updated 060413
The scenario utilized was WG110 “Reconnaissance in Force B”. This represents a 1944 infantry action on the Western Front using Board 16, whose principal features are large wheatfields, three wooden buildings, and a lack of elevated terrain. A small German force (6x467) attempts to slow down an American infantry force (10x666) augmented by two smoke-capable 847s and DC. The Germans are reinforced by a detachment of elite infantry (4x468) and an armed halftrack. The American goal is to occupy with an unbroken squad (or destroy with a DC) all three buildings in the center of the board. This must be effectively accomplished prior to the arrival of the German reinforcements. Both sides lack excellent leadership and the luxury of time, given the six game turns.
The first match pitted the German defenses of John Blazel against Bill Thomson’s Americans. The initial American assault proceeded as planned, brushing away the German screen without receiving casualties. But the stiffening German fire melted the American lead elements, which headed to the rear to regroup during the middle turns, and prevented the early American grab of all three VC buildings. The remaining German forces, anchored by building L6, were able to keep the GIs at bay as the Panzergrenadiers arrived. Disorganized by enemy fire, the 847s were out of position to contribute effectively to the final assault. The final American rush was predictably costly and sealed John Blazel’s victory and entry into the finals.
The second match saw the David VanBronkhorst-led Americans square off against Michael Pacheco’s Germans. The American forces were augmented by 3x666 through the bidding process. Initial prep fire neutralized German flanking squads, then the central attack pushed the Germans back through the wheatfield while taking substantial losses. German dice were nothing lower than 6 on all fire attacks through the first 4 full turns, and American rallies were few and far between. At the end of GT4, the Allies had 3 squads KIA'd and 4 broken, including both the elite 847's, one of which was then eliminated on a 12 in the next rally phase. However, even as the German reinforcements entered, American fire started to register, KIA'ing a 467/MMG/8-1 stack during its advance and breaking a squad in the halftrack that had been a particular thorn in the Americans' side. That suppressed the German defensive fire enough to allow the remaining 847 to attack through smoke and plant a DC in the final building, claiming an American victory.