Operation Lion Sight

[mcgarvey]

After Action Report
Operation Lion Sight
06031940


Situation

Due to recent developments among the allied powers a conflict arose, the aggressor is uncertain however the two great nations,the United Kingdom and the United States of America are at war.
An engagement is about to occur between the two warring factions, within the vicinity two opposing forces are prepared for combat, both armies send a small contingent of their force to seize strategic ground and to make contact with the enemy.

Commander ‘McGarvey’ of the British armed forces is tasked to probe the surrounding area and engage anything hostile and eliminate them, as well as securing the designated tactical objective set by high ranking officials.

Intelligence states that infamous American commander with the alias ‘Wolf’ is operating within the area, the size of his force and what it consists of is unknown, however it is expected to be at company strength with the possibility of an attached armour platoon or other supporting assets. The enemy intent is also unknown but they are operating in close vicinity of the area which could suggest they have the same objectives, something that British Commander should be wary off.

Ground Breif: This particular region has a mild to moderate climate, dominated by hills in varying elevations, civilian habitation is situated in a valley with a single dirt road connecting the two secluded Hamlet’s. Multiple fields with dense foliage and sparse forestry run down the valley into the center. Wild life has dispersed and civilian populace has fled due to recent conflict, it is prevalent that this is a battle indicator.


Wait out for additional information. Operation is on going, any released information could harm the impact of the AO and reveal troops locations to the enemy.

[mcgarvey]

Bravo Company Independent Parachute Regiment Warning Order

Situation
Bravo Company has been tasked to secure two hamlet and valley for an unknown strategic reason. Terrain as follows; a valley with a single dirt road connecting two hamlets, a mixture of sparse forestry and open ground leading into the valley. Further reports indicate enemy is present, with unknown strength; likely direction of enemy approach is from the East. Our intent is to secure the hamlets for high command, and make contact with the enemy. 4 Troop has been attached to Bravo Company for this tasking, as well as a forward observer from 1st battalion has been provided.

Probable Mission
1 Platoon is to act as the company reserve and a screen for 4 Troop for when it engages the enemy.
2 Platoon is to cover 3 Platoon advance and provide flank protection for the assaulting element.
3 Platoon is to manoeuvre into the valley, utilising its terrain and secure the closest hamlet, then wait for further orders.

Mortar Platoon is to provide IDF to the forward elements and smoke cover for the manoeuvring troop’s concealment.
4 Troop is to over watch the valley and engage enemy armour if present.
FO is to remain in the OP and assist the operation by the use of directing IDF & CAS. The FO has taken the initiative of marking out key locations on the map for fasting target acquisition with the battalion battery’s, and other IDF/CAS assets.

Own Main Effort
Main effort will be to advance to contact and engage the enemy inflicting heavy casualties, and then dislodge them from the object and finally fortify against enemy counter attacks.
Timings
Bravo Company has 0045 minutes to eliminate any threat and secure the valley.
H-Hour is at 0040
1 Platoon will assault the Hamlet 0040 under a smoke screen.
2 Platoon will begin covering fire into suspect enemy positions at 0040.

O Group
Major Curran with his staff will conduct the briefing as well as over watch the battlefield ensuring that the CO’s of each element has clear understanding of the tasks at hand as well as providing a direct link to the commander in case of improvised tactical decisions must be made. The Battle begins at 0045; forward elements will be expected to be at their FUP at 0041. The strategic importance of this valley is classified.

CSS
Friendly Casualties will be dealt with via the Platoon Sergeants once enemy contact has been dealt with, appropriate medical treatment will be provided from the battalion field hospital after evacuating the casualties from the battle field.
Due to this operation is over extended into unknown territory, re supply is not permitted. The company and its supporting elements ammunition and ordnance must be conserved appropriately and suffice this tasking.

Air superiority has been achieved in this region, therefor air assets has been re tasked to Bravo Company to provide CAS when required, a wing of spit fire’s and a wing of typhoon’s has a direct link to the FO.
IDF capabilities of a battalion level has been also provided for this tasking, in the forms of a battery of 25pnds Howitzers, all CO’s may call IDF if required providing permission is granted through command.
However due to logistical reasoning, CAS and IDF support has been postponed until 0040 minutes. Bravo Company will have to rely on company and platoon level IDF if it is a necessity.

Acknowledge
Company CO, Major Curran
FO, Capt Moylan forestry
1 Platoon, Lt. Haldane
2 Platoon, Lt. Barlett
3 Platoon, Lt. Melchett
Mortar Platoon, Sgt Wheeler
4 Troop, Lt Rask

[mcgarvey]

Deployment;

The task of deploying my troops was somewhat difficult, after studying the map and its terrain, I came to the conclusion to have the bulk of my force on the right flank concealed behind a dense forest, hoping that it will spoil any LOS on to my support elements, reserves and Armour.

While positioning a platoon on the left flank for ease of access to their designation as well as a platoon in the middle for the same purpose. My HQ element was deployed with the assault platoon due to its natural elevation allowing the company commander 'Major Cunning' observe the battlefield.

[mcgarvey]

Major Curran issues the order to began the operation, 3 Platoon is the first to advance. Lt Melchett, under the eyes of the Major, takes it slowly and cautiously. He pushing two out of his three sections forward to maximise the platoon fire power to the front if they come under contact, the Lt Melchett aim is to remain hidden utilise the terrain until he can reach his FUP and prepare for the assault on the hamlet, reference Alpha.



2 Platoon holds its current location until Major Curran signals, reason being, the platoon is concealed behind some forestry. If 2 Platoon were to preemptively move into its cover group location, it could be spotted and measures put in place to disrupt them.



3 Platoon remains as reserve behind 4 Troop, however...

[Wolf Blitzer]

Show the crater your plane made. Nice AAR! He hit my tank destroyer with a PIAT at almost the same moment a plane dropped a bomb and made this huge crater directly behind the tank destroyer. The crew (elite fanatics) dismounted from the PIAT hit and ran back to the crater taking cover in it and regaining morale before the turn had ended. When they remounted the next turn I expected the M10 to be trashed, but the PIAT/bomb blast had killed 2 crew and destroyed the optics.

[mcgarvey]

[mcgarvey]

[mcgarvey]

Birds Eye view of current situation, the two forward elements are in position although battered and bruised from enemy mortar fire they are unable to began the assault. Major Curran considers reinforcing 3Platoon with 1Platoon however with the enemy tank destroyers overlooking the valley and with such accurate mortar fire he doesn't wish to send them to their deaths.

There is a mass concentration of enemy forces building up on the second objective , a prime target for our own IDF whenever Capt Moylan can communicate with our battery and relay the appropriated information.

[mcgarvey]

[mcgarvey]

Nothing has changed other than the Americans has concentrated its forces on the second hamlet, with such mass concentration I expect a push onto the first hamlet within minutes under a mortar strike to suppress my troops. Major Curran is unsure of what to make of the situation his company have been reduced next to nothing, the only way to salvage this fight is to relay heavily on Capt Moylan capabilities.