Tips from the Frontline

[RNL Tiger]

Fight or flight for the first flag

The Axis platoon guarding the flag was ready to fight but not against infantry and three platoons of tanks and they take to flight from the heavy HE barrage. The Axis forces try to regroup, pulling back what remains of the platoon to the ATG at “2” and to protect the second main flag on the hill. The platoon near the village is recalled to the second major flag on the hill and they start to make their way up. The Panzers have a keyhole shot into the scattered trees to the right of the ATG but if the three platoons of Allied tanks roll straight forward through the scattered trees it will have no chance whatsoever. It seems clear that the Allies will bludgeon their way forward and so I orient the defense to receive them. Even so, 2 x 75mm ATGs, 2 x Panzer IV tanks and 1.5 infantry platoons are seriously out-numbered. Perhaps a smoke screen will help? I decide that a smoke screen will help matters for the defense. However, smoke is a double edged sword as it also covers the attack but given the numerically superior attacking forces it doesn’t seem sensible to opt for a straight shootout in full view and maybe the confusion of smoke will disrupt the attack. I also need to bring those Allied tanks forward for my second ATG at “1” to be able to engage properly as well. Smoke will help to achieve that. I am also concerned that my ATG at “2” is too vulnerable on its own and so I decide to send forward one of the Panzers and my reserve infantry platoon.



Just as I lay down the smoke the Allies push forward in force… The Allied infantry occupy the main flag on top of the hill and enter the edge of the scattered wood, the tanks look like they have stopped at the edge of the scattered woods and start firing at anything that moves. The smoke sends up a screen but there is a big gap and 1 Axis squad is caught like a rabbit in front of an on-rushing truck. The battle on the hill is about to enter a critical stage…



So what’s the current situation? The defense is fully committed. The reserve platoon is in place on the right, the remains of the other platoon is on the left and ATG “2” and the Panzer are in the centre. In addition ATG “1” has some LOS into the area and so does the other Panzer. The platoon near the village is on its way up to the second flag on the hill to contest any further Allied advance.