Bulge 16.01s alt

[Plain Ian]

Hoes Venn - close up



So here is the situation on the 25th December. The only reserves Cesar has are the arriving 426th VGD a D rated unit. The 3rd PzGr Div has been pulled south to Bastogne but I presume will return ? (its still under 6th SS command) 

My attacks against the 12th VGS's left flank have weakened him (the 3 Bn's have a total strength of 988 men)  but he has reserves just off map to the west plus the Pioneer Bn 12 is in reserve and is a 492 man B rated unit. 

My low level persistent attack in the Hoes Venn against the 326th and 277th are also causing problems as these units are disrupting and not recovering. He does have supporting armour in place which although won't cause me casualties will make the hexes a bit more assault proof. He does have the 426th VGD but I don't thik he will try to defend with this in the clear terrain? he might be going to set up a defensive line at Monschau? 

North west of Sourbrodt he has a strong defensive line on the main road. As well as the 7 Tigers and 22 King Tigers of s./Pz Bn 506 he has 50 x 75mm A/T guns to guard against any armoured advance on this axis. 

I've also highlighted his artillery units. As well as the 4 Divisional artillery units (12th/272nd/277th/326th) he has the arriving 426th plus quite a few Nebelwerfers and Corps units. I have whittled down some of his Nebelwerfers but he still has an awful lot left.

I haven't tested his defenses yet but my plans were to begin making serious attacks on the 25th...........

Since I've posted German strengths for the 16th and 25th I might just post similar reports for US units........we will see.

Game was a blast and Cesar and Michael were great opponents. Different styles but they both kept the game going as long as possible. I never got to fight back but I think that is the way of most US players in Bulge games. The one thing that has surprised me looking at Cesars/Michaels files are the casulties he has taken in the advance. His tanks do take losses! When you think its a fresh 40 Panther Bn you are facing its really only 30? Not much consolation when he assults but its something to think about when you are half way through the campaign.......

Ian