Phantom Artillery

[Dog Soldier]

I think the use of these "phantom artillery" units is a moot point.

To add to Glenn's point, in scenario 0510_01 The Invasion of France and Belgium, there are quite a few fixed German artillery which can not move but can fire on the Dutch and Belgians because there are elements of the artillery unit's organization which are not fixed. These elements can move on the first turn and spot for these artillery units.

I interpret this condition to be the artillery was "off map" the first few turns or day depending on the release turn. They could support the "on board" elements of their organization, but not be available for a general blitz like move to the Maas River or Albert Canal on the first day. Thus they function to support the initial breakthrough, in some sectors and the mopping up that would follow the breakthrough the first day of the campaign. (example 31st Infantry division in (361,19) or V AK in (381,75).

Most of these "phantom artillery" are released by the third turn. The exception are the long range guns attached to the various corps HQs. The divisional artillery can drop out of "T" mode while fixed. Setup on turn two. Then get off one or two shots during turns three and four if there are any surviving Belgian or Dutch units left in range of the guns by then. The guns would then have to limber and join the advance to the Maas River or Albert Canal paying a penalty in movement that first turn to move back into "T" mode.

An experienced player might want to forgo these "free shots" since they do not change the outcome. The front line Belgian and dutch troops can be easily overwhelmed by turn three without these extra artillery strikes. The need for speed in the first day of the campaign is what I would consider more valuable as the German player. I would just leave these units limbered and ready to go when they are released. Most are horse drawn and will have a hard time keeping up with the point of the advance.

Dog Soldier