Second date of the CG. After a brutal German counterattack in the South eliminating quite half of a British company, the British tried to push along the main road where Tiger tanks lurked. Six Shermans were sent forward but none would make it, destroyed by either Tiger or Panther shots, German OBA or panzershreck. Worst, major Souper was caught in a orchard from failure to rout. Every British move forward was heavily paid in blood. An entire British infantry company disappeared in the process due to accurate German fire. In the end, The British were still able to progress a few hexes and capture a few buildings.
2020-05-30
(A) John Smith
vs
Scott
British win
Gave the Germans the balance as this CG seems pretty pro-British, but the Brits pulled out a victory early on the last CG date. It was a tough slog for both sides. The British have the overwhelming numbers, the Germans have the cover (they will almost always be in +3 TEM), immunity to ELR (SS units), and access to Panthers (ugh), and good OBA. The Germans put up a good fight, but towards the end the British just have overwhelming infantry to stop. The German Panthers are a massive PITA. Don't bother spending many points on Shermans unless you find yourself with lots of extra points. The Panther will just obliterate your Shermans unless you get a lucky shot or two with a Firefly. The Panther vehicles notes are pretty accurate, historically it took 5 Shermans to take out every Panther. I had more luck taking down Panthers with CC and Piats than with all my Shermans combined. Brits should spend all their CPP on Inf Coy, and radios. Drops smoke and just drive straight up the road (optionally also come in from the south and connect up at the crossroads near row V). I would completely ignore the North side of the board as the Brits. On the last CG date you might consider buying some armor just to give mobility to support taking the steeple, or to keep any of his remaining panzers occupied.
2020-05-27
(A) O Ramaille
vs
Macari Samuel
In progress
23 Afternoon.
The elements of KG Knaust were strongly defending the main road to Elst. Some units were standing south of the road and quite none in the northern buildings. The British attacked in three almost equivalent groups along all the West edge. In the South, the British managed to capture some buildings despite some disorganization provoked by the German OBA and some Panther activity. But lacking good order troops, they were unable to exploit any further. In the center, the British advance was very slow with a determined defender. Two Shermans were destroyed in a single phase by a Panther. In the end, the firepower difference helped to get hold of the first buildings. In the North, the British ran across the grain and polders and were the first to enter the undefended buildings in front of some German squads. The German OBA was about to strike in the area when Kurt the radio operator failed to maintain contact and broke the radio. The British lost 4 Shermans from Panther shot an 4.5 squad equivalents. The German lost a Panther in CC and 2.5 squad equivalents. A specific mention to the last Panther which resisted two side hits from a Sherman before destroying it after a malfed MA immediately repaired.
2018-12-01
(A) O Ramaille
vs
British win
The German reinforcements were weak this morning, with only a lone Panzer IIIN. The British received a Fresh infantry company, a Sherman tank platoon and a 70+mmm OBA. It is time enough to end this stupid resistance around Elst and move forward to Arnhem. Things went wrong at first for the British with no radio contact or any battery access. Moreover, the German MMG in the steeple caused some casualties to the British troops advancing in the open. The Shermans managed to destroy a Tiger after losing two of their own. With the other Panzer destroyed by a PIAT, the Shermans could finally fire at the Steeple without much success. However, the British infantry took position near the church and concentrated enough fire to finally enter and control the location. The remnants of the German troops were too disorganized and scattered to prevent the British to move forward to Arnhem. But too much time was lost, and they will not arrive in time to help their brothers in arms.
A British victory with 32 VPs and a Tank.
2018-11-25
(A) O Ramaille
vs
British win
The British attacked back from both the West and North West of Elst trying to get back the lost territory. In his first move, Major Souper was instantly killed by critically accurate MMG fire. This event stalled the British attack in the West. In the North, new German reinforcements arrived and with the help of a Tiger tank surrounded the British troops. In the West, a hidden AT gun destroyed two Shermans before its crew had to rout away under heavy fire. The British gained some terrain in the West but also lost some of it in the North. The British are losing time. Next morning should be decisive.
