GIA SEP 17 OAF 57.1

SEP 17 (OAF 57.1) "Punching Through to Bastonge"

updated 060906

This scenario was originally published in ON ALL FRONTS number 57. The original scenario author is not stated. Extensive clarifications and modification have been made to the original scenario and modified by Bill Thomson.

Assenois, Belgium, December 26, 1944: With Bastonge only six miles away, the breakthrough seemed an eventuality. Three small towns lay along the path; Assenois being the last. The first two had just been cleared and the final surge had begun. With timing essential, a task force of the 4th Armored Division wend in just as the opening barrage fell on the town.

VICTORY CONDITIONS: To win, the Americans must exit 8 fully functioning AFVs off the north edge road hexes on board 10. The Germans win by avoiding an American victory.

NORTH

SCENARIO SEQUENCE:

Germans setup first	1	2	3	4	5	6	END
American move first

GERMAN FORCES:

TURN 1: Elements of the 26th Volksgrenadier and 5th Parachute Division; set up on anywhere on boards 5 and 10 using HIP (42):
1 x9-1; 2x8-1; 1x7-0; 4x468; 3x467; 2x436; 2x237c; 1xMMG; 4xLMG; 6xPF44a; 1xBaz; 64xMines; 1x75L ATG; 1x50L ATG; 1xRoadblock

AMERICANS FORCES:

AT START: Elements of C Company, 37th Tank Battalion and C Company, 53rd Armored Infantry, 4th Armored Division; enter on any south edge hex on turn 1. [ELR 3]
1x9-2; 2x9-1; 1xx8-0; 1x7-0; 8x666; 4x556; ; 3xMMG; 2xBaz44a; 1xRadio [155mm plentiful]; 4xM3A1 Stuart; 2xM20 UC; 2xM2 halftrack; 4x M3 halftrack; 3xM3A1 SC; 1xJeep; 1x2.5t truck; 2x1.5t truck

SPECIAL SCENARIO RULES:

OAF 57.1.1: TERRAIN: Road hexes 5Y9 do not exist. Hexes 5R6-5I4 are treated as normal woods hexes. The bridge at 5Y8 does not exist; treat as normally gully hex.
OAF 57.1.2: The Roadblock may not be set up on hex 10FF5.
OAF 57.1.3: Prior to play, the American player may plot any three hexes on the playing area to be subject to a preliminary artillery fire using 155mm Harrassing fire (107.7) at the outset of the first American PFPh. The barrage is resolved immediately and may not be used again.
OAF 57.1.4: Once the American radio counter is on the board, the normal artillery mechanics are in use based on 155mm with plentiful ammunition.

AFTERMATH: Under a hail of murderous point-bland fire, the Americans suffered heavy casualties but managed to stave off onslaught after onslaught until finally ordered to abandon the crossroads.