German firepower

[Herr Straße Laufer]

Perhaps I should note that we also already had included a low ammo level of only 50 for the Germans and their numbers in the Reichswald are about at half strength due to the previous fighting (most MG we left still at full strenth)

Thanks for letting us know. I had a concern on the ammo because it was not previously mentioned.

I have several bookshelves full of books on the German Fallschirmjäger. How astonishing it may sound; they were that good until the end. Why they were remains one of the most interesting questions to me. Partly it is explained that the young soldiers (born 1927-1928) had been in the HJ all their life before entering service. For sure is that they were abused and indoctrinated. That this made them such good warriors is actually a very sad story I think.

I thought every German child was required to be in the Hitler Youth? I know that political indoctrination carries a lot of weight but, that did not fully translate to thus; "a morale of 8 or more" can be justified. I've watched plenty of film showing many of those HJ being taken prisoner with the tears fresh on their cheeks. I've also seen the war film of defeated German troops marching in formation to their POW pens.
I still have a problem with the higher morale ratings for the German Paras. An 8 German morale over a 5 Allied morale can be quite devastating. Especially, when the 8's are defending in built up terrain.

Maybe there will be more answers in Hans Martin Stimpel's upcoming book Die deutsche Fallschirmtruppe - Innenansichten von Führung und Truppe

Ofcourse it can be debated if some FJ units should have a lower morale than 8, some others (Fschj StuG Brig XII, Sturm Bn Hübner, Fschj Lehr-Regiment) could have 8+.

I look for forward to that book.

I do think the raise of morale of the Allies and lowering that of the German regular infantry (non FJ) in the centre of the forest is going to help. I'm also glad people seem to understand the necessity of adding smoke for playability purposes.

I think that if it is realistic it should be done and will make a huge difference. But, you are experienced enough to put in a "fix" that will help gain a more historical outcome?

Please let us know how the changes you make do come out? It may help other scenario designers and give players an inside look.

RR