Normandy '44 AAR

[CountryBoy]

12:00pm, 9 June 1944. Turn 35.

Jumped ahead a few turns again, as there has not been too many changes. Due to storms visibility is limited, which explains why few Allied troops are visible,

In the Caen area, it has been very quiet. British units (including Canadian infantry) have moved up to German positions but make no attempt to attack. As most of the ground here is open, I am surprised but grateful. The 21st Panzer and 12th SS are in a good position here and are spending most of their time digging trenches.



South of Bayeux, there is also not much change, the main difference being the Panzer Lehr division taking up position on the left flank of the 12th SS. This area of the map is well in hand, covered by two strong divisions.




Further west and we are south of Omaha Beach. Here the Allies have pressed forwards in force and German units have given up considerable ground. That said, elements of the Panzer Lehr division have just begun to take up position here, which will help slow the Allied advance. The main issue here is the vast area that Panzer Lehr has to cover, which will stretch them thin.



The main issue for the Germans is around Carentan. You can't see the Allied units here, however they are in Carentan in force. German units are trying to fortify around Hill 30 but are will be under pressure once conditions improve.



Further to the west, and the paras of the 82nd and 101st continue to push up the eastern side of the Cherbourg Peninsula. It is slow going for the Allies here but they are unstoppable. Once they have made contact with German units, Allied artillery and naval guns are called into action and soon disrupt the German defenders. An assault pushes the defenders out, then rinse and repeat.



The jump map gives the big picture. German defences are strongest from Caen west to south of Omaha Beach. There is a worrying thin line of defenders to the west of this, which includes Carentan. You can see the reinforcements I am rushing to this are on the jump map.



And finally, the VP situation after 35 turns: 3,000 odd more Allied casualties than German, although German gun and vehicle losses have been higher.