Hannut - Move to Contact

[Beerweasel]

From the results I have seen lately, German forces are exposing themselves to fixed French Armor too early. Also, Braves (10) points is a secondary target. Yet German forces seemed fixated on it and on chasing down the French recon. As a result, they can be spotted cresting over the high ground from up to 18 hexes away. This releases over 40 Somuas & 40+ Hotchkiss tanks of the 3rd Legere' Mecanique, not to mention a boatload of 1er Reg Dragoons. I experienced this as the French side.

If the Germans have any chance in this one, they avoid visual contact with the Frenchies as long as possible. As the Germans in a mirror match, I intend to try this strategy.

[Strela]

From the results I have seen lately, German forces are exposing themselves to fixed French Armor too early. Also, Braves (10) points is a secondary target. Yet German forces seemed fixated on it and on chasing down the French recon. As a result, they can be spotted cresting over the high ground from up to 18 hexes away. This releases over 40 Somuas & 40+ Hotchkiss tanks of the 3rd Legere' Mecanique, not to mention a boatload of 1er Reg Dragoons. I experienced this as the French side.

If the Germans have any chance in this one, they avoid visual contact with the Frenchies as long as possible. As the Germans in a mirror match, I intend to try this strategy.

Good luck!

This is a great scenario for showing that the German's did not have technological superiority at this time of the war. It was superior tactics that ensured their success in 1940.

It's one of the few scenarios where I actively feared 47mm AT guns!!!

David

[EdTanktread]

From the results I have seen lately, German forces are exposing themselves to fixed French Armor too early. Also, Braves (10) points is a secondary target. Yet German forces seemed fixated on it and on chasing down the French recon. As a result, they can be spotted cresting over the high ground from up to 18 hexes away. This releases over 40 Somuas & 40+ Hotchkiss tanks of the 3rd Legere' Mecanique, not to mention a boatload of 1er Reg Dragoons. I experienced this as the French side.

If the Germans have any chance in this one, they avoid visual contact with the Frenchies as long as possible. As the Germans in a mirror match, I intend to try this strategy.

Good luck!

This is a great scenario for showing that the German's did not have technological superiority at this time of the war. It was superior tactics that ensured their success in 1940.

It's one of the few scenarios where I actively feared 47mm AT guns!!!

David

Hi Beerweasel and Strela,
The plan of sneaking up on the French sounds interesting. Here is my recent game with Warhorse, where the distraction of Braives and very early activation of French armor are illustrated:

https://1drv.ms/w/s!AjdKRKjQ2HiOiGVuMdM6HLJLCkIf



Gary

[Cole]

Gary - Great AAR.

I have only played this scenario as the Germans against the AI and I have yet to win. Did not know about the French releases due to spotting the Germans so that will inform my next play.

At least against the AI, taking then defending Braves forces the French AI into massing infantry into a kill zone in an attempt to cross the bridge and retake the victory hex. More VPs for the Germans but by doing that they fatigue units that could be used against the Soumas.....

[EdTanktread]

Gary - Great AAR.

I have only played this scenario as the Germans against the AI and I have yet to win.  Did not know about the French releases due to spotting the Germans so that will inform my next play.

At least against the AI, taking then defending Braves forces the French AI into massing infantry into a kill zone in an attempt to cross the bridge and retake the victory hex.  More VPs for the Germans but by doing that they fatigue units that could be used against the Soumas.....

Hi Cole, and thanks! Perhaps the best plan is to ignore Braives and have the entire recon battalion race to the front, where they belong. To simply grab Braives for ten points, and hold it with a small detachment seems a waste of time and resources, unless you fear French motorcyclists moving in your rear. If one wants to exploit the bridge at Braives (which I find irresistible), then the recon battalion needs to be supplemented, because they have only a motorcycle company that can cross, and its usually a little shot-up after capturing the bridge. Then you're talking serious commitment for 40 VPs, although lots of French tend to get killed with this approach. . There are quite a few French to wade through on the way to South Moxhe, so I view this approach as a diversion, to hold all these French units in place. If the German completely ignores the French south of the river, he may find himself hit in the flank by tanks streaming out of Moxhe.

Gary

[ComradeP]

Very nice AAR indeed Gary.

As you've noticed, what makes this scenario (and the Hannut campaign in general) rougher-than-historical for the French is infantry assaults on tanks. I'm entirely sure the Germans can just steamroll the French with infantry assaults in the full campaign game.

[EdTanktread]

Very nice AAR indeed Gary.

As you've noticed, what makes this scenario (and the Hannut campaign in general) rougher-than-historical for the French is infantry assaults on tanks. I'm entirely sure the Germans can just steamroll the French with infantry assaults in the full campaign game.

Hi Comrade P, and thanks very much! I enjoy making an AAR just about as much as playing the game. Must be the amateur historian in me.

As I mentioned at the end of my report, I am playing the Full Battle scenario, this time as the Germans, with Warhorse as my opponent again. We're halfway through, and one thing I've noted is the very weak French defensive fire  during my turns. I'm wheeling my anti-tank guns up to point-blank range, and getting away with it.

Gary

[Warhorse]

Hey Gary, sorry didn't see this before, FANTASTIC AAR my friend!!

[enigma6584]

One of the best AARs I've ever seen! Bravo sir!