**Fall Braun: Across the Maas! - The Matrix Games version of West Front

[Holland, Maasfront, east of Rotterdam]:[H2H Team]:[WIF]:[BB]: 'What if' the Germans really had executed one of the versions of 'Fall Braun'] Sprung from the mind of the commander of the First paratroop Army in Holland Kurt Student, was the ambitious plan to launch an attack on Antwerp from Holland in support of the Ardennes Offensive. The original plan had been to launch a surprise attack with 3 Divisions from 88. Corps supported by tanks and assault guns over the Maas between Drimmelen and Genderen towards the main road between Breda and Tilburg. In the second phase an additional attack would be launched from the west by 30. Corps reinforced with the 7th Paratroop Division whereafter Breda would be taken from 2 directions. During the first day a strong defense line would be build behind the Wilhelmina Canal and within 3 days the Germans hoped to build up a sufficient force for the drive to Antwerp. However not all went as planned. The Ardennes Offensive was not bringing the succes hoped for and on 27 December 1944, one of the 3 Divisions: the 711. Infantry Division was called away to Hungary by German Supreme Command. Determined to launch his offensive at all costs, Student adapted the plans to fit the new situation. 88. Corps now consisting of just the 6th Paratroop Division and the 712th Infantry Division would still attack across the Maas. Their main goal were the bridges over the Wilhelmina Canal at Oosterhout and Dongen. During the last month of 1944, the Allies were well aware something was afoot in this sector. Intelligence and reports from Dutch resistance members showed a large force build up north of the Maas. Counter measures were implemented: On Christmas the 4th Canadian Armored Division was moved from Den Bosch to Breda as mobile reserve behind the overstretched front line held by the 1st Polish Armoured Division.