Pushing On

After evicting the Germans from Kleine Bikkelheim, see HERE the advance is being continued by an armoured infantry platoon supported by a M7 Priest, M16 half-track and a Sherman tank platoon. Their first mission is to clear out the Rahnstadt metal works which is currently being held by the local Volksturm. These have been joined by the 251 anti-aircraft half-track and the crew of the abandoned Panzerjeager IV who escaped from Kleine Bikkelheim. Reinforcements are being sent to bolster the defence, a 251/9 has been sent ahead following up will be a a Hetzer battery and a squad from the local W-SS training school.

Covering the left flank of the metal works is a lone antiquated Soviet 76mm field gun while over on the right a dug in Panther hopes to halt the advance there.

The defence of the metal works itself is in the hands of the Volksturm platoon supported by the recently arrived 250/9.

The Volksturm on the left survive a barrage from American 155mm howitzers, they have been taught to dig in well or are WWI veterans.

The 250/9 is not so lucky.

Neither is the Pantherturm, both taken out before firing a shot. The American firepower is certainly taking its toll.

Will the Volksturm weather the storm until reinforcements arrive?

They arrive and even the score brewing up the Sherman tank platoon commanders Sherman.

The subsequent counter draw is a special and immobilizes one of the Hetzers!

The squad from the training school move up to support the beleaguered Volksturm.

The mobile Hetzers come under American artillery fire destroying one.

The remaining Sherman's move up trying but not succeeding to destroy the remaining mobile Hetzer only managing glancing hits. The steadfast Hetzer commander holds his ground and returns fire but is unable destroy any of his assailants.

Although the Volksturm are inflicting severe casualties on the advancing American infantry they are unable to break them.

With mounting casualties and the mobile Hetzer out of ammunition the Germans surrender the metal works to the Americans.

A most enjoyable game with the Germans holding out until turn eight when their Battle Rating was exceeded the Americans being eleven away from exceeding theirs.

Until next KBO

Midgard The Third

 Tempus Fugit, I can't believe that it has been three months since our initial run out with Midgard(clicky)

 Yesterday Dave came over for our weekly game and we played a game to remedy the fact that we had only played a further game since then(clicky)

The game would again see conflict between Artos of the Britons and Aelle and his Saxon hordes.

The left flank contingent is lead by Artos himself, two mounted Comitatus supported by skirmisher unit with bows.

The centre is lead by Beowyr, a unit of Comitatus on foot and three units of Peoyts.

The right flank contingent is lead by Artos's half brother Kai, one unit of Peoyts and three units of levy supported by a unit of skirmishers with bows.

Local farm folk look on with apprehension.

Meanwhile Aelle and his hordes prepare to cross the Penk, three units, two Gedricht and three Duguth have crossed earlier. The Penk is a barrier and each unit must pass a command roll (3+) rolling two dice and taking the lower score to cross.

The Saxons have trouble crossing, we have had a lot of rain here recently. A brave unit from Beowyr's contingent surge forward to engage Aelle's warriors before others can cross.

Artos has been more circumspect and has allowed the Saxons time to cross on his flank, something he will later regret.

The British centre and right becomes heavily engaged

Over on the Saxon right Hussa becomes the first hero to fall to the British swords and spears. Command there falls to his accompanying champion Gornaelle.

Who rallies the troops and in the ensuing melee, mort de Artos.

A severe blow to the British morale.

However fighting continues on the centre and left, where.....

Aelle is also slain while valiantly leading his Gedricht. Could this swing the result in the favour of the Britons?

Alas no Beowyr is also slain, together with the loss of another unit this signals the end of the Britons whose morale is shattered and the remaining units quit the field.

For some reason the dice gods decided that this unit of Duguth would remain on the other side of the Penk for the games duration😂

Another grand game, it took us a couple of turns to get reaquinted with the rules and not get mixed up with Hail Caesar😂 nonetheless the game moved along well despite having to check back on a few things. We also remembered to check the unit traits too, although we failed to make use of the heroes mighty deeds as much as we should. Their use could have saved both Artos and Aelle to this effect both will return for future battles.

Until next time........KBO