CMBN - Flowers of the Forest AAR

[Stonecutter]

The Early Stages (H to H+10 minutes)



Using smoke rounds from their main guns, 3 Kompanie panzers create a screen to help cover their move into DP1. To minimize traffic congestion, three different routes were used. Scheer, one of 4th platoon's new crew commanders, directed his Mk IV into a mire but was able to recover a few minutes later and complete the move thanks to the skills of his driver. While bogging his panzer was embarrassing and would undoubtedly result in jokes from his peers, Scheer was glad his error hadn't had more serious consequences as he could have easily been caught in the open by the nearby British tankers



Kroner’s 1st platoon/25 Hitler Jugend waits in DP1C to occupy DP1A & 1B. Minimal scouts and observers are positioned at the northern hedges to minimize potential losses from any British preparatory artillery barrages. Harzer’s 2nd platoon/25 defends the vital ground of DP1 while 3rd platoon/25, under Cristoph, is in reserve along the rail line east of Manor 1.



While Zimmerman and his 3 MkIV’s race around Manor 1 to reinforce Kroner's platoon, the remaining panzers of 3 Kompanie/22nd Pz Regt deploy. Meanwhile, the scouts conduct a rapid re-supply program for 1st & 2nd Platoon to top them up on 9mm and 7.92mm AP ammunition (the faded infantry symbols in the half tracks). To the far, top left, a sniper and HMG report the sounds of British armour.



Zimmermann’s haste to block the British high speed advance down the main road proves costly as a Churchill, firing from behind the hedges, brews up one of his platoon’s Mk IV’s. With the British main effort seeming to confirm COA1 along the left flank, Kroner and 1st Platoon occupy DP1A, 1B and 1C while Harzer stretches 2nd platoon’s defence of the vital ground along the northern hedgerow to aid his friend. In the interim, the legendary sniper Fink has set up his hunting stand and awaits his prey.