any or all tanks with Improvised Armour for
+5 points per tank.

While the 761st would often have to deal with the indif- company was the first African-American to ever command a
ference and even occasional incompetence of more senior tank company, and Captain James T. Baker who command-
officers, the African-American Company commanders served ed Able Company and was decorated with the Bronze Star
with distinction. Men like Captain Irvin McHenry who and Purple Heart.
commanded both Charlie company and the Headquarters

COMBAT PLATOONS
761st Light Tank Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant

5 M5A1 Stuart 275 points 295 points

4 M5A1 Stuart 220 points 235 points
Command M5A1 Stuart
3 M5A1 Stuart 165 points 175 points

Options
Sergeant Sergeant
• Fit up to half of the platoon’s tanks with Hedgerow
Cutters for +5 points for the platoon.
• Fit up to half of the platoon’s tanks with Improvised M5A1 Stuart M5A1 Stuart
Armour for +5 points per tank.

The 761’s “Mosquito Fleet” of Stuart light tanks formed

M5A1 Stuart M5A1 Stuart
Dog Company under Captain Richard W. English. Though
largely obsolete by the time they were deployed to Europe, Tank Section Tank Section

the 761st none the less made good use of these little vehicles 761st Light Tank Platoon
in a variety of roles including infantry support, reconnais-
sance, and even as supply vehicles during the Battle of the
Bulge!

49
 761st Tank Battalion ‘Black Panthers’

TANK COMPANY Tank Company

HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
box shaded grey.
Your Company HQ must be either Trained (marked  ), or Veteran (marked  ). All other
platoons marked with either of these symbols must be the same symbol as your Company HQ.
761st Tank Company
51

HQ

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

WEAPONS PLATOONS

ARMOUR ARTILLERY
ARMOUR ARTILLERY

761st Armored Mortar

761st Tank Platoon
52
51

Platoon Corps Tank Destroyer Field Artillery Battery

13
13
Platoon

2
0
Towed Tank Destroyer Glider Field Artillery

12
13
ARMOUR ARMOUR Platoon Battery

3
1
Parachute Field

11
Artillery Battery

7
INFANTRY
Chemical Mortar

87
761st Assault Gun Platoon
761st Tank Platoon
53
51

Platoon
Cannon Platoon

85
Rifle Platoon 81
ARMOUR ARMOUR
Engineer Combat
91

Platoon RECONNAISSANCE

Parachute Rifle Platoon

11
5

761 Light Tank Platoon

st
49

761st Tank Platoon

51

Glider Rifle Platoon

12

Cavalry Recon Platoon

1

97
761st Dismounted Tank Airborne Engineer
52

Crew Platoon Intelligence & Recon

11

ARMOUR Combat Platoon

9

84
Platoon

INFANTRY ANTI-AIRCRAFT
761 Light Tank Platoon
st
49

Rifle Platoon
81

RECONNAISSANCE Anti-aircraft Artillery

13

(Self-propelled) Platoon
8

Parachute Rifle Platoon

11

Anti-aircraft Artillery
5

13

Platoon
7

Glider Rifle Platoon

12

Heavy Anti-aircraft
1

761st Recon Platoon

53

13

Artillery Platoon
8

ARTILLERY
AIR SUPPORT

Field Artillery Battery

13
2

Air Support
13

Field Artillery Battery

9
13

(155mm)
3

Glider Field Artillery

12

Battery AOP
3

Parachute Field
11

Artillery Battery
7

Air Observation Post

13
9

50
 BLACK PANTHERS TANK COMPANY
Motivation and Skill Up to January After January
During the Saar and Ardennes Campaigns the 761st 1945 1945
Tank Battalion is rated Fearless Trained. RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
CONFIDENT TRAINED CONFIDENT TRAINED
After the Battle of the Bulge, the 761st Tank Battalion is
FEARLESS VETERAN FEARLESS VETERAN
rated Fearless Veteran.

HEADQUARTERS
761st Tank Company HQ Captain
Headquarters Captain Sergeant

Company HQ with:
2 M4A3 (76mm) 300 points 320 points
Company Command 2iC Command TRV recovery
1 M4A3 (76mm) 150 points 160 points Sherman Sherman vehicle
Company HQ Recovery
Replace up to two M4A3 (76mm) tank with (per tank): Section
M4A3E8 Easy Eight - +10 points 761st Tank Company HQ
Replace up to two M4A3 (76mm) tank with (per tank): Options
M4A1 or M4A4 -60 points -65 points • Add M31 TRV for +10 points or M32 TRV for
+15 points.
Replace up to two M4A3 (76mm) tank with (per tank):
• Fit any or all tanks with Improvised Armour for
M4A1 (76mm) -5 points -5 points +5 points per tank.
Replace up to two M4A3 (76mm) tank with (per tank):
M4A3 (late) - -40 points

COMBAT PLATOONS
761st Tank Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant

5 M4A3 (76mm) 735 points 800 points

4 M4A3 (76mm) 580 points 640 points
Command Sherman
3 M4A3 (76mm) 435 points 480 points

Replace up to two M4A3 (76mm) tank with (per tank):

Sergeant Sergeant
M4A1 or M4A4 -60 points -65 points

Replace up to two M4A3 (76mm) tank with (per tank):

Sherman Sherman
M4A1 (76mm) -5 points -5 points

Replace up to two M4A3 (76mm) tank with (per tank):

Sherman Sherman
M4A3 (late) - -40 points
Tank Section Tank Section
Replace up to one M4A3 (76mm) tank with: 761st Tank Platoon
M4A3E2 Jumbo - +15 points

Option
• Fit any or all tanks with Improvised Armour for
+5 points per tank.

Because of the relatively late arrival into the ETO, the 761st which had been utilised in the Normandy breakout. The
was equipped with some of the most recent tanks off of the 761st fielded three companies of Sherman tanks: Able, Baker,
assembly line – including a large proportion of 76mm armed and Charlie. As the conflict in Europe dragged on, the unit
Sherman tanks. Ironically this meant that the African- was equipped with a variety of Sherman variants including
American Battalion was better equipped than the forces the stout “Jumbo.”

51
 761st Dismounted Lieutenant
Tank Crew Platoon Lieutenant

Platoon
Command SMG team
HQ Section with:
2 SMG Sections 105 points 105 points
Sergeant Sergeant

A 761st Dismounted Tank

FEARLESS TRAINED
Crew Platoon is rated SMG team SMG team SMG team SMG team
Fearless Trained. SMG Squad SMG Squad

761st Dismounted Tank Crew platoon

No Fear of Tanks On occasion the tank crews of the Black Panthers fought
Dismounted tank crews fighting as infantry are well on foot when not enough replacement tanks were available.
aware of the limitations of a tank, giving them more 1st Sgt. Samuel C. Turley and 2nd Lt. Kenneth W. Coleman
confidence when it comes to assaulting them. both received Silver Stars after they were killed by enemy fire
while leading crews from disabled tanks in holding off an
761st Dismounted Tank Crew Platoons ignore both the
enemy attack.
Tank Terror rule on page 143 of the rulebook and the Must
Test if Assaulted by Tanks rule on page 162 of the rulebook.
761st Dismounted Tank Crew Platoons don’t use the Well-
drilled special rule.

WEAPONS PLATOONS
761st Armored Mortar Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant

HQ Section with
3 M4 81mm MMC 115 points 125 points Command Carbine team M2 half-track with .50cal AA MG
2 M4 81mm MMC 85 points 90 points

Option Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant

• Arm any or all M4 81mm MMC half-tracks with
.50 cal AA MG for +5 points per half-track.
M4 81mm MMC M4 81mm MMC M4 81mm MMC
half-track half-track half-track
Nominally attached to the 761st Battalion’s Headquarters
Mortar Mortar Mortar
company, the armored mortar platoon represents an ideal
Section Section Section
support weapon to screen the battalion and attack enemy
anti-tank gun positions and infantry. 761st Armored Mortar Platoon

52
 BLACK PANTHERS TANK COMPANY
761st Assault Gun Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant Sergeant

6 M4A3 (105mm) 435 points 470 points

3 M4A3 (105mm) 215 points 235 points
Command M4A3 (105) M4A3 (105)
2 M4A3 (105mm) 145 points 155 points

Options
• Replace up to three M4A3 (105mm) tanks with M4A3 (105) M4A3 (105)
M4A1 (105mm) tanks for -5 points per tank.
• Fit up to half of the platoon’s tanks with Hedgerow
Cutters for +5 points for the platoon. M4A3 (105) M4A3 (105)
HQ Section Gun Section
The assault gun platoon of the 761st Battalion, originally 761st Assault Gun Platoon
under Captain Charles A. Gates, was legendary for its
accuracy with the 105mm armed Sherman. The platoon was so good that they were allowed to continue to work for
first distinguished itself at Camp Hood and quickly gained weeks with a wide variety of ammunition to further hone
a reputation for being able to zero in on a target with the their skills.
first volley and destroy it with the second. Their performance

761st Recon Platoon Lieutenant

Platoon Lieutenant

HQ Section with:
2 Recon Sections 95 points 110 points
1 Recon Section 65 points 80 points

Options
Sergeant Sergeant
• Add a Bazooka team for +15 points
• Add a Bazooka team for +20 points.
• Arm any or all Jeep teams with an AA MG for
+5 points per jeep team. Recon Section Recon Section

761st Recon Platoon

761st Recon Platoons are Reconnaissance Platoons. The small size of the Recon Platoon gives it a low profile so
it can sniff out enemy ambushes.

53
 29 th
Infantry
Division
The US 29th Infantry Division’s brave actions on D-Day, 6 June 1944, are well known. This group of country boys, mostly
from rural Virginia and Maryland, spearheaded the greatest amphibious operation ever attempted. Their story is compelling.
They were truly a group of Citizen Soldiers, drawn from the National Guard to supplement the small professional US
Army. They led the assault on the beaches of Normandy, pushed inland through the tough battles of St. Lô, and fought
into Brittany where the division helped capture the port city of Brest. Moving east, the division prepared for the assault into
Germany itself.

In September 1944, the 29th Infantry Division was shipped operations. Building on actions in St. Lô and Brest, the
east to help with the drive towards Germany. By this time, soldiers found that fighting from house-to-house was very
the Allies were re-grouping for what was believed to be the dangerous on the attack, and prone to being surrounded on
final push for Germany itself. Initially the 29th would be the defence. Communications and artillery were key and
placed in a defensive position to support other units, but it every attempt was made to provide equipment and plans for
would not be long before they would take part in the final calling in mortar fire and other assets for support. During
push into the German heartland. this period, the 29th cemented its reputation as tough-mind-
ed assault troops.
The Siegfried Line
The Battle of Aachen marked the first major battle within
Roer Operations
Germany itself. The enemy resisted fiercely and the battle In the beginning of November, the division held positions
raged all through October. The 29th ID provided crucial northeast of Aachen and prepared for switching to the offen-
flank protection for the US forces involved in engaging the sive. With the 2nd Armored Division on the left and the 30th
183rd Volksgrenadier Division and keeping it from reinforc- Infantry Division on the right, a program of training and
ing the embattled German forces at Aachen. coordination was fully underway, as the division shared the
bitter lessons it learned at St. Lo, Vire, and Brest.
The division also put pressure on the German Siegfried Line,
a string of fortifications along the frontier of Germany. The On 16 November, the division switched to the offensive and
ultimate goal of the Allies was to sever this defensive system attacked towards Jülich. With clear and pleasant weather,
of tank traps and bunkers, and open the path to the heart of the 115th and 116th Infantry Regiments attacked toward
Germany. Setterich. Fierce resistance was encountered, but the bat-
tle-hardened division moved forward relentlessly. The 747th
On 2 October, 1st and 3rd Battalions of the 115th Infantry
Tank Battalion continued to support the infantry through-
Regiment attacked Hatterath and Kreuzrath, achieving their
out the attack, providing crucial heavy fire support against
objectives with the help of the 747th Tank Battalion. Close
tanks and fortified positions along the way. Attacks contin-
co-ordination was required to effectively attack the dogged
ued until the division claimed the town of Aldenhoven, with
German resistance.
the next target being the fortress city of Jülich.
By early October, the Birgden-Kreuzrath area was finally
Earlier in the battle, captured documents revealed the
cleared. At this point, the 115th Regiment settled down for a
German defence plan of Jülich. They intended to hold three
period of active patrols and reconnaissance.
small villages to the northwest, west and southwest of the
Throughout the month, the 29th ID learned more valuable city. These villages were on the on the left bank of the Roer,
lessons in urban warfare that would serve them well in future with most of Jülich on the right bank. The 29th attacked these

54
 29TH INFANTRY DIVISION
villages, Koslar, Bourheim, and Kirchberg, in order to break Holding the Flank
the German defence. Continued coordination with artillery,
tanks, tank destroyers, infantry, and air support was key On 20 December, the 29th switched to defence, due to the
to the battle, as the enemy resisted violently, fighting from recent outbreak of the German Ardennes Offensive, code-
house-to-house. By the end of 28 November, the division named Wacht am Rhein. The 29th guarded the flank during
was in possession all three towns and paused to regroup for the Battle of the Bulge. They established a defensive position
its assault across the Roer. in-depth, incorporating all of the valuable lessons learned
following D-Day. They knew what did and what did not
The 116th and 175th infantry regiments started off December work when facing a prepared enemy. Now, those bitterly
in contact with the last remaining German elements on the learned lessons – interlocking fields of fire, front line and
west bank of the Roer. Defeating this enemy force was of fall-back positions, establishment of rally-points, communi-
prime importance, as it had to be dislodged before the final cations design, and more – would be put into practice for the
assault to capture Jülich. The attack was complicated by Americans’ advantage. Positions were set, trenches were dug,
open areas and a commanding view of them from enemy and wire laid by the Signal Corps - even the tanks and tank
positions on the east bank. destroyers were provided with dug-in defensive positions,
1st Battalion, 116th, led the attack. Following the first day’s should an attack occur.
relatively easy advance, progress was slowed by minefields This defensive posture was maintained throughout January.
and concentrated artillery fire. After regrouping, the Patrols and raids were carried out across the river in an effort
regiment renewed the assault with heavy artillery and air to maintain contact with the enemy and keep him on his
support. This attack gained some ground, but eventually the toes. These operations were greatly hindered by the unbe-
115th was called up from reserve to relieve the worn-down lievably cold, damp, and snowy weather and were generally
116th. After very tough fighting, the west bank of the Roer not successful.
was completely secured.
Continued on page 63...

THE DRIVE TO THE ROER

Waldenrath
Key
Brachelen US Attacks
Birgden Hoven
Leiffarth Lindern German Main Line of Resistance,
Tripsrath Nürm Morning 16 Nov
Hatterath Müllendorf
German Positions at end of
Beeck
Operation, 9 Dec
LINNICH
Süggerath
German Pillboxes
Bauchem Prummern
GEILENKIRCHEN Roerdorf
Gereonsweiler Weiz 0 Miles 2 4
Fiessdorf
Apweiler 0 Metres 2 4 6
Teveren Immendorf
Ederen Barmen
Wourichen
n
Floverich Puffendorf
Merzenhausen
Loverich
Freialdenhoven
Palenberg Beggendorf Koslar
Setterich Jülich
Übach
Netherlands Röttgen Engelsdorf see page 63

Baesweiler
Dürboslar
Bourheim

Germany Oidtweiler
Siersdorf Aldenhoven Kirchberg

Bettendorf
Schleiden
Alsdorf Niedermerz Pattern
Schaufenberg Erberich Altdorf
Hongen Obermerz

Pier
Fronhoven Lohn Inden
Warden
Lürken
Lamersdorf
Kinzweiler Lucherberg
Euchen
Hehirath Dürwiss Frenz
Broichweiden
Netherlands Luchem
Weisweiler
WÜRSELEN Röhe
Belgium
Germany ESCHWEILER
Langerwehe

France Lux.

55
 RIFLE COMPANY 29th Infantry Division
(Infantry Company)
HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS
You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
box shaded grey.
Your Support Platoons must be Veteran (marked  ,   , and 4 ). All platoons marked with
29th Rifle Company HQ these symbols must be from the Veteran option.
57

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

WEAPONS PLATOONS

INFANTRY MACHINE-GUNS
ARMOUR ARTILLERY

29th Machine-gun
58

29 Rifle Platoon Platoon Field Artillery Battery

13
th
57

2
Tank Platoon

29
MACHINE-GUNS
Flail Tank Platoon

61
INFANTRY ARTILLERY

29th Machine-gun ARMOUR

58

Platoon
Field Artillery Battery

13
2
29th Rifle Platoon
57

ARTILLERY Chemical Mortar

87
Platoon
INFANTRY Sherman Crocodile
Platoon 62
Corps Tank Destroyer ARTILLERY
13

Platoon
0

29th Mortar Platoon

59

29th Rifle Platoon

57

RECONNAISSANCE
INFANTRY Field Artillery Battery

13
2
MACHINE-GUNS & Field Artillery Battery

13
(155)

3
ARTILLERY
Cavalry Recon Platoon
97

29th Ammunition &

59

Pioneer Platoon
AIRCRAFT
INFANTRY
29th Weapons Platoon ANTI-TANK
58

Air Support
13
9

29th Anti-tank Platoon Engineer Combat

60

91

Platoon
REGIMENTAL SUPPORT PLATOONS

ANTI-TANK AOP
29th Truck Section
62

ANTI-AIRCRAFT Air Observation Post

13

29th Anti-tank Platoon

9
60

RECONNAISSANCE

Anti-aircraft Artillery
13

Platoon
7

29 Intelligence &
th
Anti-aircraft Artillery
60

13

Recon Platoon (Self-propelled) Platoon

8

ARTILLERY

29th Cannon Platoon

61

Assault Gun Platoon

35

Armored Mortar
30

Platoon

56
 29TH INFANTERY DIVISION RIFLE COMPANY
Motivation and Skill 29th Infantry
The 29’ers have been in combat since D-Day, 6 June 1944. They stormed and broke Division
Hitler’s Atlantik Wall, smashed open Fortress Brest, and now they are preparing to tackle RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
the Siegfried Line—Germany’s last fortified line. A Rifle Company from the 29th Infantry CONFIDENT TRAINED
Division is rated as Confident Veteran. FEARLESS VETERAN

HEADQUARTERS
29th Rifle Company HQ
Headquarters
Company HQ 15 points

Options Company Command 2iC Command LVT-4 Amtrac

• Replace all Command Carbine teams with Command Carbine team Carbine team
SMG teams for +10 points per team. Company HQ
• Add up to three Sniper teams for +50 points per 29th Rifle Company HQ
team.
• Add an LVT-4 Amtrac for +10 points.

The 29th Infantry Division has stormed Omaha Beach, as-

If your Company HQ or any of your platoons in your Rifle saulted through bocage to take the city of St. Lô, and flat-
Company are equipped with LVT-4 Amtracs, your force tened the fortified city of Brest. Now, facing the Siegfried
becomes a Mechanised Company. Line, the 29th will ply its trade once more to open the way
to final victory.

COMBAT PLATOONS
29th Rifle Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant

HQ Section with:
Command Bazooka
3 Rifle Squads 200 points Rifle team team
2 Rifle Squads 145 points

Options Sergeant Sergeant

• Replace Command Rifle team with a Command
SMG team for +5 points.
Rifle team Rifle team Rifle team Rifle team
• Replace up to one team in any or all Rifle Squads
with a Bazooka team for +5 points per Bazooka team.
Rifle team Rifle team
• Replace all Rifle teams with Pioneer Rifle teams
Rifle Squad Rifle Squad
equipped with their normal weapons for +15 points
per Rifle Squad. Sergeant Corporal
• Add a Transport Section for +25 points.

The division’s three infantry battalions are some of the most Rifle team Rifle team
experienced and able assault formations in the US Army. They LVT-4 Amtrac
have faced and breeched Hitler’s Atlantic Wall, tore through Rifle team
the bocage country of Normandy, and reduced the fortifi-
Rifle Squad
cations of Brittany. They have learned and incorporated all
of the lessons all of the way down to each individual soldier. LVT-4 Amtrac

For the Roer crossing operations, the 29 has been assigned

th Transport Section
the 739th Tank Battalion (Mine Exploder). This unit provides 29th rifle platoon
the Blues and Greys with mine-clearing tanks and flame-
tanks. They have also provide drivers and crews equipped
with LVT-4 Amtrac amphibious transports, which will help
the 115th Regiment’s assault troops to cross the river and es-
tablish a bridgehead.

57
 29th Weapons Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant

HQ Section, Mortar Section, and:

1 Machine-gun Section with: Command
Carbine team
2 M1919 LMG 115 points
2 Machine-gun Sections with:
Sergeant Sergeant
4 M1919 LMG 155 points
3 M1919 LMG 135 points
M2 60mm mortar M1919 LMG
Option
M2 60mm M2 60mm M1919 LMG
• Add an LVT-4 Amtrac for +10 points. mortar mortar
machine-gun
Mortar Section Section
A 29th Weapons Platoon may make Combat Attachments to
29th Rifle Platoons. Corporal Sergeant

The Weapons Platoon offers the rifle company its own exclu- M1919 LMG
sive and excellent source of firepower. The 60mm mortars can
put down a bombardment to help keep the enemy pinned LVT-4 Amtrac M1919 LMG
down, while the platoon’s M1919 .30 cal light machine-guns Transport machine-gun
will provide a base of maneuver for your troops as well as see Section Section
off any enemy infantry attacks. 29th Weapons platoon
As with the riflemen, an LVT-4 has been provided to help
move the platoon across the Roer River.

WEAPONS PLATOONS
29th Machine-gun Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section with:
2 Machine-gun Sections 130 points
1 Machine-gun Section 65 points

Options
• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Machine-gun
Sections for +20 points per Bazooka team.
• Add Jeep with .50 cal AA MG and Jeeps with trailers
for +10 points for the platoon.

29th Machine-gun Platoons may make Combat Attachments

to 29th Rifle Platoons or 29th Weapons Platoons.
machine-gun machine-gun
The M1917 heavy machine-guns provide the riflemen of the Section Section
29th Infantry Division with additional firepower. 29th Machine-gun Platoon

58
 29TH INFANTERY DIVISION RIFLE COMPANY
29th Mortar Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section with:
3 Mortar Sections 155 points
2 Mortar Sections 110 points
1 Mortar Section 55 points

Options
• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Mortar Sections for
+20 points per Bazooka team.
• Add Jeep with .50 cal AA MG and Jeeps with trailers
for +10 points for the platoon.

The mortar platoon provides the rifle company with its own
integral artillery support. Their weapons will support the
infantry assault sooner and with greater accuracy than the
field artillery, making them vital for setting up and execut-
ing offensive operations. In addition to their high-explosive
rounds, they carry a large amount of smoke ammunition to
help cover advances and help the riflemen get to where they
are needed in relative safety.

29th Mortar Platoon

29th Ammunition Lieutenant

& Pioneer Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon
HQ Section with: Command Pioneer Bazooka Bazooka Pioneer Supply
Rifle team team team ¾-ton truck
3 A&P Squads 165 points
2 A&P Squads 115 points
Corporal Corporal Corporal
Options
• Add up to two Bazooka teams to the platoon for
+20 points per Bazooka team. Pioneer Rifle team Pioneer Rifle team Pioneer Rifle team

• Add Pioneer Supply ¾-ton truck for +25 points.

Pioneer Rifle team Pioneer Rifle team Pioneer Rifle team
The Ammunition & Pioneer Platoon give the company A&P Squad A&P Squad A&P Squad
engineer capabilities, allowing them to clear mines and
destroy obstacles and fortifications. 29th Ammunition & Pioneer platoon

59
 29th Anti-tank Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant

HQ Section with:
3 Gun Sections 100 points Command Jeep with
2 Gun Sections 60 points Carbine team .50 cal AA MG

Options
• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Gun Sections for Sergeant Sergeant

+20 points per Bazooka team.

• Add Jeep with .50 cal AA MG and 1 ½-ton trucks for M1 57mm gun (late) M1 57mm gun (late)
+10 points for the platoon.

The 57mm anti-tank gun is older, but it is still a lethal 1½-ton truck Bazooka team 1½-ton truck Bazooka team
weapon in the right hands. Build them into your defensive Gun Section Gun Section
lines or roll them forward to support your advance with an Sergeant
HE barrage.
M1 57mm gun (late) Bazooka team 1½-ton truck
Gun Section
29th Anti-tank platoon

REGIMENTAL SUPPORT PLATOONS

29th Intelligence Lieutenant
& Recon Platoon Lieutenant

Platoon
Command .50 cal Recon Jeep
HQ Section with:
3 I&R Squads 85 points
Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant

A 29th Intelligence & Recon Platoon is a Reconnaissance

Platoon. Recon Jeep Recon Jeep Recon Jeep
I&R Squad I&R Squad I&R Squad

Dismount 29th Intelligence & Recon platoon

Before deployment you may choose to dismount all of your The Intel and Recon boys will keep your troops informed on
jeeps. If you do this, all of the platoon’s vehicles are perma- the whereabouts of the enemy. This should make sure that
nently removed from the game. Replace each: your troops attack successfully and help your troops secure
• Recon Jeep with a Rifle or M1919 LMG team. the area.
• .50 cal Recon Jeep with a Rifle or M2 .50 cal MG team.
Designate one of the teams as the Platoon Command team.
The platoon remains a Reconnaissance Platoon.

60
 29TH INFANTERY DIVISION RIFLE COMPANY
29th Cannon Platoon Captain
Platoon Captain

HQ Section with:
6 M3 105mm 205 points Command Jeep Observer Jeep
Carbine team Carbine team
4 M3 105mm 140 points
2 M3 105mm 75 points
Lieutenant Lieutenant
Option
• Add Jeeps and 1½-ton trucks for +5 points for the
M3 105mm light howitzer M3 105mm light howitzer
platoon.

The M3 105mm light howitzers of the cannon company 1½-ton truck 1½-ton truck
provide heavy immediate support for the riflemen. In com-
bination with the battalion’s mortars, this battery will help
shift defenders from their prepared positions. In some cases M3 105mm light howitzer M3 105mm light howitzer
you might be able to use these powerful guns on the offence,
rolling them up to knock out nests and stubborn defenders
1½-ton truck 1½-ton truck
over open sights.
Gun Section Gun Section
Lieutenant

M3 105mm light howitzer M3 105mm light howitzer

1½-ton truck 1½-ton truck

Gun Section

29th Cannon platoon

DIVISIONAL SUPPORT PLATOONS

Flail Tank Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant

5 Sherman Crabs 200 points

4 Sherman Crabs 160 points
3 Sherman Crabs 120 points Command Sherman Crab
2 Sherman Crabs 80 points

Sergeant Sergeant
The 739th Tank
Battalion (Mine RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
Exploder) is ready to CONFIDENT TRAINED
Sherman Crab Sherman Crab
test its special equipment FEARLESS VETERAN
and training in combat.
A Flail Tank Platoon is rated Confident Trained.
Sherman Crab Sherman Crab

Sherman Crab tanks from a Flail Tank Platoon are always Flail Section Flail Section
Non-assaulting teams when involved in an assault. Flail Tank Platoon

61
 Sherman Crocodile Platoon LIEUTENANT
Platoon LIEUTENANT Sergeant

4 M4 Sherman Crocodiles 280 points

3 M4 Sherman Crocodiles 210 points
Command M4 Sherman M4 Sherman Crocodile
2 M4 Sherman Crocodiles 140 points Crocodile

A Rifle Company with a Sherman Crocodile Platoon

Always Attacks (see page 257 of the rulebook). M4 Sherman Crocodile M4 Sherman Crocodile
HQ Section Tank Section

Sherman Crocodile Platoon

Fuel Trailer
M4 Sherman Crocodile tanks are not affected by the Fuel The 739th Tank Battalion
Tanks rule like normal tank flame-throwers. (Mine Exploder) is ready RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT

In addition, M4 Sherman Crocodile tanks from a Sherman to test its special equip- CONFIDENT TRAINED
Crocodile Platoon are always Non-assaulting teams when ment and training in FEARLESS VETERAN
involved in an assault. combat.
A Sherman Crocodile Platoon is rated Confident Trained.
The 739th Tank Battalion (Mine Exploder) operates the only
four M4 Sherman Crocodiles in the ETO. These were devel-
oped from the British Churchill Crocodile by adding a fuel
trailer to an M4 Sherman. British Crocodiles supported the
29th in Brittany, so they know how to work with them and
are happy to have these new weapons available to deal with
the citadel in Jülich.

29th Truck Section Corporal

Platoon Corporal

8 DUKW trucks 35 points

6 DUKW trucks 30 points
4 DUKW trucks 25 points Command DUKW truck DUKW truck
2 DUKW trucks 20 points HQ Squad

8 2½-ton trucks 30 points Tech 5 Tech 5

6 2½-ton trucks 25 points
4 2½-ton trucks 20 points
2 2½-ton trucks 15 points DUKW truck DUKW truck

Option
• Arm up to one DUKW or 2½-ton truck per Truck
Squad with a .50 cal AA MG for +5 points per vehicle. DUKW truck DUKW truck
Truck Squad Truck Squad
Tech 5

A 29th Transport Section follows the rules for Transport

Platoons found on pages 47 and 48 of the rulebook.
DUKW truck DUKW truck
While US infantry had trucks to carry or tow all of its
Truck Squad
heavy weapons, the GIs still had to march. If the corps
commander wanted the division to move faster than the 29th Truck Section
dogfaces could march, they attached a truck platoon from
the Quartermasters company.

62
 29TH INFANTERY DIVISION RIFLE COMPANY
...Continued from page 55. Final Assault into Germany
The 29th marched forward toward München Gladbach on
Battle for Jülich
1 March 1945. The advance took place at break-neck speed
February saw the division shifting from a defensive mindset and only slowed upon entering the city itself. Once again,
to an offensive one. The 29th intended to cross the Roer and the 29th used its expertise in city-fighting to clear the area.
finally take Jülich. For this operation, the division would By the end of the day, they had captured the largest German
pair up with the 30th Infantry Division, 821st Tank Destroyer city yet by Allied forces.
Battalion (SP), and the 747th Tank Battalion. The Roer was
For the rest of March, the 29th entered a period of rest,
driven to flood stage by both unusually wet weather and
training and re-fit. The division stressed lessons learned,
the Germans releasing water upstream from dams they
signal operations, discipline, live-fire exercises, physical
controlled.
fitness, urban fighting, cross-country movement, and more.
By building temporary bridges and using assault boats
In April, the 29th found itself assigned to the XVI (16th) Corps
and LVT-4 Amtrac armoured amphibious transports, the
reserve, with only the 116th Infantry Regiment assigned to
115th assaulted across the river on the night of 23 February
the front in order to help contain the Ruhr Pocket. The re-
to the south of Jülich. A huge artillery bombardment was
mainder of the division set about administering the consid-
conducted to prepare the area for the attack and engineers
erable area captured by the Allies. This meant solving traffic
started bridge construction. The Germans resisted fiercely
problems, dealing with the large number of refugees, food
and the bridge-building was greatly curtailed by incoming
and sanitation, prisoners of war, and other administrative
fire. However, the 175th pushed across the Roer on the
tasks. The war was mostly over for the 29th Infantry Division
foot bridges the engineers had managed to construct. The
and everyone else.
division established and then widened the bridgehead and
finally entered the ruined city of Jülich. The 29th fought in some of the toughest battles in the
European Theatre and provided key support throughout
On 24 February, E Company, 116th Infantry Regiment was
late 1944 and 1945. Without the efforts of these Citizen
joined by the 739th Tank Battalion and its four M4 Sherman
Soldiers, the war would have surely extracted an even heavier
Crocodile flame tanks to attack Jülich’s stongpoint, called
toll.
the Citadel, which had been constructed and re-built con-
tinuously since Roman times. It took very little time for the
flame-throwing tanks to get the Germans to withdraw, and
Jülich was secured.
After taking Jülich, the division moved northeast, encounter-
ing ever weakening resistance. With the failure of Operation
Wacht am Rhein, German resistance crumbled in front of the
29th. The push for final victory was on.
THE BATTLE FOR JÜLICH
Roe
rR
ive

the
r

CITADEL

Sportsplatz

Jülich

63
 HOLDING THE LINE

14th Cavalry Group M8 armored cars and supporting M8 Scott assault guns counterattack a Fallschirmjäger Platoon.

The ‘Damn Engineers’ of US 291st battalion prepare to destroy a bridge before a Königstiger heavy tank can cross.

64
 US Riflemen man their defences as the they are hit by another German Panther tank-led assault.

Towed and self-propelled tank destroyers lurk ready to pounce on approaching German tanks and infantry.

Forced to stay on the roads by soft ground, a German panzer column falls prey to ambushing Americans.

65
 THE BLOODY BUCKET
THE 28 INFANTRY DIVISION TH

The 28th Infantry Division was formed minds as they took up a large stretch of the line with its three
in 1941 from units of the Pennsylvania regiments, 109th, 110th, and 112th covering nearly 25 miles
Army National Guard. Pennsylvania’s (40km) long. Standard doctrine called for an infantry
moniker, the ‘Keystone state’ led to division to cover five miles at most, but since the Allies did
the division’s nickname, ‘Keystone’. not expect any enemy activity in the Ardennes, the sector
It later gained the nickname ‘Bloody was chosen as the ideal spot to rest their tired divisions.
Bucket’ division by the Germans
owing to its red keystone-shaped insignia. …And Into the Fire
The division reached France in July 1944 and fought at In the pre-dawn hours of 16 December 1944, a German
St. Lô. It pursued the Germans across France with heavy artillery bombardment woke up the Keystone men. In the
fighting along the way, under the leadership of Major north, the 116th Panzer Division launched its attack against
General Norman ‘Dutch’ Cota. The Keystone men reached the 28th’s 112th Infantry Regiment, easily overcoming the
the Siegfried Line on the German border on 11 September thinly deployed American outposts. The 112th Regiment
1944. bounced back fast, crushing two companies of panzergrena-
diers as they attempted to infiltrate at Lützkampen. However,
The 28th hammered away at the Siegfried Line until
further south 560. Volksgrenadierdivision cut through the
November when it moved north to fight in the bloody
boundary between the 112th and 110th Infantry Regiments,
battles of the Hürtgen Forest. These terrible battles went
isolating former from the division until January 1945.
back and forth, sapping the strength of the division until,
finally on the 19 November, the division was pulled out of
the line to rest.
One Regiment Versus an Army
The 110th Regiment guarded the division’s centre and was
Out of the Frying Pan… by far the hardest hit. Lined up against them were three
panzer and two infantry divisions. The Keystone men
The 28th moved south to recover from the harrowing
stubbornly held onto the vital crossings over the Our River,
battles of Hürtgen to a quiet portion of the line along the
forcing the Germans to commit their precious reserves in
Our River in the Ardennes. Spa pools and United Service
order to overrun the Americans. So stout were the American
Organizations (USO) entertainment shows, including a visit
defenders that the Germans had to send battalions to deal
from the famous Marlene Dietrich, helped ease the men’s
with companies or even platoons. Despite the resistance, the

AGAINST THE TIDE

0 Miles 2 4 6 HULDANGE
112TH INFANTRY LÜTZKAMPEN
REGIMENT, 28 ID
0 Kilometres 4 6 8 10
HOUFALLIZE 560TH VGD
Ourthe River 560TH VOLKS-
N TROIS VIERGES
GRENADIER
DIVISION
560TH VGD HEINERSCHEID
FIFTH PANZER

116TH PANZER
BERTONGE DIVISION 116TH PANZER
DIVISION
er

ARMY
Our Riv

NOVILLE
CLERF
RODER

2ND PANZER
FOY DIVISION 2ND PANZER
110TH INFANTRY DIVISION
101ST AIRBORNE ARLONCOURT REGIMENT, 28 ID
DIVISION
BIZORY 26TH VGD
26TH VOLKS- PANZER
HOSINGEN
r

GRENADIER
Rive

TASK FORCE LEHR

SNAFU, 28 ID DIVISION DIVISION
NEFFE PANZER LEHR
Clerf

DIVISION
BASTOGNE
GERMÜND
W KAUTENBACH
iltz
Riv 26TH VGD
er
WEILER
WILTZ 5TH FALL-
5TH FJD SCHIRMJÄGER
HOSCHEID DIVISION
HARLANGE
109TH INFANTRY
REGIMENT, 28 ID

5TH FJD FÜHREN

SURRÉ Sure River

66
 THE BLOODY BUCKET
Germans slowly overcame the Americans. The remnants of mitted to deal with the stubborn Keystone troops of the
the 110th infantry made their way back to the Divisional HQ 110th Infantry Regiment and an ad hoc battalion of staff
at Wiltz, with the Germans hot on their heels. clerks, cooks, and orderlies. The 110th Infantry Regiment
held the German divisions at Wiltz for 24 hours before they
The 109th Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel
were forced to withdraw toward Bastogne. As they withdrew,
James Rudder (previously of the 2nd Ranger Battalion at
they made life difficult for the pursuing Germans. In the end
Point-du-Hoc), held the southern flank against the might
the battle had cost the Germans nearly two days urgently
of the German Seventh Army. The 109th Regiment’s com-
need to reach the Meuse before US reinforcements arrived.
panies battled the paratroopers of 5. Fallschirmjägerdivision.
In the early hours of 16 December, the Germans strug- The shattered, but not destroyed, 28th Infantry withdrew
gled to overcome the American outposts, but did to the Meuse River and took up positions in the event the
not gain access to the Wiltz road until 18 December, Germans made it past Bastogne. Some elements remained
after Rudder’s men withdrew south and joined the in Bastogne, however, forming Task Force SNAFU to help
4th Infantry Division. defend the town.
In the wake of Wacht Am Rhein, the division was spent. The
Wiltz 110th Infantry Regiment alone was left with less than 600
As the 110th Infantry Regiment gave way along the Our River, men from its strength of 3256 on 15 December, and the other
the Germans were under orders to bypass Wiltz in order to regiments were nearly as bad off. Their achievements justi-
rush Bastogne and capture it as quickly as possible. However, fied the loses though, as the division held up nine German
one regiment of the 5th Fallschirmjäger ignored the order and divisions and bought enough time for the 101st Airborne
attacked Wiltz. Soon other German units were sucked into Division to get to Bastogne ahead of the Germans and deny
the vortex of battle. The rest of 5. Fallschirmjägerdivision the enemy the vital crossroads there.
and following 26. Volksgrenadierdivision had to be com-

28TH INFANTRY DIVISION SPECIAL RULE

A Rifle Company from the 28th Infantry Division uses all of the normal US special rules found in the rulebook. In addition,
they also use the At All Costs special rule.

At All Costs
With little hope of reinforcements, the thinly deployed line of the 28th Infantry Division was all that stood between the Germans
and the vital crossroads of Bastogne. The division bravely fought, buying time for the 101st Airborne Division to arrive.

All platoons of a Perimeter Outposts force start the game in Prepared Positions, even in missions that do not use the Prepared
Positions special rule. In addition, all platoons may re-roll failed attempts to Dig In.

67
 PERIMETER OUTPOST Fortified Company

You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS
box shaded grey.
Your Company HQ is from the 28th Infantry Division (marked  ). All Combat, Weapons, and
Regimental Support platoons marked with this divisional symbol must be from the same
division as your Company HQ. Support Platoons are veteran (marked   and  ). All other
Perimeter Outpost HQ Support platoons marked with any of these symbols must be from the same veteran symbols.
69

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

WEAPONS PLATOONS

INFANTRY ARTILLERY
ARMOUR OR ANTI-TANK ARTILLERY

Outpost Platoon Mortar Platoon

69

83

Tank Platoon

29
Calliope Tank Platoon

86
INFANTRY INFANTRY
Corps Tank Destroyer

13
Platoon Chemical Mortar Platoon

87
Towed Tank Destroyer

13
Platoon Field Artillery Battery

13
1
Outpost Platoon Ammunition & Pioneer

2
69

84

Platoon

13
ARMOUR Rocket Launcher Battery

6
INFANTRY
REGIMENTAL SUPPORT PLATOONS

RECONNAISSANCE ARTILLERY

Tank Platoon
29

Outpost Platoon
69

Intelligence & Recon Field Artillery Battery

13
2
Light Tank Platoon
84

31

Platoon
INFANTRY Field Artillery

13
Battery (155mm)

3
ARTILLERY OR RECONNAISSANCE Armored Field

13
ANTI-TANK
Artillery Battery

5
Outpost Platoon
69

ANTI-AIRCRAFT
Cavalry Recon Platoon
97

Cannon Platoon
85
FORTIFICATIONS

Anti-tank Platoon
83

FORTIFICATIONS INFANTRY
Anti-aircraft
13

Artillery Platoon
7

Anti-aircraft Artillery
13

(Self-propelled) Platoon
8

Outpost Fortifications Engineer Combat Platoon

91
70

AIRCRAFT
11

Parachute Rifle Platoon

5

ARTILLERY
Air Support
13
9
13

Air Observation Post

9

Field Artillery Battery

13
2

Provisional Artillery
13

Battery
4

Rocket Launcher Battery

13
6

68
 PERIMETER OUTPOST
Motivation and Skill 28th Infantry Division
The bloody battles of the Hürtgen Forest sapped the strength of the 28th Infantry Division until,
finally on the 19 November, the division was pulled out of the line to rest. However, before RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
the division was fully recovered, they were hit by the German Ardennes offensive. A Perimeter CONFIDENT TRAINED
Outpost from the 28th Infantry Division is rated Reluctant Veteran. FEARLESS VETERAN

HEADQUARTERS
Perimeter Outpost HQ First Lieutenant
Headquarters First Lieutenant

Company HQ 15 points
Company Command 2iC Command Trench Line
Options Carbine team Carbine team
• Replace all Command Carbine teams with Command Company HQ
SMG teams for +10 points per team. Perimeter Outpost HQ
• Add up to three Sniper teams for +50 points per team.

COMBAT PLATOONS
Outpost Platoon Sergeant
Platoon Sergeant

HQ Section with:
2 Rifle Squads 115 points Command Rifle Bazooka M1919 LMG Trench Line
team team
1 Rifle Squad 85 points

Options
Corporal Corporal
• Replace Command Rifle team with a Command SMG
team for +5 points.
• Replace up to one team in each Rifle Squad with a Rifle team Rifle team Rifle team Rifle team
Bazooka team for +5 points per team.
• Add M2 60mm mortar for +20 points or M2 60mm Trench Line Trench Line
Nest for +25 points. Rifle Squad Rifle Squad
• Add M1917 HMG for +25 points or HMG Nest for
+35 points. Corporal Fortifications

• Add an M1 57mm (late) gun in a Gun Pit for

+30 points or M1 57mm (late) Nest for +30 points. M2 60mm mortar Barbed Wire Entanglement

• Add up to two Barbed Wire Entanglements for

+10 points per entanglement. M1917 HMG Barbed Wire Entanglement
• Add up to one Minefield for +50 points.
• Add up to one Anti-tank Obstacle for +100 points. M1 57mm (late) gun Minefield
in Gun Pit
Weapons Section
An Outpost Platoon is a Fortified Platoon (see page 262 of Anti-tank Obstacle
the rulebook). Obstacles

Outpost platoon

69
 FORTIFICATIONS
Outpost Fortifications Fortifications
Fortifications Fortifications

4 Minefields 200 points

3 Minefields 150 points Minefield Minefield
2 Minefields 100 points

Options Minefield Minefield

• Add up to four Barbed Wire Entanglements for
+10 points per entanglement. Barbed Wire Entanglement Barbed Wire Entanglement
• Add up to two Anti-tank Obstacle for +100 points
per obstacle. Barbed Wire Entanglement Barbed Wire Entanglement

Outpost Fortifications are Area Defences (see pages 214 and

262 of the rulebook). Anti-tank Obstacle Anti-tank Obstacle
Obstacles
The rifle companies spent early December preparing their Outpost Fortifications
winter quarters in the Ardennes. They incorporated the
defences of the Siegfried Line into their defensive plan, creating
a dense network of mines, barbed wire and obstacles.

70
 PERIMETER OUTPOST
FIELDING OTHER HÜRTGEN FOREST DIVISIONS
The 4th Infantry Division When the Ardennes Offensive opened, the 4th was lucky to
The ‘Ivy’ (IV being four in Roman numerals) Division was have a much smaller portion of the line to defend, compared
activated in 1940 as the only mechanised division in the US to the 28th’s long and thin front. After the first few hours of
Army. It eventually took on the form of a regular infantry the battle, the 4th was unintentionally reinforced by the 28th’s
division, but still retained an aggressive and mobile doctrine. cut-off 109th Infantry Regiment. They put up a stern defence
and the Germans made only small gains. The Ivy Division’s
The Ivy Division was the first US division to land in France steadfast defence formed the core of the southern shoulder of
on D-Day, 6 June 1944, at Utah Beach. It then moved south the ‘Bulge’.
and relieved the 82nd Airborne Division at Sainte-Mère-
Église. After the beachheads were secure, the Ivy division
threw its weight into the breakout, working closely with the To field a Perimeter Outpost force from
2nd Armored Division during Operation Cobra. the 4th Infantry Division or another
Hürtgen infantry division, simply
After the pursuit across France, the 4th found itself on the build your force using the 28th Infantry
German frontier near Bastogne. However, it was soon moved Division symbol (marked       ), ratings,
north to fight in the harsh battles of the Hürtgen Forest. After and special rule.
the battle, the exhausted Ivy Division was relocated to the
quiet Ardennes south of the 28th’s positions to receive rein-
forcements and a little rest.

71
 INDIANHEADS
THE 2 INFANTRY DIVISION
ND

The 2nd Infantry Division was Skinning the Cat

formed in September 1917 during On the morning of 17 December, V Corps finally ordered
World War I. During that war the Robertson to withdraw. He quickly put his complicated
division’s symbol came from a truck action plan, nicknamed “Skinning the Cat”, into motion.
driver who had painted it on his The first of the two attacking regiments had to carefully
truck. His symbol was adopted by pull back through the rear battalion of the second regiment.
the division and soon they became Once that was done they set up defensive positions to allow
known as the ‘Indianheads’. the other regiment to pass through and so on until they both
reached the twin villages of Krinkelt and Rocherath held by
Normandy to the German Border the 99th Infantry. Once in the villages, the 99th would then
The division, under the command of Major General Walter pass through them to the safety of the Elsenborn Ridge,
Robertson, landed on Omaha Beach on D+1 (7 June) which dominated the area and offered an excellent defen-
1944 and immediately went to work securing the beach sive position for the US troops. The manoeuvre was fraught
and mopping up German resistance. They then moved with peril, as any error in this complex plan would turn the
inland and fought their way from Saint-Lô to Brittany. The withdrawal into a full rout, but the experienced Indianheads
tough fighting in Brittany left the 2nd Infantry an extremely executed it with perfection, reaching Krinkelt by midday.
well-organised and highly professional unit.
After Brittany, the division joined the US Army’s pursuit of Twin Villages
the Germans across France and found itself on the German While the 9th and 38th Regiments pulled back, the first of
frontier by December 1944, occupying the region south of the German attacks struck near Rocherath on 16 December.
Losheim. On 11 December the 2nd Infantry launched an The Indianheads’ third regiment, the 23rd, rushed forward
attack with the 78th Infantry Division to capture the dams to bolster the line behind the 99th Infantry Division. Just
on the Roer River. The division gave up its position on the as they reached Rocherath, the Germans struck with
line to the newly-arrived 106th Infantry Division and formed 277. Volksgrenadierdivision, but the infantrymen stood fast
up behind the 99th Infantry Division to launch its assault. with the help of the 612th and 644th Tank Destroyer Battalions
as well as the 2nd Infantry’s own 741st Tank Battalion.
Using two of the division’s three regiments, the Indianheads
attacked on a narrow frontage to smash its way through the Frustrated, the Germans committed 12. SS-Panzerdivision
Siegfried Line. The 9th and 38th Infantry Regiments had from their reserves. Under the weight of the renewed attack,
penetrated about seven miles into the German lines when the 23rd Regiment and the 99th Division were forced to
news reached Robertson that the Germans had launched a withdraw, but they had bought enough time for the other
major offensive on his exposed southern flank. Naïve orders Indianhead regiments to reach Rocherath and set up behind
arrived from V Corps to keep moving east, but the expe- them.
rienced Robertson prepared a clever, although complicated During the night of 17 December, the 2nd held the line as
plan, to withdraw of his division to safety. the 99th retreated to the Elsenborn Ridge, but some of their

72
 INDIANHEADS
BATTLE OF THE TWIN VILLAGES
T
3 mo El
ile sen 612th TD
s/ bo 12. SS Pz
5k rn
m Rocherath 9 Inf Regt
th
644th TD
Netherlands
741st
Tank Bn Key
Belgium Germany 9th Inf Regt German Attacks

France Lux. US Withdrawals

644th TD
Battles
612 TD
th
US 2nd Infantry Division
38th Inf Regt N
To Wirtzfeld Krinkelt
1 mile/1.6km 0 Feet 2000 4000
12. VG Div 0 Metres 400 800 1200

troops stayed behind and fought alongside the Indianheads Elsenborn Ridge
in the twin villages. The situation was chaotic—one 2nd The V Corps artillery on the ridge reinforced the two divi-
Infantry colonel had elements of 16 different companies sions, while the veteran 1st and 9th Infantry Divisions secured
under his command! Nonetheless the 2nd executed an their flanks. The Indianheads and the 99th easily repelled
exemplary defence and by nightfall on 18 December, the three attempts to take the ridge before the Germans gave up.
99th had successfully passed through and set up behind the
Indianheads. The 2nd Infantry then successfully pulled back The tough defenders of the twin villages and the Elsenborn
to the Elsenborn Ridge. Ridge dealt a fatal blow to Wacht Am Rhein, throwing the
German timetable hopelessly off schedule and denying the
important high ground to the German offensive.

FIELDING OTHER VETERAN DIVISIONS

The 1st Infantry Division In December 1944, the 30th joined the 1st to encircle Aachen
The ‘Big Red One’ 1st Infantry Division has seen more than before rushing south to meet Wacht Am Rhein. The division
its fair share of the war. Since landing in North Africa in was assigned to help defend Malmédy, a critical crossroads
1943, the division has been involved in nearly every major in the path of SS-Kampfgruppe Peiper and Otto Skorzeny’s
operation conducted by the US Army. 150. Panzerbrigade. The professional soldiers of Old Hickory
were a welcome sight for the 291st Combat Engineer Battalion
Before the Ardennes, the Big Red One was resting from and permanently turned the tide at Malmédy.
pushing its way through the bloody streets of Aachen, the
first German town to fall to the Allies. While many divisions
To field a Rifle Company
came out of that fight a bit worse for wear, the 1st never
from the 1st or 30th Infantry
lost its professionalism, and without hesitation sprang into
Divisions, simply build
action to stem the German tide in the Ardennes.
your force using the
2nd Infantry Division symbol
The 30th Infantry Division (marked       ), ratings, and
The 30th Infantry Division, known as “Old Hickory” in special rules.
honour of President Andrew Jackson, arrived in France in
June 1944, spearheading the breakout at St. Lô.

73
 THE THE
BATTLE BABIES
99 INFANTRY DIVISION TH

The 99th Infantry Division

was activated in November BUYING TIME ON THE
1942 and arrived at the NORTHERN SHOULDER
front nearly two years later.
The ‘Checkerboard’ division 2ND INFANTRY 12TH SS-PANZER
DIVISION DIVISION
rushed to Belgium to join E
N RIDG
V Corps on 12  December NBOR
ELSE
LAUSDELL 3 BATTALION,
1944. Once in the line, the 393RD INFANTRY
ROCHERATH REGIMENT, 99 ID
division got the patronizing
nickname, ‘Battle Babies’ WIRTZFELD
KRINKELT MIESCHELD
by their veteran comrades 23RD INFANTRY
REGIMENT, 2 ID 1 BATTALION,

GRENADIER DIVISION
owing to the fact that they were fresh from the States with 393RD INFANTRY
REGIMENT, 99 ID

277TH VOLKS-
absolutely no prior battle experience.
BÜLLINGEN MÜRRINGEN
The 99th supported the 2nd Infantry Division’s attack against
the Roer Dams and guarded their flank at Büllingen from 2 BATTALION,
394TH INFANTRY
a possible German counterattack. Their commander, Major HÜNNINGEN REGIMENT, 99 ID

General Walter Lauer, deployed his regiments along the line

with his 395th Infantry Regiment on the left, the 393rd in

GRENADIER DIVISION
the centre, and the 394th on the right.
HONSFELD LOSHEIMERGRABEN

12TH VOLKS-
N
SS-KAMPFGRUPPE
Wacht Am Rhein PEIPER BÜCHHOLZ
1 BATTALION,
3 BATTALION, 394TH INFANTRY
Unbeknownst to the 99 , the Germans were gearing up for
th
394TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 99 ID
REGIMENT, 99 ID
their great offensive opposite to them. The Germans didn’t I&R PLATOON, LOSHEIM
US V CORPS 394TH
rate the 99th highly and believed that they were a second rate
division, at best, that wouldn’t hold against the might of the US VIII CORPS MERLSCHEID

3RD FALLSCHIRM-
JÄGER DIVISION
HOLZHEIM LANZERATH
offensive. As such the 99th was targeted as the point through
which the Germans would send the tanks and men of the 0 Miles 1 2
Waffen-SS through to the Meuse. 0 Kilometres 2 3 4

On 16 December, the 99th was attacked by the 1st SS-Panzer

Corps. Like elsewhere on the front line, the German artillery
severed lines of communication and caused some degree of
The Twin Villages
confusion, but the Battle Babies stood their ground. Further south, the 393rd secured the most important
position of the division’s line: Krinkelt and Rocherath, also
The 395th Infantry Regiment known as the twin villages. This location was critical because
it controlled a vital crossroads and high ground, called the
In the north, the 395th was attacked by 326. Volksgrenadier- Elsenborn Ridge, that the Germans needed to take to secure
division through the heavily wooded region of the Monschau SS-Kampfgruppe Peiper’s right flank.
Forest. Twice the grenadiers struck the Battle Babies’ lines
and were easily thrown back to their starting positions, With the 2nd Infantry Division still deep behind enemy lines,
blunting the grenadiers’ assault. Lauer focused on keeping the twin villages open so that the
Indianheads could pull back to safety.

74
 THE BATTLE BABIES
277. Volksgrenadierdivision attacked through the wooded area Defending the Gap
east of the twin villages. Bolstered by fortifications left by the The Losheim Gap, held by the 394th Infantry Regiment, is a
Germans as a part of the Siegfried Line, the Checkerboarders clear stretch of ground between the 99th and 106th Infantry
held out against the initial onslaught, despite heavy casual- Divisions. Several roads and a railroad offered the best going
ties. The frustrated Germans reinforced the attack with a for tanks. With this in mind, it was chosen as SS-Kampfgruppe
fresh regiment of grenadiers and several Hetzer tank hunters, Peiper’s main axis of attack.
only to be once more thrown back.
On 16 December, the 394th Regiment was hit by
The Germans struck again with a battlegroup of pan- 3. Fallschirmjägerdivision. The regiment stalled the German
zergrenadiers and Panzer IV/70 tank hunters from paratroopers at Losheimergraben and Büchholz long enough
12. SS-Panzerdivision. The Americans fought the SS to a to buy the Allies time to rush several veteran divisions to the
standstill; forcing the Germans to commit even more tanks northern shoulder of the bulge.
from their precious few reserves to the battle.
The Germans greatly underestimated the fighting spirit of
The relentless German attack lasted through the night and the 99th and as a result their plans failed miserably when the
the Battle Babies withdrew and formed a new line along the Battle Babies fought stubbornly. The defenders had delayed
Elsenborn Ridge. There the 99th and 2nd Infantry Divisions 12. SS-Panzerdivision for over three days. Not only did
repulsed several German attempts to storm the ridge. they force the Germans to seek a breakthrough elsewhere,
they had bought time for reinforcements from the 1st and
30th Infantry, and 82nd Airborne Divisions to arrive.

FIELDING OTHER FRESH DIVISIONS

The 106th Infantry Division Tragedy struck when 7000 men from the division’s 422nd and
Like the 99th, the 106th Infantry Division was a brand new 423rd Infantry Regiments were cut off and forced to surrender
unit. It was activated in 1943 and reached the front only days on 19 December, resulting in the second largest surrender of
before the Ardennes offensive. The ‘Golden Lion’ Division American forces since the American Civil War. Despite this,
took over the 2nd Infantry Division’s portion of the line when the Golden Lions succeeded in delaying the German attack for
the latter moved north to attack the Roer Dams. Among their several days. Several Allied divisions were rushed into the gap
responsibilities was to hold St. Vith. to defend St. Vith along with some of the 106th’s survivors.

With less than a week to acclimatize itself, the division was

To field a Rifle Company from the
torn asunder by the German attack on 16 December 1944.
106th Infantry Division or another
Within hours, the division was cut up into small regimental
fresh infantry division, simply build
sections, each completely unable to help the others. One
your force using the 99th Infantry
positive note was the fact that the veterans of the 112th Infan-
Division symbol (marked       ),
try Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, were pushed into their
ratings, and special rule.
sector and added to their strength.

75
 VIKING BATTALION
99 INFANTRY BATTALION (SEPARATE)
TH

The 99th Infantry Battalion When the Germans attacked through the Ardennes, First
(Separate) was activated in 1942 Army sent a task force, under the 99th’s commanding officer,
at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. Major Harold D Hansen, to reinforce the critical town of
It was made up entirely of Malmédy, currently held by elements of the 291st Engineer
Norwegian-Americans and Combat Battalion. The task force included the 99th, the 526th
citizens of Norway who had Armored Infantry Battalion, and the 825th Tank Destroyer
been trapped in the US after Battalion (Towed).
the German invasion of their
Task Force Hansen made excellent time, despite the horrific
homeland. In September, the unit
traffic jams, and arrived in Malmédy in short order. Hansen
moved to Camp Hale, Colorado,
deployed his men along a tall railroad embankment over-
where it trained alongside the 10th Mountain Division. The
looking the engineers’ roadblock positions. No sooner had
unit’s mission was to prepare for a proposed Allied invasion
the Task Force settled into its positions, than Otto Skorzeny’s
of Norway, but when that did not happen the unit was
150. Panzerbrigade attacked, reaching the railroad embank-
deployed to France on 30 June 1944.
ment where the 99ers were waiting. The Germans kept trying
In August the ‘99ers’ saw its first action in support of the to take the position, but never shifted the Norwegians.
2nd Armored Division during Operation Cobra. The divi-
At the end of the war in Europe on 7 May 1945, the 99th Di-
sion’s commander praised the 99th for being the only infantry
vision was finally sent to Norway to help oversee the surren-
unit his tanks had trouble keeping up with during the war!
der of the Germans occupation forces. The 99th returned to
From there the battalion fought in Holland and then in
the United States and was disbanded on 2 November 1945.
Germany during the battles around Aachen. By November
It had 101 days in combat, and had received 15 Silver Stars
they were pulled back into the First Army’s reserve.
and 20 Bronze Stars to their credit.

FIELDING THE 99TH INFANTRY BATTALION (SEPARATE)

To field a Rifle Company from the 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate), simply build your force using the 2nd Infantry Division
Symbol (marked      ). In addition to the normal US special rules found in the rulebook, a Rifle Company from the 99th Infantry
Battalion (Separate) uses the following special rules:

Survival Training Scrounge a Ride

The 99 spent time in the frozen conditions of a Minnesota
th
While on garrison duty, the motor company lost no time
winter before being moved to a mountain-climbing facility collecting hundreds of trucks from old worn-out US vehicles
in Colorado to train in 9000-foot (2750m) altitudes. to captured German trucks. All of the hard work paid off
essentially transforming the battalion into a motorised unit.
Infantry and Man-packed Gun teams from the 99th
Infantry Battalion (Separate) are Mountaineers (see page When building your force, you must add two Jeep transports
61 of the rulebook). In addition they may move At the to your Rifle Company HQ for +5 points, and two GMC
Double (using Truscott Trot, see page 239 of the rulebook) 2½-ton or captured German 3-ton trucks to each of your
through Difficult Going. Rifle platoons for +5 points per platoon.

76
 VIKING BATTALION AND US SPECIAL RULES
US SPECIAL RULES

2ND INFANTRY DIVISION SPECIAL RULE

A Rifle Company from the 2nd Infantry Division uses all of the normal US special rules found on pages 236 to 240 of the
rulebook. In addition, they also use the Winter Training special rule.

Winter Training
The Indianheads received winter training in Sparta, Wisconsin. They trained intensely for four-months during the freezing
winter conditions, blizzards, and thick forests of the American upper-Midwest.

Platoons from the 2nd Infantry Division do not use the Truscott Trot special rule. Instead, Infantry and Man-packed Gun Teams
from the 2nd Infantry Division may move At the Double through Slow Going, (But not through Obstacle fortifications).

99TH INFANTRY DIVISION SPECIAL RULE

A Rifle Company from the 99th Infantry Division uses all of the normal US special rules found on pages 236 to 240 of the
rulebook. In addition, they also use the Delaying Action special rule.

Delaying Action
The tough defence of the northern shoulder can be attributed in large part to the heroic actions of the “Battle Babies”. The
99th fought alongside the Indianheads to bring the German offensive in the north to a standstill.

Platoons from the 99th Infantry Division do not use the Truscott Trot special rule. Instead, Company Command teams from the
99th Infantry Division may re-roll the first Company Morale Check that they are required to take if they fail their first attempt.

77
 2ND LIEUTENANT
AUDIE MURPHY

“They were killing my friends.”

Audie Leon Murphy was born on 20 June 1924 to a farming returning to his unit he became the company commander
family in Kingston, Texas. Murphy would go on to be one of on 25 January 1945.
America’s most famous soldiers and movie stars.
The next day, in freezing temperatures and snow, his unit
Murphy initially tried to enlist after the attack on Pearl Harbor participated in the battle at Holtzwihr on the border between
in 1941, but was turned away because he was underage. France and Germany. Murphy’s battered command consisted
Murphy attempted once more on his 18th birthday, but was just 19 of the company’s original 128 men. Murphy ordered
declined by the Marines, paratroopers, and Navy as too his men to take up prepared positions deeper in the wood
small, being slight man of 5’5½” (166cm) and 110 pounds behind them, while he remained forward to direct artillery
(50kg). Out of options he joined the infantry. fire on the attacking enemy.
In early 1943 he was shipped to Morocco as a replacement Murphy jump aboard a nearby burning M10 tank destroyer,
in 3rd Platoon, Baker Company, I Battalion, 15th Infantry manning its .50 cal machine-gun. With it, he quickly cut
Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. His combat initiation came down a full squad of German infantry who had crawled
when he took part in the invasion of Sicily in July 1943. down a ditch to within 100 feet (30m) of his position. He
When the 3rd Division landed at Salerno, Italy, in September received a leg wound, but remained on the tank destroyer
1943 Murphy was in the thick of the fighting earning pro- firing the .50 cal machine-gun, alternating between calling
motions and decorations for valour. in artillery and firing bursts from the machine-gun.
Murphy’s division landed in Southern France in mid-August Murphy only stopped fighting when his telephone line to the
1944. During the fighting Murphy’s best friend was killed artillery was cut. His remaining men then moved forward
by a German soldier feigning surrender. Murphy, in a fit and he organized a counter-attack which ultimately drove
of vengeful rage, single-handedly wiped out the German the enemy from Holtzwihr. For these actions, Murphy was
machine-gun crew that had just killed his friend. He then awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States of America’s
went on to destroy several more enemy positions. Murphy highest military award. After the war he was asked why he
received the Distinguished Service Cross for these actions. had taken on an entire company of German infantry by
himself, he replied, ‘They were killing my friends’.
In the following seven weeks of fighting, Murphy received
two Silver Stars for further heroic actions, and was promoted Murphy spent the rest of the war as liaison officer. In
to staff sergeant. He was later awarded a battlefield com- 27 months in action in the European Theatre Murphy was
mission to 2nd lieutenant, commanding a platoon. He was awarded 33 US and six foreign decorations and medals.
wounded soon after and spent ten days in hospital. After

78
 2ND LIEUTENANT AUDIE MURPHY
WARRIOR CHARACTERISTICS
You may field 2nd Lieutenant Audie Murphy as either a Company Command Carbine team (replacing the Company
Command team in your Rifle Company on page 49) or as a Command Rifle team (replacing the Command Rifle team in
one of your Rifle Platoons on page 49) for +35 points. Audie Murphy is a Warrior and is rated Fearless Veteran. He does not
change the Motivation rating of a platoon he Joins.

Three Purple Hearts Two Bronze Stars

Murphy received three Purple Hearts during his service, Audie Murphy’s two Bronze Stars were awarded while he was
on 15 September 1944, 26 October 1944, and 25 January in Italy. The first was earned during the Anzio landings and
1945. The first was for wounds sustained in southern France, the second while the 3rd Infantry Division was attempting
the second after he was hit in the hip by a sniper’s bullet, and to expand the beachhead, when Murphy crawled out into
the third when he was wounded by a mortar shell that killed No Man’s Land to disable a German tank with rifle grenades.
two other men nearby.
Audie Murphy has Tank Assault 3.
If the opponent fails to kill Murphy using the Warrior
Infantry Team Casualties rule (see page 106 of the
rulebook) you do not need to remove a friendly Infantry Two Silver Stars
team. Murphy, although wounded, fights on alone. Both of Murphy’s Silver Stars were earned in France. The
first was awarded on 2 October 1944 after Murphy sin-
gle-handedly destroyed a machine-gun nest. The second was
Distinguished Service Cross awarded near Tholy, France on 5 October 1944 when he
On 15 August 1944, Murphy earned a Distinguished Service crawled ahead into No-Man’s Land to direct artillery fire on
Cross (second highest awards to the Medal of Honor) for enemy positions.
his actions during the 3rd Infantry Division’s amphibious
assault in southern France. When a German machine-gun Murphy may make a Reconnaissance Deployment Move
nest killed one of Murphy’s close friends, he flew into a rage as though he was a Recce team, separately from the
and killed every German manning the nest, picked up the rest of his platoon. Note that this might mean that as a
machine-gun and a bunch of grenades, and stormed several Platoon Command team, Murphy begins the game Out of
other German positions nearby. Command.
In addition, as a Command team, Murphy does not incur
Murphy may re-roll failed Skill Tests to hit a Bunker in an the usual +1 penalty to the score needed to Range In (see
assault. page 126 of the rulebook).

SPECIAL OBJECTIVE CHARACTERISTICS

Instead of fielding 2nd Lieutenant Audie Murphy as a Warrior
team, you may field him as a Special Objective in your Rifle After objectives have been placed, replace any Objective
Company (page 48), Engineer Combat Company (page 58), placed in your Deployment Areas with the Audie Murphy
Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (page 64), or Light Tank Special Objective. If there are no Objectives in your
Company (page 66) for +25 points. Deployment Area, you cannot use the Special Objective.
The Special Objective retains all of the usual rules of
an Objective.
Medal of Honor
Audie Murphy single-handedly held off determined German In addition, the Audie Murphy Special Objective is also a
attacks with the .50 cal machine-gun of a burnt-out M10 .50 cal Nest, using the normal Bunker rules found in the
tank destroyer, despite a leg wound and withering enemy rulebook.
fire. He prevented the Germans from taking his position and The .50 cal Nest can Spot for Artillery Bombardments as if
the wood that was their ultimate objective with a constant it was a Company Command team, but without the usual
hail of heavy machine-gun fire. +1 penalty to the score needed to Range In (see page 126
of the rulebook). It cannot prevent the enemy from taking
Objectives.
If the .50 cal Nest is Destroyed, the Objective reverts to
being a normal Objective.

Audie Murphy Special Objective

Weapon Range ROF Anti-tank Firepower Notes
.50 cal Nest 16”/40cm 3 4 5+

79
 RIFLE COMPANY Infantry Company

You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS
box shaded grey.
Your Company HQ must be either from the 2nd Infantry Division (marked  ), or the
99th Infantry Division (marked  ). All other platoons marked with any of these divisional
symbols must be from the same division as your Company HQ.
Rifle Company HQ
81

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

WEAPONS PLATOONS

INFANTRY MACHINE-GUNS
ARMOUR ARTILLERY

Machine-gun Platoon
82

Rifle Platoon
81

Field Artillery Battery

13
2
Scrapyard Tank Platoon

87
MACHINE-GUNS Provisional Artillery

13
Battery

4
INFANTRY
Tank Platoon

29
Rocket Launcher Battery

13
6
761st Tank Platoon

51
Machine-gun Platoon
82

Rifle Platoon Corps Tank Destroyer

81

ARTILLERY

13
Platoon

0
ARTILLERY
Towed Tank Destroyer
13
Platoon
1
INFANTRY

ARMOUR Calliope Tank Platoon

86
Mortar Platoon
83

Rifle Platoon
81

Chemical Mortar Platoon

87
ANTI-TANK
Field Artillery Battery

13
WEAPONS Light Tank Platoon

2
31

13
761st Light Tank Rocket Launcher Battery

6
49

Anti-tank Platoon Platoon

83

Weapons Platoon
82

Cavalry Tank Platoon

99

ARTILLERY
INFANTRY
Corps Tank Destroyer
13

Platoon
0

Towed Tank Destroyer

13

Platoon Field Artillery Battery

13
1

Ammunition & Pioneer

2
84

Platoon
Field Artillery Battery
13

(155mm)
3

INFANTRY
Armored Field Artillery
13

Battery
5
REGIMENTAL SUPPORT PLATOONS

ANTI-TANK Armored Field Artillery

13

Battery (155)
6

Rifle Platoon
81

Anti-tank Platoon Engineer Combat Platoon ANTI-AIRCRAFT

91
83

Armored Rifle Platoon

33

RECONNAISSANCE
Roadblock Strongpoint Anti-aircraft
93

13

Artillery Platoon
7

Heavy Anti-aircraft
13

Intelligence & Recon Artillery Platoon

8

RECONNAISSANCE
84

Platoon
Anti-aircraft Artillery
13

(Self-propelled) Platoon
8

Roadblock Strongpoint
93

Cavalry Recon Platoon AIRCRAFT

97

ARTILLERY

Air Support
13

Cannon Platoon
9
85

13

Air Observation Post

9

80
 RIFLE COMPANY
Motivation and Skill 2nd Infantry Division 99th Infantry Division
A Rifle Company from the 2nd Infantry Division is rated
Confident Veteran. RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
CONFIDENT TRAINED CONFIDENT TRAINED
A Rifle Company from the 99th Infantry Division is rated
FEARLESS VETERAN FEARLESS VETERAN
Confident Trained.

HEADQUARTERS
Rifle Company HQ Captain
Headquarters Captain

Company HQ 15 points 10 points

Company Command Carbine team 2iC Command Carbine team
Options Company HQ
• Replace all Command Carbine teams with Command
rifle Company HQ
SMG teams for +10 points per team.
• Add up to three Sniper teams for +50 points per team.

COMBAT PLATOONS
Rifle Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant

HQ Section with:
Command Rifle team Bazooka team
3 Rifle Squads 200 points 155 points
2 Rifle Squads 145 points 110 points
Sergeant Sergeant
Options
• Replace Command Rifle team with a Command SMG
team for +5 points. Rifle team Rifle team Rifle team Rifle team
• Replace up to one team in any or all Rifle Squads with a
Bazooka team for +5 points per Bazooka team. Rifle team Rifle team
• Replace all Rifle teams with SMG teams for +5 points Rifle Squad Rifle Squad
per Rifle Squad.
Sergeant

The GIs (derived from ‘General Issue’, a nickname for US

soldiers) of the rifle platoons form the core of your company. Rifle team Rifle team Rifle team
These ‘dog faces’ were well trained and some have seen Rifle Squad
combat. They are also well known for their scrounging rifle platoon
capabilities, augmenting their platoons with unauthorised
weapons such as bazookas and submachine-guns stripped The triangular formation of an infantry division means that
from transport vehicles. While strictly against the rules, the you can count on three rifle platoons in your company. This
GIs know better than others that they’ll need the added fire- gives you flexibility to keep one platoon in reserve while the
power in the coming campaigns. others hold the line.

81
 Weapons Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant

HQ Section with
Mortar Section and: Command Carbine team Jeep with .50 cal AA MG

2 Machine-gun Sections 160 points 120 points

1 Machine-gun Section 115 points 90 points Sergeant Sergeant

Option M2 60mm mortar M1919 LMG

• Add Jeep with .50 cal AA MG for +5 points.
M2 60mm M2 60mm M1919 LMG
mortar mortar
Weapons Platoons may make Combat Attachments to Rifle machine-gun
Mortar Section Section
Platoons.
Corporal
The typical weapons platoon has a mortar and a machine-
gun section but, like the GIs from the rifle platoons, your M1919 LMG M1919 LMG
men have been known to acquire a second machine-gun machine-gun Section
section through ‘midnight requisition’ to bolster their rate of Weapons platoon
fire. Use these machine-guns and mortars to break-up enemy
assaults before they hit your lines. with the mortars and use your M1919 light machine-guns
as a base of fire, keeping the enemy’s head down while you
Don’t forget that your 60mm mortars are excellent at digging
charge in, bayonets fixed.
out enemy troops and gun nests. Eliminate those threats

WEAPONS PLATOONS
Machine-gun Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant

HQ Section with:
Command Carbine team Jeep with .50 cal AA MG
2 Machine-gun Sections 130 points 100 points

Options
Sergeant Sergeant
• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Machine-gun
Sections for +20 points per Bazooka team.
• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Machine-gun M1917 HMG M1917 HMG M1917 HMG M1917 HMG
Sections for +15 points per Bazooka team.
• Add Jeep with .50 cal AA MG and Jeeps with trailers Jeep with trailer Jeep with trailer
for +10 points for the platoon. Bazooka Bazooka
team team
Jeep with trailer Jeep with trailer
Machine-gun Platoons may make Combat Attachments to machine-gun Section machine-gun Section
Rifle Platoons. Machine-gun platoon

The water-cooled M1917 heavy machine-gun is a bit more

cumbersome than the light models, but it has a devastat-
ing rate of fire. Sight these guns in on an objective to help
protect it along with some of your GIs.

82
 RIFLE COMPANY
Mortar Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section with:
3 Mortar Sections 155 points 140 points 120 points
2 Mortar Sections 110 points 100 points 85 points

Options Lieutenant
• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Mortar Sections for Lieutenant
+20 points per Bazooka team.
• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Mortar Sections for Command Carbine team Jeep with .50 cal AA MG
+15 points per Bazooka team.
• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Mortar Sections for
+15 points per Bazooka team. Lieutenant Lieutenant
• Add Jeep with .50 cal AA MG and Jeeps with trailers
for +10 points for the platoon. M1 81mm M1 81mm M1 81mm M1 81mm
mortar mortar mortar mortar
While your dogfaces wait for the divisional artillery to
respond to a fire mission, they can call on the 81mm mortars Jeep with trailer Jeep with trailer
to give them instant support. With much more accuracy than Bazooka Bazooka
team team
the artillery, they can cover an enemy machine-gun nest with
Jeep with trailer Jeep with trailer
high-explosives and knock them out, making them critical
Mortar Section Mortar Section
for any offensive operations.
Lieutenant
While holding the line, your mortars should dig in behind
the GIs and bombard the enemy’s incoming infantry. You
can also tie them into the artillery net to help lend their M1 81mm Bazooka Jeep with trailer M1 81mm Jeep with trailer
mortar team mortar
tubes to larger saturation bombardments. Mortar Section
Mortar platoon

Anti-tank Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section with:
3 M1 57mm (late) 100 points 95 points 80 points
3 Bazooka teams 60 points 55 points 45 points

Options Lieutenant
• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Gun Sections for Lieutenant
+20 points per Bazooka team.
• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Gun Sections for
Command Carbine team Jeep with .50 cal AA MG
+15 points per Bazooka team.
• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Gun Sections for
+15 points per Bazooka team. Sergeant Sergeant
• Add Jeep with .50 cal AA MG and 1½-ton trucks for
+10 points for the platoon. M1 57mm gun or Bazooka team M1 57mm gun or Bazooka team

The 57mm anti-tank gun has served your GIs well in the
past year. While not the most potent weapon in your arsenal, Bazooka team 1½-ton truck Bazooka team 1½-ton truck
it has become increasingly useful with its new high explo- Gun Section Gun Section
sive ammunition, allowing it to knock out enemy nests and
Sergeant
infantry positions. On the defence, dig the guns in and use
its small profile to make them as difficult to see as possible.
M1 57mm gun or Bazooka team 1½-ton truck
Some anti-tank gunners have discarded their 57mm guns Bazooka team
altogether and replaced them with Bazookas for close-range Gun Section
tank-busting.
Anti-tank platoon

83
 Ammunition & Pioneer Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section with:
3 A&P Squads 165 points 125 points 125 points
2 A&P Squads 115 points 90 points 90 points

Options Lieutenant
• Add up to two Bazooka teams for +20 points per Lieutenant
Bazooka team.
• Add up to two Bazooka teams for +15 points per
Command Pioneer Bazooka Bazooka Pioneer Supply
Bazooka team. Rifle team team team ¾-ton truck
• Add up to two Bazooka teams for +15 points per
Bazooka team.
• Add Pioneer Supply truck for +25 points. Corporal Corporal Corporal

Whether sitting on the front lines or charging into enemy

Pioneer Rifle team Pioneer Rifle team Pioneer Rifle team
territory, having someone to bring up extra ammo and ex-
plosives is always a welcome addition. Your Ammunition &
Pioneer platoon is perfect for setting up hasty defences as Pioneer Rifle team Pioneer Rifle team Pioneer Rifle team
well as clearing obstacles out of the way of your advancing A&P Squad A&P Squad A&P Squad
troops. Ammunition & Pioneer platoon

REGIMENTAL SUPPORT PLATOONS

Intelligence & Recon Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section with:
3 I&R Squads 85 points 75 points 65 points

Options Lieutenant
• Replace Command .50 cal Recon Jeeps with an Lieutenant
Armored .50 cal Recon Jeep for +10 points.
• Replace up to one Recon Jeep with a Bazooka Recon
Command .50 cal Recon Jeep
Jeep for +5 points.
• Replace any or all Recon Jeeps with any combina-
tion of: .50 cal Recon Jeeps for +5 points per jeep, Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant
Armored Recon Jeeps for +10 points per jeep, and
Armored .50 cal Recon Jeeps for +15 points per jeep.
Recon Jeep Recon Jeep Recon Jeep
I&R Squad I&R Squad I&R Squad
An Intelligence & Recon Platoon is a Reconnaissance
Intelligence & Recon platoon
Platoon.
Lieutenant Lyle Bouck’s Intelligence and Reconnaissance
Platoon of the 99th Infantry Division was stationed in
Dismount Lanzerath. On 16 December, the 18 men of the platoon
Before deployment you may choose to dismount all of your and four artillery observers ambushed the inexperienced
jeeps. If you do this, all of the platoon’s vehicles are perma- 9th Battalion, 3. Fallschirmjägerdivision (3rd Parachute
nently removed from the game. Replace each: Division) from fortified positions. It wasn’t until dusk that
• Recon Jeep or Armoured Recon Jeep with a Rifle or the Germans finally captured the American platoon. While
M1919 LMG team. nearly all of the Americans were wounded, remarkably only
• .50 cal Recon Jeep or Armoured .50 cal Recon Jeep with one was killed. For their effort Bouck’s platoon had killed 16
a Rifle or .50 cal MG team. and wounded 63 Germans (13 more were missing), but more
• Bazooka Recon Jeep with a Rifle or Bazooka team. importantly, they had halted the Fallschirmjäger and the entire
Designate one of the teams as the Platoon Command team. 1. SS-Panzerdivision for over 20 hours.
The platoon remains a Reconnaissance Platoon.

84
 RIFLE COMPANY
Cannon Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section with:
6 M3 105mm 205 points 180 points 155 points
4 M3 105mm 140 points 125 points 105 points

Option Captain
• Add Jeeps and 1½-ton trucks for +5 points for the Captain
platoon.

The cannon platoon is your regiment’s very own artillery Command Jeep Observer Jeep
Carbine team Carbine team
battery. With six light howitzers on call, your GIs can rely
on quality bombardments that can cover a large area.
The 105mm shells are not only exceptionally good at digging Lieutenant Lieutenant
out enemy troops, they won’t dilute bombardments when
coordinating with your divisional artillery. This means that
M3 105mm light howitzer M3 105mm light howitzer
if you tie your cannon platoon into your divisional artillery
nets, you can expect to see one hell of a fireworks display
over the heads of your enemy! 1½-ton truck 1½-ton truck

M3 105mm light howitzer M3 105mm light howitzer

1½-ton truck 1½-ton truck

Gun Section Gun Section
Lieutenant

M3 105mm light howitzer M3 105mm light howitzer

1½-ton truck 1½-ton truck

Gun Section

Cannon platoon

85
 RIFLE COMPANY SUPPORT PLATOONS
Calliope Tank Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant Sergeant
4 T34 Calliope 160 points
3 T34 Calliope 120 points
2 T34 Calliope 80 points
Command T34 Calliope T34 Calliope
Option
• Fit any or all tanks with Improvised Armour for
+5 points for the platoon.
T34 Calliope T34 Calliope

A Calliope Tank Platoon Tank Section Tank Section

CONFIDENT TRAINED
is rated Confident Calliope tank Platoon
Trained.
rocket launcher kits. These launchers were named after the
Calliope (pronounced Kal-lee-ohp by some and Kal-lie-
T34 Calliope teams may not Charge into Contact and oh-pee by others) steam-powered organ played at carnivals
must Break Off rather than Counterattack if Assaulted (see and circuses. The launcher’s frame couldn’t stand up to the
pages 144 and 165 of the rulebook). main gun’s recoil, so the crews became dedicated rocketeers,
forgoing their main gun completely.
The 30th and 90th Infantry Divisions’ 743rd and 712th Tank
Battalions were among the first to receive T34 Calliope

CALLIOPE ROCKET LAUNCHER RULES

Saturation Bombardment Sixty Rockets
Each Calliope rocket launcher system fired a bombardment The Calliope’s 60 rocket tubes took a bit of time to reload, but
of sixty 4.5” (114mm) rockets. Individually, these rockets a crack crew found ways to speed things up for the next salvo.
may not cause much damage, but group 60 to 240 of them
into a single salvo and the enemy will have nowhere to hide! At the start of the game, place a Full Salvo marker with a
platoon with Sixty Rockets rocket launchers. Remove this
Calliope launcher kits were attached to tanks from an infantry marker after firing an Artillery Bombardment.
division’s tank battalion. This meant that the Calliope crews
were full-time tankers but only part-time artillerymen If a platoon with Sixty Rockets rocket launchers does
without much, if any, specialised training. not have a Full Salvo marker when it fires an Artillery
Bombardment, roll a Skill Test for each Rocket Launcher
Each T34 Calliope counts as four weapons when firing an able to fire in the Bombardment. Only those that pass the
Artillery Bombardment. Skill Test can fire as part of the Bombardment.
A Calliope Tank Platoon cannot use the Hit ‘Em With Place a Full Salvo marker on a platoon with Sixty Rockets
Everything You Got special rule. rocket launchers at the end of any Shooting Step in which
every Rocket Launcher in the platoon was able to fire an
Artillery Bombardment, but none did so.

86
 RIFLE COMPANY
Scrapyard Tank Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant

5 Scrapyard Tanks see below

4 Scrapyard Tanks see below
Command Scrapyard Tank
3 Scrapyard Tanks see below

The Scrapyard Tanks in this platoon must be chosen

from the following: Sergeant Sergeant

• up to three M4 or M4A1 Sherman for +65 points per

tank.
• up to three M5A1 Stuart for +40 points per tank. Scrapyard Tank Scrapyard Tank

• up to two M24 Chaffee for +65 points per tank.

• up to two M7 Priest HMC for +25 points per tank.
Scrapyard Tank Scrapyard Tank
• up to two M4 (105mm) Sherman for +45 points.
Tank Section Tank Section
• up to one M8 Scott HMC for +30 points per tank.
Scrapyard Tank Platoon
• up to one M12 155mm GMC for +55 points.
• up to one M36 90mm GMC for +75 points. Teams from a Scrapyard Tank Platoon cannot fire Artillery
Bombardments.
• up to one M10 3in GMC (late) for +65 points.

M24 Chaffee light tanks, two Sherman DD tanks, a few

A Scrapyard Tank
CONFIDENT TRAINED M7 105mm self-propelled howitzers, and some M10 and
Platoon is rated
M36 tank destroyers. Using this weird array of equipment,
Confident Trained.
the platoon commanders were allowed to construct their
The 740th ‘Daredevils’ Tank Battalion arrived at the front platoons as they saw fit.
with no tanks whatsoever and the few Shermans their com- The battalion joined the 30th Infantry Division and went into
manding officer, Lt. Colonel George Rubel, had scrounged action to help stop SS-Kampfgruppe Peiper near Stoumont.
up were taken to reinforce other tank battalions. So the During the fighting at La Gleize, Rubel added an M12
Daredevils salvaged whatever they could from local repair 155mm self-propelled gun to the battalion, which poured
depots, including 15 M4 Shermans, several M5A1 Stuarts, over 190 devastating rounds into Peiper’s battlegroup bottled
two M4 105mm assault guns, an M8 Scott assault gun, two up in the village.

Chemical Mortar Platoon Lieutenant

Platoon Lieutenant

HQ Section with:
2 Mortar Sections 160 points 120 points Command Jeep with Observer
Carbine team .50 cal AA MG Carbine team
1 Mortar Section 85 points 70 points

Options Sergeant Sergeant

• Add up to one Bazooka team per Mortar Section for
+20 points per Bazooka team.
M2 4.2” chemical mortar M2 4.2” chemical mortar
• Add up to one Bazooka team per Mortar Section for
+15 points per Bazooka team.
M2 4.2” chemical mortar M2 4.2” chemical mortar
• Add Jeep with .50 cal AA MG and Jeeps with trailers
for +10 points for the platoon.
Jeep with trailer Jeep with trailer
Chemical mortars have all of the advantages of mortars, a Bazooka Bazooka
team team
quick response and accurate results, plus, they have the fire- Jeep with trailer Jeep with trailer
power of a 105mm howitzer. This makes them ideal for sup-
Mortar Section Mortar Section
porting your infantry assaults and breaking up enemy attacks.
Chemical Mortar platoon

87
 THE DAMNED ENGINEERS!
THE 291 ENGINEER COMBAT BATTALION
ST

The 291st Engineer Combat Battalion Soon, the engineers had platoons of the shattered
was formed in April 1943. After intense 106th  Infantry Division and the counter-attacking 7th Armored
training, Lieutenant Colonel David Division passing through their position. Pergrin pleaded
E Pergrin was given command of the in vain with both divisions to spare men to stay and help
battalion. In October 1943 they moved defend the town. None stayed, however he did inherit several
to England where they built the camps abandoned anti-tank guns, a vital boost to his force that had
and roads for the Allied invasion force. minimal anti-tank assets.

Normandy Malmédy Massacre

The battalion arrived in France on 23 June 1944 and im- At noon on 17 December a column of 140 men from the
mediately went to work clearing and maintaining the roads 285th Field Artillery Battery Observation Battalion, attached
around Carentan. In July, the battalion saw its first front- to the 7th Armored, ran into one of Pergrin’s roadblocks. The
line combat when they helped pickaxe, bulldoze, and blast artillerymen ignored warnings that the enemy was operating
through the hellish bocage landscape of Normandy. After in the area, and pushed on. Then, between 1530 hours and
the bloody hedgerow fighting, the 291st ‘liberated’ many of midnight, 17 wounded survivors limped their way back to
the abandoned vehicles left by the Germans around Mortain the 291st. After debreifing the survivors, Pergin learned that
to add to their motor pool. observers had run into Peiper’s column and after a quick fire-
fight they surrendered. Then suddenly, Peiper’s men opened
The German Frontier fire on the prisoners of war, killing 84 of them in cold blood.
The 291st joined the 51st and 202nd Combat Engineer Pergrin quickly dispatched patrols to the site to collect more
Battalions, forming the 1111th Engineer Group attached to survivors and then reported the incident to Allied command.
the US V Corps. The group followed in the charge across
France, rebuilding bridges destroyed by the Germans. Stavelot
At 1930 hours, 17 December, Peiper’s leading panzers ap-
December 1944 found the 291st sprawled across a large but
proached one of the hidden roadblocks manned by Sergeant
relatively quiet sector in Belgium. Elements were stationed
Chuck Hensel’s squad from C Company. The men had set up
in Malmédy, Stavelot, La Gleize, and Trois-Ponts among
daisy chains of several mines tied together by a rope, which
other smaller outposts. As far as the engineers knew, they
could be pulled across the road in front of approaching
were safely tucked away behind the 106th Infantry Division,
panzers. As the Panthers moved closer, one of the engineers
several miles back from the front lines.
let loose a bazooka round which smashed harmlessly into
the front of the leading tank. The Germans hesitated and
Battle of the Bulge withdrew, thinking the road was heavily defended. In actual
Like other US forces in the Ardennes, the German attack fact, only Hensel and his few engineers stood between them
left the engineers isolated from V Corps and on their own. and the vital Stavelot bridge!
Confused and often conflicting reports drifted into Colonel
Pergrin’s headquarters, but he quickly worked out that the Meanwhile, two companies of armoured infantry and four
Germans were up to something big. He collected his battal- 3” anti-tank guns took up defensive positions in Stavelot.
ion from their remote outposts and established roadblocks After a short fight, the Germans managed to storm the bridge
at key locations such as Stavelot, La Gleize, Trois-Ponts, and bypass the bulk of the American defenders. Thinking
Amblève, and Malmédy. Stavelot was secured, Peiper carried on pushing west.

THE BRIDGES AND THE DAMNED ENGINEERS

N MALMÉDY

STAVELOT 150TH PANZER

BRIGADE
Sa
lm
Riv

r
ve
er

e Ri
HABIÉMONT
b lèv SS-KAMPFGRUPPE
Am PEIPER
TROIS PONTS
0 Miles 2 4

Bridges 0 Kilometres 4 6

88
 THE DAMNED ENGINEERS
Trois Ponts exploded. Peiper slammed his fist on his Panther and ex-
From Stavelot, he sent a small force of Panzer IV tanks and claimed, “The damned engineers. The damned engineers!”
pioneers to Wanne to capture a crossing south of his next
objective. His own troops focused on the Trois Ponts. Malmédy
As Peiper’s column sped beyond the reach of the 291st,
Separated by the Amblève River, the two forces closed on
help arrived at Malmédy. Two 90mm anti-aircraft guns,
their objectives, but Pergrin’s engineers were one step ahead
the 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate), the 526th Armored
of them and both bridges were sent into oblivion with TNT
Infantry Battalion, and the 825th Tank Destroyer Battalion
just as the panzers approached. Peiper’s southern task force
bolstered the engineers just in time as Otto Skorzeny’s
had to return all of the way back to Stavelot in order to cross
150. Panzerbrigade attacked on 21 December. The 99th
the Amblève and rejoin the main force, wasting precious
held the line, while the engineers manned roadblocks and
fuel. Peiper’s own force abandoned Trois Ponts and wandered
set up ambushes, helping to repel Skorzeny’s assault. After
north along the Amblève looking for a suitable crossing.
Malmédy, the 291st joined the rest of the V Corps in erad-
icating the ‘bulge’, rebuilding bridges and paving the way.
Habiémont
Frustrated, Peiper found a hidden crossing overlooked by the To Victory
engineers and finally crossed the river. However, Peiper’s new
By war’s end, the 291st had made seven river assaults and
position was given away by an intense fighter-bomber attack
constructed 74 bridges, 11 of which were built under fire,
which alerted the engineers. There was only one place Peiper
including a record setting 1000-foot (300m) bridge built
could be going: Habiémont.
at Remagen in 32 hours. For their actions, the 291st was
A truckload of TNT arrived just in time at Habiémont awarded a Presidential Unit Citation.
bridge, and once again as the panzers approached, the bridge

ENGINEER COMBAT COMPANY SPECIAL RULES

A 1111th Engineer Combat Group Engineer Combat Company uses all of the normal US special rules found on pages 236 to
240 of the rulebook. In addition, they also use the Boy Scouts and Eightballs, Oddballs, and Screwballs special rules.
An inexperienced Engineer Combat Battalion Engineer Combat Company uses all of the normal US special rules found on
pages 236 to 240 of the rulebook.

Boy Scouts Eightballs, Oddballs, and Screwballs

Over 80% of the battalion were former members of the Boy The engineers ranged from well-educated civil engineers to
Scouts. The old scout motto ‘Be Prepared’ certainly gave rise self-taught mechanics and Colonel Pergrin made sure that
to clever booby traps that helped stall Peiper’s charge. they all knew the score and no one was left in the dark.

Instead of placing a Minefield or three Barbed Wire Engineer Combat Platoons use the German Mission Tactics
Entanglements for a Pioneer Supply Truck (see page 263 special rules on page 242 of the rulebook.
of the rulebook), you may place three Booby Traps (see page
230 of the rulebook).

89
 ENGINEER COMBAT
Infantry Company
COMPANY
Motivation and Skill 1111th Engineer Inexperienced Combat
Combat Group Engineer Company
An Engineer Combat Company from the 1111 Engineer th

Combat Group is rated Confident Veteran. RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT

CONFIDENT TRAINED CONFIDENT TRAINED
An Engineer Combat Company from an inexperi-
FEARLESS VETERAN FEARLESS VETERAN
enced infantry division is rated Confident Trained.

You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS
box shaded grey.
Your Company HQ must be either from the 1111th Engineer Combat Group (marked  ), or the
Inexperienced Combat Engineer Company (marked  ). All other platoons marked with any of
Engineer Combat these unit symbols must be from the same unit as your Company HQ.
91

Company HQ

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

WEAPONS PLATOONS

INFANTRY MACHINE-GUNS
ARMOUR INFANTRY

Engineer Combat Improvised Machine-

92
91

Platoon gun Platoon

Tank Platoon Armored Rifle Platoon

29

33
INFANTRY RECONNAISSANCE 761st Tank Platoon 51 Rifle Platoon

81
Corps Tank Destroyer Parachute Rifle Platoon
13

11
Platoon
0

5
Engineer Combat Improvised Towed Tank Destroyer
92

13

Reconnaissance Platoon
91

Platoon Platoon
1

ARTILLERY

INFANTRY INFANTRY OR ANTI-TANK

FORTIFICATIONS

FORTIFICATIONS
Field Artillery Battery

13
2
Engineer Combat
91

Platoon Armored Rifle Platoon ANTI-AIRCRAFT

33

Rifle Platoon
81

Roadblock Strongpoint
93

Armored Anti-tank
34

Platoon Anti-aircraft Artillery

13

(Self-propelled) Platoon
8

FORTIFICATIONS Parachute Rifle Platoon

11

Heavy Anti-aircraft
5

13

Artillery Platoon
8

AIRCRAFT

Roadblock Strongpoint
93

Air Support
13
9
13

Air Observation Post

9

90
 ENGINEER COMBAT COMPANY
HEADQUARTERS
Engineer Combat Company HQ Captain
Headquarters Captain

Company HQ 15 points 10 points

Options Company Command ¾-ton truck 2iC Command

Carbine team with AA MG Carbine team
• Replace either or both Command Carbine teams
with Command SMG teams for +15 points per team Company HQ

• Add ¾-ton truck with AA MG and Jeep with .50 cal Sergeant
AA MG for +10 points.
• Add up to two M1 57mm (late) anti-tank guns for M1 57mm gun (late) M1 57mm gun (late)
+35 points per gun.
• Add up to two M1 57mm (late) anti-tank guns for Bazooka team Bazooka team Bazooka team
+25 points per gun. Improvised anti-tank section

• Add up to three Bazooka teams for +20 points per Engineer combat company HQ
team.
• Add up to three Bazooka teams for +15 points per
team.

COMBAT PLATOONS
Engineer Combat Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section with
Weapons squad and: Bazooka team
D7 Bulldozer
2 Operating Squads 205 points 150 points
1 Operating Squad 155 points 110 points

Options Pioneer Supply

2 ½-ton dump truck
• Replace Command Pioneer Rifle team with a
Command Pioneer SMG team for +5 points.
• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Sections or Squads
for +20 points per Bazooka team.
• Add a Bazooka team to any or all Sections or Squads
for +15 points per Bazooka team.
• Add Pioneer Supply 2½-ton dump truck for +25 points.
• Add a D7 Bulldozer or turretless M4 Sherman dozer
for +15 points, or a M4 Sherman dozer for +90 points. 2 ½-ton dump truck 2 ½-ton dump truck

• Add a D7 Bulldozer or turretless M4 Sherman dozer

for +10 points, or a M4 Sherman dozer for +70 points. Bazooka team Bazooka team

• Add Jeep with .50 cal AA MG and 2½-ton dump

trucks for +10 points for the platoon.
• Arm any or all 2½-ton dump trucks with .50 cal AA
MG for +5 points per truck.
2 ½-ton dump truck

You may replace all Pioneer HMG teams with Pioneer Rifle
teams at the start of the game before deployment. Engineer Combat Platoon

The combat engineers of the 1111th Engineer Combat Using Captured Vehicles
Group found themselves to be the only thing standing
between SS-Kampfgruppe Peiper and the Meuse River. The Since the only difference is a visual one, feel free to model
combat engineers of the 291st Engineer Combat Battalion any or all of your 2½-ton trucks with German 3-ton trucks,
made extensive use of captured German trucks and jeeps. and any or all of your jeeps with Kübelwagen jeeps.

91
 WEAPONS PLATOONS
Improvised Lieutenant
Machine-gun Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon
HQ Section with: Command Carbine team

4 M1917 130 points -

2 M1917 65 points - Sergeant Sergeant

4 M2 .50 cal 90 points -

Machine-gun Machine-gun Machine-gun Machine-gun
machine-gun Section machine-gun Section
An Improvised Machine-gun Platoon may make Combat Improvised Machine-gun platoon
Attachments to Engineer Combat Platoons.
reinforcements stripped a few trucks of M2 .50 cal machine-
Colonel Pergrin called up the M1917 machine-guns from guns and brought them along as well.
A Company to bolster B Company holding Malmédy. The

Improvised Reconnaissance Lieutenant

Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon
3 Jeep Patrols 120 points - Command Recon Jeep Recon Jeep
2 Jeep Patrols 80 points - Jeep Patrol
1 Jeep Patrol 40 points - Sergeant

Option
• Replace any or all Recon Jeeps with .50 cal Recon Command Recon Jeep Recon Jeep
Jeeps for +5 points per jeep. Jeep Patrol

Sergeant
Jeep Patrols from an Improvised Reconnaissance Platoon
operate as separate platoons, each with their own command Command Recon Jeep Recon Jeep
team. Jeep Patrol

Improvised reconaissance platoon

Jeep Patrols are Reconnaissance Platoons
These bold patrols raced forward and quickly discovered the
With absolutely no authorised reconnaissance of their own, German tanks. Their reconnaissance was essential for the
other than the battalion’s small two-jeep reconnaissance engineers to keep one step ahead of Peiper during the early
section, the engineers formed ad hoc patrols of pairs of jeeps critical days of the battle.
and sent them out all across the front to keep tabs on Peiper’s
column and report back.

92
 ENGINEER COMBAT COMPANY
FORTIFICATIONS
Roadblock Strongpoint
Platoon
Roadblock Strongpoint 170 points -
Command Pioneer Anti-tank gun
Options Rifle team in Gun Pit
HQ Section Gun Section
• Add a second Operating Section for +55 points.
• Add a second Weapons Section for +90 points.
• Add a Gun Section with a M1 57mm (late) gun in
a Gun Pit for +45 points or a M5 3in (late) gun in a
Gun Pit for +60 points. Bazooka team Bazooka team

• Add up to one Anti-tank Obstacle for +100 points.

• Replace either or both M1917 HMG with M2 .50 cal
MG for -10 points per team.
Trench Line Booby Trap Trench Line Booby Trap
Operating Section Operating Section
A Roadblock Strongpoint is a Fortified Platoon (see page
262 of the rulebook).
A company that includes a Roadblock Strongpoint is
a Fortified Company (see pages 257 and 262 of the M1917 HMG M1917 HMG
rulebook).
Booby Traps are Area Defences and are therefore deployed Minefield Minefield
using the Placing Booby Traps rules (see page 230 of the
rulebook) and do not have to deploy with the rest of the
Barbed Wire Entanglement Barbed Wire Entanglement
Fortified Platoon.
Weapons Section Weapons Section

Roadblocks formed the core of the engineers’ defence.

Typically they would mine the road and its shoulders and
set up trenches and gun pits covering the position. Often the
weapons squad would put their .30 cal or .50 cal machine- Anti-tank Obstacle
guns into emplacements for additional protection. A few Obstacle
anti-tank guns were scrounged up from shattered units to Roadblock Strongpoint
give the engineers a little defence against German tanks.
Anti-tank obstacles could be anything from dozens of felled
They also used a series of booby traps. Anti-tank mines were trees to ‘flaming roadblocks’ where the men would fill
daisy-chained together so that they could be dragged across ditches across the roads with fuel and light it on fire. In some
the road in front of enemy tanks and half-tracks. Large trees locations in the southern sector, roadblocks were positioned
were rigged with TNT so that when an enemy vehicle tripped along portions of the West Wall that were in American hands,
a wire, the tree would fall and block the road. Even barbed making use of the large rows of dragon’s teeth against the
wire entanglements were booby trapped with TNT and mines army that built them.
to inflict damage on the Germans trying to clear the way.

93
 MINDING THE GAP
THE 14 CAVALRY GROUP TH

SPA 99TH INFANTRY

DIVISION
MALMÉDY

STAVELOT 12TH VOLKSGRENADIER

DIVISION
BÜTGENBACH
LOSHEIM
14TH CAVALRY 18TH CAVALRY
GROUP SQUADRON STADTKYLL
N

SS-KAMPFGRUPPE
BORN HANSEN
MANDERFELD
VIELSALM GAP
HEIM
LOS
32ND CAVALRY
SQUADRON ST. VITH

106TH INFANTRY
0 Miles 5 10 DIVISION BLEIALF
0 Kilometres 10 PRÜM

The 14th Cavalry Group, consisting of the 18th and 32nd Cav- signal flare sent up alerted the cavalry of the incoming attack,
alry Squadrons, arrived in France on 27 September 1944. and the massive number of searchlights meant to show the
They were assigned to support the US VIII Corps in a way, simply silhouetted the men and made them easy targets.
defensive role in the Ardennes, covering the space between
The troops of the 18th Squadron occupying their outposts
the 99th and 106th Infantry Divisions.
opened fire. The Volksgrenadiere were cut down by the
This region, known as the Losheim Gap, was good going for hundreds until the cavalry were forced to retire for lack of
armoured forces, and as such was the most likely spot the ammunition. Falling back to Manderfeld, the 18th cavalry
Germans would attack. But the Allies took a calculated risk again delivered a devastating blow upon the Germans, this
that the Germans couldn’t go on the offensive after all of the time with the added firepower of the 275th Field Artillery.
Summer defeats they had sustained, even if they wanted to.
The 32nd Squadron was dispatched from Vielsalm to reinforce
The 18 Cavalry Squadron (a battalion-strength unit) was
th
the 18th at Manderfeld. The squadron’s E Troop were the first
stationed near the front in Manderfeld while the 32nd was to arrive with six M8 Scott HMC assault guns. The Scotts
held back in Vielsalm to rest and refit. To help with their quickly tied into the 275th Field Artillery’s network and joined
defence, the group was given a company from the 820th Tank in the havoc being wrought on the Volksgrenadiere.
Destroyer Battalion (towed M5 3” anti-tank guns) and three
batteries from the 275th Field Artillery Battalion equipped Breaking Point
with 18 M7 Priests. The cavalry sent a few patrols to get an idea of the scope of
the attack, which was quickly established as a large assault.
The Losheim Gap The group’s commander, Colonel Mark Devine raced back
In the pre-dawn hours of 16 December 1944, the full to the 106th Infantry Division’s headquarters to request artil-
weight of 12. Volksgrenadierdivision (12th Peoples’ Grenadier lery support, but found the divisional staff was in a shambles
Division) was thrown against the cavalrymen. Almost im- and Devine returned empty handed.
mediately things started to unravel for the Germans. The red

94
 MINDING THE GAP
By the next day, two of the 32nd Squadron’s troops had been excellent defence of Saint Vith and helped cover the fighting
destroyed fighting SS-Kampfgruppe Hansen. Colonel Devine withdrawal back to Vielsalm.
broke down and gave up command to his executive officer,
Lieutenant Colonel Augustine Dugan. The new commander’s Refit
life was made harder by the unreasonable demands from the In January 1945, the 18th was brought back up to full
106th Infantry to retake the village of Born, something well strength and were among the first to receive the new M24
beyond the ability of his unit. Nevertheless, Dugan gathered Chaffee light tank to replace their aging M5A1 Stuarts. This
his shattered unit and formed a small task force. Task Force excellent new tank combined speed and firepower, giving the
Mayes’s attack with four M5A1 Stuart light tanks, a platoon cavalry the perfect tool to exact revenge upon the Germans
of M8 Scott assault guns, and C Troop (32nd Cavalry) was for their fallen comrades.
valiant but unsuccessful.
Despite their losses, the 18th Cavalry managed to stall the
The 14th Cavalry Group, now well and truly spent, was German attack in Losheim for nearly 24 hours and in the
transferred to the 7th Armored. Now fully supported by the process blunt the attacks of 12. Volksgrenadierdivision and
weight of the tanks and armoured infantry, the remnants of 3. Fallschirmjägerdivision. For their actions during the war,
the 18th Cavalry played a useful role in the 7th Armored’s they received a Presidential Unit Citation.

PATTON’S GHOSTS: THE 2ND CAVALRY GROUP

The 2nd Cavalry Group, consisting of clashed with 111. Panzerbrigade at Lunéville. Although they
the 2nd and 42nd Cavalry Squadrons, lost a large number of vehicles there, the fight stalled the
arrived in France in June 1944. Germans long enough for the 704th Tank Destroyer and
Ordered to join Task Force A in 37th Tank Battalions to counter their advance. The veteran
Brittany, the group was instead cavalrymen continued to fight alongside the 4th Armored all
intercepted and adopted by the 4th of the way through the Ardennes fighting. They too were
Armored Division as it raced through among the first units to receive the new M24 Chaffee light
Brittany and on to the Moselle in the tank to replace their loses at Lunéville and put them to good
Lorraine. use in the field.
As a part of XII Corps of Patton’s Third Army, the 2nd Cavalry The group’s speed, cunning, and elusiveness earned them the
screened the right flank. On 18 September 1944, the group nickname ‘Patton’s Ghosts’.

CAVALRY SPECIAL RULES

A Cavalry Recon Troop and a Cavalry Tank Company use all of the normal US special rules found on pages 236 to 240 of
the rulebook. In addition, they also use the Never Out Of Touch special rule.

Never Out Of Touch Once each turn, you may re-roll one die to receive Reserves
The cavalry’s long-range radios and high mobility of their for your force.
vehicles meant that they could respond quickly to enemy
In a mission using the Scattered Reserves special rule, once
threats.
per turn you may also re-roll one die rolled to determine
where a platoon will arrive from Scattered Reserve.

95
 CAVALRY RECON TROOP Mechanised Company

Motivation and Skill 2nd Cavalry Group 14th Cavalry Group

A Cavalry Recon Troop from the 2nd Cavalry Group is
rated Confident Veteran. RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
CONFIDENT TRAINED CONFIDENT TRAINED
A Cavalry Recon Troop from the 14th Cavalry Group is
FEARLESS VETERAN FEARLESS VETERAN
rated Confident Trained.

You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS
box shaded grey.
Your Troop HQ must be either from the 2nd Cavalry Group (marked      ) or the 14th Cavalry Group
(marked      ). All Combat and Weapons platoons marked with either of these symbols must be
Cavalry Recon Troop from the same cavalry group as your Company HQ. Support platoons can be of any variant type
97

HQ and do not have to match your Troop HQ.

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

WEAPONS PLATOONS

RECONNAISSANCE ARMOUR
ARMOUR ARTILLERY
OR ANTI-TANK

Cavalry Recon Platoon Cavalry Tank Platoon

97

99

Field Artillery Battery

13
2
Tank Platoon 29
RECONNAISSANCE ARMOUR Armored Field Artillery

13
Corps Tank Destroyer Battery

5
13

Platoon
0

Provisional Artillery

13
Towed Tank Destroyer Battery

4
13

Platoon
1

Cavalry Recon Platoon Cavalry Tank Platoon

97

99

ARTILLERY
ANTI-TANK

RECONNAISSANCE ARTILLERY

Towed Tank Destroyer Armored Field

13
13

Platoon Artillery Battery

5
1

Cavalry Recon Platoon Cavalry Assault Gun

97

97

Battery INFANTRY AIRCRAFT

Air Support
13

Rifle Platoon
81

9
13

Armored Rifle Platoon Air Observation Post

33

Engineer Combat
91

Platoon

Parachute Rifle Platoon

11
5

96
 CAVALRY RECON TROOP
HEADQUARTERS
Cavalry Recon Troop HQ
Headquarters
2 M8 Greyhound 85 points 65 points
Company Command 2iC Command
M8 armored car M8 armored car
Teams from the Cavalry Recon Troop HQ are Recce teams.
Company HQ

Cavalry Recon Troop HQ

COMBAT PLATOONS
Cavalry Recon Platoon Lieutenant

Platoon Lieutenant

3 Cavalry Recon Patrols 270 points 210 points

2 Cavalry Recon Patrols 180 points 140 points Command M8 armored car Mortar Jeep Recon Jeep
1 Cavalry Recon Patrol 90 points 70 points Cavalry Recon Patrol

Sergeant

Dismount
Before deployment you may choose to dismount any or all Command M8 armored car Mortar Jeep Recon Jeep
of your Cavalry Recon Platoons. If you do this, all of the Cavalry Recon Patrol
Cavalry Recon Patrols from the same platoon operate as a Sergeant
single platoon.
If you dismount, all of the platoon’s vehicles are permanently
Command M8 armored car Mortar Jeep Recon Jeep
removed from the game. Replace all of the vehicles in each
Patrol with any two of the following teams for each Patrol: Cavalry Recon Patrol

• Carbine teams Cavalry Recon platoon

• M1919 LMG teams
• up to one M2 .50 cal MG team per Cavalry Recon Patrol. Cavalry Recon Patrols are Reconnaissance Platoons.
• up to one Bazooka team per Cavalry Recon Patrol.
• up to one M2 60mm mortar team per Cavalry Recon Patrol. Cavalry Recon Patrols from Cavalry Recon Platoons operate
as separate platoons, each with their own Command team.
Designate any one of the teams as the Platoon Command
team. The platoon remains a Reconnaissance Platoon. Your cavalrymen are fighting for their lives in the Losheim
Gap. Their excellent training and hard work are helping to
stem the tide of the German onslaught.

WEAPONS PLATOONS
Cavalry Assault Gun Battery Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant Sergeant

6 M8 Scott HMC 270 points 210 points

4 M8 Scott HMC 180 points 140 points
Command M8 Scott HMC M8 Scott HMC
2 M8 Scott HMC 90 points 70 points

The assault guns of E Troop of the 32nd Cavalry Squadron M8 Scott HMC M8 Scott HMC
were the first to respond to your cavalrymen’s call for rein-
forcements. Tie them into your artillery network to add their
guns to the corps’ harassing bombardments.
M8 Scott HMC M8 Scott HMC
HQ Section Gun Section
Cavalry Assault gun Battery

97
 CAVALRY TANK COMPANY Tank Company

Motivation and Skill 2nd Cavalry Group 14th Cavalry Group

A Cavalry Tank Company from the 2nd Cavalry Group is
rated Confident Veteran. RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
CONFIDENT TRAINED CONFIDENT TRAINED
A Cavalry Tank Company from the 14th Cavalry Group
FEARLESS VETERAN FEARLESS VETERAN
is rated Confident Trained.

You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS
box shaded grey.
Your Company HQ must be either from the 2nd Cavalry Group (marked      ) or the 14th Cavalry
Group (marked      ). All Combat and Weapons platoons marked with either of these symbols
Cavalry Tank
must be from the same cavalry group as your Company HQ. Support platoons can be of any
variant type and do not have to match your Company HQ.
99

Company HQ

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

WEAPONS PLATOONS

ARMOUR RECONNAISSANCE
ARMOUR ARTILLERY
OR ANTI-TANK

Cavalry Tank Platoon Cavalry Recon Platoon

97
99

Field Artillery Battery

13
Corps Tank Destroyer

2
Platoon 13
0 Armored Field Artillery

13
ARMOUR RECONNAISSANCE Towed Tank Destroyer Battery

5
13

Platoon
1

Provisional Artillery

13
Battery

4
INFANTRY
Cavalry Recon Platoon
97

Cavalry Tank Platoon

99

ARTILLERY

ARTILLERY
ARMOUR
Rifle Platoon
81

Armored Field

13
Armored Rifle Platoon Artillery Battery

5
33

Cavalry Assault Gun Engineer Combat

97

Cavalry Tank Platoon Battery

91
99

Platoon AIRCRAFT

Air Support
13
9
13

Air Observation Post

9

98
 CAVALRY TANK COMPANY
HEADQUARTERS
Cavalry Tank Company HQ Captain
Headquarters Captain Sergeant

2 M24 Chaffee 165 points 130 points

2 M5A1 Stuart 105 points 80 points Company Command 2iC Command
Light Tank Light Tank
Option Company HQ Recovery
• Add M31 TRV recovery vehicle for +10 points or Section
M32 TRV recovery vehicle for +15 points. Cavalry Tank Company HQ

F Troop is a light tank company under a different name.

You must field at least one Cavalry Tank Platoon entirely
Armed with M5A1 Stuart (still called a the M3 by old hands),
equipped with the same model of tank as the Cavalry Tank
or the new M24 Chaffee, the troop’s high speed allows them
Company HQ
to keep up with the cavalry and lend support where needed.

COMBAT PLATOONS
Cavalry Tank Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant

5 M24 Chaffee 415 points 320 points

4 M24 Chaffee 335 points 255 points
Command Light Tank
3 M24 Chaffee 250 points 190 points
5 M5A1 Stuart 260 points 200 points
Sergeant Sergeant
4 M5A1 Stuart 210 points 160 points
3 M5A1 Stuart 155 points 120 points
Light Tank Light Tank
The light tanks of F Troop are usually the M5A1 Stuart.
While a tried and true model, the tank has been relegated to
specialist missions where they can exploit gaps in the line. Light Tank Light Tank
The new M24 Chaffee is an excellent replacement for the Tank Section Tank Section
M5A1. It combines a powerful 75mm gun with the speed of Cavalry Tank Platoon
a light tank, making it a deadly new weapon in the Arsenal
of Freedom.

99
 BASTOGNE

Volksgrenadiers and their supporting Hetzer tank-hunters assault a US position in an attempt to break into Bastogne.

The glidermen and paratroopers made good use of Bazookas against German panzers such as this tough Panther.

100
Defensive positions were set up all around Bastogne by the 101st Airborne as they fought to hold off German attacks.

The elite infantry of 101st Airborne Division were supported by Sherman tanks and M18 Hellcat tank destroyers.

The German forces attacking Bastogne were well supported with armour, keeping the tank destroyers busy.

101
 BASTOGNE
AND THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE
The Germans launched Unternehmen Wacht am Rhein 101st Airborne Division
(Operation Watch on the Rhine, also known as the Ardennes At the start of the Germans’ Ardennes offensive, the
offensive) on 16 December 1944. Their aim was to punch 101st Airborne Division was in camp at Mourmelon, France
through the thinly held lines of the US First Army in the resting and refitting after the hard fought Market Garden
Ardennes region of Belgium and Luxembourg with their campaign and following battles in the Netherlands. On 17
infantry, before unleashing the Panzer divisions to drive December the division was put on alert to go to the front
through to the Meuse River. The overall German goal was to and on 18 December they were hurriedly loaded into trucks
take the Belgian port of Antwerp, so vital for Allied supplies, and shipped off to Bastogne.
and cut off the US Ninth Army, British Second Army and
Canadian First Army in northern Belgium and the southern On arriving in Bastogne on 19 December the first units of
Netherlands. The key to the success of the German plan was the 101st Airborne were thrust into the line to halt the ad-
to quickly cut through the US First Army in the Ardennes. vancing Germans. They were joined by Combat Command
B of the 10th Armored Division and the 705th Tank
The main thrust towards Antwerp was given to the powerful Destroyer Battalion. As they set up a defensive perimeter
6. Panzerarmee (6th Tank Army) on the northern shoulder around Bastogne, they were attacked by 2. Panzerdivision,
of the offensive. However, determined defence by the US Panzer Lehr Division, and 26. Volksgrenadierdivision. Battles
1st and 99th Infantry Divisions halted the thrust. In the were fought at Wardin, Noville, and Foy (see map on page
central sector, 5. Panzerarmee was more successful against 6) as the paratroopers pushed out from Bastogne on that
the worn and stretched US 28th and inexperienced 106th first day.
Infantry Divisions. The vital road junctions at the small
town of Bastogne became the focal point of the offensive. By 20 December the 101st Airborne Division had established
All seven of the main roads through the Ardennes converged a defensive perimeter around Bastogne with its four infantry
at Bastogne and the capture of the town would ensure the regiments encircling the town.
continued drive by 5. Panzerarmee towards its objectives.

THE ARDENNES
NETHERLANDS 0 Miles 1 2 3 4
RHEYDT
CANADIAN FIRST 0 Kilometres 2 4 6

ANTWERP
Alb
ARMY Allied front, 15 Dec
ert
Can German advance
BRITISH SECOND
al

ARMY
N
15. ARMEE
BRUSSELS LOUVAIN
Ro
er

MASSTRICHT
COLOGNE
Ri
ve

DÜREN
r

US NINTH AACHEN Hürtge

n Fo
rest BONN

ARMY
EUSKIRCHEN
Rhi

BELGIUM LIÈGE
ne

EUPEN
r VERVIERS
R ive Roer River
REMAGEN
e use Dams
HUY M
SPA
MONSCHAU
6. PANZER-
CHARLEROI NAMUR
ARMEE GERMANY
MALMÉDY
r
ive

277. VGD
STAVELOT KOBLENZ
eR

BÜTGENBACH
Amb
rth

WERBOMONT lève
Ou

Rive
TROIS PONTS r 12. VGD
DINANT MARCHE-EN-
BARAQUE DE ST. VITH BLEIALF
FAMENNE
FRAITURE er
LE ROCHE el Riv
GIVET ROCHEFORT 19TH DEC LÜTZKAMPEN 5. PANZER- Mos

ARMEE
US FIRST
er
Riv

ARMY 101ST AB
use

BITBERG
Me

7. ARMEE
26. VGD
BASTOGNE 28TH ID
VIANDEN

NEUFCHÂTEAU ETTELBRUCK DIEKIRCH

LUXEMBOURG
ECHTERNACH The large red arrows
MEZIERES
FRANCE MERSCH TRIER show the planned German
direction of attack.

102
 BASTOGNE AND THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE
The Siege Patton breaks through to Bastogne
With a strong perimeter established, particularly in the While the paratroopers and glidermen were holding tena-
north and east, the German XLVII Panzerkorps commander, ciously to their positions around Bastogne, General Patton’s
General von Lüttwitz, decided to circle around Bastogne and Third Army, spearheaded by the 4th Armored Division’s
strike a blow from the south and southwest on the night 37th Tank Battalion (commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel
of 20/21 December with his two panzer divisions. The Creighton Abrams), had finally broken through to Bastogne.
Germans initially penetrated into the lines in the southwest, They reached the lines of the 326th Airborne Engineer
but an ad-hoc American counterattack force threw back the Battalion on 26 December. Communications and supplies
attack. However, all the roads in and out of Bastogne had were quickly restored.
been cut by the Germans and the town was surrounded.
Without the benefit of rest, the 101st Airborne Division,
With Bastogne surrounded, the Panzer divisions continued immediately joined the attack. After many more days of
on towards the Meuse River, leaving behind a regiment to hard fighting they finally pushed the Germans back. On
support the 26. Volksgrenadierdivision in capturing Bastogne. 17 January the 101st Airborne had reached the positions they
26. Volksgrenadierdivision and its support probed the southern had occupied on 19 December, when the division had first
and western sectors of the American perimeter. Because the arrived at Bastogne. The following day the 101st Airborne
Germans didn’t launch a concerted attack against several Division was relieved.
sectors at once, the 101st Airborne Division was able to
concentrate its supporting armour and artillery against each The Allies push back the Germans
attack as it came, moving them about as they were needed. The German offensive had ground to a halt, but had pushed
Continuous attacks had exhausted 26. Volksgrenadierdivision a large salient into the Allied lines. To destroy the salient,
by 23 December. On 24 December they received a much Patton’s Third Army attacked north, while Montgomery’s
needed boost in the form of a panzergrenadier regiment from American and British forces, to the north, struck south in
15. Panzergrenadierdivision. The Germans then attacked early January. The two forces planned to meet at Houffalize.
the positions of the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment on the Progress was slow in the winter conditions and the majority
western section of the perimeter on Christmas Day. Initially of the German forces were able to escape the salient. The fuel
the attack was successful and the panzergrenadiers and tanks situation had become so bad for the Germans that most of
got as far as Hemroulle, where the 327th Regiment had its their panzers had to be abandoned. St Vith wasn’t recaptured
3rd Battalion (formally the 1st Battalion, 401st Glider Infantry by the Americans until 23 January and the last German units
Regiment) command post. The German panzers leading participating in the offensive hadn’t returned to their start
the assault split into two columns and continued on. One lines until 25 January.
column was immediately ambushed by two M18 Hellcats
of the 705th Tank Destroyer Battalion before Champs. The Hitler’s ambitious plan to take Antwerp and destroy three
other column headed for Rolle, where it was hit by another armies had failed and in doing so gave the Americans one of
two M18s. The German assault had been brought to a halt their most triumphant victories of the war.
as the German Panzer IV tanks were knocked out by tank
destroyer and bazooka fire and the German infantry assaults
were held off by the glidermen.

103
 SCREAMING EAGLES 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION IN BASTOGNE
The 101st Airborne Division was formed at Camp Claiborne, How prepared each unit of the 101st Airborne Division was
Louisiana on 15 August 1942. By the time the division saw depended greatly on the initiative of the commander and
its first combat on 6 June 1944 the men of the ‘Screaming the men. Not every man was able to grab their weapons or
Eagles’, named for the emblem on their shoulder patch, had enough ammunition.
undergone extensive and intense training in the United States
Lieutenant-Colonel John T. Cooper of the 463rd Parachute
and United Kingdom. Having acquitted themselves well and
Field Artillery Battalion had the forethought to redirect his part
played an important role in securing the Normandy beach-
of the column through the ammunition dump at Mourmelon,
heads, the division was next dropped on the Netherlands
where he got his men to grab as much ammunition for their
during Operation Market Garden. Once again they fought
75mm pack howitzers as they could carry. The 63rd Parachute
with distinction, securing 17 Miles (28km) of road stretching
Field Artillery Battalion Italy Veterans temporarily attached
from Eindhoven to Grave Bridge, keeping ‘Hell’s Highway’, as
to the division while waiting for the 17th Airborne to arrive in
it became known, open for the British troops of 30 Corps.
France. Other units were less well prepared and took weapons
and ammunition off US riflemen as they encountered them
101st Airborne head for Bastogne retreating from Bastogne. Ammunition was also supplied by
As the size and success of the initial attacks by the German the 10th Armored Division’s Combat Command B (CCB),
divisions in the Ardennes became clear, the 101st Airborne which had arrived at the front the day before the airborne
Division was put on alert at their camp in Mourmelon, division.
France on 17 December 1944. The division quickly set
As well as an initial shortage of weapons and ammunition,
about calling men back from leave, including a number of
the division was also without their commander, Major-
commanders, as well as organising the re-issuing of arms
General Maxwell Taylor, who was away in Paris. Instead, the
and ammunition. Transport was hastily arranged and the
division was commanded by General Anthony McAuliffe,
paratroopers and glidermen were loaded onto trucks on
the division’s second in command.
18 December and moved off to the front.

BASTOGNE 19 TO 25 DECEMBER
NOVILLE
10th AD. 2. Pz.
Team Desobry BOURCY
26. VGD. 501st PIR.
HERBAIMONT 21-25 DEC LONGCHAMPS 19-20 DEC
2. Pz.

CHAMPS FOY

FLAMIERGE 502nd PIR. ROLLE 26. VGD.

FLAMIZOULLE 19 DEC 18-20 DEC
26. VGD. 26. VGD.
TO
101ST AB. 506th PIR. WI
LTZ
19 DEC HEMROULLE 19 DEC
15. PzGR.
24-25 DEC BIZORY
MANDE-ST- LUZERY
ÉTIENNE 327th GIR.
MAGERET
19 DEC 501st PIR. Hill 510 26. VGD.

ISLE-LA-HESSE
BASTOGNE MONT NEFFE 26. VGD.
SENONCHAMPS 501 PIR.
st

326th AEB. 19 DEC 501st PIR.

501st PIR. Pz. LEHR
19 DEC 19 DEC
28th ID. 19 DEC
10th AD. WARDIN
Team O’Hara

MARVIE
Pz. LEHR
Hill 500

26. VGD.
ASSENOIS
PZ. LEHR

0 Miles 1 2 3 4

0 Kilometres 2 4 6

104
 SCREAMING EAGLES
The Division arrives in Bastogne there. However, as I Company entered Wardin, troops of
After driving through the night, the division arrived at Team O’Hara, CCB, 10th Armored Division could be seen
Bastogne on 19 December 1944. As the 101st Airborne moving towards Bastogne along a ridgeline to the southwest.
Division arrived, the units were pushed forward to establish The roadblock troops had left.
the extent of the German advance and to set up a perimeter The reason soon became clear as a force of tanks and infantry
around the town. The first to arrive at the front were the from the German Panzer Lehr Division’s 901. Panzergrenadier-
men of the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment (501st PIR) regiment began to attack Wardin. Two German tanks
and they were soon sent forward through the fog to ‘go out knocked out a Team O’Hara tank as they moved into the
and find the enemy’. The 1st Battalion moved out first and village. I Company managed to knock out two tanks with
expected to find the enemy near the village of Margeret. As their bazookas before the Germans overran the village and
they advanced, they met scattered groups of men from the forced the company to retreat back towards Mont.
28th Infantry Division retreating back towards Bastogne.
As the rest of 3rd Battalion moved into Mont, they directed
Leading them forward were the jeep-mounted men of the patrols toward Neffe, which they soon discovered was well
divisional recon. As they rounded a corner near the village and truly infested with Germans. As G Company probed
of Neffe, all hell broke loose. The recon jeeps had been towards Neffe, they joined with Team ‘Cherry’ of the
ambushed by a German tank and some infantry. Following 10th Armored Division who had been pushed out of Neffe.
behind the recon was B Company, 1st Battalion. They quickly The battalion decided to pull back and set up their defence
sent forward some bazooka men and let off a volley towards at Mont.
the tank, which halted and was then eventually knocked out.
To anchor the 501st PIR’s right flank, A and C Companies,
B Company and the battalion headquarters behind them
1st Battalion, 327th Glider Infantry Regiment (327th GIR)
quickly spread out and deployed in defensive positions.
were sent forward to join the paratroopers.
At 1000 hours, the rest of the regiment left Bastogne to join
the 1st Battalion near Neffe. 2nd Battalion moved just north Noville
of Neffe to Bizory with the aim of taking Mageret from
Team Desobry, CCB, 10th Armored Division had been
that direction. They were halted quickly by the German
holding the village of Noville, northeast of Bastogne, since
26. Aufklärungs Abteilung, 26. Volksgrenadierdivision who
the evening of 19 December collecting stragglers from the
had already entrenched on top of Hill 510 overlooking the
28th Infantry Division and 9th Armored Division to help
road from Bizory. However, when the Volksgrenadiers con-
hold the positions.
tinued their advance, they were caught in an artillery barrage
from the 907th Glider Field Artillery Battalion, forcing the Shortly after daybreak on 19 December Major William
Germans back to their positions on Hill 510. Desobry was told his team would soon be joined by the
1st Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment (506th
Wardin PIR) at Noville. Desobry had been concerned that his posi-
tions at Noville were overlooked by high ground on three
The 3rd Battalion, 501st PIR advanced towards Mont, south-
sides and had wanted to withdraw. With this news, he sent
west of Neffe, but didn’t arrive until after mid-day due to
a jeep to pick up the parachute battalion’s commander,
traffic in Bastogne. The 101st Airborne Division became
Lieutenant-Colonel James LaPrade, so they could work
tangled with other US units retreating from the German on-
out where to position the paratroopers when they arrived.
slaught. Once the battalion had arrived in Mont, I Company,
LaPrade informed Desobry that many of his men were short
the battalion’s southern flank guard, was sent forward to
of weapons and ammunition. Desobry quickly organised
check the three wooded areas before Wardin. Once reported
equipment to be placed along the road to Noville so the
clear, the company was then ordered to move into Wardin
paratroopers could arm themselves as they arrived.
and make contact with a supposed US roadblock established

105
 On arriving at about 1400 hours, the companies of the bat- Second day of fighting in Noville
talion set about securing the high ground around Noville. As 20 December dawned, with the ever-present fog, the
B Company was to take the high ground on the northeastern Germans continued the assault on Noville. Initially, they
flank, C Company the wooded ridgeline on the eastern flank, sent their tanks against the paratroopers of the 1st Battalion,
and A Company was positioned between them in reserve. 506th PIR in Noville. The fire of the paratroopers along
Preceded by artillery fire and supported by the tanks of Team with the men of Team Desobry, and supporting fire of the
Desobry, the paratroopers attacked the high-ground. The fog 321st Glider Field Artillery Battalion, kept the Germans at
periodically lifted, allowing LaPrada and Desobry, observing bay.
from Noville, to see the progress of the attack. Desobry was
particularly impressed by the aggressive and speedy advance The Germans then split into two forces, one headed north
of the paratroopers. around Noville, while the second headed south. The southern
probe was halted by the 2nd Battalion, 506th PIR at Foy and
As the paratroopers of B Company reached the top of the the 2nd Battalion, 501st PIR south of them. The German
heights, they ran into a German attack led by the tanks thrust to the north was more successful. By noon, German
of 3. Panzerregiment, 2. Panzerdivision. The Germans had patrols had started to cut the road between Noville and Foy.
chosen that very moment to launch their attack on Noville. The 1st Battalion, 506th PIR had also lost direct contact with
After two hours of fighting, the two commanders decided it the regimental HQ and was relaying messages through the
would be better to defend from the buildings of Noville and artillery observer’s radio link with the 321st Glider Field
ordered the paratroopers to withdraw. The fog continued to Artillery Battalion. They were in danger of being cut off.
play an important role, allowing the paratroopers to conduct The situation had also become critical in the front line. With
their fighting withdrawal with some concealment, as well as casualties mounting, radio operators and clerks from the
letting the M18 Hellcat tank destroyers of Team Desobry HQ were sent to the companies to plug the gaps.
pick off the panzers as the fog regularly rose and fell.
The order finally arrived from the regimental HQ to withdraw
As the troops withdrew into Noville, LaPrade called a at 1315 hours. The German attack to the south had begun
meeting of his company commanders. Just after the meeting to gain ground, further threatening to isolate the battalion
had broken up, an enemy artillery shell hit the building at Noville. Major Harwick ordered the withdrawal at 1330
housing the battalion command post, killing Lieutenant- hours. C Company and four Sherman tanks from Team
Colonel LaPrade and seriously wounding Major Desobry. Desobry, some crewed by paratroopers, were to move back
However, the battalion’s executive officer, Major Robert F. first to the high ground to the east of Foy to cover the with-
Harwick, had just arrived in Noville, after making his way drawal of the rest of the force. The rear guard was formed by
on foot from Bastogne, and was able to take command. the tank destroyers and A Company. 3rd Battalion, 506th PIR
The battle raged around Noville as the Germans continued would counterattack Foy, which was still largely in German
to pound the village with artillery. Panzers continued to hands, to cover the withdrawal.
probe forward, but the tank destroyers kept them at bay. The US column left Noville behind, with the wounded
The paratroopers and armoured troops still held the village carried on half-tracks, jeeps and trucks, and the paratroop-
as night fell. ers and armored infantry on foot beside them. It wasn’t
The 506th PIR deployed around Foy, southwest of Noville, on long before C Company ran into German roadblocks. The
its arrival in Bastogne and dug-in on the high ground. The Germans had taken up positions along the road in houses,
502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment (502nd PIR) deployed barns and woods. Fighting flared up all along the road as
behind the 506th PIR, north of Bastogne around Champs. the column encountered German positions. As the fire from
The 327th GIR covered the northwestern approaches to the Germans intensified, the paratroopers moved off to the
Bastogne around Mande St. Etienne, while the 326th west side of the road to utilise a natural depression where the
Airborne Engineer Battalion covered the south. As the men Germans couldn’t see them. Eventually, as the 3rd Battalion
set up their defensive perimeters and settled in for the night, attacked in the opposite direction, the 1st Battalion finally
they could hear the sound of fighting off to the east. made it back to their lines. Of the 600 men who had entered
Noville, less than 400 made it back to Foy.
During the evening, the 101st Airborne Division suffered its
first major blow when their Field Hospital at Herbaimont
was captured by German troops circling around Bastogne. Establishing the Front Line
Among those captured was Major Desobry of CCB, 10th The US positions near Foy had also been under attack from
Armored Division. 2. Panzerdivision during the day, which the 3rd Battalion,

106
 SCREAMING EAGLES
506th PIR held until ordered to the counterattack in the 21 December
afternoon. The 2nd Battalion, 506th PIR had watched from On 21 December the glidermen of 3rd Battalion, 327th GIR
the south of Foy, too far away to help, as the other two bat- continued to patrol aggressively in the west, as the Germans
talions struggled to take Foy. However, they had concerns of began to fully encircle Bastogne. The weather had also made
their own, trying to maintain contact with the 2nd Battalion, a turn for the worse. After several days of moderate winter
501st PIR to their south. Contact between the two battal- conditions, temperatures had dropped sharply and it began
ions had not been consistent since both had arrived in their to snow. The haste of the airborne troops’ departure from
positions. Captain Richard Winters, in acting command of their camp in France began to take its toll. Many men didn’t
the 2nd Battalion, 506th PIR was determined to make sure have greatcoats or overshoes and their only protection from
the Germans couldn’t penetrate along the railway line that the cold and snow were shelter quarters, sleeping bags, and
was the boundary line between the two regiments. He sent blankets.
F Company to clear the Germans from the gap and make
contact, but the German machine-gun fire halted the para- The glidermen and engineers, with support from the CCR,
troopers’ advance. 9th Armored Division continued to repel attacks from the
west and south throughout the day.
The command of the 501st PIR was also concerned about
the gap and sent A Company, 1st Battalion along the railway
line at about 1500 hours to clear the gap of any enemy and
Railway Line Gap
take up positions linking the two regiments. At dusk they There was to be no rest for the 1st Battalion, 506th PIR
made contact with German Volksgrenadiers attempting to after their two-day fight at Noville. During the night, the
filter through the gap and a firefight broke out. The company Germans had moved more troops into Foy, as well as a group
became pinned down along the railway line and eventually of about 200 troops that had penetrated the perimeter along
pulled back to higher ground with the fall of darkness. the railway tracks and pushed into the woods not far from
the regiment’s command post. The battalion was called on to
The South and West push them out. At 0900 hours, A and C Companies set out
along the road towards Foy from Luzery. They then turned
In the small hours of 20 December the 2nd Battalion, south into the woods just south of the railway station and
327th GIR was sent to Marvie to take up defence there. A road- began probing for the enemy positions. They soon found the
block had been set up by Team O’Hara, CCB, 10th Armored well-concealed German position and a firefight broke out.
Division and had held off a push down the Wiltz-Bastogne Both companies attacked and soon had the Germans on the
Road by German troops. As the glidermen began setting up run, many of whom ran right into the 501st PIR companies
in Marvie, they were attacked by a force of German tanks across the railway line, providing the anvil for 506th PIR’s
and infantry who had bypassed the armoured troops. The hammer. By 1600 hours that afternoon, all the infiltrating
Germans were eventually halted, but maintained a foothold Germans had been accounted for and the gap between the
in the village, occupying some buildings at its edge. The 1st 506th and 501st Parachute Infantry Regiments had finally
Battalion, now reinforced by the arrival of a third company, been cleared. The paratroopers had killed 65 and captured
continued to defend positions around Neffe. 165 men of the 1st Battalion, 77. Volksgrenadierregiment,
At Neffe and Mont, the paratroopers of the 501st PIR had 26. Volksgrenadierdivision.
to withstand a German night attack at about 1900 hours
on 20 December. The paratroopers raked the advancing 22 December
panzergrenadiers of Panzer Lehr Division as they became While the fighting had settled down in most sectors, the
tangled in the barbed wire cattle fences crossing the fields glidermen of A and C Companies, 3rd Battalion, 327th GIR
before Mont. M18 Hellcat tank destroyers took care of the would spend most of the day in combat. Their fighting
Germans’ supporting assault guns. centred around Mande St. Etienne where the Germans had

107
 cut the road to Bastogne. After a hard-fought assault, they Requests for resupply resulted in the landing of two sticks
were able to clear the roadblock. The unit was personally of pathfinders on 23 December to set up the landing zone
congratulated by General McAuliffe as he toured the perim- for aerial supply drops. Around 230 C-47 aircraft loads of
eter shortly after the battle. supplies were successfully dropped on or around Bastogne, a
welcome Christmas present for the besieged airborne troops.
Shortages of food and ammunition became evident through-
out the day, as did a lack of white camouflage clothing. The
olive green of the US uniforms made a stark contrast against Christmas Eve
the white snow covered terrain. All around the 101st Airborne The Germans gave no respite for festivities and continued to
Division’s front, patrols were out watching the Germans and attack in the Marvie sector into 24 December. None of the
waiting for them to make their next move. German attacks were successful in dislodging the airborne
troops. Around the rest of the Bastogne perimeter things
Nuts! were quiet, especially compared to the previous few days,
broken only by the odd burst of artillery or machine-gun
At 1100 hours a delegation of Germans with a white flag ap-
fire. However, during the night, Bastogne was bombed twice
proached the lines of the 327th GIR. They were met by Staff
and the 10th Armored Division aid station was hit.
Sergeant Carl Dickinson of F Company. Once the Germans
explained they wanted to deliver an ultimatum, they were
blindfolded and taken to the company command post where Christmas Day
their message was sent on to General McAuliffe in Bastogne. In the west, 3rd Battalion, 327th GIR (401st) was deployed
around Hemroulle, 1.5 miles (2.4km) northwest of Bastogne.
General McAuliffe was in a deep sleep when Lieutenant-
Their reconnaissance of the German positions indicated the
Colonel Ned D. Moore shook him awake to tell him a
Germans were building up for an attack. The glidermen’s
German delegation had come to take the division’s surrender.
reconnaissance was good. 15. Panzergrenadierdivision had
Groggy from being awakened suddenly, the General muttered
just been committed to the battle and were about to attack
‘Nuts’ and crawled out of his sleeping bag. After talking over
through their positions towards Bastogne.
their response it was decided ‘Nuts’ made an excellent official
answer, was typed up and passed on to F Company. After it A column of German tanks and assault guns carrying
was explained to the Germans that the answer meant ‘go to panzergrenadiers advanced into the lines of the battalion.
hell’; they were escorted back to their lines. The M18 Hellcat tank destroyer crews of the 705th Tank
Destroyer Battalion let the German tanks pass. The men
The ultimatum called for the division to surrender by 1600
in the defensive line waited patiently while the panzers and
hours or the Germans would level Bastogne with heavy artil-
riders advanced ahead of more panzergrenadiers on foot
lery. It turned out to be a somewhat hollow threat, as after
following behind. The German panzer column was being
the delivery of General McAuliffe’s response the shelling did
followed by the tank destroyers as they approached the glider
not increase.
battalion’s command post. It was just before dawn when the
glider infantry opened up on the German panzergrenadiers
23 December in an open field before their positions. This signalled the tank
The following day, the Germans did increase their pressure destroyers to fan out behind the panzers and let loose at their
on the positions of the 3rd Battalion, 327th GIR (401st). vulnerable rear armour. Five German tanks were quickly de-
German infantry and tanks attacked their positions west of stroyed, three by tank destroyers and two by bazookas.
Mande St. Etienne in the early hours. Determined defence
The German tanks then split into two groups. One group
by the glidermen, timely mortar fire and the support of tanks
of six Panzer IV tanks headed towards Hemroulle and the
and tank destroyers kept the Germans at bay. However, by
command posts of the 3rd Battalion, 327th GIR (401st),
nightfall, some positions had been overrun and the battalion
1st Battalion, 502nd PIR and 463rd Parachute Field Artillery
was forced to withdraw their companies. Paratroopers and
Battalion, while 12 Panzer IV tanks and StuG assault guns
airborne engineers were also heavily engaged around Marvie
went towards Champs.
in the south, forcing the men on Hill 500 to withdraw.

108
 SCREAMING EAGLES
Hemroulle fire, tank destroyers, and the appearance of P-47 fighter-
The Hemroulle column ran into the lines of C Company, bombers. German infantry soon began to surrender. Though
502nd PIR. The surprise of the attack had C Company on the last of the battles with the German tanks had ended by
the run initially, but they rallied, were joined by two tank about 0930 hours, one last tank did make a mid-afternoon
destroyers, and headed back towards the Germans. They appearance from the direction of Bastogne and was knocked
reached Hemroulle about 0800 hours and immediately out by a bazooka as it headed north through Champs.
attacked. Four German tanks headed north, with German A little further south, around Senonchamps, the line was
infantry scrambling to climb aboard, but the German being held by 1st Battalion, 327th GIR, ‘Snafu’ force, made up
Panzer IV tanks were quickly knocked out by the tank of surviving members of the 106th and 28th Infantry Divisions,
destroyers. and some tanks of the 9th Armored Division. They also with-
Another group of German tanks ran afoul of the 463rd stood attacks during the early hours of Christmas Day.
Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, who used flanking shots
from their little 75mm M1A1 pack howitzers to knock out The Siege is Broken
eight Panzer IV tanks when they came under attack. While the 101st Airborne was fighting off the German assaults
from the west, the 4th Armored Division was doing its best
Champs to break through the German encirclement and relieve the
At Champs, A Company, 502nd PIR bore the brunt of beleaguered airborne troops in Bastogne. On 26 December
stopping the main German thrust towards Bastogne. At about the Germans continued their pressure on the Bastogne pe-
0300 hours, the Germans had begun to shell Champs with rimeter, attacking in the sectors of the 501st PIR, 327th GIR,
artillery before the infantry of 77. Volksgrenadierregiment, 502nd PIR and the 326th Airborne Engineer Battalion. It was
26. Volksgrenadierdivision began their attack. Initially, the a clear day and American P-47s roamed the skies looking for
attack came from the north and the fighting continued targets, making German attacks that much more difficult.
until dawn, but the Germans were unable to penetrate the By the afternoon, the 4th Armored Division was southwest
American line. Continued fighting along the front was of Bastogne and less than 2 miles (3km) away. Lieutenant-
chaotic with the Germans filtering through the various gaps Colonel Creighton Abrams decided to send C Company
between A Company’s platoons. German tanks also joined of his 37th Tank Battalion up the secondary road through
the attack, but, as their supporting infantry dwindled away, Assenois to Bastogne. They punched through Assenois under
the tanks withdrew. an artillery barrage, leaving the village to cleared by the fol-
The enemy then redirected their attack towards Rolle and lowing 53rd Armored Infantry Battalion. The direction of their
Longchamps. B Company, 502nd PIR set up a roadblock attack took the Germans by surprise and the tanks smashed
with one platoon just south of Champs facing the south through the German lines. They soon reached the American
and the attack coming from the direction of Hemroulle. line, and after some hesitation, Lieutenant Duane Webster
Supported by two tank destroyers, they were able to knock of the 326th Airborne Engineer Battalion came out to meet
out five German tanks in the encounter and halt the German 2nd Lieutenant Charles Boggess of C Company. After intro-
advance north, but at the cost both tank destroyers. The rest ductions Webster exclaimed, ‘Glad to see you!’ It wasn’t long
of the company pushed on to Longchamps. before Colonel Abrams was in Bastogne meeting General
McAuliffe. Patton’s Third Army had made it to Bastogne at
At dawn, the Germans launched another attack on Champs. 1640 hours on 26 December. The siege was over.
The attack, supported by four tanks, was halted by artillery

4TH ARMORED DIVISION ARRIVES 26 DECEMBER

BIZORY
MANDE-ST-
ÉTIENNE
Hill 510 MAGERET

BASTOGNE
101st A. BAT.
SENONCHAMPS
26. VGD. 326th AE. BAT.

MARVIE
VILLEROUX
Hill 500
15. PzGR.
SIBRET 5. FJD.

REMOIFOSSE N
ASSENOIS

4th ARMORED DIVISION 0 Miles 1 2 3 4

37th TANK BATTALION AND 53rd ARMORED
INFANTRY BATTALION 0 Kilometres 2 4 6
26 DEC

109
 EASY COMPANY
A COMPANY OF HEROES

“‘Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?’ Grandpa said ‘No… but I served in a company of heroes.’”
Dog, Easy, and Fox Companies formed the second battalion The Ardennes
of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) in 1942. The After continued fighting in Holland into November, the 101st
paratroopers were a new experimental arm in the US Army. was finally withdrawn to Mourmelon-le-Grand to rest and
Under the instruction of Lieutenant Herbert Sobel, Easy refit. They had barely settled into garrison duty when the call
Company’s original class of 140 recruits were pushed to came to mount up on trucks and move out. Leaving with only
their limit until only the most tough and focused troops the ammo and supplies they had brought with them out of
remained. In September 1943, Easy Company arrived in the Holland, the paratroopers were rushed to Bastogne, Belgium.
United Kingdom with the rest of the 101st Airborne Division
to prepare for the invasion of France. Easy took up its position on 2nd Battalion’s left flank, just
inside the tree line overlooking the village of Foy. The pe-
Normandy rimeter was far from secure, as Germans and Americans
stumbled into each other’s foxholes in the snow and fog. At
Easy Company landed in Normandy on the night of
Bastogne, Easy endured relentless artillery bombardments,
5 June 1944 as a part of Operation Overlord. Like the
fought off several German attempts to attack Bastogne, and
other parachute rifle companies, Easy was scattered across
battled the elements.
the Normandy countryside during the jump, but quickly
regrouped and distinguished itself knocking by out a battery Finally, on 9 January, Easy Company launched an attack on
of 105mm howitzers at Brécourt Manor and again during Foy itself. Easy launched the attack at 0900 hours, crossing
the capture of Carentan. an open field between the woods and the village. The assault
stalled in front of the Germans due to the poor leadership
Holland of Lieutenant Norman Dike who was paralysed with fear.
Easy Company returned to England and prepared for their Dike was quickly replaced by Lieutenant Ronald Speirs who
next battle. In September 1944, Easy Company jumped into led the attack forward. Easy overcame the Germans in Foy,
Holland during Operation Market Garden and, along with finally securing the town by the afternoon.
the rest of the 101st, worked to secure what would be called After Foy, Easy joined the rest of the 101st in counterattack-
Hell’s Highway. Easy’s main battle took place at Nuenen. ing the Germans and pushing them back into Germany and
Working closely with the British 11th Armoured Division, on into Austria, but the fight in the Bastogne woods would
the paratroopers fought the 107th Panzer Brigade, finally be remembered as the hardest and coldest battle fought by
ejecting the Germans from the village. Easy Company during the war.

110
 EASY COMPANY: A COMPANY OF HEROES
CAPTAIN RICHARD WINTERS
Captain Richard Winters is a Higher Command Rifle team with Gammon Bombs rated Fearless Veteran. Winters can be
added to a Parachute Rifle Company (page 114) for +70 points.

Richard Winters joined the paratroopers in August 1942 and Captain Nixon
reported to Easy Company while it was being formed at the Captain Lewis Nixon was a good friend and confidant of
Toccoa training facility. Winters quickly earned the trust of Winters. Nixon worked closely with Winters to provide Easy
the men of Easy Company. Company with the best intelligence possible for the mission
Winters took command of Easy for the first time following at hand. Captain Nixon is modelled on Captain Richard
the jump into Normandy, after the company commander Winters’s team base.
was killed. He led the company in a bold assault at Brécourt
Manor, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Platoon Command teams from Combat and Weapons
Cross. In Holland, Winters once again demonstrated his platoons may use the Eyes and Ears rule (found on page
leadership and he was promoted to Captain and, by October, 195 of the rulebook) as though they were Recce teams.
Winters was made the 2nd Battalion’s executive officer.
During the Battle of the Bulge Winters kept a close con- A Band of Brothers
nection with Easy Company. When the hard missions came Under Winters’ leadership, Easy Company pulled together
up he relied on Easy Company to get the job done. At Foy, and fought as a cohesive and professional unit throughout
for example, Winters carefully monitored Easy’s assault and the war from France to Germany.
quickly replaced Dike with Speirs to press home the attack.
Winters was highly regarded by the men of Easy and, under A Parachute Rifle Company led by Winters may re-roll the
his leadership, the company remained steady under some of first Company Morale Check that it is required to take if it
the war’s toughest trials. fails its first attempt in a game.

Captain Richard Winters and Captain Lewis Nixon. Lieutenant Ronald Speirs’ defiant dash.

LIEUTENANT RONALD SPEIRS

Lieutenant Ronald Speirs replaces the Company Command Carbine team of a Parachute Rifle Company (page 114) for
+45 points. He is a Company Command SMG team with Gammon Bombs rated Fearless Veteran.

As a Lieutenant, Ronald Speirs joined D (Dog) Company I’m here to take over
at Toccoa in 1942. In Normandy, he earned a reputation as When Lieutenant Norman Dike froze during Easy Company’s
being a cold-blooded killer. Rumours abounded, where in assault on Foy, Speirs was there to take command and press
one case Speirs is said to have gunned down several German home the attack.
prisoners of war. In another instance, Speirs shot one of his
own squad leaders for disobeying an order twice which, if Do not deploy Speirs when you would normally deploy your
ignored, could have resulted in heavy casualties. The specula- Company Command team. Instead, at the beginning of
tion only served to bolster his reputation as a fearless and any of your Starting Steps, when Ambushes are normally
tough fighter. placed, you may place Speirs within 6”/15cm of any teams
When Captain Winters saw Easy Company’s assault on Foy of a Parachute Rifle Platoon, and not within 4”/10cm of
come to a halt due to Lieutenant Norman Dike’s poor lead- enemy teams.
ership, he spun around and ordered the first officer to come
into view to go relieve Dike and finish the assault. That man Defiant Dash
happened to be Speirs, who instantly sprang into action and
carried the men to victory through extreme acts of bravery. During the attack on Foy, not only did Speirs dash through
the enemy’s position to meet up with I Company on the
After Foy, Speirs officially became the company’s longest other side, but after linking up with Item Company, he then
serving commanding officer during the war and the men ran back through the enemy to lead Easy’s final assault.
took to his leadership well. Speirs remained in command
until the end of the war. Winters often praised Speirs as one While Speirs is not in Bulletproof Cover, he may re-roll
of the best officers in his battalion. failed Infantry Saves for each Hit he takes during the op-
ponent’s Shooting Step.

111
 FIRST SERGEANT CARWOOD LIPTON
Lipton was one of the four original privates assigned to Easy
Company when it was first formed. He quickly rose through First Sergeant Carwood Lipton.
the ranks to Sergeant and earned the respect of the men of
Easy Company.
In Normandy, Lipton linked up with Winters and together
they prepared for the assault on Brécourt Manor, during
which he earned a Bronze Star. Following the fighting in
Normandy, Lipton was promoted to First Sergeant of Easy
Company.
During the siege of Bastogne, Lipton battled bad morale as First Sergeant Carwood Lipton replaces the 2iC Command
well as the Germans. The company was led by Lieutenant Carbine team of a Parachute Rifle Company (page 114)
Dike, an indecisive and disliked commander. Lipton con- for +25 points. He is a 2iC Command SMG team with
cerned himself with the spirit of the men. He listened to and Gammon Bombs rated Fearless Veteran.
gathered all the complaints and approached Winters with
their concerns. Although there was nothing Winters could ‘Talk to your Sergeants’
immediately do about Dike, when the assault on Foy faulted, As First Sergeant, Lipton had his ear to the ground to help
Winters wasted no time in removing him from command. address the men’s worries and fears.
Grateful and mindful of Lipton’s command during the
Combat and Weapons Platoons of a Parachute Rifle
cauldron of the Bulge, Winters secured a battlefield commis-
Company joined by Lipton may re-roll failed Platoon
sion to 2nd Lieutenant for Lipton and he joined the battalion
Morale Checks.
staff.

PRIVATE EUGENE ROE

Private Eugene Roe.

Eugene Roe, of Bayou Chene, Louisiana enlisted in 1942 Private Eugene Roe may join a Parachute Rifle Company
and became Easy Company’s medic for the duration of the (page 114) for +50 points. He is not a team, but rather a
war. He joined the company in Normandy and Holland, marker.
where he was wounded on 17 September.
During the Ardennes, Roe and the other medics were instru-
Always There When Needed
mental in keeping Easy Company’s strength up for fighting, It seemed amazing to the men of Easy that Roe seemed to be
scrounging medical supplies where they could and seeing to everywhere patching up and evacuating the wounded.
the men’s wounds and ailments.
Once per turn, if an Infantry or Man-packed Gun team
Roe had a particular ability to be wherever he was needed the from one of your Combat or Weapons platoons fails its Save,
most. Easy Company’s Lieutenant Foley recalled: before removing it from play, you may roll a die:
“He was there when he was needed and how he got ‘there’ • On a result of 5+ Roe patches up the men and the
you often wondered. He never received recognition for his Infantry or Man-packed Gun team ignores the failed Save
bravery, his heroic servicing of the wounded. I recommended and fights on as normal.
him for a Silver Star after a devastating firefight when his • Otherwise, Roe determines that the men need to be
exploits were typically outstanding. Maybe I didn’t use the evacuated and the team is Destroyed as normal.
proper words and phrases, perhaps Lieutenant Dike didn’t
approve, or somewhere along the line it was cast aside. I don’t In either case, place Roe’s marker next to that team to
know. I never knew except that if any man who struggled in remind you that you have used his special rule this turn.
the snow and the cold, in the many attacks through the open
and through the woods, ever deserved such a medal, it was
our medic, Gene Roe.”

112
 EASY COMPANY: A COMPANY OF HEROES
TOCCOA SERGEANTS

Toccoa Sergeants.

Like most units in many armies, the backbone of Easy Toccoa Sergeants replace any or all Platoon Command teams
Company was its platoon commanders. These men were from Combat and Weapons Platoons of a Parachute Rifle
brave and cunning, giving the men encouraging words in Company (page 114) for +10 points per Toccoa Sergeant.
their own special ways. They are Warrior Command SMG teams with Gammon
Bombs rated Fearless Veteran.
By December 1944, many of the platoon leaders of Easy
Company were Toccoa men, that is to say men that had
been with the company since the beginning. These Non- Currahee!
commissioned Officers were essential to the survival of The men of Toccoa ran up and down Mount Currahee three
Easy Company. Names such as ‘Wild Bill’ Guarnere, Don to four times a week. “Currahee!”, which translates from
Malarkey, Joe Toye, John Martin, Denver ‘Bull’ Randelman, Cherokee as “Stands Alone”, became the 506th Parachute
George Luz, Joseph Liebgott, Warren ‘Skip’ Muck, Frank Infantry Regiment’s battle cry.
Perconte, among others, would bolster Easy Company and
see it through the cauldron of Bastogne. Easy Company Combat and Weapons Platoons led by Toccoa Sergeants may
could also count on experienced officers such as Lynn ‘Buck’ re-roll failed Motivation Tests to rally from being Pinned
Compton and Harry Welsh to lead platoons. Down.
Bastogne challenged Easy Company like no other battle, but
it was tight leadership and unfailing comradeship that saw it
through its darkest hour.

CORPORAL DARRELL ‘SHIFTY’ POWERS

Powers joined Easy Company at Camp Toccoa in 1942. An
able hunter, Powers quickly demonstrated his skill with a
rifle, making Expert Rifleman and earning a reputation as
the company’s best shot. Powers jumped into Normandy and
Holland and fought alongside his comrades in the Battle of
the Bulge.
Like the other men of Easy Company, Powers spent a good Corporal Darrell ‘Shifty’ Powers.
portion of time on the perimeter overlooking Foy. Then
one day, Powers reported to First Sergeant Lipton that he Corporal Darrell Powers replaces a Rifle or Rifle/MG team
had spotted a tree that wasn’t there the day before. Lipton (that is not a Command team) from a Parachute Rifle Platoon
grabbed a pair of binoculars, but couldn’t see what Shifty (page 114) for +15 points. He is a Warrior Rifle team with
was talking about. After studying the location for a minute, Gammon Bombs rated Fearless Veteran.
Lipton noticed gun barrels, and Shifty’s ‘tree’ turned out to
be camouflage the Germans were adding to conceal a battery Best Shot in the Company
of guns. Lipton radioed in the coordinates of Shifty’s ‘tree’
‘You know, it just doesn’t pay to be shootin’ at Shifty when
to the artillery and it was quickly wiped out.
he’s got a rifle.’
During the battle at Foy, a German sniper had shot three
members of Easy Company before he was located and Once per turn, Corporal Powers may re-roll any one failed
pointed out to Powers. Shifty brought his rifle to bear on the To Hit roll.
sniper and shot him between the eyes. Many Easy Company In addition, his rifle has a Firepower rating of 4+, rather
veterans reckoned that Powers saved many lives with his than the usual 6.
deadly skills.

113
 PARACHUTE RIFLE COMPANY
Infantry Company

Motivation and Skill RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT

Already veterans of the Normandy and Market Garden campaigns, the paratroopers of the CONFIDENT TRAINED
501st, 502nd, and 506th Parachute Infantry Regiments are well used to fighting while sur-
FEARLESS VETERAN
rounded. A Parachute Rifle Company is rated Fearless Veteran.
HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS
You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
box shaded grey.
Support platoons can be of any variant type and do not have to match your company ratings.
Parachute Rifle
11

Company HQ
5

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

WEAPONS PLATOONS

INFANTRY MACHINE-GUNS
ARMOUR ARTILLERY

Parachute Machine-
11

Parachute Rifle Platoon gun Platoon

11

Parachute Field Artillery

6

11
5

Battery

7
Tank Platoon

29
Glider Field Artillery

12
ARTILLERY Battery

3
INFANTRY Light Tank Platoon
31 Armored Field Artillery

13
Corps Tank Destroyer Battery

5
13

Platoon
0

Parachute Mortar
11

Parachute Rifle Platoon Platoon

6
11

ARTILLERY
5

ARMOUR

INFANTRY
Parachute Field Artillery

11
Battery

7
Corps Tank Destroyer
13

Platoon Glider Field Artillery

0

12
Battery

3
Parachute Rifle Platoon
11
5

Field Artillery Battery

13
(155mm)
3
ANTI-TANK

Special Rules ARTILLERY

Airborne Anti-tank
11

A Parachute Rifle Company uses all the US special rules Platoon

7

on pages 236 to 240 of the rule book in addition to the

Master Sergeant special rule. INFANTRY
Field Artillery Battery
13

(155mm)
3

master Sergeant
Parachute missions are tricky and the loss of an officer Parachute Rifle Platoon ANTI-AIRCRAFT
11
5

can result in the failure of the mission. Therefore platoon

Glider Rifle Platoon
12

sergeants are briefed on every detail of the mission in the

1

event their officer is separated from the platoon. Airborne Engineer

Anti-aircraft Artillery
11

Combat Platoon
13
9

(Self-propelled) Platoon
8

Parachute Rifle, Airborne Divisional Recon, and Airborne Armored Rifle Platoon Airborne Anti-aircraft
33

11

Engineer Combat Platoons use the German Mission Artillery Platoon

6

Tactics special rules (see page 242 of the rulebook). Rifle Platoon
81

AIRCRAFT

RECONNAISSANCE

Air Support
13
9

Cavalry Recon Platoon

97

Air Observation Post

13
9

Airborne Divisional
13

Recon Platoon
2

114
 PARACHUTE RIFLE COMPANY
HEADQUARTERS
Parachute Rifle Company HQ Captain
Headquarters captain

Company HQ 30 points
Company Command Carbine team 2iC Command Carbine team
Options
Company HQ
• Replace Command Carbine teams with Command
SMG teams for +15 points per team. Parachute Rifle Company HQ

• Add up to three Sniper teams for +50 points per team.

The company commander of a 101st Airborne Division

All Carbine or SMG teams in the Company HQ carry Parachute Rifle Company is a vastly experienced veteran
Gammon Bombs giving them Tank Assault 3. of Normandy and Market Garden. His men have complete
faith in him and know his leadership will see them through.

COMBAT PLATOONS
Parachute Rifle Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section and Mortar Squad with:
Command Rifle/MG team Bazooka team
3 Rifle Squads 265 points
2 Rifle Squads 205 points

Options
• Replace Command Rifle/MG team with Command
SMG team at no cost. Rifle/MG team Rifle/MG team Rifle/MG team Rifle/MG team

• Add Bazooka team for +20 points.

• Replace up to one Rifle/MG team in any or all
Rifle Squads with a Bazooka team for +5 points per
Bazooka team. M2 60mm
Rifle/MG team Rifle/MG team Mortar
• Replace all Rifle/MG teams with Rifle teams for
-10 points per Rifle Squad.

All Rifle, Rifle/MG, and SMG teams in a Parachute Rifle 101st Airborne arrived at Bastogne. Additional weapons were
Platoon carry Gammon Bombs giving them Tank Assault 3. taken from retreating 28th Infantry Division soldiers and
found discarded along the roads. Eventually, the platoons
Due to the haste of their departure from Mourmelon camp, became fully equipped, but some Parachute Rifle Platoons
there was a shortage of weapons among the men when the entered combat without their full complement of weapons.

115
 WEAPONS PLATOONS
Parachute
Machine-gun Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section with: Command Carbine team
2 MG Sections 170 points
1 MG Sections 100 points

Option
• Add Bazooka teams for +20 points per team.

A Parachute Machine-gun Platoon may make Combat

Attachments to Parachute Rifle Platoons.

The additional firepower of the paratroopers’ M1919 light

machine-gun proved vital during the defence of Bastogne.

Parachute Mortar Platoon

Platoon
HQ Section with:
2 Mortar Sections 125 points Command Carbine team

1 Mortar Sections 65 points

Option
• Add Bazooka teams for +20 points per team.

German troops continually probed the Bastogne perimeter

for gaps and weak spots. When the Germans attacked, the
paratroopers could quickly call on the mortars to drop a
bombardment where it was needed. When one attack was
broken up, the mortars could quickly turn to await the next
target to present itself.

SUPPORT PLATOONS
Airborne Anti-aircraft Artillery Lieutenant
Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section with:
2 Automatic Weapon Sections 95 points
1 Automatic Weapon Section 50 points

The airborne anti-aircraft artillery platoon is equipped with

M2 .50cal M2 .50cal M2 .50cal M2 .50cal
the M2 .50cal AA MG on a light tripod. The tall mount and AA gun AA gun AA gun AA gun
high rate of fire of the gun allows the paratroopers to fill the Automatic Automatic
sky with deadly .50 cal bullets. Weapons Section Weapons Section
Airborne Anti-aircraft Artillery Platoon

116
 PARACHUTE RIFLE COMPANY
Airborne Anti-tank Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section with:
4 Gun Sections 145 points Command Carbine team
3 Gun Sections 110 points
2 Gun Sections 75 points

Options
• Add Jeeps for +5 points for the platoon. M1 57mm (late) gun M1 57mm (late) gun
• Add Bazooka teams for +20 points per team.

The M1 57mm anti-tank gun is normally delivered into

combat in a glider with its crew, but the 101st Airborne
Division arrived in Bastogne by road, with the gun towed
by jeeps.
The airborne anti-tank guns played an important role in M1 57mm (late) gun M1 57mm (late) gun
defending Bastogne. They offered the paratroopers addition-
al protection from enemy tanks. Positioned along the key
roads into Bastogne, they could hold off German armoured
probes, giving the rest of the airborne forces time to bring
more firepower to bear in the sector. Airborne Anti-tank Platoon

Parachute Field
Artillery Battery
Platoon
HQ Section with:
4 M1A1 75mm 135 points
2 M1A1 75mm 75 points

Option
• Add 2½-ton trucks for +5 points for the battery.
M1A1 75mm Pack howitzer M1A1 75mm Pack howitzer

The 101 Airborne Division took two types of artillery to

st

Bastogne, the glider artillery battalions armed with M3 105mm

howitzers, and the parachute artillery of the 377th and 2½-ton truck 2½-ton truck
463rd Parachute Field Artillery Battalions armed with M1A1
75mm pack howitzers. The 463rd Battalion were veterans of the
Italian campaign, having spent some time supporting the US/ M1A1 75mm Pack howitzer M1A1 75mm Pack howitzer
Canadian First Special Service Force, before being temporarily
attached to the 101st Airborne Division while waiting for the
17th Airborne Division to arrive from England. 2½-ton truck 2½-ton truck

Parachute Field Artillery Battery

117
 AIRBORNE ENGINEER COMBAT COMPANY
Infantry Company

Motivation and Skill Glider Troops Parachute Troops

A Glider Airborne Engineer Combat Company is rated
Confident Veteran. RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
CONFIDENT TRAINED CONFIDENT TRAINED
A Parachute Airborne Engineer Combat Company is
FEARLESS VETERAN FEARLESS VETERAN
rated Fearless Veteran.
HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
box shaded grey.
The Company HQ and Combat Platoons in your force must have the same unit symbol.
Support platoons can be of any variant type and do not have to match your company variant type.
Airborne Engineer
11

Combat Company HQ
9

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

INFANTRY
ARMOUR ARTILLERY

Airborne Engineer
11

Combat Platoon Parachute Field Artillery

9

11
Tank Platoon Battery

7
29
Glider Field Artillery

12
INFANTRY Light Tank Platoon Battery

3
31
Armored Field Artillery

13
Corps Tank Destroyer Battery

5
13

Platoon
0

Airborne Engineer
11

Combat Platoon ARTILLERY

9

ARMOUR

INFANTRY
Parachute Field Artillery

11
Battery

7
Corps Tank Destroyer
13

Platoon Glider Field Artillery

0

12
Airborne Engineer Battery

3
11

Combat Platoon
9

Field Artillery Battery

13
INFANTRY (155mm)
3

Special Rules ARTILLERY

An Airborne Engineer Combat Company uses all the Parachute Rifle Platoon
11
5

US special rules on pages 236 to 240 of the rule book in

Glider Rifle Platoon
12

addition to the Master Sergeant special rule.

1

Field Artillery Battery

13

Parachute Machine- (155mm)

11

master Sergeant gun Platoon

6

Glider Machine-gun
12

Parachute Rifle and Airborne Engineer Combat Platoons Platoon ANTI-AIRCRAFT

2

use the German Mission Tactics special rules (see page

Rifle Platoon
81

242 of the rulebook).

RECONNAISSANCE Anti-aircraft Artillery

13

(Self-propelled) Platoon
8

Airborne Anti-aircraft
11

Artillery Platoon
6

Cavalry Recon Platoon

97

AIRCRAFT

Air Support
13
9

Air Observation Post

13
9

118
 AIRBORNE ENGINEER COMBAT COMPANY
HEADQUARTERS
Airborne Engineer Captain
Combat Company HQ captain
Headquarters
Company HQ 15 points 20 points Company Command Carbine team 2iC Command Carbine team
Company HQ
Option
Airborne Engineer Combat Company HQ
• Replace Command Carbine teams with Command
SMG teams for +15 points per team.

The 326th Airborne Engineer Battalion held the southern 4th Armored Division as they arrived in Bastogne to relieve
approaches around Marvie and were the first to greet the the siege.

COMBAT PLATOONS
Airborne Engineer
Combat Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section and Command Pioneer Rifle team Pioneer Supply Handcart
Weapons Squad with:
2 Operating Squads 170 points 215 points
1 Operating Squads 125 points 155 points
No Operating Squads 80 points 100 points
Pioneer Pioneer Pioneer Pioneer
Options Rifle team Rifle team Rifle team Rifle team

• Add Bazooka teams for +20 points per team.

Bazooka team Bazooka team
• Add a Pioneer Supply Handcart for +20 points or
Pioneer Supply Jeep and trailer for +25 points.

M1919 LMG teams Pioneer M1919 LMG Pioneer M1919 LMG Bazooka team
You may replace any or all Pioneer M1919 LMG teams Weapons Squad
with Pioneer Rifle teams at the start of the game before
Airborne Engineer Combat Platoon
deployment.

During Bastogne, the airborne engineers fought as infantry Supply Handcart

where the firepower of their machine-guns proved its worth. A Pioneer Supply Handcart operates as a Pioneer Supply
They could also lay mines and were able to knock out a block Vehicle (see pages 51 and 263 of the rulebook).
house to the south of Marvie with explosives.

119
 GLIDER RIFLE COMPANY Infantry Company

Motivation and Skill RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT

The 327th Glider Infantry Regiment has been through the campaigns in Normandy and CONFIDENT TRAINED
Holland and have gained much experience fighting alongside the Paratroopers. A Glider
FEARLESS VETERAN
Rifle Company is rated Confident Veteran.
HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS
You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
box shaded grey.
Support platoons can be of any variant type and do not have to match your company ratings.
Glider Rifle
12

Company HQ
1

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

WEAPONS PLATOONS

INFANTRY MACHINE-GUNS
ARMOUR ARTILLERY

Glider Rifle Platoon Glider Machine-gun

12
12

Platoon Parachute Field

2
1

11
Tank Platoon Artillery Battery

7
29
Glider Field Artillery

12
INFANTRY ARTILLERY Light Tank Platoon Battery

3
31 Armored Field Artillery
Corps Tank Destroyer

30
Battery
13

Platoon
0

Glider Mortar Platoon

12

Glider Rifle Platoon

12

ARTILLERY
1

ARMOUR

INFANTRY ANTI-TANK
Parachute Field

11
Artillery Battery

7
Corps Tank Destroyer
13

Platoon Glider Field Artillery

0

12
Glider Anti-tank Platoon
12

Glider Weapons Platoon

12

Battery

3
3
1

ANTI-TANK Field Artillery Battery

13
(155mm)
3
Special Rules
ARTILLERY
Airborne Anti-tank
11

A Glider Rifle Company uses all the US special rules on Platoon

7

pages 236 to 240 of the rule book.

INFANTRY
Field Artillery Battery
13

(155mm)
3

Glider Rifle Platoon

12

ANTI-AIRCRAFT
1

Parachute Rifle Platoon

11
5

Airborne Engineer
11

Combat Platoon Anti-aircraft Artillery

9

13

(Self-propelled) Platoon
8

Armored Rifle Platoon

33

Airborne Anti-aircraft
11

Artillery Platoon
6

Rifle Platoon
81

AIRCRAFT
RECONNAISSANCE

Air Support
13
9

Cavalry Recon Platoon

97

13

Air Observation Post

9

120
 GLIDER RIFLE COMPANY
HEADQUARTERS
Glider Rifle Company HQ Captain
Headquarters captain

Company HQ 15 points
Company Command 2iC Command
Options Carbine team Carbine team
• Replace Command Carbine teams with Command Company HQ
SMG teams for +15 points per team. Glider Rifle Company HQ
• Add up to three Sniper teams for +50 points per team.

The companies of the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment are division, but with lighter weapons especially suited to glider
organised much like the rifle companies of an infantry operations.

COMBAT PLATOONS
Glider Rifle Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon Lieutenant

HQ Section with:
3 Rifle Squads 225 points Command Rifle team Bazooka team M2 60mm Mortar

2 Rifle Squads 170 points

Sergeant Sergeant
Options
• Replace Command Rifle team with Command SMG
team for +5 points. Rifle team Rifle team Rifle team Rifle team
• Replace up to one Rifle team in any or all Rifle Squads
with a Bazooka team for +5 points per Bazooka team. Rifle team Rifle team
• Replace up to one Rifle team in any or all Rifle Squads Rifle Squad Rifle Squad
with an M2 .50 cal MG team at no cost. Sergeant

A Glider Rifle Platoon is organised like a standard US Rifle

Platoon. They are armed with M1 Garand semi-automatic Rifle team Rifle team Rifle team
rifles with additional squad firepower coming from the Rifle Squad
Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR).
Glider rifle platoon
Platoons often have more than one Bazooka, as soldiers have
machine-guns from abandoned US half-tracks and pressed
a way of acquiring extra weapons. During the defence of
them into service as part of their defensive firepower.
Bastogne the glidermen acquired a number of M2 .50 cal

Glider Weapons Platoon

Platoon
HQ Section with:
LMG and Mortar Sections 95 points Command Carbine team

A Glider Weapons Platoon may make Combat Attachments

to Glider Rifle Platoons.
M1919 LMG M1919 LMG M2 60mm M2 60mm
For additional support, the Glider Weapons Platoon provides Mortar Mortar
the glidermen with Browning M1919 light machine-guns
and M2 60mm mortars. The light machine-guns are ideal
additional firepower in both attack and defence. They are
light enough to be moved about the battlefield as required,
as are the 60mm mortars. The mortars can provide both sup-
porting bombardments and deadly direct fire.

121
 WEAPONS PLATOONS
Glider Machine-gun Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section with:
4 M1917 HMG 130 points Command Carbine team

2 M1917 HMG 70 points

Option
• Add Bazooka teams for +20 points per team.
M1917 HMG M1917 HMG M1917 HMG M1917 HMG

A Glider Machine-gun Platoon may make Combat

Attachments to Glider Rifle Platoons.

Glider Mortar Platoon

Platoon
HQ Section with:
3 Mortar Sections 155 points Command Carbine team

2 Mortar Sections 110 points

Option
• Add Bazooka teams for +20 points per team.
M1 81mm M1 81mm M1 81mm M1 81mm
For airborne units the medium mortar takes on extra im- Mortar Mortar Mortar Mortar
portance. These compact weapons can be easily loaded on
gliders to land with the troops, giving the glidermen readily
available artillery as soon as they land.
In Bastogne, while not an airborne operation, they still played
an important role in the defence of the town and its impor-
tant crossroads. The glider mortar crews broke-up a number
of attacks on the western flank of Bastogne. Whether using
high-explosive rounds or smoke, they provided vital support
for the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment’s line of defence.

122
 GLIDER RIFLE COMPANY
Glider Anti-tank Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section with:
3 M1 57mm (late) 100 points Command Carbine team

2 M1 57mm (late) 65 points

3 M3 37mm 70 points
2 M3 37mm 50 points
Anti-tank gun Anti-tank gun
Options
• Add Jeeps for +5 points for the platoon.
• Add Bazooka teams for +20 points per team.

The glider anti-tank units of the 327th Glider Rifle Regiment

were initially armed with M3 37mm anti-tank guns, as they
would fit in a glider for air landing. By Bastogne, some Anti-tank gun
platoons had been issued with the harder-hitting M1 57mm
gun. As well as better anti-tank capability, the 57mm gun
Glider Anti-tank Platoon
has also just been issued a high-explosive round.

Glider Field Artillery Battery

Platoon
HQ Section with:
6 M3 105mm 210 points
3 M3 105mm 115 points

Option
• Add Jeeps for +5 points for the battery.

The 321st and 907th Glider Field Artillery Battalions were M3 105mm light howitzer M3 105mm light howitzer
armed with the M3 105mm light howitzer. The battalions
supported the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment, as well as the
Parachute Infantry Regiments.
The M3 105mm howitzer offers good punch in a light-weight
M3 105mm light howitzer M3 105mm light howitzer
package. While its bombardment range is not as good as a
standard M2A1 field howitzer, but it makes up for that with
superior mobility and its ability to be transported by glider.
During the siege of Bastogne, the glider artillerymen ran low
of M3 ammunition, so they resorted to using M2A1 ammu- M3 105mm light howitzer M3 105mm light howitzer
nition scrounged up by their ammunition and supply men.
However, they had to reduce the number of powder charges
from seven to three to avoid damaging their howitzers.

Glider Field Artillery Battery

123
 2ND RANGER BATTALION
In the Hürtgen Forest
After the Ranger’s heroic actions at Point du Hoc and in November, the Rangers held portions of the line and endured
the fortified city of Brest, the Rangers were released from an ungodly amount of artillery barrages, which devastated
combat duty and given time to rest and recuperate. On 26 their ranks.
September, the 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions moved to Arlon,
On 2 December, the Battalion moved into position in the
Belgium, where they began training exercises, brought the
Hürtgen Forest to prepare for their next mission. The severely
units’ replacements up to speed, and welcomed back Rangers
depleted battalion had companies at platoon strength, but the
who were wounded in Northern France. On 1 November, the
men did not lose spirit and were prepared when they were
time for rest came to an end as Colonel Rudder’s 2nd Rangers
ordered to take and hold Bergstein and the daunting Hill 400.
moved into the Hürtgen Forest.
Rangers in Bergstein
Into the Hürtgen Forest
On 6 December, the battalion was ordered to secure Bergstein.
As the Allies closed in on Germany, they came up against
Able, Baker, and Charlie companies were tasked with securing
Hitler’s Siegfried Line. This line of defences guarded
a defensive perimeter around the town, with one platoon
Germany’s industrial Ruhr region and were staunchly
of Charlie Company and the 81mm mortars in reserve.
defended.
Two platoons of C Company of the 893rd Tank Destroyer
By November, the American 12th Army Group had to cross Battalion, 8th Infantry Division’s 56th Field Artillery Battalion
the Roer River, but they first needed to secure two major were also assigned to this attack. Meanwhile, Captain Slater,
dams on the river. If these were blown, the resulting flood leading Dog, Easy, and Fox Companies, prepared for an
would halt Allied offensives for many months. The fastest assault on the nearby Hill 400. The attack would begin at
route through was the Hürtgen Forest, a formidable stretch 0800 hours on 7 December.
of thick woods, defensible towns, and towering hills.
Shortly after these orders were cut, Colonel Rudder delivered
However, unbeknownst to the Allies, the Germans also devastating news for the battalion. He was to be transferred to
greatly desired this region because they needed it for their the 28th Infantry Division as regimental commander. Rudder
up coming Ardennes offensive. It would be a hotly contested immediately promoted Captain Williams to Major and put
piece of terrain in the coming months. During the course of him in command of the battalion.

HÜRTGEN FOREST 28 NOVEMBER TO 3 DECEMBER Bergstein and Castle Hill

were defended by the 2nd
GEY Battalion, 980th Regiment of
Key 272. Volksgrenadierdivision.
These men were led by
US Attacks
Captain Adolf Thomae,
US Front Line GROSSHAU who had already received
German Front Line a Knights Cross award
for his efforts in holding
KLEINHAU
8 ID UNTERMAUBACH Bergstein up to then.
CCR 5 AD
Captain  Thomae had a
29 NOV
large reserve of artillery
8 ID.
HÜRTGEN for support, more than 36
CCR 5 AD
3 DEC pieces could be called upon
at any time to bombard the
8 ID US forces.
BRANDENBURG
CCR 5 AD
28 NOV
BERGSTEIN

N
CASTLE HILL The Assault on
GERMETER Castle Hill
28 ID VOSSENACK As the Rangers proceeded
4 DEC
to their jump-off point
with rain soaked uniforms
and equipment, Rudder
KOMMERSCHEIDT said his final goodbyes to
the men. At 0540 hours, 7
SCHMIDT
December, the assault force
0 Miles 1 2 3 4
for Hill 400 moved out.
0 Kilometres 2 4 6
Easy Company secured the

124
 2ND RANGER BATTALION
eastern section of Bergstein and Fox and Dog companies Then the Germans began calling all the artillery they had
slipped through to the foot of the hill. German artillery began down on the Rangers. Even veteran Rangers fell victim to this
to rain down and the battle was now on. bombardment as the men scrambled to whatever cover they
could find. At 0830 hours, the capture of the hill was reported
The Rangers of Fox and Dog Companies took cover behind
to headquarters. The Rangers assumed defensive positions
the embankment of a sunken road. They had to cross an open
and anxiously awaited help on the hill, while the German
field, about 75 yards long, before reaching the forested area,
artillery continued to pound their hard-won summit.
where the German machine-guns were waiting. Nevertheless
they had to go.
The Germans Counterattack
German artillery disrupted the jump-off assault, and the
The Germans desperately wanted Castle Hill back and this
Rangers hesitated. Lieutenant Howard Kettlehut, an attached
led to a serious buildup for a major counterattack. A battal-
observer from the 56th Armored Field Artillery Battalion,
ion of the crack Fallschirmjäger Regiment 6 was committed
called for counterbattery fire, but the German fire was re-
and, at 0930 hours on 8 December, the first wave of 150
lentless. The Rangers knew that the ground would have to be
paratroopers attacked. Stripped of cover due to the intense
crossed before more enemy fire could be zeroed in on them.
shelling of the hill, the German attack was stopped when
Private First Class Bouchard volunteered to scout out a way Staff Sergeant Secor of Dog Company spoiled the assault and
through, but he was shot and had to be dragged back. With chased the Germans down the hill.
the German bombardment drawing closer, Sergeant McHugh
A scouting party found that the Germans were preparing to
of Fox Company raised his Thompson submachine-gun and
attack up the left side of the hill. Sergeant Petty rushed into
cried. “Let’s go get the bastards!”
the bunker being used as a first aid station and gathered all
All of the Rangers sprang forward charging and firing from the wounded who could still handle a weapon. Lieutenant
the hip as they ran up the hill. The Germans fired with several Rowland was seen among them encouraging the men. When
machine-guns on the hill in a well-concealed bunker. The the Germans attacked the only things standing in their way
crews of these either died manning their guns or surrendered were eight Fox Company Rangers who put up a fight. The
as the Rangers overwhelmed them. Dog Company charged German attack went to ground.
further up the hill and over, where they began to dig fighting
positions. Continued on page 129...

RANGER SPECIAL RULES

A Ranger Battalion uses all of the normal US special rules found in the rulebook on pages 236-240. In addition, they also
use the following special rules.

Know the Mission: Ranger Platoons use the German Rangers Lead The Way: Ranger Infantry teams may
Mission Tactics special rule (see page 242 of the rulebook). move At the Double (using the Truscott Trot) through
Slow Going and Difficult Going (but not through Obstacle
Get Tough!: Ranger Infantry teams hit on a roll of 2+ in fortifications).
an assault.
I Shall Never Fail My Comrades: Ignore the first
No Obstacle Too Tough: Ranger Infantry and Man- Destroyed Ranger Platoon, Ranger Mortar Platoon, or
packed Gun teams are Mountaineers (see page 61 of the Ranger Cannon Platoon in a Ranger Battalion when deter-
rulebook). mining whether it is necessary to take a Company Morale
Check.

125
 RANGER BATTALION
Infantry Company

HEADQUARTERS You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
HEADQUARTERS

12 box shaded grey.

Ranger Battalion HQ
7

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

INFANTRY INFANTRY
ARMOUR ARTILLERY

Ranger Company Ranger Company

12

12

Armored Field
7

Tank Platoon

13
29
Artillery Battery

5
Corps Tank Destroyer Field Artillery Battery

13
13
INFANTRY INFANTRY Platoon

2
0
RECONNAISSANCE ARTILLERY

Ranger Company Ranger Company

12

12
7

INFANTRY INFANTRY Armored Field

Cavalry Recon Platoon

13
97 Artillery Battery

5
Corps Tank Destroyer Field Artillery Battery

13
13

Platoon

2
0

Ranger Company Ranger Company

12

12

INFANTRY ARTILLERY
7

7
12

Ranger Mortar Platoon

8

Armored Rifle Platoon

33

Field Artillery Battery

13
2
Rifle Platoon
81

Field Artillery Battery

(155) 13
3
ANTI-AIRCRAFT
AIRCRAFT

Anti-aircraft Artillery
13

(Self-propelled) Platoon
8

Air Support
13
9
13

Air Observation Post

9

126
 RANGER BATTALION
Motivation and Skill RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
The Rangers are a highly motivated and experienced assault force. While starting off as CONFIDENT TRAINED
raiders, the Rangers have developed into the US Army’s elite shock force, and are given its
FEARLESS VETERAN
most difficult and demanding missions. A Ranger Battalion is rated as Fearless Veteran.

HEADQUARTERS
Ranger Battalion HQ Colonel or Major
Headquarters Colonel or Major

Battalion HQ 15 points

Options
• Replace Command Carbine team with a Command Battalion HQ
SMG team for +10 points.
Ranger Battalion hq
• Add up to two M1917 HMG teams for +35 points
per team.
• Add up to three Sniper teams for +50 points per team.

A period of rest and recuperation has left the 2nd Ranger Division’s Combat Command R, and seize the nearby Hill
Battalion in good shape, with new recruits trained to a high 400.5, known to the troops as Castle Hill.
standard and many veterans refreshed and recovered from
The Ranger Battalion is a light infantry force with its own
their wounds from Normandy and France.
machine-guns and mortars. It relies on the support of the
In the Hürtgen Forest the 2nd Ranger Battalion’s mission is to nearby armoured and infantry units to achieve its mission,
move from village of Bergstein, secured by the 5th Armored as well as its tremendous fighting spirit!

COMBAT PLATOONS
Ranger Company Captain
Company Captain
2 Ranger Platoons 400 points Captain
1 Ranger Platoon 200 points
Command Rifle team M2 60mm mortar
Options
• Replace all Rifle teams in either or both Ranger
Platoons with Rifle/MG teams for +20 points per Sergeant Sergeant
platoon.
• Replace either or both Command Rifle or Rifle/MG Rifle team Rifle team Rifle team Rifle team
teams with Command SMG teams at no cost.
Rifle team Rifle team
Ranger Platoons operate as separate platoons, each with Ranger Section Ranger Section
their own command team. Ranger platoon
Lieutenant
At the start of the game before Deployment you may replace Lieutenant
Rifle or Rifle/MG teams (aside from the Command team)
in each Ranger Platoon as follows:
Command Rifle team M2 60mm mortar
• Replace up to two teams with Bazooka teams.
• Replace M2 60mm mortar with a Rifle or Rifle/MG
team (matching whichever the platoon is equipped with). Sergeant Sergeant

The Rangers are specialist assault troops and can adapt their
Rifle team Rifle team Rifle team Rifle team
weaponry and equipment as the mission dictates. On some
occasions the light weight of the Browning Automatic Rifle
(BAR) has advantages over the increased firepower of the Rifle team Rifle team
M1919.30 cal light machine-gun. Bazookas and M2 60mm Ranger Section Ranger Section
mortar were also available as needed. Ranger platoon
ranger Company
127
 Ranger Mortar Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section with:
6 M1 81mm 175 points
4 M1 81mm 125 points
2 M1 81mm 65 points
6 M2 60mm 160 points
4 M2 60mm 115 points
2 M2 60mm 60 points Mortar Mortar Mortar Mortar

Option
• Upgrade Command Carbine team to Command
SMG team for +10 points.
Mortar Mortar

Each Ranger battalion has six M1 81mm and six M2 60mm

mortars in its headquarters arsenal. When needed, one of the RANGER MORTAR PLATOON
battalion’s companies would operate the mortars in support
of the operation.

2ND RANGER BATTALION, HÜRTGEN FOREST 6 TO 10 DECEMBER

Key
US Attacks
US Front Line

German Counterattacks
German Front Line

8 ID
CCR 5 AD
3 DEC
BRANDENBURG

2ND RB
6 DEC
BERGSTEIN
2ND RB CASTLE HILL
7 DEC
28 ID
4 DEC

272 VGD
6 DEC
N

0 Miles 1 2

0 Kilometres 1 2

Refighting the Hürtgen Forest

The Battles of the Hürtgen Forest raged between 19 September 1944 and 10 February 1945. Here the US Army fought
the longest battle of its history and faced determined German resistance. It it was fought by the US 1st, 4th, 8th, 9th, 28th,
83rd, 99th and 104th Infantry Divisions, the 3rd and 5th and Armored Divisions, as well as the 2nd Ranger Battalion and the
82nd Airborne Division. You can represent these forces by fielding any of the US Companies found in this book.

128
 2ND RANGER BATTALION
2ND RANGER BATTALION
In the Hürtgen Forest (Continued)
Continued from page 125... they approached. These noises helped the Rangers pinpoint
where the enemy was. As the Germans approached targets
In a moment of heroism, Lieutenant Rowland charged at
were plentiful for the Rangers and the handful of them left fu-
them yelling, ‘If you gotta go, you gotta go!’ Rowland was
riously fought the approaching Germans for over three hours.
shot down before he reached the Germans, leaving Sergeant
The Germans were using the bunker at the top of the hill
Petty in command of Fox Company with about a squad of
as their objective and once they got close Lieutenant Wintz
men fit to fight.
ordered in artillery barrage through Lieutenant Kettlehut.
Then Sergeant Petty and another Ranger saw a group of The artillerymen smothered the area with shells, silencing the
Germans trying to flank the Rangers’ positions. They tried taunting calls of the Germans.
to cut them off, but Petty was wounded in close combat. The
While this was happening the Germans again attacked Able,
two Rangers retreated towards the bunker as the rest of Fox
Baker, and Charlie Companies in the town. Again Lieutenant
Company covered them. Exhausted, Petty’s command passed
Kettlehut called in artillery, and added in another 17 bat-
to Sergeant Stein of Dog Company. Once Petty received
talions, including guns as large as 240mm. The bombard-
medical treatment he headed down the hill to see if he could
ment tore up and terrorized the Luftwaffe and Heer troops
secure aid for his men on the hill.
fighting near Castle Hill and in Bergstein. But once more, the
By then only about 20 able-bodied men were left on Castle Germans attacked up the hill. This time they were pinned by
Hill. At 1450 hours another German attack came but was artillery fire, and were forced to regroup before making one
repelled with the use of artillery. As darkness approached, final assault.
rain fell on the Rangers as they kept a very close watch. Six
The final German assaults on Castle Hill attempted to set
more tank destroyers arrived in Bergstein the next day and
a trap by sending two groups to flank the Rangers while
were assigned to Able, Baker, and Charlie Companies.
sending forward one man under the white flag of surren-
As the morning of 9 December broke on the hill, several der. This plan was foiled by Private Moss who observed the
officers brought a much needed resupply up to the defending Germans orchestrating their plan and artillery was called in
men. In addition, they brought the forward artillery observer to destroy the assault. The Germans retreated and regrouped
Lieutenant Kettlehut, who took position in the bunker to and then again attacked one final time but were beaten back
provide artillery support. Again the German artillery began one last time by fire from Dog, Fox, and Easy Companies.
to pound their positions. A heavy machine gun team was sent
On 10 December, the 13th Infantry Regiment arrived to
up the hill to assist the defenders but they were all killed in a
relieve the Rangers. As the last Rangers stumbled down the
German attack.
hill and were loaded into trucks only then did most realize
At 0600 hours another German attack was launched on the the true price of the battle as most of the trucks where
hill with a heavy bombardment, followed by an infantry three-quarters empty.
advance. In the town at 0700 hours another German attack
supported by armoured cars was directed at Baker and Aftermath
Charlie Companies in Bergstein. Enemy self-propelled guns
Both American and German dead laid strewn about Castle
attempted to shoot their way into the town, but were driven
Hill. At the end of the battle some 450 Germans had lost
back by the tank destroyers and Rangers.
their lives at the price of 23 Rangers dead and 86 wounded.
By 0850 the attack on the hill was over and only ten Rangers Even though the Germans knew the importance that Castle
remained in fighting condition. At 1330 hours the lead Hill represented not even their best efforts could force the
elements of the 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment (8th Rangers off it. The companies in Bergstein also experienced
Infantry Division) arrived to relieve the Rangers, but it would heavy fighting as well, losing men alongside 5th Armored
be a while yet before the infantry could be brought up. Division troops.
The Germans counterattacked up the hill again and this time
made whistling sounds and cried, ‘Baa, baa!’ like sheep as

129
 US SUPPORT
Motivation and Skill Veteran Support Trained Support
Fuel shortages and narrow attack corridors saw the
armoured divisions work quite closely with a wide variety RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
of infantry divisions, some experienced combat veterans, CONFIDENT TRAINED CONFIDENT TRAINED
others fresh from the States. FEARLESS VETERAN FEARLESS VETERAN

Corps Tank Destroyer Platoon Lieutenant

Platoon Lieutenant

Security Section and

Tank Destroyer Section with:
Command .50 cal Recon Jeep M20 scout car M20 scout car
4 M36 90mm GMC 485 points 370 points
Security Section
2 M36 90mm GMC 265 points 205 points
Lieutenant
4 M18 Hellcat (late) 410 points 315 points
2 M18 Hellcat (late) 230 points 180 points
4 M10 3in GMC (late) 405 points 310 points Command Tank Destroyer Tank Destroyer
2 M10 3in GMC (late) 225 points 175 points

Options
Tank Destroyer Tank Destroyer
• Replace any or all M10 3in GMC (late) tank de-
Tank destroyer Section
stroyers with M36 90mm GMC tank destroyers for
+20 points per tank destroyer. Corps Tank destroyer Platoon
• Replace any or all M10 3in GMC (late) tank de- • Fit any or all tank destroyers with Improvised Armour
stroyers with M36 90mm GMC tank destroyers for for +5 points per tank.
+15 points per tank destroyer. • Upgrade all M10 3in GMC (late) tank destroyers
with Top Armour 1 for +5 points per tank.

The US Tank Destroyer forces saw action all across the

Corps Tank Destroyer Platoons use the US Tank Destroyers Ardennes front both defending against the German of-
special rules on page 238 of the rulebook. fensive, and during the Allied counterattack. Of course,
the Tank Destroyers had been in action since Normandy,
fighting their way to the German border, supporting the
infantry and tankers alike.

130
 US SUPPORT
Towed Tank Lieutenant
Destroyer Platoon Lieutenant

Platoon
HQ Section with: Command Carbine team Jeep
4 M5 3in (late) 220 points 170 points HQ Section
2 M5 3in (late) 110 points 85 points
Sergeant Sergeant

Options
• Add up to one Bazooka team per M5 3in (late) gun M5 3in gun (late) M5 3in gun (late)
for +20 points per Bazooka team.
• Add up to one Bazooka team per M5 3in (late) gun
for +15 points per Bazooka team. M3 half-track with Bazooka M3 half-track with Bazooka
.50 cal AA MG team .50 cal AA MG team
• Add Jeep and M3 half-tracks for +5 points per
Gun Section Gun Section
half-track.
Sergeant Sergeant

Towed Tank Destroyer Platoons do not use the US Tank

Destroyers special rules. M5 3in gun (late) M5 3in gun (late)

Towed Tank Destroyer Platoon teams may be place from

Ambush within 16”/40cm of enemy teams as an exception M3 half-track with Bazooka M3 half-track with Bazooka
.50 cal AA MG team .50 cal AA MG team
to the normal Ambush rules for placing Immobile Gun
teams (see page 266 of the Flames Of War rulebook). Gun Section Gun Section

Towed Tank destroyer Platoon

Few infantry divisions are supported by self-propelled tank
612th Tank Destroyer Battalion outside Krinkelt. These brave
destroyers. Instead they can rely on the heavy-hitting fire-
gunners fought tooth and nail, knocking out Panther tanks
power of the towed M5 3in guns. These gunners have been
at point-blank range with deadly 3in and Bazooka fire.
specially trained to offer your GIs the best anti-tank coverage
available.
The towed tank destroyer battalions supported the infantry
and were usually deployed in blocking positions, such as the

131
 Airborne Divisional
Recon Platoon Sergeant

Platoon
8 .50 cal Recon Jeep 220 points Command .50 cal .50 cal Recon Command .50 cal .50 cal Recon
Recon Jeep Jeep Recon Jeep Jeep
4 .50 cal Recon Jeep 110 points

Options .50 cal Recon .50 cal Recon .50 cal Recon .50 cal Recon
Jeep Jeep Jeep Jeep
• Add a Support Section for +110 points.
Recon Section Recon Section
• Arm any or all Pioneer Jeeps with an AA MG for
Sergeant
+5 points per Jeep.

Command Pioneer Jeep Pioneer Jeep Mortar Jeep

Dismount Pioneer Jeep
Before deployment you may choose to dismount the whole Support Section
platoon. If you do this, then all of the Recon Sections and Airborne Divisional Recon platoon
the Support Section of an Airborne Divisional Recon
Platoon, operate as a single infantry platoon. Designate
An Airborne Divisional
any one of the teams as the Platoon Command team. The FEARLESS VETERAN
Recon Platoon is rated
platoon remains a Reconnaissance Platoon.
Fearless Veteran.
If you dismount, all of the platoon’s vehicles are permanent-
ly removed from the game. Dismount the Support Section
The Recon Sections and the Support Section operate as
as normal. Replace all of the vehicles in each Recon Section
separate platoons, each with their own command team.
with any two of the following teams for each Section:
• Carbine teams
• .50 cal MG teams Recon Sections are Reconnaissance Platoons. Pioneer Jeeps
are Motorcycle Reconnaissance teams (see pages 196 to 197
• up to one Bazooka team per Recon Section.
of the rulebook) that dismount as Pioneer Carbine teams.

Field Artillery Battery

Platoon
HQ Section with:
Observer
4 M2A1 105mm 185 points 140 points Carbine team
2 M2A1 105mm 100 points 75 points

Option
• Add ¾-ton and 2½‑ton trucks for +5 points for the
battery.

The US artillery arm deserves special attention for its valiant M2A1 105mm howitzer M2A1 105mm howitzer
efforts in the Battle of the Bulge. Their ready and accurate
fire missions repelled attempt after attempt to capture critical
pieces of terrain, such as the Elsenborn Ridge. Without their
rapid and devastating response, the Germans could easily
have overrun the front lines.
M2A1 105mm howitzer M2A1 105mm howitzer
Proximity Fuses
The US artillery used the new top secret proximity fuses for
the first time in the Ardennes. These fuses would trigger an
incoming shell to explode a few meters above the ground,
scattering shrapnel over a much wider area than traditional
shells. These new shells made the standard Time on Target
Field Artillery Battery
easier for the gunners, and the overall effect was pandemoni-
um among the German troops as they tried in vain to push
forward.

132
 US SUPPORT
Field Artillery Battery (155mm)
Platoon
HQ Section with:
Observer
4 M1 155mm 275 points 210 points Carbine team
2 M1 155mm 145 points 110 points
4 M1A1 155mm
Long Tom 325 points 250 points
2 M1A1 155mm
Long Tom 175 points 130 points

Options
M1 155mm howitzer M1 155mm howitzer
• Add ¾-ton trucks and M5 high-speed tractors for
+5 points for the battery.
• Arm any or all M5 high-speed tractors with a .50 cal
AA MG for +5 points per tractor. M5 high-speed tractor M5 high-speed tractor

More often than you’d think, the brave artillerymen find

themselves under fire from German tanks and infantry as
they engage in a brutal point-blank fight. So dedicated are M1 155mm howitzer M1 155mm howitzer
the artillerymen that they will see off the Germans or die
beside their guns.
Isolated batteries of shattered divisions, and bypassed corps M5 high-speed tractor M5 high-speed tractor
assets, such as the formidable M1A1 155mm ‘Long Tom’
guns fight on until they are out of ammunition. Even then
Field Artillery Battery (155mm)
the men spike their guns, pick up their rifles, and join the
first US platoon they meet to do their part in the defence of The 333rd Battalion was partly overrun on 17 December and
the ‘bulge’. withdrew west.
The 755th and 969th Field Artillery Battalions, both The 155mm howitzers proved a vital part of the defence of
armed with M1 155mm howitzers, were attached to the Bastogne, providing effective fire support. By the end of the
101st Airborne Division during the fighting for Bastogne. siege, the 969th Battalion had only three operational howit-
zers left and was almost out of ammunition. For this action,
The 969th battalion was unusual because it was made up the battalion received the US Presidential Unit Citation and
of African-Americans. It had the remnants of another the Belgian Croix d’Guerre with Palm.
African-American artillery attached, the 333rd Battalion.

133
 Provisional Field Artillery
Battery
Platoon
HQ Section with: Observer
4 8.8cm FlaK36 180 points Carbine team

2 8.8cm FlaK36 95 points

4 8.8cm PaK 43/41 245 points
2 8.8cm PaK 43/41 130 points
4 8.8cm PaK 43 250 points
2 8.8cm PaK 43 135 points
Gun or Howitzer Gun or Howitzer
4 10.5cm leFH18 135 points
2 10.5cm leFH18 75 points
4 122mm obr 1938 150 points Tractor of Half-track Tractor of Half-track
2 122mm obr 1938 85 points
4 15cm sFH18 210 points Gun or Howitzer Gun or Howitzer
2 15cm sFH18 110 points

Options
• Add ¾-ton trucks and M5 high-speed tractors for Tractor of Half-track Tractor of Half-track
+5 points for the battery, or add ¾-ton trucks and
Captured Sd Kfz 251/1 D half-tracks for +10 points Provisional Field Artillery Battery
for the battery.
• Arm any or all M5 high-speed tractors with a .50 cal
AA MG for +5 points per tractor.

With that battery you will, if you are lucky, get one grimy tabular
A Provisional Field firing table and an unlimited supply of ammunition. The chief
CONFIDENT TRAINED
Artillery Battery is rated difficulty will be that no one knows whether the firing table
Confident Trained. applies to the weapon or whether the ammunition is the right
type for the weapon or whether the firing table applies to the
After the hard fighting of Normandy the US Army is des-
ammunition. You figure those simple things out for yourself.
perately short of 105mm ammunition. The solution was
presented in the Field Artillery Journal in March 1945: The best way to answer all questions is to load the most likely-
looking projectile ahead of the biggest bag of powder at the
“In their haste to put the Siegfried Line between themselves and
maximum elevation, then tie on your longest lanyard, put every-
us, the Jerries have left a lot of shootable artillery pieces behind.
body in their deepest fox holes, and pull. If she goes off, and hangs
Therefore, don’t be surprised if your Division Ordnance Officer
together, and the infantry doesn’t report a short round, you have
proudly presents you with a battery of captured material.
a new battery all your own.”

134
 US SUPPORT
Armored Field Artillery Battery Captain
Platoon Captain

HQ Section with:
6 M7 Priest GMC 390 points 300 points
4 M7 Priest GMC 280 points 215 points
3 M7 Priest GMC 220 points 170 points
M2 half-track with
Options .50 cal AA MG

• Add a Jeep and an M2 half-track with .50 cal AA MG

for +5 points for the battery.
• Replace Jeep with an M2 half-track with AA MG for
+5 points.
• Replace Observer M4 Sherman with an Observer
M4A3 Sherman for +5 points, or an Observer M4A3
(late) Sherman for +15 points.

Observer Sherman OP tanks cannot launch assaults.

The self-propelled M7 Priest is an essential arm of American

combat commands. They followed the advance and gave im-
mediate support when needed. Often batteries from corps
were also attached to add even more firepower. Armored Field Artillery Battery

135
 Rocket Launcher Battery
Platoon
HQ Section with:
4 T27 Xylophone 135 points Command ¾-ton truck Observer
Carbine team Carbine team
2 T27 Xylophone 75 points

Options
• Model T27 Xylophone rocket launchers with five
or more crew and count each rocket launcher as two
weapons when firing a bombardment for +5 points
per rocket launcher.
• Add a Jeep and a ¾-ton truck for +5 points for the T27 Xylophone T27 Xylophone
battery.

A Rocket Launcher
CONFIDENT TRAINED
Battery is rated T27 Xylophone T27 Xylophone
Confident Trained.

The 2nd Infantry Division first used the T27 4.5” (114mm) Rocket Launcher Battery
Xylophone rocket launcher in August 1944. They rated them They are now paired up and placed on the back of a 2½-ton
poorly because they were not effective as single launchers. truck for better mobility and stronger bombardments.

Armored Field
Artillery Battery (155)
Platoon
HQ Section with: Observer
Carbine team
4 M12 155mm GMC 335 points 260 points
2 M12 155mm GMC 180 points 135 points

Option
• Add ¾-ton trucks for +5 points for the battery.
You may not field an Armored Field Artillery Battery
(155) unless you are also fielding a Field Artillery
Battery or a Provisional Artillery Battery with at least M12 155mm GMC M12 155mm GMC
as many Artillery teams.

The powerful M12 155mm self-propelled gun was used

against the Siegfried Line, a job they had been well prepared M12 155mm GMC M12 155mm GMC
for during the siege of Brest earlier. Now, during this battle,
they are helping to shatter the German spearheads. Armored Field Artillery Battery (155)

136
 US SUPPORT
Anti-aircraft Lieutenant
Artillery Platoon Lieutenant

Platoon
HQ Section with: Command Carbine team Jeep

2 M1 Bofors and
2 M49 quad .50 cal AA 120 points 90 points
Sergeant Sergeant
1 M1 Bofors and
1 M49 quad .50 cal AA 60 points 45 points
2 M1 Bofors and
2 M2 .50 cal AA 90 points 70 points Anti-aircraft gun Anti-aircraft gun

1 M1 Bofors and
1 M2 .50 cal AA 45 points 35 points M1 Bofors gun M1 Bofors gun

Option
• Add Jeep and 2½-ton trucks for +5 points for the
2 ½-ton truck 2 ½-ton truck
platoon.
M2 .50 cal AA guns are carried Portee on their trucks
counting as a Tank team.
2 ½-ton truck 2 ½-ton truck

The high rate of fire heroic anti-aircraft gunners keeps the Automatic Automatic
Weapons Section Weapons Section
enemy aircraft away while the GIs rebuild a new defensive
line. Anti-aircraft Artillery Platoon

137
 Heavy Anti-aircraft Lieutenant
Artillery Platoon Lieutenant
Platoon
HQ Section with: Command Carbine team Jeep

2 M1 90mm guns 160 points 120 points

Options Sergeant Sergeant

• Model M1 90mm Anti-aircraft gun with eight or

more crew and increase their ROF to 3 for +10 points
per gun. M1 90mm gun M1 90mm gun
• Add a Jeep and M5 high-speed tractors for +5 points
for the platoon.
• Arm any or all M5 high-speed tractors with a .50 cal M5 high-speed tractor M5 high-speed tractor
AA MG for +5 points per tractor. Anti-aircraft Anti-aircraft
Section Section
The 49th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Brigade helped deal with Heavy Anti-aircraft Artillery platoon
Skorzeny’s tanks when they attacked Malmédy.

Anti-aircraft Artillery LIEUTENANT

(self-propelled) Platoon LIEUTENANT Sergeant

Platoon
2 M16 MGMC
(Quad .50 cal) and M15 CGMC half-track
2 M15 CGMC (37mm) 200 points 150 points
1 M16 MGMC
(Quad .50 cal) and
1 M15 CGMC (37mm) 100 points 75 points
Automatic Automatic
Weapons Section Weapons Section
The self-propelled anti-aircraft half-tracks are excellent
weapons to ambush the hapless Volksgrenadiere or clear Anti-Aircraft Artillery
(Self-propelled) Platoon
enemy tanks of any passengers they might be carrying.

138
 US SUPPORT
Air Support Flight Lieutenant
Priority Air Support Flight Lieutenant

P-47 Thunderbolt 190 points

Option P-47 Thunderbolt

• Establish Close Air Support for +25 points. Flight

Limited Air Support Air Support

P-47 Thunderbolt 150 points

Option
• Equip P-47 Thunderbolts with 5” HVAR rockets in
addition to their normal weapons for +30 points.

Close Air Support The 406th Fighter Group operating in the skies above
When the weather finally cleared up later in December, the Bastogne was the first to use the new 5.5” High Velocity
USAAF poured hundreds of sorties into the Ardennes. Some Aircraft Rocket (HVAR), affectionately known as ‘Holy
pilots even defied orders and took to the skies in bad weather Moses’ by the crews. This rocket was definitely an improve-
to support their comrades on the ground. ment over the older, ineffective 4.5” ones used earlier. Each
P-47 could carry four of these large rockets, in addition to
If you establish Close Air Support (see the option for Priority two bombs and its eight .50 cal machine-guns!
Air Support above), you roll two dice on the How Many
Aircraft Table and take the best result.

Air Observation Post Flight Lieutenant

AOP Flight Lieutenant

L4 Grasshopper AOP 40 points

Wherever possible, the brave AOP pilots took to the L4 Grasshopper AOP
skies in spite of an active Luftwaffe, to direct artil- AOP
lery bombardments on the German spearheads. Rare
Air Observation Post
is the day that an L4 isn’t seen lingering above the
battlefield, directing columns away from danger and calling
in devastating artillery bombardments on the enemy.

139
 US ARSENAL
TANK TEAMS
Armour
Name Mobility Front Side Top Equipment and Notes
Weapon Range ROF Anti-tank Firepower

Light Tanks
M5A1 Stuart Light Tank 4 2 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, AA MG.
M6 37mm gun 24”/60cm 2 7 4+ Stabiliser.
M24 Chaffee Light Tank 4 2 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, .50 cal AA MG.
M6 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Smoke, Stabiliser.

Tanks
M4, M4A1, or M4A4 Sherman Standard Tank 6 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, .50 cal AA MG, Tank telephone.
M3 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Smoke, Stabiliser.
M4A3 Sherman Standard Tank 6 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, .50 cal AA MG, Detroit’s finest,
Tank telephone.
M3 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Smoke, Stabiliser.
M4A3 Sherman (late) Standard Tank 7 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, .50 cal AA MG, Detroit’s finest,
Protected ammo, Tank telephone.
M3 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Smoke, Stabiliser.
M4A1 (76mm) Sherman Standard Tank 7 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, .50 cal AA MG, Protected ammo,
Tank telephone.
M1 76mm gun (late) 32”/80cm 2 13 3+ Stabiliser.
M4A3 (76mm) Sherman Standard Tank 7 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, .50 cal AA MG, Detroit’s finest,
Protected ammo, Tank telephone.
M1 76mm gun (late) 32”/80cm 2 13 3+ Stabiliser.
M4A3E8 Easy Eight Standard Tank 7 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, .50 cal AA MG, Detroit’s finest,
Protected ammo, Smooth Ride, Tank telephone,
Wide tracks.
M1 76mm gun (late) 32”/80cm 2 13 3+ Stabiliser.
M4A3E2 Jumbo Slow Tank 12 8 2 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, .50 cal AA MG,
Jumbos lead the way, Tank telephone.
M3 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Smoke, Stabiliser.

Lieutenant Colonel Creighton Abram’s Tanks

M4 “Thunderbolt V” Standard Tank 6 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, .50 cal AA MG, Hedgerow cutters,
Tank telephone.
M3 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Smoke, Stabiliser.
M4A3 (76mm) “Thunderbolt VI” Standard Tank 7 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, .50 cal AA MG, Detroit’s finest,
Protected ammo, Tank telephone.
M1 76mm gun (late) 32”/80cm 2 13 3+ Stabiliser.
M4A3E8 “Thunderbolt VII” Standard Tank 8 5 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, AA MG, .50 cal AA MG,
Protected ammo, Tank telephone, Wide tracks.
M1 76mm gun (late) 32”/80cm 2 13 3+ Stabiliser.

Engineering Tanks
Sherman Crab Standard Tank 6 4 1 Co-ax MG, Overloaded, Mine flail.
M3 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Smoke, Stabiliser.
M4 Sherman Crocodile Standard Tank 6 3 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, .50 cal AA MG.
M3 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Smoke, Stabilisers.
Crocodile flame-gun 6”/15cm 5 - 5+ Hull-mounted, Flame-thrower, Fuel trailer.
M4 Sherman dozer Standard Tank 6 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, .50 cal AA MG, Bulldozer, Tank
telephone.
M3 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Smoke, Stabiliser.

140
 US ARSENAL
Tank Destroyers (Self-Propelled)
M10 3in GMC (late) Standard Tank 4 2 0 .50 cal AA MG.
M7 3in gun (late) 32”/80cm 2 13 3+ Slow traverse.
M18 Hellcat (late) Light Tank 2 0 0 .50 cal AA MG.
M1 76mm gun (late) 32”/80cm 2 13 3+
M36 90mm GMC Standard Tank 4 2 0 .50 cal AA MG, Detroit’s finest.
M3 90mm gun 32”/80cm 2 14 3+

Support Weapons
M4 81mm MMC Half-tracked 1 0 0
M1 81mm mortar 24”/60cm 2 2 3+ Hull mounted, Smoke, Portee, Minimum range 8”/20cm.
Firing Bombardments 40”/100cm - 2 6 Smoke bombardment.
M8 Scott HMC Light Tank 3 2 0 .50 cal AA MG.
M1A1 75mm howitzer 16”/40cm 2 6 3+ Smoke.
Firing bombardments 64”/160cm - 3 6
M4 or M4A1 (105mm) Sherman Standard Tank 7 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, .50 cal AA MG, Protected ammo.
M4 105mm howitzer 24”/60cm 1 9 2+ Breakthrough gun, Slow traverse, Smoke.
Firing bombardments 48”/120cm - 4 4+
M4A3 (105mm) Sherman Standard Tank 7 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, .50 cal AA MG, Detroit’s finest,
Protected ammo.
M4 105mm howitzer 24”/60cm 1 9 2+ Breakthrough gun, Slow traverse, Smoke.
Firing bombardments 48”/120cm - 4 4+
T34 Calliope Standard Tank 6 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG.
T34 Calliope rocket launcher 48”/120cm - 2 5+ Rocket launcher, Saturation Bombardment, Sixty Rockets.

Artillery (Self-Propelled)
M7 Priest HMC Standard Tank 1 0 0 .50 cal AA MG.
M2A1 105mm howitzer 24”/60cm 1 9 2+ Hull mounted, Breakthrough gun, Smoke.
Firing bombardments 72”/180cm - 4 4+ Smoke bombardment.
M12 155mm GMC Standard Tank 0 0 0 Awkward layout.
M1918M1 155mm gun 24”/60cm 1 13 1+ Hull mounted, Bunker buster, Smoke.
Firing bombardments 96”/240cm - 5 2+ Smoke bombardment.
T27 Xylophone Wheeled - - - .50 cal AA MG.
T27 rocket launcher 48”/120cm - 2 5+ Rocket launcher.
M4 Sherman OP Standard Tank 6 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, .50 cal AA MG.
M3 75mm gun 32”/80cm 1 10 3+ Smoke.
M4A3 Sherman OP Standard Tank 6 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, .50 cal AA MG, Detroit’s Finest.
M3 75mm gun 32”/80cm 1 10 3+ Smoke.
M4A3 Sherman (late) OP Standard Tank 7 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, .50 cal AA MG, Detroit’s Finest,
Protected Ammo.
M3 75mm gun 32”/80cm 1 10 3+ Smoke.

Anti-aircraft (Self Propelled)

M16 MGMC (Quad .50 cal) Half-tracked 1 0 0
M45 quad .50 cal gun 16”/40cm 6 4 5+ Anti-aircraft.
M15 CGMC (37mm) Wheeled 1 0 0
M15 37mm combination mount 24”/60cm 4 5 4+ Anti-aircraft.
M2 .50 cal AA on GMC Wheeled - - -
M2 .50 cal AA gun 16”/40cm 4 4 5+ Anti-aircraft, Portee.

Reconnaissance
M8 armoured car Wheeled 1 0 0 Co-ax MG, .50 cal AA MG, Recce.
M6 37mm gun 24”/60cm 2 7 4+
M20 Scout car Jeep 1 0 0 .50 cal AA MG, Recce.
Armored Recon Jeep Jeep 0 0 0 AA MG, Overloaded, Recce.
Armored .50 Cal Recon Jeep Jeep 0 0 0 .50 Cal AA MG, Overloaded, Recce.
Bazooka Recon Jeep Jeep 0 0 0 Overloaded, Recce.
Twin M1 Bazooka launcher 8”/20cm 2 10 5+ Hull mounted.
Recon Jeep Jeep - - - AA MG, Recce.
.50 cal Recon Jeep Jeep - - - .50 Cal AA MG, Recce.
Mortar Jeep Jeep - - - Recce.
M2 60mm mortar 24”/60cm 2 1 3+ Hull mounted, Portee, Minimum range 8”/20cm.
Firing Bombardments 32”/80cm - 1 6

Vehicle Machine-guns
Vehicle MG 16”/40cm 3 2 6 ROF 1 if other weapons fire.
.50 cal Vehicle MG 16”/40cm 3 4 5+ ROF 1 if other weapons fire.

141
 GUN TEAMS
Weapon Mobility Range ROF Anti-tank Firepower Notes

Machine-guns
M2 .50 cal MG Man-packed 16”/40cm 3 4 5+
M1919 LMG Man-packed 16”/40cm 5 2 6 ROF 2 when Pinned Down or Moving.
M1917 HMG Man-packed 24”/60cm 6 2 6 ROF 3 when Pinned Down or Moving.

Mortars
M2 60mm mortar Man-packed 24”/60cm 2 1 3+ Minimum range 8”/20cm.
Firing bombardments 32”/80cm - 1 6
M1 81mm mortar Man-packed 24”/60cm 2 2 3+ Smoke, Minimum range 8”/20cm.
Firing bombardments 40”/100cm - 2 6 Smoke bombardment.
4.2in Chemical mortar Light 48”/120cm - 3 4+ Smoke bombardment.

Anti-aircraft
M2 .50 cal AA gun Heavy 16”/40cm 4 4 5+ Anti-aircraft, Turntable.
M49 quad .50 cal AA gun Heavy 16”/40cm 6 4 5+ Anti-aircraft, Turntable.
M1 Bofors gun Immobile 24”/60cm 4 6 4+ Anti-aircraft, Turntable.
M1 90mm gun Immobile 40”/100cm 2 13 3+ Heavy Anti-aircraft, Turntable.

Anti-tank
M3 37mm gun Light 24”/60cm 3 7 4+ Gun shield.
M1 57mm gun (late) Medium 24”/60cm 3 10 4+ Gun shield.
M5 3in gun (late) Immobile 32”/80cm 2 13 3+ Gun shield.

Artillery
M1A1 75mm pack howitzer Light 16”/40cm 2 6 3+ Smoke.
Firing bombardments 64”/160cm - 3 6 Smoke bombardment.
M3 105mm light howitzer Heavy 16”/40cm 1 7 2+ Breakthrough gun, Smoke.
Firing bombardments 56”/140cm - 4 4+ Smoke bombardment.
M2A1 105mm howitzer Immobile 24”/60cm 1 9 2+ Breakthrough gun, Gun shield, Smoke.
Firing bombardments 72”/180cm - 4 4+ Smoke bombardment.
M1 155mm howitzer Immobile 24”/60cm 1 10 1+ Bunker buster, Gun shield, Smoke.
Firing bombardments 88”/220cm - 5 2+ Smoke bombardment.
M1A1 155mm Long Tom gun Immobile 24”/60cm 1 13 1+ Bunker buster, Smoke.
Firing bombardments 104”/260cm - 5 2+ Smoke bombardment.
8.8cm FlaK 36 gun Immobile 40”/100cm 1 13 3+ Gun shield, Turntable.
Firing bombardments 88”/220cm - 3 5+
8.8cm PaK43/41 gun Immobile 40”/100cm 1 16 3+ Gun shield.
Firing bombardments 88”/220cm - 3 5+
8.8cm PaK43 gun Immobile 40”/100cm 1 16 3+ Gun shield, Turntable.
Firing bombardments 88”/220cm - 3 5+
10.5cm leFH18 howitzer Immobile 24”/60cm 1 9 2+ Gun shield, Breakthrough Gun.
Firing bombardments 72”/180cm - 4 4+
122mm obr 1938 howitzer Immobile 24”/60cm 1 7 2+ Gun shield, Breakthrough Gun.
Firing bombardments 80”/200cm - 4 3+
15cm sFH18 howitzer Immobile 24/60cm 1 11 1+ Bunker buster.
Firing bombardments 80”/200cm - 5 2+

AIRCRAFT
Aircraft Weapon To Hit Anti-tank Firepower Notes
P-47 Thunderbolt MG 2+ 6 5+
Bombs 4+ 5 1+
Rockets 3+ 6 3+ Optional.

142
 US ARSENAL
FORTIFICATIONS
Bunkers
Weapon Range ROF Anti-tank Firepower Notes
.50 Cal Nest 16”/40cm 3 4 5+
HMG Nest 16”/40cm 6 2 6
M2 60mm mortar Nest 24”/60cm 2 1 3+ Minimum range 8”/20cm.
Firing bombardments 32”/80cm - 1 6
M1 57mm gun (late) Nest 24”/60cm 3 10 4+

INFANTRY TEAMS
Team Range ROF Anti-tank Firepower Notes
Carbine team 8”/20cm 1 1 6 Automatic rifles.
Rifle team 16”/40cm 1 2 6 Automatic rifles.
Rifle/MG team 16”/40cm 2 2 6
SMG team 4”/10cm 3 1 6 Full ROF when moving.
Bazooka team 8”/20cm 1 10 5+ Tank assault 4.
Staff team 16”/40cm 1 2 6 Automatic rifles, Moves as a Heavy Gun team.

Additional Training and Equipment

Pioneer teams and teams equipped with Gammon Bombs are rated as Tank Assault 3.

TRANSPORT TEAMS
Armour
Vehicle Mobility Front Side Top Equipment and Notes
Weapon Range ROF Anti-tank Firepower

Trucks
Jeep or Captured Kübelwagen jeep Jeep - - - Optional Passenger-fired AA MG or
.50 cal AA MG.
Dodge ¾-ton, Dodge 1½-ton, or GMC 2½-ton truck Wheeled - - - Optional Passenger-fired AA MG or
.50 cal AA MG.
DUKW truck Wheeled - - - Optional Passenger-fired AA MG or
.50 cal AA MG, Amphibious.
GMC 2½-ton dump truck Wheeled - - - Optional Passenger-fired .50 cal AA MG.
Captured 3-ton truck Wheeled - - -
M5 high-speed tractor Standard Tank - - - Optional .50 cal AA MG.
Handcart Wagon - - -

Armoured Personnel Carriers

M2 or M3 half-track Half-tracked 1 0 0 Optional Passenger-fired AA MG or
.50 cal AA MG.
M20 utility Jeep 1 0 0 Passenger-fired .50 cal AA MG.
Captured Sd Kfz 251/1 D half-track Half-tracked 1 0 0 Passenger-fired AA MG.
LVT-4 Amtrac Slow Tank 1 0 0 .50 cal AA MG, Hull MG, Two
side-mounted MG, Amphibious, Carries
4 Passengers

Recovery and Engineer Vehicles

M31 TRV recovery vehicle Standard Tank 5 3 0 Recovery vehicle.
M32 TRV recovery vehicle Standard Tank 6 4 0 .50 cal AA MG, Recovery vehicle.
Turretless M4 Sherman dozer Standard Tank 6 4 0 Bulldozer.
D7 Bulldozer Very Slow Tank 0 0 0 Bulldozer.
Pioneer Supply Truck Wheeled - - -
Pioneer Supply Handcart Wagon - - -

143
 PAINTING AMERICANS
INFANTRY AND AIRBORNE IN WINTER GEAR
Webbing Helmet
Worn Canvas Sherman
(306) Drab
(321)
or
Tommy Green
(345)
Gun Metal
Dark
Gunmetal
Helmet Strap, (480)
Rifle Sling
Tan Leather Exposed Skin
(384)
European
Skin
Rifle wood (385)
Battlefield
Brown
(324) Jacket
GI Green
Greatcoat (347)
Battledress
Brown
(325)

This painting guide uses the Colours Of War painting system. The
Trousers
Colours Of War book is a detailed and comprehensive guide to
painting Flames Of War miniatures. More comprehensive painting GI Green
(347)
and modelling guides can also be found on the
www.FlamesOfWar.com website. Overshoes
Black
(300)

SNOW BASING
1 2 3

Paint the ‘snowy’ parts of the base Selectively drybrush some areas Apply a thinned PVA white glue and
White Wash. White. sprinkle on Snow flock (GFS027).

144
 PAINTING AMERICANS
AMERICAN PARACHUTE AND GLIDER INFANTRY
Helmet After Normandy the new M1943 olive drab
Sherman uniform saw widespread issue to airborne
Drab divisions. This wasn’t just a paratroop
(321)
uniform, but the beginning of the US Army’s
push to standardize the combat uniform. All
Jacket airborne units received the M1943 uniform,
GI Green including the glider troops, but the par-
(347)
atroopers were quick to modify theirs by
adding bigger leg pockets.
For cold weather they were issued Field
Drab greatcoats to wear over their uniforms.
Webbing Some were lucky enough to get black rubber
Tommy Green overshoes to protect their feet from the cold
(345)
and wet.

Gas mask bag

Tommy Green
(345)
or
Gas mask bag
Black
(300)

Trousers
GI Green
(347)

Boots
Boot Brown
(323)

POST-NORMANDY UNIFORMS
GI Green Bradley Shade 50% GI Green
Large Brush Medium Brush 50% Military Khaki
Fine Brush

Actual Size

Basecoat the uniform GI Green. Wash liberally with Bradley Shade to add Highlight with a mix of GI Green and
depth. Military Khaki.

145
 PAINTING US TANKS
AMERICAN VEHICLES & MARKINGS
US vehicles were issued with standard markings, including hull. These names were not without a sense of humour, such
recognition stars and serial numbers stencilled on the side as “Sloppy Joe” and “Laxative”. Occasionally, an artistic crew
near the rear of the hull and divisional markings on the front member would grace the tank with a cartoon figure or some
and rear. other type of “nose art” similar to what you would see on
aircraft. Many of these names would be inherited by new
After that, it was up to crews to personalise their tanks.
vehicles when the older ones were destroyed or worn out.
Many stencilled names for their tank along the side of the
Vehicles, guns,
equipment Olive Drab
Sherman The painting of US equipment was nothing if not
Drab consistent. Almost every tank, truck, and gun was
(321)
painted the same Olive Drab (Sherman Drab).
Mix a little Military Khaki with Sherman Drab
to add highlights and weathering. The more Khaki
you add, the dustier and more faded the vehicle
will look. The US Decal Set (US941) has markings
suitable for most vehicles. For guidance on where
to place markings, do an Internet image search.

Tank name Six stars

of various
sizes and
shapes.

Serial
Number

MUD AND DIRT

The fighting in the Lorraine and the Ardennes was typified by rain, mud, fog, more mud, snow, and, impossibly, even more
mud! There are many different techniques for painting mud on your vehicles. However, a really simple way of achieving this
is to give your tracks and lower hull surfaces a light dry brush of Motherland Earth.
For a thicker plastering of mud, mix ready-mixed plaster filler (spackle) with a suitable brown paint (Battlefield Brown or
Motherland Earth for example), creating a thick, muddy paste. Adding a little Foundation Dirt Flock (GFS008) to the mix
helps to give the mud a realistic earthy texture. Apply the paste liberally with a sculpting tool or an old paintbrush.
M4A3E8 with a heavy
drybrush of Motherland
Earth.

M4A1(76mm) with a
spackle and Battlefield
Brown mixture.

146
 PAINTING AMERICANS
CAMOUFLAGE VEHICLES
Camouflage
colour Camouflage of the 4th Armored
Worn The 4th Armored Division was obsessed with camou-
Rubber
(302) flage all throughout the war, making it a very colourful
unit. Original vehicles in Normandy used the black on
green camouflage pattern. Replacements were green,
but they blacked out one or more of the stars to cut
Vehicles base down on obvious aiming points. The division also
colour fixed chicken wire to their tanks so that they could
Sherman attach foliage to their tanks.
Drab
(321)

Unlike the Germans, who covered their entire tank in foliage,

American tankers typically fixed vegetation around the sides
of their vehicles. This left the top with its large aerial recogni-
tion stars clearly visible, while obscuring the tank’s profile to
those looking from the ground.

WINTER VEHICLES
The most obvious method is to paint
a whitewash effect over the vehicle’s
existing colour scheme. With practice,
this can look very effective, but it is
quite laborious. Build up the colour
with several careful coats.

A faster approach is to paint the model

white initially, then add scratches and
chips in the darker colour, using a fine
brush or a sponge-chipping technique.
This is good way of simulating a fresh
coat of whitewash.

For a streaky, faded whitewash effect,

you can start with a whitened version
of the basic vehicle colour (pictured is
Grenadier Green) and use a combi-
nation of the two methods described
above.

147
 British 21st Army Group
from Normandy to the Rhine
August 1944 – January 1945
After the successful conclusion of the operation to clear 50th Division advanced on the axis through Laigle, Vernuil,
Normandy, and the closure of the Falaise pocket, the Saint Andre and Pacy-sur-Eure. They crossed the Seine at
Allied armies were poised to continue the attack into the Vernon, passing through the 43rd Division bridgehead. The
interior of France. SHAEF (Supreme Headquarters Allied strength of German resistance varied with some pockets
Expeditionary Force) strategy dictated a three pronged fighting while others simply surrendered. Actions were
approach to the German border, with the 21st Army Group fought at Beauvais, Picquigny, and numerous woods and
taking the northern approach through Belgium and Holland bridges on the line of advance. The Cheshire Regiment
towards the Ruhr, the US 12th Army Group approach- recovered their drums which had been left at Le Bas in
ing Germany from the centre of France, and the US 6th 1940. The 49th Division made a move from the right flank
Army Group advancing on the southern flank bordering of the 21st Army Group positions in Normandy, from the
Switzerland. XXX Corps positions into the I Corps area on the left flank
for the breakout. They suffered their only real resistance at
21st Army Group comprised two armies, First Canadian
Mezidon before reaching the Seine and then battling hard
Army (I and II Canadian Corps) and Second (British) Army
for Le Havre. The 49th Division remained at Le Havre until
of three Corps, VIII (8th), XII (12th) and XXX (30th). The
they moved forward to Belgium on 21 September.
Canadians were to clear the channel ports in an attempt to
provide a better supply situation for the advancing armies, The right flank of the XXX Corps advance was covered by the
who were still largely drawing supplies from the Normandy 43rd (Wessex) Division, who were slowed by mine clearing
beaches. This was a considerable task for the Canadians who operations and the congestion along the roads in the Falaise
were opposed by the German Fifteenth Army, which had not area. They quickly reached the Seine at Vernon, where 129th
fought in Normandy and was largely intact. Brigade launched a river assault, having travelled 120 miles in
their DUKWs. They then moved by Notre Dame, De Lisle
XXX Corps in Normandy and the breakout was made up
and into Belgium, which they entered in early September.
of 7th Armoured Division ‘Desert Rats’; 49th (West Riding)
Infantry Division, 50th (Tyne & Tees) Infantry Division,
8th Armoured Brigade, and 33rd Armoured Brigade. By the Liberation of Belgium
conclusion of the Normandy campaign, Lieutenant General The Guards Armoured Division had captured Brussels on
Bucknall was relieved of command of XXX Corps, and 3 September, the 11th Armoured Division captured Antwerp
Lieutenant General Horrocks, who had served with Field on 4 September, and the 7th Armoured Division captured
Marshall Montgomery in Africa, was appointed to take over. Ghent on 5 September. The British 21st Army had thrown
caution to the wind and advanced rapidly. By the time XXX
Advance through Northern France Corps reached Belgium, they were at the end of a long supply
line, with only 61st Reconnaissance Regiment covering a long
On 21 August 1944, XXX Corps left Normandy to strike for
stretch of the Escaut canal against a strong German force
the Seine. Their orders were to advance quickly, not allowing
withdrawing north and east. The Canadians were fighting
the Germans time to prepare a proper defence. The tactics
hard along the coast to liberate the coastal towns, VIII Corps
for the advance changed, and the armour was placed to the
were stuck at the Seine owing to lack of supplies and were
fore, with the infantry in trucks travelling between 10-12
not able to support the advance, XII Corps were engaged
miles per hour. The infantry were to clear any pockets of
pushing back and containing the remainder of the German
resistance bypassed by the armour and to allow the rapid
Fifteenth Army, and the US Corps were pushing further
advance to continue.
away to the south.

148
 FROM NORMANDY TO THE RHINE
Into The Netherlands ditches and orchards, and a shallow water table that made
21 Army Group ordered XXX Crops to continue the
st digging in very difficult. The Germans mounted several large
advance, pushing The Guards Armoured Division from scale attacks to drive the allies back across the Nijmegen
Lauvain towards Nijmegen, 11th Armoured Division from bridge, one lasting a week from 25 September, for the
Antwerp towards S’Hertogenbosh, and 50th Division trying villages of Bemmel, Baal and Haalderen. On 30 September
to establish a bridgehead over the Albert Canal at Gheel. The the Germans attacked again with 70 tanks and approximate-
fighting at Gheel was particularly heavy, with the German ly an infantry division. Another attack followed against the
2. Fallschirmjägerdivision counterattacking very quickly after 43rd Wessex ‘Wyverns’ and 6th Guards Tank Brigade, across
the village had been captured by the Durham Light Infantry. the Neder Rijn. The positions of the Green Howards were
50th Division suffered over 900 casualties and captured infiltrated by 12 tanks and only the intervention of a battal-
approximately 2300 prisoners in the Gheel operation. ion of the East Yorks and tanks from the 13th/18th Hussars
Operations were bought to a brief halt with only modest (8th Armoured Brigade) prevented the battalion being per-
gains made leading up to the middle of September. manently cut off.

Operation Market Garden Holding the Line

By 17 September, British Second Army units were reorgan- For the next two months XXX Corps units held static
ised and XXX Corps was allocated the Guards Armoured positions in the Nijmegen bridgehead, with the battalions
Division, and 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division, in addition to being rotated out of the front line for periods of rest and
the 50th Division. As the Guards Armoured Division pushed leave, for many of them the first since Normandy in June. In
up ‘Hell’s Highway’, 43rd Division was forced to fight across November 50th Division was transferred to being a training
country, into the German counterattacks, and across the division, on account of its fine fighting record and Field
same rivers, without the benefit of bridges. The 43rd and 50th Marshall Montgomery’s insistence that it not be de-mobi-
Division followed up the Guards Armoured and cleared the lised completely as had happened with 59th Division.
Germans from the Valkenswaard, taking over the town, and
fighting off several determined counter-attacks at Uden and Battle of the Bulge
Vehgel. When the Germans launched Operation Wacht Am Rhein,
beginning the Battle of the Bulge, the Guards Armoured
After Operation Market Garden was called off, 50th Division
Division and 43rd (Wessex) Division were in reserve behind
moved into the area that became known as ‘The Island’ a
the British lines, preparing for the Rhine crossings. Both
triangle between the rivers Maas (Meuse), Waal and Neder
were ordered into defensive positions behind the Meuse
Rijn (Lower Rhine). The area was flat, with numerous canals,

ENGLAND HOLLAND

GERMANY
BELGIUM
English Channel

lux.

FRANCE
er
Riv
ne

Key
Rhi

15 Sept
7 Nov

0 Miles 40 80 120

0 Kilometres 80 140 200

SWITZERLAND

149
 River, to act as a ‘long stop’, and to prevent the Germans Ourthe River towards Houffalize. The 53rd Welsh Division
breaking through and cutting off the remainder of 21st Army took over sections of the front line that had been held by
Group. The plan was to allow the German army to reach the US 2nd Armored Division, in a line running from the
the defensive positions on the Dyle River, held by the 53rd Ourthe to Aye, west of Marche. The 6th Airborne Division
(Welsh) Division and 33rd Armoured Brigade, and then to had been rushed from training in England and placed under
attack them with the Guards Armoured and 43rd (Wessex) command of XXX Corps. It was placed straight into the line
Division (with 34th Tank Brigade under command) from the in positions that extended from Aye to Rochefort, then to
flank. The 2nd Household Cavalry Regiment (armoured cars) Tellin and Givet. The Guards Armoured Division was placed
formed a reconnaissance screen between the Dyle and the into reserve, mainly to act as a counter-attack force and to
Meuse rivers. provide depth to the line.
After making no contact with the Germans, the British units At this time the early suspicions of the Allied commands had
moved forward. 29th Armoured Brigade (hasty mobilised been confirmed and the Germans were no longer capable of
from preparing to change to new Comet tanks) moved to conducting offensive operations along the whole front. The
the Meuse River, with a tank battalion and company of German attack had shifted south away from the XXX Corps
infantry holding the key river crossings. They then handed area, focused on the stubbornly held town of Bastogne.
over the security of the bridges to 43rd (Wessex) Division
and commenced operations east of the Meuse, including Ardennes Counter Offensive
an operation near Celles, supporting the US 2nd Armored On 3 January XXX Corps launched an attack with the 6th
Division that resulted in the destruction of a Kampfgruppe of Airborne Division and the 53rd Welsh Division that aimed to
2. Panzerdivision on 27 December. clear the Germans from the apex of the salient. Both British
From 27 December a considerable regrouping took place formations had a tough time as they were opposed by Panzer
on the northern flank of the Allied line when XXX Corps Lehr Division and 2. Panzerdivision of Von Manteuffel’s
took over from the VII US Corps at the tip of the enemy Fifth Panzer Army. Although both German divisions were
salient in the Ardennes, in order to enable the Americans weakened after the earlier attacks, they were still tough
to concentrate their forces for the main drive east of the opponents and the weather and terrain made offensive op-
erations difficult.

29 ArmBrg

3 RTR
Dinant
Foy-Notre Dame
r
ive

Marche
eR
us

Celle
Me

29 ArmBrg
Mes
se R
23 Hus iver Rochefort
Givet

Bure
6 Airborne

Tellin Grupont

150
 FROM NORMANDY TO THE RHINE
6th Airborne attacked along the line Wavreille – Bure, sup- Increasingly contact was being made with US forces also ad-
ported by 29th Armoured Brigade. After capturing a 2000 vancing along from the south and west. 61st Recce Regiment
foot high feature, Chapel Hill, the Airborne attacked Bure, contacted US VIII Corps in the area of St. Hubert and 6th
suffering mortar fire that seriously hampered their attack Airborne patrolled to the outskirts of Champlon which was
on the start line. After four days of bitter fighting the 6th still held by the Germans.
Airborne took the town, then stabilised their positions, ad-
Between 11 and 13 January, XXX Corps continued
vancing in some unopposed sectors and holding in others.
to advance against the enemy who were withdrawing
The Welsh Division started their attack on 4 January in behind rear-guards. On 12 January the US Third Army
the Hotton area and met limited enemy resistance. They scored notable successes South-East of Bastogne against
captured about 50 prisoners on the outskirts of Waharday, 5. Fallschirmjägerdivision who losses were estimated as 1,200
from Panzergrenadier-Regiment 60 of 116. Panzerdivision. killed and 1,200 prisoners.
The following day a battalion of the Royal Welch Fusiliers
On 13 January patrols of 6th Airborne Division contacted
was heavily counter-attacked and suffered many casualties
US 87th Infantry Division in the Champlon area and 51st
before the front was stabilized. On 7 January the Welsh took
Highland captured the villages of Ortho and Nisramont.
Grimbiemont, capturing about 100 more prisoners and
denying the Germans the use of the important road from La After 14 January, XXX Corps had no further contact with
Roche to Marche. the enemy in the Ardennes. On 18 January the units of
XXX Corps started to move back to Boxtel (in the southern
On 8 January the 53rd Welsh Division were relieved by 51st
Netherlands) to resume the planning of, and training for,
Highland Division along their Marche – Hotton sector of
Operation Veritable, crossing the Rhine into Germany.
the front. The Highlanders attacked on 9 January capturing
By the end of January the front line on the western front
Hodister and Warizy. XXX Corps continued to advance
had been pushed back to the German start points of 16
from 10 to 11 January, encountering limited resistance,
December, and the ground lost had been retaken. The US
with the worst enemies being the cold, ice, snow, and mines.
First Army took back its positions on the line and the Bulge
Demolitions and road blocks built by the Germans also
offensive was over.
slowed the advance.

Hotton
53 Welsh

Nisrâmont
La Roche
51 Highland
Our
the
Rive
r

Houffalize
Champlon

Bastogne

151
 7th Armoured Division
Normandy and the Advance on the 23 August. After Lisieux the division pushed on to the Seine
Seine which was reached on 28 August. Small kampfgruppen (battle
groups) of Germans caused some delays, as did mines, booby
The campaign in Normandy ended in mid-August 1944 traps and French civilians.
when the Allies succeeded in breaking out and trapping the
German army in the Falaise pocket. For the breakout, the 7th
Armoured Division consisted of the 11th Hussars, the 22nd
Advance on Ghent
Armoured Brigade and the 131st ‘Queens’ Infantry Brigade, After successfully advancing to and crossing the Seine the
two batteries of Royal Horse Artillery and divisional troops. 7th Armoured was ordered to capture Ghent, reinforced
After Normandy the 11th Hussars (Armoured Car Regiment) by the 4th Armoured Brigade and 10th Medium Regiment,
had rejoined as a permanent part of the division. They Royal Artillery. The first day of the advance saw the division
referred to the campaign across France as ‘the great swan’. cover 72 miles, with many quick and brutal encounters
with the enemy, suffering casualties from panzerfausts and
The division was ordered to pursue the retreating Germans machine-guns. On the morning of 31 August the Somme
and to do so as quickly as possible, to keep them off balance River was reached, but all the crossings had been blown,
and to prevent the forming of a strong defensive line at any except one which collapsed as the lead squadron of the Scots
of the French rivers, particularly the Seine, which was a for- Greys tried to cross it. A Bailey bridge was quickly built,
midable barrier. creating a crossing near Amiens that allowed the advance
In their fast Cromwell tanks the division set off on 15 to continue. The advance had come so far and fast that the
August, attached to the Canadian Second Army, with the division was off the edge of the maps that had been issued,
11th Hussars in the lead, crossing the champagne countryside and had lost radio contact with higher headquarters.
towards Picardy. By the 18 August they had crossed the River On 2 September the 4th Armoured Brigade returned to XII
Vie, near Livarot then pushed on to Lisieux on the River Corps, and the division kept moving, often at night, with the
Toques. Lisieux was strongly held and did not fall until the aim to keep the enemy on the back foot and to move faster

0 Miles 40 80 120

0 Kilometres 80 140 200

THE
NETHERLANDS

Rhine River
Arnhen
Waal River
Nijmegen
Ma

s’Hertogenbosch Lippe River

as

Middelrode
Riv
er

River
Ruhr
Eindhoven
Antwerp
Dunkirk r St. Joost St. Odilienburg
Ghent ive
ldt R
Rhin

e Echt
Sch Montfort
eR

GERMANY
Susteren Schilburg
iver

Brussels
Roer

BELGIUM
Rive

Lille
r

St. Pol River

Meuse
So
mm
eR
ive
r
Amiens

Sein

FRANCE lux.
e Riv
er

152
 7TH ARMOURED DIVISION
than the Germans were able to. This was to prevent them During this period the British government offered members
establishing defensive positions. After a tough fight at St Pol, of the division who had served for five years the opportunity
the division was ordered to send only the 22nd Armoured to elect to return to Great Britain to train new recruits in the
Brigade on to Ghent, as a shortage of fuel and other supplies British Army. Approximately 100 members from each of the
meant the whole division could not be adequately support- battalions of the Queens took this offer, with replacements
ed. On the morning of 4 September the 22nd Armoured coming from the 50th (Tyne & Tees) Division, which had
Brigade crossed into Belgium, and by dawn on 5 September reverted to being a training division.
had entered Ghent. Small pockets of Germans were routed
In November 1944 131 (Queens) Brigade was reorganised.
from the city and the whole division had moved up by that
The 1st/6th Battalion, and 1st/7th Battalion, The Queen’s Royal
evening. After three days Ghent had been cleared of the last
Regiment were replaced by two battalions from the disband-
pockets of resistance and the division prepared for a German
ed 50th (Tyne & Tees) Division. These were the 2nd Battalion,
counter-attack. The bulk of the British and Canadian
Devonshire Regiment, and the 9th Battalion, Durham Light
armies were some distance behind, and despite elements of
Infantry.
the German 15th Army being encircled by the advance, the
Germans had withdrawn north across the Scheldt river as
the advance forces of XXX Corps were not strong enough to Operation Blackcock
prevent them. For the remainder of September the division By the end of January 1945 the Bulge threat had been
was engaged in mopping up operations along the Scheldt eliminated, and the division set about preparations to
River, and in other parts of Belgium, and was not involved attack into Germany, which included closing the last gap
in operation Market Garden. between Maas (Meuse) and the Rhine, in the triangle
formed by the confluence of the Maas and Roer rivers. A
Clearing the Scheldt river crossing was planned to commence on 12 January,
‘Operation Blackcock’. 7th Armoured Division had only the
In October the Desert Rats moved to new positions to the
Queens Brigade in the initial assault, but had the armour
west and south of S’Hertogenbosch, holding a front of 14
from its Regiments ready to cross as soon as bridges had been
miles, and suffering a steady stream of casualties. At the end
built. In addition, 8th Armoured Brigade, 155th Infantry
of October the division launched an operation to clear out
Brigade, and 1 Commando were under the command of 7th
the pocket of Germans to the west of XXX Corps positions
Armoured Division for the assault. The German 176th and
between Eindhoven and Nijmegen, towards the River Maas
183rd Infantry Divisions opposed them, in well prepared po-
(Meuse). On 22 October, the Queens Brigade, Crocodile
sitions, and amply supported by artillery and anti-tank guns.
and mine flail tanks, and the 8th Hussars started the advance
towards Middelrode. The Germans of 712. Infanteriedivision The division’s objectives were Echt, Schilburg and Susteren,
had prepared well, in strong points around villages with with the 22nd Armoured Brigade to clear towards Montfort
minefield and artillery support. The villages around the and St Odilienburg. Mine flail tanks and artillery support-
area cost the division many casualties, with the biggest ed the initial attack. At the village of St Joost, a battalion
threats to tanks being bogged in the Polder fields flooded of German Fallschimjäger caused heavy casualties among
by the Germans, and minefields. Artillery, mortars and the 8th Hussars and the 1st Battalion, The Rifle Brigade,
machine-guns caused casualties among the Queens Brigade, followed by Crocodile tanks moved forward to help clear
while anti-tank guns and panzerfausts inflicted losses among them out. Tough fighting ensued for the next few days, until
the tanks. The fighting continued to capture the smaller the Germans eventually withdrew across to the Roer, and
villages around S’Hertogenbosch, and then the town itself. operation Blackcock concluded.
The division eventually cleared the Germans from south of
The division withdrew from the line to train for the next big
the Maas (Meuse) River. The division then settled down for
operation, crossing the Rhine, the advance into Germany,
winter, painted its tanks white, while the battle of the bulge
and the eventual end to the war in Europe.
continued to the south.

7th Armoured Special Rules

A 7th Armoured Division company (pages 154 to 167) uses all of the British special rules found on pages 246-248 of the
rulebook. They also use the Duckbills special rules on page 169.

153
 7th Armoured Division ‘Desert Rats’

Armoured Squadron
Tank Company
HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
box shaded grey.

Desert Rats Armoured

15

Squadron HQ
5

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

WEAPONS PLATOONS

ARMOUR RECONNAISSANCE
ARMOUR ARTILLERY

Desert Rats Recce

15

Desert Rats Armoured Patrol Field Battery (SP),

6
15

16
Platoon Anti-tank Platoon Royal Horse Artillery
5

7
20
(SP), Royal Artillery

1
ARMOUR ARTILLERY
RECONNAISSANCE
BRIGADE SUPPORT PLATOONS

INFANTRY
Field Battery,

20
Desert Rats Armoured Royal Artillery

3
15

Platoon
5

Armoured Car Platoon

15 Field Battery (SP),
7

16
Desert Rats Pioneer Royal Horse Artillery

7
15

Platoon
6

ARMOUR Medium Battery, Royal

20
INFANTRY Artillery

4
INFANTRY
AIRCRAFT
Desert Rats Armoured
15

Platoon
5

Commando Platoon
15
7

Desert Rats Motor

15

Platoon
9

ARMOUR Air Support

20
Desert Rats Rifle ANTI-AIRCRAFT

6
16

Platoon
3

AOP
INFANTRY
Desert Rats Armoured
15

Platoon Light Anti-aircraft Platoon

5

20

(SP), Royal Artillery

5

Desert Rats Motor Air Observation Post

20
15

Platoon
9

Desert Rats Rifle

16

Platoon
3

154
 DESERT RATS ARMOURED SQUADRON
Motivation and skill 7th Armoured
Division
Combining years of training and combat-experienced officers with their vast desert and
Normandy experience, the armoured regiments of the Desert Rats are as good as any of RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
Hitler’s Panzers. CONFIDENT TRAINED
FEARLESS VETERAN
A 7th Armoured Division Desert Rats Armoured Squadron is rated Confident Veteran.

Headquarters
Desert Rats Major
Armoured Squadron HQ
Headquarters
2 Cromwell IV and 2 Cromwell VI CS 340 points
2 Cromwell IV and 1 Cromwell VI CS 265 points Cromwell IV Cromwell IV Cromwell ARV
1 Cromwell IV and 1 Cromwell VI CS 170 points
2 Cromwell IV 190 points Cromwell VI CS Cromwell VI CS

1 Cromwell IV 95 points
Desert rats Armoured Squadron HQ
Option
• Add Cromwell ARV recovery vehicle for +10 points.

Except for the Armoured Recce Squadrons of the other into the Netherlands and Germany they are as reliable as
British Armoured Divisions, the ‘Desert Rats’ are the ever. The speed of the Cromwell is its main asset, enabling a
only division entirely equipped with the Cromwell cruiser squadron to out flank enemy positions and attack them from
tank. These hardy workhouses have proved their worth in the side. Cromwell CS close-support tanks provide excellent
Normandy and as the ‘Desert Rats’ advance through Belgium high-explosive and smoke fire.

Combat Platoons
Desert Rats Armoured Platoon Subaltern
Platoon Subaltern Sergeant

2 Cromwell IV
and 2 Firefly VC or IC 435 points
Command Cromwell IV Cromwell IV
3 Cromwell IV HQ Tank Tank
and 1 Firefly VC or IC 405 points
2 Cromwell IV Corporal Lance Corporal

and 1 Firefly VC or IC 310 points

Option Tank Tank

• Replace up to one Firefly VC or IC tank with a Tank Tank
Challenger tank for +20 points. Desert Rats Armoured Platoon

Like in Normandy, the Desert Rats are equipped with any German vehicle they may encounter. Its big turret and
Cromwell IV cruiser tanks and Firefly 17 pdr tanks. Some extra crewman mean it can sustain a rapid fire burst when
squadrons also have Challenger tanks replacing some of their a likely target comes into view. Like the Cromwell, the
Firefly tanks. The Challenger, like the Firefly, is armed with a Challenger has excellent speed.
17 pdr, a powerful, hard-hitting gun that can destroy almost

155
 Weapons Platoons
Desert Rats Recce Patrol Subaltern
Platoon Subaltern

1 Stuart V and 2 Stuart V Jalopy 155 points

1 Chaffee and 2 Stuart V Jalopy 190 points Command tank
HQ Tank

Desert Rats Recce Patrols are Reconnaissance Platoons Corporal Lance Corporal

The recce patrol provided the armoured squadron’s eyes

and ears, discovering enemy deployment, direction of Stuart V Jalopy Stuart V Jalopy
march, and general dispositions. Once the information was Tank Tank
gathered they could quickly withdraw, either with stealth
Deserts Rats Recce Patrol
and cunning, or in a blaze of confusing machine-gun fire.

Brigade Support Platoons

Desert Rats Pioneer Platoon Subaltern
Platoon Subaltern

HQ Section with:
2 Assault Squads 85 points Command Pioneer Pioneer Rifle team 15cwt truck
Rifle team
1 Assault Squads 60 points HQ Section

Corporal Corporal
You may replace up to one Pioneer Rifle team with a Flame-
thrower team at the start of the game before deployment.
Pioneer Rifle team Pioneer Rifle team
The pioneer platoon clears mines to keep the routes open for
the advancing tanks and motor infantry. They also carry out Jeep with trailer Jeep with trailer
construction and repair work on bridges and other obstructions Assault Squad Assault Squad
in the path of the company. They can also be equipped with
flame-throwers to deal with bunkers and fortified buildings. Desert Rats Pioneer Platoon

156
 DESERT RATS ARMOURED SQUADRON
Support Platoons
Armoured Car Platoon Subaltern
Platoon Subaltern Corporal
2 Daimler I and 2 Daimler Dingo 140 points
2 Daimler I and 1 Daimler Dingo 105 points
Command Daimler I Armoured car
1 Daimler I, 1 Sawn Off Daimler,
HQ Armoured Car Armoured Car
and 1 Daimler Dingo 100 points
Sergeant Lance Corporal
Options
• Fit Littlejohn adaptor to one Daimler I armoured car
at no cost.
Daimler Dingo Daimler Dingo
• Equip any or all Daimler I armoured cars with Scout Car Scout Car
AA MG for +5 points per armoured car.
Armoured Car Platoon
• Replace AA MG on any or all Daimler Dingo or Sawn
Off Daimler scout cars with twin MG for +5 points
per car.

The 11th Hussar were equipped with Daimler I armoured

An Armoured Car Platoon is a Reconnaissance Platoon.
cars and Daimler Dingo scout cars. Some of the Daimler
I armoured cars had their turrets removed as Sawn Off
After Normandy the Desert Rats regained their old armoured
Daimlers, a practice that had become common among the
car regiment the 11th Hussars. The 11th Hussars fought the
armoured car regiments of the British Army.
rest of the war leading the way for the divisions, letting the
8th Hussar (the armoured reconnaissance regiment) revert to
a more traditional armoured regiment role.

Commando Platoon Captain

Platoon Captain

HQ Section with:
2 Commando Squads 205 points Command Rifle/MG team

At the start of the game before Deployment you may replace Lance Sergeant Lance Sergeant
Rifle/MG teams (aside from the Command team) in each
Commando Platoon as follows:
Rifle/MG team Rifle/MG team Rifle/MG team Rifle/MG team
• Replace up to two teams with SMG teams.
• Replace one team with a Light Mortar team.
Rifle/MG team Rifle/MG team
• Replace one team with a PIAT team.
Commando Commando
• Replace one team with a Vickers K Gun LMG team. Squad Squad

Commando Platoon
Know the Plan: Commando Sections use the German
Mission Tactics special rule on page 242 of the rulebook. A Commando Platoon is rated Fearless Veteran.

Fairbairn-Sykes: Commando Infantry teams hit on a roll FEARLESS VETERAN

of 2+ in assaults.
The 7th Armoured Division had the 1st Commando Brigade
Mind and Heart: Commando Infantry and Man-packed
(formerly the 1st Special Service Brigade) under their
Gun teams are Mountaineers (see page 61 of the rulebook).
command as they advanced through Germany in 1945.

157
 7th Armoured Division ‘Desert Rats’

Motor Company (Infantry COMPANY)

HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
box shaded grey.

Desert Rats Motor

15

Company HQ
9

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

WEAPONS PLATOONS

INFANTRY MACHINE-GUNS
ARMOUR ARTILLERY

Desert Rats Motor Desert Rats Motor

15

16

Platoon Machine-gun Platoon Desert Rats Armoured

9

Field Battery (SP), Royal

15
Platoon

16
5
Horse Artillery

7
Anti-tank Platoon

20
INFANTRY ANTI-TANK (SP), Royal Artillery

1
ARTILLERY

ARMOUR

Desert Rats Motor Desert Rats Motor

16
15

Platoon Anti-tank Platoon

1
9

Field Battery, Royal

20
Artillery

3
Desert Rats Armoured Field Battery (SP),
15

ANTI-TANK

16
INFANTRY Platoon Royal Horse Artillery
5

7
Medium Battery,

20
Royal Artillery

4
RECONNAISSANCE

Desert Rats Motor Desert Rats Motor

16
15

Platoon Anti-tank Platoon ANTI-AIRCRAFT

1
9

RECONNAISSANCE ARTILLERY Armoured Car Platoon

15
7

Light Anti-aircraft Platoon

20
(SP), Royal Artillery
INFANTRY 5
Desert Rats Scout Desert Rats Motor
16
16

Platoon Mortar Platoon

1
0

AIRCRAFT

Commando Platoon
15
7

Air Support
20
6

AOP

Air Observation Post

20
6

158
 DESERT RATS MOTOR COMPANY
Motivation and skill 7th Armoured
Division
Combining years of training and combat-experienced officers with their vast desert and
Normandy experience, the motor battalion of the Desert Rats are as good as any of Hitler’s RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
Panzergrenadiers. CONFIDENT TRAINED
FEARLESS VETERAN
A 7th Armoured Division Desert Rats Motor Company is rated Confident Veteran.

Headquarters
Desert Rats Motor Company HQ Major

Headquarters Major

Company HQ 35 points
Company Command White scout car
The infantry element of the Desert Rat’s 22nd Armoured Brigade Rifle team

is the 1st Battalion, The Rifle Brigade. These elite troops special-
ise in fighting alongside the tanks, securing ground taken by 2iC Command White scout car
the bold manoeuvres of the tank squadrons. Rifle team
Company HQ
They are no light-weights as they are expected to clear villages
and other terrain unsuitable for armoured warfare. Desert Rats Motor Company HQ

Combat Platoons
Desert Rats Motor Platoon Subaltern
Platoon Subaltern

HQ Section with:
3 Motor Squads 140 points
2 Motor Squads 115 points HQ Section

The motor platoon is a small, well-drilled, group of soldiers. Sergeant Corporal

Their half-tracks are their home away from home. They eat,
sleep, travel, and fight in their American lend-lease M5 half-
track. In return the M5 half-track provides them with protec-
Motor Squad Motor Squad
tion from German small arms fire and transport so they don’t
have to walk. Corporal

They may be a small platoon but they have plenty of firepower

with three Bren light machine-guns, a PIAT and a 2” light
mortar. Motor Squad

Desert Rats Motor Platoon

159
 Desert Rats Scout Platoon Captain
Platoon Captain

3 Scout Patrols 260 points

2 Scout Patrols 175 points
Command Universal Universal
1 Scout Patrol 90 points Universal Carrier Carrier Carrier
Scout Patrol
Options
Sergeant
• Arm any or all Universal Carriers with an extra
hull-mounted MG for +5 points per carrier.
• Replace up to one extra hull-mounted MG with Command Universal Universal
a hull-mounted .50 cal MG per Scout Patrol for Universal Carrier Carrier Carrier
+5 points per carrier. Scout Patrol
• Replace up to one extra hull-mounted MG with a Sergeant
PIAT anti-tank projector per Scout Patrol at no cost.

Command Universal Universal

Scout Patrols are Reconnaissance Platoons. Universal Carrier Carrier Carrier
Scout Patrol

Scout Patrols operate as separate platoons, each with their Desert Rats Scout Platoon
own command team.
tions, blocked routes, or blown bridges, the scouts, in their
The scout platoons ensure the rest of the motor company fast moving universal carriers, keep the company command-
avoids surprises. Be it enemy ambushes, troops concentra- er abreast of the tactical situation.

Weapons Platoons
Desert Rats Subaltern
Motor Machine-gun Platoon Subaltern

Platoon
HQ Section with:
4 Vickers HMG 140 points
HQ Section
2 Vickers HMG 75 points
Sergeant Sergeant
Option
• Add Troop and MMG Carriers to the platoon at
+15 points per Machine-gun Section.

Vickers HMG teams from a Desert Rats Motor Machine-

gun Platoon cannot fire Artillery Bombardments.
Machine-gun Machine-gun
Section Section
The motor machine-gunners provide heavy firepower, pro-
tecting the motor company’s positions with well-positioned Desert Rats Motor Machine-gun Platoon
lanes of fire. As the company advances the MMG carriers
mount the Vickers machine-guns to provide fire support on
the move.

160
 DESERT RATS MOTOR COMPANY
Desert Rats Subaltern
Motor Anti-tank Platoon Subaltern

Platoon
HQ Section with: Command Rifle team Troop Carrier
4 OQF 6 pdr (late) 140 points HQ Section
2 OQF 6 pdr (late) 75 points
Sergeant Sergeant
Option
• Add Troop and Loyd Carriers to the platoon for OQF 6 pdr (late) OQF 6 pdr (late)
+5 points.

The motor battalion’s role fighting alongside the division’s Loyd carrier Loyd carrier
tanks often brings it into conflict with the enemy’s tanks.
The reliable 6 pdr anti-tank gun can quickly be brought into OQF 6 pdr (late) OQF 6 pdr (late)
action when the tanks are not available.
With improved ammunition the 6 pdr gun can deal with Loyd carrier Loyd carrier
a variety of targets, from medium tanks to dug-in infantry.
Anti-tank Section Anti-tank Section

Desert Rats Motor Anti-tank Platoon

Desert Rats Subaltern

Motor Mortar Platoon Subaltern

Platoon
HQ Section and: Command Rifle team White Scout Car
HQ Section
3 Mortar Sections with a total of:
6 ML 3” Mk II 175 points Sergeant Sergeant
2 Mortar Sections with a total of:
4 ML 3” Mk II 120 points Observer Observer
Rifle Team Rifle Team
1 Mortar Sections with a total of:
2 ML 3” Mk II 65 points
ML 3” Mk II White Scout Car ML 3” Mk II White Scout Car
mortar mortar
Option
• Add White Scout Cars to the platoon for +5 points.
ML 3” Mk II White Scout Car ML 3” Mk II White Scout Car
The battalion’s mortar platoon is a useful tool for screening mortar mortar
the tanks and motorised infantry with smoke and high-ex- Mortar Section Mortar Section
plosive bombardments. This light and mobile artillery can be Sergeant
called on to quickly bring a bombardment down on enemy
positions in preparation of an attack or to screen movement.
ML 3” Mk II ML 3” Mk II
The mortar platoon is mounted in White scout cars, so they mortar mortar
Observer Rifle Team
are able to keep pace with the advancing motor platoons.
White Scout Car White Scout Car
Mortar Section
Desert Rats Motor Mortar Platoon

161
 7th Armoured Division ‘Desert Rats’

Rifle Company
(Mechanised COMPANY)
HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
box shaded grey.

Desert Rats
16

Rifle Company HQ
3

SUPPORT PLATOONS
WEAPONS PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

INFANTRY
INFANTRY ARMOUR ARTILLERY

Desert Rats Desert Rats Field Battery,

20
15
16

Rifle Platoon Desert Rats Pioneer Armoured Platoon Royal Artillery

3
5
3

15

Platoon
6

Breaching Group

18
5
INFANTRY ARTILLERY
RECONNAISSANCE

ARMOUR

Field Battery,

20
Desert Rats Royal Artillery

3
Desert Rats
16

16

Rifle Platoon Carrier Platoon

3

Desert Rats Field Battery (SP),

16
Armoured Platoon 15 Royal Horse Artillery

7
5
INFANTRY ARTILLERY Crocodile Tank Platoon Medium Battery,

20
20

Royal Artillery

4
0

ARMOUR AIRCRAFT
Desert Rats Desert Rats
16
16

Rifle Platoon Mortar Platoon

5
3

ANTI-TANK Air Support

20
Anti-tank Platoon

6
20

(SP), Royal Artillery

1

AOP
RECONNAISSANCE
Desert Rats
16

Anti-tank Platoon
5

Air Observation Post

20
6

Armoured Car Platoon

15
BRIGADE SUPPORT PLATOONS

MACHINE-GUNS

INFANTRY
Desert Rats
16

Machine-gun Platoon
6

Desert Rats
16

MACHINE-GUNS Rifle Platoon

3

ANTI-AIRCRAFT
Desert Rats
16

Machine-gun Platoon
6

Desert Rats
16

Heavy Mortar Platoon

6

Light Anti-aircraft Platoon

20

(SP), Royal Artillery

5

162
 DESERT RATS RIFLE COMPANY
Motivation and skill 7th Armoured
Division
Combining years of training and combat-experienced officers with their vast desert and
Normandy experience, the rifle battalions of the Desert Rats are as good as any of Hitler’s RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
Panzergrenadiers. CONFIDENT TRAINED
FEARLESS VETERAN
A 7th Armoured Division Desert Rats Rifle Company is rated Confident Veteran.

Headquarters
Desert Rats Rifle Company HQ Major

Headquarters Major

Company HQ 30 points
Company Command 2iC Command Troop Carrier
Option Rifle team Rifle team
• Add Jeep or Troop Carrier for +5 points. Company HQ

Desert Rats Rifle Company HQ

Combat Platoons
Desert Rats Rifle Platoon Subaltern
Platoon Subaltern

HQ Section with:
Command PIAT team Light Mortar
3 Rifle Squads 180 points Rifle/MG team team
2 Rifle Squads 140 points HQ Section

Corporal Corporal
Option
• Add a Transport Squad for +5 points.
Rifle/MG team Rifle/MG team
131st (Queens) Brigade are the hard fighting infanry of the
7th Armoured Division. Called the “Queen’s” Brigade due
Rifle/MG team Rifle/MG team
to its three rifle battalions coming from The Queen’s Royal
Rifle Squad Rifle Squad
Regiment. Their long service meant that in November 1944
only one Queen’s battalion, 1st/5th Battalion, remained in Corporal Corporal
the brigade. However, the quality and fighting spirit of the
brigade did not deminish as they were joined by two veteran
battalions from the disbanded 50th (Tyne & Tees) Division. Rifle/MG team
3-ton lorry
The task of the Queen’s Brigade is to clear the way for the
armoured brigade in difficult terrain and occupy ground Rifle/MG team
captured by the armoured regiment in more open terrain. Rifle Squad 3-ton lorry
More difficult terrain and positions are bypassed by the
Transport Squad
armoured division and left for the following infantry divi-
sions to capture. Desert Rats Rifle Platoon

163
 Weapons Platoons
Desert Rats Carrier Platoon Captain

Platoon Captain

4 Carrier Patrols 345 points

3 Carrier Patrols 260 points
Command Universal Universal
2 Carrier Patrols 175 points Universal Carrier Carrier Carrier
1 Carrier Patrol 90 points Carrier Patrol
Sergeant
Options
• Arm any or all Universal Carriers with an extra
hull-mounted MG for +5 points per carrier. Command Universal Universal
• Replace up to one extra hull-mounted MG with Universal Carrier Carrier Carrier
a hull-mounted .50 cal MG per Carrier Patrol for Carrier Patrol
+5 points per carrier. Sergeant
• Replace up to one extra hull-mounted MG with a
PIAT anti-tank projector per Carrier Patrol at no cost.
Command Universal Universal
Universal Carrier Carrier Carrier
Carrier Patrols are Reconnaissance Platoons. Carrier Patrol

Sergeant
Carrier Patrols operate as separate platoons, each with
their own command team.
Command Universal Universal
The battalions carrier patrols probe forward to locate the Universal Carrier Carrier Carrier
enemy’s positions and to warn of impending attacks. During Carrier Patrol
offensives they race forward, taking advantage of their speed,
Desert Rats Carrier Platoon
to check the avenues of advance for ambushes, obstacles and
intact bridges.

164
 DESERT RATS RIFLE COMPANY
Desert Rats Mortar Platoon Subaltern

Platoon Subaltern

HQ Section with:
3 Mortar Sections 175 points Command Rifle team Troop Carrier
HQ Section
2 Mortar Sections 120 points
1 Mortar Section 65 points Sergeant Sergeant

Option
• Add Troop Carrier and Mortar Carriers for +5 points Observer Observer
Rifle Team Rifle Team
for the platoon.

The 3” mortars of the mortar platoon provide the Desert ML 3” Mk II Mortar Carrier ML 3” Mk II Mortar Carrier
Rat’s infantry with instant fire support. These light and Mortar Mortar
mobile weapons can keep up with the advance and get
into immediate action while the heavy guns of the artillery ML 3” Mk II Mortar Carrier ML 3” Mk II Mortar Carrier
regiment are still moving forward. Mortar Mortar
Mortar Section Mortar Section
Once in action they provide cover and concealment with
smoke and keep the Germans’ heads down with high-explo- Sergeant
sive rounds while the infantry launch their attack.
ML 3” Mk II ML 3” Mk II
Mortar Mortar
Observer Rifle Team

Mortar Carrier Mortar Carrier

Mortar Section
Desert Rats Mortar Platoon

Desert Rats Anti-tank Platoon Subaltern

Platoon Subaltern

HQ Section with:
6 OQF 6 pdr (late) 205 points Command Rifle team Troop Carrier
4 OQF 6 pdr (late) 140 points HQ Section
2 OQF 6 pdr (late) 75 points
Sergeant Sergeant
Option
• Add Troop and Loyd Carriers for +5 points for the OQF 6 pdr (late) OQF 6 pdr (late)
platoon.

The infantry battalions in an armoured division were always Loyd carrier Loyd carrier
very well equipped with anti-tank guns. The company has
access to the battalion’s excellent 6-pdr anti-tank guns. These OQF 6 pdr (late) OQF 6 pdr (late)
can set up a deadly ambush with their high rate of fire and
low silhouette.
Loyd carrier Loyd carrier
On attack, 6 pdr anti-tank guns are placed in the best Anti-tank Section Anti-tank Section
positions to halt enemy armoured counterattacks.
Sergeant

OQF 6 pdr (late) OQF 6 pdr (late)

Loyd carrier Loyd carrier

Anti-tank Section

Desert Rats Anti-tank Platoon

165
 Brigade Support Platoons
Desert Rats
Machine-gun Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section with:
4 Vickers HMG 140 points
2 Vickers HMG 75 points

Option
• Add Troop and MMG Carriers to the platoon at
+15 points per Machine-gun Section.

The Vickers machine-guns may date back to before the First

World War, but they are still a sturdy and reliable weapon.
In a defensive situation they provide a wall of firepower that Machine-gun Machine-gun
Section Section
even the most determined enemy will find hard to fight
through. Their armoured MMG carriers take the fight to the Desert Rats Machine-gun Platoon
enemy on attack.

Desert Rats Subaltern

Heavy Mortar Platoon Subaltern
Platoon
HQ Section with:
4 ML 4.2” 155 points
HQ Section
2 ML 4.2” 80 points
Sergeant Sergeant
Option
• Add Troop and Loyd Carriers to the platoon for
+5 points.

The 4.2” heavy mortar is an excellent weapon for any enemy

positions the battalion’s 3” mortars can’t deal with. Almost
as mobile as its 3” cousin, the heavy mortars provide smoke
cover as well as powerful high-explosive barrages. Mortar Section Mortar Section

Desert Rats Heavy Mortar Platoon

166
 DESERT RATS RIFLE COMPANY
Support Platoons
Field Battery (SP), Major
Royal Horse Artillery Major
Platoon
HQ Troop with:
Two Gun Troops with a total of: HQ Troop
8 Sexton 440 points
Captain
One Gun Troop with:
4 Sexton 250 points Captain
2 Sexton 145 points

Options Sherman OP
• Add Jeep and 15 cwt trucks for +5 points for the
battery. HQ Section
• Replace any or all AA MG on Sexton self-propelled
Sergeant Sergeant
guns with a .50 cal AA MG for +5 points per gun.
• Replace all Sherman OP tanks with Cromwell OP
tanks for +5 points for the battery.
Sexton Sexton

Each Gun Troop operates as a separate platoon with its own

Command team. Sexton Sexton
GUN Section GUN Section
The Command team and Staff team of the HQ Troop must
be attached to a Gun Troop from its battery at the start of GUN Troop
the game before deployment (see page 248 of the rulebook). Captain
Captain
Armed with Sexton self-propelled 25 pdr guns the Desert
Rats’ 5th Regiment (SP), Royal Horse Artillery often fought
with the tanks of the 22nd Armoured Brigade. The Sextons,
while not as fast as the powerful Cromwells, were usually Sherman OP
not far behind ready to lend artillery support when needed.
HQ Section
The quick-firing 25 pdr can soften up even the most
stubborn enemy defences or they can lend direct fire to blast Sergeant Sergeant
enemy machine-guns and anti-tank guns.

Sexton Sexton

Sexton Sexton
GUN Section GUN Section
GUN Troop

Field Battery (SP), Royal Horse Artillery

167
 29th Armoured Brigade
In the Ardennes
In December 1944, the 11th Armoured Division was sta- On 23 December a jeep carrying disguised Germans was
tioned in northern France, near Gravelines, refitting with disabled by mines near the bridge into Dinant, and the
Comet tanks. After the Germans launched the attack they occupants captured. All three regiments of 29th Armoured
were ordered to return the Comets and replace them with Brigade deployed defensive screens along high ridges to
their old Sherman tanks from ordnance depots in Brussels. the east of the river, where they had excellent hull down
positions with good fields of fire. Fortuitously so, as on the
On 20 December General Montgomery ordered Horrocks’
23 December Kampfgruppe Böhm of 2. Panzerdivision was
XXX Corps to prepare for defence west of the Meuse River,
engaged near Foy-Notre-Dame. At least three Panthers and
with a screening force to hold likely crossing points, and the
one Panzer IV were reported destroyed, along with many
43rd (Wessex) Division in position to counter-attack any
panzergrenadiers and half-tracks. Other minor skirmishes
German crossing. Up until as late as 22 December there
followed, but by Christmas morning the only contact was
were many crossings over the Muese that had no defences
from the Germans shelling Dinant. The 29th Armoured
whatsoever, so a flexible defensive plan was a necessity.
Brigade celebrated Christmas day with iced bully beef and
cheese sandwiches. 3rd Royal Tank Regiment and 8th Rifle
Holding the Meuse Brigade were ordered to attack Sorinne and Boisseilles, to
The 29th Armoured Brigade was ordered to move into po- the east of Dinant, which they did with minimal resistance.
sitions to the north of the Muese River, to hold the largest They found many abandoned German tanks and much
towns and their respective bridges. The three armoured equipment, and captured a number of prisoners.
regiments of the brigade spread out, with the 23rd Hussars
at Givet, Fife and Forfarshire Yeomanry at Namur, and Counter Offensive
3rd Royal Tank Regiment at Dinant. The brigade’s motor
By New Years Day the 29th Armoured Brigade was placed
battalion, 8th Battalion, The Rifle Brigade, was split up
under command of the 6th Airborne Division. The 6th
and company sized detachments were sent to each of the
Airborne Division had been hurriedly rushed from England
crossings. On arrival most of the tanks were whitewashed
and was very quickly thrown into the attack. The 13th
as camouflage for the snow that had started falling. They
Parachute Battalion (13th Para) of the 5th Parachute Brigade
found some US Army units in hastily prepared positions and
were ordered to capture the villages of Bure and Wavreville,
the bridges wired for demolition. At Givet the 23rd Hussars
supported by the 2nd Fife and Forfar Yeomanry (Fifes), a
found that no defensive preparations had been made by the
company of 8th Rifle Brigade, and the Belgian SAS. British
American forces stationed there.
army engineers had constructed a bridge at Chanly on the

29TH ARMOURED BRIGADE IN THE ARDENNES

Namur
3 RTR 0 Miles 3 5
Dinant
24 DEC
0 Kilometres 5
Sorinne
Foy-Notre-Dame
Boisseilles
Celles
Key
3 RTR Attacks by
27 DEC 29th Armoured Brigade

23 HUS
25-27 DEC Rochefort

Givet

29 ArmBg Wavreville
1 JAN
6 AB Div 6 AB Div
6 AB Div 9 JAN
6 AB Div 8 JAN
29 ArmBg 3 JAN Bure
1 JAN Wellin Grupont
3 JAN Tellin
Chanly
Chapel Hill
Helma

168
 29TH ARMOURED BRIGADE
River Lesse, which was to form the primary attack route. On the night of 5 January the 29th Armoured Brigade
23rd Hussars were in support of the attack to the south. On withdrew from Bure and took up position at Chapel Hill
the morning of 3 January, in bitterly cold, icy and snowy and Tellin. The fighting at Bure was some of the heaviest
conditions, the attack began, centred initially on the 2000 of the war, and dragged on over a week, costing the paras
foot high Chapel Hill and, after this was captured, the heavily, but ultimately the town was taken, with the Germans
town of Bure. Both positions held by troops of Panzer Lehr withdrawing.
Division. Casualties were heavy, with enemy mortars and
After Bure, between 8 and 9 January the brigade support-
machine-guns inflicting heavy losses among the paratroop-
ed attacks by 1st Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles and 12th
ers. The support tanks suffered losses under fire from the
Battalion, Devonshire Regiment at Grupont, which was
Germans’ tanks, tank-hunters and panzerfausts. The Fifes
captured much more easily than Bure. With the front sta-
squadron lost nine tanks, from 19, and was withdrawn to
bilised and the threat posed by the German attack passed,
Tellin. The 23rd Hussars replaced the Fifes at Bure, and also
the 29th Armoured Brigade settled down to patrolling and
suffered heavily. German artillery was especially heavy, and
support operations until 13 January when they were ordered
in addition to tank-hunters, Tiger tanks were reported in the
back to Brussels, to resume training on their new Comets.
village (though this seems unlikely as no German units in the
The Battle of the Bulge was over.
area had Tigers, so were more likely to have been Panthers
or Jagdpanthers), which the Shermans found difficult to
knockout.

29th Armoured Brigade Special Rules

A 29th Armoured Brigade company (pages 170 to 175) uses all of the British special rules found on pages 246-248 of the
rulebook. They also use the following special rule.

Duckbills At the start of the game a player may elect to fit all of the
Duckbill track extensions were developed to provide extra following tank types in their force with Duckbills:
flotation for tracked vehicles in muddy conditions. These
• Ram Kangaroo APC
could be quickly installed when needed.
• Sherman V
• Firefly VC
• Sherman ARV
• M10C 17pdr SP
• Sexton self-propelled gun
This gives them Wide Tracks (see page 61 of the rulebook)
but makes their mobility rating Slow Tank.

169
 29th Armoured Brigade

Armoured Squadron Tank Company

HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS

You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
box shaded grey.
17

Armoured Squadron HQ
1

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

WEAPONS PLATOONS

ARMOUR RECONNAISSANCE
ARMOUR ARTILLERY

Recce Patrol
17

Field Battery,
1

Armoured Platoon
17

20
Anti-tank Platoon Royal Artillery
1

3
20
(SP), Royal Artillery

1
Airlanding Light Battery,

19
Airlanding Anti-tank Royal Artillery

9
19
ARMOUR
Platoon, Royal Artillery

8
Anti-tank Platoon,

20
Royal Artillery ARTILLERY

1
BRIGADE SUPPORT PLATOONS

INFANTRY

Armoured Platoon
17

INFANTRY
1

Field Battery,

20
Royal Artillery

3
Motor Platoon
17

ARMOUR
3

Airlanding Light Battery,

19
Royal Artillery

9
Rifle Platoon
18

Medium Battery,
1

20
INFANTRY Royal Artillery

4
Parachute Platoon
19
1

Armoured Platoon
17
1

Airlanding Platoon AIRCRAFT

19
5

Motor Platoon
17
3

ARMOUR
RECONNAISSANCE
RECONNAISSANCE Air Support
20
6
Armoured Platoon
17
1

Recce Platoon AOP

20
2

Scout Platoon
17
4

Belgian SAS Troop

19
3

Air Observation Post

20
6

ANTI-AIRCRAFT

Light Anti-aircraft Platoon

20

(SP), Royal Artillery

5

Light Anti-aircraft
20

Platoon, Royal Artillery

5

170
 ARMOURED SQUADRON
Motivation and skill 11th Armoured
Division
The 29 Armoured Brigade or the 11 Armoured Division is considered to be one of the
th th

finest fighting formations in Northwest Europe. The division is highly motivated and skilled. RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
CONFIDENT TRAINED
An Armoured Squadron is rated Confident Veteran.
FEARLESS VETERAN

Headquarters
Armoured Squadron HQ Major
Headquarters Major Sergeant

4 Sherman V 320 points

3 Sherman V 240 points
Company Command 2iC Command
2 Sherman V 160 points Sherman V Sherman V Sherman ARV
Recovery
Options Section
• Arm any or all Sherman V tanks with a .50 cal
Sherman V Sherman V
AA MG for +5 points per tank.
Company HQ
• Add Sherman ARV recovery vehicle for +10 points.
armoured squadron hq

Combat Platoons
Armoured Platoon Subaltern
Platoon Subaltern Sergeant

3 Sherman V and 1 Firefly VC 355 points

2 Sherman V and 1 Firefly VC 275 points
Command Sherman V Sherman V
Option HQ Tank Tank
• Arm any or all Sherman V and Firefly VC tanks with
a .50 cal AA MG for +5 points per tank. Lance Corporal Corporal

The tankers of the 29th Armoured Brigade had just began

training to recieve new Comet crusier tanks when they were
called up to do their part to halt the Ardennes offensive. Sherman V Firefly VC
They quickly retrieved their old Sherman V and Firefly VC Tank Tank
tanks from depots before heading to the Ardennes. Armoured Platoon

Weapons Platoons
Recce Patrol Subaltern
Platoon Subaltern Sergeant

2 Stuart V and 2 Stuart V Jalopy 205 points

2 Stuart V and 1 Stuart V Jalopy 150 points Command Stuart V Stuart V

4 Stuart V Jalopy 215 points HQ Tank Tank

3 Stuart V Jalopy 160 points Corporal Lance Corporal

Option
• Arm any or all Stuart V tanks with AA MG for Stuart V Jalopy Stuart V Jalopy
+5 points per tank. Tank Tank
Recce Patrol
Recce Patrols are Reconnaissance Platoons Stuart V and turretless Stuart V Jalopy’s provided each
armoured regiment with their own reconnaissance troops.

171
 29th Armoured Brigade

Motor Company (Infantry COMPANY)

HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
box shaded grey.

Motor Company HQ
17
3

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

WEAPONS PLATOONS

INFANTRY MACHINE-GUNS
ARMOUR ARTILLERY

Motor Platoon Motor Machine-gun Field Battery,

20
17

17

Platoon Royal Artillery

3
3

Armoured Platoon

17
1
Airlanding Light Battery,

19
Anti-tank Platoon Royal Artillery

9
20
INFANTRY ANTI-TANK (SP), Royal Artillery

1
ARTILLERY
ARMOUR

Motor Platoon Motor Anti-tank Platoon

17

17
3

Field Battery,

20
Royal Artillery

3
Armoured Platoon Airlanding Light Battery,
17

INFANTRY ANTI-TANK

19
1

Royal Artillery

9
Medium Battery,

20
INFANTRY Royal Artillery

4
Motor Anti-tank Platoon
17

Motor Platoon
17

5
3

ANTI-AIRCRAFT

Rifle Platoon
18

RECONNAISSANCE
1

Parachute Platoon
19
1

Light Anti-aircraft Platoon

(SP), Royal Artillery 20
Airlanding Platoon 5
19

Light Anti-aircraft
5

20

Scout Platoon Platoon, Royal Artillery

17

5
4

RECONNAISSANCE
AIRCRAFT

Recce Platoon
20
2

Air Support
20
6

Belgian SAS Troop

19
3

AOP

Air Observation Post

20
6

172
 MOTOR COMPANY
Motivation and skill 11th Armoured
Division
The 29 Armoured Brigade or the 11 Armoured Division is considered to be one of the
th th

finest fighting formations in Northwest Europe. The division is highly motivated and skilled. RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
CONFIDENT TRAINED
A Motor Company is rated Confident Veteran.
FEARLESS VETERAN

Headquarters
Motor Company HQ Major
Headquarters Major

Company HQ 35 points
Company
Option Command
• Add Mortar Section for +60 points. Rifle team
Company HQ

The 8th Battalion, The Rifle Brigade, is an elite unit with a Corporal
rich tradition. They have been supporting the 11th Armoured
Division since Normandy.
ML 3” Mk II ML 3” Mk II
The role of the motor company is to support an armoured mortar mortar
regiment, holding the ground captured by the tanks and to Mortar Section
clear villages that are delaying the tanks’ advance.
Motor Company HQ

Combat Platoons
Motor Platoon Subaltern
Platoon Subaltern

HQ Section with:
3 Motor Squads 140 points
2 Motor Squads 115 points HQ Section

Option Sergeant Corporal

• Arm any or all M5 half-tracks with a passenger-fired
.50 cal AA MG for +5 points per half-track.

Motor platoons are mounted in speedy, reliable US-supplied Motor Squad Motor Squad
M5 half-tracks, to keep up with the tanks of the armoured Corporal
regiments. The platoons are small, but well equipped to fight
armour or infantry.

Motor Squad

Motor Platoon

173
 Scout Platoon Captain
Platoon Captain

3 Scout Patrols 260 points

2 Scout Patrols 175 points
Command Universal Universal
1 Scout Patrol 90 points Universal Carrier Carrier Carrier
Scout Patrol
Options
Sergeant
• Arm any or all Universal Carriers with an extra
hull-mounted MG for +5 points per carrier.
• Replace up to one extra hull-mounted MG with Command Universal Universal
a hull-mounted .50 cal MG per Scout Patrol for Universal Carrier Carrier Carrier
+5 points per carrier. Scout Patrol
• Replace up to one extra hull-mounted MG with a Sergeant
PIAT anti-tank projector per Scout Patrol at no cost.

Command Universal Universal

Scout Patrols are Reconnaissance Platoons. Universal Carrier Carrier Carrier
Scout Patrol

Scout Patrols operate as separate platoons, each with their Scout Platoon
own command team.

The scout platoons of the motor battalion are mounted in

fast, lightly armoured universal carriers. They are ideal com-
panions for the armoured and infantry battalions, able to
keep up with the tanks, and mechanised infantry on road
or across country. Their small size and low silhouette makes
them hard to spot and perfect for reconnaissance duties.

Weapons Platoons
Motor Machine-gun Platoon Subaltern
Platoon Subaltern

HQ Section with:
4 Vickers HMG 140 points
2 Vickers HMG 75 points
HQ Section
Option Sergeant Sergeant
• Add Troop and MMG Carriers to the platoon at
+15 points per Machine-gun Section.

Vickers HMG teams from a Motor Machine-gun Platoon

cannot fire Artillery Bombardments.

The Vickers heavy machine-guns of the machine-gun Machine-gun Machine-gun

Section Section
platoon have a tremendous ability to provide sustained fire
against enemy infantry. Assaulting them directly is virtually Motor Machine-gun Platoon
impossible, making them a valuable asset for the infantry.
Their specialist MMG Carriers give the unit good protection
and excellent mobility.

174
 MOTOR COMPANY
Motor Anti-tank Platoon Subaltern

Platoon Subaltern

HQ Section with:
4 OQF 6 pdr (late) 140 points Command Rifle team Troop Carrier
2 OQF 6 pdr (late) 75 points HQ Section

Option Sergeant Sergeant

• Add Troop and Loyd Carriers to the platoon for

+5 points. OQF 6 pdr (late) OQF 6 pdr (late)

The motor battalion has three-times as many anti-tank

platoons as a rifle battalion, making them quite capable of Loyd carrier Loyd carrier
holding their own against enemy tanks.
OQF 6 pdr (late) OQF 6 pdr (late)

Loyd carrier Loyd carrier

Anti-tank Section Anti-tank Section

Motor Anti-tank Platoon

175
 53rd Welsh Division
Normandy The 53rd Welsh Division began the assault on ‘s-Hertogen-
53rd Welsh Division landed in Normandy on 28 June as a bosch on 22 October and after four days of hard fighting
follow-up division and was placed under command of XII took the declared ‘Festung’ (Fortress). Several more days
Corps defending the Odon Valley position. They were then of mopping up saw the town secured by 27 October. The
held in reserve for Operation Epsom, the drive to Hill 112. division assault on ‘s-Hertogenbosch was noted for its ex-
cellent infantry/armour cooperation and the use of a variety
When the division went into the line in the Hill 112/Odon of specialist armoured vehicles such as Canadian Ram
area they saw heavy fighting as part of ‘Operation Greenline’, Kangaroo armoured personnel carriers, Crocodile flame-
a diversionary attack West of Caen leading up to Operation tanks, and Sherman Flail tanks.
Goodwood.
In August the Division began to push out of the Odon region, Ardennes
driving along the river Orne adjacent to the Canadian sector, The 53rd Welsh Division were holding the line near Louvain-
as part of the attempt to close the Falaise Pocket. Wavre-Genappe east of Brussels, along the river Dyle,
when they were called on to move to the Ardennes sector.
Holland The 1st  Battalion, Highland Light Infantry (1st HLI) were
During Operation Market-Garden the division was located defending near the fields of Waterloo where they had once
on the west flank, continuing its advance with XII Corp successfully fought a different foe. The commanding officer
starting on the Lommel Bridgehead and advancing on the insisted that his observation post be placed on the famous
Tilburg/’S Hertogenbosch axis. Waterloo monument.

After the week long grind the XII Corp still hadn’t made On 3 January a US counter-attack was launched on the
their objective of ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Over the following north-centre of the huge salient created by Von Runstedt’s
weeks the 53rd garrisoned ‘the island’ South of Arnhem. panzer armies. As part of this attack, Lt General Brian
Horrock’s XXX Corps were responsible for closing out a
The taking of the Scheldt peninsula (Operation Pheasant) front of 10 miles and reaching the objectives of Rendieux-
commenced on 22 October. The British XII Corps was Le-Bas, Waharday, Grimbiement and the line of the river
tasked not only with expanding the Nijmegen Salient Hedree.
westward, but also with destroying the German fortress at
‘s-Hertogenbosch. They would cut the German 15. Armee’s For the attack, the 158th Brigade supported by tanks from
line of communication with LXXXVIII. Korps, stationed the 144th Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps (44th RAC, from
south of the Maas (Meuse) on the Scheldt. the 33rd Armoured Brigade) would advance on the left flank

53RD WELSH DIVISION

Hotton IN THE ARDENNES
158 BRIG
4 JAN

Ou
rth
eR
ive
r
Rendieux-Le-Bas
71 BRIG
4 JAN Waharday 158 BRIG
Marche 8 JAN

71 BRIG
7 JAN

Grimbiement Warizy
Hodister
Hèdrée

La Roche
Gênes
0 Miles 2 5

0 Metres 2 5
Halleux

176
 BRITISH INFANTRY DIVISIONS
and take Rendieux-Le-Bas and Waharday. The 71st Brigade day the beleaguered 2nd Mons were relieved by the 53rd
with tanks under command from the 1st Northamptonshire Recce. After two days of fighting the 2nd Mons had suffered
Yeomanry Regiment would advance along the right flank heavy casualties from German fire, mines hidden in the snow
towards Grimbiemont. The 160th Brigade with the remain- and exposure to the extreme cold.
der of the 33rd Armoured Brigade was held in reserve.
On the fourth day of the offensive, a divisional attack was
In the early hours of 4 January, in freezing wind and snow- launched south past Waharday, bypassing the Rendieux
storms, the Welsh battalions launched their attack. Their roadblocks, towards Grimbiemont. The attack, with support
progression was seriously hampered by the wooded and hilly of tanks from the 144th RAC, started at 0900 hours. The
terrain as well as the extreme cold and heavy snow. forested hill terrain they attacked through would have been
difficult under normal circumstances, but the snow, ice and
On the left flank, the 1/5th Battalion, Welch Regiment
freezing temperatures made it worse. On top of all of this the
(1/5th Welch) advancing on Waharday were having a tough
attackers were under heavy machine-gun and artillery fire.
time getting their supporting arms forward. Mortars had to
By 1420 hours the village of Waharday had been cleared. It
be manhandled in very cold conditions along deeply rutted
was a brave operation against a tenacious and determined
tracks. To make matters worse, the enemy in Waharday could
enemy and nature itself. The battalions that had led the
command fire on all approaches and the khaki uniforms of the
assault on the village had suffered heavy casualties with 11
Welsh made easy targets against the snowy white background.
officers and 232 other ranks killed, wounded or succumbed
By late morning ‘C’ company had fought their way into the
to the elements.
village but were forced out by two tanks and a scout car.
By 8 January, Waharday was occupied by the division and the
The advance on Rendieux-le-Bas by the 2nd Battalion,
53rd Recce Regiment had managed to clear the well defended
Monmouthshire Regiment (2nd Mons) was held up by a
roadblocks on the road to Rendieux-le-Bas. From this point
roadblock under a crest, which proved almost impossible to
the 51st Highland took over the offensive and by 11 January
take out or bypass. The roadblock was difficult to target with
the division was pulled out of the line for a week’s rest before
artillery as the angle of descent of the shells made it hard to
their next big operation into Germany.
reach the German position. With the enemy completely alert
and firing at every movement the situation was a deadlock.
A decision was made to wait until night and then attack Into Germany
the roadblock again with the support of maximum artillery Following the Ardennes, the division was sent north in
fire. Three Heavy Batteries were used to fire on the position, February 1945, to take part in Operation Veritable. Still
tragically as the rifle companies moved up a sudden drop in attached to XXX Corps, the division slogged its way through
temperature caused some of shells to fall short and drop onto the Reichswald Forest and assaulted the fortified city of
their own troops. The barrage did little damage to the enemy. Weeze beyond. It was during this bitter period of difficult
fighting in deep forest, waterlogged fields and shattered
On the Southern flank the 1st HLI and the 1st Battalion,
towns, all the while mired in mud, that the division suffered
Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (1st Ox and
over half its total casualties for the war. Nevertheless, the
Bucks) advanced towards a stream north of Grimbiemont.
division broke through the Siegfried Line.
The 1st HLI suffered from heavy shelling during their
advance, which was further compounded by minefields Rejoining XII Corps and crossing the Rhine during
hidden under the snow. The 1st Ox and Bucks were slowed Operation Plunder, the division saw action as part of the
by enemy snipers and mortars. Despite these obstacles both Exploitation Reserve and broke out to the North East across
battalions reached their objectives by late afternoon. the River Issel. The fighting which followed, in the last
months of the war, saw several bitter battles against enemy
On the second day of the offensive, the 2nd Mons renewed
formations that included determined Marine Divisions
their attack against the strongpost and despite assistance
and even a Hungarian regiment, before ending the War in
from a Typhoon attack, made little progress. On the third
Hamburg.

53rd Welsh Special Rules

A 53rd Welsh Division Rifle Company (page 180) uses all of the British special rules found on pages 246-248 of the rulebook.
They also use the following special rules.
Cymru am Byth
(Pronounced: Cum-ree am beeth, Translation: Wales frequently inspire those around them to continue on when
Forever) times were at their bleakest.
The old saying goes: ‘To be born welsh is to be privileged;
A platoon joined by the 2iC Command team from a Welsh
not with a silver spoon in your mouth, but with music in
company (including those from the ‘international brigade’)
your heart and poetry in your soul’. This feeling of pride,
may re-roll failed Platoon Morale Checks.
combined with the close-knit farming and mining com-
munities the 53rd (Welsh) Division is raised from gives the
soldiers a strong sense of community. The senior NCO’s Duckbills
and Junior officers were often seen as leading members of Use the Duckbills rule on page 169.
the community, in and out of military service, and would

177
 51st Highland Division
Just before Christmas 1944 the commanders of the The 5th Battalion, Seaforth Highland Regiment (5th Seaforths)
51st Highland Division were carrying out reconnaissance on easily captured the undefended Gênes. However, two
how they would clear out the Germans between the River armoured cars from the Derbyshire Yeomanry were knocked
Maas (Meuse) and the River Rhine. However, with news of out as they ran into a minefield that was hidden beneath
the German offensive in the Ardennes, the division’s orders the snow. The 2nd Seaforths then advanced through the lines
were quickly changed. established by 5th Seaforths on towards Halleux, capturing it
by noon. Early in the afternoon, the 5th Battalion, Cameron
Over the Christmas period, the 51st Highland Division ex-
Highland Regiment (5th Camerons) also advanced through
perienced a disappointing time of order and counter order.
5th Seaforths’ lines in the direction of Ronchamps. They
After this unsatisfactory period, the division spent a week
encountered very little enemy resistance along the way,
guarding a number of the Meuse River crossings before
but minefields and shelling combined with thick snow and
moving forward on 7 January to relieve the 53rd Welsh
terrible conditions, made progress slow.
Division during the Allied counter-offensive.
When the 5th Camerons reached Ronchamps that night
While the counter-offensive had began on 3 January, opera-
the German rearguard withdrew. The 152nd Brigade had
tions for the 51st Highland Division did not commence until
captured their objectives. However, the next day the brigade
9 January. The 153rd Infantry Brigade advanced first, clearing
suffered sustained artillery bombardments that caused a
the enemy from Hodister and other villages southwest of the
number of casualties. The Germans had taken up a strong
Ourthe valley.
defensive position just over a mile south of Ronchamps.
As part of the counter-offensive, the 152nd Infantry Brigade
Now that the 152nd Brigade held Ronchamps, the division’s
advanced on Ronchamps and the 154th Infantry Brigade
right flank was secure, meaning the 154th Brigade could
advanced on La Roche. The conditions they operated in were
make it’s advance down the Ourthe Valley to La Roche.
appalling due to extreme cold and heavy snow falls.
The attack was planned to have three phases. As part of
On 10 January the 152nd Brigade passed through the 153rd
phase one the 1st Battalion, Royal Highland Regiment
Brigade to advance across the Marche - La Roche road and
‘Black Watch’ (1st Black Watch) was required to capture La
on to take Ronchamps, which covered the right flank of the
Roche. Phase two required the 7th Black Watch to advance
divisional advance on the Ourthe valley. The brigade was
beyond La Roche and capture Hives and Lavaux further to
supported by the East Riding Yeomanry.

51ST HIGHLAND DIVISION IN THE ARDENNES

152 BRIG
9 JAN

154 BRIG
Samrée
Hodister 11 JAN

La Roche
Gênes Our
Halleux the
Bande Rive
152 BRIG
154 BRIG
r
10 JAN
11 JAN Hill 400
Hives
Thimont
Ronchamps 154 BRIG
12 JAN
Hubermont
Lavaux Roupage Nisramont
Mierchamps
Ortho 154 BRIG
14 JAN
Journal Beaulieu 154 BRIG
13 JAN
Warempage n

Erneuville
Champlon Cens
0 Miles 2 5
Tenneville
0 Metres 2 5

178
 BRITISH INFANTRY DIVISIONS
the south. Phase three would require the 7th Battalion, Argyll could not traverse the ground, leaving the infantry to clear
and Sutherland Highland Regiment (7th  Argylls) to capture the village of Hives on their own. They assaulted the village
the villages of Thirmont and Roupage. after dark and by 1930 had cleared the village and captured
40 prisoners. However, without the supporting tanks and
On the morning of 11 January the 1st Black Watch began
transport, a decision was made not to continue the assault
their advance on La Roche. As they approached the town a
on to Lavaux. Engineers spent the night clearing the road to
Panther tank gave the men a scare before they realised it was
allow the supporting armour and transports to move up and
abandoned. Once in the town the battalion come under fire
prepare for the assault on Lavaux.
and shelling from a German position across the valley. ‘B’
and ‘C’ company cleared this position in the early afternoon, The plans for phase 3 were cancelled and the 7th Argylls were
completing the capture of La Roche. redeployed to exploit through Hives with the 7th Black Watch
to Lavaux and beyond. By this stage the division could hear
Now phase two of the plan commenced. The 7th Black
the sounds of US guns, meaning a link up was imminent.
Watch had to deal with several mines and delaying positions
on their way to Hives. The tanks supporting the battalion By 12 January the division started to encounter more deter-
mined opposition as they now threatened the main German
withdrawal route.
0 Yards 500 1000

0 Metres 500 1000 The new divisional plan was for the 154th Brigade to continue
Ronchamps to attack through Hives to take Lavaux and Beaulieu. The
5th  Black Watch from the 153rd Brigade was also placed
under the command of the 154th to advance through La
Roche and capture Hill 400 overlooking Hubermont and
Artillery Fire Roupage. The rest of the 153rd Battalion would then move
s
Mine through to capture Nisramont and Ortho.
The 7th Argylls encountered a strong German defensive
position near Lavaux. It wasn’t until night that Lavaux was
River Bronze taken by the battalion. They then continued their advance on
Beaulieu reaching the town on the morning of 13 January.
The few Germans left defending the town were completely
taken by surprise and surrendered. The Germans attempted
a counter-attack with two tanks early in the morning, but
the battalion managed to get their anti-tank guns brought
up to repel the attack.
German Positions
n

By 14 January, the 51st Highland Division had captured

all of its objectives and remained to mop up any German
Mierchamps
stragglers and stabilise a new defensive line. By 15 January
152nd Brigade stopped at
Ronchamps all combat in the XXX Corps sector of the Ardennes had
finished. The division then returned to Holland to recom-
mence offensive operations to cross the Rhine.

51st Highland Special Rules

A 51st Highland Division Rifle Company (page 180) uses all of the British special rules found on pages 246-248 of the
rulebook. They also use the following special rules.

Bagpipes Duckbills
Bagpipers have piped the Scots regiments into battle for Use the Duckbills rule on page 169.
centuries. The tales of pipers walking through a hail of fire,
pipes wailing, abound. Even the death of the officer they are
accompanying will not stop them.

If a 2iC Command team with a Bagpiper is Destroyed

by enemy shooting, the enemy rolls to Destroy the 2iC
Command team using the Warrior Infantry Team
Casualties rule on page 106 of the rulebook. However,
instead of requiring a 4+ to Destroy the 2iC Command
team, the enemy player needs to roll a 5+ to Destroy the
team.
Any hits on the 2iC Command team do not count towards
Pinning Down the platoon or making it Fall Back from
Defensive Fire.

179
 51st ‘Highland’ Division and 53rd ‘Welsh’ Division

Rifle Company
(Infantry COMPANY)
HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
box shaded grey.
Your Company HQ must be either from the 51st ‘Highland’ Division (marked  ), or the
53rd ‘Welsh’ Division (marked  ). All other platoons with either of these symbols must be
RIfle from the same division as your Company HQ.
18

Company HQ
1

SUPPORT PLATOONS
WEAPONS PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

INFANTRY ARTILLERY
ARMOUR ANTI-AIRCRAFT

Mortar Platoon
18

Rifle Platoon
18

Light Anti-aircraft Platoon

1

Armoured Platoon

17

20
(SP), Royal Artillery

5
RECONNAISSANCE ‘Skins’ Armoured Light Anti-aircraft

20
18
INFANTRY Platoon Platoon, Royal Artillery

5
4
Breaching Group

18
5
ARTILLERY
Crocodile Tank

20
Carrier Platoon Platoon

0
18

Rifle Platoon
3
18
1

Tank Platoon 20
0 Field Battery,

20
INFANTRY Royal Artillery

3
INFANTRY
ARMOUR
ARTILLERY

Pioneer Platoon
18
2

Rifle Platoon
18
1

Armoured Platoon Field Battery,

17

20
Royal Artillery
1

3
ANTI-TANK
‘Skins’ Armoured Medium Battery,
18

20
Platoon Royal Artillery
4

4
Breaching Group
18
5

AIRCRAFT
Anti-tank Platoon
18

Tank Platoon
3

20
0

ANTI-TANK
Air Support
BRIGADE SUPPORT PLATOONS

20

MACHINE-GUNS
6

AOP
Machine-gun Platoon Anti-tank Platoon
18

20

(SP), Royal Artillery

4

Anti-tank Platoon,
20

Royal Artillery Platoon

1

MACHINE-GUNS
Air Observation Post
20
6

RECONNAISSANCE

Machine-gun Platoon
18
4

Heavy Mortar Platoon

18
4

Recce Platoon
20
2

INFANTRY
18

Rifle Platoon
1

180
 RIFLE COMPANY
Motivation and skill RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
The 53rd Welsh Division was battle-hardened from Normandy, but had not suffered anywhere CONFIDENT TRAINED
near the level of casualties suffered by other British divisions in the killing fields of the Bocage.
FEARLESS VETERAN
As a consequence, it was experienced, seasoned and confident.
The 51st Highland Division, on the other hand, had a far harder time during the fighting in Normandy. However, their vast
experience saw them through the dark times and they have come out the other side more determined than ever. A Rifle Company
is rated Confident Veteran.

Headquarters
Rifle Company HQ Major

Headquarters Major

Company HQ 30 points 30 points

Company Command 2iC Command Troop Carrier
Options Rifle team Rifle team
• Add Jeep or Troop Carrier for +5 points. Company HQ
• Add a Scottish Bagpiper to the 2iC Command team Rifle Company HQ
for +10 points.

With the Germans threatening to bust through the Ardennes 1945. Both the 53rd Welsh and 51st Highland Divisions are
and cross the Meuse River and cut the Allies supply routes, veterans of Normandy, the liberation of Belgium, and the
Monty rushed three divisions to the Meuse to set up de- push to the German border. They are well-prepared to throw
fensive positions along the river. Two of these divisions the Germans in the Ardennes back to their border.
saw action during the counter offensive in early January

Combat Platoons
Rifle Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section with:
3 Rifle Squads 180 points 180 points
2 Rifle Squads 140 points 140 points

Add a Transport Section with:

3 Ram Kangaroo APC - +20 points

Option
• Add a .50 cal MG to any or all Ram Kangaroo APCs
for +5 points per APC.

When making a Night Attack, Rifle Platoons equipped

with a Transport Section may still make a Spearhead move,
even though the platoon is not entirely made up of Infantry
Teams.
Ram Kangaroo APC

The 51 Highland Division’s morale had suffered in

st

Normandy, but a new commander and the liberation of Le

Havre in September saw the division back to the fighting Ram Kangaroo APC
spirit last seen in North Africa and Sicily.
The 53rd Welsh Division were issued newly converted
Ram Kangaroo APC
Canadian Ram ‘Kangaroos’ – armoured troop carriers based
on obsolete Ram tanks for their operations in Holland. Transport Section
These Ram Kangaroos were to be used in action for the Rifle Platoon
first time in Operation ‘Alan’, 22 to 27 October 1944, at
‘S Hertogenbosch, Holland. In the Ardennes they reverted
back to fighting on foot.

181
 Weapons Platoons
Mortar Platoon Subaltern

Platoon Subaltern

HQ Section with:
3 Mortar Sections 175 points 175 points Command Rifle team Troop Carrier
HQ Section
2 Mortar Sections 120 points 120 points
1 Mortar Section 65 points 65 points Sergeant Sergeant

Option
• Add Troop and Mortar Carriers for +5 points for the Observer Rifle Team Observer Rifle Team
platoon.

The smoke and high explosive shells of our 3” mortars ML 3” Mk II Mortar Carrier ML 3” Mk II Mortar Carrier
Mortar Mortar
provide cover and keep the Germans’ heads down during
an attack. This invaluable close support artillery frees the di-
vision’s artillery regiments to concentrate on higher priority ML 3” Mk II Mortar Carrier ML 3” Mk II Mortar Carrier
Mortar Mortar
targets.
Mortar Section Mortar Section
Sergeant

ML 3” Mk II ML 3” Mk II
Mortar Mortar
Observer Rifle Team

Mortar Carrier Mortar Carrier

Mortar Section
Mortar Platoon

Pioneer Platoon Subaltern

Platoon Subaltern

HQ Section with:
2 Assault Squads 90 points 90 points Command Pioneer Pioneer Rifle team 15cwt truck
Rifle team
1 Assault Squad 65 points 65 points HQ Section

Corporal Corporal
You may replace up to one Pioneer Rifle team with a Flame-
thrower team at the start of the game before deployment.
Pioneer Rifle team Pioneer Rifle team
The battalion’s pioneer platoons are used for a variety of tasks
from clearing minefields, obstacles, and repairing bridges to
Jeep with trailer Jeep with trailer
assaulting German strongpoints, whether they are in en-
Assault Squad Assault Squad
trenchments or fortified buildings.
Pioneer Platoon

182
 RIFLE COMPANY
Carrier Platoon Captain

Platoon Captain

4 Carrier Patrols 345 points 345 points

3 Carrier Patrols 260 points 260 points
Command Universal Universal
2 Carrier Patrols 175 points 175 points Universal Carrier Carrier Carrier
1 Carrier Patrol 90 points 90 points Carrier Patrol
Sergeant
Options
• Arm any or all Universal Carriers with an extra
hull-mounted MG for +5 points per carrier. Command Universal Universal
• Replace up to one extra hull-mounted MG with Universal Carrier Carrier Carrier
a hull-mounted .50 cal MG per Carrier Patrol for Carrier Patrol
+5 points per carrier. Sergeant
• Replace up to one extra hull-mounted MG with a
PIAT anti-tank projector per Carrier Patrol at no cost.
• Replace all Universal Carriers in up to two Carrier Command Universal Universal
Universal Carrier Carrier Carrier
Patrols with Wasp flame-thrower carriers for
Carrier Patrol
+25 points per patrol.
Sergeant

Carrier Patrols are Reconnaissance Platoons.

Carrier Patrols equipped with Wasp Carriers are not Command Universal Universal
Reconnaissance Platoons. Universal Carrier Carrier Carrier
Carrier Patrol

Carrier Patrols operate as separate platoons, each with Carrier Platoon

their own command team. platoons. In the Ardennes the carrier’s ability to cover
ground quickly is invaluable to keep attacks moving and to
The rifle company’s carrier platoon provides much needed
prevent hastily erected defensive positions from delaying the
reconnaissance, mobility and supporting fire to the infantry
advance.

Anti-tank Platoon Subaltern

Platoon Subaltern

HQ Section with:
6 OQF 6 pdr (late) 205 points 205 points Command Rifle team Troop Carrier
4 OQF 6 pdr (late) 140 points 140 points HQ Section
2 OQF 6 pdr (late) 75 points 75 points
Sergeant Sergeant
Option
• Add Troop and Loyd Carriers for +5 points for the OQF 6 pdr (late) OQF 6 pdr (late)
platoon.

Despite entering service in North Africa, the British 6 pdr Loyd carrier Loyd carrier
anti-tank gun continues to provide the riflemen of the
infantry divisions with excellent support. The 6 pdr gun has OQF 6 pdr (late) OQF 6 pdr (late)
undergone a number of improvement since its introduction
such as better anti-tank ammunition and high-explosive
rounds. The 6 pdr gun is still more than capable to dealing Loyd carrier Loyd carrier
with a great many of the Germans tanks and tank-hunters, Anti-tank Section Anti-tank Section
and the addition of HE makes it a handy anti-infantry gun. Sergeant
In the Ardennes both divisions encountered German tanks as
they pushed the bulge back to the German border, the 6 pdr OQF 6 pdr (late) OQF 6 pdr (late)
platoons provided the riflemen with a reassuring backup as
they advanced.
Loyd carrier Loyd carrier
Anti-tank Section

Anti-tank Platoon

183
 Brigade Support Platoons
Machine-gun Platoon Subaltern
Platoon Subaltern

HQ Section with:
4 Vickers HMG 140 points 140 points
2 Vickers HMG 75 points 75 points
HQ Section
Option Sergeant Sergeant
• Add Troop and MMG Carriers to the platoon at
+15 points per Machine-gun Section.

Machine-guns are the cornerstone of a good defence. Set

them up to repel enemy infantry attacks or mount them on
armoured MMG carriers and take the fight to them. Either
way, the Vickers is a reliable and deadly weapon in your Machine-gun Machine-gun
arsenal. Section Section

Machine-gun Platoon

Heavy Mortar Platoon Subaltern

Platoon Subaltern

HQ Section with:
4 ML 4.2” 155 points 155 points
2 ML 4.2” 80 points 80 points
HQ Section
Option
Sergeant Sergeant
• Add Troop and Loyd Carriers to the platoon for
+5 points.

The 4.2” heavy mortar is an excellent infantry support

weapon. It can provide instantly ready smoke cover as well as
powerful high-explosive barrages.

Mortar Section Mortar Section

Heavy Mortar Platoon

Support Platoons
‘Skins’ Armoured Platoon Subaltern
Platoon Subaltern Sergeant

2 Cromwell IV and
2 Firefly VC - 350 points
Command Cromwell IV Cromwell IV
3 Cromwell IV and HQ Tank Tank
1 Firefly VC - 320 points
2 Cromwell IV and Corporal Lance Corporal

1 Firefly VC - 250 points

Option Tank Tank

• Replace up to one Firefly VC or IC tank with a Tank Tank
Challenger tank for +20 points. ‘Skins’ Armoured Platoon

Freshly arrive from Blighty when they supported the 53rd

‘Skins’ Armoured Platoons are rated Confident Trained.
Welsh Division during Operation Market-Garden, the 5th
CONFIDENT TRAINED Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards or ‘Skins’ have been
training hard, but Holland is their first true test while the
rest of the 7th Armoured Division are refitting.

184
 RIFLE COMPANY
Breaching Group Subaltern
Platoon Subaltern

1 Sherman V and
2 Sherman Crab - 150 points
Command Sherman V
Options
• Add AVRE Section for +50 points.
• Add Bulldozer Section for +15 points. Sherman Crab flail tank Sherman Crab flail tank
Flail Section

Although a Breaching Group is a single Support choice,

each Section operates as a separate platoon with its own
Command team. The D7 Bulldozer is an Independent tank
Command AVRE Assault Tank
team. D7 Bulldozer

When determining the number of platoons that must be Bulldozer Section

held in Reserves and the number of platoons Deployed on AVRE Assault Tank
table, treat each Breaching Group as a single platoon. AVRE Section

Breaching Group
Teams from all Sections of a Breaching Group are always
‘Hobart’s Funnies’ were the specialist engineering and
Non-assaulting teams when involved in an assault.
assault vehicles developed by General Percy Hobart of the
However, a D7 Bulldozer may assault Bunkers.
79th  Armoured Division for the invasion of France in June
1944. They were assigned to divisions as needed for elim-
inating any enemy wire, mines, and obstacles that might
delay the advance.

Breaching Group Special Rules

Breaching Force: A force that includes a Breaching Gun Tanks Forward!: At the beginning of the game
Group Always Attacks and, if it is an Infantry Company, before Deployment, you may remove any or all AVRE
is considered a Mechanised Company for the purpose of the Sections from Breaching Groups, adding a single Sherman
Armoured Reserves rule found on page 269 of the rulebook. Crab Flail tank to the Group’s Flail Section for each AVRE
Teams from a Breaching Group may only be held in Section removed.
Reserves in missions with the Mobile Reserves special rule.

AVRE Special Rules

The core of the 79 Armoured Division’s strength is the
th

versatile AVRE, the Armoured Vehicle, Royal Engineers Petard Mortar: The Petard mortar shoots as a normal
(pronounced av-ree). (although very short-ranged) gun.
Any Armoured vehicle hit by a Petard mortar uses its Top
Fascine and SBG Bridge: At the start of the game after armour rating for its Armour Saves.
Fortifications (if any) are placed, but before Deployment,
you may elect to mount a Fascine or Assault Bridge on
any or all of your AVsRE. An AVRE that has a Fascine Demolishing Obstacles: An AVRE may attempt to gap
or Assault Bridge mounted cannot shoot. In addition, an an Obstacle. The AVRE must not move in the Movement
AVRE that has an Assault Bridge mounted is Overloaded Step, and must be able to draw a Line of Sight to an
rather than Wide-tracked. Obstacle and be within 4”/10cm of it to attempt to gap it.
Fascines act as Assault Bridges (see page 226 of the rulebook), Roll a Skill Test for the AVRE in the Shooting Step instead
but may only be used to bridge ditches and craters. of shooting.
An AVRE may abandon its Fascine or Assault Bridge • If the test is successful, the Obstacle is removed (unless it
instead of shooting, removing the Fascine or Assault Bridge is a Street barricade, in which case it is gapped),
from play. • Otherwise, it remains intact.

Sherman Crab Special Rule

Crab Flail Tanks: Sherman Crab Platoons use the rules for Mine Flails and Rollers on page 226 of the rulebook.

185
 THE BATTLE FOR BURE
Belgian SAS troops in jeeps, advancing ahead of the 6th Airborne Division, sight the Germans.

Chuchill IV and VI infantry tanks support the paratroopers as they advance through a village.

186
German Panzer IV J medium tanks are surprised by Airlanding 6 pdr anti-tank guns behind a garden wall.

German panzergrenadiers counterattack with armoured support in an attempt to take back the village.

The paratroopers and panzergrenadiers fight for the village, house by house, in running street battles.

187
 6th Airborne Division
in the Ardennes
When the German offensive in the Ardennes commenced the Once ‘A’ Company had reached the village ‘B’ Company
6th Airborne Division was in England, resting and training began their advance, but their plan was immediately thrown
after their success in Normandy. The division was ordered to into Chaos. A sniper had managed to pick out the company
move at once by sea and road to take up defensive positions commander, who was killed instantly. This was closely
between Dinant and Namur to defend the crossings of the followed by mortars, machine-guns, tanks and self-pro-
River Meuse. By the time the 3rd and 5th Parachute Brigades pelled guns opening up on the company. Within minutes
were in position, the German advance had been stopped. the company had lost most of its officers, with only two
remaining in action. One of the lieutenants took control and
In the lead up to New Year’s Day 1945, the Parachute Brigades
organised a smoke screen to provide cover as the company
were given orders to advance against the tip of the German
made a run for shelter.
salient. On 2 January, with support from the 2nd Battalion,
The Fife and Forfar Yeomanry (29th Armoured Brigade, 11th ‘A’ Company was making progress clearing the village but
Armoured Division), the division was to capture the villages was starting to run short of ammunition. ‘C’ Company
of Bure and Grupont. Once these villages had been cleared, was then sent in with the hope to clear the village before
a crossing over the River Lomme would be seized to prevent darkness. This time an artillery barrage was used to good
any German breakthrough and keep them on the defensive. effect to cover the advance and the company reached the
village unharmed. By the time night fell, the German tanks
The next day the 13th Parachute Battalion of the 5th Parachute
operating in the village had withdrawn and up to half the
Brigade, supported by ‘C’ squadron from the 2nd Fife and
village was now in British control.
Forfar Yeomanry, started what would later be described
as “one of the toughest little battles in the history of the It was a tense, sleepless night in the village. It was extremely
campaign”, the battle for the village of Bure against elements cold and German patrols were trying to cut behind the paras
of the German Panzer Lehr Division. to cut them off. The paras had also used the night to turn the
houses they occupied into minor strongholds.
‘A’ Company was the first to move with orders to clear the
village of a German infantry platoon reported to be holding The morning of 4 January saw the arrival of more snow and
the position. However, as soon as they emerged to cross the the return of the German tanks. The Germans also brought
300m of open ground to the village they were hit with heavy up large numbers of infantry to assault the British positions.
and accurate mortar fire. There were several casualties and At this point, the paras took cover in the cellars and called
the company went to ground. The Company commander down artillery on their own positions. As soon as the bom-
soon had them moving again in a rush for the nearest houses. bardment stopped, all the men rushed out of the cellars to
Once they reached the houses they began systematically drive back the German counter-attacks. The supporting
clearing them. Movement was difficult as a tank was posi- Shermans tried to outflank the panzers but had no success,
tioned 200m up the road, able to lay down machine-gun fire with 16 Shermans being knocked out during the action.
on anyone advancing up the road.

0 Yards 500 1000

0 Metres 500 1000

7-9 Jan

Grupont

Bure
e
mm

3-5 Jan
Lo
er
Riv

Tellin

188
 6TH AIRBORNE DIVISION
Evacuation of the wounded was a serious problem and many one Panzer tank still remained despite several PIAT attacks.
casualties needed urgent hospital treatment. At one point in By 2100, the last German outpost was seized and the village
the battle, a British ambulance did come forward to pick up was secure. At the same time, the 7th Parachute Battalion
casualties. A German Panzer, which had been fighting the had also taken Grupont encountering only light resistance,
Paras all day, rolled up alongside it and told the driver “take which completed the objectives of the 5th Parachute Brigade.
the casualties away this time, but don’t come forward again,
The 13th Parachute Battalion had suffered heavy casualties
it is not safe”. Needless to say, the ambulance did not return.
from the fighting in Bure and had lost a third of it’s strength.
By this stage, Bure was almost a heap of rubble, but the They were pulled back from Bure and replaced by troops
Germans still fought on tenaciously. In the evening, ‘C’ from the 29th Armoured Brigade. The 6th Airborne then went
Company from the 2nd Ox and Bucks light infantry of the on to liberate several more villages in the Ardennes.
6th Airlanding joined the Battalion as reinforcements. In the
By mid January the division was withdrawn to Holland to
early hours of 5 January, a determined attacked was successful
patrol the River Maas (Meuse) before returning to England
in clearing most of the Germans out of the village, although
in late February to prepare for operation Varsity.

Airborne Special Rules

A Parachute Company (page 190) and an Airlanding Company (page 194) use the following special rules in addition to the
normal British special rules (see pages 246 to 248 of the rulebook).
Gammon Bombs Section Mortars
Lieutenant Gammon devised one of the airborne force’s British parachute platoons carried a lightweight ML 2” light
most useful weapons, the No. 82 Gammon Grenade. This mortar in each section as a grenade launcher, along with a
clever but simple device consists of a cloth bag with a fuse few rounds of smoke ammunition. The plan was to use the
attached. Since every para carries sticks of plastic explosives mortars to screen German machine-guns as they bypassed or
that can be pooled for demolition work when needed (or assaulted them.
used to start cooking fires!), all they require for a devastating
anti-tank grenade is a way to detonate it. With the Gammon Each turn one of the Parachute Platoon’s Rifle/MG teams
bomb they insert sticks of explosive, close the bag, pull the may fire as a Light Mortar team firing Smoke.
fuse, and throw.

All teams in a Parachute Company HQ, Parachute Platoon

and Airlanding Platoon carry Gammon Bombs giving them
Tank Assault 3.

Canadian Special Rules

A Canadian Parachute Company (page 190) uses the above Airborne and following Canadian special rules in addition to the
normal British special rules, except British Bulldog (see pages 246 to 248 of the rulebook).
Assault troops Woodsmen
The Canadians have maintained their enviable reputation as Although Canada has been settled for centuries, it was not
aggressive assault troops, unwilling to be stopped by enemy until the Nineteenth Century that its population underwent
fire, no matter how heavy. significant growth and it remains a largely rural country.
Canadian soldiers are typically a little more independent
Canadian Platoons do not use the British Bulldog special (and unruly) than British soldiers.
rule. Instead any Canadian Platoon that is Pinned Down
may re-roll failed Motivation tests to rally from being Canadian Platoons use the German Mission Tactics special
Pinned Down. rule.

189
 Parachute Company (Infantry COMPANY)
HEADQUARTERS

HEADQUARTERS You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
box shaded grey.
Your Company HQ must be either British (marked ) or Canadian (marked ). All other
platoons marked with either of these symbols must match your Company HQ.
Parachute Company HQ
19
1

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

WEAPONS PLATOONS

INFANTRY ARTILLERY
ARMOUR ANTI-TANK

Parachute Platoon Airlanding Anti-tank

19

Parachute Mortar Platoon

19

19
1

Armoured Platoon Platoon

7
17
1
Tank Platoon

20
INFANTRY MACHINE-GUNS

0
ANTI-TANK

ARMOUR

Parachute Platoon Parachute Airlanding Anti-tank

19

19

19
Machine-gun Platoon
1

Platoon, Royal Artillery

8
Armoured Platoon
17
INFANTRY INFANTRY ARTILLERY
1
Tank Platoon
20
0

Parachute Airlanding Light Battery,

19

Parachute Platoon RECONNAISSANCE

19

Assault Platoon

19
2
1

Royal Artillery

9
Field Battery,

20
Royal Artillery

3
Belgian SAS Troop
19

ARTILLERY
3

INFANTRY

Medium Battery,
20

Royal Artillery
4

Airlanding Platoon
19

AIRCRAFT
5

Motor Platoon
17
3

Airlanding Platoon,
19

Royal Engineers
8

Air Support
20
6

AOP

Air Observation Post

20
6

190
 PARACHUTE COMPANY
Motivation and skill RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
The highly skilled and celebrated paras of the 6th Airborne Division are keen to get back into CONFIDENT TRAINED
the fight. A Parachute Company is rated Fearless Veteran.
FEARLESS VETERAN

Headquarters
Parachute Company HQ Major
Headquarters Major
Company HQ 60 points 60 points

Options
• Add up to three PIAT teams for +20 points per team. Company HQ
• Add up to three Sniper teams for +50 points per team. Corporal

The 3rd and 5th Parachute Brigades formed the bulk of the
division’s rifle strength. Led by seasoned officers of the
Normandy campaign, they were preparing for future opera- Anti-tank Section
tions in Germany when they were called up to help halt the
Parachute Company HQ
German offensive in the Ardennes.

Combat Platoons
Parachute Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section with:
3 Rifle Squads 230 points 240 points Command Rifle/MG team PIAT team
2 Rifle Squads 170 points 180 points
corporal corporal corporal
The Parachute infantrymen of the 6th Airborne Division had
fought hard throughout the Normandy campaign and had
earned themselves a reputation as fearsome fighters amongst Rifle/MG team Rifle/MG team Rifle/MG team
the Germans.
Parachute platoons are well equipped to fight as normal Rifle/MG team Rifle/MG team Rifle/MG team
infantry as they are called on to do in the Ardennes. They
have PIAT anti-tank projectors to use against enemy tanks as
well as to knock out enemies in houses.

191
 Weapons Platoons
Parachute Mortar Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section with:
4 ML 3” Mk II 130 points 140 points Command Rifle Observer Rifle
team team
2 ML 3” Mk II 75 points 85 points

For immediate support the paratroopers rely heavily on the

trusty ML 3” Mk II mortar to bombard the enemy before
an attack.
ML 3” Mk II ML 3” Mk II ML 3” Mk II ML 3” Mk II
mortar mortar mortar mortar
When the paras encounter a German strong point, the
mortars are essential for screening the assault troops sent in
to eliminate the threat.

Parachute
Machine-gun Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section with:
4 Vickers HMG 150 points 160 points
2 Vickers HMG 80 points 90 points
Sergeant Sergeant

Vickers HMG teams from Parachute Machine-gun Platoons

are not equipped with the ammunition to conduct indirect
machine-gun section machine-gun section
fire techniques so may not fire Artillery Bombardments.
PARACHUTE MACHINE-GUN PLATOON
The Vickers HMG provides excellent firepower to the
parachute battalions. This freed up the paratroopers to
manoeuvre into assault positions before attacking.

Parachute Assault Platoon Captain

Platoon Captain

HQ Section with:
3 Assault Squads 125 points 135 points
2 Assault Squads 95 points 105 points

Options corporal corporal

• Add a PIAT team for +20 points.
• Add a Light Mortar team for +25 points.

You may replace one Pioneer Rifle/MG team with a Flame- corporal
thrower team at the start of the game before deployment.

The assault platoon is a task-organised unit designed to

deal with German strong points and other obstinate enemy
troops. The platoon goes in and deals with it, letting the
paras get on with securing their objectives.

192
 PARACHUTE COMPANY
Support Platoons
Motivation and skill RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
The Special Air Service, or SAS, are the elite of the special forces. They are heavily cross trained CONFIDENT TRAINED
volunteers, keen to get into one last fight before it’s all over. A Belgian SAS Troop is rated
FEARLESS VETERAN
Fearless Veteran.

Belgian SAS Troop Captain

Platoon Captain

3 SAS Sections 225 points

2 SAS Sections 150 points Command SAS Jeep SAS Jeep SAS Jeep
1 SAS Section 75 points SAS Section

Options Captain
• Replace all SAS Jeeps in the SAS Troop with
Armoured SAS Jeeps for +15 points per jeep.
Command SAS Jeep SAS Jeep SAS Jeep
• Arm any or all SAS Jeeps with an AA MG for
SAS Section
+5 points per jeep.
• Replace one Twin MG on a jeep in each SAS Section Captain
with a hull-mounted .50 cal MG for +5 points per
jeep.
Command SAS Jeep SAS Jeep SAS Jeep
SAS Section
SAS Sections operate as separate platoons, each with their
Belgian SAS Troop
own command team.
division with fast moving aggressive reconnaissance ahead of
SAS Sections are Reconnaissance Platoons. their movement.
Through the cold and thick snow, the Belgian red berets
With the 6th Airborne Armoured Recce Regiment still in traveled over dirt roads, through woods and fields as they pa-
England during the Battle of the Bulge, the 6th Airborne trolled through the Halma, Tellin, and Bure sectors, seeking
Division was supported by the Belgian SAS Squadron the location of the forward positions of the German troops.
mounted in Jeeps. These heavily armoured jeeps provide the

Special Rules
A Belgian SAS Troop uses all of the British special rules found on pages 246-248 of the rulebook. They also use the following
special rule below.
Unconventional
The men of the SAS were independent-minded individuals SAS Troops use the German Mission Tactics special rule (see
who preferred the freedom of special operations to conven- page 242 of the rulebook).
tional military discipline.

193
 HEADQUARTERS

Airlanding Company (Infantry COMPANY)

HEADQUARTERS You must field one platoon from each box shaded black and may field one platoon from each
box shaded grey.

Airlanding Company HQ
19
5

SUPPORT PLATOONS
COMBAT PLATOONS

WEAPONS PLATOONS

INFANTRY INFANTRY
ARMOUR ANTI-TANK

Airlanding Pioneer
19

Airlanding Platoon
19
Platoon
5

6
Armoured Platoon Airlanding Anti-tank

17

19
1
Platoon

7
Tank Platoon

20
INFANTRY MACHINE-GUNS

0
ANTI-TANK
ARMOUR

Airlanding Platoon Airlanding

19

19
5

Machine-gun Platoon
6

Airlanding Anti-tank

19
Platoon, Royal Artillery

8
Armoured Platoon
17
INFANTRY ARTILLERY
1
ARTILLERY
Tank Platoon
20
0

Airlanding Platoon Airlanding Mortar

19

RECONNAISSANCE
19
5

Platoon
7

Airlanding Light Battery,

19
Royal Artillery

9
INFANTRY ANTI-TANK Field Battery,

20
Royal Artillery

3
Belgian SAS Troop
19
3

ARTILLERY
Airlanding Platoon Airlanding Anti-tank
19

INFANTRY
19
5

Platoon
7

Medium Battery,
20

Royal Artillery
4

Parachute Platoon
19
1

AIRCRAFT
Motor Platoon
17
3

INFANTRY
Air Support
20
6

AOP
Airlanding Platoon,
19

Royal Engineers
8

Air Observation Post

20
6

194
 AIRLANDING COMPANY
Motivation and skill RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
Airlanding troops are not volunteers, but they are put through the same intense training regime CONFIDENT TRAINED
as the paras. This weeds out the weaklings, leaving an elite fighting force. An Airlanding
FEARLESS VETERAN
Company is rated Fearless Veteran.

Headquarters
Airlanding Company HQ
Headquarters
Company HQ 60 points
Company Command 2iC Command
Options SMG team SMG team
• Add up to two PIAT teams for +20 points per team.
• Add up to three Sniper teams for +50 points per team.

The gliderborne troops of the Airlanding companies are used PIAT team PIAT team
to tough missions as they proved when the 2nd Oxfordshire
and Buckinghamshire (2nd Oxs & Bucks) Regiment captured
Pegasus Bridge in Normandy. AIRLANDING COMPANY HQ

Combat Platoons
Airlanding Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section and Scout Squad with:
2 Rifle Squads 220 points
1 Rifle Squad 160 points

The airlanding platoon has to be slightly smaller in size to

the standard infantry platoons in order to fit into a Horsa
glider. Tough, motivated, and well-equipped, these men are
every bit as elite as their parachuting brothers-in-arms.
In the Ardennes they fight on foot alongside the paratroop-
ers with support from the divisional troops, the Belgian SAS
and the troops of the 29th Armoured Brigade.

195
 Weapons Platoons
Airlanding Pioneer Platoon Captain
Platoon Captain

HQ Section with:
Assault Squad 100 points

The airlanding pioneers offer their handiwork with explo-

sives to the battalion. Their main task is helping to secure,
prep, and clear the landing zone for reinforcements, however
they are willing and able to take up arms and assault the
enemy if the need arises.

Airlanding Machine-gun
Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section with:
4 Vickers HMG 160 points
2 Vickers HMG 85 points

Option
• Add Jeeps and trailers for +5 points for the platoon.

Unlike the para brigade’s platoons, the airlanding ma-

chine-gun platoons were prepared and trained to conduct Jeep and trailer Jeep and trailer
harassing long-range fire as well as bolster defensive perime-
ters against enemy counterattacks. Jeep and trailer Jeep and trailer
Machine-gun Section Machine-gun Section

Airlanding Machine-gun Platoon

196
 AIRLANDING COMPANY
Airlanding Mortar Platoon
Platoon
HQ Section and:
3 Mortar Sections with a total of:
6 ML 3” Mk II 200 points
2 Mortar Sections with a total of:
4 ML 3” Mk II 140 points
1 Mortar Section with:
2 ML 3” Mk II 75 points

With six tubes at their disposal, the airlanding mortar ML 3” Mk II ML 3” Mk II ML 3” Mk II ML 3” Mk II

mortar mortar mortar mortar
platoon is more effective than the equivalent in a parachute
battalion. The mortars provide the airlanding companies
with their own on-call, highly mobile, and accurate light
artillery support.

ML 3” Mk II ML 3” Mk II
mortar mortar

Airlanding Anti-tank Platoon Subaltern

Platoon Subaltern

HQ Section with:
4 OQF 6 pdr (late) 160 points Command Rifle team
3 OQF 6 pdr (late) 120 points HQ Section
2 OQF 6 pdr (late) 80 points
Sergeant Sergeant
Option
• Add Jeeps to the platoon for +5 points. OQF 6 pdr (late) gun OQF 6 pdr (late) gun

Learning from experience in Normandy and from Market

Garden lessons from their comrades in the 1st Airborne Jeep Jeep
Division, anti-tank assets were relied upon to deal with the
inevitable enemy armoured counterattacks. The platoon’s OQF 6 pdr (late) gun OQF 6 pdr (late) gun
6pdr guns were quite capable weapons, given the air-porta-
ble nature of the division’s mission.
Jeep Jeep
Anti-tank Section Anti-tank Section

Airlanding Anti-tank Platoon

197
 Support Platoons
Airlanding Platoon,
Royal Engineers
Platoon
HQ Section with:
3 Sapper Sections 215 points
2 Sapper Sections 155 points
1 Sapper Section 95 points

Options
• Add a PIAT team for +20 points.
• Add a Light Mortar team for +25 points.
• Add Pioneer Supply Jeep and trailer for +20 points.

You may replace one Pioneer Rifle/MG team with a Flame-

thrower team at the start of the game before deployment.

The Royal Engineers were equipped to handle any obstacle

the Germans might put in the division’s way. Spades,
flame-throwers, and TNT were the tools of their trade and
they used them well.

Airlanding Anti-tank Platoon, Subaltern

Royal Artillery Subaltern

Platoon
HQ Section with: Command Rifle team

4 OQF 17 pdr (late) 330 points HQ Section

3 OQF 17 pdr (late) 250 points

Sergeant Sergeant
2 OQF 17 pdr (late) 165 points
4 OQF 6 pdr (late) 160 points
Anti-tank gun Anti-tank gun
3 OQF 6 pdr (late) 120 points
2 OQF 6 pdr (late) 80 points
Transport Transport
Option
• Add cut-down 15 cwt trucks to tow 17 pdr (late)
Anti-tank gun Anti-tank gun
guns or Jeep transports to tow 6 pdr (late) guns for +5
points for the platoon.
Transport Transport
The divisional anti-tank guns were essential for setting up Anti-tank Section Anti-tank Section
successful defence positions. However, the airborne troops
also found the 6pdrs useful as infantry guns, knocking out Airlanding Anti-tank Platoon,
German strongpoints in buildings and dug-in positions. Royal artillery

The heavier 17pdr guns were used to deter enemy armoured

counterattacks.

198
 AIRLANDING COMPANY
Airlanding Light Battery, Major
Royal Artillery Major

Platoon
HQ Troop with:
Two Gun Troops with a total of: HQ Troop
8 M1A1 75mm 250 points
Captain
One Gun Troop with: Captain
4 M1A1 75mm 150 points
2 M1A1 75mm 90 points
Command Jeep Observer Jeep
Option Rifle team Rifle team
• Add Jeeps for +5 points per Gun Troop. HQ Section

Sergeant Sergeant
Each Gun Troop operates as a separate platoon with its own
Command team.
The Command team and Staff team of the HQ Troop must
be attached to a Gun Troop from its battery at the start of
the game before deployment (see page 248 of the rulebook).

The Royal Artillery’s Airlanding Light Batteries supported

both airborne divisions with dedication, despite their light
weapons. The M1A1 75mm pack howitzer was capable of
being broken down into small parachutable loads, but in
the Ardennes they were towed into combat by jeeps. These
light guns could get into action much faster than heavier GUN Section GUN Section
weapons to support the airborne troops with high-explosive GUN Troop
and smoke bombardments.
Captain
Captain

Command Jeep Observer Jeep

Rifle team Rifle team
HQ Section

Sergeant Sergeant

GUN Section GUN Section

GUN Troop
AIRLANDING light Battery,
Royal Artillery

199
 British Corps Support
Motivation and skill RELUCTANT CONSCRIPT
The British Army has a vast amount of experience built up after several years of battle. They CONFIDENT TRAINED
are prepared and willing to put the last effort in to finally crush their enemy. Unless otherwise
FEARLESS VETERAN
noted, Corps Support platoons are rated Confident Veteran.

Tank Platoon Subaltern

Platoon Subaltern
2 Churchill VI and
1 Churchill IV (late) 295 points
Command Churchill VI
Options HQ Tank

• Upgrade any or all Churchill IV (late) or VI tanks Sergeant Corporal

with applique armour increasing the Front armour
rating to 9 for +10 points per tank.
• Replace up to one Churchill VI tank in your Tank Churchill VI Churchill IV (late)
Squadron with a Churchill VII tank for +55 points. Tank Tank

As an independent brigade the regiments of the 34th Tank Tank Platoon

Brigade supported a number of divisions between September 107 RAC saw action in the Ardennes under the command
th

1944 and February 1945. It’s four regiments, 107th Regiment of 6th Airborne Division during the Ardennes counter-attack
Royal Armoured Corps (107th RAC), 147th Regiment Royal in January 1945. The whole brigade took part in Operation
Armoured Corps (147th RAC), 7th Royal Tank Regiment (7th Veritable (8 February to 11 March 1945) and attacked
RTR), and 9th Royal Tank Regiment (9th RTR), all served the Siegfried Line in the Reichswald, supporting both the
under the command of various divisions. 51st Highland and 53rd Welsh Divisions.

Crocodile Tank Platoon Captain

Platoon Captain

3 Churchill Crocodiles 510 points

2 Churchill Crocodiles 340 points
Command Churchill Crocodile
HQ Tank
A force with a Crocodile Tank Platoon may not use the
British Night Attack special rule. Instead they Always Attack Sergeant Corporal
(see page 257 of the rulebook).

Fuel Trailer: Churchill Crocodile tanks are not affected by Churchill Crocodile Churchill Crocodile
the Fuel Tanks rule like normal tank flame-throwers. Tank Tank

Crocodile Tank Platoon

On a number of occasions the Welsh called on the help
of Churchill Crocodiles from the 79th British Armoured Crocodile flame-tanks during their actions on the Maas
Division to deal with entrenched German positions. The River.
7th Armoured Division were also supported by Churchill

200
 BRITISH CORPS SUPPORT
Anti-tank Platoon (SP), Subaltern
Royal Artillery Subaltern Sergeant
Platoon
4 Archer 280 points
2 Archer 140 points Command SP anti-tank gun SP anti-tank gun

4 M10C 17 pdr SP 370 points

2 M10C 17 pdr SP 185 points
SP anti-tank gun SP anti-tank gun
Anti-tank Section Anti-tank Section
The priority for this advance has also freed up some 17pdr
SP guns to help us maintain momentum. Anti-tank Platoon (SP),
Royal Artillery
These self-propelled guns are ideal for setting up ambushes
or holding off an enemy armoured counterattack to free up
your tanks and infantry to keep pressing forwards.

Anti-tank Platoon,
Royal Artillery
Platoon
HQ Section with: Command 15 cwt truck
Rifle team
4 OQF 17 pdr (late) 295 points
2 OQF 17 pdr (late) 150 points
• Add 15 cwt truck and Quad tractor and limbers to
the platoon for +5 points.
Anti-tank gun Anti-tank gun
HQ Section with:
4 OQF 6 pdr (late) 140 points
2 OQF 6 pdr (late) 75 points Tractor Tractor

• Add Troop and Loyd Carriers for +5 points for the

platoon. Anti-tank gun Anti-tank gun

The infantry have their own anti-tank guns, but the Royal
Tractor Tractor
Artillery backs them up with additional and bigger guns
when needed. They have heavy 17pdr guns for the big Jerry
tanks. Anti-tank Platoon, Royal Artillery

201
 Recce Platoon
Platoon
Recce Patrol with:
3 Humber IV and 2 Humber LRC III 190 points

Add: Command Humber IV

3 Scout Patrols +270 points

2 Scout Patrols +180 points
1 Scout Patrol +90 points

Options
Humber IV Humber LRC III Humber IV Humber LRC III
• Arm any or all Universal Carriers with an extra hull-
mounted MG for +5 points per carrier.
• Replace up to one extra hull-mounted MG per Scout
Patrol with a .50 cal MG for +5 points per carrier.
• Replace up to one extra hull-mounted MG per Scout
Patrol with a Boys anti-tank rifle or PIAT anti-tank
projector at no cost. Command Universal Carrier Universal Carrier
Universal Carrier

Recce and Scout Patrols operate as separate platoons, each

with their own command team.

Recce and Scout Patrols are Reconnaissance Platoons.

Command Universal Carrier Universal Carrier
Universal Carrier
The recce regiments of the 51st Highland and 53rd Welsh
Divisions lead the way as their divisions advance through
northern France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.
They locate enemy positions and probe for clear routes of
march, securing lightly or undefended bridges and other
crossing points over rivers and streams. Command Universal Carrier Universal Carrier
Universal Carrier

Recce Platoon

202
 BRITISH CORPS SUPPORT
Field Battery, Royal Artillery
Platoon
HQ Troop with:
Two Gun troops with a total of:
8 OQF 25 pdr 315 points
One Gun troop with:
4 OQF 25 pdr 185 points
2 OQF 25 pdr 105 points

Options
• Add Jeep, 15 cwt trucks and Quad tractors for
+5 points per Gun Troop.
• Replace the HQ Troop jeep with a White scout car for
+5 points.
• Replace any or all Observer Rifle teams and their
OP Carriers with Observer Sherman OP tanks for
OQF 25 pdr gun OQF 25 pdr gun
+10 points per tank.

Each Gun Troop operates as a separate platoon with its own

Command team.
The Command team and Staff team of the HQ Troop must OQF 25 pdr gun OQF 25 pdr gun
be attached to a Gun Troop from its battery at the start of
the game before deployment (see page 248 of the rulebook).

With 200 guns supporting the division, The highly trained

men of the Royal Artillery always ensure a devastating
barrage is just a field telephone call away.
With eight guns at their disposal, and further batteries from
the division ready to support, any enemy troops caught under
the gaze of a forward observer better start digging. Though
once the barrage lifts the riflemen won’t be far behind!

OQF 25 pdr gun OQF 25 pdr gun

OQF 25 pdr gun OQF 25 pdr gun

Field Battery, Royal Artillery

203
 Medium Battery,
Royal Artillery
Platoon
HQ Troop with:
Two Gun Troops with a total of:
8 BL 5.5” 540 points
One Gun Troop with:
4 BL 5.5” 310 points
2 BL 5.5” 170 points

Option
• Add Jeep, 15 cwt trucks and Matador trucks for
+5 points per Gun Troop.
You may not field a Medium Battery, Royal Artillery unless
you are also fielding an artillery battery with at least as
many OQF 25 pdr guns or Sexton self-propelled guns.
BL 5.5” gun BL 5.5” gun

Each Gun Troop operates as a separate platoon with its own

Command team. Matador truck Matador truck
The Command team and Staff team of the HQ Troop must
be attached to a Gun Troop from its battery at the start of
the game before deployment (see page 248 of the rulebook). BL 5.5” gun BL 5.5” gun

The AGRAs (Army Group, Royal Artillery) were bri-

gade-sized artillery formations assigned to the different Matador truck Matador truck
Corps.
The mainstay of the medium regiments is the BL 5.5” gun
howitzer. This superb weapon fires a 100lb/45kg shell and
can reach targets over 9 miles (nearly 15km) away and adds
considerable punch to British artillery capabilities.

BL 5.5” gun BL 5.5” gun

Matador truck Matador truck

BL 5.5” gun BL 5.5” gun

Matador truck Matador truck

Medium Battery, Royal Artillery

204
 BRITISH CORPS SUPPORT
Light Anti-aircraft Platoon (SP), Subaltern
Royal Artillery Subaltern

Platoon
6 Bofors 40mm SP 250 points
4 Bofors 40mm SP 170 points
2 Bofors 40mm SP 85 points
Sergeant Sergeant
Self-propelled Bofors 40mm guns can keep up with your
tanks and still provide anti-aircraft cover, should Jerry slip
an air attack by the Royal Air Force.

Anti-aircraft Anti-aircraft
Section Section

Light Anti-aircraft Platoon

(SP), Royal Artillery

Light Anti-aircraft Platoon, Subaltern

Royal Artillery Subaltern

Platoon
HQ Section with: Command Rifle team Jeep

6 Bofors 40mm 175 points

4 Bofors 40mm 120 points
Sergeant Sergeant
2 Bofors 40mm 60 points

Option
Bofors 40mm gun AA tractor Bofors 40mm gun AA tractor
• Add a Jeep and AA tractors to the platoon for
+5 points per Anti-Aircraft section.
Bofors 40mm gun AA tractor Bofors 40mm gun AA tractor
You never know when Jerry might strike your column with
Anti-aircraft Anti-aircraft
dive bombers so the 94th Light AA Regiment, Royal Artillery Section Section
has been assigned to keep the skies clear during your attack.
Sergeant
The platoon is well armed with Bofors 40mm guns. Deploy
them along with your support troops such as artillery to keep
them safe and free to support the advance. Bofors 40mm gun AA tractor Bofors 40mm gun AA tractor
Anti-aircraft
Section

Light Anti-aircraft Platoon,

ROYAL ARTILLERY

205
 Air Support Flight Lieutenant
Priority Air Support Flight Lieutenant

Typhoon 220 points

Limited Air Support Typhoon

Typhoon 170 points Flight

Air Support
When faced with big cats our best response is to take de-
fensive positions and ‘snot’ them with an air strike from the
ever present RAF Typhoons. Once the big cats are slain, the
Division can push on to its objectives.

Air Observation Post Flight Lieutenant

AOP Flight Lieutenant

Auster AOP 25 points

Auster AOP
The Royal Artillery has several Air Observation Posts that
can fly high above the battlefield and spot difficult-to-see AOP
targets behind enemy lines. Air Observation Post

206
 BRITISH ARSENAL
British Arsenal
Tank Teams
Armour
Name Mobility Front Side Top Equipment and Notes
Weapon Range ROF Anti-tank Firepower

Light Tanks
Stuart V Light Tank 4 2 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, optional AA MG.
M6 37mm gun 24”/60cm 2 7 4+
Stuart V Jalopy Light Tank 4 2 0 Hull .50 cal MG, Hull MG, Wide tracks, Recce.
Chaffee Light Tank 4 2 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG.
M6 75mm gun 32”/60cm 2 10 3+ Smoke.

Medium Tanks
Sherman V Standard Tank 6 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, Tow hook.
M3 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Semi-indirect fire, Smoke.
Firefly VC or IC Standard Tank 6 4 1 Co-ax MG, Tow hook.
OQF 17pdr gun (late) 32”/80cm 2 15 3+ No HE, Semi-indirect fire.
Cromwell IV Light Tank 6 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, Protected ammo, Tow hook.
OQF 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Semi-indirect fire, Smoke.
Cromwell VI CS Light Tank 6 4 1 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, Protected ammo, Tow hook.
OQF 95mm CS howitzer 24”/60cm 2 7 3+ Smoke.
Firing bombardments 48”/120cm - 4 5+ Smoke bombardment.
Challenger Light Tank 6 4 1 Co-ax MG, Overloaded, Protected ammo, Tow hook.
OQF 17 pdr gun (late) 32”/80cm 3 15 3+ No HE, Semi-indirect fire.

Infantry Tanks
Churchill IV (late) Slow Tank 8 7 2 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, Protected ammo,
Tow hook, Wide tracks.
OQF 6 pdr gun (late) 24”/60cm 3 11 4+
Churchill VI Slow Tank 8 7 2 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, Protected ammo,
Tow hook, Wide tracks.
OQF 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Semi-indirect fire, Smoke.
Churchill VII Slow Tank 13 8 2 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, Protected ammo,
Tow hook, Wide tracks.
OQF 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Semi-indirect fire, Slow traverse, Smoke.
Churchill Crocodile Slow Tank 13 7 1 Co-ax MG, Protected ammo, Wide tracks.
OQF 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Slow traverse, Smoke.
Crocodile flame-gun 6”/15cm 5 - 5+ Hull-mounted, Flame-thrower, Fuel trailer.

Infantry Support
Wasp Carrier Half-tracked 0 0 0
Wasp flame-gun 4”/10cm 3 - 6 Hull-mounted, Flame-thrower.

Self-propelled Anti-tank Guns

Archer Slow Tank 1 1 0 AA MG, Awkward layout.
OQF 17 pdr gun (late) 32”/80cm 2 15 3+ Hull-mounted, No HE.
M10C 17 pdr SP Standard Tank 4 2 0 .50 cal AA MG.
OQF 17 pdr gun (late) 32”/80cm 2 15 3+ No HE, Slow traverse.

Self-propelled Artillery
Sexton Standard Tank 1 0 0 AA MG or optional .50 cal AA MG.
OQF 25 pdr gun 24”/60cm 2 9 3+ Hull mounted, Smoke.
Firing bombardments 80”/200cm - 4 5+ Smoke bombardment.
Cromwell OP Light Tank 6 4 1 Hull MG.
Sherman OP Standard Tank 6 4 1 Hull MG.

Engineering Tanks
AVRE Slow Tank 8 7 2 Co-ax MG, Hull MG, Protected ammo. Wide-tracked.
Petard mortar 4”/10cm 1 5 1+ Bunker buster, Demolition mortar, Slow traverse.
Sherman Crab Standard Tank 6 4 1 Co-ax MG, Overloaded, Mine flail.
M3 75mm gun 32”/80cm 2 10 3+ Semi-indirect fire, Smoke.

207
 Armour
Name Mobility Front Side Top Equipment and Notes
Weapon Range ROF Anti-tank Firepower

Self-propelled Anti-aircraft Guns

Bofors 40mm SP Wheeled - - - Awkward layout, Gun shield.
Bofors 40mm gun 24”/60cm 4 6 4+ Anti-aircraft.

Reconnaissance
Daimler I Wheeled 1 0 0 Co-ax MG, Recce.
OQF 2 pdr gun 24”/60cm 2 7 4+
With Littlejohn adaptor 24”/60cm 2 9 5+ No HE.
Sawn Off Daimler Jeep 1 0 0 AA MG, Recce.
Daimler Dingo Jeep 1 0 0 AA MG, Recce.
Humber IV Wheeled 1 0 0 Co-ax MG, Recce.
M6 37mm gun 24”/60cm 2 7 4+
Humber LRC III Jeep 0 0 0 AA MG, Recce.
Boys anti-tank rifle 16”/40cm 2 4 5+ Hull mounted.
Universal Carrier Half-tracked 0 0 0 Hull MG, Recce.
With PIAT anti-tank projector 8”/20cm 1 10 5+ Hull-mounted.
Boys anti-tank rifle 16”/40cm 2 4 5+ Hull mounted.
With .50 cal MG 16”/40cm 3 4 5+ Hull-mounted.
SAS Jeep Jeep - - - Recce.
Twin MG 16”/40cm 4 2 6 Hull-mounted, ROF 2 if other weapons fire.
With .50 cal MG 16”/40cm 3 4 5+ Hull-mounted.
Armoured SAS Jeep Jeep 0 0 0 Overloaded, Recce.
Twin MG 16”/40cm 4 2 6 Hull-mounted, ROF 2 if other weapons fire.
With .50 cal MG 16”/40cm 3 4 5+ Hull-mounted.

Vehicle Machine-guns
Vehicle MG 16”/40cm 3 2 6 ROF 1 if other weapons fire.
Twin MG 16”/40cm 4 2 6 ROF 2 if other weapons fire.
.50 cal Vehicle MG 16”/40cm 3 4 5+ ROF 1 if other weapons fire.

Gun Teams
Weapon Mobility Range ROF Anti-tank Firepower Notes

Machine-guns
Vickers K Gun LMG Man-packed 16”/40cm 5 2 6 ROF 2 when pinned down or moving.
Vickers HMG Man-packed 24”/60cm 6 2 6 ROF 3 when pinned down or moving.
Firing bombardments 40”/100cm - - -

Mortars
ML 3” Mk II mortar Man-packed 24”/60cm 2 2 3+ Smoke. Minimum range 8”/20cm.
Firing bombardments 40”/100cm - 2 6 Smoke bombardment.
ML 4.2” mortar Light 48”/120cm - 3 4+ Smoke bombardment.

Anti-aircraft Guns
Bofor 40mm gun Immobile 24”/60cm 4 6 4+ Anti-aircraft, Gun shield, Turntable.

Anti-tank Guns
OQF 6 pdr gun (late) Medium 24”/60cm 3 11 4+ Gun shield.
OQF 17 pdr gun (late) Immobile 32”/80cm 2 15 3+ Gun shield, No HE.

Artillery
M1A1 75mm pack howitzer Light 16”/40cm 2 6 3+ Smoke.
Firing bombardments 64”/160cm - 3 6 Smoke bombardment.
OQF 25 pdr gun Heavy 24”/60cm 2 9 3+ Gun shield, Smoke, Turntable.
Firing bombardments 80”/200cm - 4 5+ Smoke bombardment.
BL 5.5” gun Immobile 32”/80cm 1 13 1+ Bunker buster.
Firing bombardments 88”/220cm - 5 2+

208
 BRITISH ARSENAL
Infantry Teams
Team Range ROF Anti-tank Firepower Notes
Rifle team 16”/40cm 1 2 6
Rifle/MG team 16”/40cm 2 2 6
MG team 16”/40cm 3 2 6 ROF 2 when pinned down.
SMG team 4”/10cm 3 1 6 Full ROF when moving.
Light Mortar team 16”/40cm 1 1 4+ Smoke, Can fire over friendly teams.
PIAT team 8”/20cm 1 10 5+ Tank Assault 4.
Flame-thrower team 4”/10cm 2 - 6 Flame-thrower.
Staff team 16”/40cm 1 2 6 Moves as a Heavy Gun team.

Additional Training and Equipment

Pioneer teams are rated as Tank Assault 3.

Transport Teams
Armour
Vehicle Mobility Front Side Top Equipment and Notes

Jeeps, Trucks, and Tractors

Jeep or Jeep with trailer Jeep - - -
15 cwt truck Wheeled - - -
3-ton truck Wheeled - - -
Matador, Quad, or Morris AA tractor Wheeled - - -

Armoured Personnel Carriers

White scout car Jeep 1 0 0
M5 half-track Half-tracked 1 0 0 Optional Passenger-fired .50 cal AA MG.
Troop, OP, Mortar, or Loyd Carrier Half-tracked 0 0 0
MMG Carrier Half-tracked 0 0 0 HMG Carrier, Passenger-fired hull MG.
Ram Kangaroo APC Standard Tank 5 3 0 Deck-turret MG, Carries 5 Passengers,
Optional .50 cal MG.

Recovery Vehicles
Sherman ARV Standard Tank 6 4 1 Recovery vehicle.
Cromwell ARV Light Tank 6 4 1 Recovery vehicle.

Pioneer Vehicles
D7 Bulldozer Very Slow Tank 0 0 0 Bulldozer, May assault bunkers.

Aircraft
Aircraft Weapon To Hit Anti-tank Firepower Notes
Typhoon Cannon 3+ 8 5+
Rockets 3+ 6 3+

209
 PAINTING BRITISH
PAINTING BRITISH TANKS
Base colour Kitbags, dust covers, etc.
Firefly Green Military Khaki
(348) (327)

Hessian strips, camo netting Tool handles

Military Khaki Battlefield Brown
(327) (324)

Dry mud Tracks, machine-guns,

tool heads, etc.
Wool Brown Dark Gunmetal
(328)
(480)

The tanks, vehicles and guns of the British forces were painted An Allied star is always visible on the engine deck, turret top
in the official SCC15 Olive Drab (Firefly Green). Very few or vehicle bonnet for air recognition. Most vehicles have their
tanks were camouflaged, although trucks often had black battalion code number on the driver’s side, front and rear and
(Black) upper surfaces with ‘Mickey Mouse ears’ extending their divisional marking on the other side, front and rear.
down the sides.

ARMOURED BRIGADE SQUADRON MARKINGS

All British armoured brigades, including those of the 7th and and received the arm of service numbers 51, 52 and 53 in
11th Armoured Divisions, used a system of basic coloured order of seniority, with the most senior issued 51. The division’s
shapes to distinguish their squadrons. most junior regiment was unbrigaded and was the division’s
armoured recce regiment.
British regiments were organised based on strict seniority.
Older regiments typically ranked higher than newer ones. Colours were assigned to each regiment and shapes identi-
The three most senior regiments were in the armoured brigade fied which squadron the vehicle was from.

1st Royal Tank 5th Royal Tank 5th Royal Inniskilling 8th Hussars
Regiment Regiment Dragoon Guards
23rd Hussars 3rd Royal Tank 2nd Fife and Forfar 15th/19th Hussars
Regiment Yeomanry
51 Senior Regiment 52 Second Regiment 53 Junior Regiment 45 Unbrigaded Regiment

No. 1 Squadron No. 1 Squadron No. 1 Squadron No. 1 Squadron

No. 2 Squadron No. 2 Squadron No. 2 Squadron No. 2 Squadron

No. 3 Squadron No. 3 Squadron No. 3 Squadron No. 3 Squadron

Arm of Service Markings Squadron Markings

The 52 Arm of Service Yellow indicates the tank is
number marks this di- from the division’s second
visions second armoured regiment (5th Royal Tank
regiment (5th Royal Tank Regiment), and the square
Regiment). means it is from the 2nd
Squadron.

Division Symbol
This Firefly VC
tank come from the
7th Armoured Division.

210
 BRITISH PAINTING GUIDE
PAINTING BRITISH INFANTRY
Metal helmet Hessian Strips Hessian Strips
Firefly Green Army Green Wool Brown
(348) (342) (328)

Exposed Skin
European
Skin
(385)

Webbing, pouches,
rifle sling
Tommy Green
(345)

Rifle wood,
tool handles
Battlefield
Brown
(324)

Gun metal,
tool heads
Dark
Gunmetal

Uniform
(480)
DIVISION PATCHES
Battledress 51st (Highland) 53rd (Welsh) 6th Airborne
Brown Division Division Division
(325)

Gaiters
Tommy Green
(345)

Boots Infantry Blue Military Khaki Devil Red

Black Artillery Red Artillery Red White +10%
(300) Infantry Blue

PAINTING BRITISH AIRBORNE INFANTRY

The British airborne soldier, like his comrades from Beret
the rifle companies, wore battledress consisting of Denison Smock
Devil Red
a short jacket and trousers in a green-brown khaki. (381) Sicily Yellow
(362)
Over the standard battledress they wore a Denison
camouflage smock, this was unique to the British Camo
airborne forces. It was made from a light sand-green Firefly Green
(348)
coloured denim material which was hand-painted
with dark green and reddish-brown camouflage Camo
pattern. Motherland
Earth
British paratroops wore their own rimless steel (348)
helmet. Usually it was covered with camouflage
netting to which bits of camouflage-coloured
fabric were be tied to aid concealment. British
paratroops were also issued their famous red beret.
Uniform
Many even wore it into battle.
Battledress
In the Ardennes many paratroopers were issued Brown
(325)
with white now suits.
Other items as
above

211
 Arracourt Battlefields
The Lorraine area of France is shaped by rivers, the Meuse, Sky lines are broken with lines of scattered trees and bushes
the Moselle, and the Saar, all of which run northward, forming a boundary between two adjacent fields, and larger
cutting across the path of any invading army. These rivers woods running the length of a ridge line.
and the many streams running into them carve valleys into
Overall, the Lorraine is almost perfect tank country—aside
the rolling hills, and support rich farmlands.
from the dead ground behind the next ridge of the
Quaint whitewashed, red-roofed villages run along the rolling hills and the thick morning fogs
ridges, overlooking crop fields, vineyards, and cattle of a wet autumn.
pastures. A network of tracks links the villages,
with main roads linking the larger
villages.

Vineyards
The area around Metz is famed for its Moselle wines. The
Vineyards are Difficult Going and conceal troops within
them.

Villages
The villages around Arracourt tend to be small, but only
a few kilometres apart, allowing the farmers to walk
to their fields. The architecture of the Lorraine tends
towards blocky and unimaginative two-storey whitewashed,
Ploughed Fields red-roofed houses built side-by-side along the main road
Fields ploughed for autumn crops are Slow Going. of the village.

Streams and Rivers

Roads & Tracks The Lorraine is drained by innumerable streams and
In the easy rolling terrain around Arracourt, roads run rivers flowing into the Moselle and Meuse. Streams are
long and straight, following the valleys and crossing Difficult Going with Slow Going Fords where Tracks cross.
ridges at low points to link villages together. As well as Rivers are wider than streams, and are Very Difficult
the roads, a network of tracks crisscross the country- Going. Fords across Rivers are Difficult Going, but Roads
side. Tracks are Cross-country terrain. cross by Bridges.

212
 ARRACOURT BATTLEFIELDS
The area around Arracourt has not changed a lot since the battles of September 1944, so Google Maps (especially Street View)
and other modern mapping programs are great for getting a good feel for the battlefield.

Rolling Hills Woods

The rolling hills and ridges around Arracourt are The terrain around Arracourt is mostly wide open, but
generally gentle and Slow Going, with tracks following is broken in places by large oak woods. These woods are
the easier routes to speed up travel. Difficult Going and tend to be found on the tops of hills
and along ridges.

Open ground
The pasture of the Lorraine is Cross-country Terrain. As
the autumn turned to winter, the continuous rains made Tree Lines
some areas muddy. You could, for a change, make some of Aside from the larger woods, tress are also found
the open ground Slow Going, but be aware that this will growing in tree Lines separating fields. These low trees
lead to a slower and longer game. and bushes are Difficult going Linear Terrain.

FIGHTING IN THE FOG

After the war Patton wrote, ‘I hope that in the final settle- Moving in Fog
ment of the war, the Germans retain Lorraine. I can imagine While it is easy enough to follow a road in foggy conditions
no greater burden than to be the owner of this nasty country (provided you don’t drive too fast), cross-country movements
where it rains every day and where the whole wealth of the are constantly slowed by unexpected obstacles.
people consists in assorted manure piles.’
While this may be unfair to Lorraine, it is to a degree under­ Moving in fog is the same as moving at night, except that
standable given the wet and rainy weather through much of teams may move at their normal Cross-country speed on
the Autumn of 1944. Combined with the generally warm Roads and Tracks, instead of being limited to 8”/20cm.
weather, this produced thick fog on the mornings when
it wasn’t actually raining! This created difficulties for both
sides in the Arracourt battles, with units passing in the fog
Shooting in Fog
without seeing each other. Gun flashes are visible from quite far away at night, but fog
blankets everything, making visibility at long distances im-
If you wish to incorporate fog into your battles, you can possible. On the other hand, unlike night where things can
use the Dawn and Night Fighting rules on pages 272 and be indistinct at quite short ranges, enemy tanks looming out
273 of the rulebook. The following rules are suggestions for of the fog are clearly silhouetted against the grey fog.
customising these rules for fog.
Shooting in fog is the same as shooting at night, except
that the rolled visibility distance applies whether or not
the enemy fired their weapons. Furthermore, fog does not
Conceal teams seen through it.

213
 Ardennes Battlefields
The Ardennes region covers Luxembourg and portions of power. The thick woods of the Ardennes offered additional
Belgium and France. For centuries it provided a physical cover from the air as the columns moved through the region.
barrier for invading armies between France and Germany. However, the small roads and tracks of the Ardennes grew
However, in 1940, the Germans launched an offensive muddy and impassable, throwing the Germans’ time table
through the Ardennes into France. The attack took the out the window.
Allies completely by surprise and the Germans were able to
To the men on the ground, the Ardennes was as difficult
envelop their enemy and ultimately achieve victory.
to contend with as the enemy, and as a result, the terrain
Four years later the Germans attempted the same thing, played a decisive role in the battle.
this time with the help of bad weather to hinder Allied air

Clearings Roads & Tracks

Clearings weren’t entirely uncommon in the Ardennes. The In the Ardennes, roads typically ran north-to-south along
Losheim Gap got its name for being the only area through the the major rivers and the national borders. Narrow winding
Ardennes clear enough for armoured operations. Clearings tracks linked the major roads together. Roads are rated as
are rated as cross-country terrain. Roads, but tracks are rated as Cross-country terrain.

Forests Siegfried Line Obstacles

The Ardennes is a massive forested region, broken up in Portions of the Ardennes were crossed by the formidable
places by the occasional clearing. Large portions of the forest Siegfried Line, the large German network of fortifications
had been replanted in massive groves; the trees planted in stretching along the German border. These fortifications
long and precise rows with large gaps in between. The sandy occasionally impacted the Ardennes fighting as large rows
soil of the northern forest prevents undergrowth, so it is easy of Dragon’s Teeth anti-tank obstacles crossed battlefields,
to see long distances into the woods. frustrating German and American tanks alike.
You can model this on your battlefield by covering a majority You can model this on your Ardennes battlefield by adding a
of your table with wooded areas. Rather than treating these few lines of Barbed Wire, Minefields, or anti-tank Obstacles
forests as area terrain as usual, simply make the area they as terrain. Leave a few gaps here and there to make sure that
occupy conceal those teams inside. To represent the compli- you’re not giving one side too great of an advantage!
cations of manoeuvring vehicles in forests, they should be
rated as Slow Going (rather than difficult or very difficult
going as usual).

214
 ARDENNES BATTLEFIELDS
Ruined Villages Wreckage and Battlefield Litter
As the Germans tore through the Ardennes, sometimes The Battle of the Bulge produced a staggering amount of
the only response available to the Americans was incessant battlefield Wreckage and litter. SS-Kampfgruppe Peiper’s
artillery bombardments. These flattened villages and left column alone abandoned 31 tanks and 47 half-tracks in La
them in ruin, offering the soldiers some improvised cover as Gleize when they headed back to German lines.
the battles ebbed and flowed through the region.
Feel free to model fields of wreckage, offering concealment
When fighting over a ruined village, be sure to check out the for troops hiding within. Vehicles find the wreckage Slow
rulebook for rules covering ruins and village buildings. Going when moving through it.

Fuel Dumps Clearing Stations

The Germans were always on the lookout for American Fuel Throughout the Ardennes, medical clearing stations found
dumps to keep their columns running. Fuel dumps make themselves in the thick of the battle. These were a source of
an excellent objective or centrepiece for your Ardennes extra manpower, as officers patched together small platoons
battlefields. from the walking wounded to go out and help hold the line.
Like fuel dumps, clearing stations make an excellent objec-
tive or centrepieces for your Ardennes battlefields.

Streams & Rivers Fords and Bridges

Streams, canals, and small rivers flowed between the Meuse Fords and Bridges were vital objectives for armies moving
and Rhine rivers, creating a massive waterway network across the Ardennes. Fords across Rivers are Difficult Going,
through the Ardennes. Streams are Difficult Going with but Bridges are rated as roads. For a bit of fun, feel free to use
Slow Going Fords where tracks cross. Rivers and canals are the optional Bridge Demolition special rules to represent old
wider, and are Very Difficult Going. rickety structures and demolitions!

215
 WINTER WEATHER
Perhaps the single most defining aspect of the Ardennes What follows are several optional rules for representing bad
battles is the weather. Certainly the Germans knew that as weather in your games.
they carefully planned the offensive during the time when
the weather would ground Allied planes, allowing their Your Battlefield
panzers to travel in the daylight. These rules are optional. Feel free to use all of them, but be
However, the bad weather was a double-edged sword as the aware that this can lead to slower and longer games.
freezing rain mixed with the mud to create terrible condi- If that isn’t your style but you’d still like to add some flavour
tions on the roads. Deep snow piled up in the few clearings, to your battle, go ahead and choose a few of the rules to use
making it tough for troops to slog their way through. The in your game and leave the others for another time and
white snow blinded the troops as they kept a vigilant watch another battle.
from their freezing foxholes.

OPTIONAL WINTER BATTLE SPECIAL RULES

Snow-covered Terrain Snow Storm
Moving in the snow presents a lot of hazards to the unwary Snow storms were frequent in January 1945, and caused a
traveller. Deep snow impedes foot traffic as much as it does bit of confusion and frustration.
vehicle movement.
If you and your opponent agree, your battle can take
All teams treat snow-covered Roads as Cross-country Terrain, place during a snow storm. The game is played under the
and all other snow-covered Terrain as Slow Going. Night Fighting rules in the rulebook (see page 272 of the
rulebook). The mission is played at Dawn (see page 273 of
the rulebook).
Ice
Packed snow and ice make moving vehicles a risky affair.
Black ice, which is extremely hard to spot, especially, makes Blizzard
honest men out of even the most reckless drivers! Blizzards are a more serious breed of snow storm. They can
strike suddenly, delivering a pile of snow within a matter of
If a vehicle moves more than 8”/20cm in the Movement minutes.
Step, at the end of its movement roll a Skill Check for that
vehicle. If both players agree you can decide to have the potential of
• If successful, the vehicle navigates through the ice and a blizzard strike your battlefield.
carries on unharmed. If a Blizzard could strike in your battle, roll a die at the
• Otherwise, the vehicle slips on the ice and becomes start of each player’s turn. On a 1, the blizzard strikes.
Bogged Down. That turn and those following are played under the Night
Fighting rules in the rulebook (pages 272 and 273).

Frozen Rivers and Ponds Instead of using the Night Visibility Table, use the Blizzard
Visibility Table below to find out how far your teams can
Frozen rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds posed their own
see in the Blizzard.
threats, not the least of which was the temptation to cross
them with armoured vehicles to bypass the destroyed bridges. Players continue to roll at the start of their turn. On a
5+ the Blizzard dies off, and the rest of the game uses the
For light vehicles, such as trucks, jeeps, and other utility normal visibility rules.
vehicles, a frozen river is easier to cross. For these vehicles
If the game is not already using the Snow-covered Terrain
a frozen river is rated as Cross-country terrain covered in
special rule when the Blizzard strikes, the rest of the game
Ice (see above).
is played with them in effect.
However, a crossing is far more risky for armoured vehicles.
When an Armoured vehicle attempts to cross a frozen river,
it must roll a die and add 3 to the result. Blizzard Visibility Table
• If the total is less than the vehicle’s Front armour, the ice gives Dice Roll Distance
way under the vehicle’s weight and the vehicle is Destroyed. 1 or 2 4”/10cm
• Otherwise the vehicle safely navigates the river and it 3 or 4 8”/20cm
may continue as normal. 5 or 6 12”/30 cm

216
 WINTER WEATHER
OPTIONAL BRIDGE SPECIAL RULES
Rickety Bridges Bridge Demolition
There was a wide assortment of bridges that spanned American engineers were tasked with destroying the very
the many rivers in the Ardennes. Some were sturdy stone bridges they had rebuilt only a few weeks before. However,
structures, while others were much lighter, and never meant they earned the best compliment from Peiper when a bridge
to support the weight of a tank! But for the men of SS- blew up in front of the frustrated German commander and
Kampfgruppe Peiper, all bridges had to be explored regardless he exclaimed ‘The damned engineers!’
to keep the offensive going.
If at the beginning of their Movement Step, a player has one
Agree with your opponent which bridges are rickety. or more Pioneer teams adjacent to a bridge that has been
Typically a rickety bridge is one that is made of wood, as prepared for demolition, roll a die:
opposed to one made from stone or metal. However, even • If the result is 6, the bridge is demolished and collapses.
ones that look sturdy can be structurally unsound due to Any teams on the bridge are immediately Destroyed.
artillery or botched demolition attempts.
• Otherwise the bridge was not ready for demolition and
When an Armoured vehicles attempts to cross a Rickety nothing happens this turn.
Bridge, it must roll a die and add 4 to the result.
A demolished bridge becomes Impassable for vehicles and
• If the total is less than the vehicle’s Front armour, Gun teams, however it is only Very Difficult Going for
the bridge collapses under its weight and the vehicle is Infantry and Man-packed-gun teams.
Destroyed.
• Otherwise the vehicle safely navigates the bridge and it
may continue as normal.
A collapsed bridge becomes Impassable for vehicles and Gun
teams, however it is only Very Difficult Going for Infantry
and Man-packed-gun teams.

217
 THE BULGE
DECEMBER 26, 1944
Key
American Advance

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 “Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men.”
— General George S Patton Jr.
‘Nuts!’ — General McAuliffe’s reply to the German surrender
ultimatum delivered to the 101st Airborne Division’s HQ in Bastogne

This is a supplement for Flames Of War, the World War II Miniatures Game.
A copy of the rule book for Flames Of War is necessary to use the contents of this book.

Designed in New Zealand

ISBN 978-0-9941206-5-6
Printed in Europe
Product Code FW120
Flames Of War website and discussion forum:
http://www.FlamesOfWar.com
©Copyright Battlefront Miniatures Limited, 2016. All rights reserved.