Bulge 16.01s alt

[Plain Ian]

Turn 52 German Spa 




Artillery fell on 2-36th which is sitting out in Clear terrain watching the enemy PAK group protecting the flank at Spa. The 2-36th then received some direct fire attacks losing quite heavily. The 75mm A/T guns are quite effective anti personnel weapons....especially when there are 50+ stacked with a VGD Bn. The 2-36th clings to green fatigue with a fat level of 99. Time to pull back? The only slight consolation was that he lost 3 guns and 11 men to return fire and artillery.

The power of the enemy group at Spa was revealed. 3 blasts from the stack, one of which takes out 41 men. The 1-120th is in Town/IMPROVED giving -60% whilst the 1-117th/1-36th group are in Village -30%. Again the 1-120th is green fatigue but just. (88)

The two FJD Bn’s which moved in last turn are pulled back. (A) Both were disrupted by last turns US artillery and obviously vulnerable to assault. Although it would be a costly one for any attacker I suspect?

And that was it. No other firing or moves???? I’m still a bit mystified sometimes by Michael when he gives up chances to fire? I understand that sometimes its better not to fire in order to conserve strength and reduce the possibility of return fire from superior stacks but thats not the situation I see in some parts of his line? Surely it might have been worth while firing groups D and E?

He did not fall back?
 
My moves? Not sure if I want to fight a night battle. I may refrain from firing as well in the north as well and just use artillery and patrolling. I think his position is untenable. It looks like a mini bulge to me. Ideally if he continues to hold then I can somehow try to concentrate for a push on Franchorchamps. So not pushing too hard from the west as well suits me.
 
You’ve got to admire Michael for holding his ground.