CMBN - Flowers of the Forest AAR

[Stonecutter]

Lessons Learned

1) The hedgerows provide excellent cover, concealment and protection for infantry but it is extremely difficult for tanks to fire through them.

2) Better use could have been made of British artillery to provide suppression and smoke throughout the battle. When used, the artillery proved quite effective both at suppressing infantry and inflicting casualties.

3) The timely reinforcement of DP’s using a mobile panzer reserve and the half-tracks to transport infantry proved essential in preventing British breakthroughs.

Key Turning Point: The flank attack by 1st platoon panzers as it removed a dire threat and freed up other forces to stiffen the defence of the orchard and DP 1C.

Hero of the Battle: Sniper Fink with 22 confirmed kills. In addition to taking out 4 crew commanders he single-handedly defended the north hedgerow by DP1 for several minutes, buying critical time for 1st panzer platoon’s flank attack.