Cross of Lorraine - The Matrix Games version of West Front
| Rating: | 8 (33) |
| Games Played: | 33 |
| SM: | 5 |
| Turns: | 25 |
| Type: | Custom |
| First Side: | Allies |
| Second Side: | Axis |
| Downloads: | 350 |
la Haye-du-Puits, Cotentin Peninsula, France: [Best played Human vs Human] After the fall of Cherbourg, VIII Corps pushes south toward Coutances through the small town of La Haye-du-Puits. The town is framed by two hills and the 79th infantry division is tasked with taking Hill 84 to the west across the difficult terrain of bocage and marsh before attempting to occupy the heavily fortified town itself. German forces in the area include remnants of the 243rd infantry division and elements of the 2nd SS Panzer division 'Das Reich' To reflect historical weather conditions any airstrikes should be used by turn 10. The scenario depicts the fighting for 'Bloody Hill' 84 and la Haye-du-Puits between 5 - 7th July 1944. The capture of Hill 84 will weaken the German position at la Haye-du-Puits and inhibit any attempted reinforcement of the town.
| Player Voting Stats | ||
|---|---|---|
| Member | Balance | Enjoyment |
 Laza |
Well Balanced | 9 |
 Huib Versloot |
Moderately Pro Axis | 6 |
 Valor |
Moderately Pro Axis | 6 |
 Thor |
Slightly Pro Allies | 9 |
 Panther |
Well Balanced | 10 |
| Gaming Records | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Side Player | 2nd Side Player | Result | Score | ||||||
 |
 |
Herr Straße Laufer | vs. | 1925frank |  |
 |
Axis Major Victory | 60 | 10 |
|
 |
Yossarian | vs. | majog |  |
|
Allies Minor Victory | 45 | 20 |
|
 |
dawags | vs. | Boisforas |  |
|
Axis Major Victory | 60 | 10 |
|
 |
Panzerjaeger | vs. | General Lee Ensayne |  |
|
Axis Major Victory | 60 | 10 |
|
 |
Kai | vs. | JRTXX |  |
|
Allies Major Victory | 60 | 10 |
It is obvious the designer put a lot of work in this one. The engagement and the scale of it are well chosen. The scenario itself needs work. The main shortcomings at the moment are. -Low objective values and some of them seem irrationally placed on irrelevant hexes or on top of bunkers. -Mines in trenches and trenches in roads, the latter hampering movement severely. The main issue however seems to me that the scenario was not made with topographical map sources. Consequence of that is that the placement of the hedgerows seems guesswork, giving the scn a somewhat 'constructed' feel. A touch up of the map with topo sources might change all that and together with different use of objective hexes and values can make this scn a potential 4 or 5 stars. It is my experience that it is usually the map that makes the scenario.
Very difficult conditions for Allies to obtain a victory.
Very interesting scn that well depicts the difficulty of fighting in hedgerows. Definatly worth a go!
Great game!!!
I create and revise: Order of Battles, Table of Equipments, Weapon Values for Modern Wars (in work: DG Lebanon War 1982 - 1985, DG Falklands War and again CWE!)
A wonderful high energy scenario with a large force of American GI's supported by Shermans slowly moving through a ocean of hedgrows while lightly defended German positions await reinforcements.....A must for all WF Fans....!!!!
Good scn
244 games with legend that is Richie61
Outstanding scenario! German player is tough situation with mean green everywhere. Hold on to the ground that you got!
This scenario Rocks...!!!!
This scenario Rocks...!!!!
Little slow in the start. Really takes off once German reinforcements arrive.
Mines in trenches and trenches in roads, the latter hampering movement severely. That was deliberate and reflected the conditions (I think). This is so long ago it's hard to remember - but nice that a scenario designer can finally comment on comments. The scenario was certainly made using a topographical map but maybe not down to hedgerow level. With each hex representing 250 meters I'm not sure that you could accurately put individual hedges in place! But I know and respect Huib's scenarios. He certainly goes the extra yard for accuracy.
US will experience high losses which match the real battle. Still way to easy for US to get a win just based on VP points. Opponent lost 3 to 1 ratio of forces and only took one town (2 objectives) and still got a minor win.
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