Normandy '44 AAR

[CountryBoy]

Ok, next update. I've jumped ahead to Turn 16, 2pm on the 7th of June 1944.

In the Caen area the German defences are taking shape, as per below. 21st Panzer Division is in a good position to the NW of Caen. There was no German surge towards the beaches unfortunately, as I opted to save my men for defence. The 21st basically holds all positions east and north west of Caen. You can see the 12th SS Panzer Division taking up positions to the west of the 21st Panzer Division. Not too much Allied pressure in this area.
 


In the Bayeux area, I have had to pull back to try and maintain a consistent line as I was in danger of being cut off around Bayeux. South East of Bayeux is the 12th SS, while the 352nd Infantry Division is to their west. They are in pretty poor shape however and will need support soon.



Around Omaha, the Germans have also given up ground, although one or two fortifications are still holding out. Germans defences here are very thin and this area is a priority for reinforcement. The 352nd and elements of Schnelle Brigade (the blue units) hold this area.



Further to the west, things are not looking good. The Allies are pushing around Carentan, although they have been taking losses due to some pretty hefty stacks congregating in open territory. Sadly I have very little artillery to take advantage. There are some armoured units there, but they are all French tanks pressed into service and so pretty hopeless. The German paratroopers are better but few in number. The Allies have crossed La Douve and I'm unlikely to hold Carentan for very long.



Finally, further to the west around Utah, the Allies seem to be focusing on a push north along the eastern edge of the Cherbourg peninsula. There are plenty of German defenders here, plus a fair few bunkers, but they are mostly morale E, with the very best being morale C.




General thoughts:

So far it is not looking too good. The poor quality of the German troops makes it difficult to hold a position for any length of time. I am trying to focus on building a double defensive line: an initial line of troops dug in, with a second line two hexes back. The plan is that when the first line is disrupted or pushed back, to leapfrog over the second line and begin digging in, leaving the second line as the new front line. A bit like this:



Note the two defensive lines, separated by a line of empty hexes. This allows me to pull back to the second line without leaving a defensive position for the Allies to occupy.

Not much change to the jump map, still focusing on building a consistent defensive line.



And finally, the VP situation after Turn 16: