Across The Seine DAR

[Cole]

Across The Seine was created by two designers that always produce well researched and enjoyable scenarios: Don Fox and Huib Versloot. Don and Huib are always willing to answer historical questions and also great opponents when playing Campaign Series.

A few months ago I found out that Don had authored Patton's Vanguard, a well written and interesting book that describes the war time record of the 4th Armored Division. Don then designed a few scenarios based off his research. One thing I found interesting was that in his scenarios Don had included historical leaders and even some lower ranked personalities whose heroic actions made a big difference.

In August 1944 General Eisenhower gave Field Marshal Montgomery a priority on supplies. Patton decided to continue his advance until his fuel supplies ran out. 3rd Army transferred the responsibilities for guarding the 3rd Army’s southern flank from XII Corps to the VIII Corps and XII Corps was given the green light to advance as fast as possible towards Germany before supplies ran out. On 23 August the 4th Armored Division’s was almost 90 miles southeast of Paris and the closest to Germany than any other Allied Division.

On 25 August 4th AD Commander General Wood ordered the capture of Troyes, located 88 miles southeast of Paris and containing many bridges crossing the Seine River. Intelligence estimated that 500 German troops held the city. Two task forces were created to capture the city. TF Oden would cross the Seine northwest of Troyes and then cut off the defender’s escape route to the east. TF West would conduct a frontal assault.

Across The Seine and my DAR concerns TF West’s part in this battle. This DAR will be a little different in that I will post the battle from the perspective of the company commander of C/35, Captain Crosby “Dick” Miller. I won’t report on any part of the game that Capt. Miller would be unaware of. This also might be a very short report. If Crosby Miller is killed I’ll end the report and just post the outcome when the game is finished.

Ed Bober is playing the Germans and has received a historical briefing concerning the German side from Don.