Bulge 16.01s alt

[Plain Ian]

Turn 77 German - Pratz close up



A closer look at the situation at the end of his turn. The 212th has surged forward with armoured support from the Pz Lehr. The main armoured unit is the Panther Bn [XX]. He has also brought forward his anti tank guns including an 88mm unit. This is bad news for my planned air strikes in this area. I have 3 normal and 3 carpet bombing missions. Carpet bombers are normallly safe from A/A fire but the 88mm will reach them. So on top of 2 interceptions I'm expecting to lose 1 aircraft at least and suffer fatigue.

The 1-12th and Combat Engineers will have to fall back one hex to the woods occupied by 704th TD and 51st Arm Inf. I'll have to get them into woods further back or hidden from his los. Any infantry unit caught in the open is going to be werfered to death. In fact any unit left in open terrain is going to be bombarded and assaulted. Thats what the 212th is there fore.  6 battalions of Stosstruppen. 

In the south against the 5th FJD things are worse. He actually pushed forward and was surprised to find my 53rd Armoured infantry. However that did not stop him and he assaulted and he won. The 25th Cav is in atight spot with its back to the river. I think Pratz is Werfer City (5 hexes) so if I leave the 53rs there its going to get clobbered. I might move the 8th Tnk Bn in here. I will see what I can juggle. Whatever happens he will assault anything he can in order to trap units. 

All I can do is see how much damage I can inflict with my artillery against his units in the open terrain and try to pik the best targets for my air. I can't see may units I can hold position and fire with or fire and fall back with.