#08 - Conquering the Bessin (6-7 June) - PzC 02 Normandy '44

Headquarters, German 352nd Infantry Division, northeast of St-Lo: The German 352nd Infantry Division had been formed in the Normandy countryside in early 1944 with a cadre of seasoned men from the Eastern Front. Training had concentrated on small unit actions with the idea in mind that the Division would be sent to Russia at the first opportunity. In March, the Division was ordered closer to the coast to take over a portion of the area covered by the 716th Infantry Division which until that time had been covering the whole area between the Orne and Vire Rivers. Throughout the better part of the 6th of June, the Division's strongpoints hammered away at the American V Corps landing at OMAHA Beach. But late in the day, American pressure could no longer be contained. Local reserves were committed but the Division also had to contend with the threat to Bayeux from the British landings at GOLD Beach. Throughout the 7th of June, every effort was made to keep the Americans from crossing the Aure River and thus completing their conquest of the Bessin. This two day scenario covers the Omaha landings and the following attacks to expand the bridgehead. For a 1 day version covering this same battle area, see #02 "Two Kinds of People"; for a 7 day version, see #13 "Holding the Center". [Size: medium; Length: 19 turns]